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ORCHARD 


HISTORY 


OF 


TENNESSEE 


From  the  Earliest  Time  to  the  Present;  Together  with  an  Historical  and 
a Biographical  Sketch  of  Maury,  Williamson,  Rutherford, 
Wilson,  Bedford  and  Marshall  Counties;  Besides  a 
Valuable  Fund  of  Notes,  Reminiscences, 

Observations,  Etc.  , Etc. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


Nashville : 

THE  GOODSPEED  PUBLISHING  CO., 

1886. 


The  State  History,  only,  has  been 
Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1886,  by 

THE  GOODSPEED  PUBLISHING  COMPANY, 


In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


PREFACE. 


THIS  volume  has  been  prepared  in  response  to  the  prevailing  and  popular 
demand  for  the  preservation  of  local  history  and  biography.  The  method 
of  preparation  followed  is  the  most  successful  and  the  most  satisfactory  yet  de- 
vised— the  most  successful  in  the  enormous  number  of  volumes  circulated,  and 
the  most  satisfactory  in  the  general  preservation  of  personal  biography  and 
family  record  conjointly  with  local  history.  The  number  of  volumes  now  being 
distributed  appears  fabulous.  Within  the  last  four  years  not  less  than  20,000 
volumes  of  this  class  of  works  have  been  distributed  in  Kentucky,  and  the 
demand  is  not  half  satisfied.  Careful  estimates  place  the  number  circulated 
in  Ohio  at  50,000;  Pennsylvania,  60,000;  New  York,  75,000;  Indiana,  35,- 
000;  Illinois,  40,000;  Iowa,  35,000,  and  every  other  Northern  State  at  the 
same  proportionate  rate.  The  Southern  States,  with  the  exception  of  Ken- 
tucky, Virginia  and  Georgia,  owing  mainly  to  the  disorganization  succeeding 
the  civil  war,  yet  retain,  ready  for  the  publisher,  their  stores  of  history  and 
biography.  Within  the  next  five  years  the  vast  and  valuable  fund  of  perishing 
event  in  all  the  Southern  States  will  be  rescued  from  decay,  and  be  recorded 
and  preserved — to  be  reviewed,  studied  and  compared  by  future  generations. 
The  design  of  the  present  extensive  historical  and  biographical  research  is  more 
to  gather  and  preserve  in  attractive  form  while  fresh  with  the  evidences  of 
truth,  the  enormous  fund  of  perishing  occurrence,  than  to  abstract  from  insuffi- 
cient contemporaneous  data  remote,  doubtful  or  incorrect  conclusions.  The 
true  perspective  of  the  landscape  of  life  can  only  be  seen  from  the  distance  that 
lends  enchantment  to  the  view.  It  is  asserted  that  no  person  is  competent  to 
write  a philosophical  history  of  his  own  time — that,  owing  to  conflicting  cir- 
cumstantial evidence  that  yet  conceals  the  truth,  he  can  not  take  that  luminous, 
correct,  comprehensive,  logical  and  unprejudiced  view  of  passing  events,  that  will 
enable  him  to  draw  accurate  and  enduring  conclusions.  The  duty,  then,  of 
a historian  of  his  own  time  is  to  collect,  classify  and  preserve  the  material  for 
the  final  historian  of  the  future.  The  present  historian  deals  in  fact,  the  future 
historian,  in  conclusion;  the  work  of  the  former  is  statistical,  of  the  latter, 
philosophical. 

To  him  who  has  not  attempted  the  collection  of  historical  data,  the  obsta- 
cles to  be  surmounted  are  unknown.  Doubtful  traditions,  conflicting  state- 
ments, imperfect  records,  inaccurate  private  correspondence,  the  bias  or  un- 
truthfulness of  informers,  and  the  general  obscurity  which  envelopes  all  events, 
combine  to  bewilder  and  mislead.  On  the  contrary,  the  preparation  of  statis- 


IT 


PREFACE. 


tical  history  by  experienced,  unprejudiced  and  competent  workers  in  special- 
ties; the  accomplishment  by  a union  of  labor  of  a vast  result  that  would  cost 
one  person  the  best  years  of  his  life  and  transfer  the  collection  of  perishing 
event  beyond  the  hope  of  reseax-ch;  the  judicious  selection  of  important  matter 
from  the  general  rubbish;  and  the  careful  and  intelligent  revision  of  all  final 
manuscript  by  an  editor-in-chief,  yield  a degree  of  celerity,  system,  accuracy, 
comprehensiveness  and  value  unattainable  by  any  other  method.  The  pub- 
lishers of  this  volume,  fully  aware  of  their  inability  to  furnish  a perfect  his- 
tory, an  accomplishment  vouchsafed  only  to  the  dreamer  or  the  theorist,  make 
no  pretension  of  having  prepared  a work  devoid  of  blemish.  They  feel  as- 
sured that  all  thoughtful  people,  at  present  and  in  future,  will  recognize  and 
appreciate  the  importance  of  their  undertaking  and  the  great  public  benefit 
that  has  been  accomplished. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  volxxme  the  publishers  have  met  with  nothing  but 
courtesy  and  assistance.  They  acknowledge  their  indebtedness  for  valuable 
favors  to  the  Governor,  the  State  Librarian,  the  Secretary  of  the  State  Historical 
Society  and  to  more  than  a hundred  of  other  prominent  citizens  of  Nashville, 
Memphis,  Knoxville,  Chattanooga,  Jackson,  Clai’ksville  and  the  smaller  cities 
of  the  State.  It  is  the  design  of  the  publishers  to  compile  and  issue,  in  con- 
nection with  the  State  history,  a brief  yet  comprehensive  historical  account  of 
every  county  in  the  State,  copies  of  which  will  be  placed  in  the  State  Library. 
In  the  prosecution  of  this  work  they  hope  to  meet  with  the  same  cordial  as- 
sistance extended  to  them  during  the  compilation  of  this  volume. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 


Nashville,  September,  1886. 


CONTENTS. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTEB  I. 


PAGE. 

'Geology  of  Tennessee 13 

Area  and  Boundary  of  the  State 13 

Ages,  The  Geologic 15 

Canadian  Period,  The 17 

Coals,  The 27 

Carboniferous  Age,  The 22 

Crab  Orchard  Section,  The 31 

Cretaceous  Period,  The 22 

Cross  Mountain  Section,  The 33 

Champlain  Period,  The 23 

Coal  of  Raccoon  District 30 

Divisions,  The  Eight  Natural 15 

Eastern  Iron  Region,  The 34 

Elevations,  The  Principal 40 

Fossils,  The  Characteristic 36 

Glacial  Period,  The 23 

Hamilton  Age,  The 21 

Iron  Ore,  The 34 

Lower  Helderberg  Period,  The 21 

Lignitio  Period,  The 22 

Marble  Beds,  The 39 

Metals,  The  Principal 37 

Niagara  Period,  The 20 

Primordial  Period,  The 16 

Recent  Period,  The 23 

Subearboniferous  Period,  The 21 

Soils,  The  Various 23 

Temperature  of  the  State,  The 39 

Trenton  Period,  The 18 

Thirteen  Tennessee  Periods,  The 16 

W estern  Iron  Region,  The 35 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Mound-Builders 42 

Age  of  the  Mounds 56 

Arguments  of  Judge  Haywood 45 

Classification  of  Earthworks 50 

Cont  ents  of  the  Mounds,  The 53 

Carthage  Cave,  The 54 

Evidences  of  Prehistoric  Occupation 42 

Fortifications,  Etc 51 

Location  of  the  Earthworks 49 

Mounds  of  Tennessee,  The 51  to  57 

Natchez,  The 48 

Opinion  of  Bancroft,  The 42 

Peruvians,  The 45 

“ Stone  Fort,”  The  Old 55 

Sun  W orshipers,  The 47 

Tribal  Resemblances 46 

View  of  Hildreth 44 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Indian  Tribes 57 

Avery  Treaty,  The 77 

Battle  of  Chickasaw  Old  Field 69 

Beloved  Town,  The 69 

Battle  of  Long  Island  Flats 73 

Battle  of  Boyd  Creek 80 

Boundary  Established,  A New 82 

Battle  of  French  Lick 89 

Christian’s  Expediton 76 

Chickamaugas,  The 79 

Chickasaw  Treaty  of  1786,  The 85 

Coldwater  Expedition,  The 90 

Cession  Treaties,  Numerous 95  to  108 

Cherokees,  !The 57 

Campaign  of  Williamson 75 

Chickasaws,  The 59 

Destruction  of  Indian  Towns 65 

Expeditions  of  Sevier 86,  87 

Encounter  of  Untoola  and  Hubbard 83 

Expeditions  of  Rains 91 

English  Supremacy  and  Intrigue 64 

Expedition  of  Col.  Grant 68 

Earliest  Indian  Occupation 57 

French  Trading  Stations 62 


Page. 

“Great  Grant”  and  “Path  Deed” 70 

Holston  Treaty,  The 93 

Incidents  and  Anecdotes 74 

Killing  of  the  Cavetts,  The 94 

Massacre  of  Fort  Loudon 63,  66 

Massacres  upon  the  Cumberland 89 

Nickajaek  Expedition,  The 97 

Point  Pleasant,  Battle  of. 70 

“Pocahontas  of  the  West,”  The 73 

Rutherford’s  Campaign 75 

Shawanees,  The 58 

Shelby’s  Campaign  against,  the  Lower  Towns.  80 

Sevier’s  Destructive  Campaigns SI 

Spanish  Influence 90 

Traditions  of  a Former  Race 58 

Tennessee  Soil,  First  Cession  of 61 

Treaty  of  Hopewell,  The 84 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Settlement  of  Tennessee 108 

Brown’s  Settlement 124 

Chisca,  The  Indian  Village 110 

Charleville’s  Trading  Station 112 

Carter’s  Valley,  Settlement  of. 124 

Daniel  Boone 116 

Donelson’s  Journal 129  to  134 

Expedition  of  De  Soto lo8 

French  and  English  Designs 112 

Fort  Assumption 113 

Findley’s  Excursion 117 

French  Lick,  First  Appearance  of. 123 

Fort  Loudon,  Construction  of 114 

Henderson’s  Treaty 124 

Hunting  Parties,  Sundry 116,  117 

“ Long  Hunters,”  The 121 

La  Salle  and  Marquette Ill 

Results  of  the  Treaty  of  1763 118 

Regulators  and  the  Scovilites,  The 122 

Stations  on  the  Cumberland,  The 127 

Spottswood’s  Expedition 112 

Traders,  The  French 115 

Wood’s  Tour  of  Discovery Ill 

Walker’s  Expedition 115 

Watauga  Settlement,  The 121 

Washington  District,  Watauga  Settlement 125 

Washington  County,  N.  C 126 

CHAPTER  V. 

Settlement  Concluded 135 

Affairs  on  the  Cumberland 141 

Brown’s  Disastrous  Voyage 144,  145 

Continental  Land  Warrants 139 

Clineh-Cumberland  Road,  The 142,  143 

Catalogue  of  Land  Grants 151 

Chickasaw  Bluffs,  The 152 

Greene’s  Reservation 139 

Land  Companies,  The 147  to  150 

Military  Reservations,  The 140 

Nashborough 137 

Perils  on  the  Cumberland 136 

Provisions,  How  Obtained,  Etc 143 

Settlers  of  West  Tennessee 154  to  163 

Territorial  Government,  The 146 

Transylvania 136 

West  Tennessee,  Settlement  of 151 

Western  Purchase,  The 153 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Organization 164 

Cumberland  Compact,  The 184  to  188 

European  Charters,  The 164  to  167 

Eastern  Boundary,  The 1S2 

Government  of  the  Notables.  The 183 

Northern  Boundary  Question,  The 168  to  180 

State  of  Franklin,  The 189  to  198 

Southern  Boundary  Question,  The 181  to  182 

Watauga  Association,  The 183 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


PAGE. 

Organization  Concluded 199 

Administration  of  Gov.  Blount 205 

Acts  of  the  Convention  of  1796 213 

Acceptance  of  the  Tennessee  Cession 202 

Census  of  Tennessee,  The  First 211 

Constitutional  Provisions 224  to  228 

Constitutional  Convention  of  1834,  The 223 

Cession  Act  of  North  Carolina,  The 199 

Constitutional  Convention  of  1796,  The 212 

Cession  Deed,  The 202 

Constitutional  Convention  of  187o,  The.. ..227,  228 

General  Assembly  of  the  State,  The  First 219 

Legislature  of  the  Territory,  The 207  to  210 

Pioneer  Legislation 221 

State  Governor,  The  First 220 

State  Constitution,  The  First ...214  to  218 

Tennessee  Admitted  to  the  Union 218 

Territorial  Government  Established,  The 203 

Territorial  Officers,  The 203 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Growth  and  Development 229 

( X Agricultural  Methods,  The  Early 229 

Census  Reports,  The 252 

\ Corn  Crop,  The ■} 233 

Cotton  Gin,  The  Purchase  of.  240 

Cotton  Culture 239 

Fruit  Crops,  The 233,  251 

Fertilizers,  The  Use  of. 245 

- Farmers  of  Middle  Tennessee,  The 232 

Farmers  of  East  Tennessee,  The 230 

Hay  and  the  Grasses 242 

Hemp,  Flax,  Sorghum,  Etc 244 

Live  Stock 246 

Maple  Sugar 245 

“Money  Crops,”  The 236 

Methods  of  Agriculture  Compared 230 

Poultry,  Butter,  Cheese.  Honey,  Etc 249 

Peanuts,  The  Grow  th  of 241 

Potatoes,  Sweet  and  Irish 235 

Rye,  Barley,  Oats,  Buckwheat,  Etc 235 

Tobacco  Crop,  The 237 

Wheat  Crop,  The 234 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Growth  and  Development  Concluded 253 

£ Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Etc 279 

Coal  Productions,  The 265  to  267 

Copper  Ore,  The  Mining  of. 270 

Cotton  Seed  Oil 278 

Cotton  Goods,  The  Manufacture  of 273 

Y Flour-Milling  Industry,  The 271 

Gunpowder 275 

Iron  Industries,  The 260  to  264 

Industrial  Development 272 

Leather,  Boots  and  Shoes,  Etc 276 

Lumber  Productions  and  Traffic,  The 259 

Marble  Quarries,  The 267  to  270 

Paper,  The  Production  of. 275 

Timber  of  the  State,  The 253  to  258 

Whisky  Products,  The  Enormous 277,  278 

Woolen  Goods,  The  Manufacture  of. 274 

CHAPTER  X. 

State  Institutions 280 

Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen 320 

Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Mines,  Etc 308 

East  Tennessee  Insane  Asylum 293 

Grand  Army  of  the  Republic 322 

Institutions  for  the  Blind 289 

Insane  Hospital  at  Nashville,  The 291 

Jackson’s  Equestrian  Statue 284 

Knights  of  Honor,  Grand  Lodge .315 

Knights  of  Pythias,  Grand  Lodge 318 

Knights  and  Ladies  of  Honor 316 

Legion  of  Honor,  Grand  Council ;..  320 

Masonic  Grand  Lodge,  The 309 

Odd  Fellows  Grand  Lodge,  The 314 

Royal  Arcanum,  Grand  Council 321 

State  Capitol  Located,  The 280 

State  Library,  The 286 

State  House,  Construction  of  the 281  to  284 

State  Penitentiary,  The 294 

State  Historical  Society,  The 298 

State  Medical  Society,  The 302 


PAGE. 

State  Board  of  Health,  The 305 


Tennessee  Agricultural  and  Horticultural 

Society 307 

West  Tennessee  Insane  Asylum 294 

CHAPTER  XI. 

State  Institutions  Concluded 323 

Counties,  The  Formation  of 361,  362 

Commercial  Highways 335 

Funding  of  the  Debt,  The 328  to  330 

Gubernatorial  Election  Returns 356 

Internal  Improvement  Systems,  The 337 

Presidential  Election  Returns 358,  359 

Population  of  the  State,  Aggregate 360,  361- 

Receipts  and  Expenditures,  The  Early 323 

Railroads,  The  Sale  of 339 

Receipts  and  Expenses,  Catalogue  of. 340 

Repudiation,  The  Question  of. 329 

Railway  Enterprises 340  to  348 

Railway  Commission,  The 348 

State  Indebtedness,  The  First 326 

Steam-boat  Navigation 348 

State  Bonds,  Total  Issue  of. 357. 

State  Officers,  Catalogue  of 350  to  356 

State  Banks,  The 331  to  335 

State  Debt  Proper,  The 327  to  329 

Treasury  of  the  State,  The 324 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Bench  and  Bar  of  Tennessee 363 

Courts  of  the  Watauga  Settlement 363 

Courts-on  the  Cumberland 367 

Circuit  Courts,  The 376 

Courts  of  the  Constitution  of  1796 368 

Courts  of  the  Constitution  of  1S34 375 

Courts  of  the  Constitution  of  1870 378 

Impeachment,  Cases  of. 372 

Professional  Character  of  Distinguished 
Members  of  the  Bench  and  Bar  of  Ten- 
nessee  382  to  412 

Territorial  Courts,  The 368 

United  States  Courts,  The 380 

Washington  and  Sullivan  County  Courts 364 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Educational  History 413 

Colleges  Chartered 416 

County  Academies,  The 420 

Constitutional  Educational  Provisions 426 

Common  School  Convention,  The 428 

Colored  Education 434 

Common  Schools,  The 435 

Cumberland  College 442 

Endowment  Funds,  The 415 

Educational  Systems  Compared 4A> 

East  Tennessee  College 4*17 

Educational  Tax,  The  First 422 

Educational  Statistics 441 

Graded  Schools,  The 430 

Gigantic  Problem  of  1865,  The 431 

Provincial  Schools,  The 413 

Public  Schools  Established 426 

Peabody  Fund,  The 433 

State  Colleges  Founded 418 

School  Lands,  Disposal  of  the 423 

Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction 428 

School  Officers,  Duties  of. 438 

State  Normal  School,  The 445 

Special  School  Funds 439 

State  Board  of  Education 447 

School  Funds,  Creation  of  the 424 

Schools  in  Tennessee,  The  First 415 

Tennessee  Industrial  College 451 

West  Tennessee  College 453 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Early  Wars 454 

British,  Battles  with  the 456 

Charleston,  The  Capture  of. 460 

Creeks,  The  War  with  the 4C1 

Entochopco,  Battle  of 464 

Jackson’s  First  Battle 462 

Jackson,  Activity  of. 470 

King’s  Mountain,  Battle  of. 458 

Mexican  War,  The....... 473 


CONTENTS 


vii 


PAGE. 


New  Orleans,  The  Movement  upon 4G7 

New  Orleans,  Jackson’s  Victory  at 468 

Seminole  War,  The 469 

Tories  of  East  Tennessee,  The 454 

Talladega,  Battle  of. 463 

Tohopeka,  Battle  of 465 

Texas-Mexican  War,  The 472 

Tennessee  Troops  Sent  to  Mexico 474  to  476 

War  of  1812,  The 461 

Wahoo  Swamp,  Battle  of. 472 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Federal  Military  History 477 

Burnside’s  Occupation  of  East  Tennessee 490 

Bridge  Burners  Ordered  Hanged 488 

Campbell’s  Station,  Battle  of. 491 

Confederate  Movements 486 

Fishing  Creek,  Battle  of 488 

Federal  Troops  Furnished,  Total 497 

General  Movements 489 

Greenville  Union  Convention,  The 481 

Issue  Joined,  The 483 

Knoxville  Union  Convention,  The 479 

Knoxville,  Siege  of. 492 

Longstreet  vs.  Burnside 491 

Loyalty  of  East  Tennessee 477 

Morgan,  The  Killing  of. 495 

Regimental  Sketches 497  to  5 ’2 

Skirmishes,  The  Concluding 496 

Union  Leaders,  The 478 

Union  Regiments  Organized 484 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Confederate  Military  History 513 

Army  Bill,  The 522 

Arms,  Condition  and  Quantity 515 

Aid  Societies 539 

Advance  to  Columbus,  The 543 

Army  Rolls 595  to  617 

Belmont,  Battle  of 545 

Burnside  in  East  Tennessee 558 

Call  to  Arms,  The..! 618 

Confederate  Government,  The i 635 

Chickamauga,  Battle  of. 556 

Confederate  Line,  Banger  to  the 547 

Confederate  Forces,  A ggregate 546 

Defensive  Measures,  Extent  of. 536  to  539 

Election  Returns  of  June 8 532  to  534 

Evacuation  of  Middle  Tennessee 550 

February  Convention,  The 514 

Fishing  Creek,  Battle  of 547 

Fort  Henry,  Fall  of 648 

Franklin,  Battle  of. 660 

Fort  Donelson,  Fall  of. 548 

Georgia  Campaign,  The 559 

Legislature  Convened,  The 518 

Militia,  Reorganization  of  the 615 

Military  League,  The 528 

Militia  Transferred  to  the  Confederacy 540 

Memphis,  Surrender  of 553 

Military  Appointments 530 

Murfreesboro,  Battle  of 555 

Missionary  Ridge,  Battle  of 557 

Neutrality  Question,  The 544 

Nashville,  Federal  Occupation  of. 549 

Nashville,  Battle  of 560 

Ordinance  of  Secession,  The 520 

Ordnance,  The  Manufacture  of 541 

Perryville,  Battle  of. 554 

Position  of  the  General  Assembly 516 

Reserve  Corps,  The 542 

Rock  Castle  Hills,  Battleof. 544 

Regimental  Sketches 561  to  595 

State  Sovereignty  and  Secession 513 

Shiloh,  Battle  of. 550 

Secession  Overwhelmingly  Favored 517 

Tennessee  Admitted  to  the  Confederacy 535 

Troops,  Call  for  and  Refusal  to  Furnish 517 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Tennessee  Literature 617 

Brownlow 622 

Bright 628 

Brunner 625 

Baskerville 625 

Baldwin 625 

Brown 628 

Chattanooga  Press,  The 631 


PAGE. 

Crockett 623 

Carr 625 

Cross 629 

Fitzgerald _ 625 

French 627 

Geological  Authors 623 

Guild 624 

Graves  (Joseph  C.) 624 

Graves  (Adelia  C.) 627 

Gilchrist 629 

Harrison 624 

Haywood 618 

Journalism 629 

Ketchum : 627 

Knoxville  Press,  The 629 

Law 628 

Lindsley  (Phillip) 624 

Lindsley  (J.  Berrien) 619 

Legal  Authors 626 

Murfree 626 

Memphis  Press,  The . 637 

MoAdoo 629 

McAnally 621 

McFerrin 621 

Martin 622 

McTyeire 622 

Medical  Authors 622 

Maury 623 

Nelson 621,  623 

Nashville  Prpss,  The..... 632 

Putnam 619 

Pearson 621 

Ramsey 618 

Redford 624 

Ryan 622 

Rivers 622 

Summers..  625 

Tannehill 620 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Religious  History 638 

Arminianism,  The  Creed  of. 648 

Buildings  Erected,  The  first 646 

Baptist  Church,  The 687 

Church  and  State,  Union  of. 640 

Camp-Meeting,  The  first 650 

Creeds,  Formation  of  the 658 

Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  The 658 

Christian  Church,  The 700 

Catholic  Church,  The 704 

Colored  Churches,  The 708 

Episcopal  Church,  The 694 

Irreligion  Punished 641 

Jerks,  The 651  to  655 

Jerks,  The  Cause  of  the 655  to  657 

Jewish  Church,  The 706 

Lutheran  Church,  The 705 

Methodist  Church,  The 662 

Methodist  Church  South 676 

Methodist  Statistics 676  to  679 

Methodist  Book  Concern,  The 679 

Preaching  in  Tennessee,  The  first 645 

Presbyterian  Church,  The 680 

Revival,  The  Great 649  to  654 

Religious  Intolerance 639 

Separation  of  Church  and  State 644 

Slavery  Divides  the  Church 667  to  676 

University  of  the  South,  The 699 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Biographical  Chapter 708 

Blount,  Gov.  William 716 

Bell,  Hon.  John 733 

Brownlow,  Gov.  William  G 740 

Carroll,  Gov.  William 719 

Crockett,  Col.  David 728 

Forrest,  Gen.  N.  B 742 

Grundy,  Hon.  Felix 7z9 

Haywood,  Judge  John 714 

Houston,  Gov.  Sam 724 

Jackson,  President  Andrew 720 

Johnson,  President  Andrew 745 

Johnson,  Hon.  Cave 735 

Polk,  President  James  K 738 

Robertson,  Gen.  James 712 

Sevier,  Gov.  John 708 

White,  Hon.  Hugh  L 732 

Zollicoffer,  Gen.  Felix  K 747 


CONTENTS. 


Yin 


MAUKY  COUNTY. 


PAGE. 

Maury  County 749 

Boundary,  etc 751 

Court  Houses,  The  First 752 

County  Seat  Located 766 

Chartered,  Various  Companies 770 

Churches 782 

Courts.  The  First 759 

Early  Settlers 749 

Incorporation 768 

Lawyers,  List  of. 764 

Newspapers 773 

Senators  and  Kepresentatives 759 

Schools 778 

Turnpikes,  etc 753 

Trials  of  Causes 760 

War  Eecord 784 

WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 

Williamson  County 787 

Business  of  Franklin 802  to  804 

Courts,  The 793 

Educational  Institutions 805 

Franklin 801 

Geology,  Drainage,  etc 787 

Members  of  General  Assembly 791 

Press,  The 804 

Organization  of  the  County 789 

Paupers,  The 790 

Religious  Institutions 806 

Settlement,  etc 788 

Turnpikes,  etc 792 

W ar  Eecord 797  to  801 

RUTHERFOED  COUNTY. 

Rutherford  County 810 

Agricultural  Society,  The 818 

County  Organized 813 

Courts,  The 819  to  823 

Churches 837 

County  Officers 818 

County  Seat 814 

Drainage,  Geology,  etc 810 

Industries,  The  Early 812 

Murfreesboro 826 

Medical  Society,  The 817 

Public  Buildings 815 

Press,  The 831 

Railroads,  Turnpikes,  etc 816 

Secret  Societies 832 

Settlement 811 

Schools 835 

Wars,  The 823  to  826 

WILSON  COUNTY. 

Wilson  County' 840 

Buildings '. 847 

County  Organized,  The 844 

Courts,  The ...846  to  850 

Education 858 

Geology 840 

Land  Entries 841 

Lebanon 853  to  855 

Military  Record 850  to  853 

Milling  Interests i. 843 

Newspapers 853 

Officers 850 

Religion 860 

Settlement 841,  842 

Villages,  The  Smaller 856,  857 

BEDFORD  COUNTY. 

Bedford  County 861 

County,  Formation  of  the 864 

Courts,  The  Various 867  to  871 

Churches 883 

Highways 866 


PAGE. 

Land  Grants 863- 

Mills,  Distilleries,  Cotton  Gins,  etc 863 

Military  Matters 871  to  873 

Newspapers 873 

Other  Towns 877  to  881 

Public  Buildings 865,  866 

Surface  Features 861 

Statistics,  Population,  etc 865 

Shelbyville 873 

Schools 881 

MARSHALL  COUNTY. 

Marshall  County 884 

County  Seat 888 

Courts,  The 890 

Churches 900 

County  Officers 889,  890 

Lewisburg 896  to  898 

Mounds,  etc.,  The 887 

Natural  Features 886 

Schools 899 

Societies 889 

Statistics 888 

Settlement 886 

Villages,  The  Smaller 898,  899 

War  Record 893,  896 

BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 

Bedford  County 1126 

Maury  County 904 

Marshall  County 1190 

Rutherford  County 1019 

Williamson  County 965 

Wilson  County 1077 

PORTRAITS  MAPS  AND  VIEWS. 

Aboriginal  Map Frontispiece 

Alexander,  B.  F between  1020,  1021 

Blind  Asylum “ 124,  125 

Bell,  John “ 732,  733 

Blount,  William “ 716,  717 

Brownfow,  W.  G “ 508,  509 

Chapel,  University  of  the  South “ 348,  349 

Chickamauga “ 556,  557 

Crockett  David “ 156,  157 

Donelson “ 476,  477 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum “ 268,  269 

Franklin “ 588,  589 

Fussell,  J.  H “ 764,  765 

Grundy,  Felix *•  380,  381 

Hodgson,  Rev.  Telfair “ 652,  653 

Insane  Asylum,  West  Tenn “ 140,  141 

Insane  Asylum,  East  Tenn “ 92,  93 

Jackson’s  Statue “ 284,  285 

Jackson,  Andrew “ 460,  461 

Johnson,  Andrew “ 636,  637 

Johnson,  Cave “ 668,  669 

Murfreeshpro “ 572,  573 

Missionary  Ridge “ 492,  493 

Nashville “ 604,  605 

Normal  School “ 428,  429 

Partlow,  T.  A “ 844,  845 

Polk,  James  K “ 396,  397 

Robertson,  James “ 76,  77 

Robison,  YV.  D “ 828,  829 

Shiloh “ 540,  541 

State  Capitol “ 28,  29 

Sevier,  John “ 220,  221 

Sparks,  J.  W “ 812,  813 

Stockard,  G.  W “ 780,  781 

Thompson  Hall,  University  of  the 

South “ 316,  317 

Tennessee  University “ 444,  445 

University  of  the  South “ 700,  701 

View  on  Emery  River “ 44,  45 

View  on  Falls  Creek “ 188,  189 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE 


CHAPTER  I * 

Geology  of  the  State— Boundary  and  Area— Drainage  and  Mean  Eleva- 
tion-General Topographical  Features— Natural  Geological  Divis- 
ions— Classification  and  Description  of  Strata — Tennessee  Geological 
Periods— Local  Details — Varieties  of  Soil — The  Coal  Interests — 
Local  Stratification — Analysis  and  Comparison  of  Coals— Iron  De- 
posits and  Varieties— Paleontology— Copper  and  Galenite— Other 
Metals— The  Marble  Beds— Hygrometry  and  Temperature— Princi- 
pal Elevations  of  the  State. 


THE  southern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  coincides  mainly 
with  the  thirty-fifth  parallel  of  north  latitude,  while  the  northern 
boundary  is  a broken  line  lying  between  the  parallels  thirty-sis  degrees 
and  twenty-nine  minutes  and  thirty-six  degrees  and  forty-one  minutes 
north  latitude.  The  mean  breadth  is  slightly  more  than  109  miles,  and 
the  mean  length  about  385  miles,  the  general  outline  forming  a long 
trapezoid.  The  State  comprises  an  area  of  about  42,000  square  miles. 
The  general  elevation  above  the  sea,  excepting  the  leading  highest  and 
lowest  localities,  is  about  900  feet.  The  entire  surface  of  the  State,  ex- 
cepting a small  tract  on  the  southeast,  the  waters  of  which  find  their 
way  into  Georgia,  is  drained  by  the  tributaries  of  the  Ohio  and  Missis- 
sippi Rivers,  the  most  important  being  Tennessee,  Cumberland,  Forked 
Deer,  Obion  and  Hatchie. 

On  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  State,  with  numerous  outliers  and 
projections,  are  the  Appalachian  Mountains, f consisting  of  high  ranges 
more  or  less  parallel,  with  isolated  peaks  and  domes,  all  interspersed  with 
numerous  ravines,  creeks  and  coves,  and  the  entire  region  presenting  the 
most  picturesque  and  romantic  scenery  of  the  State.  Westward  of  this 
mountainous  system  to  just  beyond  the  Tennessee  River  spreads  a broad 
valley  with  most  distinguishing  features.  The  general  surface  is  uniform, 
but  is  cut  up  with  numerous  long,  high  ridges  extending  northeast  and 
southwest,  surmounted  with  occasional  mountainous  elevations,  and 


* Adapted  to  this  volume  from  the  report  of  the  State  Geologist. 

fNamed  by  the  Spaniards  under  De  Soto,  who  derived  the  term  from  the  Indians. — Am.  Oyc. 


14 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


broken  here  and  there  by  gaps,  or  is  dotted  with  innumerable  knobs, 
often  mountainous,  all  of  which  are  encircled  with  valleys,  linear  or  curv- 
ing, to  correspond  with  the  elevation.  The  general  surface,  excluding 
the  extremes,  is  about  900  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  entire 
valley  with  all  its  coves  and  extensions  has  an  area  of  about  9,200  square 
miles.  Westward  of  this  valley  lies  the  Cumberland  Table-land,  the 
eastern  boundary  of  which  is  high  and  almost  unbroken  from  Kentucky 
to  Alabama,  while  the  western  boundary  is  very  irregular,  with  less 
elevation  and  with  numerous  valley  and  stream  indentations.  Though 
the  table-land  contains  many  streams  and  small  valleys,  it  is,  in  the  main, 
of  uniform  surface,  but  broken  with  mountainous  ridges  and  knobs,  par- 
ticularly in  the  northeastern  portion.  The  mean  elevation  is  about 
2,000  feet,  and  the  extent  is  about  5,100  square  miles.  West  of  the 
table-land  is  the  Central  Basin,  having  the  general  outline  of  an  ellipse, 
with  a length  (nearly  north  and  south)  of  about  121  miles,  and  a width 
of  from  fifty-five  to  sixty  miles.  It  comprises  about  5,451  square  miles, 
and  has  a mean  elevation  of  from  500  to  600  feet.  The  surface  is  knobby 
or  billowy,  with  numerous  large  and  very  fertile  tracts.  Outside  of  the 
basin,  entirely  encircling  it,  is  the  Highland  Him,  an  extremely  hilly 
portion  of  the  State.  It  is  over  1,000  feet  above  the  sea.  The  hills  on 
each  side  of  the  western  valley  of  the  Tennessee  are  from  800  to  1,000 
feet  above  the  sea,  while  the  elevation  of  the  valley  at  Hamburgh  is  only 
392  feet.  The  Mississippi  slope  of  West  Tennessee,  though  in  the  main 
level,  is  veined  with  peculiar  stream  valleys,  is  about  eighty-four  miles 
wide,  stretches  north  and  south  across  the  State  and  terminates  abruptly 
on  the  west  with  the  bluff  deposits  which  skirt  the  valley  of  the 
Mississippi.  The  bluffs  reach  the  river  at  Memphis,  at  the  lower 
part  of  Tipton  County,  at  Randolph  and  at  Fulton.  The  mean  elevation 
is  about  450  feet,  and  the  extent  about  8,850  square  miles.  The  Missis- 
sippi Yalley  is  low,  swampy  and  level.  Beelfoot  Lake,  lying  in  this  valley, 
was  formed  during  the  volcanic  convulsions  of  1811-12,  when  Beelfoot 
Creek,  which  then  emptied  into  the  Mississippi,  was  dammed  up  and  its 
water  spread  out  over  a tract  of  country  from  three-fourths  to  three  miles 
wide  and  eighteen  miles  long,  forming  the  present  lake,  which  finally 
forced  an  outlet  through  Obion  River.  The  elevation  of  the  valley  is 
about  215  feet  at  Memphis  and  295  feet  on  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
State. 

The  geological  features  of  Tennessee  are  so  marked  and  have  been 
so  minutely  and  critically  examined  by  competent  State  authorities,  that 
but  little  if  any  improvement  can  be  made  to  what  has  already  been  made 
public.  The  State  presents  to  the  geologist  eight  localities  having  dis- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


15 


tinct  characteristics  as  follows:  1.  The  Unaka  region.  2.  The  valley 

of  East  Tennessee.  3.  The  Cumberland  Table-land.  4.  The  Highland 
Bim.  5.  The  Central  Basin.  6.  The  Western  Valley  of  the  Tennessee 
Biver.  7.  The  Plateau  slope  of  West  Tennessee.  8.  The  Mississippi 
Bottom  region.  The  characteristics  of  each  division  will  be  described 
somewhat  in  detail,  leaving  the  more  minute  particulars  to  the  province 
of  local  history.  To  prepare  the  reader  for  a clearer  knowledge  of  the 
subject,  an  outline  of  the  science  of  geology  in  general  is  presented. 
For  convenience,  students  of  geology  have  divided  the  strata  of  the  earth 
into  clearly  defined  groups,  having  uniform  distinctions,  to  which  names 
implying  the  leading  characteristics  have  been  given,  as  follows: 

1.  Archaean  Period,  Archaean  Age,  Azoic  Time. 

2.  Primordial  Period,  Lower  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

3.  Canadian  Period,  Lower  Silurian  Age,  Paleczic  Time. 

4.  Trenton  Period,  Lower  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

5.  Niagara  Period,  Upper  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

6.  Salina  Period,  Upper  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

7.  Helderberg  Period,  Upper  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

8.  Oriskany  Period,  Upper  Silurian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

9.  Corniferous  Period,  Devonian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

10.  Hamilton  Period,  Devonian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

11.  Chemung  Period;  Devonian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

12.  Catskill  Period,  Devonian  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

13.  Subcarboniferous  Period,  Carboniferous  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

14.  Carboniferous  Period,  Carboniferous  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

15.  Permian  Period,  Carboniferous  Age,  Paleozoic  Time. 

16.  Triassic  Period,  Reptilian  Age,  Mesozoic  Time. 

17.  Jurassic  Period,  Reptilian  Age,  Mesozoic  Time. 

18.  Cretaceous  Period,  Reptilian  Age,  Mesozoic  Time. 

19.  Lignitic  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

20.  Alabama  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

21.  Miocene  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

22.  Pliocene  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

23.  Glacial  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

24.  Champlain  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

25.  Recent  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

26.  Human  Period,  Mammalian  Age,  Cenozoic  Time. 

Azoic  is  so  called  because  it  is  destitute  of  evidences  of  the  remains 
of  animal,  and  possibly  vegetable,  life ; Paleozoic  because  of  the  appear- 
ance of  both  animal  and  vegetable  life;  Mesozoic  because  of  its  situa- 
tion between  the  earlier  and  present  times,  and  Cenozoic  because  of  the 
presence  of  mammals.  Of  the  ages,  Silurian  represents  that  when  the 
simpler  form  of  both  animal  and  vegetable  life  appeared;  Devonian 
when  fishes  and  kindred  animal  life  and  a more  advanced  vegetable  life 
appeared ; Carboniferous  when  a gigantic  vegetation  enveloped  the  earth ; 
Beptilian  when  the  swampy  surface  of  the  earth  became  filled  with  rep- 
tiles, some  of  gigantic  size ; Mammalian  when  animals  which  suckle  their 


16 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


young  flourished.  The  latter  age  comprises  human  beings.  The  periods 
are  superimposed  upon  each  other  in  the  order  given  above,  the  Archaean 
being  the  lowest  and  oldest,  and  the  others  being  formed  in  succession 
since  through  the  lapse  of  an  indeterminate  though  very  long  period  of 
years.  A stratum  is  a more  or  less  homogeneous  layer  of  earth,  the 
term  earth  being  used  to  designate  any  portion  of  what  is  commonly 
called  ground.  All  strata,  whether  stone,  sand,  clay,  gravel  or  other 
inorganic  material,  were  originally  rocks,  which  are  either  yet  in  that 
state  or  have  been  more  or  less  powdered,  mainly  by  the  action  of  the 
climatic  elements,  and  have  become  associated  with  more  or  less  organic 
matter,  thus  forming  the  numerous  varieties  of  soil.  As  the  fertility  of 
soil  depends  upon  its  degree  of  disintegration,  the  quantity  and  quality 
of  organic  and  inorganic  matter  combined,  and  the  extent  and  character 
of  chemical  union  between  the  constituents,  it  becomes  a question  of 
great  value  to  the  husbandman  to  be  able  to  determine  the  properties  of 
his  soil,  its  strength  under  certain  continued  vegetation,  the  proper  time 
for  a change  of  crops,  for  the  work  of  the  plow  and  for  the  use  of 
manures,  and  many  other  important  particulars.  Each  period  given 
above  represents  a long,  indefinite  lapse  of  time,  extending  into  the  tens 
and  probably  the  hundreds  of  thousands  of  years,  and.  comprising  various 
strata  of  different  kinds  of  soil,  each  of  which  was  formed  under  the 
surface  of  water  or  by  its  action,  and  has  been  definitely  defined  and 
ascertained. 

Of  the  above  periods  only  thirteen  are  represented  in  Tennessee,  as 
follows:  Primordial. — The  metamorphic  rocks,  the  Ocoee  slates  and 

conglomerates,  and  the  Chilhowee  sandstone.  Canadian. — The  Knox 

group  of  magnesian  limestones  and  shales,  and  the  Lenoir  limestone. 
Trenton. — The  Lebanon  and  Nashville  limestones.  Niagara. — Clinch 
Mountain  sandstone,  the  Dyestone  or  Led  Iron  ore  formation,  and  the 
Clifton  limestones.  Helderberg. — The  Linden  limestone,  Hamilton. — 
The  Black  Shale.  Subcarboniferous.— The  Barren  Group,  the  St.  Louis 
limestone  and  the  Mountain  limestone.  Coal  Measures. — The  coal  form- 
ation. Cretaceous. — The  Coffee  sand,  the  Rotten  limestone,  and  the 
Ripley  Group.  Lignitic. — The  Elatwood  clays  and  sands,  and  the  La- 
Grange  sand.  Glacial.- — -The  Orange  sand.  Champlain. — The  Bluff 

Loam.  Recent. — Alluvium. 

The  Primordial  Period  includes  the  Metamorphic  rocks,  the  Ocoee 
slates  and  conglomerates,  and  the  Chilhowee  sandstones.  These  are 
very  thick  and  massive  formations,  and  embrace  the  rocks  of  the  great 
Unaka  range.  Their  strata  are  hard  and  pre-eminently  mountain-mak- 
ing, and  are  not  found  outside  of  the  Unaka  mountain  area.  The 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


17 


lands  can  never  be  brought  into  successful  cultivation  on  account  of 
the  ruggedness  of  the  country.  Magnetic  iron  ore,  copper  ore,  roof- 
ing slate,  building  material,  and  some  gold  are  found  in  these  forma- 
tions. The  metamorphic  formation  is  composed  of  thick  and  thin-bed- 
ded granite-like  rocks  called  gneiss,  talcose  slate  and  mica  slate,  the 
constituents  of  which  are  quartz,  mica,  feldspar,  talc  and  similar  minerals. 
They  were  originally  common  sandstones,  conglomerates,  shales,  etc., 
which  have  lost  their  original  character  and  have  become  crystalized 
through  the  agency  of  heat  or  other  means.  The  soils  of  this  locality 
are  generally  thin  and  poor,  with  here  and  there  a spot  of  singular  fertil- 
ity. Wild  grasses  grow  fairly  well,  and  fine  walnut,  cherry,  poplar,  beech 
and  oak  abound.  Buckwheat  grows  luxuriantly  in  a few  spots.  The  cop- 
per mines  of  Polk  County  and  the  magnetic  iron  ore  of  Carter  County  are 
in  this  formation.  The  Ocoee  group  is  a series  of  changeable  rocks 
having  an  estimated  thickness  of  10,000  feet,  and  composing  the  greater 
part  of  the  Unakas.  There  are  heavy  beds  of  conglomerates,  sandstones, 
clay  slates,  semi-talcose  and  roofing  slates,  and  dolomite  or  magnesian 
limestone.  Occasional  veins  of  quartz  are  gold-bearing.  The  beds  of 
roofing  slates  are  especially  valuable.  The  soil  is  similar  to  that  of  the 
metamorphic  formation.  The  Chilhowee  sandstone  has  an  estimated 
maximum  thickness  of  not  less  than  2,000  feet,  and  extends  to  Chilhowee 
and  similar  mountains  which  form  the  most  northwesterly  interrupted 
range  of  the  Unakas.  The  stone  is  usually  heavy-bedded  and  grayish 
white  when  weathered,  but  is  sometimes  whitish  quartose  and  sometimes 
includes  sandy  shales. 

The  Canadian  Period  includes  the  Knox  group  of  magnesian  lime- 
stones and  shales  and  the  Lenoir  limestone.  The  Knox  sandstone  of  this 
period  forms  ridges  which  present  a sort  of  transition!  between  the  moun- 
tain and  valley  formations.  It  comprises  variegated  sandstones,  shales 
and  occasional  dolomites,  having  an  aggregate  thickness  of  800  to  1,000 
feet.  The  formation  is  of  little  agricultural  importance,  but  presents 
marked  topographical  features,  such  as  sharp  roof -like  or  comby  ridges. 
Webb’s,  Bosebury’s,  Bay  Mountain,  Beaver,  Bull  Bun  and  Pine  Bidges 
are  of  this  formation.  The  Knox  shale  is  a brown,  reddish,  buff  or  green 
calcareous  shale  2,000  or  more  feet  thick.  Occasionally  it  contains  thin 
layers  of  oolitic  limestone,  and  as  it  approaches  the  Unakas  becomes  more 
calcareous,  even  to  a slaty  limestone  or  dolomite.  Upon  this  formation 
of  the  Knox  group  are  the  principal  valleys,  especially  in  the  northwest- 
ern, western  and  southern  portions  of  the  valley  of  East  Tennessee.  It 
contains  many  long,  beautiful  and  generally  rich  valleys.  Fossil  shells 
and  trilobites,  about  the  oldest  specimens  of  animal  life  found  in  Tennes- 


18 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


see,  occur  in  the  limestone  layers  of  this  group.  The  entire  valley  of 
East  Tennessee  was,  doubtless,  once  much  higher  than  at  present,  but 
has  been  denuded  by  the  action  of  water  principally,  leaving  the  strata 
in  variable  inclinations.  The  Knox  dolomite  outcrops  over  a large  por- 
tion of  East  Tennessee  Valley,  and  is  the  most  massive  formation  in  the 
State.  It  is  estimated  to  be  nearly  a mile  in  thickness,  and  consists  of 
heavy-bedded  strata  of  blue  and  gray  limestones  and  dolomites,  being 
often  oolitic  at  the  base  and  crystaline  or  sparry  above,  with  more  or  less 
chert  or  flint  occurring  sparsely  in  thin  layers  and  nodules.  It  is  com- 
posed of  the  carbonates  of  lime  and  magnesia  containing  more  or  less 
sand,  argillaceous  and  ferruginous  matter,  with  fossils  in  the  lower  oolitic 
strata ; and  its  outcrops  are  confined  to  this  valley,  with  the  single  excep- 
tion of  an  exposure  in  the  curious  Well’s  Creek  Basin,  in  Houston 
County.  In  several  places  in  the  Central  Basin  it  is  not  far  from  the 
surface.  Generally  the  disintegration  of  the  dolomite  furnishes  rich 
plant  food,  and  nearly  all  grains  grow  well  in  the  better  localities. 

The  Trenton  Period,  comprising  the  Lebanon  and  Nashville  lime- 
stones, is,  in  general,  a great  series  of  blue  limestone,  rich  in  fossils  and 
plant  food.  They  are  the  principal  rocks  of  the  Central  Basin,  lying  ap- 
proximately in  a horizontal  position,  and  constitute  the  surface  rocks  of 
many  long  valley-ranges  of  East  Tennessee,  of  which  the  soils  are  dis- 
tinguished for  their  fertility  and  the  ranges  for  their  symmetry  and 
beauty.  They  are  also  uncovered  in  the  western  valley  of  the  Tennessee. 
Under  denuding  and  eroding  agencies  these  rocks  present  the  richest 
valley  and  lowland  depressions.  The  maximum  thickness  of  the  period 
in  East  Tennessee  is  between  2,500  and  3,000  feet.  It  has  two  mem- 
bers— the  lower  blue  limestone  on  both  sides  of  the  valley  and  the  upper 
calcareous  though  sandy  stone  in  the  southeast  half  of  the  valley.  The 
lower  member  varies  in  thickness  from  200  to  600  feet.  Further  north 
it  is  thin  and  poor.  It  is  more  or  less  argillaceous,  and  with  the  Knox 
dolomite  forms  many  rich  valleys.  It  often  dips  at  right  angles.  The 
upper  member  is,  in  tl^e  southeast,  a great  mass  of  sky-blue  calcareous 
shale  more  or  less  sandy.  It  often  contains  thin  layers  of  limestone  and 
sandstone  and  has  a maximum  thickness  of  about  2,000  feet.  The  two 
great  belts  where  this  stone  outcrops,  called  the  Gray  Knobs  and  the 
Red  Knobs,  present  distinguishing  and  important  characteristics.  In 
the  tract  of  the  Gray  Knobs  bold,  pointed  and  steep  hills,  with  vales  of 
great  strength  and  fertility  winding  among  them,  stand  crowded  together. 
Their  existence  is  due  to  the  different  erosive  effects  of  water  agen- 
cies upon  rocks  of  varying  and  widely  opposite  degrees  of  hardness,  the 
softer  being  washed  or  worn  away  and  the  harder  slowly  left  high  and 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


19 


dry  above  the  subsiding  glacial  sea.  Upon  the  tract  of  the  Red  Knobs 
are  remarkable  lines  of  red  hills  whose  origin  is  primarily  due  to  a few 
interpolated  plates  of  a hard  ferruginous  sandy  limestone,  which,  aided 
by  the  strata  dip,  have  partially  saved  the  adjacent  softer  rocks  from 
erosion  and  have  deeply  colored  the  soil  with  the  liberated  red  iron  oxide. 
The  slopes  of  the  red  hills  are  often  very  rich.  In  this  tract  a few  gray 
knobs  appear.  Another  interpolated  rock  is  the  variegated  red  and  white, 
or  grayish-white,  marble  which  occurs  in  heavy  strata  and  outcrops  in 
long  lines  and  in  inexhaustible  quantity,  and  in  other  localities  than  the 
red  tract.  In  the  northwest  half  of  the  valley  the  upper  member  loses 
much  of  its  sandy,  shaly  character,  becomes  thin-bedded  and  blue,  is 
loaded  with  fossils  and  yields  an  excellent  soil.  The  interpolated  beds 
gradually  disappear  and  the  mass  loses  its  thickness  and  the  marble  is 
reduced  to  a minimum.  Beaver  Creek.  Raccoon,  Hickory,  Big,  Powell’s, 
Tennessee,  Lookout  and  Savannah  Valleys  rest  upon  these  limestones. 
The  Sequatchie  Valley  is  an  outlier,  very  similar  in  structure,  of  the 
Eastern  Tennessee  Valley.  Outcropings  of  the  Knox  dolomites  and  the 
blue  Trenton  limestones  occur.  There  is  more  or  less  dip  to  all  the  strata 
in  these  valleys.  In  the  Central  Basin,  however,  they  become  practically 
horizontal.  The  Trenton  and  Nashville  divisions  are  easily  distinguished 
and  constitute  the  bottom  and  much  of  the  sides  of  the  basin.  The  Tren- 
ton are  more  argillaceous  and  the  Nashville  more  silicious,  with  a darker 
blue  color.  Each  division  is  about  500  feet  in  thickness.  The  Tren- 
ton is  subdivided  into  Central,  Pierce,  Ridley,  Glade  and  Carter’s  Creek 
limestones.  The  Central  is  a dove-colored,  thick-bedded  limestone,  con- 
taining much  chert  or  flint,  is  the  lowest  stratum  of  the  basin  and  ex- 
poses a thickness  of  about  100  feet.  It  outcrops  over  a circular  area 
whose  diameter  is  about  thirteen  miles,  Murfreesboro  being'  within  the 
area.  The  soil  here  is  rich,  containing  considerable  iron  from  the  decom- 
posing chert,  the  red  color  being  due  to  the  oxide  of  iron.  Around  this 
area  in  a circular  belt  with  a thickness  of  about  twenty-seven  feet  outcrop 
the  beds  of  the  flaggy,  Pierce  limestone.  Around  this  belt  is  another 
called  the  Ridley  stone,  consisting  of  heavy-bedded  dove-colored  lime- 
stone, having  a thickness  of  ninety-five  feet  and  furnishing  a fine  soil.  Still 
another  belt  encircles  the  last  mentioned  and  is  called  Glade  limestone, 
consisting  of  light  blue,  flaggy  stone  with  an  aggregate  thickness  of  120 
feet.  Upon  this  belt  grow  the  red  cedar  forests,  from  which  alone  could 
the  outcrops  be  traced.  This  stone  constitutes  the  surface  of  large  por- 
tions of  Rutherford,  Wilson,  Bedford  and  Marshall,  and  occurs  in  less  ex- 
tent in  Maury,  Williamson  and  Davidson.  Lebanon,  Shelbyville  and  Co- 
lumbia, rest  partly  upon  this  belt.  Above  the  Glade  stratum  appears  Car- 


20 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


ter’s  Creek  limestone  with,  a thickness  of  50  to  100  feet.  It  is  heavy-bed- 
ded and  dove-colored  and  is  used  for  lime  on  Carter’s  Creek,  being  much 
whiter.  The  Nashville  formation,  as  a whole,  is  fairly  homogeneous, 
though  about  seventy  feet  near  the  base  contains  considerable  sand.  This 
stone  furnishes  the  surface-rock  of  ' several  of  the  best  farming  regions  of 
the  basin,  the  country  between  Columbia  and  Mount  Pleasant  being  one. 
In  the  Well’s  Creek  Basin,  Houston  County,  the  Trenton  and  Nashville 
rocks  outcrop  around  the  Knox  dolomite  and  also  appear  in  the  Western 
Valley  of  the  Tennessee,  mainly  as  a hydraulic  limestone.  These  forma- 
tions furnish  the  marbles  of  East  Tennessee, the  hydraulic  limestones  of  the 
Eastern  and  Western  Valleys  and  the  basin,  the  flagstones,  lime-rock 
and  building  materials  so  valuable  to  the  State,  and  much  of  the  most 
fertile  soil. 

The  Niagara  Period  includes  the  Clinch  Mountain  sandstones,  the 
dyestone  or  red  iron  ore  formation  and  the  Clifton  limestone,  with  thin 
subdivisions.  Between  the  Trenton  and  Nashville  rocks  and  the  Clinch 
sandstone  is  a stratum  of  red  calcareous  shale,  which  in  Hawkins  County 
is  400  feet  thick.  Besting  upon  this  is  the  Clinch  Mountain  Bock,  which 
is  a grayish-white,  thick-bedded  sandstone  about  400  feet  thick.  It  forms 
the  southern  slope  of  Clinch  Mountain,  and  below  it  always  appears  the 
red  shale.  Neither  this  stone  nor  the  red  shale  is  found  outside  of  the 
Eastern  Valley  or  south  of  Knox  County.  It  is  associated  with  high 
ridges,  such  as  Clinch  Mountain,  Stone  Mountain,  Devil’s  Nose,  House 
Mountain,  Bay’s  Mountain,  Newman’s  Bidge,  Powell’s  and  Lone  Moun- 
tains. The  sandstone  yields  a poor  soil;  the  shale  a better  one.  The 
White  Oak  Mountain  sandstone  is  a reddish-brown,  greenish,  buff  or 
other  colored  rock  accompanied  with  shales,  and  occurs  on  White  Oak 
Mountain’s  eastern  slope  and  summit,  and  on  the  eastern  slopes  of  Powell’s 
and  Lone  Mountains.  It  is  a mountain  formation  and  is  about  500  feet 
thick.  The  Dyestone  group,  enclosing  the  red  iron  ore,  appears  on  the 
northwestern  side  of  the  Eastern  Valley  and  comprises  a series  of  varie- 
gated shales  and  thin  sandstones  from  100  to  300  feet  thick,  which  con- 
tain from  one  to  three  or  more  layers  of  fossiliferous  iron  ore,  much  of  the 
mass  being  quite  calcareous  with  occasional  beds  of  thin  limestone.  This 
formation  is  found  in  numerous  small  but  long  ridges,  one  of  which  ex- 
tends along  the  eastern  base  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land  from  Virginia 
to  Georgia,  representing  everywhere  more  or  less  iron  ore.  The  Niagara 
limestone  occurs  mainly  in  the  Western  Valley  and  is  a thick-bedded, 
fossiliferous  stone,  somewhat  argillaceous  and  often  crystalline,  and  fre- 
quently weathers  into  shale-forming  glades.  At  its  greatest  development 
this  formation  is  about  200  feet  thick  and  is  divided  into  two  members* 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


21 


the  lower  consisting  of  red  and  variegated  strata,  several  being  fair  mar- 
ble, and  the  upper  of  gray  rocks.  This  formation  outcrops  over  the 
greater  portion  of  the  Western  Valley.  It  extends  eastward  and  appears 
on  Duck  and  Buffalo  Rivers,  and  on  the  western  edge  of  the  basin.  On 
the  eastern  base  of  Powell’s  Mountain  and  at  the  base  of  Newman’s  Ridge 
it  also  outcrops. 

The  Lower  Helderberg  limestone  has  its  greatest  development  in  the 
Western  Valley,  and  is  a series  of  blue,  thin-bedded  fossiliferous  rocks, 
containing  cherty  layers,  and  has  a'  maximum  thickness  of  about  seventy 
feet.  It  furnishes  an  excellent  soil  and  outcrops  on  Duck  and  Buffalo 
Rivers  and  on  the  northwestern  slope  of  the  basin. 

The  Hamilton  Period  is  represented  by  the  black  shale,  a nearly  black, 
bituminous,  rather  tough  shale  or  slate  which  outcrops  in  East  Tennessee, 
the  Central  Basin  and  the  Western  Valley  of  the  Tennessee.  Its  average 
thickness  is  less  than  fifty  feet,  though  in  the  eastern  valley  it  reaches 
100  feet,  and  the  outcrops  are  linear  on  the  slopes  of  ridges  or  in  narrow 
straight  valleys  at  the  base  of  ridges.  It  contains  iron  pyrites  and 
enough  hydrocarbonic  oil  to  support  brief  combustion,  but  is  not  likely 
to  become  a source  of  coal  oil,  though  often  mistaken  for  coal  by  novices. 

The  Subcarboniferous  Period  is  represented  by  the  Barren  group,  the 
St.  Louis  limestone  and  the  Mountain  limestone.  The  former  consists  of 
heavy  strata  of  flint  or  chert,  interstratified  with  more  or  less  limestone, 
and  sometimes  becomes  a blue  calcareous  shale  and  includes  heavy  beds 
of  crinoidal  limestone.  In  the  eastern  valley  it  rests  upon  the  black 
shale  and  outcrops  on  the  Dyestone  ridges  in  linear  lines,  and  in  the  Cen- 
tral Basin  appears  on  the  edge  and  interior  portion  of  the  Highland  Rim. 
Its  thickness  is  from  250  to  300  feet,  becoming  less  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  State.  The  coral  limestone  of  this  formation  is  a bluish-gray  stone, 
containing  nodules  of  chert,  is  fossiliferous,  sometimes  siliceous  and  argil- 
laceous, and  is  characterized  by  the  presence  of  the  fossil  Litliostrotion 
Canadense.  This  stratum  has  a maximum  thickness  of  250  feet  and  out- 
crops in  the  eastern  valley  with  the  Barren  group,  and  is  the  chief  rock 
of  the  higher  and  greater  part  of  the  Highland  Rim.  The  iron  of  the 
chert  colors  the  soil  red.  This  stone  is  usually  called  St.  Louis  limestone, 
and  is  celebrated  in  this  State  and  elsewhere  for  its  sink-holes  and  caves. 
Just  above  it  is  the  mountain  limestone,  which  outcrops  on  the  eastern 
and  western  slopes  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land,  and  consists  of  a heavy 
group  of  limestones  and  shales.  It  forms  the  base  of  the  table-land, 
and  is  thickest  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,  decreasing  northward  to 
the  Kentucky  line,  where  it  is  400  feet  thick.  About  one-fourth  of  the 
mass,  mostly  near  the  top,  is  shale,  and  a part  is  marly.  Usually  the 


22 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


strata  are  highly  fossiliferous,  rich  in  plant  food,  furnishing  a strong  soil 
and  abundant  building  material.  A heavy  sandstone  stratum  forty  to 
fifty  thick  occurs  in  the  middle  of  the  group  in  White  and  Overton  Coun- 
ties, and  gives  origin  to  a terrace  around  the  table-land,  and  furnishes 
caps  for  neighboring  “small  mountains”  and  ridges. 

The  Carboniferous  Period  comprises  the  strata  containing  the  coal  of 
the  State.  The  formation  caps  the  table-land,  with  which  it  is  co-exten- 
sive,  having  an  area  of  5,100  square  miles.  It  is  a series  of  conglomer- 
ates, shales  and  sandstones,  containing  beds  of  coal,  and  has  an  average 
depth  of  500  to  600  feet,  though  in  Morgan,  Anderson,  Scott,  Campbell 
and  Claiborne  Counties,  it  reaches  2,000  feet,  and  contains  no  less  than 
sixteen  beds  of  coal,  one  of  which,  near  the  base,  is  from  four  to  seven 
feet  thick.  Sandstone  lies  next  under  the  surface  of  the  table-land,  and 
shale  outcrops  on  the  sides  of  the  ridges. 

The  Cretaceous  Period,  comprising  the  Coffee  sand,  the  Rotten  lime- 
stone and  the  Ripley  group,  outcrops  in  Hardin  and  Decatur  Counties  and 
consists  of  a group  of  stratified  sands  usually  containing  mica,  with 
which  are  often  associated  strata  of  dark  clay,  often  very  thin  but  some- 
times predominating.  Laminated  or  slaty  clay  from  one  to  twenty  feet 
thick  is  occasionally  found,  and  numerous  woody  fragments  and  leaves 
occur,  mainly  in  the  form  of  lignite.  The  thickness  is  probably  about 
200  feet.  In  Hardin  County  the  river  washes  the  Coffee  sand,  as  at 
Coffee,  Crump’s  and  Pittsburgh  Landing.  Above  and  lapping  over  the 
Coffee  sand  is  the  Rotten  limestone  or  green  sand,  consisting  of  fine  quar- 
tose  sand  mixed  with  clay,  with  which  there  is  much  calcareous  matter 
and  green  grains  of  glauconite.  This  formation  contains  many  fossil 
shells,  some  of  which  are  very  large,  conspicuous  among  them  being  fos- 
sil oyster  shells,  which,  in  some  localities,  have  been  burned  for  lime.  Its 
greatest  thickness  is  in  McNairy  County — 350  feet.  • When  dry  it  is 
greenish  gray ; wdien  wet,  darker.  The  Ripley  group  is  mainly  stratified 
sands,  often  laminated,  with  strata  of  clay  and  an  occasional  bed  of  slaty 
clay.  In  Hardeman  County  a bed  of  limestone  two  to  six  feet  thick  and 
a bed  of  green  sand  containing  shells  occur.  This  group  is  from  400  to 
500  feet  thick. 

The  Lignitic  Period  comprises  the  Flatwood  clays  and  sand  and  the 
LaGrange  sand.  The  Platwood  group  is  200  to  300  feet  thick  and  is 
much  similar  to  the  Ripley  and  the  Coffee  sands,  but  contains  more  lam- 
inated or  slaty  clay.  This  is  called  the  Porter’s  Creek  group,  as  a bed  of 
laminated  clay  of  the  group,  100  feet  thick,  outcrops  on  that  creek.  The 
LaGrange  group  is  a broad  belt  about  forty  miles  wide,  extending  north 
and  south  over  the  central  part  of  West  Tennessee  and  is  a stratified  mass  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


23 


sands,  more  or  less  argillaceous,  which,  Avlien  weathered,  are  yellow,  red 
and  orange.  The  sands  are  similar  to  those  above  and  contain  leaves 
and  lignitic  beds,  and  masses  of  white  and  colored  clays  occur.  This 
group  is,  perhaps,  600  feet  thick. 

The*Glacial  Period  gives  the  State  the  Orange  sand  or  drift.  After  the 
formation  of  the  groups  above  described  the  entire  western  portion  of  the 
State  appears  to  have  been  covered  with  water,  which  deposited  over  the 
surface  an  irregular  layer  of  unstratified  sand  and  gravel,  and  to  this  the 
term  “Orange  sand  ” has  been  applied.  The  formation  is  variegated  in 
color,  though  mainly  orange  and  red,  is  of  great  extent,  is  of  variable 
thickness,  disclosing  here  and  there  the  underlying  formations.  The 
beds  of  gravel  of  the  western  valley,  of  the  highlands  and  of  the  iron 
strata,  belong  to  this  group. 

The  Champlain  Period  furnishes  the  Bluff  deposit,  loam  or  ioess, 
which  caps  the  uplands  of  Shelby,  Tipton.  Lauderdale,  Dyer  and  Obion 
Counties,  and  is  a stratum  of  fine  siliceous  loam,  more  or  less  calcareous, 
and  usually  colored  ashen,  yellowish  or  buff,  and  contains  land  and  fresh- 
water shells  and  numerous  calcareous  nodules.  The  group  ranges  in 
thickness  from  a few  feet  to  100  feet;  and  the  eastern  boundary  is  only 
partially  established,  owing  to  the  gradual  disappearance  of  the  loam. 
The  various  formations  above  it  outcrop  on  the  slopes  of  the  bluffs  along 
the  Mississippi — on  top  the  loam,  below  it  the  Orange  sand  and  still  lower 
the  LaGrange  group. 

The  Recent  Period  includes  the  alluvial  bottoms  of  all  the  larger 
streams,  and  consists  of  inorganic  washings  from  the  neighboring  hisfli- 
lands,  associated  with  more  or  less  decomposing  organic  matter,  furnish- 
ing the  richest  and  most  productive  soil  of  the  State.  The  Mississippi 
bottom  is  the  largest  and  most  important. 

The  Soils. — The  soils  owe  their  characteristics  to  the  underlying 
rocks,  and  are  best  when  derived  from  limestone,  dolomites  and  calcare- 
ous shales.  Sand  gives  strength  to  the  stocks  of  plants,  renders  the  soil 
porous  and  suitable  for  the  penetration  of  air  and  vital  plant  gases,  per- 
mits surplus  water  and  deleterious  substances  to  escape  either  upward  or 
downward,  and,  as  a base  for  the  union  with  acid  or  alkaline  salts,  furn- 
ishes important  food  for  the  growth  of  plants.  Clay  gives  tenacity  to 
the  soil,  prevents  the  escape  either  upward  or  downward  of  important 
gases,  retains  from  rain-water  ammonia,  nitrogen,  carbonic  acid  and 
other  similar  plant  foods,  and  combined  with  other  elements  furnishes 
direct  food  for  the  plants.  The  calcai'eous  or  limy  soils  present  many 
varieties,  depending  upon  the  impurities  of  the  rocks,  the  disintegration 
of  which  furnishes  the  soil.  The  soil  is  more  or  less  arenaceous  or 


24 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


sandy  and  argillaceous,  or  clayey,  with  varying  quantities  of  ferric  or 
iron  compounds.  The  soil  from  the  Knox  dolomite  is  calcareous,  has 
a red  clay  subsoil  Avith  chert  masses,  which  is  underlaid  with  rocks 
of  carbonate  of  lime  and  magnesia.  The  soil  is  very  rich  but  should 
be  rotated  with  clover  to  insure  almost  infinite  durability.  The  Tren- 
ton or  Lebanon  soil  rests  on  blue  fosiliferous  limestone  and  covers 
about  half  of  the  Central  Basin  and  is  the  soil  of  many  valleys  of  East 
Tennessee  and  of  the  red  knobs  around  Knoxville.  It  is  more  friable 
and  fertile  but  less  durable  than  the  soil  of  the  Knox  dolomite,  and 
groAvs  all  cereals  to  great  perfection,  Avheat  often  weighing  seventy 
pounds  to  the  bushel.  Cotton  grows  luxuriantly,  as  in  Rutherford,  Giles, 
Maury  and  Williamson  Counties.  The  Nashville  limestone  soil  contains 
a greater  quantity  of  siliceous  or  sandy  matter,  is  mellow,  porous,  highly 
productive,  and  Avell  adapted  to  the  cereals  and  all  kinds  of  vegetables. 
Marvelous  melons  are  groAvn.  This  soil  is  not  so  tenacious  as  those  con- 
taining less  sand  or  more  clay  and  is  more  easily  handled.  It  consti- 
tutes nearly  half  of  the  Central  Basin  and  many  small  valleys  of  East 
Tennessee.  The  subsoil  is  yellower  than  that  of  the  Trenton  Period. 
These  soils  have  made  their  locations  famous,  and  for  general  excellence 
are  not  exceeded  by  those  of  any  other  portion  of  the  State.  Their  locality 
is  called  “the  blue-grass  region.”  The  Niagara  soil  is  found  mainly  in 
the  Western  Yalley  of  the  Tennessee,  along  Buffalo  River,  rests  upon 
gray  and  red  limestone,  is  moderately  productive,  but  not  so  good  for 
Avlieat  and  cotton  as  those  last  described,  though  corn  and  some  of  the 
grasses  grow  Avell.  This  soil  must  not  be  confounded  Avith  the  alluArial 
soil  of  those  valleys.  The  LoAver  Helderberg  furnishes  a dark  gray  or 
chocolate-colored  calcareous  soil  which  is  mellower  than  that  of  the 
Niagara,  but  less  so  than  that  of  the  Trenton  and  the  Nashville,  and  occui's 
mainly  in  Benton,  Henry,  Decatur  and  Hardin  Counties. 

The  LoAver  Carboniferous  has  two  soils ; the  first  being  characterized  by 
a large  fossil  coral,  Lithostrotion  Canaclense , and  is  composed  of  silica,  al- 
lumina,  carbonate  of  lime,  oxide  of  iron,  organic  matter,  etc.,  furnishing  a 
distinctly  marly  soil.  It  is  the  best  tobacco  soil  of  the  State  and  is  as 
good  for  wheat  as  any  portion  of  the  Central  Basin.  Grapes  grow  to 
great  perfection,  and  corn,  oats,  hay  and  potatoes  do  well.  It  is  strong, 
durable,  reliable,  and  is  stitfer  than  many  other  calcareous  soils  and  less 
likely  to  Avasli.  Under  the  chert  bed  is  a stratum  of  tenacious  clay,  which 
in  periods  of  drouth,  supplies  the  roots  of  plants  with  the  retained  moist- 
ure, while  the  chert  bed,  in  wet  seasons,  carries  off  the  surplus  water,  so 
that  the  soil  is  good  in  either  wet  or  dry  seasons.  This  soil  occupies  a 
large  portion  of  the  Highland  Rim  Avhere  sink -holes  abound.  Crops  are 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


25 


certain,  and  on  this  soil  are  many  of  the  best  farms  of  the  State.  The 
soil  of  the  Central  Basin  is  more  fertile,  but,  as  the  underlying  limestone 
is  nearer  the  surface,  is  more  easily  affected  by  drouth,  so  that,  in  the  end, 
it  is  not  more  productive  than  the  Lower  Carboniferous  soil.  The  latter 
will  not  admit  of  tramping,  owing  to  the  clay  it  contains;  while  the  Nash- 
ville soil  does  better  with  packing,  owing  to  its  porous  state  caused  by 
the  presence  of  considerable  sand.  Blue-grass  does  not  thrive  so  well 
on  the  clayey  soil.  The  largest  orchards  of  the  State  are  grown  on  the 
Lower  Carbniferous  soil,  though  many  other  portions  are  as  valuable  in 
this  respect.  The  second  soil  of  the  Lower  Carboniferous  Period,  on  the 
slopes  of  the  tableland,  contains  less  chert,  but  is  highly  productive.  It 
is  not  so  red,  resembling  more  the  alluvial  bottoms,  and  contains  less 
clay  and  more  sand  than  the  first  soil  of  this  period,  and  is,  therefore, 
more  fertile  though  less  durable  than  the  Nashville  soil.  Heavy  forests 
cover  its  principal  tracts  in  Overton,  White,  Warren  and  Fentress  Coun- 
ties. The  green  sand  soil  is  a siliceous  loam,  resting  upon  mixed  sand 
and  clay,  containing  carbonate  of  lime  and  numerous  green  pebbles  of 
glauconite.  Lime  is  obtained  from  the  numerous  shell  heaps  contained. 
This  constituent  renders  the  soil  much  more  fertile,  friable  and  produc- 
tive. Cotton  and  corn,  and  often  wheat,  grow  well.  The  green  sand 
giving  name  to  this  group,  contains  gypsum,  soluble  silica,  oxide  of  iron 
and  carbonate  of  lime,  all  fertile  ingredients,  and  may,  in  the  end,  as  the 
deposit  is  eight  miles  wide  and  fifty  miles  long  and  quite  thick,  be  used 
extensively  as  a fertilizer. 

The  shaly  soils  of  the  State  are  usually  cold,  clayey,  unimportant  and 
unproductive  except  for  grasses.  The  alluvial  soils,  in  the  aggregate, 
occupy  a larger  area  than  any  other.  Nine  hundred  square  miles  lie  in 
one  body  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  to  this  must  be  added  the 
immense  aggregate  of  all  the  creek  and  river  bottoms  of  the  State,  a vast 
though  indeterminate  expanse.  The  alluvial  soils  differ  much  in  charac- 
ter, some  containing  much  lime,  some  much  sand,  some  a noticeable  lack 
of  both,  depending  on  the  constituents  of  the  surrounding  highlands 
from  which  the  rich  washings  come.  These  alluvial  soils  are  the  richest, 
most  durable  and  productive  of  the  State — most  durable  because  of  the 
constant  renewal  of  their  fertile  elements  drained  from  the  adjacent  hills. 
They  are  especially  adapted  for  wheat — forty  bushels  not  infrequently  being 
raised  upon  one  acre.  A sandy  soil  is  usually  warm,  a clayey  one  cold ; some 
are  light,  heavy,  loamy,  marly,  leachy,  limy,  sour,  sweet,  marshy,  com- 
pact, tenacious,  porous,  fine,  coarse,  gravelly  or  rocky,  and  their  product- 
iveness not  only  depends  upon  the  fertile  elements  such  as  soluble  silica, 
lime,  carbon,  potash,  magnesia,  oxide  of  iron  and  their  compounds  and 


26 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


other  fertile  matter  such  as  nitrogen,  ammonia,  carbonic  acid,  sulphuric 
acid,  etc.,  but  upon  climatic  and  other  allied  conditions,  such  as  heat, 
cold,  drouths,  drainage,  rains,  subsoils,  manures,  pulverization,  etc. 
The  best  condition  of  a soil  for  production  is  a thorough  pulverization, 
with  a subsoil  of  sufficient  tenacity  to  hold  fertilizers  and  moisture,  and 
yet  well  drained  of  its  surplus  waters.  The  decomposing  vegetable  mat- 
ter called  humus,  gives  wonderful  richness  to  the  soil  and  furnishes  car- 
bonic acid,  nitrogen  and  ammonia,  the  life-blood  of  plants. 

The  sandy  soils  are  found  mainly  in  West  Tennessee.  They  contain 
a greater  or  less  quantity  of  iron  compounds,  clay  and  calcareous  mat- 
ter, whiqh,  in  some  localities,  give  them  great  vigor,  but  where  these  ele- 
mets  are  lacking  leave  them  comparatively  sterile.  Level  lands,  or  those 
approximately  so,  if  well  drained,  do  best,  as  they  are  not  washed  of  their 
plant  food  elements  so  readily.  The  soil  of  the  Orange  sand  is  the  most 
important,  and  is  spread  over  the  greater  portion  of  West  Tennessee.  The 
soils  of  the  Ripley  and  Flatwood  groups  embrace  some  fine  farming  land, 
and  some  too  much  broken  into  hills  and  ridges  to  be  convenient  to  work. 
In  some  localities  the  Flatwood  group  contains  layers  of  laminated  clay, 
which  furnish  a stiff  soil.  The  sandy  soils,  if  properly  fertilized  and 
cared  for,  repay  the  husbandman  with  a fair  harvest. 

The  bluff  loam,  or  loess,  covering  all  other  formations  in  the  belt  of 
high  lands  extending  from  the  Kentucky  line  to  Memphis,  is  a fine  cal- 
careo-siliceous  earth,  often  ash  colored,  sometimes  reddish  or  chocolate 
colored,  and  occasionally  black.  It  contains  more  calcareous  matter  than 
the  others,  except  the  green  sand.  Carbonate  of  lime  is  sometimes  found 
in  concretions  in  heaps.  This  soil  is  among  the  best  in  the  State,  owing 
its  valuable  qualities  to  the  lime,  sand,  iron,  clay,  etc.,  it  contains,  and 
to  the  excellent  pulverulent  qualities  it  possesses.  Tobacco,  cotton, 
wheat,  oats,  clover,  and  the  grasses  grow  luxuriantly,  while  the  forests  are 
very  extensive  and  some  of  the  trees  of  enormous  size. 

The  siliceous  or  flinty  soils  are  found  in  greatest  abundance  over  the 
counties  of  Lawrence,  Wayne,  Lewis,  Stewart,  Montgomery,  DeKalb. 
Cannon,  Coffee,  Moore,  Hickman,  Humphreys,  Dickson  and  Franklin, 
and  are  thin  and  poor.  They  have  a bluish,  or  pale  yellow  subsoil  so 
porous  that  manures  are  lost  after  a few  years.  The  natural  vegetation 
of  all  kinds  is  scrubby  and  coarse,  though  a rank  grass  which  grows  in 
open  woods  supplies  large  herds  of  stock.  Fruit  trees  do  well.  These 
are  the  “barrens,”  which  are  destitute  of  calcareous  matter  and  have  a 
porous  subsoil  and  a leachy  surface  soil.  Similar  lands  containing  lime 
and  iron  and  having  a tenacious  red  subsoil  are  much  better. 

The  soils  of  the  Unaka  region  are  generally  thin  and  unproductive. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


27 


though  wild  grasses  grow  well,  and  here  and  there  a spot  of  surprising 
fertility  appears.  The  mountain  slopes  are  often  covered  with  heavy  tim- 
ber. The  soil  of  the  Cliilhowee  sandstone  occupies  mountainous  locations, 
is  limited  in  extent,  but  in  small  spots  furnishes  gardens  and  vegetable 
fields.  Blue-grass  may  be  grown  on  this  soil.  The  soil  of  the  Clinch 
Mountain  sandstone  is  thin,  but  potatoes  and  other  vegetables,  and  grass 
and  timber  do  well.  The  Dyestone  and  White  Oak  Mountain  soils  are 
good,  though  limited  in  area.  The  soil  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land, 
which  covers  over  5,000  square  miles  of  the  State,  is  sandy  and  thin, 
though  there  are  areas  of  moderate  fertility  at  the  foot  of  knobs  and 
ridges,  where  fertile  washings  from  the  slopes  are  gathered.  All  the  val- 
leys are  fertile,  and  accordingly  productive.  No  lime  appears,  all  being 
sand,  and  compost  soon  sinks  below  plant  roots.  The  yellowish  red  subsoil, 
^with  a thin  coating  of  humus,  is  more  valuable  than  that  with  less  iron 
and  little  or  no  humus.  The  former,  with  care  and  proper  composts,  may 
be  made  highly  productive;  not  so  the  latter,  which  is  too  porous  and 
tender,  and,  when  uncultivated,  produces  nothing  but  shrubby  trees,  hardy, 
coarse  weeds  and  grass,  lichens  and  mosses.  The  glades  and  wet  lands 
along  the  streams  may  be  made  valuable  by  drainage  and  by  the  use  of 
alkalies  to  neutralize  the  abundant  acid  liberated  by  the  decomposition  of 
a superabundance  of  vegetable  remains. 

The  Coals. — The  area  of  the  coal-bearing  strata  amounts  to  5,100 
square  miles,  and  over  this  vast  extent  of  country  from  one  to  sixteen 
seams  occur.  The  coal  fields  include  the  counties  of  Scott,  Morgan  and 
Cumberland,  the  greater  portions  of  Pickett,  Fentress,  Yan  Buren,  Bled- 
soe, Grundy,  Sequatchie  and  Marion;  considerable  portions  of  Claiborne, 
Campbell,  Anderson,  Bhea,  Roane,  Overton,  Hamilton,  Putnam,  White 
and  Franklin,  and  small  portions  of  Warren  and  Coffee.  About  1,000 
square  miles  of  the  northeastern  portion  of  this  tract  consists  of  a series 
of  short  irregular  mountain  chains,  breaking  away  from  the  main  Cum- 
berland Mountain  ridge,  and  casting  heavenward  numerous  peaks  of 
great  height.  The  remainder  of  the  coal  tract,  except  certain  portions 
in  the  southern  part,  is  the  true  Cumberland  Table-land  or  plateau.  The 
upper  coal  measures  embrace  one  or  two  principal  sandstones  (one  of 
which  may  be  a conglomerate)  and  an  equal  number  of  coal  horizons  in 
which  one  or  more  beds  of  coal  may  be  expected.  These  and  their  ac- 
companying strata  compose  the  upper  plateau,  and  have  a thickness  of 
from  200  to  300  feet,  but  are  not  typical  of  the  tract  of  1,000  square 
miles,  to  which  reference  was  made  above.  The  conglomerate  sandstone, 
upon  which  the  upper  coal  measures  rest,  usually  contains  numerous 
small  white  quartz  pebbles,  and  is  sometimes  a double  seam,  embracing 


28 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


an  important  coal  horizon.  The  lower  coal  measures  consist  of  a series 
of  sandstones  and  shales  with  from  one  to  three  or  four  coal  veins,  and 
constitute  the  most  important  division  of  the  carboniferous  period  in  the 
State  and  over  a considerable  area  the  only  one  available  as  a source  of 
coal.  Excluding  the  Cliff  rock  the  thickness  of  this  division  ranges  from 
a few  feet  to  300.  These  characteristics  are,  in  general,  typical  only  of 
the  southern,  western  and  northwestern  portions  of  the  table-land,  as  the 
northeastern  portion  and  a strip  along  the  eastern  side,  in  the  counties  of 
Claiborne,  Scott,  Campbell,  Anderson  and  Morgan,  have  a thickness  of 
the  upper  coal  measures,  in  some  places  of  over  2,000  feet.  The  coal  meas- 
ures above  the  conglomerate  have  been  much  denuded,  particularly  on 
the  western  side  of  the  table-land,  and  at  points  where  the  formations  are 
much  elevated,  the  reverse  being  true  where  the  elevations  are  low. 
Where  the  coal  measures  are  thickest  the  conglomerate  is  depressed  and  Si 
the  waste  by  denudation  is  measurably  compensated  by  the  superior  de- 
velopment, at  many  points,  of  the  lower  coal  measures. 

In  the  Sewanee  District,  embracing  parts  of  the  counties  of  Franklin, 
Marion,  Sequatchie,  Grundy,  Warren,  Bledsoe  and  Yan  Buren,  the  coal 
measures  are  approximately  horizontal.  The  following  section,  the  low- 
est strata  of  which  are  taken  from  the  gulf  of  Little  Gizzard  Creek,  about 
two  miles  south  of  Tracy  City,  and  the  higher  in  succession  in  ascending 
the  stream  to  the  plateau  or  top  of  the  conglomerate,  exhibits  well  the 
general  character  of  the  formations  of  the  coal  measures  in  the  Sewanee 
District : 


UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Sandstone,  the  conglomerate  or  cap  rock  of  the  upper  plateau  and 


the  uppermost  stratum  in  this  region 50 

Coal (a  few  inches) 

Shale 23 

Coal,  outcrop i 

Shale,  dark  and  clayey 1 

Shale,  sandy 25 

Sandstone 86 

Shale,  more  or  less  sandy 45 

Coal,  main  Sewanee  seam 3 to  7 

Shale,  some  of  it  sandy 33 

Coal,  outcrop 1 

Shale 3 

Sandstone 17 

Conglomerate , 70 


LOWER  ,COAL  MEASURES. 

Coal,  outcrop 

Shale,  overlaid  with  clay 

.Sandstone,  cliff  rock . . . . 


Feet. 
,4  to  1 

...10 
. . . 65 


STATE  CAPITOL,  NASHVILLE, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


29 


Feet. 

Coal,  outcrop $ to  1£ 

Shale,  with  clay  at  top 8 

Sandy  shale 22 

Sandstone,  hard 78 

Coal,  with  occasional  shale 1 to  3 

Sandstone,  hard,  local 20 

Shale,  including  a thin  sandstone 20 

Mountain  limestone  with  archimedes . ...  20 


Below  the  conglomerate,  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  part  of  the 
Sewanee  District,  there  are  usually  four  seams  of  coal.  In  Franklin 
County  and  in  the  southern  part  of  Grundy  one  seam  disappears.  In  the 
northern  part  of  Grundy  and  in  Warren  another  seam  is  missing,  and  the 
thickness  of  the  lower  coal  measure  is  reduced  from  360  to  fifty  feet,  ex- 
clusive of  the  conglomerate.  The  coal  beds  are  very  irregular  in  thick- 
ness, being  often  too  thin  to  work  profitably  and  in  some  places  from 

three  to  nine  feet  thick.  The  aggregate  amount  of  coal  is  very  great 

and  the  quality  good,  and  the  extent  coincides  with  the  Sewanee  Dis- 
trict. The  conglomerate  is  the  cover  and  protector  of  the  lower  coal 

measures,  having  saved  them  from  denudation  in  past  ages.  The 

Tracy  City  coals  belong  to  the  upper  coal  measures  ; those  of  Little  Fiery 
Gizzard  to  the  lower  measures.  On  Crow,  Battle  and  Little  Sequatchie 
Creeks  are  important  outcrops  of  the  lower  coals.  On  Cave  Creek  in 
Marion  County,  under  the  Cliff  rock,  a coal  seam  nine  feet  thick  outcrops 
and  near  in  the  “pocket”  is  five  feet  thick.  At  the  old  Parmelee  Bank 
it  is  from  seven  to  nine  feet  thick.  North  of  Tracy  City  only  two  coal 
seams  of  the  lower  measures  are  usually  found  ; those  near  McMinnville 
are  thin.  In  Bledsoe,  Van  Buren,  Warren  and  Grundy  they  are  thin  with 
occasional  thicker  spots.  The  conglomerate  is  mainly  the  surface  rock 
from  Tracy  City  to  Alabama,  and  over  this  expanse  only  occasional  knolls 
of  the  upper  coal  measures  occur:  one  two  miles  west  of  Tracy  City,  an- 
other about  half  way  between  Tracy  City  and  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga 
tunnel,  and  another  just  south  of  the  lower  mines. 

Southeast,  east  and  northeast  of  Tracy  City  the  ridges  of  the  upper 
measures  often  appear.  The  main  Sewanee  coal  in  the  vicinity  of  Tracy 
City  is  of  good  quality,  semi-bituminous,  and  contains  little  pyrites.  It 
is  fragile  and  is  usually  a four  or  five  foot  bed,  and  is  the  most  reliable 
one  west  of  the  Sequatchie  Valley.  Other  seams  of  the  upper  measures 
are  found  in  the  Sewanee  District,  but  are  not  so  valuable. 

The  Raccoon  and  Walden’s  Ridge  District  embraces  the  portion  of  the 
table-land  east  of  Sequatchie  Valley  and  the  Crab  Orchard  Mountains,  and 
extends  from  Alabama  to  the  Emery  River  in  Morgan  County,  compris- 
ing parts  of  Marion,  Sequatchie,  Hamilton,  Bledsoe,  Rhea,  Cumberland, 


30 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Roane  and  Morgan.  At  tlie  Etna  Mines  and  vicinity  the  Cliff  rock  be- 
comes a conglomerate,  and  the  conglomerate  (the  cap  of  the  lower  meas- 
ures) becomes  a sandstone.  The  following  is  the  section  at  Etna 
Mines  : 

UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 


A’  CCl. 

Sandstone,  cap  rock  at  Etna 75 

Shale 48 

Coal,  good  block  and  uniform 4 

Shale  with  occasional  thin  coal 30  to  40 

Coal  with  slate  or  shale 5 to  6 

Shale. . . : i 44 

Coal,  good  block 2 to  3 

Fire  clay 1 to  2 

Sandstone  (Conglomerate  of  last  table) ( 1 75 

Coal (few  inches) 

Shale 30  to  40 

Coal (10  inches) 

Sandy  shale 100  to  130 

Conglomerate  (the  cliff  rock  of  the  former  table  where  it  is 

classed  with  the  lower  coal  measures) 70  to  100 

LOWER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Shale 0 to  12 

Coal  (main  Etna  or  Cliff  vein,  most  important  bed  in  the 

Raccoon  Mountains)  average 3 

Fire  clay  with  Stigmcvria 1 to  3 

Shale 5 to  20 

Coal,  thin I to  1 

Sandstone  and  sandy  shale ^ 80  to  120 

Shale  (?) 0 to  5 

Coal , | to  3 

Fire  clay 0 to  2 

Sandy  shale  and  sandstone 20  to  25 

Shale 15  to  20 

Coal 11  to  3 

Fire  clay 0 to  3 

Shales  and  shaly  sandstones 80  to  150 

Mountain  limestone not  ascertained 


The  above  section  is  a typical  exhibit  of  the  measures  of  the  Raccoon 
Mountain  District.  The  upper  measures  are  rich  in  coal,  and  it  will  be 
observed  by  comparison  that  there  is  one  more  coal  seam  in  the  lower 
measures  than  on  the  west  slope  of  Sequatchie  Valley,  and  the  volume  is 
much  greater.  The  lower  measures  are  well  exhibited  where  the  Ten- 
nessee River  cuts  through  the  Walden  Range  and  are  similar  to  the  Etna 
measures.  The  four  coals  below  the  cliff  rock  outcrop  on  the  slopes. 
Northward  to  the  Emery  River  the  sections  above  of  the  Sewanee  and 
Raccoon  Districts  may  be  taken  as  types  of  both  the  upper  and  lower 
measures.  The  main  Sewanee  is  the  principal  coal,  and  numerous  out- 
crops of  the  upper  and  lower  measures  occur  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


31 


table-land.  The  strata  are  often  much  disturbed,  doubtless  by  volcanic 
forces.  The  following  is  the  section  where  the  Crossville  & Kingston 
Road  crosses  Crab  Orchard  Range  in  Cumberland  County : 


UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Sandstone,  probably 100 

Shale,  doubtless  with  coal 25  to  50 

Sandstone 100  to  150 

Shale,  probably  with  coal 60 

Sandstone 60 

Shale 50 

Coal,  main  Sewanee 4 

Fire  clay 1 

Shale 30  to  40 

Conglomerate,  caps  the  mountains 100  to  150 

LOWER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Shale,  possibly  with  coal 15 

Sandstone 33 

Shale  with  light  coal  seams 110 

Sandstone 50 

Shale,  with  impure  coal 20 

Mountain  limestone not  ascertained 


In  this  table  the  thicknesses  are  only  approximately  correct.  Here 
the  strata  of  the  coal  measures  are  folded  in  a great  arch,  and  are  missing 
at  the  summit,  having  been  denuded  by  natural  agencies. 

The  northern  coal  district  is  made  to  embrace  that  part  of  the  table- 
land lying  north  of  Yan  Buren  and  Bledsoe  Counties  and  west  of  the 
Crab  Orchard  range,  and  a line  running  through  Montgomery  and 
Huntsville,  and  within  its  limits  are  parts  of  White,  Cumberland,  Mor- 
gan, Putnam,  Overton,  Fentress,  Pickett  and  Scott  Counties.  Here  the 
top  of  the  table-land  is  usually  a flat  surface,  and  back  from  the  slopes 
appears  an  upper  plateau.  In  the  eastern  portion  of  this  area  the  Crab 
Orchard  section  above  may  be  considered  the  type.  On  Clifty  Creek  in 
White  County  the  following  is  the  section: 


UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Sandstone  and  conglomerate 

Shale 

Coal,  irregular 

Fire  clay , 

Shale  with  sandy  strata 

Fire  clay  with  coal  traces 

Sandstone 

Shale 

Fire  clay  with  coal  traces. 

Sandy  shale  or  sandstone 


Feet. 

65 

...0  to  12 

i to  2 

0 to  2 

....60 

(11  inches) 

40 

20 

(11  inches) 
25 


32 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Feet. 

Shale 52 

Coal 3 

Shale 25 

Conglomerate 60 

LOWER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Shale  with  one  or  two  seams  of  coal  0 to  18  inches,  in  all 15 

Mountain  limestone 40 

Calcareous  shale not  ascertained 


At  other  points  in  White  County  the  lower  measures  are  of  greater 
importance.  Generally  the  lower  measures  on  the  western  slope  of  the 
table-land  from  Alabama  to  Kentucky  present  the  same  features,  com- 
prising usually  two,  sometimes  three  to  seven  seams,  often  too  thin  for 
mining,  but  locally  available  and  valuable.  The  measures  under  the  con- 
glomerate in  this  portion  of  the  table-land  are  similar  to  those  on  the 
western  slope  of  the  Sewanee  District.  In  fact  the  measures  are  similar 
throughout  the  extent  of  the  western  slope  and  consist  of  shales  and  sand- 
stones and  two,  sometimes  three,  rarely  more,  seams  of  coal.  Though 
often  too  thin  for  mining,  they  become  thicker  and  valuable  locally.  In 
the  valley  of  the  Calfkiller,  in  Putnam  County,  the  coals  below  the  con- 
glomerate are  often  valuable  and  the  general  features  in  the  counties  of 
Putnam,  Overton,  Pickett,  Fentress,  Morgan  and  Scott  are  the  same  as 
above.  Little  extensive  mining  has  been  done  in  this  part  of  the  district, 
owing  mainly  to  the  lack  of  transportation.  The  following  section  from 
the  mouth  of  Big  Hurricane  Creek,  in  Fentress  County,  is  typical  of  the 
coal  measures  of  the  northern  counties. 


UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Conglomerate  (overhanging  cliffs) 40 

Shale,  doubtless  with  coal 51 

Sandstone , 6 

Shale,  doubtless  with  coal 21 

Sandstone 46 

Shale,  doubtless  with  coal 50 

Conglomerate  (lower  cliffs,  main) 90 

LOWER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Coal,  good  block - 0 to  3 

Fire  clay,  shale  and  sandstone 4 

Shale  with  layers  of  clay  ironstones 25  to  30 

Mountain  limestone 15 

Shales,  marly  and  variegated 100 


The  main  conglomerate  has  always  a coal  horizon  below,  consisting  of 
shales  and  sandstones,  and,  when  the  cap  rock  of  the  upper  plateaus  is 
present,  has  one  above.  Outcrops  of  the  lower  measures  at  Buffalo  Cave, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


33 

Fentress  County  and  near  Jamestown  show  the  coal  below  the  conglomer- 
ate to  be  three  to  five  feet  thick,  black,  lustrous  and  excellent.  Outcrops 
of  the  upper  coals  are  not  as  numerous  as  of  those  below  the  main  con- 
glomerate. Numerous  banks  of  these  coals  have  been  opened,  one  at 
Little  Laurel,  Overton  County,  being  four  and  a half  feet  thick  and  excel- 
lent. 

The  northeastern  district,  embracing  parts  of  the  counties  of  Morgan, 
Anderson,  Scott,  Campbell  and  Claiborne,, is  traversed  by  numerous  high 
ridges  or  mountains,  in  which  are  heavy  developments  of  the  coal  depos- 
its, particularly  the  upper;  and  shales,  coals  and  sandstones  are  piled 
up  high  above  the  conglomerate,  which,  elsewhere,  is  the  surface  rock. 
The  carboniferous  formation  here  is  not  far  from  2,500  feet,  and  nowhere 
else  in  the  State  are  there  so  many  coal  beds  or  such  an  aggregate  mass 
of  coal.  The  following  is  an  estimated  section  at  Cross  Mountain,  four 
miles  northwest  of  Jacksborough. 


UPPER  COAL  MEASURES. 

Feet. 

Sandstone,  cap  of  the  mountains 100 

. Shales  and  sandstones 249 

Coal,  pure  block,  except  a six-inch  seam  of  black  shale 6 

Shales  and  sandstones 357 

Coal,  excellent,  possibly  6 feet 4 

Shale  and  sandstones .150  to  190 

Coal,  outcrop 1 

Fire  clay,  shale  and  sandstones.. 262  to  323 

Coal,  outcrop. 1 

Shale 6 

Coal,  outcrop,  may  be  6 feet 3 

Shales  and  sandstones 323  to  398 

Coal  outcrop  with  shale  three  inches 3 

Shales  and  sandstones 260  to  290 

Coal 3 

Shales,  slate  and  sandstones 170 

Coal,  outcrop 1 

Fire  clay  and  shale 9 

' Coal  with  three-inch  parting 5 

Fire  clay,  shale,  black  slate  with  Stigmaria,  to  foot  of  mountain 30 


The  entire  thickness  of  this  section  is  about,  2,100  feet,  and  an  ag- 
gregate thickness  of  twenty-seven  feet  of  coal  is  found.  A section  at 
Tellico  Mountain  shows  about  the  same  aggregate  quantity  of  coal, 
several  seams  of  which,  with  the  conglomerate,  appear  in  the  upper  part 
of  Pine  Mountain,  caused  by  a fault  in  the  strata.  The  Cross  Moun- 
tain section  above  is  typical  of  the  measures  of  this  district.  Numerous 
banks  have  been  opened,  all  presenting,  in  general,  similar  characteristics. 
Scores  of  banks  could  be  profitably  opened  on  Emery  River.  The  coal 
of  this  division  is  usually  very  good  block  and  is  practicably  inexhaust- 


34 


HISTOKY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ible.  When  railroads  reach  these  valuable  fields,  future  generations  will 
receive  the  benefit.  The  coal  of  the  Etna  Mines  contains  74.2  per  cent 
of  fixed  carbon  and  21.1  of  volatile  matter.*  The  Sewanee  coal  gives  62 
per  cent  of  fixed  carbon  and  25.41  of  volatile  matter.  The  present  pro- 
duction of  coke  is  very  great. 

Iron  Ore. — The  deposits  of  iron  ore  are  of  the  greatest  value.  The 
outcrops  where  such  deposits  occur  appear  in  three  belts  which  have  been 
named  and  described  as  follows:  The  eastern  iron  region  which  extends 
through  the  State  with  and  in  front  of  the  Unaka  Range;  the  Dye- 
stone  region,  which  skirts  the  eastern  base  of  Cumberland  Table-land 
or  Walden’s  Ridge  from  Virginia  to  Georgia,  and  extends  laterally  into 
the  valley  of  East  Tennessee  from  ten  to  twenty  miles,  and  includes  the 
Sequatchie  and  Elk  Valleys;  the  western  iron  region,  which  occupies 
a belt  of  high  lands  contiguous  to  the  western  valley  and  a part  of  the 
valley  itself,  and  extends  from  Kentucky  to  Alabama. 

The  eastern  region  includes  the  counties  of  Johnson,  Carter,  Sul- 
livan, Washington,  Greene,  Cocke,  Sevier,  Blount.  Monroe,  Polk  and  the 
entire  eastern  part  of  McMinn.  In  the  valleys  and  coves  of  this  vast 
region  occur  most  of  the  iron  ore  deposits.  The  bottoms  of  the  valleys 
are  usually  occupied  by  shales  and  slates  and  magnesian  limestone  of  the 
Knox  group,  which  have  been  so  leached  and  weathered  that  ridges  and 
knolls  of  clay,  sand,  chert  and  shaly  debris  or  clay  have  been  formed,  and 
in  these  masses  the  iron  ore  has  accumulated.  Limonite,  by  far  the  most 
abundant  ore  of  this  region,  contains,  when  pure,  59.92  per  cent  of 
metallic  iron;  25.68  per  cent  of  oxygen  and  14.4  per  cent  of  water.  The 
source  of  limonite  is  the  ferruginous  chert  of  the  lithostrotion  bed. 
Practically  the  percentage  of  iron  is  less  than  59.92  per  cent  owing  to 
impurity.  This  ore  occurs  both  as  lioney-comb  and  solid  ore  and  some- 
times in  ochreous  and  earthy  combinations.  It  occurs  in  all  sizes  less 
than  beds  ten  or  fifteen  feet  in  diameter.  Generally  the  most  important 
banks  are  on  knolls,  hills  or  ridges  fifty  to  200  feet  high  and  often  several 
miles  long,  and  the  deposits  occur  at  intervals.  The  ores  in  Johnson, 
Carter  and  Washington  Counties  contain  lead  and  zinc.  These  ores,  in- 
cluding the  iron,  originated  doubtless  from  the  decomposed  limestones 
which  contain  these  elements.  The  iron  ore  is  of  excellent  quality  and 
the  beds  are  so  numerous  that  it  is  estimated  that  there  is  sufficient  ore 
to  supply  an  average  of  three  or  four  extensive  works  to  each  of  the 
counties  named  for  a long  period  of  years.  Hematite  contains  70  per 
cent  of  iron  and  30  per  cent  of  oxygen.  Impurities  reduce  the  amount 
of  iron.  The  .hard,  solid  ore  of  this  division  occurs  only  in  a few  places 


* Analysis  by  Prof.  Pohle,  of  New  York  City. 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


35 


and  in  a regular,  solid  bed.  The  ore  in  more  or  less  magnetic  and  ex- 
cellent. The  Dyestone  ore  is  a stratified  fossiliferous  iron  rock  and  is 
composed  of  flattened  oolitic  or  rounded  grains  and  frequently  contains 
crinoidal  buttons.  Magnetite,  when  pure,  contains  72.4  per  cent  of  iron 
and  and  27.6  of  oxygen.  It  is  a very  rare  ore,  one  bed  being  in  Cocke 
and  another  in  Carter  County.  It  is  associated  with  Sahlite  and  decom- 
posing gneissoid  rocks  and  occurs  in  irregular  layers,  patches  and  wedge- 
shaped  masses  in  the  metamorphic  group. 

On  the  west  side  of  the  valley  of  East  Tennessee  is  the  Dyestone  iron 
region,  which  includes  a portion  or  all  of  the  following  counties:  Han- 

cock, Claiborne,  Grainger,  Campbell,  Anderson,  Boane,  Bhea,  Meigs, 
Hamilton,  Marion,  Sequatchie  and  Bledsoe.  The  ore  is  a distinctly  strati- 
fied red  iron  stone,  a variety  of  hematite,  generally  soils  the  fingers,  but 
is  sometimes  quarried  in  blocks.  It  is  highly  fossiliferous  and  upon  ex- 
posure becomes  brownish  red,  though  almost  scarlet  when  first  mined. 
This  is  the  main  ore  of  this  region  and  its  impurities  are  sandy  and  ar- 
gillaceous matters  and  carbonate  of  lime.  Numerous  banks  have  been 
opened.  Limonite  to  a limited  extent  is  found  in  this  region.  The 
mountain  ridge  containing  the  Dyestone  ore  is  150  miles  long  and  its 
average  thickness  is  over  20  inches.  Upon  the  Cumberland  Table-land 
occur  a few  beds  of  clay  ironstones.  This  ore  is  an  impure  carbonate  of 
iron  and  contains  41.25  percent  of  metallic  iron,  11.78  of  oxygen,  35.17 
carbonic  acid  and  11.8  of  water,  etc.  Practically  30  to  33  per  cent  of 
iron  is  obtained.  It  occurs  in  nodules  and  balls  and  is  limited  in  quan- 
tity. Black  band  ironstone  and  limonite  are  also  found  scattered  over 
the  table-land. 

The  western  iron  region  includes  part  or  all  of  the  following  coun- 
ties: Lawrence,  Wayne,  Hardin,  Lewis,  Perry,  Decatur,  Hickman, 
Humphreys,  Benton,  Dickson,  Montgomery  and  Stewart.  The  belt  is 
about  fifty  miles  wide  and  over  the  entire  extent  more  or  less  ore  occurs. 
There  appear  centers  where  heavy  deposits  of  great  value  and  extent  are 
found.  These  banks  have  a high  position  on  the  tops  or  edges  of  plateau 
ridges,  and  owe  their  origin  very  probably  to  the  remains  of  decomposed 
sandstones  before  the  Central  Basin  or  the  valley  of  West  Tennessee  was 
excavated.  The  banks  are  from  a few  feet  to  100  feet.  Limonite  is  al- 
most the  only  ore,  though  hematite  occurs  near  Clifton,  in  W ayne  County. 
Limonite  occurs  in  irregular  lumps  or  hollow  concretions  called  “pots” 
scattered  through  the  matrix  of  the  debris  of  the  strata  of  the  siliceous 
group,  consisting  of  angular  fragments  of  half  decomposed  and  often 
bleached  chert  and  soft  sandstones  imbedded  in  clay.  This  is  the  bed  of 
the  ore.  The  varieties  of  this  ore  are  called  compact,  honey-comb,  pot 


36 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  pipe  ores  and  ocher,  tlie  first  three  being  common.  The  pots  vary  in 
size  from  an  orange  to  two  feet  in  diameter.  Pipe  ore  is  worked  in  Stew- 
art County.  It  is  estimated  that  the  best  banks  furnish  one-fourtli  to 
one-third  of  the  mass  removed  in  iron  ore.  Its  occurrence  in  banks  is 
irregular — sometimes  in  pockets,  beds,  veins,  strata,  columns,  or  isolated 
masses  often  ten  to  twenty  feet  through.  Some  masses  furnish  scores  of 
tons  of  ore.  The  beds  of  Hickman-  are  most  extensive  and  valuable  and 
more  than  twenty  banks  have  been  opened.  Those  of  Dickson  and  Stew- 
art are  next  valuable.  On  the  eastern  rim  of  the  basin  in  the  counties 
of  White,  Warren,  Putnam  and  Overton,  corresponding  ivith  the  deposits 
of  the  western  belt,  limonite  of  good  quality  is  found.  The  percentage 
of  pure  iron  varies  from  44  to  about  60. 

Fossils. — The  paleontological  features  are  characteristic  and  import- 
ant. Every  formation  considered  in  this  chapter,  except  the  Unaka, 
contains  fossils,  often  large,  finely  preserved  and  beautiful.  As  every 
formation  contains,  in  the  main,  its  own  fossils,  they  become  an  import- 
ant factor  in  identifying  the  strata.  The  most  fruitful  source  of  fossils 
in  this  State  are  the  Trenton  and  Nashville  groups.  The  following  is  a 
list  of  the  genera:  Butliotrepliis,  Stromatopora,  Stenopora,  Constellaria, 

Tetradium,  Columnaria,  Petraia,  Cleiocrinus,  Dendocrinus,  Glyptocrinus, 
Palseocrinus,  Petraster,  Ptilodictia,  Betepora,  Graptolithus,  Lephena, 
Stropliomena,  Orthis,  Skenidium,  Rhynchonella,  Triplesia,  Avicula,  Am- 
bonychia,  Crytodonta,  Ctenodonta,  Modiololopsis,  Holopea,  Cyclonema, 
Subulites,  Eunema,  Helicotoma,  Maclurea,  Trochonema,  Pleurotomaria, 
Murchisonia,  Crytolites,  Bellerophon,  Carinaropsis,  Clioderma,  Conularia, 
Salterella,  Ortlioceras,  Cyrtoceras,  Lituites,  Trocliolites,  Asaphus,  Caly- 
mene,  Cheirurus,  Encrinurus,  Illaenus,  Liclias,  Pliacops,  Dalmanites  and 
Leperditia.  Many  of  these  are  represented  by  a half  dozen  or  more 
species.  In  the  Niagara  group  occur  the  following  genera:  Astylo- 

spongia,  Palseomanon,  Artrmospongia,  Stenopora,  Thecostegites,  Tliecia, 
Heliolites,  Plasmopora,  Halysites,  Eavosites,  Cyathophyllum,  Petraia, 
Aulopora,  Alveolites,  Cladopora,  Fenestella,  Caryocrinus,  Apiocystites, 
Pentatrematites,  Saccocrinus,  Platycrinus,  Lampterocrinus,  Cytocrinus, 
Eucatyptocrinus,  Coccocrinus,  Synbathocrinus,  Posteriocrinus,  Gysto- 
crinus,  Haplocrinus,  Calceola,  Stropliomena,  Streptorliynchus,  Orthis, 
Spirifer,  Atrypa,  Pentamerus,  Athyris,  Rhynchonella,  Platyostoma,  Platy- 
ceras,  Cyclonema,  Ortlioceras,  Ceraurus,  Sphserexochus,  Dalmania,  Caly- 
mene  and  Bumastus.  In  the  Lower  Helderberg  formation  the  following 
are  found:  Anisophyllu'm,  Eavosites,  Apiocystites,  Leptaena,  Stropho- 

mena,  Strophodonta,  Orthis,  Spirifer,  Trematospira,  Nucleospira,  Rhynch- 
ospira,  Leptocoelia,  Rhynchonella,  Atrypa,  Merista,  Camarium,  Eatonia, 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


37 


Pentamerus,  Platyostoma,  Platyceras,  Phacops,  Dolmania  and  Dalmania. 
In  the  Lower  Carboniferous  formation  are  found  the  following  genera: 
Spirifer,  Orthis,  Platyceras,  Granatocrinus,  Agaricocrinus,  Actinocrinus, 
Cyathocrinus,  Icthiocrinus,  Lithostrotion,  Zaphrentis,  Pentreinites,  Dic- 
chorinus,  Melonites,  Hemipronites,  Eetzia,  Rhynchonella,  Productus, 
Conularia,  Astraea,  Archimedes,  Athyris,  Terebratula,  Aspidodus,  Clay- 
dodus  and  a few  others.  The  Green  Sand  of  West  Tennessee,  famous 
for  its  beds  of  fossil  shells,  contains  the  following  genera  so  far  noticed 
and  named:  Platytrochus,  Corbula,  Crassatella,  Astarte,  Venilia,  Car- 

dium,  Trigonia,  Area,  Nucula,  Cuculloea,  Ctenoides,  Pacten,  Neithea, 
Ostrea,  Oxogyra,  Graph;®.  Anomia,  Placunanomia,  Scalaria,  Natica, 
Yolutilithes,  Rapa,  Auchura,  Baculites,  Enchodus,  Sphyraena,  Ischyrhiza, 
Teredo,  Serpula,  Rostellaria,  Fusus,  Turritella  and  Delphinula.  In  the 
Ripley  group  are  the  following:  Corbula,  Venus,  Crassatella,  Cardita, 

Leda,  Modiola,  Ostrea,  Gryphsea,  Turritella,  Natica,  Fasciolaria,  Nep- 
tunea,  Callianassa,  Lamna  and  crocodilus.  In  the  Bluff  loam  of  West 
Tennessee  are  Helix,  Planorbis,  Cyclas,  Amnicola,  Lymnea,  Succinea. 
In  the  Knox  group  are  Crepicephalus.  Lonchocephalus,  Agnostus,  Ling- 
ula  and  Pleurotomaria. 

The  fossil  fauna  of  Tennessee  are  distinct  and  characteristic  of  the 
strata  containing  them.  In  the  main  Sewanee  and  Jackson  coal  horizon 
occur  the  following:  Neuropteris,  Hymenophyllites,  Alethopteris,  Aster- 
ophyllites,  Calamities,  Stigmaria,  Sigillaria,  Syrigodendron,  Lepidoden- 
dron,  Lepidostrobus,  Trigonocarpum  and  Rhabdocarpus,  and  in  the  main 
Etna  Sphenopteris,  Hymenophyllites  and  Lepidodendron,  and  at  the 
base  of  the  coal  measures  on  the  Sewanee  Railroad  the  fossil  nut: 
Trigonocarpon.  Wood  and  leaves  are  found  in  the  Ripley  group  in 
West  Tennessee.  In  the  Orange  sand  appear  the  following  genera: 
Quercus,  Laurus,  Prunus,  Andromeda,  Sapotacites,  Eheagnus,  Salix,  Jug- 
laus,  Fagus  and  Ceanothus.  On  the  west  side  have  been  found  bones  of 
the  extinct  Mastodon,  Megalonyx,  Castor  and  Castoroides. 

Metals. — Copper  ore  is  found  at  Ducktown.  The  surface  of  the  coun- 
try is  rolling,  and  is  about  2,000  feet  above  the  sea.  Ocoee  River  crosses 
this  area.  The  rocks  are  talcose,  chlorite  and  mica  slates,  and  dip  at 
high  angles  to  the  southeast.  The  ore  deposits  are  great  lenticular  masses 
of  metal  and  gangue  material,  occurring  in  long  ranges  or  belts,  which 
have  been  improperly  termed  veins.  These  dip  at  high  angles,  and  upon 
the  surface  is  gossan,  and  below  it  about  ten  feet  are  the  black  copper 
ores,  and  further  down  are  other  zones  containing  more  or  less  copper. 
Numerous  mines  have  been  opened  since  the  discovery  of  copper  in  1843. 
The  ores  and  minerals  found  are  as  follows : Copper  pyrites,  iron'  pyrites* 


38 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


magnetic  pyrites,  copper  glauce,  zinc  blende,  galena,  ortlioclase,  albite, 
tremolite,  actinolite,  diallage,  zoisite,  calcite,  quartz,  rutile,  garnet,  allo- 
phane,  alisouite,  bornite,  red  copper,  malachite,  azurite,  copperas,  blue- 
stone,  black  oxide  (very  valuable),  native  copper,  liarrisite,  rahtite,  limo- 
nite  (gossan).  Millions  of  dollars  worth  of  copper  ore  have  been  taken 
out  and  shipped  away. 

Nearly  every  county  in  East  Tennessee  contains  galenite  in  small 
quantities.  In  Claiborne  and  Union  Counties  it  occurs  particularly 
abundant.  In  the  latter  county,  on  Powell’s  River,  between  Tazewell  and 
Jacksborough,  about  sixteen  miles  from  Tazewell,  is  one  of  the  richest 
mines.  The  vein  fills  a nearly  vertical  fissure  about  twenty  inches  wide, 
in  nearly  horizontal  rocks,  and  can  be  traced  nearly  a mile.  The  galenite 
is  associated  with  zinc  blende  and  pyrite,  and  occurs  in  sheets,  two  or 
more,  having  an  aggregated  thickness  of  five  to  ten  inches.  This  mine  is 
typical  of  the  others.  Near  Charleston  galenite  was  mined  by  the  earlier 
races,  probably  Mound-Builders.  Veins  of  galenite  occur  also  in  Middle 
Tennessee,  but  are  of  little  importance.  An  important  one  occurs  in 
Davidson  County,  near  Haysborough,  occurring  in  a gangue  of  barite. 
Galenite  has  also  been  found  among  the  limestones  of  West  Tennessee. 
Smithsonite  and  calamite,  two  zinc  ores,  occur  in  deposits  and  irregular 
veins  in  the  dolomites  of  the  Knox  group,  the  most  important  being  in 
Union,  Claiborne  and  Jefferson  Counties.  The  Steiner  locality  in  Union 
County  is  important.  The  ore  outcrops  iu  a belt  fifty  or  sixty  feet  wide, 
and  runs  across  a low  ridge.  Through  this  ore  small  veins  of  Smithsonite 
and  calamite  ramify.  Gold  occurs  in  East  Tennessee  in  the  sands  and 
gravels  of  creeks  which  flow  over  the  metamorphic  slates  of  the  Ocoee 
group,  and  could  doubtless  be  found  in  the  quartz  veins  of  the  same  group. 
It  has  been  found  in  Blount,  Monroe  and  Polk  Counties.  The  most  has 
been  found  on  Coca  Creek  and.  vicinity,  in  Polk  County,  in  a tract  eight 
or  ten  miles  long  by  two  or  three  wide.  Gold  was  first  discovered  in 
1831.  Soon  afterward  the  field  was  thoroughly  explored,  and  up  to  1853 
$46,023  in  gold  of  this  locality  was  deposited  in  the  United  States  Mint. 
This  gold  is  derived  from  the  decomposed  quartz  veins,  and  has  been 
washed  into  creek  valleys.  A quartz  bearing  gold  has  lately  been  found  in 
Whip-poor-will  Creek, the  metal  appearing  in  grains  or  scales  in  the  quartz. 

Lignite  is  found  in  beds  in  the  Mississippi  bluffs,  and  is  a mass  of 
dark  grayish,  laminated,  micaceous  sand,  with  lignitic,  woody  fragments, 
sticks,  leaves,  etc.  It  is  also  found  in  Carter  County  and  a few  other 
places.  Crude  petroleum  and  allied  substances  have  been  worked  with 
profit  in  various  places  in  Tennessee.  Maury,  J ackson,  Overton,  Dickson, 
Wilson,' Montgomery,  Hickman  and  other  counties  furnish  it. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


39 


The  black  shale  is  a great  source  of  these  oils,  the  richest  producing 
from  thirty  to  forty  gallons  of  oil  to  the  ton.  The  Spring  Creek,  Over- 
ton  County,  wells  have  yielded  most.  Thousands  of  barrels  of  crude 
petroleum  have  been  pumped,  salt  mines  have  been  worked  on  Calfkiller 
Creek,  and  in  Anderson,  Warren,  Van  Buren,  Overton,  Jackson  and  else- 
where. Sulphur  springs  occur  in  some  localities.  Nitre  is  found  in  the 
numerous  caves  of  the  limestones  of  the  table-land.  Alum  is  obtained 
from  the  black  shale.  Epsom  salts  is  found  in  the  caves.  Gypsum  ap- 
pears in  several  caves.  Barite  is  found.  Copperas  was  formerly  exten- 
sively made  from  the  protoxide  of  iron  (pyrites)  thrown  out  at  the  Buck- 
worth  copper  mines,  also  sulphate  of  copper.  Iron  pyrites  is  often  found. 
Black  manganese  is  often  found  associated  with  limonite. 

Marble. — The  marbles  are  very  valuable,  and  are  already  a great 
source  of  wealth.  They  have  been  divided  as  follows : 1,  reddish  varie- 
gated fossiliferous  marble ; 2,  whitish  variegated  fossiliferous  marble ; 3, 
dull,  variegated  magnesian  marble;  4,  black  and  dark-blue  marbles;  5, 
breccia  and  conglomerate  marbles.  The  first  is  the  most  important  and 
occurs  in  East,  Middle  and  West  Tennessee.  Beds  have  been  opened  in 
Henry  County,  also  in  Benton  and  Decatur.  In  Franklin  County  are  ex- 
tensive beds.  In  White  County  a clouded  white  marble  is  obtained.  In 
the  valley  of  East  Tennessee  the  reddish  marble  occurs  in  Hawkins,  Han- 
cock, Grainger,  Jefferson,  Knox,  Roane,  Blount,  Monroe,  McMinn  and 
Bradley,  and  to  a more  limited  extent  in  Meigs,  Anderson,  Union  and 
Campbell.  It  has  been  extensively  quarried,  and  is  a variegated  crin- 
oidal  and  coralline  limestone  colored  grayish -white  or  brownish-red  and 
sometimes  pinkish  or  greenish-red.  The  most  common  color  is  brownish- 
red  more  or  less  mottled  with  white  or  gray  clouds  or  spots,  due  to  corals. 
Large  quantites  are  mined  and  shipped.  It  possesses  great  properties 
of  weather  durability  and  resistance  to  pressure.  The  whitish  marble  is 
a coralline,  sparry  gray-wliitisli  rock,  much  of  the  white  ground  being 
mottled  with  pink  or  reddish  spots.  There  is  no  superior  building  stone 
in  the  State  than  this  variety.  The  other  varieties  are  rarer,  but  all  are 
good.  From  the  gneiss  and  white  quartz  stones  of  the  metamorphic 
group  excellent  mill-stones  are  obtained.  The  chert  of  the  Knox  dolo- 
mite furnishes  fine  mill-stones.  The  Ocoee  group  produces  the  best 
roofing  slates.  Hydraulic  limestone  and  fire-clay  abound.  Sulphur, 
chalybeate,  Epsom  and  alum  springs  abound.  Sulphur  springs  originate 
in  the  black  shale. 

Temperature. — It  has  been  found,  through  many  years’  observation, 
that  the  mean  annual  temperature  of  the  Valley  of  East  Tennessee  is  about 
57  degrees,  of  the  Central  Basin  58,  and  of  West  Tennessee  594  to  60  de- 


40 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


grees,  through,  the  central  part  of  the  State,  east  and  west.  The  average 
annual  minimum  temperature  of  Middle  Tennessee  is  2 degrees,  and  the 
average  maximum  temperature  about  94  degrees.  The  average  length  of 
the  growing  season,  between  the  last  killing  frost  of  spring  and  the  first 
of  autumn,  is  about  194  days.  In  East  Tennessee  it  is  a few  days  less. 
Southerly  winds  are  most  prevalent,  then  northerly,  and  easterly  and 
westerly  about  the  same.  The  quantity  of  rain  and  melted  snow  varies 
annually  from  43  to  55  inches.  These  estimates  are  the  best  that  can  be 
given  from  the  limited  observations  made  in  the  past. 

Elevations. — The  principal  elevations  above  the  sea  are  as  follows,  in 
feet:  Stone  Mountain  range — Cat  Face  Mountain,  4,913;  State  Gap, 

3,400 ; Taylorsville,  2,395 ; State  line  in  Watauga  Yalley,  2,131 : Yellow  and 
Roane  range — Yellow  Mountain,  5,158 ; Little  Yellow,  5,196 ; Roane — Cold 
Spring,  6,132;  Grassy  Ridge  Bald,  6,230;  High  Knob,  6,306;  High 
Bluff,  6,296 ; Bald  Mountain  range — Bald  Mountain,  5,550 ; Jonesborough, 
1734;  Big  Butt  range — highest  points  over  5,000  feet;  Greenville  depot, 
1,581;  Great  Smoky  range — Warm  Springs,  N.  C.,  1,335;  piazza  of 
hotel,  Tennessee  line  on  French  Broad,  1,264;  Indian  Grove  Gap,  4,288; 
Man  Patch  Gap,  4,392;  Bear  Wallow  Mountain,  4,659;  Luftee  Knob, 
6,238;  Thermometer  Knob,  6,157 ; Raven’s  Knob,  6,230;  Tricorner  Knob, 
6,188;  Mount  Guyot,  6,636;  Mount  Henry,  6,373;  Mount  Alexander, 
6,447 ; South  Peak,  6,299;  highest  peak  of  Three  Brothers,  5,907 ; Thun- 
der Knob,  5,682;  Laurel  Peak,  5,922;  Reinhardt  Gap,  5,220;  top  of 
Richland  Ridge,  5,492;  Indian  Gap,  5,317;  Peck’s  Peak,  6,232;  Mount 
Ocona,  6,135;  New  Gap,  5,096;  Mount  Mingus,  5,694;  Bullhead  group 
— Mount  Le  Conte  (central  peak),  6,612;  Mount  Curtis  (west  peak), 
6,568;  Mount  Safford,  6,535;  Cross  Knob,  5,931;  Neighbor,  5,771; 
Master  Knob,  6,013;  Tomahawk  Gap,  5,450;  Alum  Cave,  4,971;  Rood 
Gap,  5,271;  Mount  Collins,  6,188;  Collins’  Gap,  5,720;  Mount  Love, 
6,443;  Clingman’s  Dome,  6,660;  Mount  Buckley,  6,599;  Chimzey  Knob, 
5,588;  Big  Stone  Mountain,  5,614;  Big  Cherry  Gap,  4,838;  Corner 
Knob,  5,246;  Forney  Ridge  Peak,  5,087;  Snaky  Mountain,  5,195;  Thun- 
derliead  Mountain,  5,520;  Eagletop,  5,433;  Spence  Cabin,  4,910; 
Turkey  Knob,  4,740;  Opossum  Gap,  3,840;  North  Bald,  4,711;  Central 
Peak  of  Great  Bald,  4,922;  South  Peak,  4,708;  Tennessee  River  at 
Hardin’s,  899;  Chilhowee  Mountain,  2,452;  Montvale  Springs,  1,293; 
between  Little  Tennessee  and  Hiwassee — Hangover  Knob,  over  5,300; 
Haw  Knob,  over  5,300;  Beaver  Dam  or  Tellico  Bald,  4,266;  south  of 
the  Hiwassee  the  elevation  of  the  chain  is  reduced  to  3,000  to  3,400 
feet;  Frog  Mountain  is  about  4,226  feet;  the  Ducktown  copper  region  is 
about  2,000  feet  high. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


41 


Along  tlie  East  Tennessee,  Virginia  and  Georgia  Railway  tlie  eleva- 
tions are  as  follows:  Bristol,  1,678;  Union,  1,457;  Carter,  1,474;  John- 
son’s, 1,643;  summit  between  Chucky  and  Watauga,  1,841;  Jones- 
borough,  1,736;  Limestone,  1,419;  Eullens,  1,489;  Greeneville,  1,581; 
Bull's  Gap,  1,214;  Russellville,  1,260;  Morristown,  1,283;  Strawberry 
Plains,  906;  Knoxville,  898;  Loudon,  819;  Athens,  993;  Hiwassee 
River  at  low  water,  684;  Cleveland,  878;  State  line  between  Tennessee 
and  Georgia,  837;  also  Clinton,  847;  Chattanooga,  railroad  grade,  675; 
Tennessee  River  at  Chattanooga,  642;  Cumberland  Gap,  1,636;  Pinna- 
cle (near  gap),  2,680;  Elk  Gap  (surface),  1,702;  Cross  Mountain  Point, 
3,370;  Gap,  2,875;  Cove  Creek,  1,041;  average  bottom  of  Elk  Fork 
Valley,  1,200;  Pine  Mountain,  2,200  to  2,400;  Tellico  Mountain,  2,000  to 
2,700;  Crab  Orchard  Mountain,  about  3,000;  flat  summit  of  Lookout 
Mountain,  2,154;  Raccoon  Mountain,  back  of  Whiteside  depot,  1,900; 
Tracy  City,  1,847;  highest  ridges  near  Tracy  City,  2,161;  summit  of 
Ben  Lomond,  1,910;  Tullahoma  (grade),  1,070;  creek  at  Manchester, 
996;  McMinville  (depot),  912;  Sparta,  station,  945;  Livingston,  station, 
966;  Hickory  Nut  Mountain,  about  1,400;  Murfreesboro  depot,  583; 
Nashville  depot  grade,  435.  Nashville,  low  water  in  Cumberland,  365; 
Springfield  grade,  659;  Gallatin  surface,  528;  Franklin  depot,  642; 
Columbia  depot,  657;  Mount  Pleasant  (creek),  625;  Palo  Alto,  1,025; 
Pulaski,  648 ; Kingston  Station,  506 ; highest  point  on  the  railroad  west 
from  Nashville  to  the  Tennessee  River,  915;  lowest  point  on  the  grade  at 
the  Tennessee  River,  368;  Grand  Junction  on  the  west  side,  575;  Middle- 
ton,  407;  Moscow,  351;  Germantown,  378,  Memphis,  245;  low  water  of 
the  Mississippi  at  Memphis,  170;  Obion  River  on  the  Ohio  & Mississippi 
Railroad  (grade),  287;  Bolivar,  430;  Medon,  420;  Jackson,  459. 


42 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  Mound-Builders — Evidences  of  Pre- Historic  Occupation— Arguments 
of  Bancroft  and  Hildreth— Deductions  of  Judge  Haywood — Com- 
parison of  Ancient  Races  and  Customs— The  Sun  Worshipers — The 
Natchez  Tribe  — Classification  of  Earthworks  — Representative 
Mounds  of  Tennessee— The  “Stone  Fort” — Contents  of  the  Works— 
Their  Great  Age. 

AT  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  the  present  State  of  Tennessee  by 
white  people,  the  larger  part  of  it,  as  well  as  the  larger  part  of  the 
State  of  Kentucky,  was  unoccupied  by  any  Indian  tribe.  The  reason  of 
this  state  of  things  will  appear  as  the  reader  proceeds.  But  although 
then  unoccupied  there  were  found  abundant  evidences  not  only  of  the 
former  presence  of  Indian  tribes  but  of  a still  more  dense  and  ancient 
population,  possessing  a higher  degree  of  civilization,  a more  highly  de- 
veloped condition  of  art,  agriculture,  warfare  and  religion,  than  anything 
of  the  kind  pertaining  to  any  of  the  aboriginal  or  Indian  tribes,  as  they  are 
called.  These  evidences  consist  of  mounds  of  various  shapes  and  kinds, 
of  fortifications  and  of  burying-grounds,  of  their  contents,  relics  and  re- 
mains still  to  be  found  throughout  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  of 
the  valleys  of  its  tributaries  from  the  Alleghany  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  great  lakes,  all  of  which  relics  and  re- 
mains will  be  appropriately  noticed  in  the  proper  connection.  But  from 
the  existence  and  frequency  of  the  occurrence  of  these  mounds,  the  origin 
and  history  of  which  were  at  least  as  inexplicable  to  the  aboriginal  Indian 
tribes,  as  to  their  more  intelligent  and  inductive  successors,  their  erectors 
and  constructors  for  want  of  a better  name,  have  been  by  American  histor- 
ians generally  called  the  “ Mound  Builders.” 

The  most  conspicuous  exception  to  this  rule  is  the  venerable  Bancroft, 
whose  opinions,  even  if  occasionally  erronous,  are  eminently  worthy  of 
profound  respect.  To  the  historian  and  especially  to  the  antiquarian, 
even  if  in  less  degree  to  the  general  student  and  reader,  is  the  inquiry 
pertinent  as  to  the  origin  of  the  first  inhabitants  of  America.  Bancroft 
many  years  ago  wrote : “To  aid  this  inquiry  the  country  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi has  no  monuments.  The  numerous  mounds  which  have  been  discov- 
ered in  the  alluvial  valleys  of  the  West,  have  by  some  been  regarded  as  the 
works  of  an  earlier  and  more  cultivated  race  of  men,  whose  cities  have  been 
laid  waste,  whose  language  and  institutions  have  been  destroyed,  or  driven 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


43 


away ; but  the  study  of  the  structure  of  the  earth  strips  this  imposing  theory 
of  its  marvels.  Where  imagination  fashions  relics  of  artificial  walls,  geol- 
ogy sees  but  crumbs  of  decaying  sandstone,  clinging  like  the  remains  of 
mortar  to  blocks  of  green  stone  that  rested  on  it ; it  discovers  in  parallel  in- 
trencliments,  a trough  that  subsiding  waters  have  ploughed  through  the 
center  of  a ridge ; it  explains  the  tessellated  pavement  to  be  but  a layer  of 
pebbles  aptly  joined  by  water;  and,  on  examining  the  mounds,  and  finding 
them  composed  of  different  strata  of  earth,  arranged  horizontally  to  the 
very  edge,  it  ascribes  their  creation  to  the  Power  that  shaped  the  globe 
into  vales  and  hillocks.  When  the  waters  had  gently  deposited  their  al- 
luvial burden  on  the  bosom  of  the  earth  it  is  not  strange  that  of  the  fan- 
tastic forms  shaped  by  the  eddies,  some  should  resemble  the  ruins  of  a 
fortress ; that  the  channel  of  a torrent  should  seem  even  like  walls  that 
connected  a town  with  its  harbor;  that  natural  cones  should  be  esteemed 
monuments  of  inexplicable  toil.  But  the  elements  as  they  crumble  the 
mountain,  and  scatter  the  decomposed  rocks,  do  not  measure  their  action 
as  men  measure  the  labor  of  their  hands.  The  hunters  of  old,  as  more 
recently  the  monks  of  La  Trappe,  may  have  selected  a mound  as  the  site 
of  their  dwellings,  the  aid  to  their  rude  fortifications,  their  watch-towers 
for  gaining  a vision  of  God,  or  more  frequently  than  all  as  their  burying 
places.  Most  of  the  northern  tribes,  perhaps  all,  preserved  the  bones  of 
their  fathers;  and  the  festival  of  the  dead  was  the  greatest  ceremony  of 
Western  faith.  When  Nature  has  taken  to  herself  her  share  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  symmetrical  hillocks,  nothing  will  remain  to  warrant  the 
inference  of  a high  civilization  that  has  left  its  abodes  or  died  away — of 
an  earlier  acquaintance  with  the  arts  of  the  Old  World.  That  there  have 
been  successive  irruptions  of  rude  tribes  may  be  inferred  from  the  insulated 
fragments  of  nations  which  are  clearly  distinguished  by  their  language. 
The  mounds  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  have  also  been  used ; the  smal- 
ler ones  perhaps,  have  been  constructed  as  burial  places  of  a race,  of  which 
the  peculiar  organization,  as  seen  in  the  broader  forehead,  the  larger  fac- 
ial angle,  the  less  angular  figure  of  the  orbits  of  the  eye,  the  more  narrow 
nose,  the  less  evident  projection  of  the  jaws,  the  smaller  dimensions  of  the 
palatine  fossa,  the  flattened  occiput,  bears  a surprisingly  exact  resem- 
blance to  that  of  the  race  of  nobles  who  sleep  in  the  ancient  tombs  of 
Peru.  Retaining  the  general  characteristics  of  the  red  race,  they  differ 
obviously  from  the  present  tribes  of  Miamis  and  Wyandots.  These 
moldering  bones  from  hillocks  which  are  crowned  by  trees  that  have  de- 
fied the  storms  of  many  centuries,  raise  bewildering  visions  of  migrations 
of  which  no  tangible  traditions  exist ; but  the  graves  of  earth  from  which 
they  are  dug,  and  the  feeble  fortifications  that  are  sometimes  found  in 


44 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  vicinity,  afford  no  special  evidence  of  early  connection  with  other 
continents.  ‘Among  the  more  ancient  works,’  says  a careful  observer, 
who  is  not  disposed  to  undervalue  the  significancy  of  these  silent  monu- 
ments, near  which  he  dwells,  and  which  he  has  carefully  explored,  ‘ there 
is  not  a single  edifice  nor  any  ruins  which  prove  the  existence  in  former 
ages  of  a building  composed  of  imperishable  materials.  No  fragment  of 
a column,  nor  a brick,  nor  a single  hewn  stone  large  enough  to  have  been 
incorporated  into  a wall,  has  been  discovered.  The  only  relics  which  re- 
main to  inflame  curiosity  are  composed  of  earth.’  Some  of  the  tribes  had 
vessels  made  of  clay;  near  Natchez  an  image  was  found  of  a substance 
not  harder  than  clay  dried  in  the  sun.  These  few  memorials  of  other 
days  may  indicate  revolutions  among  the  barbarous  hordes  of  the  Ameri- 
cans themselves;  they  cannot  solve  for  the  inquirer  the  problem  of  their 
origin.” 

Thus  Bancroft  while  denying  the  general  proposition  that  there  was 
in  the  Mississippi  Valley  anteriorly  to  its  occupation  by  Indians,  a race 
of  Mound  Builders,  as  that  term  is  generally  understood,  yet  admits  that 
there  may  have  been  a race  who  may  have  constructed  the  smaller  mounds, 
as  burial  places,  and  whose  general  physical  characteristics  bore  a strik- 
ingly exact  resemblance  to  that  of  the  race  of  nobles  who  sleep  in  the 
ancient  tombs  of  Peru.  But  other  authorities,  notably  Winch  ell,  the 
author  of  “Preadamites,”  hold,  from  the  evidences  which  they  have  accu- 
mulated, that  not  only  was  the  entire  Mississippi  Valley  inhabited  by  an 
agricultural  population  of  greater  or  less  density,  but  such  population 
possessed  an  entirely  different  physical  structure  and  entirely  different 
habits  and  civilization  than  these  possessed  by  the  Indian  tribes.  If 
the  latter  were  the  descendants  of  the  earlier  race  of  Mound  Builders  suf- 
ficient time  elapsed  between  them  to  change  the  stature,  cranial  develop- 
ment and  pursuits.  It  is  well  established  that,  while  the  Indians  pro- 
fessed no  knowledge  of  the  construction  of  the  greater  number  of  the 
mounds,  they  themselves  built  them  for  probably  the  same  purpose  as  the 
Mound  Builders. 

Another  celebrated  American  historian,  Hildreth,  expresses  himself 
with  reference  to  the  inferences  to  be  drawn  from  the  existence  of  the 
mounds  in  the  following  language : “ These  memorials  consist  of  embank- 
ments of  earth  and  stone  exhibiting  indisputable  evidence  of  design  and 
were  sometimes  of  very  great  extent.  Some  of  them  were  located  along  the 
brows  of  hills  of  upon  the  precipitous  edges  of  ravines  enclosing  consid- 
erable table-land,  and  were  evidently  designed  as  works  of  defense.  Others 
still  more  numerous,  extensive  and  elaborate  were  most  probably  con- 
nected Avith  religious  ideas.  In  various  places  they  present  curious  basso- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


45 


relievos , birds,  beasts,  reptiles  -and  even  men ; more  generally  enclosures 
of  various  sorts,  perfect  circles  or  squares  and  parallel  lines  of  great 
extent,  the  embankments  being  from  five  to  thirty  feet  in  height,  and  the 
enclosures  from  one  to  fifty  or  even  to  four  hundred  acres;  other  classes 
of  structures  connected  with  or  separate  from  those  just  mentioned, 
increasing  in  number  toward  the  south,  conical  and  pyramidal  structures, 
from  a few  yards  to  hundreds  in  diameter  and  from  ten  to  ninety  feet  in 
height  occasionally  terraced  like  the  Mexican  teocallis.  Some  of  these 
were  for  sepulchral  purposes,  others  were  doubtless  mounds  of  sacrifice. 
Connected  with  these  ancient  monuments  are  found  remnants  of  pottery, 
and  weapons  and  utensils  of  stone,  axes  and  ornaments  of  copper;  but 
nothing  which  indicates  a higher  civilization  than  that  possessed  by  the 
Indians.  Yet  the  extent  and  number  of  these  earth  erections,  of  which 
there  are  but  few  traces  east  of  the  Alleghanies,  which  region  was  the 
most  populous  when  discovered  by  Europeans,  evinces  the  combined  labor 
of  many  hands,  of  a kind  of  which  no  trace  has  ever  been  found  among 
the  aboriginal  tribes.” 

All  writers  on  American  antiquities  infer  from  the  existence  of  these 
antiquities  the  existence  of  a race  of  Mound  Builders.  Accepting  this 
conclusion  as  settled  there  still  remain  the  puzzling  problems  as  to 
whence  they  came,  how  long  they  remained  and  when  and  whither  they 
went.  Other  authors,  besides  Judge  Haywood,  have  made  strong  attempts 
at  a solution  from  the  scanty  evidence  at  hand.  His  attempt,  though 
exceedingly  interesting  and  ingenious,  has  not  been  generally  recognized 
as  final.  He  labors  assiduously  to  show  various  similarities  between  the 
Hindoos  and  Egyptians,  and  then  to  show  the  similarities  between  Mexi- 
cans and  Peruvians  and  the  Hindoos  and  Persians.  All  of  these  nations 
called  their  rulers  the  children  of  the  sun.  The  Mexicans  and  Hindoos 
both  divided  the  people  into  four  castes.  The  state  of  property  was  also 
the  same  in  Persia,  Egypt  and  Peru,  one-third  set  apart  as  sacred  to  the 
God  they  worshiped,  one-third  to  the  sovereign  and  one-third  to  the 
people.  The  religion  of  the  Mexicans  and  of  the  Hindoos  was  also  similar. 
The  Hindoos  have  a trimurti  consisting  of  Brahma,  Yishnu  and  Siva. 
From  ITindostan  this  idea  or  conception  of  a triune  God  traveled  into 
Egypt,  and  thence  to  the  Hebrew  nation,  Greece  and  Borne,  and  if  the 
same  deified  trinity  be  found  in  America  it  is  legitimate  to  refer  it  to  the 
same  Hindoo  origin,  at  least  until  a better  be  assigned. 

The  representations  of  the  Mexican  god  Hialzettipocli  very  strikingly 
resemble  that  of  the  Hindoo  god  Krishna.  The  masque  of  the  Mexican 
priest  is  represented  in  Mexico.  He  is  drawn  as  sacrificing  a human 
victim,  a sacrifice  which  all  worshipers  of  the  sun  everywhere  make. 

3 


46 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  masque  represents  an  elephant’s  trunk,  similar  to  the  head  so  often 
seen  portrayed  in  Hindostan.  As  no  elephants  exist  in  America  it  is. 
reasonable  to  conclude  that  the  design  was  brought  from  Asia.  Various 
coincidences  are  seized  upon  to  show  the  possible  derivation  of  the  relig- 
ion of  the  Mexicans  from  that  of  the  Hindoos.  Among  the  latter  the 
conch  shell  is  used  as  a symbolical  representation  of  Vishnu,  and  also  in 
the  worship  of  that  deity.  The  conch  shell  is  similarly  used  by  the  Mex- 
icans in  their  worship  of  the  god  of  the  ocean,  which  they  adore  equally 
with  the  sun.  And  the  little  conch  shells  found  in  the  graves  of  the 
ancient  inhabitants  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  indicate  similar  religious 
belief  and  ceremonies.  Multitudinous  ablutions  are  alike  used  by  both. 
The  sacred  buildings  of  the  Mexicans  are  similar  to  the  same  buildings, 
and  the  pyramids  of  Egypt  and  India  and  the  temple  of  Belus.  The 
tower  of  Babel  and  the  great  temple  of  Mexico  were  each  dedicated  to 
two  divinities.  The  similarity  of  the  construction  of  the  pyramids  of 
Mexico  is  worthy  of  notice,  those  in  both  countries  being  square  and  so 
built  as  to  almost  exactly  face  the  four  cardinal  points  of  the  compass; 
those  in  Egpyt  being  precisely  coincident  with  the  true  meridian,  and 
those  in  Mexico  varying  only  by  fifty-two  seconds  of  arc.  The  cosmical 
history  of  the  Mexicans  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Hindoos,  both  believ- 
ing, to  illustrate,  that  the  world  would  be  destroyed  by  a general  confla- 
gration, and  mankind  having  all  derived  it  from  the  prophecy  of  Noah.* 
The  vernacular  customs  of  both  Hindoos  and  Mexicans  were  the  same 
both  as  to  those  relative  to  religion  and  as  to  those  relating  to  the  com- 
mon concerns  of  life.  The  titles  the  sun,  the  brother  of  the  sun,  the  chil- 
dren of  the  sun,  were  given  to  the  princes  of  Peru  and  of  Mexico  and  of 
the  Natchez,  and  arfe  the  same  as  those  anciently  given  to  the  princes  of 
Persia,  India,  Ceylon  and  China.  The  Mexican  year  consisted  of  365 
days,  six  hours,  and  the  day  began  with  the  rising  of  the  sun,  as  was  like- 
wise the  case  with  the  Persians  and  Egpytians,  as  well  as  the  greater  part 
of  the  nations  of  Asia.  The  Egyptians  did  not  know  of  the  year  consist- 
ing of  365  days  in  the  time  of  Moses  nor  until  1322  B.  C.  In  the  time 
or  Plato,  384  B.  C.,  they  discovered  that  a year  consists  of  365  days,  six 
Lours.  The  people  of  America  called  the  constellation  now  universally 
known  as  the  Great  Bear  by  a name  which  signifies  the  bear,  a name  first 
given  to  this  constellation  by  the  Egpytians  and  some  Asiatic  people. 
Such  facts  as  these  afford  indubitable  proof  that  the  astronomy  of  the 
Mexicans  was  not  of  their  own  invention,  but  was  learned  by  them  from 
the  countries  whence  they  immigrated.  They  also  were  familiar  with 
certain  Scriptural  traditions ; as  the  fall  of  man,  and  the  connection  of  the 


*Genesis  IX:  11  to  15. 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


47 


serpent  with  that  fall ; of  a great  flood  overwhelming  the  earth  from  which 
only  a single  family  escaped,  and  also  of  a great  pyramid  erected  by  the 
pride  of  man,  and  destroyed  by  the  anger  of  the  gods.  But  they  have 
no  tradition  of  any  thing  that  occurred  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Atlantic 
Ocean  later  than  the  building  of  the  tower  of  Babel.  The  Mexicans 
therefore  could  not  have  learned  them  from  the  writings  of  Moses  or  they 
would  also  have  known  of  the  history  of  Abraham  and  of  the  Israelites 
as  well  as  of  the  facts  to  which  such  traditions  relate.  Hence  they  must 
have  left  the  Old  World  before  the  writings  of  Moses  came  into  exist- 
ence, or  they  must  have  lived  for  a time  in  some  part  of  Asia,  where,  on 
account  of  the  prevailing  idolatry,  the  writings  of  Moses  could  not  pene- 
trate, but  yet  where  they  had  access  to  the  astronomical  learning  of  the 
Chaldeans  after  384  B.  C. 

At  the  time  of  Moses  all  the  civilized  nations  of  Asia  worshiped  the 
sun,  as  the  numerous  places  named  Baal  with  an  affix  abundantly  testify, 
as  Baalath,  Baalpeor,  etc.,  and  so  far  were  his  many  and  earnest  injunc- 
tions from  subduing  their  disposition  to  this  worship,  that  even  Solomon, 
who  lived  500  years  after  Moses’  time,  and  who  was  the  wisest  of  princes, 
embraced  the  idolatrous  worship  of  the  sun.  It  is  fair  to  presume  that 
sun-worshipers  follow  the  same  customs  all  over  the  world.  Sun-wor- 
sliipers,  wherever  they  are  known  to  practice  this  form  of  idolatry,  build 
high  places,  enclosing  them  in  open  courts,  and  upon  these  high  places 
erect  houses  for  their  idols,  placing  the  idols  within  the  houses.  Upon 
these  high  places  they  burnt  incense  to  Baal,  to  the  sun,  to  the  moon,  to 
the  planets  and  to  the  hosts  of  heaven.  Upon  these  high  places  they 
made  sacrifices  of  human  beings,  even  of  their  sons  and  daughters,  to  the 
sun,  and  made  their  children  pass  through  the  fire  to  their  idols.  In 
Scotland  a ceremony  used  tb  be  celebrated  on  the  1st  of  May  (O.  S. ), 
the  inhabitants  of  a district  assembling  in  the  field,  digging  out  a square 
trench,  in  which  they  built  a fire  and  baked  a cake,  and  then  cutting  the 
cake  into  as  many  pieces  as  there  were  persons,  and  blacking  one  with 
charcoal,  all  were  thrown  into  a bag,  out  of  which  each  person,  blind- 
folded, drew  a piece,  the  one  drawing  the  black  piece  was  sacrificed  to 
Baal  (some  say  made  to  leap  through  the  fire  three  times)  to  propitiate 
him  for  the  coming  year.  This  is  the  same  ceremony  as  was  practiced 
by  Manasseh,  the  sixteenth  King  of  Judah,  who  made  his  sons  pass 
through  the  fire  to  Moloch.  Certain  worshipers  of  the  sun  kept  the 
festival  of  Tammuz,  at  the  time  of  the  summer  solstice,  the  same  time  at 
which. the  southern  Indians  celebrated  the  green  corn  dance 

The  Mexicans  had  pikes  pointed  with  copper  which  appeared  to  have 
been  hardened  with  an  amalgam  of  tin,  and  they  had  among  them  car- 


48 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


penters,  masons,  weavers  and  founders.  The  Persians  used  mattocks  of 
hardened  wood  and  bricks  dried  in  the  sun.  They  had  the  art  of  smelt- 
ing ore,  and  of  refining  silver,  of  which  they  made  domestic  utensils. 
They  had  also  hatchets  of  copper  made  as  hard  as  iron,  but  they  did 
not  worship  idols.  They  carried  the  idols  of  the  people  they  conquered 
to  their  temple  of  the  sun  at  Cusco.  Hence  the  mounds  upon  which 
images  have  been  found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  can  not  be  ascribed  to 
the  Peruvians.  The  question  remains,  can  they  be  ascribed  to  the  Mex- 
icans or  to  a similar  race? 

All  the  nations  west  of  the  Mississippi  when  they  first  became  known 
to  Europeans  were  worshipers  of  the  sun,  and  were  governed  by  despotic 
princes — two  prominent  circumstances  in  which  they  differed  from  the 
Indians  who  lived  on  the  Great  Lakes  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies.  At  this  time  the  Natchez  tribe  of  Indians  occupied  almost  the 
entire  eastern  part  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  south  of  the  Ohio  River,  and 
a portion  of  that  north  of  this  river,  and  most  of  the  mounds  were  the 
limits  of  their  settlements.  They  were  governed  by  one  man  who  styled 
himself  the  child  of  the  sun,  or  the  sun,  and  upon  his  breast  was  the 
image  of  that  luminary.  His  wife  was  called  the  wife  of  the  sun,  and 
like  him  was  clothed  with  absolute  authority.  When  either  of  these  rul- 
ers died,  the  guards  killed  themselves  in  order  to  attend  them  in  the  other 
world.  They  had  one  temple  for  the  entire  nation  and  when  on  one  occa- 
sion it  caught  fire,  some  mothers  threw  their  children  into  the  flames  to 
stop  their  progress.  Some  families  were  considered  noble  and  enjoyed 
hereditary  dignity,  while  the  great  body  of  the  people  were  considered 
vile.  Their  great  chief,  the  descendant  of  the  sun,  the  sole  object  of 
their  worship,  they  approached  with  religious  veneration,  and  honored 
him  as  the  representative  of  their  deity.  ‘In  their  temples,  which  were 
constructed  with  some  magnificence,  they  kept  up  a perpetual  fire  as  the 
purest  emblem  of  their  divinity.  The  Mexicans  and  the  people  of  Bo- 
gota were  worshipers  of  the  sun  and  moon,  and  had  temples,  altars, 
priests  and  sacrifices.  The  name  of  the  Natchez  melted  away,  and  their 
decline  seemed  to  keep  pace  with  the  wasting  away  of  the  Mexican  em- 
pire. The  Natchez  were  partially  destroyed  in  a battle  with  the  French, 
east  of  the  Mississippi,  and.  after  their  retreat  up  Red  River,  west  of  the 
Mississippi,  they  were  finally  conquered,  their  women  and  children  re- 
duced to  slavery  and  distributed  among  the  plantations,  and  the  men 
themselves  sent  to  serve  as  slaves  in  San  Domingo. 

The  Natchez  were  the  most  highly  polished  and  civilized  of  any  race 
of  Indians.  They  had  an  established  religion  and  a regular  priesthood. 
The  usual  distinctions  created  by  rank  were  understood  and  observed,  in 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


49 


which  particulars  they  differed  from  the  Indians  north  of  the  Ohio  and 
east  of  the  Alleghanies.  They  were  seldom  engaged  in  any  but  defensive 
wars  and  did  not  deem  it  glorious  to  destroy  the  human  species.  They 
were  just,  generous  and  humane,  and  attentive  to  the  wants  of  the  needy; 
and  it  is  probable  they  inhabited  all  the  country  from  the  Mississippi 
eastward  to  the  Alleghanies  and  northward  to  the  Ohio. 

In  the  light  of  more  recent  investigations,  although  Judge  Haywood’s 
line  of  argument  is  that  necessarily  followed  by  naturalists,  and  although 
the  facts  brought  to  light  by  him  are  yet  as  valuable  as  though  his  theory 
were  impregnable,  yet  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  assume  untenable 
positions  in  order  to  make  it  appear  reasonable  that  the  Natchez  were  the 
Mound  Builders.  In  all  probability  this  tribe  occupied  a territory  much 
smaller  than  that  supposed  by  him,  viz. : the  entire  eastern  half  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley  south  of  the  Ohio  River.  But  even  if  his  supposition 
in  this  respect  were  true,  there  are  many  thousands  of  mounds  outside  of 
these  limits,  in  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois  and  AVisconsin.  In  this  latter 
State  the  mounds  appear  to  be  of  a kind  peculiar  to  that  location,  being 
so  constructed  as  to  show  they  were  designed  to  be  effigies  of  most  of  the 
various  kinds  of  quadrupeds  known  in  the  country,  as  well  as  fishes, 
reptiles  and  birds.  Of  these  perhaps  the  most  remarkable  is  the  “Big 
Elephant  Mound,”  a few  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  AVisconsin  River, 
in  AVisconsin.  From  its  name  its  form  may  be  inferred.  It  is  135  feet 
in  length  and  otherwise  properly  proportioned.  It  scarcely  seems  prob- 
able that  the  people  who  constructed  these  mysterious  mounds  could  have 
represented  an  elephant  or  a mastodon  without  having  seen  one,  and  it 
is  perhaps  justly  inferable  that  the  “Big  Elephant  Mound”  was  con- 
structed in  the  days  of  the  mastodon.  If  this  be  true  it  is  eloquent  in 
its  argument  for  the  immense  age  of  the  mounds,  as  geologists  are  gen- 
erally agreed  that  the  mastodon  lived  not  much  later  than  the  Pliocene  era. 

Another  fact  attesting  the  great  age  of  these  most  interesting  relics 
is  this:  The  human  bones  found  therein,  except  those  of  a later  and 
probably  intrusive  burial,  are  not  in  a condition  to  admit  of  removal,  as 
they  crumble  into  dust  upon  exposure  to  the  air;  while  human  bones  are 
removed  entire  from  British  tumuli  known  to  belong  to  ages  older  than 
the  Christian  era,  and  frequently  from  situations  much  less  conducive  to 
preservation  than  those  in  the  mounds,  and  in  addition  the  mounds  are 
rarely  found  upon  the  most  recently  formed  terraces  of  the  rivers. 

The  selection  of  sites  for  the  location  of  these  mounds  appears  to 
have  been  guided  by  the  location  of  soils  capable  of  cultivation,  and  by 
accessibility  to  navigable  streams;  the  same  situations  have  since  fre- 
quently been  selected  by  pioneers  of  civilization  as  the  centers  of  settle- 


50 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ment  and  trade.  While  the  purpose  for  which  some  of  these  mounds 
were  erected  is  sometimes  doubtful,  as  is  the  case  with  the  “animal 
mounds”  in  Wisconsin,  a few  in  Ohio,  and  some  in  the  valley  of  the  Arkan- 
sas, yet  as  to  many  of  them  which  have  been  carefully  explored  there  is 
less  doubt,  and  they  are  divided  according  to  the  uses  to  which  they  were 
probably  devoted.  All  the  earthworks  found  in  Tennessee  belong  to  one 
of  the  classes  below.  Mounds  are  numerous  in  West  Tennessee,  on  the 
Cumberland,  on  both  Big  and  Little  Tennessee,  on  French  Broad, on  Duck 
and  on  the  Elk.  The  earthworks  have  been  classified  by  an  eminent  anti- 
quarian* as  follows: 


I l Military, 

t Inclosures  -j  Covered. 

( Sacred. 

One  of  these  mounds  is  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Nashville,  upon 
which  Monsieur  Charleville,  the  French  trader,  had  his  store  in  1714, 
when  the  Shawanee  Indians  were  driven  away  by  the  Cherokees  and  Chick  - 
asaws.  Yery  large  burying  grounds  lay  between  this  mound  and  the 
river ; thence  westwardly  and  then  to  the  creek.  The  great  extent  of  the 
burying  .ground,  and  the  vast  number  of  interments  therein,  induce  the 
belief  that  a population  once  resided  there  many  times  greater  than  that 
now  occupying  that  portion  of  the  State,  and  suggested  the  idea  that  the 
cemetery  was  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mound  because  the  mound  was  used 
for  religious  purposes. 

About  fourteen  miles  up  the  Cumberland  above  Nashville  is  a mound 
twelve  to  thirteen  feet  high.  Upon  excavation  ashes  were  found  mixed 
with  lime  and  substances  resembling  human  bodies  after  being  burned. 

On  Big  Harpeth  River,  near  the  mouth  of  Dog  Creek,  is  a square 
mound,  47x47  feet  and  25  feet  high  and  in  a row  with  it  two  others  from 
5 to  10  feet  high.  . At  some  distance  are  three  others  in  a row  parallel 
with  the  first,  the  space  between  resembling  a public  square.  All  around 
the  bend  of  the  river,  except  at  a place  of  entrance,  is  a wall  on  the  mar- 
gin of  the  river,  the  mounds  being  within  the  area  enclosed  by  the  wall. 
Within  this  space  is  a reservoir  of  water  about  fifteen  feet  square.  On 
the  top  of  the  large  mound  was  found  an  image  eighteen  inches  long  from 
head  to  foot  composed  of  soapstone.  The  trees  standing  upon  the  mounds 
are  very  old : a poplar  tree  was  five  or  six  feet  in  diameter. 


Earthworks. 


f Observatory, 
t Animal. 


*Isaac  Smucker  in  “Ohio  Statistics.” 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


51 


Higher  up  the  river  and  within  a mile  of  those  just  described  is 
•another  bend  in  the  river.  In  this  bend,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river, 
is  a mound  of  the  same  size  as  the  larger  one  described  above.  Near 
this  mound  were  found  a large  number  of  pine  knots.  As  there  were  then 
no  pine  woods  within  five  or  sis  miles  it  is  supposed  that  these  pine  knots 
are  the  remains  of  the  old  field  pines,  which  grew  to  full  size  after 
cultivation  had  deserted  this  region,  and  falling  there  decayed.  The  soil 
renewed  its  richness,  and  the  present  growth,  consisting  of  oaks,  poplars 
and  maples,  succeeded  that  renewal.  Allowing  250  years  for  the  growth 
of  the  pines,  50  years  for  the  renewal  of  the  soil  and  350  years  for  the 
present  growth,  650  years  have  passed  since  the  commencement  of  the 
growth  of  the  pines.  Hence  those  pines  must  have  begun  to  grow  about 
the  year  1240,  which  again  shows  the  great  age  of  the  mounds. 

In, Sumner  County,  in  a circular  enclosure  between  Bledsoe’s  Lick 
and  Bledsoe’s  Spring  branch,  is  a wall  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches 
high,  with  projecting  angular  elevations  of  the  same  height,  the  wall 
enclosing  about  sixteen  acres.  Within  the  enclosure  is  a raised  platform 
from  thirteen  to  fifteen  feet  above  the  common  surface,  about  200  yards 
from  the  south  wall.  This  platform  is  sixty  yards  wide,  is  level  on  the 
top  and  joins  a mound  which  is  twenty  feet  square  and  eighteen  feet 
above  the  common  level.  In  1785  a black  oak  tree  three  feet  through 
was  growing  on  the  top  of  this  mound.  About  1815  there  was  plowed 
up  on  top  of  the  mound  an  image  made  of  sandstone.  The  breast  was 
that  of  a female  and  prominent,  and  the  color  was  that  of  a dark  infusion 
of  coffee.  Near  this  mound  was  a cave,  which  at  the  time  of  its  discovery 
contained  a great  number  of  human  skulls,  without  the  appearance  of  any 
other  portions  of  the  human  skeleton  near  them. 

In  Williamson  County,  northwardly  from  Franklin,  on  the  north  side 
of  Little  Harpeth,  are  walls  of  dirt  running  north  from  the  river.  In 
1821  they  were  four’  or  five  feet  high,  and  from  400  to  500  yards  long, 
the  inclosure  containing  about  fifty  acres.  Within  this  inclosure  are 
three  mounds  standing  in  a row  from  north  to  south,  all  nearly  of  the 
same  size.  Within  this  in  closure  is  a large  number  of  graves,  some  of 
the  bones  in  which  were  very  large. 

In  the  same  county  on  the  south  side  of  Big  Harpeth,  about  three 
miles  from  Franklin,  is  an  ancient  entrenchment  nearly  in  the  form  of  a 
semi-circle,  containing  about  twenty  acres.  Within  the  inclosure  made 
by  this  entrenchment  and  the  bluff  are  several  mounds  of  different  shapes 
and  sizes,  from  six  to  ten  feet  high  and  from  ten  to  twelve  yards  wide. 
Besides  these  are  other  mounds  nearly  round  and  ten  yards  in  diameter. 
The  largest  of  the  mounds  of  the  first  class  is  six*ty-eight  feet  wide  and 


52 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


148  feet  long  and  about  ten  feet  high.  The  trees  within  the  enclosure 
are  as  large  as  those  of  the  surrounding  country. 

In  Hickman  County,  at  the  junction  of  Piney  River  with  Duck  River, 
is  an  enclosure  containing  twenty-five  or  thirty  mounds,  one  of  which  is 
about  fifteen  feet  high,  round  and  somewhat  raised  on  top,  but  yet  flat 
enough  to  build  a house  on.  At  the  base  it  is  about  thirty  or  forty  yards 
across.  There  are  numerous  mounds  in  the  bottoms  of  Duck  River,  and 
caves  containing  human  bones. 

In  Lincoln  County,  near  Fayetteville,  below  the  mouth  of  Norris 
Creek,  are  a wall  and  a ditch  proceeding  from  a point  on  the  river  circu- 
larly till  it  returns  to  the  river,  forming  an  enclosure  of  about  ten  acres. 
Within  this  enclosure  are  mounds  sis  or  eight  feet  high.  On  the  outside 
of  the  wall  and  joined  to  it  are  angular  projections  about  180  feet  apart 
and  extending  outward  about  ten  feet.  On  one  of  these  angular  pro- 
jections stood  a black  oak  tree,  which,  when  cut  down,  exposed  260  annu- 
lar rings. 

In  Warren  County  are  numerous  mounds  fifteen  feet  high.  Eight 
miles  south  from  McMinnville,  on  Collins  River,  is  a mound  thirty  feet 
high,  with  a fiat  top,  containing  about  one  and  a half  acres  of  ground. 
On  either  side  of  the  mound  toward  the  north  and  south  is  a ditch  about 
twenty  feet  wide  and  four  feet  deep  at  present,  extending  parallel  and 
terminating  at  each  end  at  a high  bluff.  On  the  mounds  were  large 
stumps  indicating  trees  of  a very  great  age. 

In  Roane  County  is  a mound  thirty  feet  high,  having  a flat  top  and  a 
regular  ascent  from  bottom  to  top.  The  summit  contains  one-fourth  of 
an  acre,  and  all  around  the  summit  there  was  a stone  wall  about  two 
feet  hio-h.  It  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tennessee  River.  Across  the 

O 

Tennessee  facing  the  mound  is  a high  bluff,  upon  which  three  figures  are 
painted  with  black  and  red  colors  from  the  waist  upward.  One  of  the 
figures  is  that  of  a female. 

On  the  French  Broad  River,  about  one  mile  above  the  mouth  of  the 
Nollichucky,  is  a mound  thirty  feet  high,  with  old  trees  at  the  top. 

In  the  third  section  of  the  fourth  range  of  the  Tenth  District  of  the 
Chickasaw  Purchase  are  seven  mounds,  one  of  them  seventeen  feet  high 
and  about  140  feet  across.  Seven  miles  southwest  of  Hatchie  River  and 
about  fifty  miles  east  of  the  Mississippi,  in  a fertile  part  of  the  country, 
are  three  mounds  enclosed  by  an  intrenchment  from  ten  to  thirty  feet 
wide.  Two  miles  south  of  the  south  fork  of  Forked  Deer  River  and  about 
fifty  miles  east  of  the  Mississippi,  is  a mound  fifty-seven  feet  high  and 
over  200  feet  across.  On  the  south  side  of  Forked  Deer  River,  about 
forty  miles  west  of  the  Tennessee,  is  a mound  about  100  rods  in  diameter 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


53 


at  the  base,  the  summit  containing  about  four  acres,  and  in  this  part  of 
the  country  are  a great  number  of  mounds  besides. 

On  the  north  bank  of  the  Holston  River  five  miles  above  the  mouth 
of  French  Broad,  are  six  mounds  on  half  an  acre  of  ground,  irregularly 
scattered.  The  bases  of  these  mounds  are  from  ten  to  thirty  feet  in 
diameter,  the  largest  one  ten  feet  high.  Near  these  mounds  on  a bluff 
100  feet  high  are  painted  in  red  colors  the  figures  of  the  sun  and  moon, 
birds,  fishes,  etc. 

The  contents  of  the  mounds  are  sometimes  of  considerable  interest. 
In  1821  the  Cliarleville  mound  near  Nashville  was  opened,  and  pottery 
of  Indian  fabrication  was  found,  as  also  the  jaw  bone  of  some  unknown 
carniverous  animal,  and  small  fragments  of  bones  thought  to  be  human. 
About  four  feet  from  the  summit  was  found  a layer  of  charcoal  about  two 
inches  thick  and  extending  outward  from  the  center  of  the  mound  from 
eight  to  ten  feet.  The  inference  was  that  a lire  had  been  built  on  top  of 
the  mound,  and  after  the  fuel  had  been  consumed,  fresh  dirt  carried  in 
earthen  jars  and  laid  on  the  ashes  before  they  had  time  to  blow  away,  the 
fragments  of  these  jars  being  seen,  through  every  part  of  the  mound. 
The  object  for  which  the  mound  was  raised  can  only  be  conjectured.  It 
could  not  have  been  for  a throne  for  the  ruler  of  the  nation,  for  savages 
are  not  thus  devoted  to  their  leaders.  It  could  not  have  been  for  mili- 
tary purposes,  for  to  be  placed  on  the  mound  would  be  only  to  be  more 
exposed  to  the  enemy’s  missiles.  It  could  not  have  been  for  a tower,  for 
there  was  no  narrow  pass  near  it  to  be  guarded.  It  therefore  seems  prob- 
able that  it  could  only  be  for  religious  purposes. 

In  the  mounds  near  Bledsoe’s  Lick  (Castalian  Springs),  in  Sumner 
County,  were  found  ashes,  pottery  ware,  flint,  muscle  shells,  periwinkles, 
coal,  etc.  In  making  an  excavation  in  one  of  these  mounds  there  was 
found  two  feet  below  the  surface  a layer  of  ashes  fourteen  inches  thick.  In 
proceeding  downward  there  were  found  twenty-eight  layers  of  ashes,  alter- 
nating with  clay,  the  ashes  being  of  a blackish  color.  At  eight  feet  below 
the  summit  of  the  mound  was  found  the  skeleton  of  a child,  the  surround- 
ings bearing  evidence  of  careful  burial.  The  skeleton  was  in  quite  a de- 
cayed state.  At  its  feet  was  a jug  of  sand-stone  capable  of  holding  about 
a gallon.  Small  pieces  of  decayed  human  bones  were  also  found,  and  also 
the  jaw-bone  of  some  unknown  animal  Avith  a tusk  attached,  the  tusk  being 
of  the  same  form  as  that  of  the  mastodon.  There  were  found  also  the  bones 
of  birds,  arrow  points,  and  flints  at  the  depth  of  eighteen  feet,  and  pottery, 
some  of  which  was  glazed,  isinglass,  and  burnt  corn-cobs.  At  the  depth  of 
nineteen  feet  were  found  a piece  of  a corn-cob  and  some  small  pieces  of 
cedar  almost  entirely  decayed. 


54 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Near  Nashville,  probably  about  the  year  1800,  there  was  dug  up  an 
image.  The  base  of  this  image  was  a flat  circle  from  which  rose  a some- 
what elongated  globular  figure  terminating  at  the  top  with  the  figure  of 
a female  head.  The  features  of  the  face  were  Asiatic,  probably  a resem- 
blance of  the  Mound  Builders  themselves.  The  crown  of  the  head  was 
covered  with  a cap  or  ornament,  shaped  into  a pyramidal  figure,  with  a 
flattened  circular  summit  ending  at  the  apex  in  a rounded  button. 
Another  image  was  found  about  twelve  miles  south  from  Nashville,  of 
sculptured  stone,  representing  a woman  sitting  with  hands  under  her 
chin  and  elbows  on  her  knees.  It  was  well  proportioned,  neatly  formed 
and  highly  polished.  Two  others  were  found  near  Clarksville,  one  of  an 
old  man  the  other  of  an  old  woman.  In  1883  a rougliish  stone  image 
was  found  on  the  farm  of  Dr.  W.  H.  Garman,  seven  miles  from  Franklin, 
Williamson  County.  This  is  the  image  of  a person  sitting  with  limbs 
drawn  close  to  the  body  and  hands  upon  knees,  and  with  the  features 
resembling  somewhat  the  supposed  appearance  of  the  Mound  Builders. 
This  image  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Tennessee  Historical  Society 
at  Nashville. 

In  a cave  about  six  miles  from  Carthage  on  the  Cumberland  River 
were  found  a number  of  human  skeletons,  one  of  which  was  that  of  a female 
with  yellow  hair,  and  having  around  the  wrist  a silver  clasp  with  letters  in- 
scribed resembling  those  of  the  Greek  alphabet.  This  was  in  1815.  But 
perhap  the  most  interesting  relics  found  in  Tennessee,  in  the  form  of  human 
skeletons,  were  discovered  in  1811  in  a cave  in  Warren  County,  about 
twenty  miles  from  McMinnville.  These  were  of  two  human  beings,  one 
male  the  other  female.  They  had  been  buried  in  baskets  the  construc- 
tion of  which  was  evidence  of  considerable  mechanical  skill.  Both  bodies 
were  dislocated  at  the  hips  and  were  placed  erect  in  the  baskets,  each  of 
which  had  a neatly  fitting  cover  of  cane.  The  flesh  of  these  persons  was 
entire  and  undecayed,  dry  and  of  a brown  color.  Around  the  female,  next 
to  her  body,  was  placed  a well  dressed  deer-skin,  and  next  to  this  was  a 
mantle  composed  of  the  bark  of  a tree  and  feathers,  the  bark  being  com- 
posed of  small  strands  well  twisted.  The  mantle  or  rug  was  about  six 
feet  long’  and  three  feet  wide.  She  had  in  her  hand  a fan  made  from  the 
tail  feathers  of  a turkey,  and  so  made  as  to  be  opened  and  closed  at  pleas- 
ure. The  hair  remaining  on  the  heads  of  both  was  entire,  and  that  upon 
the  head  of  the  female,  who  appeared  to  have  been  about  fourteen  years 
old  at  the  time  of  her  death,  was  of  a yellow  color  and  a very  fine  texture. 
Hence  the  individuals  were  thought  to  have  been  of  European  or  Asiatic 
extraction.  With  reference  to  the  mantles  in  which  these  bodies  were 
enclosed  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  Florida  Indians  met  with  by  De 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


55 


Soto  in  Jiis  wanderings  “adorned  themselves  with  mantles  made  of 
feathers,  or  in  a textile  fabric  of  some  woody  fiber,”  and  “ wore  shoes  and 
clothing  made  from  shins  which  they  dressed  and  colored  with  great  skill.”* 
It  appears  also  that  certain  Indians  were  acquainted  with  some  kind  of 
rude  art  of  preserving  the  bodies  of  the  dead,  for,  in  1528,  Pamphilo  de 
Narvaez  and  his  company  in  a reconnoissance  along  the  coast  near  Tampa 
Bay,  Fla.,  “ came  upon  a little  Indian  village,  where  they  found  some 
bodies  in  a sort  of  mummified  condition,  the  sacred  remains,  no  doubt,  of 
the  ancestors  of  the  chiefs  of  the  tribe.”-j*  Thus  the  mantles  and  the 
mummified  condition  of  these  bodies  might  perhaps  be  considered  suffi- 
ciently accounted  for,  but  there  remains  the  question  of  the  color  and 
fineness  of  the  texture  of  the  hair  to  be  solved. 

Numbers  of  the  constructions  by  the  Mound  Builders  were  evidently 
for  other  than  sacrificial  or  religious  purposes.  On  the  south  branch 
of  Forked  Deer  River  between  the  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  Rivers  is 
the  appearance  of  what  the  people  there  call  an  ancient  fortification.  It 
is  250  yards  square.  The  wall  is  made  of  clay  and  is  eight  feet  above 
the  general  level.  Trees  as  large  as  any  in  the  surrounding  county  are 
growing  on  the  top  and  sides  of  the  wall.  Within  this  wall  is  an  ancient 
mound  eighty-seven  feet  high,  circular  in  form  except  at  the  top  where 
it  is  square  and  fifty  feet  each  way. 

In  Stewart  County,  near  the  junction  of  Spring  Branch  with  Wells 
Creek  is  a fortification  about  ninety  feet  square,  with  bastions  twelve 
feet  square  at  the  opposite  corners.  Large  white  oak  and  hickory  trees 
are  growing  on  the  walls  and  bastions. 

But  perhaps  the  most  interesting  of  all  the  ancient  constructions  in 
Tennessee  is  what  is  everywhere  known  as  the  “Old  Stone  Fort.”  This 
fort  is  in  Coffee  County,  at  the  verge  of  the  highlands  one  mile  from 
Manchester,  just  above  the  junction  of  Barren  Fork  and  Taylor’s  Fork  of 
Duck  River.  The  fort  itself  is  in  the  form  of  an  irregular  oval.  On 
the  east  and  west  sides  of  it  the  water  falls  from  precipice  to  precipice 
until  the  fall  is  100  feet  in  a half  mile.  The  fort  is  a wonderful  struc- 
ture. The  walls  are  composed  of  boulders,  conglomerate  and  debris  from 
the  beds  of  the  two  streams,  and  earth.  The  embankment  has  a base  of 
thirty  feet  and  when  built  it  was  doubtless  higher  than  the  men  who 
made.it.  The  amount  of  material  which  entered  into  its  construction  is 
immense,  and  a corresponding  amount  of  labor  ivas  required  to  do  the 
work.  Thirty  years  ago  the  ground  was  very  heavily  timbered  with 
poplar,  chestnut  and  hickory,  ranging  from  three  to  five  feet  in  diameter. 
Trees  as  large  as  could  be  found  anywhere  in  the  vicinity  were  standing 

*Bryant. 

flbid. 


56 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


immediately  on  tlie  embankment,  and  it  is  manifest  that  at  the  time  of  the 
building  of  the  fort  there  was  not  a tree  nor  shrub  to  be  found  in  the  vicin- 
ity. In  the  diagram  A repre- 
sents the  entrance  into  the  fort, 
B a semi-circular  embankment 
to  cover  the  entrance,  and  C an 
excavation  about  100  feet  deep 
extending  from  one  river  to  the 
other.  Whether  this  excavation 
was  made  by  man  or  nature  can 
not  now  be  known,  but  specula- 
tion favors  the  hypothesis  that 
it  was  made  by  man.  The  an- 
tiquity of  the  fort  is  indubit- 
able. Nothing  has  ever  been 
found  about  the  fort  to  furnish 
the  least  clue  to  its  origin.  It 
could  not  have  been,  as  has 
been  suggested,  the  work  of  De 
Soto  and  his  men,  for  in  the  first 
place  they  were  probably  much 
farther  south  when  they  passed 
its  longitude,  and  second  it 
would  have  required  half  a life- 
time to  do  the  work,  and  then 
they  would  have  had  no  use  for 
it  when  made.  In  addition  to 
these  considerations  it  is  shown  to  have  been  in  existence  before  De  Soto 
visited  this  country.  On  the  7tli  of  August,  1819,  Col.  Andrew  Erwin, 
on  whose  land  the  fort  was,  caused  to  be  cut  down  a white  oak  tree. 
Maj.  Murray  and  himself  counted  357  annular  rings  in  this  tree,  which 
was  growing  on  the  wall.  How  long  it  was  after  the  building  of  the 
wall  before  the  tree  began  to  grow  it  is  of  course  impossible  to  know. 
It  may  have  been  one  hundred  or  a thousand  years.  But  if  no  interval 
be  allowed,  which  however  cannot  be  supposed,  the  fort  can  not  have 
been  erected  later  than  357  years  previous  to  1819,  or  1162,  thirty  years 
before  Columbus  discovered  America,  and  seventy-eight  years  before  De 
Soto  made  his  famous  tour  of  exploration.  Thus  again  do  we  arrive  at 
an  immense  age  for  these  works,  and  it  is  also  fair  to  presume  that  the 
fort  was  built  when  this  section  of  the  country  was  thickly  inhabited. 

Many  other  remains  and  relics  of  great  interest,  especially  to  the  anti- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


57 


quarian,  have  been  found  within  this  State.  Enough  has  been  presented 
to  show  that  the  Mound  Builders,  whencesoever  and  whenever  they  may 
have  come,  were  a numerous,  intelligent,  religious,  agricultural  and,  to  a 
considerable  degree,  a warlike  people,  at  least  so  far  as  defensive  wars 
are  concerned ; that  they  occupied  the  country  probably  for  many  centur- 
ies ; that  they  were  driven  out  by  a race  superior  in  numbers  and  probably 
in  the  art  of  war,  but  inferior  in  intellect;  that  they  can  scarcely  have 
lived  in  this  country  later  than  1,000  or  1,200  A.  D. ; that  when  driven 
out  they  probably  moved  southward  into  Mexico,  Central  and  South  Am- 
erica, and  they  may  possibly  have  been  the  ancestors  of,  or  have  been 
absorbed  by,  some  Central  American  or  South  American  race. 


The  Indian  Races— Dialects  and  Traditions— Geographical  Tribal  Lo- 
cation-French and  Spanish  Settlements — Establishment  of  the  First 
Fort — -Savage  Atrocities— The  Fort  Loudon  Massacre — Destruction 
of  Indian  Villages  and  Fields—"  The  Beloved  Town” — Peace  and  Ces- 
sion Treaties— Battle  of  Point  Pleasant— Border  Wars— Expeditions 
of  Rutherford  and  Christian — “The  Lower  Towns” — Sevier’s  Cam- 
paigns—Reservations  and  Boundary  Lines— Thrilling  Frontier  Inci- 
dents—Indian  Affairs  on  the  Cumberland— Robertson’s  Exertions— 
The  Coldwater  and  Vickajack  Expeditions— Treaty  Stipulations— 
The  Unicoi  Turnpike  Company— Tiie  Hiwassee  Lands— The  Western 
Purchase — Exodus. 

HE  race  of  red  men  having  the  earliest  claim  to  the  territory  now  em- 


braced within  the  limits  of  Tennessee,  was  the  Iroquois,  or  Confeder- 
acy of  Six  Nations,  though  it  was  for  the  most  part  unoccupied  by  them. 
The  Achalaques  had  a kind  of  secondary,  or  perhaps  it  may  be  called 
permissory  claim  to  it.  In  Schoolcraft’s  great  work  on  the  Indian  races 
of  North  America  is  a map  showing  the  location  of  the  various  Indian 
tribes  in  the  year  1600,  which,  if  authentic,  proves  that  the  Achalaques 
then  occupied  most  of  Tennessee  east  of  the  Tennessee  River,  and  also 
small  portions  of  Georgia  and  Alabama,  and  a considerable  portion  of 
Kentucky.  The  ancient  Achalaques  were  the  same  tribe  or  nation  as 
the  modern  Cherokees.  They  have  no  l in  their  language,  and  hence 
substitute  the  letter  r therefore,  in  a manner  similar  to  that  in  which  the 
modern  Chinaman  substitutes  l for  r.  Then  by  a few  other  slight  and 
obvious  changes  the  name  Cherokee  is  easily  obtained.  But  the  first 
actual  Indian  occupants  of  this  territory,  of  which  history  or  tradition  fur- 


CHAPTER  III. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


58 

nislies  any  account,  were  the  Shawanees,  or  Shawanoes  as  they  were  earlier 
known. 

With  respect  to  the  origin  of  the  Shawanees  it  is  proper  to  observe 
that  they'-  and  the  Algonquins  are  the  only  tribes  of  Indians,  having  a 
tradition  of  an  origin  from  beyond  the  seas — -of  a landing  from  a sea  voy- 
age. . John  Johnson,  Esq.,  who  was  for  many  years  prior  to  1820  agent 
for  the  Shawanees,  observes,  in  a letter  dated  July  7,  1819,  that  they 
migrated  from  west  Florida  and  parts  adjacent  to  Ohio  and  Indiana, 
where  they  were  then  located : 

“The  people  of  this  nation  have  a tradition  that  their  ancestors  crossed 
the  sea.  They  are  the  only  tribe  with  which  I am  acquainted  who  ad- 
mit a foreign  origin.  Until  lately  they  kept  yearly  sacrifices  for  their 
safe  arrival  in  this  country.  From  where  they  came  or  at  what  period 
they  arrived  in  America  they  do  not  know.  It  is  a prevalant  opinion 
among  them  that  white  people  had  inhabited  Florida  who  had  the  use,  of 
iron  tools.  Blackhoof,  a celebrated  Indian  chief,  informs  me  that  he  has 
even  heard  it  spoken  of  by  old  people  that  stumps  of  trees  covered  with 
earth  were  frequently  found  which  had  been  cut  down  with  edged  tools.” 

About  the  year  lbOQ  the  Five  Nations  were  settled  near  the  site  of 
Montreal,  Canada,  having  come  probably  from  the  north  or  northwest. 
There  were  among  them,  as  well  as  among  other  races,  several  traditions 
relative  to  the  extirpation  of  an  ancient  race  of  people.  The  tradition  of 
the  Indians  northwest  of  the  Ohio  was  that  Kentucky  had  been  inhab- 
ited by  white  people,  and  that  they  had  been  exterminated  by  war.  The 
Sac  Indians  had  a tradition  that  Kentucky  had  been  the  scene  of  much 
blood.  The  ancient  inhabitants,  they  said,  were  white,  and  possessed 
arts  of*  which  the  Indians  were  entirely  ignorant.  Col.  McGee  was  told  by 
an  Indian  that  'it  was  a current  tradition  among  the  Indians  that  Ohio  and 
Kentucky  had  once  been  inhabited  by  white  people  who  possessed  arts 
not  understood  by  the  Indians,  and  that  after  many  severe  conflicts  they 
had  been  exterminated.  The  various  sources  from  which  this  tradition 
comes  is  evidence  of  its  very  general  existence  among  the  Aborigines 
more,  perhaps,  than  of  its  truth. 

The  Shawanees,  who  came  from  the  Savannah  River,  whose  name  was 
once  the  Savannachers,  and  after  whom  the  Savannah  River  received  its 
name,  at  one  time  claimed  the  lands  on  the  Cumberland  River.  This  was, 
however,  at  a later  period  in  their  history,  when  their  name  had  been 
changed  from  the  Savannachers  to  the  Shawanoes.  The  French  called 
both  the  tribe  and  the  river  the  Chauvanon,  or  Shauvanon.  The  Cliero- 
kees,  as  was  stated  above,  also  asserted  a claim  to  the  same  land,  but  al- 
ways acknowledged  the  superior  claim  of  the  Iroquois,  who  themselves 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


59 


claimed  the  country  by  right  of  conquest.  For  many  years  both  Sliaw- 
nees  and  Cherokees  maintained  against  each  other  a bloody  contest  for 
its  possession ; but  being  so  nearly  equal  in  strength  and  prowess,  neither 
could  gain  any  decided  advantage  over  the  other.  At  length  both  na- 
tions, fearing  the  results  of  a continuation  of  the  conflict,  refrained  from 
going  upon  the  lands  between  the  Cumberland  and  the  Kentucky  and 
Ohio,  for  which  reason  this  beautiful  section  of  the  country  became  an 
immense,  luxuriant  park,  abounding  in  game  of  every  kind  perfectly  safe 
from  the  arrows  of  the  savages,  who  fearfully  observed  this  as  a neutral 
ground.  When  this  great  and  unusual  abundance  of  game  became  known 
to  white  hunters  belonging  to  the  English  and  French  pioneers,  they 
soon  began  to  resort  thither  for  the  purpose  of  enriching  themselves 
witli  the  skins  and  furs  of  the  bear,  the  deer,  the  otter  and  the  mink,  to 
to  be  so  easily  and  so  plentifully  obtained.  Gen.  Robertson  learned  that 
about  a century  and  a half  before  his  time  the  Sliawanees  had  by  degrees 
returned  to  the  lands  on  the  Cumberland,  were  scattered  to  the  west- 
ward as  far  as  the  Tennessee,  and  even  considerably  to  the  north.  About 
the  year  1710,  being  much  harassed  by  the  Cherokees,  they  came  to  the 
determination  to  permanently  leave  the  country. 

The  Chickasaws  were  at  that  time  occupying  the  country  to  the  south- 
west, in  the  western  part  of  Tennessee  and  the  northern  part  of  Mississippi. 
According  to  their  own  tradition  they  came  from  west  of  the  Mississippi. 
When  about  to  start  eastward  from  their  ancient  home  they  were  provided 
with  a large  dog  as  a guard  and  a pole  as  a guide.  The  dog  would  give 
them  warning  of  the  approach  of  an  enemy,  to  defend  themselves  against 
whom  they  could  then  prepare.  The  pole  they  set  up  in  the  ground 
every  night,  and  the  next  morning  they  would  look  at  it  and  go  in  the 
direction  it  leaned.  They  continued  their  journey  thus  until  they  crossed 
the  Mississippi  River,  and  until  they  arrived  on  the  waters  of  the  Ala- 
bama where  Huntsville  is  now  located.  There  the  pole  was  unsettled  for 
several  days,  but  finally  becoming  steady  it  leaned  in  a northwest  direc- 
tion, and  in  consequence  they  resumed  their  journey  toward  the  north- 
west, planting  the  pole  every  night  as  before  until  they  arrived  at  the 
place  called  “Chickasaw  Old  Fields,”  where  the  pole  stood  perfectly  erect. 
All  then  came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  had  reached  the  promised  land. 
In  this  location  they  remained  until  1837  or  1838,  when  they  migrated 
west  of  the  State  of  Arkansas. 

When  the  pole  was  in  its  unsettled  condition  a part  of  the  tribe  moved 
on  eastward  and  joined  the  Creeks.  They  always  afterward  declined  the 
invitation  to  reunite  with  the  majority  of  their  tribe,  but  always  remained 
friendly  until  they  had  intercourse  with  the  whites.  The  great  dog  was 


60 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


lost  in  crossing  tlie  Mississippi,  and  tlie  Cliickasaws  always-believed  that 
he  fell  into  a large  sink-hole  and  there  remained.  They  said  they  could 
hear  him  howl  at  night,  and  so  long  as  this  continued  whenever  they  took 
any  scalps  from  an  enemy  they  sent  boys  back  with  the  scalps  to  throw 
to  the  dog.  In  traveling  from  the  West  they  have  no  recollection  of  hav- 
ing crossed  any  large  stream  of  water  except  the  Mississippi.  Upon  leav- 
ing the  West  they  were  informed  they  might  look  for  white  people,  that 
these  white  people  would  come  from  tlie  East,  and  that  they  were  to  be  on 
their  guard  against  them  lest  they  should  become  contaminated  Avitli  all 
the  vices  the  Avhites  possessed. 

The  Sliawanees,  it  is  believed,  came  to  this  country  about  the  year 
1650,  and  in  1710  or  thereabouts,  when  they  determined  to  leave  it  forever* 
on  account  of  the  frequent  harassments  to  which  they  were  subjected  by 
the  Cherokees,  the  Cliickasaws,  for  some  reason  which  does  not  appear, 
united  with  the  Cherokees,  the  hereditary  enemies  of  the  Sliawanees,  for 
the  purpose  of  striking  a decisive  blow  and  thus  making  themselves  mas- 
ters of  the  situation.  In  pursuance  of  this  design  a large  body  of  Chicka- 
saivs  repaired  to  the  Cumberland  just  above  the  mouth  of  Harpeth,  where 
they  attacked  the  Sliawanees,  killed  a large  number  of  them  and  took  from 
them  all  their  property.  The  remnant  of  the  tribe  made  their  Avay  north- 
ward as  best  they  could. 

The  claim  of  the  Cherokees  to  the  land  north  of  the  Cumberland  Avas 
not  considered  as  perfect  even  by  themselves.  This  became  apparent  at 
the  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix,  which  was  made  November  5,  1768.  This 
treaty  was  made  betAveen  Sir  William  Johnson,  superintendent  for  north- 
ern Indian  affairs,  representing  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  3,200 
Indians  of  seventeen  different  tribes — the  Six  Nations,  and  tribes  tribu- 
tary to  that  confederacy,  or  occupying  territory  contiguous  to  territory 
occupied  by  them.  In  this  treaty  the  delegates  of  the  respective  na- 
tions aver  that  “.they  are  the  true  and  absolute  proprietors  of  the 
lands  thus  ceded,”  and  that  for  the  consideration  mentioned  they  con- 
tinued the  line  south  to  Cherokee  or  Hogohegee*  River,  because  the  same 
is  and  Ave  declare  it  to  be  our  true  bounds  with  the  southern  Indians,  , 
and  that  we  have  an  undoubted  right  to  the  country  as  far  south  as 
that  river.”  Some  visiting  Cherokees,  who  were  present  at  the  treaty, 
on  their  arrival  at  Fort  Stanwix,  having  killed  some  game  on  the  way 
for  their  support,  tendered  the  skins  to  the  Six  Nations,  saying,  “they 
are  yours,  we  killed"  them  after  passing  the  Big  River,”  the  name  by 
which  they  always  called  the  Tennessee.  By  the  treaty  at  Fort  Stan- 
wix the  right  to  the  soil  and  sovereignty  Avas  vested  in  the  king  of 


* Holston. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


61 


Great  Britain,  and  by  tbe  treaty  of  1783  tlie  king  of  Great  Britain 
resigned  his  sovereignty  in  the  lands,  and  thus  they  became  tbe  property 
of  those  States  within  whose  limits  they  happened  then  to  be. 

While  the  Six  Nations  claimed  the  lands  only  by  the  right  of  con- 
quest, the  Cherokees  had  long  exercised  the  privilege  of  using  them  as 
a hunting  ground,  and  naturally,  therefore,  regarded  with  jealousy  the 
encroachments  of  the  whites.  John  Stuart,  superintendent  of  Southern 
Indian  Affairs,  was,  therefore,  instructed  to  assemble  the  southern  In- 
dians for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a boundary  line  with  them,  and 
concluded  a treaty  with  the  Cherokees  at  Hard  Labour,  S.  C.,  October 
14,  1768.  By  this  treaty  it  was  agreed  that  the  southwestern  boundary 
of  Virginia  should  be  a line  “ extending  from  the  point  where  the  north- 
ern line  of  North  Carolina  intersects  the  Cherokee  hunting  grounds,  about 
thirty-six  miles  east  of  Long  Island,  on  the  Holston  Elver,  and  thence 
extending  in  a direct  course  north  by  east  to  Chiswell’s  Mine,  on  the  east 
bank  of  Kanawha  Biver,  and  thence  down  that  stream  to  its  junction 
with  the  Ohio.” 

Having  thus  traced  the  Iroquois  and  Shawanees  to  their  departure 
from  the  State,  the  former  by  treaty  with  Great  Britain,  and  the  latter 
by  expulsion  by  the  Cherokees  and  Chickasaws,  there  now  remain,  to 
treat  of  in  this  chapter  the  Creeks — -or  as  they  were  originally  known, 
the  Muscogees — the  Choctaws  and  Chickasaws,  the  three  leading  tribes 
or  nations  of  the  Appalachian  group,  which  in  early  Indian  times,  just 
previous  to  the  dawn  of  history  in  this  State,  occupied  Florida,  Georgia, 
Alabama,  Mississippi  and  the  western  part  of  Tennessee,  and  the  Aclial- 
aques  or  Cherokees,  who  ostensibly  occupied  Eastern  and  Middle  Ten- 
nessee and  small  portions  of  Georgia,  Alabama  and  Kentucky. 

Perhaps  the  earliest  exploits  of  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees  desirable 
to  mention  in  this  work,  were  their  alliances  with  the  whites  in  1711, 
abont  the  time  of  the  expulsion  of  the  Shawanees  from  the  Cumberland, 
when  the  Tuscaroras,  Corees  and  other  tribes  combined  for  the  extermin- 
ation of  the  settlers  on  the  Boanoke,  their  attempt  resulting  in  the 
massacre  of  137  white  people.  The  details  of  this  disaster  reaching 
Charleston,  Gov.  Craven  sent  Col.  Barnwell  with  600  militia  and  400 
Indians  went  to  the  relief  of  the  survivors,  the  400  Indians  consisting  in 
part  of  Creeks  and  Cherokees.  The  Tuscaroras  and  Corees  were  sub- 
dued, the  hostile  portion  of  the  former  tribe  migrated  to  the  vicinity  of 
Oneida  Lake,  and  then  became  the  sixth  nation  of  the  Iroquois  Con- 
federacy. 

In  about  four  years  after  the  suppression  of  the  Tuscaroras,  all  the 
Indian  tribes  from  Florida  to  Cape  Fear  united  in  a confederacy  for 


62 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


the  destruction  of  the  white  settlements  in  Carolina.  This  confederacy 
was  composed  of  the  Catawbas,  Congarees,  Creeks,  Cherokees,  and 
Yamassees.  It  is  believed  they  were  instigated  to  the  course  they  pur- 
sued by  the  Spaniards,  as  they  had  just  received  guns  and  ammunition 
from  St.  Augustine.  After  spreading  desolation  and  death  for  some  time- 
through  the  unsuspecting  settlements,  the  confederacy  was  met  by 
Gov.  Craven  at  Salkehatchie,  defeated  and  driven  across  the  Savannah 
River. 

The  French  were  at  this  time  erecting  forts  in  various  parts  of  the 
Southwest:  Paducah  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cumberland;  Assumption,  on 
Chickasaw  Bluff;  besides  others,  and  numerous  trading  posts  on  the 
Tennessee.  The  English  and  French  colonists  were  each  seeking  to 
ingratiate  themselves  with  the  various  Indian  tribes  with  which  they 
came  in  contact,  with  the  view  of  attaching  to  themselves  as  many  of 
the  Indians  as  possible  and  of  thus  obtaining  advantages  the  one 
over  the  other.  In  pursuance  of  this  policy  Gov.  Nicholson,  in  1721, 
invited  the  Cherokees  to  a general  conference,  in  order  to  establish  a 
treaty  of  commerce  and  friendship.  In  response  to  this  invitation  the 
chieftains  of  thirty-seven  different  towns  attended  the  conference,  at 
which  Gov.  Nicholson  made  them  presents,  laid  off  their  boundaries, 
and  appointed  an  agent  to  superintend  their  affairs.  Similar  measures 
were  taken  with  the  Creeks.  In  1730  the  projects  of  the  French  with 
reference  to  uniting  Louisiana  and  Canada  began  to  be  more  notice- 
ably developed.  They  had  already  made  many  friends  among  the 
Indians  west  of  Carolina,  and  in  order  to  counteract  their  influence 
Great  Britain  sent  out  Sir  Alexander  Cumming  to  treat  with  the 
Cherokees,  who  then  occupied  the  lands  about  the  head  waters  of  the 
Savannah  River,  and  backward  from  the  Appalachian  chain  of  moun- 
tains. This  tribe  was  then  computed  to  consist  of  more  than  20,000 
individuals,  6,000  of  whom  were  warriors.  Sir  Alexander  met  the 
chiefs  in  April  of  the  year  last  mentioned  at  Nequassee,  all  the  towns 
sending  in  representatives  or  delegates.  Nequassee  was  near  the 
sources  of  the  Hiwassee.  A treaty  of  friendship,  alliance  and  com- 
merce was  drawn  up  and  formally  executed,  in  consequence  of  which  a 
condition  of  peace  and  friendship  continued  to  exist  for  some  time  be- 
tween the  colonists  and  this  tribe.  Two  years  afterward  Gov.  Ogle- 
thorpe effected  a treaty  with  the  Lower  and  Upper  Creeks,  a powerful 
tribe  then  numbering  in  the  aggregate  about  25,000  souls.  These 
alliances  with  the  Cherokees  and  Creeks  promised  security  to  the  col- 
onists from  the  encroachments  from  the  Spanish  and  French  in  Florida 
and  Louisiana. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


63 


In  1740  the  Cherokee  Indians  marked  out  a path  from  Augusta  to 
their  nation,  so  that  horsemen  could  ride  from  Savannah  to  all  the  Indian 
nations.  In  1750  a treaty  was  made  by  Col.  Waddle  and  the  chief, 
A ttakullakulla,  in  behalf  of  the  Cherokee  nation,  in  accordance  with 
which  Fort  Dobbs  was  built  about  twenty  miles  from  Salisbury,  N.  C., 
and  near  the  Yadkin;  but  the  Indians  paid  but  little  attention  to  the 
treaty,  as  they  killed  some  people  the  next  spring  near  the  Catawba.  In 
1755  Gov.  Glenn,  of  South  Carolina,  met  the  Cherokee  warriors  and 
chiefs  in  their  own  country,  and  made  a treaty  with  them  at  which  a ces- 
sion of  considerable  territory  was  made  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain 
and  deeds  of  Conveyance  formally  executed  in  the  name  of  the  whole 
people.  In  1756  the  Earl  of  Loudon,  commander  of  the  King’s  troops 
in  America,  sent  Andrew  Lewis  to  erect  a stone  fort  on  the  Tennessee 
River,  at  the  head  of  navigation.  It  was  erected  about  thirty  miles  from 
the  present  site  of  Knoxville,  and  was  named  Fort  Loudon  in  honor 
of  the  Earl.  This  fort  was  garrisoned  with  about  200  men,  the  exis- 
tence of  the  fort  and  the  presence  of  the  troops  giving  great  uneasiness 
to  the  Indians.  In  the  spring  of  1758  the  settlement  around  Fort  Lou- 
don, by  the  arrival  of  hunters  and  traders,  soon  grew  into  a thriving  vil- 
lage. During  this  year  the  British  captured  Fort  Du  Quesne,  the  En- 
glish Army  being  commanded  by  Gen.  Forbes,  and  immediately  after  its 
capitulation  the  name  was  changed  to  Fort  Pitt,  in  honor  of  the  great 
commoner  of  England.  In  the  army  of  Gen.  Forbes  were  several  Cher- 
okees,  who  had  accompanied  the  provincial  troops  of  North  and  South 
Carolina.  The  disaffection  among  the  Cherokees  already  existing  was 
unfortunately  suddenly  and  largely  increased  by  a serious  occurrence  in 
the  back  parts  of  Virginia.  Returning  home  through  this  part  of  the 
country,  the  Cherokees,  who  had  lost  some  horses  on  the  expedition  to 
Fort  Du  Quesne,  stole  such  as  they  found  running  at  large.  This  action 
of  theirs  Avas  resented  by  the  Virginians  killing  twelve  or  fifteen  of  the 
Cherokees,  Avhich  ungracious  conduct  from  allies  whose  frontier  the 
Cherokees  had  aided  to  defend,  at  once  aroused  a spirit  of  resentment 
and  revenge.  The  garrison  of  Fort  Loudon,  consisting  of  about  200 
men,  under  the  command  of  Capts.  Demere  and  Stuart,  on  account  of 
its  remoteness  from  Avhite  settlements,  was  the  first  to  notice  and  suffer 
from  the  retaliatory  proceedings  of  the  Cherokees.  Soldiers  making  ex- 
cursions into  the  Avoods  to  procure  fresh  supplies  of  provisions  were 
attacked  by  the  Indians,  and  some  of  them  killed.  From  this  time  it 
became  necessary  for  them  to  confine  themselves  within  the  narrow  limits 
of  the  fort.  The  sources  of  their  provisions  being,  cut  off,  there  seemed 
no  prospect  before  them  but  famine  and  death.  Parties  of  warriors 


(34 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


rushed,  down  upon  the  settlements  along  the  border,  and  the  work  of 
massacre  became  general  among  the  frontier  settlements. 

After  the  fall  of  Fort  Du  Quesne,  and  the  decline  of  the  power  of 
France  in  America,  a fundamental  change  occurred  in  the  relations  of  the 
northern  Indian  tribes  to  the  French  and  English  nations.  The  north- 
ern tribes  had  hitherto  been  allied  to  the  French,  but  uoav  the  French, 
having  been  overcome  by  the  English,  it  became  necessary  for  them  to 
transfer  their  allegiance  to  the  English.  But  the  southern  tribes  re- 
mained quiescent  and  relied  for  security  on  the  power  of  the  French.  At 
this  time  the  territory  of  the  Cherokees  extended  from  Fort  Ninety-six  on 
the  Carolina  frontier  and  Fort  Prince  George  on  the  Keowee  branch  of 
the  Savannah  to  the  source  of  that  river  and  across  the  Appalachian 
chain  of  mountains  to  and  down  the  Cherokee  or  Tennessee  River  and  its 
southern  branches,  a country  replete  with  every  resource  required  for 
the  sustenance  of  savage  life  and  customs. 

Gov.  Lyttleton  hearing  of  the  investment  of  Fort  Loudon,  and  of 
the  outrages  along  the  border,  summoned  the  militia  to  assemble  at  Con- 
garee,  for  the  purpose  of  chastising  the  enemy,  but  previous  to  assuming 
offensive  measures,  called  together  some  of  the  head  men  of  the  nation 
and  made  with  them  a treaty,  which  after  reciting  reference  to  former 
treaties,  which  had  been  violated  by  the  Indians,  proceeded  with  com- 
mendable precision  to  rehearse  grievances  of  a still  later  date,  for  all  of 
which  the  Cherokees  promised  to  make  amend,  and  also  promised  good 
conduct  for  the  future.  Two  of  their  own  nation  who  had  committed 
murders  were  actually  delivered  up,  and  the  surrender  of  twenty  more 
was  promised,  to  be  kept  as  hostages,  until  the  same  number  of  Indians 
guilty  of  murder,  should  be  delivered  up,  and  that  the  Cherokees  should 
kill  or  take  prisoner  every  Frenchman  that  should  presume  to  come  into 
the  nation.  This  treaty  was  signed  by  Attakullakulla  and  five  other  prin- 
cipal chiefs  on  the  part  of  the  Cherokees,  and  by  Gov.  Lyttleton.  His 
purpose  having  been  accomplished,  and  peace  restored  as  he  supposed, 
the  Governor  returned  to  Charleston,  and  the  Indians  recommenced  their 
depredations.  It  has  been  well  said  by  a writer  on  American  history, 
that  the  Indians  are  of  such  a nature  that  unless  they  feel  the  rod  of 
chastisement,  they  cannot  believe  in  the  power  to  inflict  it;  and  accord- 
ingly whenever  they  happen  to  be  attacked  unprepared  they  have  resource 
to  a treaty  of  peace  as  a subterfuge,  in  order  to  gain  time  to  collect  them- 
selves. Then  without  the  least  regard  to  the  bonds  of  public  faith,  they 
renew  their  hostilities  on  the  first  opportunity,  Possibly,  however,  there 
may  be  some  little  palliation  for  their  perfidy  with  reference  to  this  treaty 
with  Gov.  Lyttleton  signed  by  the  six  Cherokees,  when  it  is  consid- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


65 


ered  that  only  this  small  number  signed  it,  and  that  the  treaty  itself  was 
not  in  accordance  with  the  sentiments  of  the  tribe.  This  became  pain- 
fully evident  immediately  after  the  departure  of  the  Governor  from  Fort 
Prince  George  and  the  dispersion  of  his  army.  Hostilities  were  at  once 
renewed  and  fourteen  whites  killed  within  a mile  of  the  fort.  On  the 
18th  of  February,  1760,  the  Cherokees  assembled  at  the  fort  on  the 
Keowee,  and  attempted  to  surprise  it.  As  the  garrison  was  gazing  at 
the  forts  (?)  from  the  ramparts,  a noted  chief,  Oconostota,  approached 
and  expressed  a desire  to  speak  to  the  commandant,  Lieut.  Coytmore, 
who  agreed  to  meet  him  on  the  bank  of  the  Keowee  Eiver,  whither  he 
was  accompanied  by  Ensign  Bell  and  the  interpreter,  Mr.  Coharty.  Ocon- 
ostota said  he  wished  to  go  down  to  see  the  Governor  and  requested  that  a 
white  man  be  permitted  to  go  with  him.  This  request  being  acceded  to 
he  said  to  an  Indian  “Go  and  catch  a horse  for  me.”  This  was  objected 
to,  but  the  chief  making  a faint  motion  carelessly  swung  a bridle,  which 
he  held,  three  times  around  his  head.  This  being  a secret  signal  to  men 
lying  concealed,  a volley  was  poured  in  which  mortally  wounded  Coytmore, 
who  received  a ball  in  his  breast,  and  inflicted  deep  flesh  wounds  on 
others. 

This  treachery  of  Oconostota  so  aroused  the  indignation  of  Ensign 
Miln,  commanding  the  garrison  of  the  fort,  that  he  determined  to  put  the 
twenty  hostages  as  well  as  the  two  murderers  in  irons ; but  the  first  attempt 
to  seize  the  assassins  was  so  successfully  resisted  that  the  soldier  deputed  to 
effect  it  was  instantly  killed  and  another  wounded.  This  so  exasperated  the 
garrison  that  they  immediately  put  to  death  all  the  hostages.  This  act  of 
retaliation  was  followed  by  a general  invasion  of  the  frontier  of  Carolina, 
and  an  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  men,  women  and  children. 

Measures  were  taken  as  soon  as  practicable  to  punish  and  restrain  these 
excesses  by  collecting  together  a large  force  of  men  and  sending  them  for- 
ward under  Col.  Montgomery  for  the  Cherokee  country.  Such  was  the 
celerity  of  his  movements  that  the  Cherokees  were  taken  completely  by 
surprise.  On  the  26th  of  May  he  reached  Fort  Ninety-Six,  and  on  June  1 
passed  the  twelve-mile  branch  of  the  Keowee.  Four  miles  before  reach- 
ing the  town  of  Estatoe  Col.  Montgomery’s  attention  was  attracted  by  the 
barking  of  a dog  about  a quarter  of  a mile  from  the  road,  at  a town  called 
Little  Keowee.  He  detached  a force  of  soldiers  to  surround  the  town 
with  instructions  to  kill  the  men,  but  to  spare  the  women  and  children, 
which  instructions  were  obeyed,  the  main  force  proceeding  on  to  Estatoe, 
a town  of  about  200  houses,  well  supplied  with  provisions  and  ammunition. 
Estatoe  was  reduced  to  ashes,  and  twelve  of  its  warriors  killed.  Other 
towns  were  attacked  in  rapid  succession,  until  every  one  in  the  lower 


66 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


nation  liacl  been  visited  and  destroyed.  About  twenty  of  the  Cherokees 
were  killed  and  forty  taken  prisoners,  with  a loss  to  Col.  Montgomery  of 
four  soldiers  killed  and  two  officers  wounded. 

Montgomery  then  returned  to  Fort  Prince  George,  whence  he  sent  out 
messengers  inviting  the  Cherokees  to  sue  for  peace,  and  also  sending  word 
to  Capts.  Demerc  and  Stuart,  commanding  at  Fort  Loudon,  requesting 
them  to  obtain  peace  if  possible  with  the  Upper  Towns.  But  hearing  noth- 
ing from  them  he  determined  to  penetrate  to  the  Middle  Towns.  Start- 
ing on  the  24th  of  June  he  marched  with  the  same  celerity  three  days,  on 
the  third  day  reaching  Etchowee.  Entering  the  valley  near  this  town  the 
savages  sprang  from  their  lurking  lair,  fired  upon  the  troops,  killed  Capt. 
Morrison  and  wounded  a number  of  his  men.  A heavy  firing  sprang  up  on 
both  sides  and  lasted  about  an  hour,  with  the  result  of  killing  twenty-six 
and  wounding  seventy  of  Col.  Montgomery’s  men.  The  loss  to  the  Indians 
is  not  known,  but  the  battle  was  not  decisive,  and  Col.  Montgomery,  with 
such  a large  number  of  wounded  men  upon  his  hands,  found  it  impractica- 
ble to  proceed  further,  and  so  returned  to  Fort  Prince  George. 

Fort  Loudon,  by  reason  of  its  great  distance  from  the  seat  of  authority 
in  North  Carolina,  was  peculiarly  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  frontier  war- 
fare. Its  garrison  was  now  reduced  to  the  fearful  alternative  of  starving 
to  death  or  of  submitting  to  the  enraged  Cherokees,  as  neither  Virginia  nor 
North  Carolina  was  able  to  render  any  assistance.  For  an  entire  month 
they  had  been  obliged  to  subsist  on  the  flesh  of  lean  dogs  and  horses  and  a 
small  supply  of  Indian  beans,  stealthily  procured  for  them  by  some 
friendly  Cherokee  women.  Besieged  night  and  day,  and  with  no  hope  of 
succor,  the  garrison  refused  longer  to  be  animated  and  encouraged  to 
hold  out  by  their  officers,  and  threatened  to  leave  the  fort,  take  their 
chances  of  cutting  through  the  forces  of  their  savage  besiegers,  and,  fail- 
ing, die  at  once  rather  than  longer  endure  the  slow,  painful  process  of 
starvation.  The  commander  therefore  held  a council  of  war,  and  the  offi- 
cers all  being  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  impossible  to  hold  out  longer, 
agreed  to  surrender  the  fort  to  the  Cherokees  on  the  best  terms  that 
could  be  obtained.  Capt.  Stuart  therefore  obtained  leave  to  go  to  Chota, 
where  he  obtained  the  following  terms  of  capitulation: 

That  the  garrison  of  Fort  Loudon  march  out  with  their  arms  and  drums,  each 
soldier  having  as  much  powder  and  ball  as  their  officers  shall  think  necessary  for  the 
march,  and  all  the  baggage  they  may  choose  to  carry;  that  the  garrison  be  permitted  to 
marcli  to  Virginia  or  Fort  Prince  George  as  the  commanding  officer  shall  think  proper, 
unmolested;  that  a number  of  Indians  be  appointed  to  escort  them  and  hunt  for  provisions 
on  the  march;  that  such  soldiers  as  are  lame,  or  are  by  sickness  disabled  from  marching, 
be  received  into  the  Indian  towns  and  kindly  used  until  they  recover,  and  then  be  allowed 
to  return  to  Fort  Prince  George;  that  the  Indians  provide  for  the  garrison  as  many  horses 
as  they  conveniently  can  for  the  march,  agreeing  with  the  officers  and  soldiers  for  pay- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


67 


ment;  that  the  fort,  great  guns,  powder,  ball  and  spare  arms  be  delivered  to  the  Indians 
without  fraud  or  delay  on  the  day  appointed  for  the  march  of  the  troops. 

In  accordance  with,  this  stipulation  the  garrison  marched  out  of  the 
fort,  with  their  arms,  accompanied  by  Oconostota,  Judd’s  friend,  the 
prince  of  Chota,  and  several  other  Indians,  and  marched  fifteen  miles  on 
the  first  day,  encamping  for  the  night  on  a plain  about  two  miles  from 
Tellico.  At  this  place  all  their  Indian  attendants  left  them  upon  one 
pretest  or  another.  This  desertion  was  looked  upon  by  the  garrison  as 
of  a very  suspicious  nature,  and  hence  a strong  guard  was  placed  around 
the  camp.  The  next  morning  about  daybreak,  one  of  the  guard  came 
running  into  camp  with  the  information  that  a vast  number  of  Indians 
armed  and  painted  in  the  most  dreadful  manner,  were  creeping  up  among 
the  bushes  and  preparing  to  surround  the  camp.  Almost  immediately 
the  enfeebled  and  dispirited  garrison  was  surrounded  and  a heavy  fire 
was  opened  upon  them  from  all  quarters,  which  they  were  powerless  to 
resist.  Capt.  Demert!,  three  other  officers  and  about  twenty-six  private 
soldiers  fell  at  the  first  onset.  Some  fled  to  the  woods,  others  were  taken 
prisoners  and  confined  in  the  towns  of  the  valley.  Capt.  Stuart  and  some 
others  were  taken  back  to  Fort  Loudon.  Attakullakulla,  hearing  of  his 
friend  Stuart’s  capture,  immediately  repaired  to  the  fort,  purchased  him 
from  his  captors,  took  him  to  his  own  home,  where  he  kept  him  until  a 
favorable  opportunity  should  offer  for  aiding  him  in  his  escape.  The 
soldiers  were  after  some  time  redeemed  by  the  Province  at  great  expense. 

While  the  prisoners  were  confined  at  Fort  Loudon,  Oconostota  decided 
to  make  an  attack  upon  Fort  Prince  George,  and  in  the  attack  to  employ 
the  cannon  and  ammunition  taken  at  Fort  Loudon.  The  council  at  which 
this  decision  was  made  was  held  at  Chota,  Capt.  Stuart  being  compelled 
to  attend.  The  Captain  was  given  to  understand  that  he  must  accompany 
the  expedition  to  Fort  Prince  George,  and  there  assist  in  the  reduction  of 
the  fort  by  manning  the  artillery  for  the  Indians,  and  by  being  their 
enforced  amanuensis  in  the  correspondence  with  the  fort.  This  prospect 
was  so  alarming  to  the  Captain  that  he,  from  the  moment  of  being  made 
acquainted  with  the  designs  of  the  Clierokees  with  reference  to  himself, 
resolved  to  escape  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  He  therefore  privatelv 
communicated  his  purpose  to  his  friend  Attakullakulla,  and  invoked  his 
assistance  to  accomplish  his  release,  which  Attakullakulla  promptly 
pledged  himself  to  give.  Claiming  Capt.  Stuart  as  his  prisoner,  he 
announced  to  the  other  Indians  his  intention  of  going  hunting  for 
a few  days,  and  took  the  Captain  with  him.  The  utmost  caution  and 
celerity  were  required  in  order  to  prevent  surprise  from  pursuit.  Nine 
days  and  nights  did  they  hasten  on  through  the  wilderness  for  Virginia, 


08 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


shaping  their  course  by  the  sun  and  moon.  On  the  tenth  they  fell  in 
with  a party  of  300  men  at  the  banks  of  Holston  River,  sent  out  by  Col. 
Bird  for  the  relief  of  Fort  Loudon.  For  his  kindly  offices  to  Capt.  Stuart 
Attakullakulla  was  loaded  with  provisions  and  presents,  and  sent  back 
to  protect  the  other  unhappy  prisoners  until  such  time  as  they  could  be 
ransomed,  and  to  exert  his  influence  with  his  nation  for  the  restoration  of 
peace. 

The  success  of  the  Cherokees  at  Fort  Loudon  and  the  fact  of  the  bat- 
tle of  Etchowee  with  Col.  Montgomery  being  indecisive,  or  perhaps  rather 
being  favorable  to  the  Indians,  only  served  to  stimulate  their  spirit  of 
aggression;  but  the  French  in  Canada  being  now  reduced  it  became  much 
surer  than  hitherto  to  send  from  the  north  a force  adequate  to  the  defense 
of  the  southern  provinces.  In  pursuance  of  this  policy  of  defense  against 
the  warlike  Indians,  Col.  Grant  arrived  at  Charleston  with  the  British 
regulars  early  in  1761,  and  in  company  with  a provincial  regiment  raised 
for  the  purpose,  marched  for  the  Cherokee  country.  Among  the  field 
officers  of  this  regiment  were  Middleton,  Laurens,  Moultrie,  Marion,  Hu- 
ger and  Pickens.  Col.  Grant  arrived  with  his  command  at  Fort  Prince 
George  May  27,  1761.  Attakullakulla,  hearing  of  the  approach  of  this 
formidable  army,  hastened  to  the  camp  of  Col.  Grant,  and  vainly  proposed 
terms  of  peace;  but  knowing  too  well  the  story  of  Cherokee  perfidy,  the 
Colonel  was  determined  on  severer  measures  than  a treaty,  the  terms  of 
which  were  so  soon  forgotten.  A fierce  battle  was  therefore  fought  near 
the  town  of  Etchowee  on  the  same  ground  where  a year  before  Montgom- 
ery was  practically  defeated.  The  engagement  raged  three  hours,  until 
the  perseverance  and  bravery  of  the  soldiers  expelled  the  Cherokees  from 
the  field.  After  the  battle  their  granaries  and  corn  fields  were  destroyed, 
and  their  wretched  families  driven  to  the  barren  mountains.  Their  war- 
like spirit  was  for  a time  subdued,  and  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Atta- 
kullakulla, the  old  and  friendly  chief,  peace  was  once  more  restored  and 
ratified.  The  peace  which  succeeded  this  victory  over  the  Cherokees 
brought  with  it  a remarkable  increase  of  population  and  prosperity. 

In  1767,  upon  the  application  of  the  Cherokee  nation,  and  at  the  rec- 
ommendation of  Gov.  Tryon,  an  application  was  made  by  North  Carolina 
for  the  running  of  a dividing  line  between  the  western  settlements  of  the 
Province  and  the  hunting  grounds  of  the  Cherokees,  the  tribe  of  Indians 
most  closely  identified  with  the  history  of  Tennessee.  They  were  a 
formidable  tribe,  both  with  regard  to  numbers  and  to  warlike  prowess. 
The  early  history  of  this  State  is  full  of  incidents  illustrative  of  their 
courageous,  revengeful  and  perfidious  spirit.  It  had  been  found  impos- 
sible to  reconcile  them  with  the  Tuscaroras.  When  the  attempt  was 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


69 


made  the  Cherokees  replied:  “We  can  not  live  without  war.  Should  we 
make  peace  with  the  Tuscaroras  we  must  immediately  look  out  for  some 
other  nation  with  whom  we  may  be  engaged  in  our  beloved  occupation.” 
Animated  by  this  sentiment  they  were  constantly  acting  on  the  offensive. 
In  the  earlier  maps  of  the  country  the  Tennessee  River  is  called  the 
Cherokee,  as  the  Cumberland  was  early  called  the  Shawanee,  and  similarly 
the  name  of  this  tribe  was  applied  to  the  mountains  near  them,  the  word 
Currahee  being  only  a corruption  of  Cherokee.  They  had  almost  uni- 
versally been  conquerors  in  their  wars  with  other  nations,  and  their  con- 
tinued success  made  them  arrogant,  quarrelsome  and  defiant.  About  the 
year  1769  they  took  offense  at  the  Chickasaws  and  made  a hostile  inva- 
sion of  their  country.  At  the  Chickasaw  Old  Fields  the  inoffensive  but 
brave  Chickasaws  met  them  with  great  spirit,  the  result  being  a sanguin- 
ary conflict  and  the  total  defeat  of  the  Cherokees,  who  retired  to  their 
own  village  beyond  the  Cumberland  and  the  Caney  Fork.  This  defeat, 
occurring  about  the  same  time  with  the  settlement  on  the  Watauga, 
doubtless  contributed  much  to  the  peaceful  demeanor  of  the  Indians  to- 
ward that  infant  and  feeble  colony,  and  hence  to  its  success. 

One  of  the  institutions  of  most  Indian  tribes  was  the  city  of  refuge, 
which,  if  a murderer  or  other  criminal  could  once  enter,  was  a sure  pro- 
tection against  punishment  so  long  as  he  remained  within  its  limits. 
Chota,  five  miles  above  the  ruins  of  Fort  Loudon  was  the  city  of  refuge 
for  the  Cherokees.  On  a certain  occasion  an  Englishman,  after  killing 
an  Indian  warrior  in  defense  of  his  property,  took  refuge  in  Chota  and 
found  protection  there  so  long  as  he  chose  to  remain,  but  Avas  warned 
that  if  he  ventured  outside  some  Cherokee  would  surely  kill  him  on  the 
first  opportunity.  Hoav  long  he  remained  in  Chota  is  not  recorded,  nor 
what  was  his  fate  upon  leaving  the  beloved  tovoi. 

The  Cherokees  had  a profound  veneration  for  the  relics  of  the  Mound 
Builders,  the  origin  of  which,  however,  they  knew  nothing;  but  they 
considered  them  the  vestiges  of  an  ancient  and  numerous  race,  further 
advanced  in  the  arts  of  civilized  life  than  themselves. 

Early  in  1772  the  authorities  of  Virginia  made  a treaty  with  the 
Cherokees  by  which  a boundary  line  was  agreed  upon,  to  run  west  from 
the  White  Top  Mountain  in  northern  latitude  36  degrees,  30  minutes. 
Almost  immediately  afterward  the  Watauga  leases  were  made,  which  are 
referred  to  in  the  chapter  on  settlement,  and  also  that  of  Jacob  BroAvn. 
In  the  fall  of  1771  negotiations  Avere  commenced  between  Richard  Hen- 
derson & Co.  and  the  Cherokees,  which  terminated  in  March,  1775,  the 
treaty  being  held  at  Watauga.  At  this  treaty  two  deeds  were  obtained — 
one  known  as  the  “Path  Deed,”  and  the  other  as  the  “Great  Grant.” 
The  boundaries  expressed  in  the  Path  Deed  were  as  follows: 


70 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


“All  that  tract,  territory,  or  parcel  of  land  beginning  on  the  Holston 
.River,  where  the  course  of  Powell’s  Mountain  strikes  the  same;  thence 
up  the  said  river  as  it  meanders  to  where  the  Virginia  line  crosses  the 
same;  thence  westwardly  along  the  line  run  by  Donelson  et.  al  to  a 
point  six  English  miles  eastward  of  the  Long  Island  in  the  said  Holston 
River ; thence  a direct  course  toward  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Kanawha,  until 
it  reaches  the  top  of  Powell’s  Mountain;  thence  westwardly  along  the  said 
ridge  to  the  beginning.”  The  Great  Grant  Deed  contained  the  follow- 
ing boundaries: 

“ All  that  tract,  territory  or  parcel  of  land  situated,  lying  and  being  in 
North  America,  on  the  Ohio  River,  one  of  the  eastern  branches  of  the 
Mississippi  River,  beginning  on  the  said  Ohio  River,  at  the  mouth  of  Ken- 
tucky, Cherokee  or  what  is  known  by  the  English  as  the  Louisa  River; 
thence  running  up  said  river,  and  the  most  northwardly  fork  of  the  same 
to  the  head  spring  thereof;  thence  a southeast  course  to  the  ridge  of 
Powell’s  Mountain;  thence  westwardly  along  the  ridge  of  said  mountain 
unto  a point  from  which  a northwest  course  will  hit  or  strike  the  head 
spring  of  the  most  northwardly  branch  of  Cumberland  River;  thence 
down  the  said  river,  including  all  its  waters,  to  the  Ohio  River ; thence  up 
the  said  river  as  it  meanders  to  the  beginning.” 

These  two  purchases,  or  the  treaty  under  which  they  were  made, 
were  repudiated  by  both  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  as  being  made  by 
private  individuals,  the  States  themselves,  however,  clairuing  the  benefit 
of  the  treaty.  About  the  time  of  the  commencement  of  negotiations  be- 
tween Col.  Henderson  & Co.  and  the  Cherokees,  occurred  the  first 
battle  with  the  Indians  in  which  Tennessee  troops  were  engaged.  This 
was  the  battle  of  the  Kanawha  or  Point  Pleasant,  on  the  Ohio  River,  and 
here  they  displayed  that  adventure  and  prowess  which  have  so  signally 
characterized  them  during  all  periods  of  the  history  of  their  State.  The 
tribes  of  Indians  engaged  in  the  work  of  destruction  and  massacre 
on  the  Virginia  frontier  were  the  Sliawanees  and  other  northern  and  west- 
ern tribes.  Lord  Dunmore  took  immediate  and  vigorous  measures  to 
repress  the  hostilities  and  punish  the  audacity  of  the  enemy.  Four  reg- 
iments of  militia  and  volunteers  under  Gen.  Andrew  Lewis,  who  built 
Fort  Loudon,  were  ordered  to  march  down  the  Great  Kanawha  to  the  Ohio. 
While  on  the  march  down  the  Great  Kanawha,  or,  as  it  is  called  now,  the 
New  River,  Gen.  Lewis  was  joined  by  Capt.  Evan  Shelby,  who  had 
raised  a company  of  upward  of  fifty  men  for  the  expedition  in  what  are 
now  Sullivan  and  Carter  Counties.  The  entire  army  reached  and  en- 
camped upon  the  present  site  of  Point  Pleasant,  on  the  6th  of  October. 
Early  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  the  camp  was  attacked  by  a large  body 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


71 


of  Indians,  and  a sanguinary  battle  ensued  which  lasted  the  entire  day, 
but  which  by  skillful  maneuvering  and  courageous  fighting  terminated 
in  the  evening  in  a total  rout  of  the  Indians,  in  their  precipitate  flight 
across  the  Ohio,  and  their  return  to  their  towns  on  the  Scioto.  The  loss 
of  the  Indians  in  this  hard  and  well-fought  battle  appears  not  to  have 
been  ascertained,  but  that  of  Gen.  Lewis  was  twelve  commissioned  offi- 
cers killed  or  wounded,  seventy-five  non-commissioned  officers  killed  and 
141  wounded. 

Capt.  Evan  Shelby’s  company  consisted  of  the  following  persons: 
James  Robertson,  Valentine  Sevier  and  John  Sawyer  were  three  of  the 
orderly  sergeants;  James  Shelby,  John  Findley,  Henry  Sparr,  D.aniel 
Mungle,  Frederick  Mungle,  John  Williams,  John  Comack,  Andrew  Tor- 
rence, George  Brooks,  Isaac  Newland,  Abram  Newland,  George  Buddie, 
Emanuel  Skoutt,  Abram  Bogard,  Peter  Forney,  William  Tucker,  John 
Fain,  Samuel  Fain,  Samuel  Vance,  Samuel  Handley,  Samuel  Samples, 
Arthur  Blackburn,  Robert  Handley,  George  Armstrong,  William  Casey, 
Mack  Williams,  John  Stewart,  Conrad  Nave,  Richard  Burk,  John  Riley, 
Elijah  Robertson,  Rees  Price,  Richard  Halliway,  J arret  Williams,  Julius 
Robinson,  Charles  Fielder,  Benjamin  Graham,  Andrew  Goff,  Hugh 
O’Gullion,  Patrick  St.  Lawrence,  James  Hughey,  John  Bradley,  Basileel 
Maywell  and  Barnett  O’Gullion. 

After  the  battle  of  Point  Pleasant  a treaty  was  made  between  the 
Indians  and  Lord  Dunmore,  by  which  they  relinquished  all  their  claims 
to  lands  north  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  by  the  treaty  with  Henderson  & 
Co.  the  Cherokees  relinquished  all  their  claim  to  the  land  lying  between 
the  Ohio  and  Cumberland  Rivers;  hence  this  immense  tract  of  magnifi- 
cent country  was  at  that  time  entirely  free  from  Indian  occupants  as 
claimants. 

Previous  to  the  conclusion  of  the  Henderson  Treaty,  a remarkable 
speech  was  made  by  Oconostota,  a Cherokee  chief,  whose  name  has  oc- 
curred heretofore  in  this  history.  Oconostota  had  fought  for  the  reten- 
tion of  the  country  by  his  own  people  and  was  now  opposed  to  the  treaty, 
and  though  his  speech  Avas  listened  to  Avith  profound  attention  and  all 
the  respect  due  to  so  venerable  an  orator,  yet  its  counsels  were  not 
heeded,  and  the  cession  Avas  made.  In  the  light  of  subsequent  events, 
however,  it  can  scarcely  be  said  that  the  cession  Avas  unwise,  notAvith- 
standing  the  eloquence  and  prophetic  nature  of  the  speech  of  Oconostota, 
for  had  not  the  cession  been  made  in  March,  1775,  it  Avoukl  have  been 
made  at  a later  time  and  at  the  close  of  a more  or  less  protracted 
and  sanguinary  struggle.  In  his  speech  Oconostota  reminded  his  audi- 
tory of  the  once  flourishing  condition  of  his  nation,  of  the  continual  en- 


72 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


croachments  of  the  white  people  upon  the  consequently  continually  re- 
tiring Indian  nations,  who  had  been  compelled  to  leave  the  homes  of  their 
ancestors  to  satisfy  the  insatiable  greed  of  the  white  people.  It  was  at 
one  time  hoped  that  these  white  people  would  not  be  willing  to  travel 
beyond  the  mountains,  but  now  that  fallacious  hope  had  vanished,  and 
the  Cherokee  lands  were  fast  being  absorbed  and  usurped,  and  the  at- 
tempt was  now  being  made  to  have  those  usurpations  confirmed  by  a 
treaty  in  which  the  Cherokees  would  sign  their  own  rights  away,  after 
the  accomplishment  of  which  the  same  encroaching  spirit  would  again 
lead  them  upon  other  Cherokee  lands,  until  finally  the  entire  country 
which  the  Cherokees  and  their  forefathers  had  occupied  for  so  many 
centuries  would  be  required,  and  the  Cherokee  nation  once  so  great  and 
formidable,  reduced  to  a small  remnant,  would  be  compelled  to  seek  a 
retreat  in  some  far  distant  wilderness,  there  to  dwell  but  a short  time 
when  the  same  greedy  host  would  again  approach  with  their  banners  of 
civilization,  and  unable  to  point  out  any  further  retreat  for  the  Cherokees 
to  seek,  would  proclaim  the  extinction  of  the  whole  race.  The  close  of 
this  oration  was  a strong  appeal  to  his  people  to  run  all  risks  rather  than 
consent  to  any  further,  diminution  of  their  territory. 

But  when  accomplished  this  treaty,  like  so  many  others,  failed  to  sat- 
isfy a large  portion  of  the  Cherokee  nation,  and  in  the  year  1776  they 
made  great  preparations  for  an  attack  on  the  settlements  on  the  Watauga 
and  Holston.  Indications  of  these  preparations  became  more  and  more 
evident  and  numerous.  Jarret.  Williams  and  Robert  Dews,  two  traders 
among  them,  from  observations  they  had  made  arrived  independently  of 
each  other  at  the  conclusion  that  an  exterminating  war  had  been  deter- 
mined upon.  Evidence  was  also  discovered  that  the  Cherokees  had  been 
so  influenced  as  to  be  ready  to  massacre  all  the  back  settlers  of  Carolina 
and  Georgia.  The  commencement  of  the  Cherokee  hostility  was  the 
killing  of  two  men  named  Boyd  and  Doggett,  after  the  former  of  whom 
Boyd’s  Creek  in  Sevier  County  was  named.  John  Stuart,  superinten- 
dent of  southern  Indian  affairs,  instructed  by  the  British  War  Depart- 
ment, dispatched  orders  to  his  deputies  resident  among  the  different  tribes, 
to  carry  into  effect  the  desires  of  the  Government.  Alexander  Cameron, 
agent  for  the  Cherokee  nation,  upon  receipt  of  his  instructions,  lost  no 
time  in  convening  the  chiefs  and  warriors;  and  notwithstanding  efforts 
were  made  by  the  Americans  to  counteract  his  intrigues,  Cameron  was 
successful  in  enlisting  the  sympathies  and  assistance  of  a majority  of  the 
head  men  and  warriors  of  the  tribe.  A formidable  invasion  was  planned 
by  the  Cherokees,  which  woxdd  doubtless  have  been  harassing  and  de- 
structive in  the  extreme  but  for  the  opportune  assistance  of  Nancy  Ward, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


73 


wlio  has  been  named,  the  “ Pocahontas  of  the  West,”  and  who,  allied  to 
some  of  the  leading  chiefs,  obtained  information  of  their  plan  of  attack 
and  immediately  thereupon  communicated  this  information  to  Isaac 
Thomas,  a trader,  her  friend  and  a true  American.  Mr.  Thomas  without 
delay  proceeded  to  the  committee  of  safety  in  Virginia,  which  adopted 
such  measures  as  were  practicable  for  the  defense  of  the  frontier. 

The  plan  of  attack  by  the  Cherokees  upon  the  settlements  was  for 
one  division  of  the  Indians  under  “ Dragging  Canoe  ” to  fall  upon  the 
Holston  settlement,  and  another  division  under  “Old  Abraham”  to  fall 
upon  Watauga.  These  divisions  were  to  consist  of  350  men  each. 
“ Dragging  Canoe’s  ” division  was  defeated  in  a “ miracle  of  a battle  ” at 
Heaton’s  Station  near  Long  Island,  in  which  the  Indians  lost  upward  of 
forty  in  killed  and  the  settlers,  only  five  wounded,  all  of  whom  recovered. 
Among  the  wounded  was  John  Findley,  who  was  supposed  by  Collins  and 
by  Ramsey  not  to  have  been  heard  of  after  the  attack  on  Boone’s  camp 
in  1769.  “Old  Abraham”  with  his  forces  made  the  attack  on  the  fort 
at  Watauga,  where  Capt.  James  Robertson  was  in  command.  Capt.  John 
Sevier  was  also  present,  and  although  the  attack  was  made  with  great 
vigor  the  defense  was  successful  and  the  Indians  were  driven  off  with 
considerable  loss.  It  was  during  this  siege  that  occurred  the  following 
romantic  incident:  As  the  Indians  approached  the  fort  they  appear  to 

have  taken  by  surprise,  and  almost  surrounded,  Miss  Catharine  Sherrill, 
who,  discovering  her  danger  just  in  time,  started  for  the  fort.  She  was  a 
young  woman,  tall  and  erect  of  stature  and  fleet  of  foot  as  the  roe.  In 
her  flight  she  was  closely  pursued,  and  as  she  approached  the  gate  she 
found  other  Indians  in  her  way,  doubtless  confident  of  a captive  or  of  a 
victim  to  their  guns  and  arrows.  But  turning  suddenly  she  eluded  her 
pursuers  and  leaped  the  palisades  at  another  point,  falling  into  the  arms 
of  Capt.  John  Sevier.  In  a few  years  after  this  sudden  leap  into  the 
arms  of  the  captain  she  became  the  devoted  wife  of  the  colonel,  and  the 
bosom  companion  of  the  general,  the  governor,  the  people’s  man  and  the 
patriot,  John  Sevier,  and  finally  the  mother  of  ten  children,  who  could 
rise  up  and  call  her  blessed. 

Another  incident  not  less  romantic  but  of  quite  a different  character 
connected  with  this  attack  upon  Fort  Watauga,  is  worthy  of  commemora- 
tion. No  one  in  the  fort  was  wounded,  but  Mrs.  Bean  was  captured  near 
Watauga,  and  taken  a prisoner  to  the  station  camp  of  the  Indians  over 
the  Nollichucky.  After  being  questioned  by  the  Indians  as  to  the  num- 
ber and  strength  of  the  forts  occupied  by  the  white  people,  she  was  con- 
demned to  death,  bound  and  taken  to  the  top  of  one  of  the  mounds  to  be 
burned.  It  was  a custom  with  the  Cherokees  to  assign  to  a certain 


74 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


woman  the  office  of  declaring  what  punishment  should  be  inflicted  upon 
great  offenders,  whether  for  instance,  burning  or  other  death,  or  whether 
they  should  be  pardoned.  The  woman  so  distinguished  was  called  the 
“beloved”  or  “pretty  woman.”  At  the  time  Mrs.  Bean  was  condemned 
to  death  Mrs.  Nancy  Ward  was  exercising  the  functions  of  the  “pretty 
woman,”  and  the  question  of  carrying  into  execution  the  sentence  against 
Mrs.  Bean  being  referred  to  Mrs.  Ward,  she  pronounced  her  pardon. 

A division  of  the  Cherokees  (other  than  those  commanded  by  Old 
Abraham  and  Dragging  Canoe),  commanded  by  Raven,  made  a detour 
across  the  country  with  the  intention  of  falling  upon  the  frontier  in'  Car- 
ter’s Yalley.  Coming  up  the  Holston  to  the  lowest  station,  the  Raven 
heard  of  the  repulse  at  Watauga  and  of  the  bloody  defeat  at  Long  Island 
Flats,  and  hence  retreated  to  his  own  towns.  A fourth  party  of  Indians 
fell  upon  the  inhabitants  scattered  along  the  valley  of  Clinch  River,  and 
carried/ fire,  devastation  and  massacre  to  the  remotest  cabin  on  Clinch,  and 
to  the  Seven  Mile  Ford  in  Virginia.  William  Creswell,  whose  numer- 
ous descendants  now  live  in  Blount  and  Sevier  Counties,  was  among  the 
killed. 

This,  as  has  been  previously  said,  was  about  the  time  of  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  the  hostilities  of  and  invasion 
by  the  Cherokees  were  imputed  to  the  instigation  of  British  officers.  The 
details  of  the  conspiracy  were  traced  to  a concerted  plan  of  Gen.  Gage 
and  John  Stuart,  the  superintendent  of  Indian  affairs  for  the  southern 
district.  The  evidence  appears  conclusive  that  Mr.  Stuart  was  engaged 
in  arousing  the  resentment  and  in  stimulating  the  bad  passions  of  the  sav- 
ages against  the  Americans  who  were  struggling  against  aggression,  and 
attempting  to  vindicate  the  rights  of  freemen.  The  plan  of  Gen.  Gage 
and  Mr.  Stuart  was  to  send  a large  body  of  men  to  west  Florida,  to  pene- 
trate through  the  country  of  the  Creeks,  Cherokees  and  Chiekasaws,  and 
induce  the  warriors  of  those  nations  to  join  the  body,  and  with  this  large 
force  of  British  and  Indian  soldiers,  invade  the  Carolinas  and  Virginia. 
But  after  the  repulse  of  Peter  Parker  in  the  harbor  of  Charleston,  prep- 
arations were  immediately  made  by  the  colonists  to  march  with  an  im- 
posing force  upon  the  Cherokees,  who  at  that  time  occupied,  as  places  of 
residence  or  hunting  grounds,  the  country  west  and  north  of  the  upper 
settlements  in  Georgia,  west  of  the  Carolinas  and  southwest  of  Virginia. 
Their  country  was  known  by  three  great  geographical  divisions,  as  the  Lower 
Towns,  having  356  warriors ; the  Middle  Settlements,  having  878  warriors ; 
and  the  Overhill  Towns,  having  757  warriors — -a  total  of  1,991  warriors. 

Col.  McBury  and  Maj.  Jack,  from  Georgia,  entered  the  Indian  settle- 
ments on  Tugalo,  defeated  the  Indians,  and  destroyed  their  towns  on 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


75 


that  river.  Gen.  Williamson,  of  South  Carolina,  early  in  July  was  at  the 
head  of  1,150  men,  in  command  of  whom  he  encountered  and  defeated  a 
large  body  of  Esseneca  Indians  at  Oconowee,  destroyed  their  towns  and 
a large  amount  of  provisions.  Burning  Sugaw  Town,  Soconee,  Keowee, 
Octatoy,  Tugalo  and  Braso  Town,  he  proceeded  against  Tomassee,  Che- 
hokee  and  Eusturtee,  at  which  latter  place,  observing  a trail  of  the 
enemy,  he  made  pursuit,  overtook  and  vanquished  300  of  their  warriors, 
and  destroyed  the  three  last  named  towns.  In  the  meantime  North 
Carolina  had  raised  an  army  under  Gen.  Rutherford,  who,  in  concert 
with  Col.  Williamson  and  Col.  Martin  Armstrong,  marched  upon  the 
Indians  and  fought  an  engagement  with  them  at  Cowhee  Mountain,  in 
which  but  one  white  man  was  killed.  How  many  of  the  Indians  were 
killed  is  not  known,  as  the  survivors  carried  off  their  dead.  From  CoAvhee 
Mountain  the  army  under  Gen.  Rutherford  marched  to  the  Middle  Towns 
on  the  Tennessee  River,  expecting  there  to  form  a junction  with  Gen. 
Williamson.  After  waiting  a few  days  they  left  here  a strong  guard 
and  marched  on  to  the  Hiwassee  towns,  but  all  the  towns  were  found 
evacuated,  the  warriors  evidently  not  desiring  to  meet  the  troops  under 
Gen.  Rutherford.  Few  Indians  were  killed  and  few  taken  prisoners,  but 
the  towns  were  burned  and  the  buildings,  crops  and  stock  of  the  enemy 
very  generally  destroyed,  leaving  them  in  a starving  condition.  In  this 
expedition  of  Gen.  Rutherford  from  thirty  to  forty  Cherokee  towns  were 
destroyed.  The  route  pursued  by  this  army  has  since  been  known  as 
“Rutherford’s  Trace.”  While  these  movements  were  in  progress  an 
army  under  Col.  William  Christian,  of  Virginia,  was  marching  into  the 
heart  of  the  Cherokee  country  to  avenge  the  ravages  of  that  nation  on  the 
settlements  on  the  Watauga,  Holston  and  Clinch.  By  the  1st  of  August 
several  companies  had  assembled  at  the  place  of  rendezvous,  the  Great 
Island  of  Holston.  Soon  afterward  Col.  Christian  was  re-enforced  by 
about  400  North  Carolina  militia  under  Col.  Joseph  Williams,  Col.  Love 
and  Maj.  Winston.  This  entire  army  took  up  its  march  for  the  Chero- 
kee towns,  about  200  miles  distant.  Crossing  the  Holston  at  Great 
Island  they  marched  eight  miles  and  encamped  at  Double  Springs,  on  the 
head  waters  of  Lick  Creek.  Here  the  army  was  joined  by  a force  from 
Watauga,  by  which  its  strength  was  augmented  to  1,800  men,  armed  with 
rifles,  tomahawks,  and  butcher  knives,  all*  infantry  except  one  company 
of  light  horse.  Sixteen  spies  were  sent  forward  to  the  French  Broad, 
across  which  the  Indians  had  boasted  no  white  man  should  go.  At  the 
encampment  that  night,  near  the  mouth  of  Lick  Creek,  Alexander  Hardin 
informed  Col.  Christian  that  at  the  French  Broad  were  assembled  3,000 
Indians  prepared  to  dispute  his  passage.  Hardin  was  ordered  into  camp 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


76 

with  the  spies,  who,  at  the  head  of  the  Nollicliucky,  found  the  camps  of 
the  enemy  deserted,  but  affording  evidence  that  the  Indians  were  in  the 
neighborhood  in  large  numbers.  Gol.  Christian  sent  Hardin  forward  to 
inform  the  Indians  that  he  would  cross  not  only  the  French  Broad,  but 
also  the  Tennessee  before  he  returned.  As  they  came  down  Dumplin 
Creek  they  were  met  by  a trader  named  Fallen  with  a flag  of  truce,  of 
whom  no  notice  was  taken,  in  consequence  of  which  he  returned  imme- 
diately and  informed  the  Indians  that  the  whites,  as  numerous  as  the 
trees  of  the  forest,  were  marching  into  their  country. 

Having  arrived  at  the  river  Col.  Christian  ordered  every  mess  to 
build  a good  fire  and  make  such  preparations  as  would  lead  the  Indians 
to  think  that  he  intended  to  remain  there  several  days.  During  the 
night  a large  detachment,  under  great  difficulties,  crossed  the  river  near 
where  Brabson’s  mill  afterward  stood  and  passed  up  the  river  on  its 
southern  bank.  Next  morning,  when  the  main  army  crossed  the  river 
near  the  Big  Island,  marching  forward  in  order  of  battle,  they  momentar- 
ily expected  an  attack  from  the  Indians,  but,  to  their  surprise,  found  no 
trace  of  even  a recent  camp.  It  was  afterward  learned  that  after  the 
departure  of  Fallen  to  meet  Col.  Christian  with  his  flag  of  truce,  an- 
other trader,  by  the  name  of  Starr,  who  was  in  the  Indian  encampment, 
made  a very  earnest  speech  to  the  Indians,  saying  to  them  in  effect  that 
the  Great  Spirit  had  made  the  one  race  of  white  clay  and  the  other  of  red; 
that  he  intended  the  former  to  conquer  the  latter ; that  the  pale  face 
would  certainly  overcome  the  red  man  and  occupy  his  country;  that  it  was 
useless,  therefore,  to  resist  the  onward  movements  of  the  white  man,  and 
advised  an  immediate  abandonment  of  their  purpose  of  defense,  as  that 
could  only  result  in  defeat.  A retreat  was  made  at  once  to  their  villages 
and  to  the  fastnesses  of  the  mountains.  The  next  morning  the  army 
under  Col.  Christian  resumed  its  march  along  the  valley  of  Boyd’s 
Creek,  and  down  Ellejoy  to  Little  River,  thence  to  the  Tennessee,  and  on 
the  march  not  an  Indian  was  to  be  seen,  but  it  was  expected  that  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  Tennessee  a formidable  resistance  would  be  made. 
Here  also  they  were  disappointed,  for  crossing  the  Little  Tennessee  they 
took  possession  of  a town  called  Tamotlee,  above  the  mouth  of  Tellico 
River,  and  encamped  in  the  deserted  village. . Next  morning  Great  Island 
was  taken  without  resistance,  a pianic  having  seized  the  Cherokee  warriors, 
not  one  of  whom  could  be  found.  But  they  were  not  for  this  reason  to  go 
unpunished.  Their  deserted  towns  and  villages  were  burned  and  laid 
wraste,  as  Neowee,  Tellico  and  Cliilhowee  and  others.  Occasionally  a sol- 
itary warrior  was  seen  making  his  way  from  one  town  to  another,  but 
no  one  was  taken  prisoner.  Such  towns,  however,  as  were  known  not  to 


FROM  PHOTO  BY  THUSS,  KOELUIN  <S  BOPS.  MSmttf 


James  Robertson 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


77 

have  consented  to  hostilities,  as  Chota,  were  not  destroyed.  This  course 
was  pursued  by  Col.  Christian  to  convince  the  Indians,  the  Cherokees, 
that  he  was  at  war  only  with  enemies.  Sending  out  a few  men  with  flags 
of  truce  requesting  a talk  with  the  chiefs,  six  or  seven  of  them  imme- 
diately came  in,  and  in  a few  days  several  others  came  forward  and  pro- 
posed a cessation  of  hostilities.  This  was  granted  to  take  effect  when  a 
treaty  should  be  made  with  the  whole  tribe,  which  was  to  assemble  the 
succeeding  May  on  Long  Island.  A suspension  of  hostilities  followed, 
applicable  to  all  the  Cherokee  towns  but  two,  which  were  high  up  in  the 
mountains  on  Tennessee  River.  These  were  reduced  to  ashes  because 
they  had  burned  a prisoner  named  Moore,  taken  some  time  previously 
near  Watauga.  Col.  Christian’s  troops,  having  conquered  a peace,  re- 
turned to  the  settlement. 

But  a part  of  the  Cherokee  nation  was  still  hostile,  panted  for  revenge 
and  resolved  not  to  participate  in  the  comtemplated  treaty.  However 
two  separate  treaties  were  made,  one  at  Dewitt’s  Corner,  between  the  In- 
dians and  commissioners  from  South  Carolina;  the  other  at  Long  Island, 
between  several  chiefs  of  the  Overhill  Towns,  and  Col.  Christian  and  Col. 
Evan  Shelby,  commissioners  from  Virginia,  and  Waightstill  Avery,  Jo- 
seph Winston  and  Robert  Lanier  from  North  Carolina.  By  the  former 
large  cessions  of  territory  were  made  on  the  Saluda  and  Savannah  Rivers, 
and  by  the  latter  Brown’s  line  was  agreed  upon  as  the  boundary  between 
the  Indians  and  the  settlements,  and  the  Cherokees  released  lands  as  low 
down  the  Holston  River  as  the  mouth  of  Cloud’s  Creek,  but  the  Chicka- 
maugas  refused  to  join  in  the  treaty.  At  this  treaty,  made  at  Fort  Hen- 
ry, on  the  Holston  River,  near  Long  Island,  July  20,  1777,  between 
North  Carolina  and  the  Overhill  Indians,  the  following  among  other  ar- 
ticles were  agreed  upon : • 

Article  I.  That  hostilities  shall  forever  cease  between  the  said  Cherokees  and  the  peo- 
ple of  North  Carolina  from  this  time  forward,  and  that  peace,  friendship  and  mutual 
confidence  shall  ensue. 

By  the  second  article  all  prisoners  and  property  were  to  be  delivered 
up  to  the  agent  to  be  appointed  to  reside  among  the  Cherokees,  and  by 
the  third  article  no  white  man  was  permitted  to  reside  in  or  pass  through 
the  Overhill  towns  without  a certificate  signed  by  three  justices  of  the 
peace  of  North  Carolina,  or  Washington  County,  Va.,  the  certificate 
to  be  approved  by  the  agent.  Any  person  violating  this  article  was  to  be 
apprehended  by  the  Cherokees  and  delivered  to  the  said  agent,  whom 
they  were  to  assist  in  conducting  such  person  to  the  nearest  justice  of 
the  peace  for  adequate  punishment,  and  the  Cherokees  were  authorized 
to  apply  to  their  own  use  the  effects  of  such  person  so  trespassing.  Ar- 

s 


78 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


tide  fourth  provided  for  the  punishment  of  murderers,  both  Indians  and 
white  men,  and  article  fifth  defined  the  boundary  line  as  follows : 

“ That  the  boundary  line  between  the  State  of  North  Carolina  and  the 
said  Overhill  Cherokecs  shall  forever  hereafter  be  and  remain  as  follows: 
Beginning  at  a point  in  the  dividing  line  which  during  this  treaty  hath  been 
agreed  upon  between  the  said  Overhill  Cherokees  and  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia, where  the  line  between  that  State  and  North  Carolina,  hereafter  to 
be  extended,  shall  cross  or  intersect  the  same ; running  thence  a right 
line  to  the  north  bank  of  Holston  River  at  the  mouth  of  Cloud’s  Creek,  be- 
ing the  second  creek  below  the  Warrior’s  Ford  at  the  mouth  of  Carter’s 
Valley;  thence  a right  line  to  the  highest  point  of  a mountain  called  the 
High  Rock  or  Chimney  Top;  thence  a right  line  to  the  mouth  of  Camp 
Creek,  otherwise  called  McNamee’s  Creek  on  the  south  bank  of  Nolli- 
chucky  River,  about  ten  miles  or  thereabouts,  below  the  mouth  of  Great 
Limestone,  be  the  same  more  or  less,  and  from  the  mouth  of  Camp  Creek 
aforesaid,  a southeast  course  into  the  mountains  which  divide  the  hunting 
grounds  of  the  Middle  Settlements  from  those  of  the  Overhill  Cherokees. 
And  the  said  Overhill  Cherokees,  in  behalf  of  themselves,  their  heirs  and 
successors,  do  hereby  freely  in  open  treaty,  acknowledge  and  confess  that 
all  the  lands  to  the  east,  northeast  and  southeast  of  the  said  line,  and  ly- 
ing south  of  the  said  line  of  Virginia,  at  any  time  heretofore  claimed  by 
the  said  Overhill  Cherokees,  do  of  right  now  belong  to  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,  and  the  said  subscribing  chiefs,  in  behalf  of  the  said  Overhill 
Cherokees,  their  heirs  and  successors,  do  hereby  in  open  treaty,  now  and 
forever,  relinquish  and  give  up  to  the  said  State,  and  forever  quit  claim 
all  right,  title,  claim  and  demand  of,  in  and  to  the  land  comprehended  in 
the  State  of  North  Carolina,  by  the  line  aforesaid.” 

This  treaty  was  signed  by  Waightstill  Avery,  AVilliain  Sharpe,  Rob- 
ert Lanier  and  Joseph  Winston,  on  the  part  of  North  Carolina,  and  by 
the  following  chiefs  and  warriors,  each  one  making  his  mark:  Oconostota, 
The  Old  Tassel,  The  Raven,  Willanawaw,  Ootosseteli,  Attusah,  Abram 
of  Cliilhowee,  Rollowcli,  Toostooh,  Amoyali,  Oostossetih,  Tillehaweh, 
Queeleekali,  Annakelinjah,  Annacekah,  Skeahtukah,  Attakullakulla, 
Ookoonekah,  Ivataquilla,  Tuskasali  and  Sunnewauh.  Witnesses,  Jacob 
Womack,  James  Robins,  John  Reed,  Isaac  Bledsoe,  Brice  Martin  and 
John  Kearns.  Interpreter,  Joseph  Vann. 

The  negotiations  and  details  of  this  treaty  of  Holston,  which  com- 
menced on  the  30th  of  June  and  was  concluded  on  the  20th  of  July,  are 
of  unusual  interest,  but  too  numerous  and  requiring  too  much  space  to  be 
introduced  into  this  work.  And  while  much  was  hoped  from  the  friendly 
and  yielding  disposition  of  the  large  number  of  chiefs  and  warriors  in 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


79 


attendance,  yet  as  some  distinguished  chiefs  were  absent,  peace  and  tran  - 
quility  could  not  be  considered  as  absolutely  assured  before  the  views 
and  intentions  of  these  absent  chiefs  were  known.  Judge  Friend,  the 
Dragging  Canoe,  the  Lying  Fish  and  Young  Tassel  were  among  the 
absent  ones.  Dragging  Canoe  was  chief  of  the  Cliickamaugas,  who 
remained  dissatisfied  in  part,  at  least,  as  the  result  of  British  intrigue. 
In  order  to  counteract  so  far  as  practicable  the  influence  of  the  British 
agents,  Gov.  Caswell  directed  that  a superintendent  of  Indian  affairs 
reside  among  them,  and  the  North  Carolina  commissioners  appointed 
Capt.  James  Robertson  to  that  important  position.  Capt.  Robertson  car- 
ried, as  a present  from  Gov.  Caswell,  a dog  to  the  Raven  of  Chota,  pro- 
posing and  hoping  for  peace.  Swanucah  and  some  of  the  more  aged  chiefs 
were  disposed  to  peace,  but  they  were  unable  to  suppress  the  warlike 
soirit  of  the  Dragging  Canoe  and  his  hostile  tribe. 

Some  years  previous  to  the  time  at  which  we  have  now  arrived  cer- 
tain families  from  West  Virginia,  desiring  to  reach  west  Florida,  built 
boats  on  the  Holston,  and  following  that  stream  and  the  Tennessee 
reached  the  lower  Mississippi  by  water.  They  were  obliged  to  employ 
Indians  and  Indian  traders  as  guides.  Occasionally  a boat  was  wrecked 
between  the  Chickamauga  towns  and  the  lower  end  of  the  Muscle  Shoals, 
and  then  its  cTew  became  an  easy  prey  to  the  Indians  whose  settlements 
were  extending  along  the  rapids  from  year  to  year.  The  Chickamaugas 
were  the  first  to  settle  in  this  locality,  and  usually  failed  to  attend  treaties 
of  peace  held  by  other  portions  of  the  Cherokee  nations,  and  hence  did 
not  consider  themselves  bound  by  treaty  stipulations  entered  into  by  the 
other  portions  of  the  nation.  Leaving  their  towns  near  Chickamauga 
they  moved  lower  down  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  five  lower  towns — - 
Running  Water,  Nickajack,  Long  Island  Village,  Crow  Town  and  Look 
Out.  These  towns  soon  became  populous  and  the  most  formidable  part 
of  the  Cherokee  nation.  Here  congregated  the  worst  men  from  all  the 
Indian  tribes,  and  also  numerous  depraved  white  men,  all  of  whom  for  a 
number  of  years  constituted  the  “ Barbary  Powers  of  the  West.”  They 
were  a band  of  reckless,  lawless  banditti  of  more  than  1,000  warriors. 
Having  refused  the  terms  of  peace  proffered  by  Col.  Christian,  having 
committed  numerous  atrocities  upon  the  frontier,  and  being  the  central 
point  from  which  marauding  expeditions  radiated  for  murderous  and  all 
criminal  purposes,  it  was  determined  to  invade  their  country  and  destroy 
their  towns.  A strong  force  was  therefore  ordered  into  the  field  by  Vir- 
ginia and  North  Carolina  under  the  command  of  Col.  Evan  Shelby, 
whose  name  is  familiar  to  all  Tennesseans  in  connection  with  the  defense 
of  the  pioneers  against  the  savages.  Col.  Shelby’s  force  consisted  of 


80 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


1,000  volunteers  from  these  two  States,  and  a regiment  of  twelve  months’ 
men  under  Col.  John  Montgomery,  this  regiment  having  been  raised  as 
a re-enforcement  to  Gen.  George  Rogers  Clarke  in  his  expedition  to  Kas- 
kaskia,  Vincennes,  etc.,  but  was  temporarily  diverted  from  that  purpose 
to  assist  in  the  reduction  of  the  Chickamaugas.  This  expedition  was  fitted 
out  on  the  individual  responsibility  of  Isaac  Shelby.  The  army  rendez- 
voused at  the  mouth  of  Big  Creek,  a few  miles  above  the  present  location 
of  Rogersville.  From  this  rendezvous,  having  made  canoes  and  pirogues, 
the  troops  descended  the  Idolston  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and  reaching  the 
Chickamauga  towns  took  them  completely  by  surprise.  Upon  discover- 
ing the  approach  of  Col.  Shelby’s  command  the  Indians  fled  in  all  direc- 
tions to  the  woods  and  mountains  without  giving  battle,  pursued  by 
Shelby,  and  losing  in  killed  at  the  hands  of  his  command  upward  of  forty 
of  their  warriors,  most  of  their  towns  being  destroyed,  and  about  20,000 
bushels  of  corn  being  captured.  They  also  lost  about  $20,000  worth  of 
stores  and  goods.  This  success  of  Col.  Shelby  was.  very  fortunate,  as  it 
prevented  Gov.  Hamilton,  of  Canada,  from  forming  a grand  coalition  of 
all  the  northern  and  southern  Indians,  to  be  aided  by  British  regulars  in 
a combined  attack  upon  the  settlers  on  the  western  waters. 

After  the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain,  in  which  Tennessee  officers  and 
soldiers  bore  such  an  honorable  and  conspicuous  part,  Col.  John 
Sevier  became  apprehensive  of  an  outbreak  from  the  Cherokees,  in  the 
absence  of  so  many  men  and  arms,  and  sent  home  Capt.  Russell  to 
guard  the  frontier  settlers.  Information  was  brought  in  by  two  traders, 
Thomas  and  Harlin,  that  a large  body  of  Indians  was  on  the  march  to  as- 
sail the  frontier,  but  before  the  attack  was  made  Col.  Sevier  himself, 
with  his  vigorous  troops,  arrived  at  home  in  time  to  assist  in  repelling  the 
attacks  of  the  Indians.  Without  losing  any  time  Sevier  set  on  foot 
an  offensive  expedition  against  the  Cherokees,  putting  himself  at  the 
head  of  about  100  men  and  setting  out  in  advance  of  the  other  troops. 
Coming  upon  a body  of  Indians  he  pursued  them  across  French  Broad 
to  Boyd’s  Creek,  near  which  he  drew  on  an  attack  by  the  Indians.  Se- 
vier’s command  was  divided  into  three  divisions — the  center  under  Col. 
Sevier,  the  right  wing  under  Maj.  Jesse  Walton,  and  the  left  wing 
under  Maj.  Jonathan  Tipton.  The  victory  won  here  by  Sevier  was  de- 
cisive. The  Indians  lost  twenty-eight  in  killed  and  many  wounded,  who 
escaped  being  taken  prisoners.  Of  the  white  troops  none  were  killed 
and  only  three  seriously  wounded.  This  rapid  expedition  saved  the  fron- 
tier from  a bloody  invasion,  as  the  Indian  force  which  he  thus  broke  up 
was  large  and  well  armed. 

A few  days  after  this  repulse  of  the  enemy  Col.  Sevier’s  little 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


81 


army  was  re-enforced  by  tlie  arrival  of  Col.  Arthur  Campbell  with  his 
regiment  from  Virginia  and  by  Maj.  Martin  with  his  troops  from  Sulli- 
van County.  He  then  had  at  his  command  a body  of  about  700  mounted 
men.  With  this  force  he  crossed  Little  Tennessee  three  miles  below 
Chota,  while  the  main  body  of  the  Indians  were  lying  in  wait  for  him  at 
the  ford  one  mile  below  Chota.  The  Indians  were  so  disconcerted  by  his 
crossing  at  the  lower  ford  instead  of  at  the  upper,  and  so  overawed  by  the 
imposing  array  of  so  large  a body  of  cavalry,  that  they  made  no  attack, 
but  instead,  upon  his  approach,  hastily  retreated  and  escaped.  The 
troops  pushed  on  to  Chota  and  proceeded  to  reduce  Ckilhowee,  eight  miles 
above.  Every  town  between  the  Little  Tennessee  and  the  Hiwassee  was 
reduced  to  ashes.  The  only  white  man  killed  in  this  expedition  was  Capt. 
Elliott,  of  Sullivan  County.  Near  to  Hiwassee,  after  it  was  burned, 
an  Indian  warrior  was  captured,  and  by  him  a message  was  sent  to  the 
Cherokees  proposing  terms  of  peace.  At  Tellico  the  army  was  met  by 
Watts  and  Noonday  who  were  ready  to  make  terms.  After  passing 
Hiwassee  Town  the  army  continued  its  march  southwardly  until  it  came 
near  the  Chickamauga,  or  Look  Out  Towns,  where  they  encamped,  and 
next  day  marching  into  them  found  them  deserted.  They  proceeded 
down  the  Coosa  to  the  long  leafed  or  yellow  pine  and  cypress  swamp, 
where  they  began  an  indiscriminate  destruction  of  towns,  houses,  grain 
and  stock,  the  Indians  fleeing  precipitately  before  them.  Returning  to 
Chota  they  held  a council  with  the  Cherokees  which  lasted  two  days.  A 
peace  was  here  agreed  upon,  after  which  the  army,  crossing  near  the 
mouth  of  Nine  Mile  Creek,  returned  home. 

The  Cherokees,  notwithstanding  their  repeated  failures  and  chastise- 
ments, were  still  unable  to  repress  their  deep  passion  for  war  and  glory 
and  strong  love  of  country,  which  continued  to  further  aggression  and 
hostility.  They  still  prowled  around  the  remote  settlements  committing- 
theft  and  murder.  Col.  Sevier,  therefore,  in  March,  1781,  collected  to- 
gether 130  men  and  marched  with  them  against  the  Middle  Settlements 
of  the  Cherokees,  taking  by  surprise  the  town  of  Tuckasejah,  on  the  head 
waters  of  Little  Tennessee.  Fifty  warriors  were  slain,  and  fifty  women  and 
children  taken  prisoners.  About  twenty  towns  and  all  the  grain  and  corn 
that  could  be  found  were  burned.  The  Indians  of  the  Middle  Towns  were 
surprised  and  panic  stricken,  and  consequently  made  but  a feeble  resist- 
ance. During  the  summer  a party  of  Cherokees  invaded  the  settlements 
then  forming  on  Indian  Creek;  and  Gen.  Sevier,  with  a force  of  100  men, 
marched  from  Washington  County,  crossed  Nollichucky,  proceeded  to 
near  the  site  of  the  present  town  of  Newport,  on  French  Broad,  crossed 
that  river,  and  also  the  Big  Pigeon,  and  unexpectedly  fell  upon  the  trail 


82 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


of  the  Indians,  surrounded  their  camp,  and  by  a sudden  fire  killed  seven- 
teen of  them,  the  rest  escaping.  This  was  on  Indian  Creek,  now  in  Jeffer- 
son County. 

In  the  spring  of  1782  settlements  were  formed  south  of  the  French 
Broad.  Of  this  intrusion  the  Cherokees  complained,  and  Gov.  Martin 
wrote  to  Col.  Sevier  in  reference  thereto,  asking  him  to  prevent  the  en- 
croachments complained  of,  and  to  warn  the  intruders  off  the  lands  re- 
served to  the  Indians,  and  if  they  did  not  move  off  according  to  warning  he 
was  to  go  forth  with  a body  of  militia  and  pull  down  every  cabin  and 
drive  them  off,  “laying  aside  every  consideration  of  their  entreaties  to 
the  contrary.” 

Notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  a part  of  the  Cherokee  nation  in  the  in- 
terest of  peace,  it  continued  impossible  to  restrain  the  majority  of  the 
warriors.  They  could  plainly  see  that  the  white  man  was  steadily  en- 
croaching upon  their  hunting  grounds  and  reservations,  and  that  there 
was  no  remedy,  at  least  there  was  no  remedy  but  war.  Treaty  lines  were 
but  a feeble  barrier  against  the  expansive  force  of  the  settlements.  Unless 
this  feeble  barrier  could  be  made  as  strong  as  the  famous  Chinese  wall, 
and  as  the  Raven  expressed  it  at  the  treaty  of  Holston,  be  as  “a  wall  to 
the  skies,”  it  would  not  be  out  of  the  power  of  the  people  to  pass  it;  and 
so  long  as  it  was  not  out  of  their  power  to  pass  it  it  served  only  as  a tem- 
porary check  upon  their  advance,  and  as  a means  of  tantalizing  the  red 
proprietors  of  the  soil  into  a false  sense  of  security  of  possession,  of  rais- 
ing his  hopes  of  retaining  the  beautiful  and  beloved  home  of  his  ances- 
tors, only  to  dash  them  cruelly  to  the  ground  in  a few  short  weeks  or 
months  at  most.  Even  the  Indians  most  peacefully  disposed  complained 
that  there  was  no  line  drawn  according  to  promise  in  former  treaties 
which  should  serve  as  a boundary  between  the  two  races.  However,  in 
May,  1783,  the  western  boundary  of  North  Carolina  was  fixed  by  the 
Legislature  of  that  State  as  follows : 

“Beginning  on  the  line  which  divides  this  State  from  Virginia,  at  a 
point  due  north  of  the  mouth  of  Cloud’s  Creek;  running  thence  west  to 
the  Mississippi;  thence  down  the  Mississippi  to  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of 
north  latitude ; thence  due  east  until  it  strikes  the  Appalachian  Moun- 
tains; thence  with  the  Appalachian  Mountains  to  the  ridge  that  divides 
the  waters  of  the  French  Broad  River  and  the  waters  of  the  Nollicliucky 
River;  and  with  that  ridge  until  it  strikes  the  line  described  in  the  act  of 
1778,  commonly  called  Brown’s  Line;  and  with  that  line  and  those  sev- 
eral water-courses  to  the  beginning.” 

There  was  reserved,  however,  a tract  for  the  Cherokee  hunting 
grounds  as  follows: 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


83 


“Beginning  at  the  Tennessee  Biver  where  the  southern  boundary  of 
North  Carolina  intersects  the  same,  nearest  the  Chickamauga  Towns; 
thence  up  the  middle  of  the  Tennessee  and  Holston  Rivers  to  the  middle 
of  French  Broad  River,  which  lines  are  not  to  include  any  islands  in  said 
river,  to  the  mouth  of  Big  Pigeon  River ; thence  up  the  same  to  the  head 
thereof;  thence  along'  the  dividing  ridge  between  the  waters  of  Pigeon 
River  and  Tuskejah  River  to  the  southern  boundary  of  this  State.” 

About  this  time  occurred  the  unfortunate  killing  of  Untoola,  or  Gun 
Rod  of  Citico,  a Cherokee  chief,  known  to  the  whites  as  Butler.  It  was 
when  attempts  were  being  made  to  revive  peaceful  relations  between  the 
white  and  Indian  populations.  The  aged  and  wise  among  the  Clierokees 
could  clearly  see  the  futility  of  continuing  hostilities  with  the  whites, 
and  their  councils  had  at  length  prevailed  over  the  inconsiderateness  and 
rashness  of  the  young  men  and  warriors.  But  Butler  was  one  of  the 
chiefs  who  was  opposed  to  peace,  and  when  he  heard  of  the  presence  of 
Col.  James  Hubbard  and  a fellow  soldier,  who  were  in  the  Cherokee 
country  for  the  purpose  of  trafficking  for  corn  and  other  necessities,  he, 
in  company  with  a brave  who  still  adhered  to  his  fortunes,  went  forth  to 
meet  Col.  Hubbard,  against  whom,  according  to  Indian  ideas  of  honor, 
he  had  special  reasons  for  enmity,  and  attempted  to  put  him  out  of  the 
way.  After  meeting  Hubbard,  and  maneuvering  for  some  time  to  gain 
the  advantage  of  position,  Butler  suddenly,  and  as  quick  as  lightning, 
raised  his  gun  and  fired  upon  Col.  Hubbard,  the  ball  passing  between 
his  head  and  ear,  grazing  the  skin  and  slightly  stunning  him ; Butler  and 
his  attendant  brave  suddenly  turned  their  horses’  heads  and  galloped  rap- 
idly away.  Recovering  himself  Col.  Hubbard  seized  his  rifle,  which  he 
had  leaned  against  a tree  for  the  purpose  of  convincing  Butler  of  his 
peaceful  indentions,  fired  upon  him  when  at  a distance  of  about  eighty 
yards,  hitting  him  in  the  back  and  bringing  him  to  the  ground.  Ap- 
proaching the  wounded  Indian  hard  words  passed  between  the  two,  and 
at  length  Col.  Hubbard,  unable  to  longer  bear  the  taunts  and  insults  of 
Butler,  clubbed  his  gun  and  killed  him  at  a single  blow.  The  companion 
of  Butler,  inadvertently  permitted  to  escape,  carried  the  news  of  Butler’s 
death  and  the  manner  of  it  to  the  Cherokee  nation,  and  they  in  retalia- 
tion committed  many  acts  of  revenge  and  cruelty,  notwithstanding  Gov. 
Martin  made  every  reasonable  effort  to  preserve  the  peace.  The  Gover- 
nor was  informed  that  Col.  Hubbard  had  killed  Untoola,  or  Butler,  with- 
out any  provocation,  and  sent  a conciliatory  “talk”  to  the  Clierokees. 
He  also  sent  a letter  to  Gen.  Sevier  informing  him  that  he  had  given 
directions  for  the  apprehension  of  Hubbard  and  his  retention  in  jail  until 
such  time  as  a trial  should  be  obtainable. 


84 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Besides  the  killing  of  Butler  the  Cherokees  had  other  causes  for  dis- 
satisfaction. The  limits  set  by  the  Franklin  treaties  had  not  been,  be- 
cause they  could  not  be,  observed  by  the  settlers.  The  consequences  of 
these  continual  encroachments  was  that  it  was  thought  necessary  by  Con- 
gress that  a treaty  should  lie  held  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
States.  In  order  to  hold  and  establish  such  a treaty  Benjamin  Hawkins, 
Andrew  Pickens,  Joseph  Martin  and  Lachlin  McIntosh  were  appointed 
government  commissioners.  By  these  commissioners  the  chiefs  of  the 
respective  towns  were  invited  to  a conference  at  Hopewell  on  the  Keowee 
in  South  Carolina.  This  treaty  of  Hopewell  was  concluded  November 
28,  1785.  By  it  the  boundary  which  had  been  the  chief  cause  of  com- 
plaint by  the  Indians  was  made  to  conform  very  nearly  to  the  lines  of  the 
deed  to  Henderson  & Co.  and  the  treaty  of  Holston  in  1777.  The  fourth 
article  of  this  treaty  fixing  the  boundary  was  as  follows: 

Article  4.  The  boundary  allotted  to  the  Cherokees  for  their  hunting  grounds  be- 
tween the  said  Indians  and  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  within  the  limits  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  of  America  is,  and  shall  be  the  following,  viz. : Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  Duck 
River  on  the  Tennessee;  thence  running  northeast  to  the  ridge  dividing  the  waters  running 
into  Cumberland  from  those  running  into  the  Tennessee;  thence  eastwardly  along  the  said 
ridge  to  a northeast  line  to  be  run  which  shall  strike  the  river  Cumberland  forty  miles 
above  Nashville;  thence  along  the  said  line  to  the  river;  thence  up  the  said  river  to 
the  ford  where  the  Kentucky  road  crosses  the  river;  thence  to  Campbell’s  line  near  the 
Cumberland  Gap;  thence  to  the  mouth  of  Cloud’s  Creek  on  Holston  (River);  thence  to  the 
Chimney-top  Mountain;  thence  to  Camp  Creek  near  the  mouth  of  Big  Limestone  on  Nol- 
lichucky;  thence  a southerly  course  six  miles  to  a mountain;  thence  south  to  the  North. 
Carolina  line;  thence  to  the  South  Carolina  Indian  boundary  and  along  the  same  south- 
west over  the  top  of  the  Oconee  Mountain  till  it  shall  strike  Tugalo  River;  thence  a direct 
line  to  the  top  of  the  Currahee  Mountain;  thence  to  the  head  of  the  south  fork  of  Oconee 
River. 

It  was  also  provided  in  the  articles  of  treaty  that  if  any  citizen  of  the 
United  States  should  settle  within  the  above  described  Indian  domain, 
and  would  not  remove  within  six  months  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
treaty,  he  should  forfeit  all  rights  of  protection  from  the  Government; 
and  it  was  further  provided  that  all  Indians  committing  murders  or  other 
crimes  should  be  surrendered  to  the  authorities  of  the  Government  for 
trial,  and  all  white  persons  committing  crimes  against  the  Indians  should 
be  punished  as  if  such  crimes  had  been  committed  against  white  citizens ; 
that  the  United  States  had  the  sole  right  of  regulating  trade  with  the  In- 
dians ; that  the  Indians  should  have  the  right  to  send  a deputy  to  Con- 
gress ; that  the  punishment  of  the  innocent  under  the  idea  of  retaliation 
was  unjust  and  should  not  be  practiced  by  either  party,  and  that  the 
hatchet  should  be  forever  buried  and  friendship  be  universal.  The  wit- 
nesses avIio  signed  the  articles  were  William  Blount,  Maj.  Samuel  Tay- 
lor, John  Owen,  Jesse  Walton,  Capt.  John  Cowan,  Thomas  Gregg,  W. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


85 


Hazzard,  James  Madison  (intrepreter),  and  Artlmr  Goody  (interpre- 
ter). Tlie  Indians  were  represented  by  the  following  chiefs,  who  made 
their  marts  to  the  articles:  Koatohee,  or  Corn  Tassel,  of  Toqno;  Sclio- 
lanetta,  or  Hanging  Man  of  Chota;  Tuskegatahue,  or  Long  Fellow,  of 
Chistohee ; Ooskwha,  or  Abraham,  of  Chilhowee ; Kolacusta,  or  Prince,  of 
North;  Newota,  or  the  Gritz,  of  Chickamauga;  Konatota,  or  the  Rising 
Fawn,  of  Hiwassee;  Tuckasee,  or  Young  Terrapin,  of  Ellejoy;  Toosta- 
ka,  or  the  Water,  of  Oostanawa;  Untoola,  or  Gun  Rod,  of  Citico;  Unsuo- 
kanil,  or  Buffalo  White  Calf,  uNew  Cussee;”  Kostayeck,  or  Sharp  Fel- 
low, Watauga;  Chonosta,  or  Cowe;  Cheskoonhoo,  or  Bird  in  Close,  of 
Tomotlee;  Tuckassee,  or  Terrapin,  of  Hightower;  Chesetoah,  or  the 
Rabbit,  of  Flacoa;  Chesecotetona,  or  Yellow  Bird,  of  the  Pine  Log; 
Sketaloska,  or  Second  Man,  of  Tellico;  Chokasatabe,  or  Chickasaw  Kil- 
ler, Tosonta;  Onanoota,  of  Koosoati;  Ookoseeta,  or  Sour  Mush,  of  Kool- 
oque ; Umatooetha,  of  Lookout  Mountain;  Tulco,  or  Tom,  of  Chatauga;, 
Will,  of  Akoha;  Necatee,  of  Sawta;  Amokontakona,  or  Kutcloa;  Kowetata- 
bee,  of  Frog  Town;  Keukucli,  of  Talkoa;  Tulatiska,  of  Clioway;  Wooa- 
looka,  the Waylayer,  of  Chota;  Tatlausta,  or  Porpoise,  of  Talassee;  John, 
of  Little  Tellico ; Skeleelack ; Akonalucta,  the  Cabin;  Cheanoka,  of  Kawe- 
takac,  and  Yellow  Bird. 

This  treaty  was  signed  Avitli  great  unanimity  by  the  chiefs  of  the 
Cherokees,  as  well  it  might  be  considering  what  they  gained.  A 
glance  at  the  map  of  the  State  will  sIioav  that  the  United  States  com- 
missioners set  aside  the  treaty  made  by  North  Carolina  in  that  State 
(if  that  can  be  called  a treaty  in  which  the  Indians  had  no  Aufice)  so 
far  as  to  recede  to  the  Cherokees  nearly  all  of  the  territory  in  this  State 
between  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  Rivers  except  that  north  of  the 
mouth  of  Duck  River.  The  surrender  of  this  territory  was  made  to  con- 
ciliate the  Cherokees,  but  it  failed  of  permanent  influence  for  peace,  and 
gave  great  dissatisfaction  to  the  border  settlers,  whose  boundaries  were 
thereby  Arery  much  contracted.  William  Blount,  then  in  Congress  from 
North  Carolina,  gaAre  it  all  the  opposition  in  his  power,  arguing  that  Con- 
gress had  no  authority  to  make  a treaty  which  was  repugnant  to  the  laws 
of  North  Carolina  concerning  lands  within  her  limits. 

This  vieAv,  however,  seems  not  to  have  obtained  in  Congress,  for  with- 
in three  months  from  the  time  of  the  conclusion  of  this  treaty  with  the 
Cherokees,  a treaty  Avas  concluded  January  10,  1786,  between  the  same 
commissioners,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  McIntosh,  and  the  Chickasaw 
nation,  by  which  their  boundaries  Avere  for  the  first  time  definitely  fixed. 
The  following  were  the  boundaries  established  between  the  Chickasaws 
and  the  United  States: 


HISTORY  OB’  TENNESSEE. 


86 


Beginning  on  tlie  ridge  that  divides  the  waters  running  into  the  Cumberland  from 
those  running  into  the  Tennessee,  at  a point  oh  a line  to  be  run  northeast,  which  shall 
strike  the  Tennessee  at  the  mouth  of  Duck  River;  thence  running  westerly  along  the  said 
ridge  till  it  shall  strike  the  Ohio;  thence  down  the  southern  banks  thereof  to  the  Missis- 
sippi; thence  down  the  same  to  the  Choctaw  line  of  Natchez  district;  thence  along  the  said 
line  to  the  line  of  the  district  eastwardly  as  far  as  the  Chickasaws  claimed  and  lived  and 
hunted  on  November  29,  1782;  thence  the  said  boundary  eastwardly  shall  be  the  lands  al- 
lotted to  the  Choctaws  and  Cherokees  to  live  and  hunt  on  and  the  lands  at  present  in  the 
possession  of  the  Creeks,  saving  and  reserving  for  the  establishment  of  a trading  post  a tract 
or  parcel  of  land  to  be  laid  out  at  the  lower  post  of  the  Muscle  Shoals  at  the  mouth  of  Oco- 
chappo,  in  a circle,  the  diameter  of  which  shall  be  five  miles  on  the  said  river,  which  post 
and  the  lands  annexed  thereto,  shall  be  to  the  use  and  under  the  Government  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  of  America. 

Tlie  usual  provisions  concerning  prisoners,  criminals,  stolen  horses, 
Indian  trade,  etc.,  were  established.  This  treaty  was  signed  by  Benja- 
min Hawkins,  Andrew  Pickens  and  Joseph  Martin,  commissioners  on 
the  part  of  the  United  States,  and  by  Piomingo,  head  warrior  and  first 
minister  of  the  Chickasaw  nation;  Mingatushka,  one  of  the  leading 
chiefs,  and  Latopoya,  first  beloved  man  of  the  nation.  Not  long  after 
the  conclusion  of  the  treaty  of  Hopewell  with  the  Cherokees,  an  attack 
was  made  by  some  Indians  belonging  to  this  nation  on  some  settlers  on 
the  Holston.  Mr.  Biram’s  house  was  attacked  and  two  men  killed.  A 
few  of  the  settlers  hastily  erected  temporary  defenses,  while  the  others 
fell  back  upon  the  settlements  above.  To  again  check  these  atrocities, 
Gen.  Sevier  adopted  the  policy  so  frequently  pursued  by  him  with 
salutary  effect,  viz. : that  of  suddenly  penetrating  with  a strong  force  in- 
to the  heart  of  the  Cherokee  country.  This  invasion  of  Gen.  Sevier 
resulted  in  the  killing  of  fifteen  warriors  and  of  the  burning  of  the  val- 
ley  towns,  and  although  the  pursuit  from  motives  of  military  expediency 
was  abandoned,  yet  it  had  the  effect  of  preventing  aggressions  for  some 
considerable  time.  Yet  further  measures  of  conciliation  were  not  con- 
sidered unwise  by  either  North  Carolina  or  the  State  of  Franklin  which 
had  been  in  operation  about  two  years.  The  former  State  sent  Col. 
Joseph  Martin  into  the  Cherokee  nation  on  a tour  of  observation.  Col. 
Martin  on  his  return  wrote  Gov.  Caswell,  May  11,  1786,  to  the  effect 
that  affairs  were  not  yet  by  any  means  in  a settled  condition,  that  two  or 
three  parties  of  Cherokees  had  been  out  on  an  expedition  to  secure  satis- 
faction for  the  murder,  by  a Mr.  McClure  and  some  others,  of  four  of  their 
young  men;  that  these  parties  had  returned  with  fifteen  scalps  and  were 
satisfied  to  remain  at  peace  if  the  whites  were,  but  if  they  wanted  war 
they  could  have  all  of  that  they  might  want ; that  there  were  great  prepar- 
ations making  among  the  Creeks,  instigated  as  he  believed  by  the 
French  and  Spaniards  for  an  expedition  against  the  settlers  on  the  Cum- 
berland. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


87 


Gov.  Sevier,  in  order  if  possible  to  maintain  peace  between  his  State 
and  the  Indians,  appointed  commissioners  to  negotiate  another  treaty 
with  the  Cherokees,  the  commissioners  being  William  Cocke,  Alexander 
Outlaw,  Samuel  Wear,  Henry  Conway  and  Thomas  Ingle.  Negotiations 
were  begun  at  Chota  Ford  July  31,  1786,  and  concluded  at  Coyatee 
August  3.  The  chiefs  who  conducted  the  negotiations  were  Old  Tassel 
and  Hanging  Maw.  The  proposition  made  to  the  Indians  was  that  if  the 
Cherokees  would  give  up  the  murderers  among  them,  return  the  stolen 
horses,  and  permit  the  whites  to  settle  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tennessee 
and  Holston,  as  they  intended  to  do  at  any  rate,  the  whites  would  live  at 
peace  with  them  and  be  friends  and  brothers.  The  land  claimed  in  this 
treaty  w(as  the  island  in  the  Tennessee  at  the  mouth  of  the  Holston,  and 
from  the  head  of  the  island  to  the  dividing  ridge  between  Holston,  Little 
River  and  Tennessee  to  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  lands  sold  to  them  by 
North  Carolina  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tennessee.  These  terms  were 
agreed  to  and  the  treaty  signed  by  the  two  chiefs  named  above. 

During  the  existence  of  the  State  of  Franklin  the  Cherokees  were 
comparatively  quiet,  having  a wholesome  dread  of  the  courage  and  ability 
of  Gov.  Sevier;  but  with  the  fall  of  the  Franklin  government  they  began 
again  to  manifest  a desire  to  renew  hostilities,  and  an  Indian  invasion 
was  regarded  as  imminent.  Messengers  were  therefore  sent  to  Gen. 
Sevier,  who  was  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  Territory,  who,  after  his  fail- 
ure at  the  siege  at  Tipton’s  house,  was  immediately  himself  again,  and  at  the 
head  of  a body  of  mounted  men  upon  the  frontier  ready,  as  of  old  to  guard 
and  protect  its  most  defenseless  points.  On  July  8,  1788,  Gen.  Sevier  and 
James  Hubbert,  one  of  his  old  Franklin  officers,  issued  an  address  to  the 
inhabitants  in  general  recommending  that  every  station  be  on  its  guard, 
and  also  that  every  good  man  that  could  be  spared  report  to  Maj.  Hous- 
ton’s station  to  repel  the  enemy  if  possible. 

Just  before  Gen.  Sevier  started  out  on  this  expedition  a most  atro- 
cious massacre  occurred  of  the  family  of  a Mr.  Kirk,  who  lived  about 
twelve  miles  from  Knoxville,  on  the  southwest  side  of  Little  River. 
During  the  absence  of  Mr.  Kirk  from  home,  an  Indian  named  Slim  Tom, 
wdio  was  well  known  to  the  family,  approached  the  house  and  asked  for 
something  to  eat.  After  being  supplied  he  withdrew,  but  soon  returned 
with  a party  of  Indians,  who  fell  upon  and  massacred  the  entire  family, 
leaving  them  dead  in  the  yard.  Not  long  afterward  Mr.  Kirk  returned, 
and,  seeing  the  horrible  condition  of  his  dead  family,  immediately  gave 
the  alarm  to  the  neighborhood.  The  militia,  under  command  of  Sevier, 
assembled  to  the  number  of  several  hundred,  and  severely  punished  the 
Indians  in  several  portions  of  the  Territory,  though  they  generally  fled 


88 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


before  tbe  troops  to  tlie  mountains.  A friendly  Indian  by  the  name  of 
Abraliam  lived  with  his  son  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tennessee.  When 
the  troops  came  to  the  south  side  of  the  river  opposite  Abraham’s  house, 
they  sent  for  him  and  his  son  to  cross  over  to  them,  and  afterward  Abra- 
ham was  sent  to  bring  in  the  Tassel  and  another  Indian,  that  a talk 
might  be  held  with  them,  a flag  of  truce  being  also  displayed  to  assure 
the  Indians  of  their  peaceful  intentions.  The  Indians,  when  they  had 
crossed  the  river  under  these  conditions  and  assurances,  were  put  into  a 
house.  Gen.  Sevier  being  absent  on  business  connected  with  his  com- 
mand, young  Kirk,  a son  of  the  man  whose  family  had  just  before  been 
massacred,  was  permitted  to  enter  the  house  with  tomahawk  in  hand,  ac- 
companied by  Hubbard.  There  Kirk  struck  his  tomahawk  into  the  head 
of  one  of  the  Indians,  who  fell  dead  at  his  feet,  the  troops  looking  in 
through  the  window  upon  the  deed.  The  other  Indians,  five  or  six  in 
number,  immediately  understood  the  fate  in  store  for  them,  and  bowing 
their  heads  and  casting  their  eyes  to  the  ground,  each  in  turn  received 
the  tomahawk  as  had  the  first,  and  all  fell  dead  at  the  feet  of  young 
Kirk,  the  avenger.  Thus  was  committed  an  act  as  base  and  treacherous 
as  any  ever  committed  by  the  red  man.  Gen.  Sevier  returning,  learned 
of  the  commission  of  this  crime,  saw  at  a glance  what  must  be  the  inevita- 
ble effects  of  the  rash  act,  and  remonstrated  with  young  Kirk  for  the 
cruel  part  he  had  played,  but  was  answered  by  him  that  if  he  (Sevier) 
had  suffered  at  the  hands  of  the  murderous  Indians  as  he  had  done,  he 
would  have  acted  in  the  same  way.  Kirk  was  sustained  by  a number  of 
the  troops,  and  Sevier  was  obliged  to  overlook  the  flagitious  deed. 

The  massacre  of  Kirk’s  family  was  followed  by  that  of  many  others.. 
A man  named  English  was  killed  near  Bean’s  Station,  and  also  James 
Kirkpatrick.  Some  were  killed  near  Bull  Run,  others  north  of  Knox- 
ville, and  many  others  on  the  roads  to  Kentucky  and  West  Tennessee. 
Capt.  John  Fayne,  with  some  enlisted  men,  and  Capt.  Stewart,  who  had 
been  sent  to  Houston’s  Station,  were  sent  out  to  reconnoiter  the  adjacent 
country.  They  crossed  the  Tennessee  and  entered  an  apple  orchard  to 
gather  some  fruit.  Some  Indians  lying  in  wait  suffered  them  to  march 
into  the  orchard  without  molestation,  and  then  while  they  were  gathering 
the  fruit  fell  upon  them  and  drove  them  into  the  river,  killing  sixteen, 
wounding  four  and  taking  one  prisoner.  This  massacre  occurred  near  a 
town  named  Citico.  The  killed  were  afterward  found  by  Capt.  Evans, 
horribly  mutilated,  and  by  him  buried.  The  war  was  continued  for  sev- 
eral weeks  with  success  to  the  south  of  the  Tennessee,  and  finally  the 
troops  returned  home. 

The  events  above  narrated  mainly  occurred  in  the  eastern  part  of  this. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


89 


State.  An  attempt  will  now  be  made  to  relate  as  succinctly  as  may  be, 
and  yet  witli  a sufficiency  of  detail,  similar  events  that  had  been  for  some 
years  simultaneously  occurring  upon  the  Cumberland.  The  proximity 
of  the  Chickasaws  to  the  settlements  on  the  Cumberland  had  been  cause 
for  serious  apprehension ; yet,  notwithstanding  this,  the  first  attack  upon 
them  was  made  by  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees.  This  was  in  the  year 
1780,  and  was  made,  not  by  a large  force  of  Indians  in  battle  array,  but 
by  small  parties  upon  individuals  or  small  parties  of  white  men.  In 
April  of  that  year  the  Indians  killed  an  elder  and  younger  Milliken,  Jo- 
seph Bernard,  Jonathan  Jennings,  Ned  Carver  and  William  Neely,  all 
in  the  vicinity  of  Nashville;'  at  Eaton’s  Station,  James  Mayfield;  at 
Mansker’s  Lick,  Jesse  Ballentine,  John  Shockley,  David  Goin  and  Risby 
Kennedy;  at  Bledsoe’s  Lick,  William  Johnson;  at  Freeland’s  Station,  D. 
Larimer,  and  near  Nashville,  Isaac  Lefevre,  Solomon  Phillips,  Samuel 
Murray  and  Bartlett  Renfroe.  About  this  time  occurred  the  massacre 
at  Battle  Creek,  in  Robertson  County,  recited  in  detail  in  the  history  of 
that  county.  The  Indians  engaged  in  this  massacre  were  Chickasaws,  and 
the  reason  given  by  them  for  its  commission  was  that  Gen.  George 
Rogers  Clarke  had  that  year  built  Fort  Jefferson,  eighteen  miles  below 
the  mouth  of  the  Ohio,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi.  All  the  ter- 
ritory west  of  the  Tennessee  River  they  claimed,  and  they  were  especially 
offended  at  Gen.  Clarke’s  intrusion,  upon  which  they  became  the  allies  of 
the  English.  Isolated  cases  of  murder  were  numerous  for  years  in  these 
settlements,  the  names  of  the  killed  being  generally  reserved  for  insertion 
in  the  histories  of  the  counties  in  which  the  murders  occurred,  in  order 
to  avoid  unnecessary  repetition.  In  April,  1781,  a determined  attack 
Avas  made  by  a numerous  body  of  Cherokees  on  the  fort  at  the  Bluff,  and 
nineteen  horsemen,  who  sallied  forth  to  drive  them  off,  were  defeated 
with  a loss  of  seven  killed,  four  wounded  and  some  of  their  horses  stolen. 
At  this  battle  occurred  the  famous  onset  of  the  dogs  upon  the  Indians, 
an  anomaly  in  warfare,  and  which  enabled  nearly  all  of  those  not  killed 
to  regain  the  fort  in  safety.  Mrs.  Robertson,  who  directed  the  guard  to 
let  slip  the  dogs,  pertinently  remarked  that  the  Indians’  fear  of  dogs  and 
love  of  horses  proved  the  salvation  of  the  whites  on  this  occasion.  In 
1782  John  Tucker,  Joseph  Hendricks  and  David  Hood  were  fired  upon 
at  the  French  Lick.  The  first  two,  though  wounded,  escaped  through 
the  assistance  of  their  friends.  David  Hood  was  shot  down,  scalped, 
stamped  upon  and  left  by  the  Indians  for  dead,  in  their  chase  after 
Tucker  and  Hendricks.  Hood,  supposing  the  Indians  had  gone,  slowly 
picked  himself  up  and  began  to  walk  toward  the  fort,  but  to  his  disap- 
pointment and  dismay  he  saw  the  same  Indians  just  before  him  making 


90 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


sport  of  his  misfortunes  and  mistake.  They  then  made  a second  attack 
upon  him,  inflicting  other  apparently  mortal  wounds,  and  again  left  him 
for  dead.  He  fell  in  a brush  heap  in  the  snow,  where  he  lay  all  night. 
The  next  morning  being  found  by  his  blood  he  was  taken  home  and 
placed  in  an  outhouse  for  dead,  but  to  the  surprise  of  all  he  revived  and 
lived  for  many  years. 

The  continuance,  frequency  and  savageness  of  these  depredations  led 
many  of  the  people  on  the  Cumberland  to  seriously  consider  the  propri- 
ety of  breaking  up  the  settlements  and  going  away  to  Kentucky,  or  to 
some  place  where  it  was  hoped  they  might  live  in  peace.  Gen.  Robert- 
son earnestly  opposed  the  plan,  as  it  was  impossible  to  get  to  Kentucky, 
and  equally  so  to  reach  the  settlements  on  the  Holston.  The  only  plan 
which  contained  an  element  of  practicability  was  to  go  down  the  river  to 
Illinois,  and  even  to  the  execution  of  this  plan  there  seemed  insuperable 
obstacles,  the  principal  one  being  to  build  the  boats.  This  could  not  be 
done  without  timber;  the  timber  was  standing  in  the  woods,  and  the 
woods  were  full  of  Indians. 

In  1783,  after  further  ravages  by  the  Chickasaws,  Gen.  Robertson  ob- 
tained a cession  from  them  by  which  they  relinquished  to  North  Carolina 
a region  of  country  extending  nearly  forty  miles  south  of  the  Cumber- 
land to  the  ridge  dividing  the  tributaries  of  that  stream  from  those  of 
the  Duck  and  Elk  Rivers.  This  cession,  however,  did  not  cause  inva- 
sions and  murders  to  cease.  Instigated  by  the  Spaniards  at  a conference 
held  at  Walnut  Hills,  they  returned  to  the  settlements  evidently  with  the 
renewed  determination  to  kill  as  many  of  the  settlers  as  possible.  In 
order  to  neutralize  the  influence  of  the  Spaniards  Gen.  Robertson  opened  a 
correspondence  with  one  of  the  Spanish  .agents,  a Mr.  Portell,  in  which  a 
mutual  desire  to  live  at  peace  was  expressed ; but  the  letters  which  passed 
between  Gen.  Robertson  and  Mr.  Portell  had  apparently  but  little  if  any 
effect  upon  the  minds  of  the  Indians,  whose  depredations  were  continued 
through  the  year  1785.  In  1786  was  made  the  treaty  of  Hopewell  with 
the  Chickasaws,  as  mentioned  and  inserted  above,  by  which  immigration 
to  the  Cumberland  was  greatly  encouraged  and  increased. 

In  1787  Indian  atrocities  continued  as  numerous  as  before,  and  it 
became  necessary  for  Gen.  Robertson  to  imitate  the  tactics  of  Gen. 
Sevier,  viz. : To  carry  offensive  operations  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy’s 
country.  For  this  purpose  a force  of  130  men  volunteered,  of  whom  Gen. 
Robertson  took  command,  assisted  by  Col.  Robert  Hays  and  Col.  James 
Ford.  At  the  head  of  this  force  he  marched  against  the  Indian  village 
of  Coldwater,  with  two  Chickasaw  Indians  as  guides.  Arriving  within 
ten  miles  of  the  Muscle  Shoals  he  sent  forward  some  of  his  most  active 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


91 


soldiers  with  one  of  the  Chickasaw  guides  to  reconnoiter.  At  12 
next  day  they  struck  the  river  at  the  lower  end  of  the  Muscle  Shoals,  and 
concealed  themselves  until  night.  After  a futile  attempt  to  capture  some 
Indians  it  was  determined  to  cross  the  Tennessee  River  that  night.  The 
soldiers  who  had  been  sent  forward  with  the  guide  swam  the  river  and 
went  up  on  the  opposite  bank  to  the  cabins  of  an  Indian  village,  which 
they  found  empty,  and  securing  a canoe  returned  to  the  main  body  on 
the  north  side  of  the  river.  On  account  of  the  leaky  condition  of  the 
canoe  it  was  impossible  to  get  across  the  river  before  daylight  next  morn- 
ing. A heavy  rain  coming  on  forced  the  men  into  the  cabins  until  it 
was  over,  and  ivhen  the  clouds  cleared  away  they  followed  a well  beaten 
path  leading  toward  the  west.  At  the  distance  of  about  six  miles  they 
came  to  Coldwater  Creek,  upon  the  opposite  side  of  which  was  a number 
of  cabins  built  upon  low  ground.  The  people  of  this  village  were  sur- 
prised by  this  sudden  invasion  and  fled  precipitately  to  their  boats  pur- 
sued by  such  of  the  men  as  had  crossed  the  creek.  This  town  was 
occupied  by  the  Creeks,  some  French  traders  and  a white  woman.  In 
the  attack  upon  the  Indians  twenty-six  of  the  Creek  warriors  were  killed, 
as  were  also  the  three  Frenchmen  and  the  white  woman.  A large 
quantity  of  stores  was  secured  in  the  town,  and  afterward  the  town  itself 
was  burned  down  and  the  domestic  animals  destroyed.  Each  of  the 
Chickasaw  Indian  guides  was  presented  with  a horse,  a gun  and  as  many 
blankets  and  clothes  as  his  horse  could  carry,  and  sent  home.  After  dis- 
posing of  the  prisoners  and  goods,  most  of  the  latter  being  taken  to 
Eaton’s  Station,  sold,  and  the  proceeds  distributed  among  the  soldiers, 
the  soldiers  were  disbanded  on  the  nineteenth  day  after  setting  out  on 
the  expedition.  This  invasion  of  the  Creek  country  was  of  great  benefit 
to  the  Cumberland  settlement,  as  it  gave  them  peace  and  quiet  for  a con- 
siderable time,  and  discovered  to  them  the  sources  whence  the  Indians 
were  obtaining  their  supplies.  But  it  was  not  entirely  without  disastrous, 
or  at  least  threateningly  disastrous,  consequences.  David  Hay,  of  Nash- 
ville, attempted  to  carry  on  simultaneously,  a campaign  by  water  against 
the  same  Indians,  with  the  view  of  assisting  Gen.  Robertson’s  men,  both 
in  their  warfare  and  in  respect  to  supplying  them  with  provisions  in  case 
they  should  be  detained  longer  away  from  home  than  was  anticipated, 
but  unfortunately  his  company  was  led  into  an  ambush,  was  attacked  by 
the  Indians  and  was  obliged  to  return.  Gen.  Robertson’s  campaign  came 
very  near  involving  him  in  difficulties  with  the  French,  who  were  carrying 
on  trade  with  the  Indians  from  the  Wabash  up  the  Tennessee. 

The  cessation  of  hostilities  procured  by  Gen.  Robertson’s  Coldwater 
campaign  was  of  but  temporary  duration.  Capt.  John  Rains,  a vigilant 


92 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  intrepid  Indian  fighter,  made  three  successful  campaigns  against  the 
Indians,  and  similar  expeditions  were  made  by  others  in  every  direction 
throughout  the  country.  In  1788  the  hostilities  which  still  continued  were 
committed  by  the  Creek  warriors,  still  under  the  malign  influence  of  tile 
Spaniards.  As  no  settlements  had  been  made  on  territory  claimed  by  that 
nation,  and  as  no  acts  of  offensive  war  had  been  committed  against  Span- 
ish colonies,  it  was  determined  to  inquire  into  the  reason  for  their  insti- 
gation of  these  incursions  upon  the  settlers.  Gen.  Robertson  and  Col. 
Anthony  Bledsoe,  therefore,  addressed  a joint  letter  to  the  celebrated 
agent  of  the  Creeks,  McGilvery.  To  this  communication  the  agent  re- 
plied that  the  Creeks,  in  common  with  other  southern  Indians  had  adhered 
to  the  British  interests  during  the  late  war,  that  after  peace  was  declared 
he  had  accepted  proposals  for  friendship  by  the  settlers,  and  that  while 
these  negotiations  were  pending,  six  of  his  nation  were  killed  at  Coldwater 
and  their  death  had  given  rise  to  a violent  clamor  for  revenge,  and  that 
the  late  expeditions  by  the  Creeks  had  been  undertaken  for  that  purpose. 
But  now  as  the  affair  at  Coldwater  had  been  amply  retaliated  he  would 
use  his  best  endeavors  for  peace.  Immediately  afterward,  however,  hos- 
tilities were  renewed  and  Col.  Anthony  Bledsoe  killed  at  the  fort  of  his 
brother  Isaac  at  Bledsoe’s  Lick.  At  this  time  North  Carolina  was  unable 
to  assist  her  western  settlements  even  had  she  been  so  disposed,  and  in 
their  extremity  it  became  absolutely  necessary  for  Gen.  Robertson  to 
forget  the  murder  of  his  friend  Anthony  Bledsoe,  and  to  bring  into  play 
all  the  arts  of  diplomacy  of  which  he  was  possessed  in  order  to  soothe  the 
savage  breast  and  to  beget  in  him  a peaceful,  or  at  least  a less  warlike 
disposition.  Dissembling  the  resentment  which  the  cruel  murder  of  his 
friend  must  have  caused  him  to  feel,  he  wrote  to  McGilvery  acknowl- 
edging the  satisfaction  caused  by  the  receipt  of  his  letter,  seemed  to  exten- 
uate the  recent  aggressions  of  the  Creeks  upon  the  settlers,  and  stated 
that  he  had  caused  a deed  for  a lot  in  Nashville  to  be  recorded  in  his 
name.  To  another  letter  from  the  Creek  chief  he  replied  that  the  Cum- 
berland settlers  were  not  the  people  who  had  made  encroachments  upon 
Creek  territory,  and  stated  that  the  people  of  the  Cumberland  only 
claimed  the  land  which  the  Clierokees  had  sold  to  Col.  Hudson  in  1775,  etc. 

The  right  to  the  lands  of  the  Lower  Cumberland  was  claimed  by  the 
Chickasaws  rather  than  by  the  Clierokees  at  the  time  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  Prior  to  that  time  the  former  tribe  lived  north  of  the 
Tennessee  and  about  fifty  miles  lower  down  that  stream  than  the  Lower 
(Cherokee)  Towns.  They  ceded  the  Cumberland  lands  in  1782  or  1783  at 
the  treaty  held  by  Donelson  and  Martin. 

In  1786  commissioners  were  appointed  by  Congress  to  treat  with  the 


EAST  TENNESSEE  ASYLUM  FOR  THE  INSANE. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


93 


Clierokees  and  other  southern  tribes.  These  commissioners  say  in  their 
report  to  Richard  Henry  Lee,  president  of  Congress,  “ that  there  are 
some  few  people  settled  on  the  Indian  lands  whom  we  are  to  remove,  and 
those  in  the  fork  of  French  Broad  and  Holston  being  numerous,  the 
Indians  agree  to  refer  their  particular  situation  to  Congress  and  abide  by 
their  decision.”  Although  these  persons  had  settled  contrary  to  treaty 
stipulations  entered  into  by  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  in  1777,  yet 
they  were  too  numerous  to  order  off,  hence  the  necessity  of  obtaining  the 
■consent  of  the  Clierokees  to  refer  the  matter  to  Congress.  The  same  re- 
port furnishes  an  estimate  of  the  number  of  warriors  of  the  nations  of 
Indians  living  south  of  the  Tennessee  and  in  reach  of  the  advanced  set- 
tlements which  was  as  follows:  Clierokees,  2,000;  Creeks,  5,400;  Ckicka- 
saws,  800;  Choctaws,  6,000 — total  number,  14,200,  besides  remnants  of  the 
Sliawanees,  Uchees  and  other  tribes.  That  this  number  of  warriors  was 
not  able  with  the  assistance  of  northern  tribes  to  crush  out  the  settle- 
ments in  what  is  now  Tennessee  in  that  early  day  is  very  remarkable, 
but  is  doubtless  due  in  part  to  determination  and  courage  of  the  whites. 

The  year  1788  was  distinguished  by  the  unfortunate  attempt  of  Col. 
James  Brown  to  reach  Nashville  by  the  Tennessee,  Ohio  and  Cumberland 
Rivers,  related  at  such  length  in  the  chapter  on  settlements  as  to  only  need 
brief  mention  here  in  chronological  order.  The  same  year  was  distin- 
guished by  the  campaign  against  the  Clierokees,  by  the  attack  on  Sher- 
rell’s  and  Gillespie’s  Stations. 

During  the  administration  of  Gov.  Blount  the  policy  of  conciliation 
was  persistently  followed  in  obedience  to  instructions  and  proclamations 
from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Gen.  Washington.  An  earnest 
attempt  was  made  by  both  the  authorities  of  the  United  States,  and  of 
the  “ Territory  of  the  United  States  south  of  the  river  Ohio,”  to  enforce 
treaty  stipulations,  but  notwithstanding  all  that  ivas  or  could  be  done  by 
both  Governments,  both  Indians  and  Avhites  disregarded  and  violated  all 
the  treaties  they  should  have  observed.  And  while  it  was  thus  demon- 
strated and  had  been  from  the  signing  of  the  first  treaty,  that  treaties 
were  only  a temporary  make-sliift,  or  subterfuge,  yet  both  Nation  and  State 
kept  on  making  treaty  after  treaty  with  the  various  tribes  of  Indians. 

In  obedience  to  this  treaty-making  spirit  another  treaty  was  con- 
cluded July  2,  1791.  at  the  treaty  ground  on  the  bank  of  Holston  River, 
near  the  mouth  of  the  French  Broad,  between  the  Clierokees  of  the  one 
part  and  William  Blount,  governor  in  and  for  the  “Territory  of  the 
United  States  of  America  south  of  the  river  Ohio,”  and  superintendent 
of  Indian  affairs  for  the  southern  district,  of  the  other  part,  whereby  the 
following  boundary  between  the  lands  of  the  two  parties  was  established: 


6 


94 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Article  4.  The  boundary  between  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  and  the  Cherokee- 
nation  is  and  shall  be  as  follows:  Beginning  at  the  top  of  the  Currahee  Mountain  where 
the  Creek  line  passes  it;  thence  a direct  line  to  Tugelo  River;  thence  northwest 
to  the  Occunna  Mountain,  and  over  the  same  along  the  South  Carolina  Indian  bound- 
ary to  the  North  Carolina  boundary;  thence  north  to  a point  from  which  a line 
is  to  be  extended  to  the  river  Clinch  that  shall  pass  the  Holston  at  the  ridge  which 
divides  the  waters  running  into  Little  River  from  those  running  into  the  Tennessee; 
thence  up  the  river  Clinch  to  Campbell’s  line,  and  along  the  same  to  the  top  of  the  Cum- 
berland Mountain;  thence  a direct  line  to  the  Cumberland  River  where  the  Kentucky^ 
road  crosses  it;  thence  down  the  Cumberland  River  to  a point  from  which  a southwest 
line  will  strike  the  ridge  which  divides  the  waters  of  Cumberland  from  those  of 
Duck  River,  forty  miles  above  Nashville;  thence  down  the  said  ridge  to  a point  from 
whence  a southwest  line  will  strike  the  mouth  of  Duck  River. 

It  was  agreed  tliat  all  land  lying  to  tlie  right  of  this  boundary,  be- 
ginning at  Currahee  Mountain,  should  belong  to  the  United  States;  and 
as  a further  consideration  the  Government  stipulated  to  pay  the  Chero- 
kees  an  annuity  of  $1,000,  which  was  increased  later  by  an  additional  ar- 
ticle to  $1,500.  All  prisoners  were  to  be  surrendered,  criminals  pun- 
ished, whites  settling  on  Indian  lands  to  be  denied  the  protection  of  the 
Government,  whites  to  be  granted  the  navigation  of  the  Tennessee  and  to 
be  permitted  to  use  a road  between  Washington  and  Mero  Districts,  the 
Indians  to  be  furnished  with  implements  of  husbandry,  etc.,  etc.  The 
witnesses  signing  this  treaty  were  Daniel  Smith,  secretary  of  the  Terri- 
tory of  the  United  States  south  of  the  river  Ohio;  Thomas  Kennedy,  of 
Kentucky ; James  Robertson,  of  Mero  District ; Claiborne  Watkins,  of  Vir- 
ginia; John  Me  Whitney,  of  Georgia;  Fauche,  of  Georgia;  Titus  Ogden, 
of  North  Carolina;  John  Chisholm,  of  Washington  District;  Robert 
King  and  Thomas  Gregg.  The  official  and  sworn  interpreters  were  John 
Thompson  and  James  Ceery.  Forty-one  chiefs  of  the  Cherokee  nation 
were  the  contracting  party  for  the  Indians.  The  additional  article  of  the 
treaty,  which  provided  that  $1,500  instead  of  $1,000  should  be  annually 
paid  to  the  Cherokees,  was  agreed  to  between  Henry  Knox,  Secretary  of 
War,  and  seven  chiefs,  February  17,  1792. 

In  1793  a force  of  1,000  Indians,  700  of  them  Creeks,  the  rest  Chero- 
kees, under  the  lead  of  John  Watts  and  Double  Head,  100  of  the  Creeks 
being  well  mounted  horsemen,  invaded  the  settlements  with  the  view  of 
attacking  Knoxville,  but  failing  to  surprise  the  citizens  they  abandoned 
their  contemplated  attack  upon  the  town.  Falling  back  they  found  it 
impossible  to  leave  the  country  without  carrying  out  in  some  degree  their 
revengeful  purposes,  and  so  made  an  attack  on  Cavett’s  Station.  Here  after 
suffering  a temporary  repulse  they  proposed  that  if  the  station  would 
surrender  they  would  spare  the  lives  of  the  inmates  and  exchange  them 
for  an  equal  number  of  Indian  prisoners.  Relying  upon  these  promises 
the  inmates  of  the  station  surrendered,  but  no  sooner  had  they  passed 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


95 


the  door  tlian  Double  Head  and  his  party  fell  upon  them  and  put  them  to 
death,  and  most  horribly,  barbarously  and  indelicately  mutilated  their 
bodies,  especially  those  of  the  women  and  children. 

This  daring  invasion  by  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees,  under  the  cele- 
brated chief  John  Watts,  convinced  the  Federal  and  also  the  Territorial 
authorities  that  defensive  warfare  was  of  but  little  if  any  use  in  prevent- 
ing Indian  invasions.  The  people  themselves  had  long  been  convinced 
of  this  fact,  and  earnestly  desired  a return  to  the  tactics  of  Gen.  Sevier. 
A sudden  and  decisive  blow  was  loudly  called  for  as  the  only  means  of 
punishment  for  the  Indians  and  of  defense  for  the  settlements.  Gen. 
Sevier  was  once  more  the  man  to  lead  in  a campaign  of  this  kind.  His 
little  army  then  at  Ish’s  was  re-enforced  by  troops  under  Col.  John 
Blair  for  Washington  District  and  Col.  Christian  for  Hamilton  Dis- 
trict, and  with  these  forces  Gen.  Sevier  made  his  last  campaign  against 
the  Indians.  Crossing  Little  Tennessee,  near  Lowry's  Ferry  he  came 
to  an  Indian  town  named  Estinaula,  and  suffered  a night  attack  from 
the  Indians  with  the  loss  of  one  man  wounded.  Breaking  camp  in  the 
night  he  went  on  toward  Etowah,  which  place  he  succeeded  in  capturing 
after  overcoming  a determined  resistance  by  the  Indians  under  the  com- 
mand of  King  Fisher,  who,  however,  fell  in  the  engagement.  After  be- 
ing defeated  the  Indians  escaped  into  the  secret  recesses  of  the  surround- 
ing country,  and  Gen.  Sevier  having  burned  the  town  and  becoming 
satisfied  that  further  pursuit  would  not  meet  with  results  commensurate 
with  the  exertion  demanded,  countermarched  and  the  troops  returned 
safely  to  their  homes.  Thus  terminated  the  last  campaign  of  Sevier,  and 
the  first  for  which  he  received  compensation  from  the  Government.  In 
this  campaign  he  lost  three  brave  men,  Pruett  and  Weir  killed  in  the 
battle,  and  Wallace  mortally  wounded. 

A treaty  was  concluded  at  Philadelphia  between  Henry  Knox,  Secre- 
tary of  War,  and  thirteen  chiefs  of  the  Cherokees,  on  the  26th  of  June, 
1794,  to  set  at  rest  certain  misunderstandings  concerning  the  provisions 
of  the  treaty  of  Holstonof  July  2,  1791.  It  was  declared  that  the  treaty 
of  Holston  should  in  all  particulars  be  valid  and  binding,  and  that  the 
boundary  line  then  established  should  be  accurately  defined  and  marked. 
In  lieu  of  the  annuity  of  $1,000  granted  by  the  treaty  of  Holston  in 

1791,  or  the  annuity  of  $1,500  granted  by  the  treaty  of  Philadelphia  in 

1792,  the  Government  at  this  treaty  of  1794  agreed  to  pay  the  annual 
sum  of  $5,000  to  the  Cherokees.  This  treaty  was  attended  by  thirteen 
Cherokee  chiefs.  John  Thompson  and  Arthur  Goody  were  the  official  in- 
terpreters. The  boundary  provided  in  these  treaties  was  not  ascertained 
and  marked  until  the  latter  part  of  1797,  by  reason  of  which  delay  sev- 


96 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


eral  settlements  of  white  people  were  established  upon  the  Indian  domain. 
These  settlers  were  removed  by  authority  of  the  Government,  and  two 
commissioners,  George  Walton,  of  Georgia,  and  Lieut. -Col.  Thomas 
Butler,  commander  of  the  troops  of  the  United  States  in  the  State  of 
Tennessee,  were  appointed  to  adjust  the  mutual  claims  and  rights  of  the 
white  settlers  and  the  Indians.  These  commissioners  met  thirty-nine 
authorized  Cherokee  chiefs,  representing  the  “whole  Cherokee  nation,” 
in  the  council  house  of  the  Indians  near  Tellico,  October  2,  1798,  and  the 
following  provisions,  in  substance,  were  mutually  agreed  to:  The  former 
boundaries  were  to  remain  the  same  with  the  following  exception:  The 

Cherokees  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  the  lands  “from  a point  on  the 
Tennessee  Biver  below  Tellico  Block-house,  called  the  White  Cat  Bock, 
in  a direct  line  to  the  Militia  Spring  near  the  Maryville  road  leading 
from  Tellico;  from  the  said  spring  to  the  Chilhowee  Mountain  by  a line 
so  to  be  run  as  will  leave  all  the  farms  on  Nine  Mile  Creek  to  the  north- 
ward and  eastward  of  it,  and  to  be  continued  along  Chilhowee  Mountain 
until  it  strikes  Hawkins’  line;  thence  along  the  said  line  to  the  Great 
Iron  Mountain,  and  from  the  top  of  which  a line  to  be  continued  in  a 
southeastwardly  course  to  where  the  most  southwardly  branch  of  Little 
Biver  crosses  the  divisional  line  to  Tugalo  Biver.  From  the  place  of  be- 
ginning, the  Wild  Cat  Bock,  down  the  northeast  mai’gin  of  the  Tennes- 
see Biver  (not  including  islands)  to  a point  or  place  one  mile  above  the 
junction  of  that  river  with  the  Clinch; and  from  thence  by  a line  to  be 
drawn  in  a right  angle  until  it  intersects  Hawkins’  line  leading  from 
Clinch;  thence  down  the  said  line  to  the  river  Clinch;  thence  up  the  said 
river  to  its  junction  with  Emery  Biver;  thence  up  Emery  Biver  to  the 
foot  of  Cumberland  Mountains;  from  thence  a line  to  be  drawn  northeast- 
wardly along  the  foot  of  the  mountain  until  it  intersects  with  Campbell’s 
line.”  It  was  further  understood  that  two  commissioners,  one  to  be  ap- 
pointed by  each  the  Government  and  the  Cherokee  nation,  were  to  run 
and  mark  the  boundary  line;  that  the  annuity  should  be  increased  from 
$5,000  to  $6,000  in  goods;  that  the  Kentucky  road  running  between  the 
Cumberland  Mountains  and  the  Cumberland  Biver  should  be  open  and 
free  to  the  white  citizens  as  was  the  road  from  Southwest  Point  to  Cum- 
berland Biver;  that  Indians  might  hunt  upon  the  lands  thus  ceded  until 
settlements  should  make  it  improper ; that  stolen  horses  should  be  either 
returned  or  paid  for,  and  that  the  agent  of  the  Government  living  among 
the  Indians  should  have  a piece  of  land  reserved  for  his  use.  Elisha  I. 
Hall  was  secretary  of  the  commission;  Silas  Dinsmore,  agent  to  the 
Cherokees ; Edward  Butler,  captain  commanding  at  Tellico,  and  Charles 
Hicks  and  James  Casey  were  interpreters. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


97 


The  year  1794  was  distinguished  for  the  Nickajack  expedition.  The 
banditti  Indians  of  the  five  Lower  Towns  on  the  Tennessee  River  contin- 
ued to  make  attacks  on  the  frontier  settlements,  and  the  frontiers  de- 
termined to  invade  the  towns  as  the  only  effectual  means  of  self-defense, 
and  of  inflicting  punishment  upon  the  Indians  for  the  injuries  they  had 
received.  But  as  the  Cumberland  settlers  were  not  of  themselves  strong 
enough  to  successfully  undertake  an  expedition,  they  appealed  to  the  mar- 
tial spirit  of  Kentucky  to  aid  them  in  punishing  an  enemy  from  whom 
they  had  also  been  frequent  sufferers.  Col.  Whit!  ey  of  Kentucky  entered 
into  the  scheme.  Col.  James  Ford,  of  Montgomery,  raised  a company 
from  near  Clarksville?  Col.  John  Montgomery  brought  a company  from 
Clarksville,  and  Gen.  Robertson  raised  a company  of  volunteers  from 
Nashville  and  vicinity. 

Maj.  Ore,  who  had  been  detached  by  Gov.  Blount  to  protect  the  fron- 
tiers of  Mero  District,  opportunely  arrived  at  Nashville  as  the  troops  were 
concentrating  for  the  Nickajack  expedition,  as  it  has  ever  since  been 
known,  and  entered  heartily  into  the  project;  Maj.  Ore  temporarily  as- 
sumed command,  and  the  expedition  has  sometimes  been  called  “ Ore’s 
expedition.”  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Kentucky  troops,  Col.  Whitley  was 
given  command  of  the  entire  force,  and  Col.  Montgomery  of  the  volun- 
teers raised  within  the  Territory 

Notwithstanding  Col.  Whitley  having  command  of  the  little  army, 
Gen.  Robertson  issued  instructions  to  Maj.  Ore,  on  the  6th  of  September, 
and  on  the  next  day,  Sunday,  the  army  set  out  upon  its  march.  It  crossed 
the  Barren  Fork  of  Duck  River  near  the  Stone  Fort,  and  arrived  at  the 
Tennessee  on  the  night  of  the  8tli.  Of  the  individuals  present  at  this 
expedition  were  Joseph  Brown,  son  of  Col.  James  Brown,  whose  mel- 
ancholy fate  is  elsewhere  recorded  in  this  work;  William  Trousdale, 
afterward  governor  of  Tennessee,  and  Andrew  Jackson.  The  troop's 
having  the  next  morning  crossed  the  river,  penetrated  to  the  center  of 
the  town  of  Nickajack,  a village  inhabited  by  about  250  families.  In 
this  village  the  troops  killed  quite  a number  of  warriors,  and  many  oth- 
ers, while  they  were  attempting  to  escape  in  canoes  or  swimming  in  the 
river.  ^Eighteen  were  taken  prisoners  and  about  seventy  in  all  were 
killed;  but  this  number  includes  those  killed  in  the  town  of  Running 
Water  as  well  as  those  killed  in  Nickajack.  When  an  attack  was  made 
on  two  isolated  houses,  one  of  the  squaws  remained  outside  to  listen. 
She  attempted  to  escape  by  flight,  but  after  a hard  chase  was  taken  pris- 
oner, and  carried  up  to  the  town  and  placed  among  the  other  prisoners, 
in  canoes.  As  these  were  being  taken  down  the  river  the  squaw  loosed 
her  clothes,  sprang  head  foremost  into  the  river,  artfully  disengaged  her- 


98 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


self  from  her  clothing,  left  them  floating  on  the  water  and  swam  rapidly 
away.  While  thus  making  her  escape,  some  of  the  soldiers  cried  out 
“ Shoot  her!  shoot  her!”  but  others  admiring  her  activity  and  courage  re- 
strained those  who  were  in  favor  of  shooting  her,  by  saying  “ No,  let  her 
escape,  she  is  too  smart  to  kill.”  With  respect  to  the  number  killed,  it 
was  given  to  Joseph  Brown  some  time  afterward  by  a chief  in  conversa- 
tion at  Tellico  Block-house. 

By  an  act  approved  May  19,  1796,  the  following  boundary  between 
the  United  States  and  the  Indian  tribes  for  the  States  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee  was  ordered  surveyed  and  definitely  marked.  “Beginning  at  a 
point  on  the  highlands  or  ridge  on  the  Ohio  Biver  between  the  mouth 
of  the  Cumberland  and  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee  Biver ; thence  east- 
erly along  said  ridge  to  a point  from  whence  a southwest  line  will  strike 
the  mouth  of  Buck  Biver;*  thence  still  easterly  on  the  said  ridge  to 
a point  forty  miles  above  Nashville;  thence  northeast  to  the  Cumber- 
land Biver;  thence  up  the  said  river  to  where  the  Kentucky  road  crosses 
the  same;  thence  to  the  top  of  Cumberland  Mountain;  thence  along 
Campbell’s  line  to  the  river  Clinch;  thence  down  the  said  river  to  a point 
from  which  a line  shall  pass  the  Holston  at  the  ridge  which  divides  the 
waters  running  into  Little  Biver  from  those  running  into  the  Tennessee ; 
thence  south  to  the  North  Carolina  boundary.” 

At  a treaty  held  at  the  Chickasaw  Bluffs,  October  24,  1801,  between 
Brig.  -Gen.  James  Wilkinson,  Benjamin  Hawkins,  of  North  Carolina, 
and  Andrew  Pickens,  of  South  Carolina,  “and  the  Mingo,  principal  men 
and  warriors  of  the  Chickasaw  nation,”  permission  was  given  the  United 
States  to  lay  out  and  cut  a wagon  road  between  the  settlements  of  the 
Mero  District  in  Tennessee  and  those  of  Natchez  on  the  Mississippi 
Biver.  It  was  agreed  that  $700  should  be  paid  the  Indians  to  compen- 
sate them  for  furnishing  guides  and  assistance.  Seventeen  Chickasaw 
chiefs  signed  the  articles  of  the  treaty. 

A treaty  was  held  at  Tellico,  October  25,  1805,  between  Beturn  Jona- 
than Meigs  and  Daniel  Smith  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  and  thir- 
ty-three chiefs  on  the  part  of  the  Cherokees,  by  which  the  Indians  ceded 
all  their  land  north  of  the  following  boundary:  “Beginning  at  the  mouth 
of  Duck  Biver ; running  thence  up  the  main  stream  of  the  same  to  the 
junction  of  the  fork,  at  the  head  of  which  Fort  Nash  stood,  with  the  main 
south  fork ; thence  a direct  course  to  a point  on  the  Tennessee  Biver  bank 
opposite  the  mouth  of  Hiwassee  Biver.  If  the  line  from  Hiwassee 
should  leave  out  Field’s  settlement,  it  is  to  be  marked  round  this  im- 
provement and  then  continue  the  straight  course;  thence  up  the  middle  of 


*See  treaty  with  the  Chiekasaws,  January  10, 1786. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


99 


the  Tennessee  River  (but  leaving  all  the  islands  to  the  Cherokees)  to  the 
mouth  of  Clinch  River ; thence  up  the  Clinch  River  to  the  former  "boun- 
dary line  agreed  upon  with  the  said  Cherokees,  reserving,  at  the  same  time, 
to  the  use  of  the  Cherokees,  a small  tract  lying  at  and  below  the  mouth 
of  Clinch  River;  thence  from  the  month  extending  down  the  Tennessee 
River  (from  the  month  of  Clinch)  to  a notable  rock  on  the  north  bank  of 
the  Tennessee,  in  view  from  Southwest  Point;  thence  a course  at  right 
angles  with  the  river  to  the  Cumberland  road;  thence  eastwardly  along 
the  same  to  the  bank  of  Clinch  River  so  as  to  secure  the  ferry  landing  to 
the  Cherokees  up  to  the  first  hill  and  down  the  same  to  the  month  there- 
of together  with  two  other  sections  of  one  square  mile  each,  one  of  which 
is  at  the  foot  of  Cumberland  Mountain,  at  and  near  where  the  turnpike 
sate  now  stands,  the  other  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Tennessee  River 
where  the  Cherokee  Talootiske  now  lives.  And  whereas,  from  the 
present  cessions  made  by  the  Cherokees,  and  other  circumstances,  the  size 
of  the  garrisons  at  Southwest  Point  and  Tellico  are  becoming  not  the 
most  convenient  and  suitable  places  for  the  accommodation  of  the  said 
Indians,  it  may  become  expedient  to  remove  the  said  garrisons  and  fac- 
tory to  some  more  suitable  place,  three  other  square  miles  are  reserved 
for  the  particular  disposal  of  the  United  States  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
Tennessee  opposite  to  and  below  the  mouth  of  Hiwassee.”  In  consider- 
ation of  this  cession  the  Government  agree  to  pay  the  Indians  $3,000  im- 
mediately in  valuable  merchandise,  and  $11,000  within  ninety  days  after 
the  ratification  of  the  treaty  and  also  an  annuity  of  $3,000  to  begin  im- 
mediately. The  Indians,  at  their  option,  might  take  vahrable  machines 
for  agriculture  and  useful  domestic  or  hunting  articles  out  of  the  $11,000. 
The  Government  was  also  to  have  the  “free  and  unmolested  use”  of  two 
new  roads  “one  to  proceed  from  some  convenient  place  near  the  head  of 
Stone’s  River  and  fall  into  the  Georgia  road  at  a suitable  place  toward 
the  southern  frontier  of  the  Cherokees;  the  other  to  proceed  from  the 
neighborhood  of  Franklin  or  Big  Harpeth,  and  crossing  the  Tennessee  at 
or  near  the  Muscle  Shoals,  to  pursue  the  nearest  and  best  way  to  the  set- 
tlements on  the  Tombigbee.” 

At  Tellico,  on  the  27th  of  October,  1805,  two  days  after  the  above 
treaty,  the  same  commissioners  (Meigs  and  Smith)  concluded  an  addi- 
tional treaty  with  fourteen  Cherokee  chiefs,  the  following  being  a portion 
of  one  of  the  articles  of  such  treaty:  “ Whereas,  it  has  been  represented 
by  the  one  party  to  the  other,  that  the  section  of  land  on  which  the  gar- 
rison of  Southwest  Point  stands  and  which  extends  to  Kingston,  is  likely 
to  become  a desirable  place  for  the  assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  to 
convene  at  (a  committee  from  that  body  now  in  session  having  viewed 


100 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


tlie  situation),  now,  the  Ckerokees  being  possessed  of  a spirit  of  concilia- 
tion, and  seeing  that  this  tract  is  desired  for  public  purposes  and  not  for 
individual  advantages,  reserving  the  ferries  to  themselves,  quitclaim  and 
cede  to  the  United  States  the  said  section  of  land,  understanding,  at  the 
same  time,  that  the  buildings  erected  by  the  public  are  to  belong  to  the 
public,  as  well  as  the  occupation  of  the  same,  during  the  pleasure  of  the 
Government.  We  also  cede  to  the  United  States  the  first  island  in  the 
Tennessee  above  the  mouth  of  Clinch  | River J.”  - 

It  was  also  agreed  that  mail  which  had  been  ordered  to  be  carried 
from  Knoxville  to  New  Orleans  through  the  Cherokee,  Creek  and  Choc- 
taw countries,  should  not  be  molested  by  the  former  nation  over  the  Tel- 
lico  and  Tombigbee  road ; and  that  the  Government  should  pay  for  the 
land  ceded  as  above  described  $1,600  in  money  or  merchandise,  at  the 
option  of  the  Indians,  within  ninety  days  after  the  ratification  of  the 
treaty. 

On  the  23d  of  July,  1805,  at  a treaty  concluded  in  the  Chickasaw 
country  between  James  Robertson  and  Silas  Dinsmore  and  the  chiefs  of 
the  Chickasaws,  the  latter  ceded  the  following  tract  of  land  to  the  United 
States:  “ Beginning  at  the  left  bank  of  [the]  Ohio  at  the  point  where 
the  present  Indian  boundary  adjoins  the  same;  thence  down  the  left  bank 
of  Ohio  to  the  Tennessee  River;  thence  up  the  main  channel  of  the 
Tennessee  River  to  the  mouth  of  Duck  River;  thence  up  the  left  bank 
of  Duck  River  to  the  Columbian  highway  or  road  leading  from  Nashville 
to  Natchez;  thence  along  the  said  road  to  the  ridge  dividing  the  waters 
running  into  Duck  River  from  those  running  into  Buffalo  River ; thence 
eastwardly  along  the  said  ridge  to  the  great  ridge  dividing  the  waters 
running  into  the  main  Tennessee  River  from  those  running  into  Buffalo 
River  near  the  main  source  of  Buffalo  River;  thence  in  a direct  line  to 
the  great  Tennessee  River  near  the  Chickasaw  Old  Fields,  or  eastern 
point  of  the  Chickasaw  claim,  on  that  river;  thence  northwardly  to  the 
great  ridge  dividing  the  waters  running  into  the  Tennessee  from  those 
running  into  the  Cumberland  River  so  as  to  include  all  the  waters  run- 
ning  into  Elk  River;  thence  along  the  top  of  said  ridge  to  the  place 
of  beginning;  reserving  a tract  of  one  mile  square  adjoining  to  and  below 
the  mouth  of  Duck  River  on  the  Tennessee,  for  the  use  of  the  chief, 
Okoy,  or  Liskmastubbee.  The  commissioners  agreed  to  pay  $20,000 
for  the  use  of  the  nation  and  for  the  payments  of  its  debts  to  traders,  etc., 
and  to  pay  George  Colbert  and  Okoy  $1,000  each.  These  sums  were 
granted  these  head  men  upon  the  request  of  the  Chickasaw  delegation, 
as  a reward  for  distinguished  services  rendered  the  nation;  also,  the  head 
chief  of  the  nation,  Chinnubbee,  was  granted  an  annuity  of  $100  during 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


101 


the  remainder  of  “ his  natural  life,”  “as  a testimony  of  his  personal 
worth  and  friendly  disposition.”  Two  dollars  per  day  was  ordered  paid 
an  agent  of  the  Chickasaws  appointed  to  assist  in  running  and  marking 
the  boundary  above  described. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1806,  at  the  city  of  Washington,  a treaty 
was  held  between  Henry  Dearborn,  Secretary  of  War,  and  Double 
Head,  James  Yann,  Tallotiska,  Chuleoah,  Sour  Mush,  Turtle  at  Home, 
Katihu,  John  McLemore,  Broom,  John  Jolly,  John  Lowry,  Red  Bird, 
John  Walker,  Young  Wolf,  Skewha,  Sequechu  and  William  Showry, 
chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  Cherokees,  Charles  Hicks  serving  as  inter- 
preter, and  Return  J.  Meigs,  Benjamin  Hawkins,  Daniel  Smith,  John 
Smith,  Andrew  McClary  and  John  McClary  as  witnesses,  whereby  the 
following  was  agreed  upon : The  Cherokee  nation  ceded  to  the  United 
States  “ all  that  tract  of  country  which  lies  to  the  northward  of  the  river 
Tennessee,  and  westward  of  a line  to  be  run  from  the  upper  part  of  the 
Chickasaw  Old  Fields  at  the  upper  part  of  an  island  called  Chickasaw  Is- 
land on  said  river,  to  the  most  easterly  head  waters  of  that  branch  of  said 
Tennessee  River  called  Duck  River,  excepting  the  two  following  tracts, 
viz. : one  tract  bounded  southerly  on  the  said  Tennessee  River  at  a place 
called  the  Muscle  Shoals,  westerly  by  a creek  called  Tekeetanoah  or 
Cypress  Creek,  and  easterly  by  Chuwalee  or  Elk  River  or  creek,  and 
northerly  by  a line  to  be  drawn  from  a point  on  said  Elk  River,  ten  miles 
on  a direct  line  from  its  mouth  or  junction  with  Tennessee  River,  to  a 
point  on  the  said  Cypress  Creek,  ten  miles  on  a direct  line  from  its  junc- 
tion with  the  Tennessee  River.  The  other  tract  is  to  be  two  miles  in  width 
on  the  north  side  of  Tennessee  River  and  to  extend  northerly  from 
that  river  three  miles  and  bounded  as  follows,  viz. : Beginning  at  the 
mouth  of  Spring  Creek  and  running  up  said  creek  three  miles  on  a 
straight  line ; thence  westerly  two  miles  at  right  angles  with  the  general 
course  of  said  creek;  thence  southerly  on  a line  parallel  with  the  general 
course  of  said  creek  to  the  Tennessee  River;  thence  up  said  river  by  its 
waters  to  the  beginning — which  first  reserved  tract  is  to  be  considered  the 
common  property  of  the  Cherokees  who  now  live  on  the  same,  including 
John  D.  Chisholm,  Autowe  and  Cliecliout;  and  the  other  reserved  tract, 
on  which  Moses  Milton  now  lives,  is  to  be  considered  the  property  of  said 
Milton  and  Charles  Hicks  in  equal  shares.  And  the  said  chiefs  and  head 
men  also  agree  to  relinquish  to  the  United  States  all  right  or  claim  which 
they  or  their  nation  have  to  what  is  called  the  Long  Island  in  Holston 
River.” 

In  consideration  of  the  relinquishment  of  this  land  the  United  States 
agreed  to  pay  $2,000  to  the  Indians  as  soon  as  the  treaty  was  ratified  by 


102 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


the  President,  and  $2,000  on  each  of  the  four  succeeding  years,  or  in  all 
$10,000;  and  agreed  to  build  a grist-mill  in  the  Cherokee  country  for  the 
use  of  the  nation ; to  furnish  a machine  for  cleaning  cotton ; to  pay  annu- 
ally to  the  old  chief,  Eunolee,  or  Black  Fox,  during  the  remainder  of 
his  life  $100,  and  to  settle  the  claims  of  the  Chickasaws  on  the  two  res- 
ervations described  above.  Apparently,  the  terms  of  this  treaty  required 
elucidation,  as,  September  11,  1807,  another  meeting  between  James 
Robertson  and  Return  J.  Meigs  and  a delegation  of  Clierokees,  of  whom 
Black  Fox  was  one,  was  held  “at  the  point  of  departure  of  the  line  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  island  opposite  to  the  upper  part  of  the  said  Chickasaw 
Old  Fields,”  on  which  occasion  the  following  was  fixed  as  the  eastern 
limits  of  the  ceded  tract:  “A  line  so  to  be  run  from  the  upper  end  of  the 
Chickasaw  Old  Fields  a little  above  the  upper  part  of  an  island  called 
Chickasaw  Island,  as  will  most  directly  intersect  the  first  waters  of  Elk 
River;  thence  carried  to  the  great  Cumberland  Mountain,  in  which  the 
waters  of  Elk  River  have  their  source;  then  along  the  margin  of  said 
mountain  until  it  shall  intersect  lands  heretofore  ceded  to  the  United 
States  at  the  said  Tennessee  Ridge.”  It  was  also  agreed  that  $2,000 
should  be  paid  to  the  Cherokees  to  meet  their  expenses  at  this  council  or 
treaty,  and  that  the  Cherokee  hunters  might  hunt  over  the  ceded  tract 
“until,  by  the  fullness  of  settlers,  it  shall  become  improper.”  Eunolee, 
or  Black  Fox;  Fauquitee,  or  Glass;  Fulaquokoko,  or  Turtle  at  Home; 
Richard ‘Brown  and  Sowolotaw,  or  King’s  Brother,  signed  this  “decla- 
ration of  intention.”  The  following  treaty  or  agreement  with  reference 
to  the  cultivation  of  a certain  tract  of  ground  by  the  proprietors  of  the 
Unicoi  road  was  entered  into  July  8,  1817 : 

We,  the  undersigned  chiefs  of  the  Cherokee  nation,  do  hereby  grant  unto  Nicholas 
Byers,  Arthur  H.  Henly  and  David  Russell,  proprietors  of  the  Unicoy  road  to  Georgia, 
the  liberty  of  cultivating  all  the  ground  contained  in  the  bend  on  the  north  side  of  Ten- 
nessee River,  opposite  and  below  Chota  Old  Town,  together  with,  the  liberty  to  erect  a 
grist-mill  on  Four  Mile  Creek,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  road  and  the  Cherokees  in 
the  neighborhood  thereof ; for  them,  the  said  Byers,  Henly  and  Russell,  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  above  privileges  during  the  term  of  use  of  the  Unicoy  road,  also  ^obtained  from 
the  Cherokees  and  sanctioned  by  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

At  a treaty  between  Isaac  Shelby  and  Andrew  Jackson  and  tfie 
“chiefs,  bead  men  and  warriors”  of  tlie  Chickasaw  nation  held  on  the 
19th  of  October,  1818,  “at  the  treaty  ground  east  of  Old  Town,  the  Indians 
ceded  lands  as  follows : The  land  lying  north  of  the  south  boundary  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee,  which  is  bounded  south  by  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of 
north  latitude,  and  which  lands  hereby  ceded  lie  within  the  following  bound- 
ary, viz. : Beginning  on  the  Tennessee  River  about  thirty-five  miles  by 
water  below  Col.  George  Colbert’s  ferry,  where  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


103 


north  latitude  strikes  the  same ; thence  due  west  with  said  degree  of  north 
latitude  to  where  it  cuts  the  Mississippi  River  at  or  near  the  Chickasaw 
Bluffs;  thence  up  the  said  Mississippi  River  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio; 
thence  up  the  Ohio  River  to  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee  River;  thence 
up  the  Tennessee  River  to  the  place  of  beginning/’ 

In  consideration  of  this  valuable  cession  “and  to  perpetuate  the  hap- 
piness of  the  Chickasaw  nation”  the  Government  agreed  to  allow  the  In- 
dians an  annuity  of  $20,000  for  fifteen  successive  years;  also  to  allow 
Capt.  John  Gordon,  of  Tennessee,  $1,115  due  him  from  the  Chickasaws, 
and  also  to  allow  Capt.  David  Smith,  of  Kentucky,  $2,000  to  reimburse 
him  and  forty-five  soldiers  of  Tennessee  in  assisting  in  the  defense  of 
their  towns  (upon  their  request)  against  the  attacks  of  the  Creek  Indians 
in  1795.  A reservation  in  the  above  tract  was  retained  by  the  Indians. 
It  contained  four  miles  square  of  land,  including  a salt  spring  or  lick  on 
or  near  Sandy  River,  a branch  of  the  Tennessee.  The  Chickasaw  chief, 
Levi  Colbert  and  Maj.  James  Brown  were  constituted  agents  to  lease 
the  salt  licks  to  a citizen  or  citizens  of  the  United  States  for  the  benefit 
of  the  Indians,  a certain  quantity  of  salt  to  be  paid  therefor  annually  to 
the  nation;  and  after  two  years  from  the  date  of  the  ratification  of  the 
treaty  no  salt  Avas  to  be  sold  higher  than  $1  per  bushel  of  fifty  pounds 
weight.  The  Government  further  agreed  to  pay  to  Oppassantubbee,  a 
principal  chief  of  the  Chickasaws,  $500  for  his  two-mile  reservation  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Tennessee  River;  retained  September  20,  1816,  to  pay 
John  Lewis,  a half-breed,  $25  for  a lost  saddle  Avhile  serving  the  United 
States;  to  pay  Maj.  James  Colbert  $1,089,  Avhich  had  been  taken  from 
his  pocket  in  June,  1816,  at  a theater  in  Baltimore. 

Also  to  give  upon  the  ratification  of  the  treaty  to  the  following  named 
chiefs  $150  each:  Chinnubbee,  king  of  the  Chickasaws;  Teshualimin- 
go,  William  McGibvery,  Oppassantubee,  Samuel  Seely,  James  BroAvn, 
Levi  Colbert,  Iskarwcuttaba,  George  Pettigrove,  Immartoibarmicco,  and 
Malcolm  McGee,  interpreter;  and  to  Maj.  William  Glover,  Col.  George 
Colbert,  Hopoyeabaummer,  Immauklusharhopoyea,  Tushkaihopoye,  Hop- 
oyebaummer,  Jr.,  James  Colbert,  Coweamarthlar  and  Illacliouwarhopo- 
yea,  $100  each.  At  a treaty  Avith  the  Cherokees  held  at  Washington 
City,  February  27,  1819,  the  Indians  ceded  the  following  tract  of  country: 

All  of  tlieir  lands  lying  north  and  east  of  the  following  line,  viz. : Beginning  on  the  Ten- 
nessee River  at  the  point  Avhere  the  Cherokee  boundary  with  Madison  County  in  Alabama 
Territory  joins  the  same;  thence  along  the  main  channel  of  said  river  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Hiwassee;  thence  along  its  main  channel  to  the  first  hill  which  closes  in  on  said  river 
about  two  miles  above  Hiwassee;  thence  along  the  ridge  which  divides  the  waters  of  the 
Hiwassee  and  Little  Tellico,  to  the  Tennesee  River  at  Telassee;  thence  along  the  main 
-channel  to  the  junction  of  the  Cowee  and  Nauteyalee;  thence  along  the  ridge  in  the  fork  of 


104 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


said  river  to  the  top  of  the  Blue  Ridge;  thence  along  the  Blue  Ridge  to  the  Unicoy  turn- 
pike road;  thence  by  a straight  line  to  the  nearest  main  source  of  the  Chestatee;  thence 
along  its  main  channel  to  the  Chatahouchee,  and  thence  to  the  Creek  boundary;  it  being 
understood  that  all  the  islands  in  the  Chestatee,  and  the  parts  of  the  Tennessee  and  Hi- 
wassee  (with  the  exception  of  Jolly  Island  in  the  Tennessee  near  the  mouth  of  the  Hiwas- 
see)  which  constitutes  a portion  of  the  present  boundary,  belong  to  the  Cherokee  nation. 

Art.  3.  It  is  also  understood  and  agreed  by  the  contracting  parties,  that  a reserva- 
tion in  fee  simple,  of  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  square,  with  the  exception  of  Maj. 
Walker’s  which  is  to  be  located  as  is  hereafter  provided,  to  include  their  improvements, 
and  which  are  to  be  as  near  the  center  thereof  as  possible,  shall  be  made  to  each  of  the 
persons  whose  names  are  inscribed  on  the  certified  list  annexed  to  this  treaty,* *  all  of  whom 
are  believed  to  be  persons  of  industry,  and  capable  of  managing  their  property  with  dis- 
cretion and  have,  with  few  exceptions,  made  considerable  improvements  on  the  tracts  re- 
served. The  reservations  are  made  on  the  condition  that  those  for  whom  they  are  intended 
shall  notify  in  writing  to  the  agent  for  the  Cherokee  nation  within  six  months  after  the  ratifi- 
cation of  this  treaty  that  it  is  their  intention  to  continue  to  reside  permanently  on  the  land 
reserved.  The  reservation  for  Lewis  Ross  so  to  be  laid  off  as  to  include  his  house  and  out- 
buildings and  ferry  adjoining  the  Cherokee  agency,  reserving  to  the  United  States  all  the 
public  property  there  and  the  continuance  of  the  said  agency  where  it  now  is  during  the 
pleasure  of  the  Government;  and  Maj.  Walker’s  so  as  to  include  his  dwelling  house  and 
ferry,  for  Maj.  Walker  an  additional  x'eservation  is  made  of  640  acres  square,  to  include 
his  grist  and  saw-mill;  the  land  is  poor  and  principally  valuable  for  its  timber.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  above  reservations  the  following  are  made  in  fee  simple,  the  persons  for  whom 
they  are  intended  not  residing  on  the  same:  To  Cobbin  Smith  640  acres,  to  be  laid  off  in 
equal  parts  on  both  sides  of  his  ferry  on  Tellico,  commonly  called  Blair’s  ferry;  to  John 
Ross  640  acres,  to  be  laid  off  so  as  to  include  the  Big  Island  in  Tennessee  River,  being  the 
first  below  Tellico,  which  tracts  of  land  were  given  many  years  since  by  the  Cherokee 
nation  to  them;  to  Mrs.  Eliza  Ross,  step-daughter  of  Maj.  Walker,  640  acres  square,  to  be 
located  on  the  river  below  and  adjoining  Maj.  Walker’s;  to  Margaret  Morgan  640  acres 
square  to  be  located  on  the  west  of  and  adjoining  James  Riley’s  reservation;  to  George 
Harlin  640  acres  square,  to  be  located  west  of  and  adjoining  the  reservation  of  Margaret 
Morgan;  to  James  Lowry  640  acres  square,  to  be  located  at  Crow  Mocker’s  old  place,  at  the 
foot  of  Cumberland  Mountain;  to  Susannah  Lowry  640  acres,  to  be  located  at  the  Toll 
Bridge  on  Battle  Creek;  to  Nicholas  Byers  640  acres,  including  the  Toqua  Island,  to  be  lo- 
cated on  the  north  bank  of  the  Tennessee  opposite  to  said  island. 

Immediately  after  the  ratification  of  this  treaty  North  Carolina  ap- 
pointed commissioners  and  surveyors  to  survey  and  sell  the  lands  ac- 
quired within  her  limits  under  the  treaty.  These  commissioners  and 
surveyors  performed  their  duties  without  knowing  what  reservations 
would  be  taken  by  the  Indians,  or  where  they  would  be  located.  Subse- 
quently to  the  sale  by  the  State,  commissioners  were  sent  out  by  the 
United  States  Government  to  survey  and  lay  off  the  reservations  for  those 
Indians  who  claimed  under  the  treaty.  The  consequence  was  that  nearly 
all  the  reservations  conflicted  with  lands  previously  sold  by  the  State  Com- 
missioners to  citizens,  a number  of  whom  had  sold  their  homesteads  in 
older  settled  portions  of  the  State,  and  had  moved  to  the  newly  acquired 

' * 

* Robert  McLemore,  John  Baldridge,  Lewis  Ross,  Fox  Taylor,  Rd.  Timberlake,  David  Fields  (to  include  bis 
mill),  James  Brown  (to  include  his  field  by  the  long  pond),  William  Brown,  John  Brown,  Elizabeth  Lowry, 
George  Lowry,  John  Benze,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Peek,  John  Walker,  Sr.,  John  "Walker,  Jr.,  Richard  Taylor,  John 
McIntosh,  James  Starr,  Samuel  Parks,  The  Old  Bark  (of  Chota)— total  20.  (Only  those  are  here  given  whose 
reserves  were  in  Tennessee.) 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


105 


territory.  These  conflicting  claims  caused  much  disturbance,  the  pur- 
chasers from  the  State  commissioners  looking  to  the  State  to  make  their 
title  valid,  and  the  Indians  looking  to  the  United  States  to  make  their 
title  valid.  A great  many  suits  were  brought  by  the  Indians  in  the 
courts  of  North  Carolina  against  citizens  who  had  taken  possession  under 
titles  obtained  from  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  one  case  was  carried 
to  the  supreme  court  of  the  State  and  decided  in  favor  of  the,  Indian. 
Clearly  perceiving  the  disagreeable  results  that  must  ensue  from  a con- 
tinuance of  this  state  of  things,  North  Carolina  felt  compelled  to  take 
prompt  measures  for  the  relief  of  the  citizens  to  whom  she  had  sold 
these  lands.  Time  would  not  permit  application  to  the  General  Govern- 
ment to  extinguish  the  Indian  title,  and  she  therefore  took  the  only  course 
left  open  for  her  to  pursue;  viz.:  to  appoint  commissioners  of  her  own  to 
purchase  of  the  Indians  their  claims  to  the  lands.  This  purchase  was 
effected  at  a cost  to  the  State  of  $19,969,  besides  incidental  expenses,  the 
entire  sum  expended  by  the  State  in  this  matter  being  $22,000.  North 
Carolina  then  made  application  to  Congress  for  the  reimbursement  to  her 
treasury  of  this  sum,  basing  her  claim  for  reimbursement  on  the  two 
following  reasons:  First — That  the  General  Government  had  no  power 

to  exercise  any  control  over  any  part  of  the  soil  within  the  limits  of  any 
of  the  original  States,  and  that  the  injury  sustained  by  North  Carolina 
resulted  from  the  act  of  the  General  Government  in  the  assumption  and 
exercise  of  this  power  as  set  forth  in  this  treaty,  and  which  was  a viola- 
tion of  the  rights  and  sovereignty  of  the  State.  Second — That  the  gen- 
eral policy  of  the  General  Government  has  been  to  extinguish  Indian 
titles  to  land  within  the  States  when  she  could  do  so.  The  first  proposi- 
tion was  discussed  at  considerable  length  and  the  second  was  sustained 
by  extracts  from  the  treaties  of  Hopewell,  1785,  and  of  Holston,  1791. 
The  application  of  North  Carolina  for  the  repayment  to  her  of  $22,000 
was  granted  by  Congress  in  an  act  approved  May  9,  1828.  Soon  after 
the  conclusion  of  the  above  treaty  the  following  agreement  with  reference 
to  the  laying  out  and.  opening  of  a road  from  the  Tennessee  to  the  Tu- 
galo  River  was  made  and  entered  into: 

Cherokee  Agehcy,  Hiwassee  Garrisoh. 

We  the  undersigned  chiefs  and  councilors  of  the  Cherokees,  in  full  council  assembled, 
do  hereby  give,  grant  and  make  over  unto  Nicholas  Byers  and  David  Russell,  who  are 
agents  in  behalf  of  the  States  of  Tennessee  and  Georgia,  full  power  and  authority  to  es- 
tablish a turnpike  company  to  be  composed  of  them,  the  said  Nicholas  and  David,  Arthur 
Henly,  John  Lowry,  Atto  and  one  other  person,  by  them  to  be  hereafter  named  in  behalf 
of  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  the  above  named  person  are  authorized  to  nominataiive  prop 
er  and  fit  persons,  natives  of  the  Cherokees,  who,  together  with  the  white  men  aforesaid, 
are  to  constitute  the  company;  which  said  company  when  thus  established,  pre  hereby 
fully  authorized  by  us  to  lay  out  and  open  a road  from  the  most  suitable  point  on  the 


106 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Tennessee  River,  to  be  directed  the  nearest  and  best  way  to  the  highest  point  of  navigation 
on  the  Tugalo  River;  which  said  road  when  opened  and  established  shall  continue  and  re- 
main a free  and  public  highway,  unmolested  by  us,  to  the  interest  and  benefit  of  the  said 
company  and  their  successors,  for  the  full  term  of  twenty  years  yet  to  come  after  the  same 
may  be  opened  and  complete;  after  which  time  said  road  with  all  its  advantages  shall  be 
surrendered  up  and  reverted  in  the  said  Cherokee  nation.  And  the  said  company  shall 
have  leave,  and  are  hereby  authorized,  to  erect  their  public  stands,  or  houses  of  entertain- 
ment, on  said  road,  that  is  to  say:  One  at  each  end  and  one  in  the  middle,  or  as  nearly  so 
as  a good. situation  will  pprmit,  with  leave  also  to  cultivate  one  hundred  acres  of  land  on 
each  end  of  the  road  and  fifty  acres  at  the  middle  stand,  with  a privilege  of  a sufficiency 
of  timber  for  the  use  and  consumption  of  said  stands.  And  the  said  turnpike  company  do 
hereby  agree  to  pay  the  sum  of  $160  yearly  to  the  Cherokee  nation  for  the  aforesaid  priv- 
ilege, to  commence  after  said  road  is  opened  and  in  complete  operation.  The  said  com- 
pany are  to  have  the  benefit  of  one  ferry  on  Tennessee  River,  and  such  other  ferry  or  fer- 
ries as  are  necessary  on  said  road,  and  likewise  said  company  shall  have  the  exclusive  priv- 
ilege of  trading  on  said  road  during  the  aforesaid  term  of  time. 

In  testimony  of  our  full  consent  to  all  and  singular  the  above  named  privileges  and  ad- 
vantages, we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  affixed  our  seals  this  eighth  day  of  March, 
eighteen  hundred  and  thirteen 


Ou-TA-HE-LEE 
The-la-gath-a-hee, 
Two  Killers, 

John  Boggs, 

Cur-a-hee, 

Too-cha-lee, 

Dick  Justice, 


Big  Cabbin, 
Kettle  Carrier, 
John  Walker, 
Na-ah-ree, 

The  Raven, 

Te-is-tis-kee, 

Quo-ti-quas-kee, 


OO-SEE-KEE, 

Chu-la-oo, 
Wau-sa-wat, 
The  Bark, 
See-kee-kee, 
Dick  Brown, 
Charles  Hicks. 


The  foregoing  agreement  and  grant  was  amicably  negotiated  and  concluded  in  my 
presence.  Return  J.  Meigs,  Agent  to  the  Cherokees. 

I certify  I believe  the  within  to  be  a correct  copy  of  the  original. 

Washington  City,  March  1,  1819  Charles  Hicks,  Agent  to  the  Cherokees. 


On  the  loth  o£  November,  1819,  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  passed. 
an  act  to  dispose  of  the  lands  in  the  former  Cherokee  hunting  grounds 
between  the  rivers  Hiwassee  and  Tennessee,  and  north  of  the  Little  Ten- 
nessee. The  act  provided  that  three  commissioners  should  be  appointed 
to  superintend  the  sale  of  these  lands,  that  no  one  person  should  be  al- 
lowed to  purchase  for  himself  more  than  640  acres,  and  320  acres  for 
each  of  his  children,  and  that  no  land  should  be  sold  for  less  than  $2  per 
acre.  By  this  act  the  Unicoi  Turnpike  Company  was  permitted  to  retain, 
possess  and  enjoy  all  the  franchises  yielded  to  them  by  the  Cherokees  in 
the  treaty  of  February  27,  1819,  together  with  the  use  and  occupancy  of 
250  acres  of  land  convenient  to  the  public  house  then  occupied  by  Maj. 
Henry  Stephens  during  the  continuance  of  the  grant.  A few  days  pre- 
vious to  the  passage  of  the  above  act,  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  passed 
an  act  (October  23,  1819)  for  the  adjudication  of  the  North  Carolina 
land  cTaims  and  for  satisfying  the  same  by  an  appropriation  of  the  va- 
cant soil  south  and  west  of  the  congressional  reservation  line,  and  ex- 
tending to  the  Mississippi  River.  This  territory  was  divided  into  seven 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


107 


districts,  numbered  from  the  seventh  to  the  thirteenth  inclusive,  all  of 
these  districts  being  definitely  bounded  in  the  second  section  of  this  act. 

The  “congressional  reservation  line”  was  described  in  an  act  of 
Congress,  approved  April  18,  1806,  entitled  “ an  act  to  authorize  the 
State  of  Tennessee  to  issue  grants  and  perfect  titles  to  certain  lands 
therein  described,  and  to  settle  the  claims  to  the  vacant  lands  within  the 
same.”  Following  is  the  description  of  the  line:  “Beginning  at  the 

place  where  the  eastern  or  main  branch  of  Elk  River  shall  intersect  the 
southern  boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Tennessee ; from  thence  running 
due  north  until  said  line  shall  intersect  the  northern  or  main  branch  of 
Duck  River;  thence  down  the  waters  of  Duck  River  to  the  military 
boundary  line  as  established  by  the  seventh  section  of  an  act  of  the  State 
of  North  Carolina  entitled  ‘an  act  for  the  relief  of  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers of  the  continental  line  and  for  other  purposes’  passed  in  the  year 
1783;  thence  with  the  military  boundary  line  west  to  the  place  where  it 
intersects  the  Tennessee  River ; thence  down  the  waters  of  the  river  Ten- 
nessee to  the  place  Avhere  the  same  intersects  the  northern  boundary  line 
of  the  State  of  Tennessee.” 

With  reference  to  the  departure  of  the  Cherokee  Indians  from  the 
State  of  Tennessee,  it  is  proper  to  observe  that  early  in  this  century  they 
were  divided  into  the  Lower  and  Upper  Towns;  the  Lower  Towns  clinging 
to  the  hunter  life,  and  the  Upper  Towns  wishing  to  assimilate  with  the 
whites.  In  1808  delegations  from  both  parties  called  upon  the  President 
of  the  United  States — the  former  to  express  a wish  to  remove  to  Govern- 
ment lands  west  of  the  Mississippi.  On  July  8,  1817,  lands  were  ceded 
to  the  United  States  in  exchange  for  lands  on  the  Arkansas  and  White 
Rivers,  and  under  this  arrangement  3,000  moved  in  1818.  Then  followed 
the  treaty  of  1819,  after  which  the  Cherokees  had  left  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi River  about  8,000  square  miles  of  territory,  chiefly  in  the  State 
of  Georgia. 

The  last  treaty  made  with  the  Chickasaws  was  under  date  of  October 
19,  1818,  at  Avkick  they  ceded  all  their  lands  north  of  Mississippi  be- 
tween the  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  Rivers,  for  certain  specified  annual 
payments,  the  Colberts,  influential  men  of  the  tribe,  aAvare  of  the  value 
of  the  lands,  securing  unusually  favorable  terms  for  the  Chickasaws.  By 
treaties  of  1832  and  1831  they  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  their  re- 
maining lands  east  of  the  Mississippi  River. 

It  is  difficult  to  obtain  accurate  statistics  with  regard  to  the  numbers 
of  the  various  Indian  tribes  residing  within  the  limits  of  Tennessee  at 
any  specified  period  previous  to  1860.  There  Avas  taken  no  valuable 
census  of  the  Indian  population  previous  to  1825,  and  then  it  was  taken 


108 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


with  reference  to  the  tribes  themselves  instead  of  with  reference  to 
States.  In  that  year  there  were  estimated  to  reside  in  the  States  of  North 
Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi  and  Tennessee,  53,625  Indians 
— Cherokees,  Creeks,  Cliickasaws  and  Choctaws.  Of  the  Creeks  there 
were  about  20,000  residing  principally  in  eastern  Alabama.  Of  the 
Choctaws  there  were  about  20,000,  residing  principally  in  Mississippi. 
Of  the  Cliickasaws  there  were  about  3,600,  residing  almost  wholly  in 
Mississippi,  the  rest  being  Cherokees  residing  in  North  Carolina,  Georgia, 
Alabama  and  Tennessee.  At  this  time  the  total  number  of  Indians  in 
Tennessee  was  about  1,000,  which  remained  the  Indian  population  of  the 
State  for  several  years,  but  the  number  was  gradually  reduced  until 
1860,  when  it  was  sixty;  in  1870  it  was  seventy. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Settlement  of  Tennessee— Early  Explorations— Ferdinand  De  Soto— 
Identity  of  Chisca  and  Memphis— Wood’s  Tour  of  Discovery— Settle- 
ments and  Intrigues  of  the  French— Spottswood’s  Exploration — Con- 
flicting Designs  of  the  French  and  the  English— Construction  of 
Forts  Loudon  and  Patrick  Henry— Scotch  .and  French  Traders— 
Walker’s  Discoveries— Daniel  Boone— The  Hunting  Expeditions— The 
Gradual  Appearance  of  Permanent  White  Settlers— Results  of  the 
Treaty  of  1763 — Rapid  Increase  of  Pioneers — Watauga,  Carter’s  and 
Brown’s  Settlements— Land  Cessions  and  Pre-emption  Grants— Acts 
of  the  Watauga  Association — The  Exploration  of  Cumberland  Val- 
ley— Donelson’s  Journal — Description  of  a Thrilling  Voyage — Gen- 
eral Observations- 

THE  problem  of  who  were  the  first  inhabitants  of  the  immense,  diver- 
sified and  fertile  territory  now  organized  into  and  named  the  State 
of  Tennessee  will  doubtless  always  remain  unsolved.  The  present  limits 
of  the  State  were  certainly  entered  in  the  western  part,  and  possibly  in 
the  eastern  part  by  that  daring  explorer  and  intrepid  warrior,  Fernando 
De  Soto,  while  on  his  ill-starred  expedition  of  1540  and  1541.  The 
opinion  as  to  his  presence  in  East  Tennessee  rests  mainly  if  not  entirely 
upon  inferences  drawn  from  descriptions  of  localities,  rivers  and  islands, 
and  from  the  names  of  Indian  tribes  and  villages  contained  in  the  narra- 
tive of  the  Portuguese  historian  who  accompanied  De  Soto  in  his  final  and 
fatal  wanderings.  According  to  McCullough,  the  extreme  northern  point 
of  the  route  followed  by  De  Soto’s  army  was  at  Chonalla,  near  the  thirty- 
fifth  parallel  of  latitude,  and  somewhere  among  the  sources  of  the  Coosa 
River.  And  Dr.  Ramsey  thinks  it  possible  that  Chonalla  was  identical 


HISTORY-  OP  TENNESSEE. 


109 


with  the  modern  Cherokee,  Chilliowee,  as  the  description  by  the  Portu- 
guese gentlemen  of  the  country  around  Chonalla  applies  to  that  around 
Chilliowee.  “Canasaqua”  is  also  mentioned  in  the  Portuguese  narration, 
and  this  name  is  thought  to  have  been  changed  into  Canasauga,  which  is 
the  name  of  one  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Coosa,  and  it  is  also  the  name 
of  a small  town  in  the  southeast  corner  of  Polk  County.  Talise  and 
Sequatchie  are  also  mentioned,  which  seems  to  additionally  confirm  the 
theory  of  De  Soto’s  presence  in  East  Tennessee.  In  1831  Col.  Petti- 
val  visited  two  forts  or  camps  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Tennessee  River, 
one  mile  above  Brown’s  Ferry,  below  the  Muscle  Shoals,  and  opposite  the 
mouth  of  Cedar  Creek,  which  he  was  certain  “belonged  to  the  expedition 
of  Alphonso  De  Soto.”  This  fact,  if  established,  would  be  in  confirmation 
of  the  theory  that  De  Soto  crossed  the  Tennessee  River  to  the  northward, 
and  then  again  to  the  southward  on  his  march  into  what  are  now  Ala- 
bama and  Mississippi. 

But  whatever  may  be  the  fact  regarding  the  presence  of  De  Soto’s 
army  in  East  Tennessee,  there  is  no  reasonable  doubt  of  its  having  been  in 
West  Tennessee.  After  leaving  Talise,  De  Soto,  in  response  to  an  invi- 
tation from  Tuscaluza,  visited  the  residence  of  that  cazique  about  fifteen 
leagues  distant  from  Talise,  and  on  the  windings  of  the  river.  Contin- 
uing  his  march  he  arrived  at  Mauvilla,  October  18,  1510,  and  here  was 
•compelled  to  fight  one  of  his  greatest  battles,  in  which  he  lost  eiglity-two 
of  his  soldiers  and  inflicted  a loss  of  2,500  on  the  natives.  Proving  vic- 
torious he  rested  his  army  in  the  village  of  Mauvilla  until  November  18, 
when  he  started  northward.  After  five  days  marching  the  Spaniards 
entered  the  province  of  Chicaza  and  approached  the  village,  Cabusto, 
where  another  battle  was  fought  with  the  Indians,  and  after  winning  this 
battle  they  arrived  at  Chicaza  village  December  18.  Here,  as  at  Mau- 
villa, they  were  surprised  by  a well  concerted  night  attack  from  the  Indi- 
ans, but  were  again  victorious  and  resumed  their  march  to  Chiacilla, 
where  they  remained  the  rest  of  the  winter.  April  1,  1511,  they  marched 
four  leagues  and  encamped  beyond  the  boundaries  of  Chicaza.  At  Ali- 
bamo  they  fought  their  next  battle,  and  then  marched  northward  seven 
days  through  an  uninhabited  wilderness,  and  at  length  came  in  sight  of 
Chisca,  seated  near  a wide  river,  the  largest  they  had  as  yet  discovered, 
and  which  they  named  the  Rio  Grande.  Juan  Coles,  one  of  the  followers 
of  De  Soto,  says  the  Indians  named  the  river  Chucaqua.  The  Portuguese 
narrator  says  that  in  one  place  it  was  named  Tomaliseu,  in  another  Tu- 
pata,  in  another  Mico,  and  where  it  enters  the  sea  Ri,  probably  different 
names  among  the  different  tribes.  The  Portuguese  gentlemen  called 
Chisca  by  the  name  of  Quizquiz.* 


‘Ramsey. 


7 


110 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Cliisca  is  believed  to  have  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  thriving 
city  of  Memphis.  On  the  morning  of  its  discovery  by  the  Spaniards 
they  rushed  into  it  in  a disorderly  manner,  pillaging  the  houses  and  tak- 
ing numerous  persons  of  both  sexes  prisoners.  Chisca,  the  chief  of  the 
pi’ovince,  though  ill,  was  exceedingly  enraged,  and  was  determined  to 
rush  forth  and  exterminate  all  who  had  thus  dared  to  enter  his  province 
without  permission.  But  he  was  restrained  by  his  women  and  attend- 
ants, and  after  a proffer  of  peace  by  De  Soto,  became  more  peaceable, 
granted  the  request,  and  Be  Soto  went  into  camp. . The  next  moiming 
some  of  the  natives  advanced  without  speaking,  turned  their  faces  toward 
the  east,  and  made  a profound  genuflection  to  the  sun ; then  turning  to 
the  west  they  made  the  same  obeisance  to  the  moon,  and  concluded  with 
a similar  but  less  profound  reverence  to  De  Soto.  They  then  said  they 
had  come  in  the  name  of  the  cazique,  Chisca,  and  in  the  name  of  all  his 
subjects,  to  bid  them  welcome,  and  to  offer  their  friendship  and  services. 
They  also  said  they  were  desirous  of  seeing  what  kind  of  men  the  stran- 
gers were,  as  there  was  a tradition  handed  down  from  their  ancestors  that 
a white  people  would  come  and  conquer  their  country.* 

The  Spaniards  remained  at  Chisca  twenty  days,  at  the  end  of  which 
time,  having  built  four  piraguas,  they  were  ready  to  cross  the  great  river. 
About  three  hours  before  day  'De  Soto  ordered  the  piraguas  to  be 
launched,  and  four  troopers  of  tried  courage  to  cross  in  each.  The  troop- 
ers, when  near  the  opposite  shore,  rushed  into  the  water,  and  meeting 
with  no  resistance  easily  effected  a landing,  and  were  thus  masters  of  the 
pass.  The  entire  army  was  over  the  river  two  hours  before  the  setting 
of  the  sun.  The  Mississippi  River  at  this  place,  according  to  the  Portu- 
guese narrator,  was  half  a league  across,  was  of  great  depth,  very  muddy, 
and  was  filled  with  trees  and  timber,  carried  along  by  the  rapidity  of  the 
current. 

According  to  Bancroft,  De  Soto  saw  the  Mississippi  River  for  the  first 
time  April  25,  1541,  being  guided  to  it  by  the  natives  at  one  of  their 
usual  crossing  places,  probably  the  lowest  Chickasaw  Bluff,  not  far  from 
the  thirty-fifth  parallel  of  latitude ; Belknap  says  within  the  thirty-fourth 
parallel;  Andrew  Elliott’s  journal  says  it  was  in  thirty-four  degrees  and 
ten  minutes ; “Martin’s  Louisiana”  says  a little  below  the  lowest  Chickasaw 
Bluff ; “Nuttall’s  Travels  in  Arkansas”  says  at  the  lowest  Chickasaw  Bluff, 
and  McCullough  says  twenty  or  thirty  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  Ar- 
kansas River.  * 

From  the  time  of  De  Soto’s  departure  from  Chisca  there  appears  to 
have  been  no  attempt  at  exploration  within  the  present  limits  of  Tennessee 


*Irving. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Ill 


until  tlie  year  1G55,  when  Col.  Wood,  who  lived  at  the  falls  of  the  James 
River,  sent  suitable  persons  out  on  a tour  of  discovery  to  the  westward. 
These  parties  crossed  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  and  reached  the  Ohio- 
and  other  rivers  flowing  into  the  Mississippi.  And  it  is  believed  possi- 
ble by  writers  on  this  department  of  literature  that  Col.  Wood’s  explorers 
followed  the  beautiful  valley  of  Virginia,  passed  through  the  upper  part 
of  East  Tennessee  and  the  Cumberland  Gap,  and  thus  were  the  pioneers 
of  that  vast  flood  of  immigration  which  but  little  more  than  a century  later 
poured  its  current  of  life  and  activity  into  Tennessee. 

Less  than  twenty  years  after  this  conjectural  tour  through  Tennessee 
of  Col.  Wood’s  adventurers  two  remarkable,  historical  personages  passed 
down  the  Mississippi,  and  found  between  the  thirty-fifth  and  thirty-sixth 
parallels  of  latitude,  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  great  river,  densely  popu- 
lated Indian  villages.  These  celebrated  personages  were  Marquette  and 
Joliet,  and  these  discoveries  were  made  in  June,  1673.  In  the  map  pub- 
lished in  connection  with  Marquette’s  Journal,  in  1681,  highlands  corre- 
sponding to  the  first,  second  and  third  Chickasaw  Bluffs  are  delineated 
with  considerable  accuracy,  as  is  also  a large  island,  known  as  President’s 
Island.  Reports  of  these  visits  and  discoveries  circulated  in  France  ex- 
cited among  their  countrymen  brilliant  schemes  of  colonization  along  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi,  and  La  Salle  was  commissioned  to  perfect  the 
exploration  of  the  great  river  and  its  immense  and  productive  valley.  In 
furtherance  of  this  object  La  Salle  descended  the  river  to  its  mouth  in 
1682,  and  planted  the  standard  of  France  near  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  claim- 
ing the  territory  for  that  power,  and  naming  it  “Louisiana,”  in  honor  of 
his  sovereign,  Emperor  Louis  XIV.  As  he  passed  down  the  river  he 
framed  a cabin  and  built  a fort  on  the  first  Chickasaw  Bluff,  naming-  it 
Prud'homme.  Except  the  four  piraguas,  or  pirogues,  built  at  this  point 
by  the  Spanish  adventurer  De  Soto,  in  1541,  this  cabin  and  fort  built  by 
the  French  explorer  La  Salle,  in  1682,  was  the  first  handicraft  by  civilized 
man  within  the  boundaries  of  Tennessee. 

While  at  this  fort  La  Salle  entered  into  friendly  arrangements  with  the 
Chickasaw  Indians  for  the  opening  of  trade,  and  established  a trading 
post,  which  he  hoped  would  serve  as  a rendezvous  for  traders  from  the 
Illinois  to  posts  which  might  afterward  be  established  below.  Since  the 
time  of  La  Salle  the  largest  commercial  city  of  Tennessee  has  been  estab- 
lished and  developed  very  near,  if  not  precisely  upon,  the  very  spot 
selected  by  him  for  his  trading  post.  But  this  State  was  not  to  be  settled 
from  the  West.  It  was  from  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  that  were  to 
come  the  hardy  sons  of  toil  and  courageous  pioneers  that  were  to  convert 
the  “howling  wilderness,”  which  Tennessee  had  been  for  centuries,  into 


112 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


a populous,  industrious  and  prosperous  commonwealth.  After  the  death 
of  Bacon  immigration  set  in  toward  the  west,  and  extended  into  the  beauti- 
ful valley  of  Virginia.  In  1090  the  settlements  reached  the  Blue  Ridge, 
and  explorations  of  the  great  West  were  soon  afterward  undertaken.  In 
1711,  according  to  Ramsey,  Col.  Alexander  Spottswood,  then  lieutenant- 
governor  of  Virginia,  passed,  and  was  the  first  to  pass  the  Great  Blue 
Hills,  and  his  attendants,  on  account  of  having  discovered  a horse-pass, 
were  called  “Knights  of  the  Horse  Shoe.”  It  has  been  said  that  during 
this  tour  Gov.  Spottswood  passed  Cumberland  Gap,  and  conferred  this 
name  upon  the  gap,  the  mountains  and  the  river,  which  they  have  ever 
;since  retained,  but  this  is  probably  an  error.  During  the  same  year 
(1711)  M.  Cliarleville,  a French  trader  from  Crozat’s  colony,  at  New  Or- 
leans, came  among  the  Sliawanees,  then  living  upon  the  Cumberland 
River,  and  opened  trade  with  them.  His  store  was  upon  a mound,  on 
the  present  site  of  Nashville,  west  of  the  Cumberland  River,  near  French 
Lick  Creek,  and  about  seventy  yards  from  each  stream.  But  it  is  thought 
M.  Cliarleville  could  not  have  remained  long,  for  about  this  time  the 
Chickasaws  and  Clierokees  made  a combined  attack  upon  the  Sliawanees, 
and  drove  them  from  their  numerous  villages  along  the  lower  Cumber- 
land. 

Evidently  it  Avas  the  design  of  the  French  at  that  time  to  exclude  the 
English  from  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  to  confine  their  colonies 
to  narrow  limits  along  the  Atlantic  coast.  In  order  to  accomplish  this 
purpose  they  endeavored  to  enlist  in  their  behalf  the  native  Indian 
tribes.  Traders  from  Carolina  having  ventured  to  the  countries  of  the 
Choctaws  and  Chickasaivs  had  been  driven  from  their  villages  through 
the  influence  of  Bienville,  France  claiming  the  entire  valley  of  the  Miss- 
issippi by  priority  of  discovery.  According  to  Adair  the  eastern  bound- 
aries of  the  territory  at  that  time  claimed  by  the  French  extended  to  the 
head  springs  of  the  Alleghany  and  Monongaliela,  of  the  Kanawha  and  of 
the  Tennessee.  One  half  mile  from  the  head  of  the  Savannah  was 
“Herbert’s  Spring,”  the  Avater  from  which  flows  to  the  Mississippi,  and 
strangers  Avho  drank  of  it  Avould  say  they  had  tasted  “French  waters;” 
and  the  application  of  the  name  “French  Broad”  to  the  river  iioav 
known  by  that  name  is  thus  explained.  Traders  and  hunters  from  Caro- 
lina in  passing  from  the  head  Avaters  of  Broad  River,  and  falling  upon 
those  of  the  stream  with  Avhich  they  inosculate  Avest  of  the  mountains, 
and  hearing  of  the  French  claim  Avould  naturally  call  the  newly  discov- 
ered stream  the  “ French  Broad.”  Not  long  after  this  the  French  built 
and  garrisoned  Fort  Toulouse,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Coosa  and  Talla- 
poosa; Tombeckbee  in  the  ChoctaAv  country;  Assumption,  on  the  Chick- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


118 


asaw  Bitiff,  and  Paducah,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cumberland,  and  numerous 
trading  posts  along  the  Tennessee,  indicative  of  their  intention  to  main- 
tain possession  of  the  country. 

To  counteract  the  influence  of  the  French  and  to  frustrate  their  de- 
signs the  English  sent  out  Sir  Alexander  Gumming  to  treat  with  the 
Cherokees,  who  at  that  time  occupied  the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
source  of  the  Savannah  River  and  back  therefrom  to  and  beyond  the  Ap- 
palachian chain  of  mountains.  Summoning  the  Lower,  Middle  Valley 
and  Overhill  tribes,  Sir  Alexander  met  the  chiefs  of  the  Cherokee  towns 
at  Nequassa,  in  April,  1730,  informed  them  by  whom  he  was  sent  and 
demanded  of  them  obedience  to  King  George.  The  chiefs,  falling  upon 
their  knees,  solemnly  promised  what  was  demanded,  and  Sir  Alexander, 
with  their  unanimous  consent,  nominated  Moytoy,  of  Telliquo,*  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  Cherokee  nation.  The  crown  was  brought  from 
Tenassee,j‘  their  chief  town,  which  together  with  five  eagle  feathers  and 
four  scalps,  taken  from  the  heads  of  their  enemies,  they  requested  Sir 
Alexander  to  lay  at  his  sovereign’s  feet. 

As  has  been  seen  above  it  was  the  policy  of  France  to  unite  the  ex- 
tremes of  her  North  American  possessions  by  a cordon  of  forts  along  the 
Mississippi  River;  but  the  Chickasaws  had  hitherto  formed  an  obstacle 
to  the  accomplishment  of  this  design.  This  tribe  of  Indians  was  con- 
sidered inimical  to  the  purposes  of  the  French,  and  hence  the  French 
resolved  upon  their  subjugation.  A joint  invasion  was  therefore  made 
into  their  country  by  Bienville  and  D’Artuquette,  which  resulted  dis- 
astrously to  the  invaders.  The  French,  however,  not  to  be  deterred  by 
disaster,  toward  the  last  of  June,  1739,  sent  an  army  of  1,200  white  men 
and  double  that  number  of  red  and  black  men,  who  took  up  their  quar- 
ters in  Fort  Assumption,  on  the  bluff  of  Memphis.  The  recruits  from 
Canada  sank  under  the  torridity  of  the  climate.  In  March,  1740,  the 
small  detachment  proceeded  to  the  Chickasaw  country.  They  were  met 
by  messengers  wdio  supplicated  for  peace,  and  Bienville  gladly  accepted 
the  calumet.  The  fort  at  Memphis  was  razed,  and  the  Chickasaws  re- 
mained the  undoubted  lords  of  the  country.^ 

Thus  did  the  present  territory  of  Tennessee  again  rid  itself  of  civil- 
ization, almost  precisely  two  centuries  after  De  Soto  built  his  piraguas 
near  the  site  of  the  razed  Fort  Assumption,  on  the  banks  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. But  civilization  can  not  be  restrained.  Settlements  were  gradu- 
ally extending  from  the  Atlantic  colonies  toward  Tennessee.  In  1740 

* Probably  the  modern  Tellico. 

fTeDassee  was  on  the  west  bank  of  the  present  Little  Tennessee  River,  a few  miles  above  the  mouth  of 
Tellico,  and  afterward  gave  its  name  to  Tennessee  River  and  the  State. 

^Bancroft 


114 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


there  was  a handsome  fort  at  Augusta  garrisoned  by  twelve  or  fifteen 
men,  besides  officers,  and  the  boundary  line  between  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina  was  extended  in  1749  by  commissioners  appointed  by  their  re- 
spective Legislatures  to  Holston  Liver,  directly  opposite  Steep  Lock. 
According  to  Haywood  the  Holston  Liver  was  discovered  by  and  settled 
upon  by  a man  of  that  name,  which  event  must  therefore  have  occurred 
previous  to  1749.  Fort  Dobbs  was  built  in  1756,  about  twenty  miles 
west  of  Salisbury,  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  a treaty  between  Col. 
Waddle  and  Attakullakul'la,  the  Little  Carpenter,  in  behalf  of  the  Chero- 
kees.  But  to  this  treaty  the  Indians  paid  little  attention,  and  hence  it 
became  necessary  for  Gov.  Glenn,  of  South  Carolina,  to  make  an  alliance 
with  the  Indians  for  the  purpose  of  securing  peace  and  protection  to  the 
frontier  settlements.  This  alliance  or  treaty  was  made  in  1755,  at 
which  a large  cession  of  territory  was  made  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
whom  Gov.  Glenn  represented,  and  soon  afterward  Gov.  Glenn  built 
Fort  Prince  George  upon  and  near  the  source  of  the  Savannah  Liver, 
300  miles  from  Charleston,  and  in  the  immediate  proximity  of  an  Indian 
town  named  Keown. 

In  the  spring  of  1756  the  Earl  of  Loudon,  who  had  been  appointed 
commander  of  the  King’s  troops  in  America  and  governor  of  Virginia, 
sent  Andrew  Lewis  out  to  build  another  fort  on  the  southern  bank  of 
the  Little  Tennessee  Liver,  above  the  mouth  of  Tellico  Liver,  nearly 
opposite  the  spot  upon  which  Tellico  Block-house  was  afterward  erected 
and  about  thirty  miles  from  the  site  of  Knoxville.  Lewis  named  the 
structure  Fort  Loudon,  in  honor  of  the  Earl.  This  fort  is  remarkable  as 
being  the  first  erected  in  Tennessee  by  the  English,  but  authorities 
differ  as  to  the  year  in  which  it  was  erected — some  say  in  1756,  others  in 
1757.  In  1758  Col.  Bird,  of  Virginia,  erected  Long  Island  Fort,  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  Holston,  nearly  opposite  the  upper  end  of  Long  Island. 
At  this  time  the  line  between  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  had  not  been 
extended  beyond  Steep  Lock  Creek,  and  this  fort  was  thought  to  be  in 
Virginia,  but  as  the  line  when  extended  passed  north  of  the  fort,  the 
Virginians  have  the  honor  of  having  erected  the  second  Anglo-American 
fort  within  the  limits  of  Tennessee. 

While  these  events  were  taking  place,  numerous  traders  were  making 
their  way  from  the  Atlantic  coast  to  the  south  and  west.  In  1690  Doherty, 
a trader  from  Virginia,  visited  the  Cherokees,  and  in  1730  Adair,  from 
South  Carolina,  extended  his  tour  through  the  towns  of  this  tribe.  In 
1740  other  traders  employed  a Mr.  Vaughn  as  packman  to  transport 
their  goods.  These  traders  passed  to  the  westward  along  the  Tennessee 
below  the  Muscle  Shoals,  and  there  came  in  competition  with  other  trad- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


115 


-ers  from  New  Orleans  and  Mobile.  Those  who  returned  to  northern 
markets  were  usually  heavily  laden  with  peltries  which  sold  at  highly  re- 
munerative prices.  A hatchet,  a pocket  looking-glass  or  a piece  of  scarlet 
•cloth  and  other  articles  which  cost  but  little  and  were  of  but  little  intrin- 
sic value  would  command  among  the  Indians  on  the  Hiwassee  or  the 
Tennessee  peltries  which  could  be  sold  for  forty  times  their  original  cost 
in  Charleston  or  Philadelphia.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  most  of  these 
traders  were  Scotchmen  who  had  been  but  a short  time  in  the  country, 
who  were  thus  at  peace  with  the  Indians,  and  the  commerce  which  they 
carried  on  proved  a source  of  great  profit  and  was  with  them  for  a time 
a monopoly.  But  this  monopoly  was  not  to  be  permitted  long  to  continue. 
The  cupidity  of  frontier  hunters  became  excited  as  they  perceived  the 
heavily  laden  trader  or  packman  returning  from  the  far  Western  wilder- 
ness which  they  had  not  yet  ventured  to  penetrate;  and  as  game  became 
scarce  in  their  own  accustomed  haunts  east  of  the  mountains  they  soon 
began  to  accompany  the  traders  to  the  West  and  to  trap  and  hunt  on 
their  own  account. 

But  these  hunters  and  traders  can  scarcely  be  considered  the  precur- 
sors of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Tennessee.  In  1748  Dr.  Thomas  Walker, 
-of  Virginia,  in  company  with  Cols.  Wood,  Patton  and  Buchanan  and 
Capt.  Charles  Campbell,  made  an  exploring  tour  upon  the  Western  waters. 
Passing  Powell’s  Valley  he  gave  the  name  “ Cumberland  ” to  the  lofty 
range  of  mountains  on  the  west  of  the  valley.  Tracing  this  range  in  a 
southwest  direction  he  came  to  a remarkable  depression  in  the  chain. 
Through  this  depression  he  passed,  calling  it  “ Cumberland  Gap.  ” West 
-of  the  range  of  mountains  he  found  a beautiful  mountain  stream  to  which 
he  gave  the  name  of  “ Cumberland  River,  ” all  in  honor  of  the  Duke  of 
Cumberland,  then  Prime  Minister  of  England.  The  Indian  name  of  the 
river  was  Warito.  On  account  of  the  supposition  that  the  Virginia  line, 
if  extended  westward,  would  run  south  of  its  present  location,  a grant  of 
land  was  made  by  the  authorities  in  Virginia  to  Edmund  Pendleton  of 
3,000  acres  lying  in  Augusta  County  on  a branch  of  the  middle  fork  of 
the  Indian  River,  called  West  Creek,  now  in  Sullivan  County,  Term. 
The  original  patent  was  signed  by  Gov.  Dinwiddie,  was  presented  to  Dr. 
Ramsey  by  T.  A.  R.  Nelson,  of  Jonesboro,  and  is  probably  the  oldest 
patent  in  the  State. 

In  1760  Dr.  Walker  again  passed  over  Clinch  and  Powell  Rivers  on 
a tour  of  exploration  into  Kentucky.  At  the  head  of  one  of  the  parties 
that  visited  the  West  in  1761  “ came  Daniel  Boone,  from  the  Vadkin  in 
North  Carolina,  and  traveled  with  them  as  low  as  the  place  where  Abing- 
don now  stands  and  there  left  them.”  This  is  the  first  time  the  name  of 


116 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Daniel  Boone  is  mentioned  by  historians  in  connection  with  explorations 
into  Tennessee,  but  there  is  evidence  that  he  was  in  the  State  at  least  a 
year  earlier,  evidence  that  is  satisfactory  to  most  writers  on  the  subject. 
N.  Gammon,  formerly  of  Jonesboro,  and  later  of  Knoxville,  furnished 
to  Dr.  Bamsey  a copy  of  an  inscription  until  recently  to  be  seen  upon  a 
beech  tree  standing  in  the  valley  of  Boone’s  Creek,  a tributary  of  the 
W atauga,  which  is  here  presented : 

D.  Boon 

Cilled  A BAR 

on  Tree  in  the 

yeaR 
1760 

If  Daniel  Boone  wrote  or  rather  cut  this  inscription  on  the  tree,  as  is 
generally  believed  to  have  been  the  case,  it  is  not  improbable  that  he  ac- 
companied Dr.  Walker  on  his  second  tour  of  exploration,  which  was  made 
in  1760,  and  it  fixes  the  date  of  his  arrival  in  this  State.  But  this,  appar- 
ently, is  not  demonstrable.  The  New  American  Cyclopedia  says  in  ref- 
erence to  Daniel  Boone:  “When  he  was  about  eighteen  his  father  re- 

moved to  North  Carolina  and  settled  on  the  Yadkin.  Here  Daniel  mar- 
ried Rebecca  Bryan  and  for  some  years  followed  the  occupation  of  a far- 
mer, but  about  1761  we  find  that  his  passion  for  hunting  led  him  with 
a company  of  explorers  into  the  wilderness  at  the  head  waters  of  the 
Tennessee  river;”  and  Collins,  in  his  History  of  Kentucky,  writes  as 
though  Boone’s  knowledge  of  and  interest  in  the  wild- woods  of  Kentucky 
began  upon  hearing  reports  of  their  beauty  and  value  by  John  Findley, 
who  did  not  make  his  exploration  until  1767,  which  will  be  referred  to 
in  its  proper  chronological  connection.  However,  with  regard  to  the 
inscription  it  would  seem  legitimate  to  inquire  why  did  not  Boone  spell 
his  own  name  correctly  on  the  tree? 

In  this  same  year,  1761,  a company  of  about  twenty  hunters,  chiefly 
from  Virginia  came  into  what  is  now  Hawkins  County,  Tenn.,  and 
hunted  in  Carter’s  Valley  about  eighteen  months.  Their  names  have  not 
all  been  preserved;  a portion  of  them,  however,  were  Wallen,  Scaggs, 
Blevins  and  Cox.  Late  in  1762  this  party  came  again  and  hunted  on 
the  Clinch  and  other  rivers,  as  was  also  the  case  in  1763  when  they 
penetrated  further  into  the  interior,  passed  through  Cumberland  Gap, 
and  hunted  the  entire  season  upon  the  Cumberland  River.  In  1761 
Daniel  Boone,  now  in  the  employ  of  Henderson  & Co.,  came  again  to 
explore  the  country.  He  was  accompanied  this  time  by  Samuel  Calla- 
way, ancestor  of  the  Callaway  family  in  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Mis- 
souri. After  Boone  and  Callaway  came  Henry  Scaggins,  who  extended 
his  tour  to  the  lower  Cumberland  and  fixed  his  station  at  Mansker’s  Lick, 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


117 


tlie  first  exploration  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains  by  an  Anglo- 
American.  In  June,  1766,  according  to  Haywood,  Col.  James  Smith  set 
out  to  explore  the  rich  lands  between  the  Ohio  and  Cherokee  Rivers, 
then  lately  ceded  to  Great  Britain.  Traveling  westwardly  from  the  Hol- 
ston  River,  in  company  with  Joshua  Horton,  Uriah  Stone  and  William 
Baker,  and  a slave  belonging  to  Horton,  they  explored  the  country  south 
of  Kentucky,  and  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  Rivers  from  Stone 
River,  which  they  named  after  Uriah  Stone,  down  to  the  Ohio.  Arriving 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee  Col.  Smith,  accompanied  by  Horton’s 
slave,  returned  to  Carolina  in  Octobei*.  The  rest  of  the  party  went  on  to 
Illinois. 

The  recital  by  Col.  Smith  of  what  he  had  seen  on  the  lower  Cumber- 
land, the  extraordinary  fertility  of  the  soil,  its  rich  flora,  its  exuberant 
pasture,  etc.,  excited  in  the  minds  of  the  people  in  the  Atlantic  States 
which  he  visited  an  ardent  and  irrepressible  desire  to  emigrate  to  that 
country.  In  1767  John  Findley,  accompanied  by  several  persons,  visited 
the  West.  Passing  through  Cumberland  Gap  he  explored  the  country 
as  far  as  the  Kentucky  River.  Upon  his  return  his  glowing  descriptions 
of  the  fertility  of  the  country  beyond  the  Cumberland  Mountains  excited 
the  curiosity  of  the  frontiersmen  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  no  less 
than  did  those  of  Col.  Smith.  With  reference  to  this  journey  of  Findley, 
Collins  says: 

“In  1767  the  return  of  Findley  from  his  adventurous  excursion  into 
the  unexplored  wilds  beyond  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and  the  glow- 
ing account  he  gave  of  the  richness  and  fertility  of  the  new  country, 
excited  powerfully  the  curiosity  and  imagination  of  the  frontier-back- 
woodsmen of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  ever  on  the  watch  for  adven- 
ture, and  to  whom  the  lonely  wilderness  with  its  perils  presented  attrac- 
tions which  were  not  to  be  found  in  the  close  confinement  and  enervating 
inactivity  of  the  settlements.  To  a man  of  Boone’s  temperament  and 
tastes,  the  scenes  described  by  Findley  presented  charms  not  to  be 
resisted;  and  in  1769  he  left  his  family  upon  the  Yadkin,  and  in  company 
with  five  others,  of  whom  Findley  was  one,  he  started  to  explore  the  coun- 
try of  which  he  had  heard  so  favorable  an  account. 

“Having reached  a stream  of  water  on  the  borders  of  the  present  State 
of  Kentucky,  called  Red  River,  they  built  a cabin  to  shelter  them  from 
the  inclemency  of  the  weather  (for  the  season  had  been  very  rainy),  and 
divided  their  time  between  hunting  and  the  chase,  killing  immense  quan- 
tities of  game.  Nothing  of  particular  interest  occurred  until  the  22d  of 
December,  1769,  when  Boone,  in  company  with  a man  named  Stuart, 
being  out  hunting,  was  surprised  and  captured  by  the  Indians.  They 


118 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


remained  with  tlieir  captors  seven  days,  till  having,  by  a rare  and  power- 
ful exertion  of  self-control,  suffering  no  signs  of  impatience  to  escape 
them,  they  succeeded  in  disarming  the  suspicions  of  the  Indians,  effected 
their  escape  without  difficulty.  * * * On  regaining  their 

camp  they  found  it  dismantled  and  deserted;  the  fate  of  its  inmates  was 
never  ascertained,  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark  that  this  is  the  last  and 
almost  only  glimpse  we  have  of  Findley,  the  first  pioneer.” 

Ramsey  says:  “ Of  Findley  nothing  more  is  known  than  that  he  was 

the  first  hunter  of  Kentucky  and  the  pilot  of  Boone  to  the  dark  and 
bloody  ground.”  He  also  says  that  in  December  of  that  year  (1769) 
John  Stewart  was  killed  by  the  Indians  (quoting  from  Butler)  “the  first 
as  far  as  is  known  in  the  hecatombs  of  white  men,  offered  by  the  Indians 
to  the  god  of  battles  in  their  desperate  and  ruthless  contention  for  Ken- 
tucky.” Boone,  therefore,  except  possibly  Findley,  was  the  only  one  of 
this  party  of  six  who,  passing  through  East  Tennessee,  made  this  explor- 
ation into  Kentucky  and  returned. 

The  events  which  immediately  follow  the  above  in  chronological  suc- 
cession have  more  or  less  relation  to  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  or  the  Peace 
of  1763,  hence  a brief  account  of  that  treaty  is  appropriate  in  this  con- 
nection, and  also  from  the  fact  that  the  territory,  now  comprising  Ten- 
nessee, as  well  as  a large  amount  of  other  territory,  was  by  that  treaty 
ceded  by  France  to  England.  Of  the  effect  of  this  treaty  upon  England, 
Bancroft  says: 

“At  the  peace  of  1763  the  fame  of  England  was  exalted  in  Europe 
above  that  of  all  other  nations.  She  had  triumphed  over  those  whom  she 
called  her  hereditary  enemies,  and  retained  one-half  a continent  as  a 
monument  of  her  victories.  Her  American  dominions  extended  without 
dispute,  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Mississippi,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to 
Hudson’s  Bay,  and  in  her  older  possessions  that  dominion  was  rooted  as 
firmly  in  the  affections  of  the  colonists  as  in  their  institutions  and  laws. 
The  ambition  of  British  statesmen  might  well  be  inflamed  with  the  desire 
of  connecting  the  mother  country  and  her  trans- Atlantic  empire  by  indis- 
soluble bonds  of  mutual  interests  and  common  liberties.” 

But  this  treaty,  howsoever  great  may  have  been  its  effect  upon  the 
majesty  and  grandeur  of  the  English  Government,  and  howsoever  great 
may  have  been  the  relief  obtained  by  the  French  nation,  neither  French 
nor  English  appears  to  have  taken  into  account  the  rights  or  well-being 
of  the  independent  Indian  tribes,  the  real  owners  of  the  territory  ceded 
by  the  one  nation  to  the  other.  Not  having  been  consulted  by  the  great 
powers,  having  been  in  fact  entirely  ignored,  the  Indians  naturally 
refused  to  be  bound  by  the  transfer  of  their  country  by  the  French  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


119 


English,  and  hence  every  excursion  into  their  hunting  ground  was  looked 
upon  with  jealousy,  and  was  finally  met  with  resistance  as  an  invasion  of 
their  country,  and  an  unwarranted  encroachment  upon  their  rights.  The 
Indians  had  been,  in  the  years  of  their  alliance  with  the  French,  pre- 
pared for  this  attitude  toward  the  English,  by  the  efforts  of  the  people  of 
the  former  nation  to  excite  in  the  savage  tribes  fears  of  the  designs  of 
the  English  to  dispossess  them  of  their  entire  country.  For  the  purpose 
of  allaying  as  far  as  practicable,  or  removing  these  apprehensions,  King 
George,  on  the  7th  of  October,  1763,  issued  his  proclamation  prohibiting 
the  provincial  governors  from  granting  lands  or  issuing  land  warrants  to 
be  located  west  of  the  mountains,  or  west  of  the  sources  of  those  streams 
flowing  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  And  all  private  persons  were  strictly 
enjoined  from  purchasing  any  lands  of  the  Indians,  such  purchases 
being  directed  to  be  made,  if  made  at  all,  at  a general  meeting  or  assem- 
bly of  the  Indians,  to  be  held  for  that  purpose  by  the  governor  or  com- 
mander-in-chief of  each  colony,  respectively. 

But  no  matter  what  may  have  been  the  intention  of  King  George,  of 
England,  in  the  issuance  of  this  proclamation,  its  effect  upon  the  west- 
ward tide  of  immigration  was  imperceptible.  The  contagious  spirit  of  ad- 
venture and  exploration  had  now  risen  to  the  dignity  of  an  epidemic.  An 
avalanche  of  population  was  being  precipitated  upon  these  fertile  valleys, 
hills  and  plains,  and  the  proclamation  of  the  King  had  no  more  effect 
upon  these  eager,  moving  masses  than  had  the  famous  fulmination  of  the 
Pope  against  the  comet.  And  the  proclamation  of  the  King  was  looked 
upon  even  by  “the  wise  and  virtuous  George  Washington  and  Chancellor 
Livingston  ” as  an  article  to  quiet  the  fears  of  the  Indians  while  the  oc- 
cupancy of  their  country  went  on  all  the  same.  In  addition  to  the  na- 
tural stimulus  to  this  tide  of  immigration,  of  the  immense  advantages  of 
the  soil  and  climate,  was  the  artificial  stimulus  of  special  grants  of  land 
by  the  provinces  of  Great  Britain,  with  the  approval  of  the  crown,  to  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  who  had  wved  in  the  British  Army  against  the  French 
and  their  allies,  the  IndL.*..  . Tiius  the  King’s  proclamation  was  in  di- 
rect contravention  of  the  grants  authorized  by  a previous  proclamation 
of  the  King.  By  this  latter  mentioned,  but  earlier  issued  proclamation, 
officers  and  soldiers  were  granted  lands  as  follows:  Every  person  hav- 

ing the  rank  of  a field  officer,  5,000  acres;  every  captain,  3,000  acres; 
every  subaltern  or  staff  officer,  2,000  acres;  every  non-commissioned 
officer,  200  acres,  and  every  private  fifty  acres.  These  officers  and  sol- 
diers, with  scrip  and  military  warrants  in  their  hands,  were  constantly 
employed  in  selecting  and  locating  their  claims.  These  continued  en- 
croachments kept  the  Indian  tribes  in  a state  of  dissatisfaction  and 


120 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


alarm,  but  tliougli  thus  exasperated  they  refrained  from  open  hostilities. 
Because  of  these  encroachments  and  alarms  the  royal  Government  in- 
structed the  superintendents  of  Indian  affairs  to  establish  boundary  lines 
between  the  whites  and  Indians,  and  to  purchase  from  the  Indians  the 
lands  already  occupied,  to  which  the  title  had  not  been  extinguished. 

Capt.  John  Stuart  was  at  this  time  superintendent  of  southern  In- 
dian affairs.  On  the  14th  of  October,  1768,  Capt.  Stuart  concluded  a 
treaty  Avith  the  Clierokees  at  Hard  Labour,  S.  C.,  by  Avhich  the  south  - 
Avestern  boundary  of  Virginia  was  fixed  as  follows:  “Extending  from  the 
point  where  the  northern  line  of  North  Carolina  intersects  the  Cherokee 
hunting  grounds,  about  thirty-six  miles  east  of  Long  Island,  in  the  Hol- 
ston  .River ; thence  extending  in  a direct  course,  north  by  east,  to  Chis- 
well’s  Mine  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Ivanawha  River,  and  thence  down 
that  stream  to  its  junction  Avith  the  Ohio.” 

To  follow  the  instructions  of  the  royal  Government  in  regard  to  pur- 
chasing the  lands  already  occupied  by  the  Indians  Avas  not  easy  of  ac- 
complishment, because  of  the  uncertainty  as  to  which  Indian  tribe  or 
tribes  were  the  rightful  proprietors  of  the  soil.  At  tire  time  of  its  ear- 
liest exploration  the  vast  extent  of  country  between  the  Ohio  and  Tennes- 
see Rivers  was  unoccupied  by  any  Indian  tribe.  Indian  settlements  ex- 
isted on  the  Scioto  and  Miami  Rivers  on  the  north,  and  on  the  Little 
Tennessee  on  the  south.  Between  these  limits  existed  a magnificent  for- 
est park,  abounding  in  a great  variety  of  game,  which  was  thus  the 
hunting  ground  of  the  Choctaws,  Chickasaws  and  Cherokees  of  the 
south,  and  of  the  various  tribes  composing  the  Miami  Confederacy  of  the 
north.  It  also  served  as  a kind  of  central  theater  for  the  enactment  of 
desperate  conflicts  of  savage  warriors  and  deadly  enemies.  Why  this 
great  extent  of  valuable  country  Avas,  as  by  common  consent  of  all  the 
surrounding  Indian  tribes,  left  unoccupied  Avill  probably  always  remain 
unexplained  except  by  conjecture.  But  though  not  inhabited  by  any 
tribe  or  nation,  title  to  it  was  claimed  by  the  confederacy  of  the  Six  N a- 
tions,  and  this  confederacy,  by  a deputation  sent  to  the  superintendent 
of  Indian  affairs  in  the  north,  on  the  6th  of  May,  1768,  presented  a for- 
mal remonstrance  against  the  continued  encroachments  upon  these  lands. 
Upon  consideration  by  the  royal  government  of  this  remonstrance,  in- 
structions were  issued  to  Sir  William  Johnson,  superintendent,  to  con- 
vene the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  tribes  most  interested.  Accordingly 
this  convention  was  held  at  Fort  Stanwix,  N.  Y.,  October  24;  3,200 
Indians  of  seventeen  different  tribes  attended,  and  on  the  5tli  of  Novem- 
ber a treaty  and  a deed  of  cession  to  the  King  were  signed.  In  this  the 
delegates  from  their  respective  nations  declared  themselves  to  be  “ the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


121 


true  and  absolute  proprietors  of  the  lands  thus  ceded,”  and  that  they  had 
‘•continued  the  line  south  to  the  Cherokee  or  Hogohegee  River  because 
the  same  is  our  true  bounds  with  the  southern  Indians,  and  that  we  have 
an  undoubted  right  to  the  country  as  far  south  as  that  river.”  This  was 
the  first  deed  from  any  aboriginal  tribe  for  any  lands  within  the  present 
boundaries  of  Tennessee. 

The  Watauga  Settlement. — Dr.  Thomas  Walker  was  Virginia’s  com- 
missioner to  the  convention  at  Fort  Stanwix.  Upon  his  return  he  brought 
with  him  the  news  of  the  cession.  At  the  treaty  at  Hard  Labour  the  In- 
dians had  assented  to  an  expulsion  of  the  Holston  settlements,  and  as  a 
consequence  the  nucleus  was  formed  of  the  first  permanent  settlement 
within  the  limits  of  Tennessee,  in  the  latter  part  of  December,  1768,  and 
the  early  part  of  January,  1769.  It  was  merely  an  enlargement  of  the 
Virginia  settlements,  and  was  believed  to  be  in  Virginia — the  boundary 
line  between  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  not  having  been  established 
west  of  Steep  Rock.  The  settlers  were  principally  from  North  Carolina, 
and  some  of  them  had  been  among  the  troops  raised  by  that  province  and 
sent  in  1760  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Loudon,  and  others  had  wintered  in 
1758  at  Fort  Long  Island,  around  which  a temporary  settlement  had 
been  made  but  broken  up. 

About  the  time  of  the  incipiency  of  the  Watauga  settlement  Capt. 
William  Bean  came  from  Pittsylvania  County,  Va.,  and  settled  with  his 
family  on  Boone’s  Creek,  a tributary  of  the  Watauga.  His  son,  Russell 
Bean,  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  Tennessee.  Bean’s  Station  was 
named  after  him.  About  a month  after  Daniel  Boone  “ left  his  peaceful 
habitation  on  the  Yadkin  River,  in  quest  of  the  country  of  Kentucky,” 
a large  company  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  and  hunting  in 
Middle  Tennessee.  Some  of  them  were  from  North  Carolina,  some  from 
the  vicinity  of  the  Natural  Bridge  and  others  from  Ingle’s  Ferry,  Va. 
Some  of  their  names  are  here  introduced:  John  Rains,  Casper  Mansker, 
Abraham  Bledsoe,  John  Baker,  Joseph  Drake,  Obadiah  Terrell,  Uriah 
Stone,  Henry  Smith,  Ned  Cowan  and  Robert  Crockett.  They  established 
a rendezvous  on  New  River,  eight  miles  below  Fort  Chissel,  and  passing 
through  Cumberland  Gap,  discovered  southern  Kentucky  and  fixed  a 
station  camp  at  what  has  since  been  known  as  Price’s  Meadow,  in  Wayne 
County.  Robert  Crockett  was  killed  near  the  head  waters  of  Roaring- 
River,  and  after  hunting  eight  or  nine  months  the  rest  of  the  party 
returned  home  in  April,  1770.  After  their  return  a party  of  about  forty 
stout  hunters  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of  hunting  and  trapping  west 
of  the  Cumberland.  This  party  was  led  by  Col.  James  Knox,  who,  with 
nine  others,  reached  the  lower  Cumberland,  and  after  a long  absence, 


122 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


having  made  an  extensive  tour,  returned  home  and  won  the  appellation 
of  the  “ Long  Hunters.” 

The  settlement  on  the  Watauga  continued  to  receive  considerable 
accessions  to  its  numbers,  both  from  North  and  South  Carolina  and  Vir- 
ginia. This  was  in  part  because  of  the  comparatively  unproductive  hills 
and  valleys  of  those  provinces  and  because  of  the  absence  of  courts  in 
South  Carolina  outside  of  the  capital  of  the  State  previous  to  1770.  In 
this  latter  province  the  people  felt  under  the  Necessity  of  taking  the  law 
into  their  own  hands,  and  punished  offenders  by  organized  bodies  of 
regulators.  The  regulators  were  opposed  by  the  Scovilites,  so  named 
after  their  leader  Scovil,  who  was  commissioned  by  the  governor  to 
operate  against  the  regulators,  and  from  North  Carolina  the  inhabitants 
were  driven  in  part  by  the  determination  of  the  British  Governmeut  to 
quarter  troops  in  America  at  the  expense  of  the  colonies  and  to  raise  a 
revenue  by  a general  stamp  duty.  After  the  defeat  of  the  regulators  by 
Gov.  Try  on  on  the  Alamance  May  16,  1771,  numbers  of  them  proceeded 
to  the  mountains  and  found  a cordial  welcome  in  Watauga,  remote  from 
official  power  and  oppression.  While  these  movements  were  in  progress 
the  settlements  were  spreading  beyond  the  limits  established  at  Hard 
Labour  and  a new  boundary  had  been  agreed  upon  by  a new  treaty  signed 
at  Lochaber  October  18,  1770.  The  new  line  extended  from  the  south 
branch  of  Holston  Liver,  six  miles  east  of  Long  Island,  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Great  Kanawha. 

At  that  time  the  Holston  Liver  was  considered  the  boundary  line 
between  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  The  Legislature  of  Virginia 
passed  an  act  granting  to  every  actual  settler  having  a log  cabin  erected 
and  some  ground  cultivated  the  right  to  400  acres  of  land  so  located  as 
to  include  his  improvement,  and  subsequently  extended  the  right  to  each 
settler  to  purchase  1,000  acres  adjoining  at  a merely  nominal  cost.  This 
generous  action  on  the  part  of  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  greatly  stim- 
ulated immigration  to  the  West,  where  every  man  could  easily  secure  a 
valuable  estate.  Crowds  immediately  advanced  to  secure  the  proffered 
fortune,  and  afterward,  when  the  boundary  line  was  run,  they  found  them- 
selves in  North  Carolina.  But  most  of  the  new  arrivals  at  Watauga 
came  from  North  Carolina.  Among  those  who  came  about  this  time  was 
Daniel  Boone,  at  the  head  of  a party  of  immigrants,  he  acting  merely  as 
guide,  which  he  continued  to  do  until  his  death  in  1820  or  1822. 

Early  in  1770  came  James  Lobertson,  from  Wake  County,  N.  C., 
who,  henceforth,  for  many  years  was  destined  to  be  one  of  the  most  use- 
ful and  prominent  of  the  pioneers  of  Tennessee.  He  visited  the  new 
settlements  forming  on  the  Watauga,  and  found  a settler  named  Honey- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


123 


cult  living'  in  a liut,  who  furnished  him  with  food.  On  his  return  home 
he  lost  his  way,  and  after  wandering  about  for  some  time,  nearly  starving 
to  death,  he  at  length  reached  home  in  safety  and  soon  afterward  settled 
on  the  Watauga.  During  this  same  year  hunting  was  carried  on  in  the 
lower  Cumberland  country  by  a party  composed  of  Mr.  Mansker,  Uriah 
Stone,  John  Baker,  Thomas  Gordon,  Humphrey  Hogan  and  Cadi  Brook 
and  four  others.  They  built  two  boats  and  two  trapping  canoes,  loaded 
them  with  the  results  of  their  hunting  and  descended  the  Cumberland, 
the  first  navigation  and  commerce  probably  carried  on  upon  that  stream. 
Where  Nashville  now  stands  they  discovered  the  French  Lick,  surrounded 
by  immense  numbers  of  buffalo  and  other  wild  game.  Near  the  lick  on 
a mound  they  found  a stock  fort,  built,  as  they  thought,  by  the  Cherokees 
on  their  retreat  from  the  battle  at  Chickasaw  Old  Fields.  The  party 
descended  the  Cumberland  to  the  Ohio,  met  John  Brown,  the  mountain 
leader,  marching  against  the  Senecas,  descended  the  Ohio,  meeting 
Frenchmen  trading  with  the  Illinois,  and  continued  their  voyage  to 
Natchez,  where  some  of  them  remained,  while  Mansker  and  Baker 
returned  to  New  River. 

In  the  autumn  of  1771  the  lower  Cumberland  was  further  explored 
by  Mansker,  John  Montgomery,  Isaac  Bledsoe,  Joseph  Drake,  Henry 
Suggs,  James  Knox,  William  and  David  Lynch,  Christopher  Stoph  and 
William  Allen.  The  names  of  most  of  this  company  are  now  connected 
with  different  natural  objects,  as  Mansker’s  Lick,  Drake’s  Pond,  Drake’s 
Lick,  Bledsoe’s  Lick,  etc.  After  hunting  some  time  and  exhausting 
their  ammunition  they  returned  to  the  settlements. 

In  the  meantime  the  Holston  and  Watauga  settlements  were  receiv- 
ing a steady  stream  of  emigration.  Most  of  those  who  came  were  honest, 
industrious  pioneers,  but  there  were  those  who  did  not  posess  these  char- 
acteristics. These  had  fled  from  justice,  hoping  that  in  the  almost  in- 
accessible retreats  of  the  frontiers  to  escape  the  punishment  due  them 
for  their  crimes.  Here,  from  the  necessities  of  their  surroundings,  they 
did  find  safety  from  prosecution  and  conviction.  The  inhabitants  north 
of  the  Holston  believing  themselves  to  be  in  Virginia,  agreed  to  be 
governed  by  the  laws  of  that  province.  South  of  Holston  was  admitted 
to  be  in  North  Carolina,  and  here  the  settlers  lived  without  law  or  pro- 
tection except  by  such  regulations  as  they  themselves  adopted.* 

In  1772  Virginia  made  a treaty  with  the  Cherokees  by  which  it  was 
decided  to  run  a boundary  line  west  from  White  Top  Mountain  in  latitude 
thirty-six  degrees  thirty  minutes.  Soon  after  a deputy  agent  for  the  Gov- 
ernment of  Great  Britain,  Alexander  Cameron,  resident  among  the  Cher- 


*See  chapter  on  organization. 


124 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


okees,  ordered  the  settlers  on  the  Watauga  to  move  off.  But  some  of 
the  Cherokees  expressing  a wish  that  they  might  be  permitted  to  remain 
provided  no  further  encroachments  were  made,  the  necessity  for  their  re- 
moval was  avoided.  But  being  still  uneasy  the  settlers  deputed  James 
Bobertson  and  John  Boone  to  negotiate  with  the  Indians  for  a lease. 
The  deputies  succeeded  in  effecting  a lease  for  eight  years  for  about 
$5,000  worth  of  merchandise,  some  muskets  and  other  articles. 

About  this  time  the  Nollichucky  Yalley  was  settled  by  Jacob  Brown 
and  one  or  two  others  upon  the  northern  bank  of  the  river.  These  fami- 
lies were  from  North  Carolina.  Brown  bought  a lease  of  a large  tract  of 
land  with  a small  quantity  of  goods  which  he  had  brought  from  his  for- 
mer home  on  his  pack  horse.  A little  before  Brown  made  his  settlement 
on  the  Nollichucky,  Carter’s  Yalley  was  settled  by  Carter,  Parker  and 
others  from  Yirginia,  Carter’s  Yalley  being  north  of  the  Holston  was 
thought  to  be  in  Yirginia.  Carter  & Parker  opened  a small  store  which 
was  soon  afterward  robbed  by  the  Indians,  it  was  supposed  by  the  Chero- 
kees, but  no  serious  consequences  followed.  But  the  wanton  killing  of 
an  Indian  at  the  time  of  the  execution  of  the  Watauga  lease,  came  near 
precipitating  a conflict  between  the  two  races,  which  might  have  entirely 
destroyed  the  frontier  settlements.  James  Bobertson  came  to  their  re- 
lief and  by  his  wisdom  and  intrepidity  saved  them  from  extermination  by 
the  outraged  Cherokees.  Bobertson  made  a journey  of  150  miles,  and  by 
his  courage,  calmness  and  fairness,  by  his  assurances  to  the  Indians  that 
the  white  men  intended  to  punish  the  murderer  as  soon  as  he  could  be 
found,  saved  the  settlers  from  the  fury  of  the  savages. 

Two  important  events  followed,  viz. : The  battle  of  Point  Pleasant,  and 
Henderson’s  Treaty.  (For  account  of  these  events  see  elsewhere.)  By 
this  treaty  of  Henderson’  all  that  tract  of  country  lying  between  the 
Kentucky  and  Cumberland  Bivers  was  relinquished  to  Henderson  and 
his  associates.  This  purchase  was  named  Transylvania,  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  an  independent  government  was  at  first  contemplated.  Dur- 
ing the  progress  of  this  treaty  which  was  concluded  at  Sycamore  Shoals, 
Carter  & Parker  whose  store  had  been  robbed  by  Indians,  as  narrated 
above,  demanded,  in  compensation  for  the  loss  inflicted  upon  them,  Car- 
ter’s Yalley,  to  extend  from  Cloud’s  Creek  to  the  Chimney  Top  Moun- 
tain of  Beech  Creek.  The  Indians  consented  to  this  upon  the  condition 
of  additional  consideration,  and  in  order  to  enable  them  to  advance  the 
price  Messrs.  Carter  & Parker  took  Bobert  Lucas  into  partnership. 
These  lands  were  afterward  found  to  be  in  North  Carolina.' 

The  Watauga  Association,  holding  their  lands  under  an  eight  years’ 
lease,  were  desirous  of  obtaining  a title  in  fee.  Two  days  after  the  Hen- 


TENNESSEE  INSTITUTE  FOR  THE  BLIND. 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


125 


derson  purchase  they  succeeded  in  securing  a deed  of  conveyance  to 
Charles  Robertson  of  a large  extent  of  country.  It  was  made  March  19, 
1775,  and  is  recorded  in  the  register’s  office  of  Washington  County. 
This  deed  was  signed  by  Oconostota,  Attakullakulla,  Tenassee  War- 
rior and  Willinawaugh  in  presence  of  John  Sevier,  William  Bailey 
Smith,  Jesse  Benton,  Tillman  Dixon,  William  Blevins  and  Thomas 
Price,  and  conveyed  for  the  sum  of  £2,000  lawful  money  of  Great 
Britain,  all  that  tract  of  land,  including  all  the  waters  of  the  Watauga, 
part  of  the  waters  of  Holston  and  the  head  branches  of  New  River,  or 
Great  Kanawha.  These  lands  were  afterward  regularly  patented  to  the 
settlers,  the  first  patentee  being  Joshua  Haughton.  But  it  is  proper  here 
to  refer  to  a deed  to  Jacob  Brown  by  which  for  the  consideration  of  10 
shillings,  a “principality”  was  conveyed  to  him  embracing  much  of  the 
best  land  in  Washington  and  Greene  Counties.  This  deed  was  dated 
March  25,  1775. 

At  this  time  the  colonial  government  claimed  the  exclusive  right  to 
purchase  lands  of  the  Indians  as  one  of  the  prerogatives  of  sovereignty, 
and  Gov.  Martin  pronounced  the  purchase,  at  Watauga,  of  the  Cher- 
okee lands  illegal,  alleging  in  his  proclamation  against  it  that  it  was 
made  in  violation  of  the  king’s  proclamation  of  October  7,  1763,  the  effect 
of  which  proclamation  has  been  already  described  as  a brutum  fulmen. 
This  proclamation  of  Gov.  Martin  was  equally  harmless. 

The  Watauga  settlement  constantly  increased  in  numbers,  and  the 
tribunal  consisting  of  five  commissioners  chosen  by  themselves  settled 
all  controversies  arising  among  the  people.  Its  sessions  were  held  at 
regular  intervals,  and  its  business  increased  with  the  growth  of  the  colony. 
No  records  of  this  court  have  been  discovered,  but  while  searching  among 
the  public  papers  of  North  Carolina,  Dr.  Ramsey  found  a petition  from 
the  Watauga  settlement  praying  to  be  annexed  to  North  Carolina  as  a 
county,  as  a district,  or  as  some  other  division.  This  petition  is  without 
a date,  and  is  in  the  hand-writing  of  John  Sevier.  The  chairman  of  the 
meeting  which  adopted  it  was  John  Carter,  whose  grandson  was  chairman 
of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1834.  The  petition  was  received  by 
the  general  assembly  of  North  Carolina,  August  22,  1776,  and  was 
signed  by  112  persons.  It  commences  thus:  “The  humble  petition  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Washington  District,  including  the  River  Wataugah, 
Nonachuckie,  etc.,  in  committee  assembled,  humbly  sheweth,  etc.”  The 
committee  who  drew  up  this  petition  were  as  follows  : John  Carter, 

chairman;  Charles  Robertson,  James  Robertson,  Zachariali  Isbell,  John 
Sevier,  James  Smith,  Jacob  Brown,  William  Bean,  John  Jones,  George 
Russell,  Jacob  Womack  and  Robert  Lucas.  The  name  Washington  Dis- 


8 


126 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


trict  is  believed  to  have  been  suggested  by  John  Sevier,  and  thus  the 
pioneers  of  Tennessee  were  probably  the  first  to  honor  Washington. 

The  Provincial  Congress  convened  at  Halifax,  November  12,  1776, 
and  continued  in  session  until  December  18.  Prom  “Washington  Dis- 
trict,  Watauga  Settlement,”  were  present  John  Carter,  Charles  Robert- 
son, John  Haile  and  John  Sevier;  Jacob  Womack  was  elected,  but  did 
not  attend.  A bill  of  rights  and  a State  constitution  were  adopted,  in 
the  former  of  which  the  limits  of  the  State  are  made  to  extend  westward 
“so  far  as  is  mentioned  in  the  charter  of  King  Charles  the  Second,  to 
the  late  proprietors  of  Carolina.”  The  following  clause  is  also  in  the 
Declaration  of  Rights,  “That  it  shall  not  be  construed  so  as  to  prevent  the 
establishment  of  one  or  more  governments  westward  of  this  State,  by 
consent  of  the  Legislature.” 

While  these  events  were  in  progress,  other  events  were  either  tran- 
spiring or  in  embryo,  which  were  of  transcendent  importance  to  the 
three  centers  of  settlement — at  Carter’s  at  Watauga,  and  at  Brown’s. 
Difficulties  between  Great  Britain  and  her  American  colonies  had  already 
commenced,  the  dawn  of  the  American  Revolution  was  at  hand.  Every 
means  was  to  be  employed  by  the  mother  country  in  reducing  to  submis- 
sion her  refractory  subjects,  one  of  those  measures  being  to  arm  the 
neighboring  Indian  tribes  and  to  stimulate  them  to  fall  upon  and  destroy 
the  feeble  settlements  on  the  frontier. 

The  war  with  the  Clierokees  having  happily  come  to  an  end,  and 
prosperity  having  returned  to  the  settlements,  a treaty  was  made  with 
them,  and  signed  July  20,  1777.  In  April  of  that  year  the  Legislature 
of  North  Carolina  passed  an  act  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  the 
militia  and  volunteers  in  prosecuting  the  war  against  the  Cherokees. 

At  the  same  session  an  act  was  passed  establishing  Washington  Dis- 
trict, appointing  justices  of  the  peace,  and  establishing  courts  of  pleas 
and  quarter  sessions.  In  November  following,  Washington  County  was 
created,  to  which  ivas  assigned  the  entire  territory  of  the  present  State  of 
Tennessee.  A land  office  was  provided  for  in  Washington  County,  and 
each  head  of  a family  was  permitted  to  take  up  for  himself  640  acres  of 
land,  for  his  wife  100  acres,  and  100  acres  for  each  of  his  children.  The 
ease  and  small  expense  with  which  land  entries  could  be  made,  led 
numerous  poor  men  westward,  for  without  a dollar  in  his  pocket  the 
immigrant,  upon  arriving  at  the  distant  frontier,  and  upon  selecting  a 
homestead,  at  once  became  a large  land-owner,  and  almost  instantaneously 
acquired  a competency  and  an  independency  for  himself  and  his  family. 
These  men  brought  no  wealth,  but  they  did  bring  what  was  of  more 
value — industry,  frugality,  hardihood,  courage,  economy  and  self-reli- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


127 


ance — and  of  such  material  was  the  foundation  of  society  in  the  future 
great  State  of  Tennessee  composed.  During  this  year  a road  was  laid 
out  and  marked  from  the  court  house  in  Washington  County  to  the 
county  of  Burke ; and  the  first  house  covered  with  shingles  was  put  up  a 
few  miles  east  of  where  Jonesboro  now  stands.  In  1778  the  Warm 
Springs  on  the  French  Broad  were  accidentally  discovered , by  Henry 
Reynolds  and  Thomas  Morgan. 

By  the  treaty  made  at  Watauga  in  March,  1775,  which  has  been  al- 
ready alluded  to,  the  Cherokees  deeded  to  Henderson  & Co.  all  the  lands 
between  the  Kentucky  and  Cumberland  Rivers.  A portion  of  this  pur- 
chase was  within  the  supposed  boundary  of  North  Carolina,  and  numbers 
of  explorers  continued  to  pass  through  Cumberland  Gap  on  their  way  to 
Middle  Tennessee.  Amoner  them  Mansker  renewed  his  visits  in  Novem- 

O 

ber,  1775,  and  accompanied  by  Bryant  and  others  encamped  at  Mansker 
Lick.  Mansker  and  three  others  remained  hunting  and  trapping  on  the 
Sulphur  Fork  of  Red  River.  Thomas  Sharp,  Holliday,  Spencer  and 
others  came  in  1776  to  the  Cumberland  and  built  a number  ^)f  cabins. 
The  rest  returning,  Spencer  and  Holliday  remained  until  1779.  Capt. 
De  Munbreun  came  to  Middle  Tennessee  about  1775  and  established  his 
residence  at  Eaton’s  Station.  He  hunted  through  Montgomery  County, 
and  during  the  ‘summer  of  1777  he  saw  some  parties  a,t  Deacon’s  Pond, 
near  the  present  site  of  Palmyra.  In  1778  a settlement  was  formed  near 
Bledsoe’s  Lick  in  the  heart  of  the  Chickasaw  Nation,  and  about  the  same 
time  a party  of  French  erected  a trading  post  at  ‘-The  Bluff,”  with  the 
approval  of  the  Chickasaws.  Other  parties  kept  coming  to  the  lower 
Cumberland.  Richard  Hogan,  Spencer,  Holliday  and  others  were  there, 
and  in  the  spring  of  1778  they  planted  a small  field  of  corn,  the  first 
plantation  in  Middle  Tennessee.  A large  hollow  tree  stood  near  Bled- 
soe’s Lick  in  which  Spencer  lived.  Holliday,  becoming  dissatisfied,  was 
determined  to  leave  the  country,  and  Spencer,  unable  to  dissuade  him 
from  his  purpose,  accompanied  him  to  the  barrens  of  Kentucky,  breaking 
and  giving  to  Holliday  one  half  of  his  own  knife,  and  returned  to  his 
hollow  tree,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  the  winter.  Spencer  was 
a very  large  man,  and  one  morning,  having  passed  the  cabin  occupied  by 
one  of  De  Munbreun’s  hunters,  and  left  his  immense  tracks  in  the  rich 
alluvial  soil,  which  were  discovered  by  the  hunter  on  his  return,  the  hun- 
ter became  affrighted,  immediately  swam  the  Cumberland  and  wandered 
through  the  woods  until  he  reached  the  French  settlements  on  the  Wa- 
bash. 

In  1779  there  was  nothing  in  the  valley  of  the  lower  Cumberland, 
except  the  hunter’s  camp  and  the  lonely  log  habitation  of  Spencer.  But 


128 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  the  spring  of  that  year  a small  party  of  brave  pioneers  left  the  parent 
settlement  on  the  Watauga,  crossed  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and,  ar- 
riving at  the  French  Lick,  pitched  their  tents  and  planted  a field  of  corn 
on  the  present  site  of  Nashville.  This  was  near  the  lower  ferry,  and  the 
party  consisted  of  Capt.  James  Robertson,  George  Freeland,  William 
Neely,  Edward  Swanson,  James  Hanly,  Mark  Robertson,  Zachariah 
White  and  William  Overall.  A number  of  others,  piloted  by  Mansker, 
soon  joined  this  party.  Having  put  in  their  crop  of  corn  White,  Swanson 
and  Overall  remained  to  care  for  it,  while  the  rest  returned  to  their 
families,  Capt.  Robertson  by  the  way  of  Illinois  to  see  Gen.  George 
Rogers  Clarke.  Upon  their  return  to  the  Watauga  John  Rains  and 
others  were  persuaded  to  accompany  Robertson  to  the  French  Lick. 
Other  companies  also  were  induced  to  join  them,  and  at  length  a party  of 
from  200  to  300  was  collected,  which  in  the  fall  started  to  the  new  settle- 
ment where  Nashville  now  stands.  Their  route  lay  through  Cumberland 
Gap  and  along  the  Kentucky  trace  to  Whitley’s  Station;  thence  to  Car- 
penter’s Station,  on  Green  River;  thence  to  Robertson’s  Fork;  thence 
down  Green  River  to  Pitman’s  Station;  thence  crossing  and  descending 
that  river  to  Little  Barren,  crossing  it  at  Elk  Lick ; thence  past  the  Blue 
and  Dripping  Springs  to  Big  Barren;  thence  up  Drake’s  Creek  to  a bitu- 
minous spring;  thence  to  the  Maple  Swamp;  thence  to  Red  River  at 
Kilgore’s  Station;  thence  to  Mansker’s  Creek  and  thence  to  the  French 
Lick.  The  time  consumed  in  this  journey  does  not  appear,  but  it  was 
longer  than  was  anticipated,  on  account  of  the  depth  of  the  snow  and  the 
inclemency  of  the  weather,  and  they  did  not  arrive  at  their  destination 
until  about  the  beginning  of  the  year  1780.  Some  of  them  remained  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Cumberland  and  settled  at  or  near  Eaton’s  Station, 
but  most  of  them,  immediately  after  their  arrival,  crossed  the  river  upon 
the  ice,  and  settled  where  Nashville  now  stands.  Both  parties,  those 
who  remained  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  and  those  who  crossed  over 
to  the  south  side,  built  block-houses,  connected  by  stockades,  as  a defense 
against  possible,  and  as  they  believed  probable,  future  attacks  upon  them 
by  the  Indians,  and  the  logic  of  events  proved  the  wisdom  of  their  course. 
Freeland’s  Station  was  established  about  this  time,  and  likewise  Dead- 
erick’s  Station  by  John  Rains. 

While  these  brave  and  hardy  adventurers  were  pursuing  their  peril- 
ous journey  through  the  wilderness  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  several 
boat  loads  of  other  adventurers,  no  less  brave  and  no  less  hardy,  were 
pursuing  even  a still  more  perilous  journey  down  the  Tennessee,  up  the 
Ohio  and  up  the  Cumberland,  having  in  view  the  same  objective  point. 
This  latter  party  was  composed  of  friends  and  relatives  of  the  former  to 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


129 


a considerable  extent.  They  started  from  Fort  Patrick  Henry,  near 
Long  Island,  and  were  commanded  by  Col.  John  Donelson,  the  projector 
of  the  voyage.  Col.  Donelson  kept  a journal,  giving  full  particulars  of 
the  remarkable  adventure,  the  principal  parts  of  which  are  here  inserted: 
“ Journal  of  a voyage  intended,  by  God’s  permission,  in  the  good 
boat  ‘Adventure,’  from  Fort  Patrick  Henry  on  Holston  Biver  to  the  French 
Salt  Spring  on  Cumberland  Biver,  kept  by  John  Donaldson. 

“ December  22,  1779. — Took  our  departure  from  the  fort  and  fell 
down  the  river  to  the  mouth  of  Beedy  Creek,  where  we  were  stopped  by 
the  fall  of  water  and  most  excessive  hard  frost,  and  after  much  delay  and 
many  difficulties  we  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  Cloud’s  Creek  on  Sunday 
evening  the  20th  of  February,  1780,  where  we  lay  by  until  Sunday,  27th, 
when  we  took  our  departure  with  sundry  other  vessels,  bound  for  the 
same  voyage,  and  on  the  same  day  struck  the  Poor  Yalley  Shoal,  to- 
gether with  Mr.  Boyd  and  Mr.  Bounsifer,  on  which  shoal  we  lay  that 
afternoon  and  succeeding  night  in  great  distress. 

“Monday,  February  28,  1780. — In  the  morning,  the  water  rising,  we 
got  off  the  shoal,  after  landing  thirty  persons  to  lighten  the  boat.  In 
attempting  to  land  on  an  island  we  received  some  damage  and  lost  sundry 
articles,  and  came  to  camp  on  the  south  shore,  where  we  joined  sundry 
other  vessels,  also  bound  down.  ******* 
“March  2d.— Bain  about  half  the  day;  passed  the  mouth  of  French 
Broad  Biver,  and  about  12  o’clock,  Mr.  Henry’s  boat  being  driven  on  the 
point  of  an  island  by  the  force  of  the  current,  was  sunk,  the  whole  cargo 
much  damaged  and  the  crew’s  lives  much  endangered,  which  occasioned 
the  whole  fleet  to  put  on  shore  and  go  to  their  assistance,  but  with  much 
difficulty  bailed  her  in  order  to  take  in  her  cargo  again.  The  same  af- 
ternoon Beuben  Harrison  went  out  a hunting  and  did  not  return  that 
night,  though  many  guns  were  fired  to  fetch  him  in. 

“ March  3d. — Early  in  the  morning  fired  a four-pounder  for  the  lost 
man ; sent  out  sundry  persons  to  search  the  woods  for  him ; firing  many 
guns  that  day  and  the  succeeding  night,  but  all  without  success,  to  the 
great  grief  of  his  parents  and  fellow  travelers. 

“ Saturday  4th. — Proceeded  on  our  voyage,  leaving  old  Mr.  Harrison 
with  some  other  vessels  to  make  further  search  for  his  lost  son.  About  10 
o’clock  the  same  day,  found  him  a considerable  distance  down  the  river, 
where  Mr.  Benjamin  Belew  took  him  on  board  his  boat.  At  3 o’clock  P. 
M.,  passed  the  mouth  of  Tennessee  Biver,  and  camped  on  the  south  shore 
about  ten  miles  below  the  Tennessee.  * 

“ Sunday  6th. — Cast  off  and  got  under  way  before  sunrise;  12  o’clock 
passed  the  mouth  of  Clinch;  came  up  with  the  Clinch  Biver  Company, 
whom  he  joined  and  camped,  the  evening  proving  rainy. 


130 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


“ Monday  6tli. — Got  under  way  before  sunrise.  * * * * 

Camped  on  the  north  shore  where  Capt.  Hutching’s  negro  man  died, 
being  much  frosted  in  his  feet  and  legs,  of  which  he  died. 

“ Tuesday  7th. — Got  under  way  very  early,  the  day  proving  very 
windy,  at  S.  S.  W.,  and  the  river  being  wide  occasioned  a high  sea,  inso- 
much that  some  of  the  smaller  crafts  were  in  danger ; therefore  came  to  at  the 
uppermost  Chickamauga  town,  which  was  then  evacuated,  where  we  lay  by 
that  afternoon  and  camped  that  night.  The  wife  of  Ephraim  was  here 
delivered  of  a child.  Mr.  Peyton  has  gone  through  by  land  with  Capt. 
Robertson. 

“Wednesday  8th. — Cast  off  at  10  o’clock  and  proceeded  down  to  an 
Indian  village,  which  was  inhabited,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river ; they 
insisted  on  us  to  ‘ come  ashore,’  called  us  brothers,  and  showed  other 
signs  of  friendship,  insomuch  that  Mr.  John  Caffrey  and  my  son  then 
on  board  took  a canoe,  which  I had  in  tow,  and  were  crossing  over  to 
them,  the  rest  of  the  fleet  having  landed  on  the  opposite  shore.  After  they 
had  gone  some  distance  a half-breed,  who  called  himself  Archy  Coody, 
with  several  other  Indians,  jumped  into  a canoe,  met  them,  and  advised 
them  to  return  to  the  boat,  which  they  did,  together  with  Coody  and  sev- 
eral canoes  which  left  the  shore  and  followed  directly  after  him.  They 
appeared  to  be  friendly.  After  distributing  some  presents  among  them, 
with  which  they  seemed  much  pleased,  we  observed  a number  of  Indians 
on  the  other  side  embarking  in  their  canoes,  armed  and  painted  in  red 
and  black.  Coody  immediately  made  signs  to  his  companions,  ordering 
them  to  quit  the  boat,  which  they  did;  himself  and  aliother  Indian  re- 
maining with  us,  and  telling  us  to  move  off  instantly.  We  had  not  gone 
far  before  we  discovered  a number  of  Indians  armed  and  painted,  pro- 
ceeding down  the  river  as  it  were  to  intercept  us.  Coody  the  half-breed 
and  his  companion  sailed  with  us  for  some  time,  and  telling  us  that  we 
had  passed  all  the  towns  and  were  out  of  danger,  left  us.  But  we  had 
not  gone  far  until  we  had  come  in  sight  of  another  town  situated  likewise 
on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  nearly  opposite  a small  island.  Here  they 
again  invited  us  to  come  on  shore,  called  us  brothers,  and  observing  the 
boats  standing  off  for  the  opposite  channel,  told  us  that  ‘ their  side  of  the 
river  was  better  for  the  boats  to  pass.’  And  here  we  must  regret  the 
unfortunate  death  of  young  Mr.  Payne,  on  board  Capt.  Blackmore’s 
boat,  who  was  mortally  wounded  by  reason  of  the  boat  running  too  near 
the  northern  shore  opposite  the  town,  where  some  of  the  enemies  lay  con- 
cealed, and  the  more  tragical  misfortune  of  poor  Stuart,  his  family  and 
friends,  to  the  number  of  twenty-eight  persons.  This  man  had  embarked 
with  us  for  the  western  country,  but  his  family  being  diseased  with  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


131 


small-pox,  it  was  agreed  upon  between  him  and  the  company  that  he 
should  keep  at  some  distance  in  the  rear,  for  fear  of  the  infection  spread- 
ing, and  he  was  warned  each  night  when  the  encampment  should  take 
place  by  the  sound  of  a horn.  After  we  had  passed  the  town,  the 
Indians,  having  now  collected  to  a considerable  number,  observing  his 
helpless  situation,  singled  off  from  the  rest  of  the  fleet,  intercepted  him, 
and  killed  and  took  prisoners  the  whole  crew,  to  the  great  grief  of  the 
whole  company,  uncertain  how  soon  they  might  share  the  same  fate ; their 
cries  were  distinctly  heard  by  those  boats  in  the  rear. 

“We  still  perceived  them  marching  down  the  river  in  considerable 
bodies,  keeping  pace  with  us  until  the  Cumberland  Mountain  withdrew 
them  from  our  sight,  when  we  were  in  hopes  we  had  escaped  them.  We 
were  now  arrived  at  the  place  called  the  Whirl  or  Suck,  where  the  river  is 
compressed  within  less  than  half  its  common  width  above,  by  the  Cumber- 
land Mountain,  which  juts  in  on  both  sides.  In  passing  through  the  upper 
part  of  these  narrows,  at  a place  described  by  Coody,  which  he  termed 
the  “Boiling  Pot,”  a trivial  accident  had  nearly  ruined  the  expedition. 
One  of  the  company,  John  Cotton,  who  was  moving  down  in  a large 
canoe,  had  attached  it  to  Robert  Cartwright’s  boat,  into  which  he  and  his 
family  had  gone  for  safety.  The  canoe  was  here  overturned  and  the 
little  cargo  lost.  The  company,  pitying  his  distress,  concluded  to  halt 
and  assist  him  in  recovering  his  property.  They  had  landed  on  the 
northern  shore  at  a level  spot,  and  were  going  up  to  the  place,  when  the 
Indians,  to  our  astonishment,  appeared  immediately  over  us  on  the  oppo- 
site cliffs,  and  commenced  firing  down  upon  us,  which  occasioned  a 
precipitate  retreat  to  the  boats.  We  immediately  moved  off ; the  Indians 
lining  the  bluffs  along  continued  their  fire  from  the  heights  on  our  boats 
below,  without  doing  any  other  injury  than  wounding  four  slightly. 
Jennings’  boat  was  missing. 

“ We  have  now  passed  through  the  Whirl.  The  river  widens  with  a 
placid  and  gentle  current,  and  all  the  company  appear  to  be  in  safety 
except  the  family  of  Jonathan  Jennings,  whose  boat  ran  on  a large  rock 
projecting  out  from  the  northern  shore,  and  was  partly  immersed  in  water 
immediately  at  the  Whirl,  where  we  were  compelled  to  leave  them, 
perhaps  to  be  slaughtered  by  their  merciless  enemies.  Continued  to  sail 
on  that  day  and  floated  throughout  the  following  night.  * * * 

“Friday  10th. — This  morning  about  4 o’clock  we  were  surprised  by 
the  cries  of  “ help  poor  Jennings  ” at  some  distance  in  the  rear.  He 
had  discovered  us  by  our  files,  and  came  up  in  the  most  wretched  condi- 
tion. He  states  that  as  soon  as  the  Indians  discovered  his  situation  they 
turned  their  whole  attention  to  him,  and  kept  up  a most  galling  fire  at 


132 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


his  boat.  He  ordered  his  wife,  a son  nearly  grown,  a young  man  avIiq 
accompanied  them,  and  his  negro  man  and  woman,  to  throw  all  his  goods 
into  the  river,  to  lighten  their  boat  for  the  purpose  of  getting  her  off, 
himself  returning  their  fire  as  well  as  he  could,  being  a good  soldier  and 
an  expert  marksman.  But  before  they  had  accomplished  their  object 
his  son,  the  young  man,  and  the  negro,  jumped  out  of  the  boat  and  left 
them.  Mr.  Jennings,  however,  and  the  negro  woman  succeeded  in 
unloading  the  boat,  but  chiefly  through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  Jennings,  who 
got  out  of  the  boat  and  shoved  her  off , but  was  near  falling  a victim  to 
her  own  intrepidity  on  account  of  the  boat  starting  so  suddenly  as  soon 
as  loosened  from  the  rock.  Upon  examination  he  appears  to  have  made 
a wonderful  escape,  for  his  boat  is  pierced  in  numberless  places  with 
bullets.  It  is  to  be  remarked  that  Mrs.  Peyton,  who  was  the  night  before 
delivered  of  an  infant,  which  was  unfortunately  killed  upon  the  hurry 
and  confusion  consequent  upon  such  a disaster,  assisted  them,  being 
frequently  exposed  to  wet  and  cold  then  and  afterward,  and  that  her 
health  appears  to  be  good  at  this  time  and  I think  and  hope  she  will  do 
well.  Their  clothes  were  much  cut  with  bullets  especially  Mrs.  Jen- 
nino-s’  * * * * * * * 

“Sunday  12tli. — Set  out,  and  after  a few  hours’  sailing  heard  the 
crowing  of  cocks  and  soon  came  within  view  of  the  town ; here  they  fired 
on  us  again  without  doing  any  injury. 

“ After  running  until  about  10  o’clock  came  in  sight  of  the  Muscle 
Shoals.  Halted  on  the  northern  shore  at  the  appearance  of  the  shoals, 
to  search  for  the  signs  Capt.  James  Kobertson  was  to  make  for  us  at  that 
place.  He  set  out  from  Holston  early  in  the  fall  of  1779,  was  to  proceed 
by  the  way  of  Kentucky  to  the  Big  Salt  Lick  on  Cumberland  River,  with 
several  others  in  company,  was  to  come  across  from  the  Big  Salt  Lick 
to  the  upper  end  of  the  shoals,  there  to  make  such  signs  that  we  might 
know  he  had  been  there  and  that  it  was  practicable  for  us  to  go  across 
by  land.  But  to  our  great  mortification  we  can  find  none — from  which 
we  conclude  that  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  make  the  attempt,  and  are 
determined,  knowing  ourselves  to  be  in  such  imminent  danger,  to  pursue 
our  journey  down  the  river.  After  trimming  our  boats  in  the  best 
manner  possible  we  ran  through  the  shoals  before  night.  * * * 

Our  boats  frequently  dragged  on  the  bottom ; * * * they 

warped  as  much  as  in  a rough  sea.  But  by  the  hand  of  Providence  we 
are  preserved  from  this  danger  also.  I know  not  the  length  of  this 
wonderful  shoal ; it  had  been  represented  to  me  to  be  twenty-five  or  thirty 
miles.  If  so  we  must  have  descended  very  rapidly,  as  indeed  we  did,  for 
we  passed  it  in  about  three  hours.  * * * * * * 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


138 


“Wednesday  loth. — -Got  under  way  and  moved  on  peaceably  the  five 
following  days,  when  we  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee  on  Mon- 
day, the  20tli,  and  landed  on  the  lower  point  immediately  on  the  bank  of 
the  Ohio.  Our  situation  here  is  truly  disagreeable.  The  river  is  very 
high  and  the  current  rapid,  our  boats  not  constructed  for  the  purpose  of 
stemming  a rapid  stream,  our  provisions  exhausted,  the  crews  almost 
worn  down  with  hunger  and  fatigue,  and  we  know  not  what  distance  we 
have  to  go,  or  what  time  it  will  take  us  to  reach  our  place  of  destination. 
The  scene  is  rendered  still  more  melancholy,  as  several  boats  will  not  attempt 
to  ascend  the  rapid  current.  Some  intend  to  descend  the  Mississippi  to 
Natchez,  others  are  bound  for  the  Illinois — among  the  rest  my  son-in-law 
and  daughter.  We  now  part  perhaps  to  meet  no  more,  for  I am  deter- 
mined to  pursue  my  course,  happen  what  will.  * * * * 

“ Friday  24th. — About  3 o’clock  came  to  the  mouth  of  a river  which 
I thought  was  the  Cumberland.  Some  o^  the  company  declared  it  could 
not  be — it  was  so  much  smaller  than  was  expected.  But  I never  heard 
of  any  river  running  in  between  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee.  We 
determined,  however,  to  make  the  trial,  pushed  up  some  distance  and 
encamped  for  the  night. 

“ Saturday,  25tli. — To-day  we  are  much  encouraged.  The  river 
grows  wider;  the  current  is  gentle  and  we  are  now  convinced  it  is  the 
Cumberland.  * * * * * * * 

“Friday,  31st. — Set  out  this  day,  and  after  running  some  distance  met 
with  Col.  Bichard  Henderson,  who  was  running  the  line  between  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina.  At  this  meeting  we  were  much  rejoiced.  * * * 

Camped  at  night  near  the  mouth  of  a little  river,  at  which  place  and  below 
there  is  a handsome  bottom  of  rich  land.  Here  we  found  a pair  of 
hewed  mill-stones,  set  up  for  grinding,  but  appearing  not  to  have  been 
used  for  a long  time. 

“Proceeded  on  quietly  until  the  12th  of  April,  at  which  time  we  came 
to  the  mouth  of  a little  river  running  in  on  the  north  side,  by  Moses  Ben- 
froe  and  his  company,  called  Bed  Biver,  upon  which  they  intended  to  settle. 
Here  they  took  leave  of  us.  We  proceeded  up  the  Cumberland,  nothing 
happening  material  until  the  23d,  when  we  reached  the  first  settlement  on 
the  north  side  of  the  river,  one  mile  and  a half  below  the  Big  Salt  Lick, 
and  called  Eaton’s  Station,  after  a man  of  that  name,  who  with  several 
other  families  came  through  Kentucky  and  settled  there. 

“Monday,  April  24tli. — This  day  we  arrived  at  our  journey’s  end,  at 
the  Big  Salt  Lick,  where  we  have  the  pleasure  of  finding  Capt.  Bobertson 
and  his  company.  It  is  a source  of  satisfaction  to  us  to  be  enabled  to 
restore  to  him  and  others  their  families  and  friends,  who  were  intrusted 


134 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


to  our  care,  and  wlio  some  time  since,  perhaps,  they  despaired  of  ever 
meeting  again.  Though  our  prospects  at  present  are  dreary,  we  have 
found  a few  log  cabins,  which  have  been  built  on  a cedar  bluff  above 
the  Lick  by  Capt.  Robertson  and  his  company.” 

This  journal  here  presented  maybe  found  in  full  in  Ramsey.  In 
copying  out  of  his  work,  unimportant  portions  have  been  omitted  for  the 
sake  of  saving  space.  This  emigration  of  Col.  Donelson  ranks  as  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  achievements  in  the  settlement  of  the  West,  and  as 
the  names  of  the  participators  in  the  expedition  have  far  more  than  a 
local  interest,  they  are  here  inserted:  John  Donelson,  Sr.,  Thomas  Hutch- 
ings, John  Caffrey,  John  Donelson,  Jr.,  Mrs.  James  Robertson  and  five 
children,  Mrs.  Purnell,  M.  Rounsifer,  James  Cain,  Isaac  Neelly,  Jona- 
than Jennings,  Benjamin  Belew,  feeder  Looney,  Capt.  John  Blackmore, 
Moses  Renfroe,  William  Crutchfield,  James  Johns,  Hugh  Henry,  Sr., 
Benjamin  Porter,  Mrs.  Mary  Henry  (widow),  Prank  Armstrong,  Hugh 
Rogan,  Daniel  Chambers,  Robert  Cartwright,  Mr.  Stuart,  David  Gwinn, 
John  Boyd,  Reuben  Harrison,  Prank  Haney,  Mr.  Maxwell,  John  Mont- 
gomery, John  Cotton,  Thomas  Henry,  John  Cockrell,  John  White,  Sol- 
omon White  and  Mr.  Payne.  The  above  list  of  names  is  copied  from 
Putnam.  Ramsey  gives  these  additional  ones:  Isaac  Lanier,  Daniel 
Dunham,  Joseph  and  James  Renfroe,  Solomon  Turpin  and  John  Gibson. 
There  were  other  persons,  men,  women  and  children,  whose  names  have 
not  been  preserved.  The  total  number  of  persons  in  this  expedition  is 
not  known,  but  from  the  best  information  obtainable  there  were  at  least 
thirty  boats  in  the  entire  fleet,  no  one  of  which  contained  less  than  two 
families. 

With  reference  to  the  fate  of  the  three  young  men  who  ran  away  from 
Mr.  Jennings,  when  his  boat  was  attacked,  as  narrated  in  Capt.  Donel- 
son’s  journal,  authorities  are  not  agreed.  Ramsey  and  John  Carr  agree 
in  stating  that  the  negro  man  was  drowned,  and  that  the  young  man,  whose 
name  is  not  given,  was  taken  to  Chickamauga  Town,  where  he  was  killed  and 
burned,  and  that  young  Jennings  was  ransomed  by  an  Indian  trader  named 
Rogers,  and  afterward  restored  to  his  parents.  Putnam,  however,  doubts 
the  correctness  of  this  narration,  especially  so  far  as  it  refers  to  the  burn- 
ing of  the  young  man.  He  says  “such  cruelty  and  crime  have  not  been 
clearly  proven  against  them  (the  Indians).”  But  as  both  Ramsey  and 
Carr  say  “they  killed  and  burned  the  young  man,”  it  may  justly  be  inferred 
that  the  “burning  occurred  after  the  killing,”  or,  in  other  words,  they 
killed  and  then  burned  the  body  of  the  young  man,  and  thus  the  “cruelty 
and  crime”  would  consist  in  the  killing  and  not  in  the  burning. 

The  capture  of  Stuart’s  boat  and  crew,  among  whom  were  the  several 


i 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


135 


cases  of  small-pox,  as  narrated  in  Capt.  Donelson’s  journal,  resulted  in 
great  mortality  among  the  Indians,  many  of  whom  were  attacked  by  the 
disease  with  fatal  results.  It  is  said  that  when  attacked  and  when  the 
fever  was  upon  them  they  took  a “heavy  sweat”  in  their  houses,  and  then 
leaped  into  the  river,  the  remedy  being  no  less  fatal  than  the  disease 
itself  Putnam  quotes  approvingly  from  the  “narrative  of  Col.  Joseph 
Brown,”  that  this  mortality  was  “ a judgment  upon  the  Indians,”  though 
just  how  it  can  have  been  a judgment  upon  the  Indians,  any  more  than  it 
and  the  capture  and  killing  of  so  many  of  Stuart’s  family  was  a judgment 
on  them,  is  not  easily  discernible. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

Settlement  Concluded— Results  of  Donelson’s  Voyage — The  French  Lick 
—The  Establishment  of  Many  Clock-houses,  Stations,  Etc. — The  Long 
Reign  of  Trying  Times — The  Military  Warrants  and  Grants — Pioneer 
Customs— Government  of  the  Cumberland  Colony — The  Emigrant 
Road— Col.  Brown’s  Disastrous  Yoyage— North  Carolina’s  Neglect  of 
the  Colonies— Their  Isolation  and  Suffering — The  Tennessee  Land 
Company— National  Executive  Interference — Designs  of  the  Compa- 
nies Thwarted  by  the  Effective  Acts  of  the  Citizens  of  Georgia — 
Summary  of  Tennessee  Land  Grants — The  Western  Purchase — The 
Chickasaws — Entry  of  the  Whites  into  West  Tennessee— The  Bluffs — 
Permanent  Settlement — Incidents  and  Anecdotes. 

THE  principal  results  of  the  emigration  of  Col.  Donelson  to  Middle  Ten- 
nessee were  the  establishment  of  the  settlements  at  and  near  the 
Bluff  and  the  subsequent  formation  of  an  independent  government  May 
1,  1780,  a number  of  years  before  the  organization  of  the  State  of  Frank- 
lin. Some  of  these  early  settlers  plunged  at  once  into  the  adjoining  for- 
ests. Col.  Donelson  himself,  with  his  family,  being  one  of  the  number. 
He  went  up  the  Cumberland,  and  erected  a small  fort  at  a place  since 
called  Clover  Bottom,  near  Stone  River,  and  on  the  south  side  of  that 
stream.  Dr.  Walker,  Virginia’s  commissioner  for  running  the  boundary 
line  between  that  State  and  North  Carolina,  arrived  at  the  Bluff,  accom- 
panied by  Col.  Richard  Henderson  and  his  two  brothers,  Nathaniel  and 
Pleasant.  Col.  Henderson  erected  a station  on  Stone  River,  remained 
there  some  time,  and  sold  lands  under  the  deed  made  to  himself  and  part- 
ners at  Watauga  in  March,  1775,  by  the  Cherokees.  The  price  charged 
for  this  land  by  Col.  Henderson  was  $10  per  1,000  acres.  The  certifi- 
cate of  purchase  contained  a clause  by  which  it  was  set  forth  that  pay- 
ment for  the  land  was  conditioned  on  the  confirmation  of  the  Henderson 


136 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


treaty  by  the  proper  authorities ; but  both  the  States  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina  annulled  his  title,  or  rather  declared  it  to  be  null  and 
void  cib  initio , and  refused  to  recognize  the  sales  made  by  him  or  his  com- 
pany, and  purchasers  on  contracts  made  with  him  were  never  urged  to 
make  payment  for  their  lands.  But  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the 
two  States  decided  that  the  Transylvania  Company  had  not  by  the  pur- 
chase acquired  any  title  to  the  lands,  on  the  ground  that  private  individ- 
uals had  no  power  or  right  to  make  treaties  with  Indian  tribes,  yet  they 
at  the  same  time  decided  that  the  Indians  had  divested  themselves  of 
their  title  to  them,  and  hence  Transylvania  became  divided  between  the 
two  States  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  But  each  State,  on  account 
of  the  expenditures  of  the  company  and  the  labor  to  which  they  had  been 
and  the  interest  manifested  by  them  in  the  welfare  of  the  early  settlers, 
made  to  them  a grant  of  200,000  acres.  The  Virginia  grant  was  on 
the  Ohio  Biver  in  what  is  now  Henderson  County,  Ivy.,  and  the  North 
Carolina  grant  was  bounded  as  follows:  “Beginning  at  the  old  Indian 

town  in  Powell’s  Valley,  running  down  Powell’s  River  not  less  than  four 
miles  in  width  on  one  or  both  sides  thereof  to  the  junction  of  Powell  and 
Clinch  Rivers;  then  down  Clinch  River  on  one  or  both  sides  not  less  than 
twelve  miles  in  width  for  the  aforesaid  complement  of  200,000  acres.” 
The  remaining  part  of  the  land  was  devoted  to  public  uses. 

The  little  band  of  immigrants  at  the  Bluff  were  in  the  midst  of  a vast 
extent  of  country  apparently  uninhabited  by  Indians.  Savage  tribes  were 
to  be  found  in  all  directions,  but  toward  the  south  none  were  known  to  be 
north  of  the  Tennessee,  and  toward  the  north  none  were  known  to  be 
south  of  the  Ohio.  Apparently  no  lands  within  or  near  the  new  settle- 
ments were  claimed  by  Creek  or  Cherokee,  Chickasaw  or  Choctaw;  hence 
a sense  of  safety  soon  manifested  itself  among  the  pioneers,  and  hence, 
also,  many  of  them  began  to  erect  cabins  for  individual  homes  in  the  wild 
woods,  on  the  barrens  or  on  the  prairie  where  no  pathway  or  trace  of 
animal  or  human  could  be  seen;  and  in  their  anxiety  to  make  improve- 
ments on  their  individual  claims  and  to  become  independent,  many  of 
the  more  thoughtless  of  them  were  reluctant  to  devote  much  of  their 
time  and  labor  to  the  erection  of  forts,  stockades  and  palisades  to  which 
all  could  retreat  for  mutual  defense  in  case  of  an  attack  by  the  now 
apparently  harmless  lords  of  the  soil.  But  this  desire,  laudable  though 
it  was  when  not  carried  to  the  extreme  of  imprudence,  was  by  the  wise 
and  experienced  among  them  sufficently  repressed  to  secure  an  agree- 
ment on  the  part  of  all  to  give  a portion  of  their  valuable  time  to  the 
erection  of  a few  forts  and  depositories  for  arms,  ammunition  and  pro- 
visions. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


187 


The  fort  at  the  Bluffs,  called  Nashborough,  in  honor  of  Francis  Nash, 
of  North  Carolina,  a brigadier-general  in  the  Continental  Army,  was  to 
be  the  principal  fort  and  headquarters  for  all.  The  others  were  as  fol- 
lows: Freeland’s,  at  the  spring  in  North  Nashville;  Eaton’s,  upon  the 

east  side  of  the  river  upon  the  first  highland  at  the  river  bank;  Gasper’s, 
about  ten  miles  north  at  the  sulphur  spring  where  now  stands  the  town 
of  Goodlettsville ; Asher’s,  on  Station  Camp  Creek,  on  the  bluff,  about 
three  miles  from  Gallatin;  Bledsoe’s,  near  the  sulphur  spring  about  seven 
miles  from  Gallatin;  Donelson’s,  on  the  Clover  Bottom  where  the  pike 
passes,  and  Fort  Union,  at  the  bend  of  the  river  above  the  Blnffs,  where 
since  has  stood  the  town  of  Haysborough.  “ The  fort  at  Nashborough 
stood  upon  the  bluff  between  the  southeast  corner  of  the  public  square 
and  Spring  Street.  Like  the  other  forts  it  was  a tAvo-story  log  building 
with  port  holes  and  lookout  station.  Other  log  houses  were  near  it  and 
palisades  were  thrown  entirely  around  the  whole,  the  upper  ends  of  the 
palisades  or  pickets  being  sharpened.  There  was  one  large  entrance  to 
the  enclosure.  The  view  toward  the  west  and  southwest  Avas  obstructed 
by  a thick  forest  of  cedars  and  a dense  undergrowth  of  privet  bushes. 
The  rich  bottom  lands  Avere  covered  Avith  cane  measurinar  from  ten  to 

O 

twenty  feet  in  height.  The  ancient  forest  trees  upon  the  rich  lands  in 
this  region  were  of  a most  majestic  growth;  all  the  elements  of  nature 
seem  to  have  combined  to  make  them  what  they  Avere,  and  yet,  although 
many  of  the  loveliest  sites  for  country  residences  have  been  hastily  and 
unwisely  stripped  of  their  chief  ornament  and  charm,  and  civilized  man 
has  speedily  destroyed,  by  thousands  in  a year,  such  monarchs.  of  the 
forest  as  a thousand  years  may  not  again  produce,  there  remain  here 
and  there  some  lovely  spots  and  glorious  oaks  not  wholly  dishonored  or 
abased  by  the  woodman’s  as.  There  are  a few,  and  but  a few,  of  such 
native  woods  and  magnificent  trees  remaining  in  the  vicinity  of  the  capi- 
tal of  Tennessee.  ”* 

As  has  been  stated  above  the  winter  of  1779-80  was  unusually 
severe,  the  Cumberland  Biver  being  frozen  over  sufficiently  solid  to  per- 
mit Robertson’s  party  to  cross  upon  the  ice.  The  inclemency  of  the 
weather  was  such  as  to  cause  great  inconvenience  and  suffering  to  the 
early  settlers.  It  was  impossible  to  keep  warm  in  their  cabins,  necessar- 
ily loosely  constructed,  and  the  game  upon  which  they  depended  in  part 
for  food  Avas  in  an  impoverished  condition  and  poor.  But  Avhile  these 
evils  resulted  from  tins  cause,  there  were  also  benefits  enjoyed  uncon- 
sciously to  the  settlers  themselves.  The  Indians  were  themselves  in  as 
unsatisfactory  condition,  and  as  unprepared  to  make  an  attack  upon  the 


*Putnam. 


138 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


cabins  as  the  people  in  tlie  cabins  were  to  successfully  defend  them- 
selves against  an  attack;  and  during  this  interim  of  security  from  inva- 
sion by  the  savage  tribes,  tvhicli  lasted  until  some  time  in  May,  1780,  the 
forts  and  other  defenses  were  erected  and  strengthened,  and  numerous 
acquisitions  were  made  to  the  numbers  of  the  whites.  Immigration  had 
set  in  with  a new  impetus,  the  roads  and  traces  to  Kentucky  and  the 
Cumberland  country  being  crowded  with  adventurers  seeking  independ- 
ence and  fortune  in  the  new  Eldorado  of  the  West,  which  was  in  verity 
beautiful,  fertile  and  grand;  and  it. is  not  at  all  surprising  that  its  native 
proprietors  should  at  length  muster  all  their  strength,  their  wildest  ener- 
gies and  fiercest  passions,  to  dispossess  the  invaders  and  to  repossess- 
themselves  of  their  own  fair,  delightful  paradise.  However,  the  attempt 
to  accomplish  this  design  soon  convinced  them  that  it  could  not  be  done 
by  force  of  arms,  the  settlers  being  too  strong,  too  resolute,  and  too  well- 
defended  ; the  only  recourse  therefore  had  was,  if  possible,  to  deprive  the 
whites  of  food  by  driving  away  and  dispersing  the  deer,  buffalo  and 
other  wild  game,  which  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1780,  and  con- 
tinued with  such  success  for  two  or  three  years  as  to  necessitate  adven- 
tures by  the  stationers  to  far-off  distances,  and  thus  expose  themselves  to 
the  dangers  of  ambush  and  attack  by  the  lurking  savage.  This  state  of 
things  rendered  life  at  the  Bluff  and  in  the  vicinity,  anything  but  pleas- 
ant. Numbers  wished  they  had  never  come,  or  that  they  had  gone  to 
other  settlements  where,  being  ignorant  of  the  actual  facts  connected 
therewith,  they  imagined  a greater  degree  of  security  and  plenty  reigned. 
But  here,  as  in  every  community,  there  were  a goodly  number  of  brave- 
hearted  men  and  women,  who,  having  suffered  in  getting  to  their  homes, 
put  their  trust  in  Providence  and  resolved  to  stay. 

One  of  the  causes  which  led  to  the  rapid  settlement  of  Tennessee, 
was  the  passage,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina,  of  an  “ act 
for  the  relief  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  Continental  line,  and  for 
other  purposes,”  which  was  as  follows:* 

Whereas,  The  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Continental  line  of  this  State  have  suffered 
much  by  the  depreciation  of  paper  currency,  as  well  as  by  the  deficiency  of  clothing  and 
other  supplies  that  have  been  due  them  according  to  sundry  acts  and  resolves  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  and  whereas,  the  honorable,  the  Continental  Congress,  have  resolved  that 
the  deficiency  shall  be  made  good  to  the  18th  day  of  August,  1780,  according  to  a scale  of 
depreciation  established.  And 

* * * * -x-  ^ # * # * ' # * -x- 

Whereas,  It  is  proper  that  some  effectual  and  permanent  reward  should  be  rendered 
for  the  signal  bravery  and  persevering  zeal  of  the  Continental  officers  and  soldiers  in  the 
service  of  the  State.  Therefore 

Be  it  enacted,  etc.,  That  each  Continental  soldier  of  the  line  of  this  State  who  is  now 
in  service,  and  continues  to  the  end  of  the  war,  or  such  of  them  as’  from  wounds  or  bodily 


*Laws  of  1782.  Chapter  III. 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


139' 


infirmity  have  been  or  shall  be  rendered  unfit  for  service,  which  shall  be  ascertained  by  a 
certificate  from  the  commanding  officer,  shall  have  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land; 
every  officer  who  is  now  in  service,  and  shall  continue  in  service  until  the  end  of  the  war, 
as  well  as  those  officers  who  from  wounds  or  bodily  infirmity  have  left  or  may  be  obliged 
to  leave  the  service,  shall  have  a greater  quantity  according  to  his  pay  as  followeth:  Each 
non-commissioned  officer,  one  thousand  acres;  each  subaltern,  two-thousand  five  hundred 
andsixty  acres;  each  captain,  three  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty  acres;  each  major,  four 
thousand  eight  hundred  acres;  each  lieutenant-colonel,  five  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
sixty  acres;  each  lieutenant-colonel  commandant,  seven  thousand  two  hundred  acres;  each 
colonel,  seven  thousand  two  hundred  acres;  each  brigadier-general,  twelve  thousand 
acres;  each  chaplain,  six  thousand  two  hundred  acres;  each  surgeon,  four  thousand  eight 
hundred  acres;  each  surgeon’s  mate,  two  thousand  five  hundred  andsixty  acres;  and  where 
any  officer  or  soldier  has  fallen  or  shall  fall  in  the  defense  of  his  country,  his  heirs  or  assigns 
shall  have  the  same  quantity  of  land  that  the  officer  or  soldier  would  have  been  entitled  to 
had  they  served  during  the  war. 

According  to  the  next  section  of  this  act  any  family  that  had  settled 
on  the  tract  of  land  set  apart  to  be  divided  up  among  the  officers  and 
soldiers  should  be  entitled  to  640  acres,  provided  that  no  such  grant 
should  include  any  salt  lick  or  salt  spring  which  were  reserved  with  640 
acres  in  connection  with  each  lick  or  spring  for  public  purposes. 

By  the  eighth  section  Absalom  Tatom,  Isaac  Shelby  and  Anthony 
Bledsoe  were  appointed  commissioners  to  lay  off  the  land  and  they  were 
to  be  accompanied  by  a guard  of  not  more  than  100  men. 

By  the  tenth  section  Gen.  Nathaniel  Greene  was  allowed  25,000 
acres  of  land,  which  by  an  act  passed  in  1784  was  described  as  follows; 
“Beginning  on  the  south  bank  of  Duck  River,  on  a sycamore,  cherry  tree 
and  ash,  at  the  mouth  of  a small  branch,  running  thence  along  a line  of 
marked  trees  south  seven  miles  and  forty-eight  poles,  to  a Spanish  oak, 
a hickory  and  a sugar  sapling ; thence  east  six  miles  and  ninety  poles,  to 
a Spanish  oak  and  hackberry  tree ; thence  north  three  miles  and  300  poles, 
to  a sugar-tree  sapling,  and  two  ivhite  oak  saplings  into  a clift  of  Duck 
River,  where  it  comes  from  the  northeast;  thence  down  Duck  River  ac- 
cording to  its  meandering’s  to  the  beginning.” 

O O o o 

The  Revolutionary  war  came  to  an  end  in  November,  1782.  Capt. 
Robertson  anticipated  this  event  and  from  it  inferred  an  abatement  of 
Indian  hostilities.  It  was  soon  followed  by  the  arrival  from  North  Caro- 
lina of  quite  a number  of  persons,  who  gave  additional  strength  and  en- 
couragement to  the  settlements.  Early  in  1783  the  commissioners 
named  above  in  the  eighth  section  of  the  act  for  the  relief  of  the  officers 
and  soldiers  in  the  Continental  line  arrived  from  North  Carolina  accom- 
panied  by  a guard  to  lay  off  the  lands  promised  as  bounties  to  the  officers 
and  soldiers  of  said  Continental  line.  These  commissioners  also  came  to 
examine  into  the  claims  of  those  persons  who  considered  themselves  en- 
titled to  pre-emption  rights  granted  to  settlers  on  the  Cumberland  pre- 
vious to  1780,  and  also  to  lay  off  the  lands  given  to  Gen.  Greene.  The 


140 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


settlers,  animated  with  new  hope  by  the  presence  of  all  these  additions  to 
their  numbers  and  strength,  entirely  abandoned  the  designs  they  had 
long  entertained  of  leaving  the  country. 

The  commissioners  and  guards,  with  some  of  the  inhabitants  in  com- 
pany, went  to  the  place  since  called  Latitude  Hill,  on  Elk  River,  to 
ascertain  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of  north  latitude,  and  there  made  obser- 
vations. They  then  went  north  to  Duck  River  to  the  second  creek  be- 
low Columbia  and  laid  off  Greene’s  25,000  acres,  and  then  fifty-five 
miles  from  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State,  and  parallel  thereto  ran 
a line  which  received  the  name  of  the  “Continental  line,”  because  it  was 
the  boundary  of  the  territory  allotted  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  North 
Carolina  in  the  Continental  Army.  But  upon  the  representation,  and  at 
the  request  of  the  officers  made  to  the  General  Assembly  at  the  session 
of  1783,  they  directed  it  to  be  laid  off  from  the  northern  boundary  fifty- 
five  miles  to  the  south:  Beginning  on  the  Virginia  line  where  the  Cum- 
berland River  intersects  the  same;  thence  south  fifty-five  miles;  thence 
west  to  the  Tennessee  River;  thence  down  the  Tennessee  River  to  Vir- 
ginia line;  thence  with  the  said  Virginia  line  east  to  the  beginning.* 
This  line  was  run  by  Gen.  Rutherford,  in  1784,  and  named  the  “Com- 
missioner’s line.”  The  Continental  line  passed  the  Harpeth  River  about 
five  miles  above  the  town  of  Franklin.  The  Commissioner’s  line  in- 
cluded the  land  in  the  Great  Bend  of  Tennessee — all  lands  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Tennessee  to  the  present  Kentucky  line.  The  method  of 
running  it  was  as  follows:  Commencing  at  the  Kentucky  line  the  com- 
missioners ran  south  fifty-five  miles  to  Mount  Pisgah,  then  forming  them- 
selves into  two  parties,  one  party  ran  westward  to  the  Tennesssee  and  the 
other  eastward  to  the  Caney  Fork. 

Never  were  more  generous  bounties  given  to  more  deserving  patriots. 
The  war-worn  veteran  might  here  secure  a competency,  or  perhaps  even 
wealth  or  affluence  to  himself  and  children  after  the  storm  of  battle  had 
subsided,  in  the  enjoyment  of  which  he  might  pass  the  evening  of  life, 
serenely  contemplating  the  great  benefits  derived  and  to  be  derived  from 
the  sacrifices  himself  and  his  compatriots  had  made  in  the  establishment 
of  the  independence  of  the  American  nation.  A vast  emigration  from 
North  Carolina  was  the  direct  result  of  her  generous  action,  insomuch 
that  it  was  at  one  time  estimated  that  nine-tenths  of  the  population  of 
Tennessee  were  from  the  mother  State.  And  in  addition  to  the  bounties 
offered  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Continental  line,  other  bounties 
were  offered  to  the  guards  of  the  commissioners  who  were  appointed  to 
lay  off  the  reservation  for'  the  said  officers  and  soldiers.  These  bounties 


*Haywood. 


WEST  TENNESSEE  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


141 


were  named  “Guard  Eights,”  and  induced  numerous  individuals  to  be- 
come members  of  the  guard,  and  numerous  grants  were  located  and  set- 
tled upon  by  such  individuals.  After  running  the  line  as  authorized  by 
the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina,  the  commissioners  sat  at  the 
Bluff  to  examine  into  pre-emption  claims  and  issued  certificates  to  such 
as  were  entitled  thereto.  The  commission  then  dissolved  and  Isaac 
Shelby  removed  to  Kentucky,  thus  ceasing  to  be  a citizen  of  Tennessee. 
Of  Kentucky  he  became  the  first  governor,  and  died  suddenly  July  18, 
1826,  in  the  seventy-sixth  year  of  his  age. 

The  commissioners  having  come  and  gone  affairs  again  assumed  their 
usual  aspect  at  the  Bluff.  The  people  were  employed  in  their  ordinary 
labors,  doing  what  could  be  done  to  improve  their  condition.  Additions 
to  their  numbers  continued  to  be  made  from  North  Carolina,  and  they 
were  gratified  to  learn  that  even  much  larger  numbers  were  added  to  the 
settlements  in  Kentucky.  Goods  began  to  be  brought  in  by  boats  from 
the  Ohio  and  its  tributaries,  but  according  to  Putnam  the  first  store  at 
the  Falls  of  the  Ohio  was  supplied  from  Philadelphia,  and  the  supplies 
carried  on  pack-horses.  The  second  store  was  kept  at  Lexington  by  Col. 
(afterward  Gen.)  James  Wilkinson,  from  which  small  supplies  were  pur- 
chased for  the  settlers  on  the  Cumberland.  Several  years  after  this  a 
small  store  was  opened  at  the  Bluff.  Gardner  Clark  was  the  first  mer- 
chant and  ordinary-keeper,  dealing  in  dry  goods,  thimbles  and  pins  for 
ladies;  dinners  and  liquors  for  men,  and  provender  for  horses.  As  one 
of  the  improvements  made  in  that  early  day  in  the  way  of  labor-saving 
machinery,  it  may  not  be  inappropriate  to  introduce  here  a description  of 
a hominy-mill  invented  and  constructed  by  a Mr.  Cartwright.  It  con- 
sisted mainly  of  a wheel,  upon  the  rim  of  which  he  fastened  a number  of 
cows’  horns,  in  such  position  that  as  each  horn  was  filled  with  water  its 
weight  would  cause  it  to  descend  and  thus  set  the  wheel  in  revolution. 
To  the  axle  of  this  wheel  was  attached  a crank,  and  to  the  crank  the 
apparatus  for  cracking  the  corn.  Thus  many  a little  blow  was  made  by 
the  little  pestle  upon  the  quart  of  corn  in  the  mortar.  This  mill  was 
owned  by  Heyden  and  James  Wells. 

As  to  the  general  condition  of  affairs  on  the  Cumberland  the  follow- 
ing description  from  Kamsey  is  probably  as  graphic  and  correct  as  can  be 
composed:  “As  on  the  Watauga  at  its  first  settlement,  so  now  here  the 

colonists  of  Eobertson  were  without  any  regularly  organized  government. 
The  country  was  within  the  boundaries  of  Washington  County,  which 
extended  to  the  Mississippi,  perhaps  the  largest  extent  of  territory  ever 
embraced  in  a single  county.  But  even  here  in  the  wilds  of  the  Cum- 
berland, removed  more  than  600  miles  from  their  seat  of  government,  the 

9 


142 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


people  demonstrated  again  their  adequacy  to  self-government.  Soon 
after  their  arrival  at  the  Bluff,  the  settlers  appointed  trustees,  and  signed 
a covenant  obliging  themselves  to  conform  to  the  judgments  and  decisions 
of  their  officers,  in  whom  they  had  invested  the  powers  of  government.* 
Those  who  signed  the  covenant  had  considerable  advantages  over  those 
who  did  not;  they  were  respectively  allowed  a tract  of  land,  the  quiet 
possession  of  which  was  guaranteed  by  the  colony.  Those  who  did  not 
sign  the  covenant  were  considered  as  having  no  right  to  their  lands,  and 
could  be  dispossessed  by  a signer  without  any  recourse.  To  the  trustees 
were  allowed  in  these  days  of  primitive  honesty  and  old-fashioned  public 
spirit  neither  salaries  nor  fees.  But  to  the  clerk  appointed  by  the  trus- 
tees were  given  small  perquisites  as  compensation  for  the  expense  of 
paper  and  stationery.  The  trustees  were  the  executive  of  the  colony, 
and  had  the  whole  government  in  their  own  hands;  acting  as  the  judi- 
ciary their  decisions  gave  general  satisfaction.  To  them  were  also  com- 
mitted the  functions  of  the  sacerdotal  office  in  the  celebration  of  the  rites 
of  matrimony.  The  founder  of  the  colony,  Capt.  James  Bobertson,  as 
might  have  been  expected,  was  one  of  the  trustees  and  was  the  first  who 
married  a couple.  These  were  Capt.  Leiper  and  his  wife.  Mr.  James 
Shaw  was  also  a trustee,  and  married  Edward  Swanson  to  Mrs.  Carvin, 
James  Freeland  to  Mrs.  Maxwell,  Cornelius  Biddle  to  Miss  Jane  Mul- 
lierrin  and  John  Tucker  to  Jenny  Herrod,  all  in  one  day.  The  first  child 
born  in  the  country  was  John  Saunders,  since  the  sheriff  of  Montgomery 
County,  and  afterward  killed  on  White  Biver,  Indiana,  by  the  Indians. 
The  second  was  Anna  Wells.  ***** 

“Under  the  patriarchal  form  of  government,  by  trustees  selected  on 
account  of  their  experience,  probity  and  firmness,  the  colony  was  planted, 
defended,  governed  and  provided  for  several  years,  and  the  administration 
of  justice  and  the  protection  of  rights,  though  simple  and  a little  irreg- 
ular, it  is  believed  was  as  perfect  and  satisfactory  as  at  any  subsequent 
period  in  its  history.” 

Approach  to  the  Cumberland  settlements  previous  to  1785  was  gen- 
erally through  the  wilderness  of  Kentucky,  but  at  the  November  session 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  for  this  year,  it  enacted  a law 
providing  for  a force  of  300  men  to  protect  these  settlements,  and  it  was 
made  the  duty  of  these  soldiers  or  guards,  to  cut  and  clear  a road  from 
the  lower  end  of  Clinch  Mountain  to  Nashville  by  the  most  eligible 
route.  This  road  was  to  be  at  least  ten  feet  wide  and  fit  for  the  passage 
of  wagons  and  carts.  For  the  half  of  his  first  year’s  pay  each  private 
was  allowed  400  acres  of  land,  and  for  further  services  in  the  same  pro- 


* See  chapter  on  Organization. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


143 


portion.  The  officers  were  to  be  paid  in  a similar  manner.  The  road 
was  opened  during  the  year,  after  which  the  route  was  more  direct,  and 
immense  numbers  of  the  more  wealthy  people  of  the  Atlantic  sections 
sought  the  Cumberland  over  it.  But  as  the  guards  were  overburdened  in 
protecting  the  settlements  from  Indian  incursions  and  attacks;  the  road 
cut  by  them  was  not  sufficient  for  the  purpose  of  the  vast  immigration 
nmv  pouring  into  the  country.  A wider  and  more  level  road  was  de- 
manded, hence  the  road  already  cut  was  widened  and  another  road  was 
cut  leading  into  it  from  Bledsoe’s  Lick.  The  field  officers  of  the  coun- 
ties were  authorized  and  directed,  when  informed  that  a number  of  fam- 
ilies were  at  Cumberland  Mountain  waiting  for  an  escort  to  conduct  them 
to  the  Cumberland  settlements,  to  raise  militia  guards,  to  consist  of  notmore 
than  fifty  men  to  act  as  such  escort.  The  expenses  of  these  guards  were  to  be 
defrayed  by  a poll  tax  which  the  county  courts  were  authorized  to  levy. 
By  the  improvement  in  the  roads  and  the  protection  provided  for  emi- 
grants, great  accessions  were  constantly  made  to  the  Cumberland  settle- 
ments for  the  next  succeeding  years.  Large  numbers  of  families  would 
concentrate  on  the  banks  of  the  Clinch,  and  attended  by  the  guard  would 
pass  through  the  wilderness  with  little  apprehension  of  trouble  from  the 
Indians  on  the  way,  and  the  settlements  thus  constantly  strengthened 
soon  secured  a foretaste  of  that  final  triumph  over  discouragements  and 
disasters  by  which  they  had  so  long  been  enfeebled  and  depressed.  They 
became  better  prepared  to  repel  savage  aggressions,  and  at  length  able 
themselves  to  carry  on  an  offensive  warfare  against  the  Indians.  In  fact 
the  population  of  Davidson  County  increased  so  rapidly  that  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  inhabitants  living  remote  from  Nashville,  the  seat  of 
justice,  it  became  necessary  to  divide  the  county  and  form  a new  one 
named  Tennessee. 

The  records  of  Davidson  County  for  the  October  term  of  1787  con- 
tain a resolution  that  for  the  better  furnishing  of  the  troops  now  coming 
into  the  country  under  Maj.  Evans  with  provisions,  etc.,  one-fourth  of 
the  tax  of  the  county  should  be  paid  in  corn,  two-fourths  in  beef,  pork, 
bear  meat  and  venison,  one-eighth  in  salt,  and  one-eighth  in  money  to 
defray  the  expense  of  moving  the  provisions  from  the  place  of  collection 
to  the  troops.  It  was  also  provided  that  the  price  of  corn  should  be  4 
shillings  per  bushel,  beef  $5  per  hundred  weight,  pork  $8,  good  bear  meat 
(without  bones)  $8, venison  10  shillings  per  hundred  weight,  and  salt  816  per 
bushel.  TVitli  reference  to  the  currency  the  court,  at  its  next  April  term, 
appointed  Robert  Hays,  Anthony  Hart  and  John  Hunter  a committee  of 
inspection,  with  authority  to  destroy  such  of  the  bills  as  they  believed  to 
be  counterfeit.  This  action  was  taken  subsequent  to  the  refusal  of  Jesse 


144 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Cain  to  receive  the  currency  of  the  State,  for  which  he  was  indicted  by 
the  grand  jury  April  7,  1787,  but  not  punished.  It  will  be  noticed  that 
the  currency  of  the  Cumberland  was  something  to  eat,  while  that  of 
Franklin  was  something  to  wear. 

In  the  State  Gazette  of  North  Carolina,  under  date  of  November  28, 
1788,  Col.  Robertson  published  the  following  notice:  “The  new  road 
from  Campbell’s  Station  to  Nashville  was  opened  on  the  25tli  of  Septem- 
ber, and  the  guard  attended  at  that  time  to  escort  such  persons  as  Avere 
ready  to  proceed  to  Nashville ; that  about  sixty  families  had  gone  on, 
among  AAdiom  were  the  widow  and  family  of  the  late  Gen.  Davidson,  and 
John  McNairy,  judge  of  the  Superior  Court;  and  that  on  the  1st  day  of 
October  next,  the  guard  would  attend  at  the  same  place  for  the  same 
purpose.” 

Not  long  after  this  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  estab- 
lished a provision  store  on  the  frontier  of  Hawkins  County  at  the  house 
of  John  Adair,  for  the  reception  of  beef,  pork,  flour  and  corn  for  the  use 
of  the  Cumberland  Guard  when  called  on  to  conduct  these  emigrant 
parties  through  the  wilderness,  and  John  Adair  was  appointed  a commis- 
sioner for  the  purchase  of  these  provisions.  In  payment  for  them  he  was 
authorized  to  issue  certificates  receivable  by  the  sheriff  in  the  District  of 
Washington  in  part  payment  of  the  public  taxes  in  the  counties  of  that 
district,  from  whom  they  Avere  to  be  received  by  the  treasurer  of  the 
State.  It  Avas  also  provided  that  when  any  person,  Avounded  in  the  for- 
mation and  defense  of  the  Cumberland  settlements,  was  unable  to  pay  the 
expense  of  his  treatment,  the  county  courts  should  pass  the  accounts,  and 
that  accounts  so  passed  should  be  received  in  payment  of  public  taxes. 
The  courts  were  also  authorized  to  sell  the  several  salt  licks,  heretofore 
reserved,  at  which  salt  could  be  manufactured,  and  to  declare  the  others 
vacant  and  subject  to  entry  as  other  public  lands.  Tavo  of  the  licks  of 
the  first  description  were  to  be  retained  for  the  use  of  Davidson  Academy. 

The  year  1788  was  distinguished  by  the  deplorable  adventure  of  Col. 
James  Brown,  a Revolutionary  officer  in  the  North  Carolina  line.  He 
was  immigrating  to  the  Cumberland  to  take  possession  of  the  lands  al- 
lotted to  him  for  his  military  services  during  the  Revolution.  His  family 
consisted  of  himself,  wife,  five  sons,  four  daughters  and  seAreral  negroes. 
Tavo  of  his  sons  Avere  young  men.  Besides  his  immediate  family,  Col. 
BroAvn’s  party  consisted  of  J.  Bays,  John  Flood,  John  and  William  Gen- 
try, and  John  Griffin.  Being  unwilling  to  expose  his  family  to  the  dan- 
gers of  an  overland  journey  to  the  Cumberland,  Col.  Brown  determined 
to  go  by  Avater,  following  the  famous  example  of  Col.  John  Donelson,  of 
eight  years  before.  His  boat  Avas  built  on  Holston,  a short  distance  be- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


145 


low  Long  Island.  It  was  fortified  by  placing  two-inch  oak  plank  all 
around  above  the  gunwales.  These  were  pierced  with  port-holes  at  proper 
distances,  and  a swivel-gun  was  placed  in  the  stern  of  the  boat.  By  tak- 
ing these  precautions  he  hoped  to  make  the  journey  for  his  party  safe, 
easy  and  pleasant.  They  embarked  on  the  4th  of  May,  and  on  the  9th  the 
party  passed  the  Chickamauga  towns  about  daybreak,  and  the  Tuske- 
gee  Island  town  a little  after  sunrise.  At  this  place  the  head  man,  Cut- 
tey  Otoy,  and  three  other  warriors,  came  on  board  and  were  kindly  treated. 
Returning  to  the  shore,  they  sent  runners  to  Running  Water  Town  and 
Nickajack  to  raise  all  the  warriors  they  could  to  ascend  the  river  and 
meet  the  boat.  Not  long  after  they  had  left  the  boat,  Col.  Brown’s  party 
saw  a number  of  canoes  ascending  the  river,  evidently  prepared  to  do 
mischief,  if  that  were  their  intention.  One  of  their  number,  John  Yann, 
was  a half-breed,  and  could  speak  English  plainly.  By  pretending  to  be 
friendly,  the  Indians  in  the  canoes  came  alongside  Col.  Brown’s  boat, 
boarded  it,  forced  it  to  the  shore,  killed  Col.  Brown,  and  took  all  of  the 
others  prisoners.  All  of  the  men  of  the  party  were  killed.  Mrs.  Brown 
and  one  daughter  were  retained  prisoners  for  seventeen  months;  two  of 
the  daughters  and  one  son  were  released  about  eleven  months  after  their 
capture,  and  one  little  son  was  kept  five  years  among  the  Creeks,  at  the 
end  of  which  time  he  had  forgotten  the  few  English  words  he  had  learned 
at  the  time  of  his  capture.  The  son  of  Col.  Brown,  released  at  the  end  of 
eleven  months,  was  subsequently  Col.  Joseph  Brown,  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.  After  his  release,  himself  and  other  members  of  the  family  made 
a successful  overland  journey  to  the  Cumberland,  and  settled  about  three 
miles  below  Nashville.  Mrs.  Brown  was  released  through  the  aid  of 
Col.  McGilvery,  the  head  man  of  the  Creek  nation,  as  was  also  one  of 
her  daughters.  Few  families  suffered  more  from  Indian  atrocities  than 
the  Browns;  Col.  Brown,  two  sons,  and  three  sons-in-law,  were  killed, 
another  was  shot  in  the  right  hand  and  cut  about  the  wrist;  another  son, 
Joseph,  and  two  daughters,  were  prisoners  nearly  a year;  Mrs.  Brown 
and  another  daughter  were  prisoners  seventeen  months,  the  former  being 
driven  on  foot  by  the  Creeks  200  miles,  her  feet  blistered  and  suppu- 
rating, not  being  allowed  time  to  take  the  gravel  from  her  shoes ; and  a 
younger  son  was  a prisoner  five  years.  Gen.  Sevier  was  at  this  time  act- 
ively engaged  in  suppressing  Indian  hostilities,  and  it  is  to  him  credit  is 
due  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners  effected.  A full  account  of  his  opera- 
tions will  be  found  in  the  chapter  on  Indian  history. 

Not  long  after  the  fall  of  the  Franklin  government  in  the  spring  of 
1788,  it  became  evident  that  North  Carolina,  although  opposed  to  the 
existence  of  that  anomaly,  was  at  the  same  time  exceedingly  economical 


140 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


in  tlie  adoption  of  measures  and  in  providing  means  for  the  welfare  and 
protection  of  her  western  counties.  This  disposition  on  the  part  of  the 
parent  State  soon  revived  the  discontents  and  complaints  of  the  western 
people,  especially  of  those  who  had  been  in  the  Franklin  revolt,  and  it 
soon  became  the  general  opinion  on  both  sides  of  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains that  a separation  was  not  only  the  best  policy  for  each  but  was  also 
for  the  interest  of  both.  The  General  Assembly  acting  upon  this  princi- 
ple passed  an  act  for  the  purpose  of  ceding  to  the  United  States  certain 
western  lands  therein  described,  and  in  conformity  with  one  of  the  pro- 
visions of  this  act,  North  Carolina’s  United  States  Senators,  Samuel 
Johnston  and  Benjamin  Hawkins,  on  the  25th  of  February,  1790,  exe- 
cuted a deed  of  the  territory  ceded  to  the  United  States.  On  the  2d  of 
the  following  April,  the  United  States  Congress  accepted  the  deed  and 
what  is  now  Tennessee  ceased  to  be  a part  of  North  Carolina. 

One  of  the  few  last  legislative  enactments  of  North  Carolina  respect- 
ing her  western  territory  was  one  establishing  Rogersville  in  Hawkins 
County,  in  1789.  This  was  the  last  town  established  by  North  Carolina 
in  Tennessee. 

Having  thus  traced  some  of  the  principal  events  in  settlements  of  the 
territory  now  comprising  the  State  of  Tennessee,  it  is  proper  to  pause 
and  consider  the  condition  of  things  at  the  time  the  final  cession  was 
made  to,  and  accepted  by,  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  T he  settle- 
ments were  comprised  in  two  bodies  or  communities.  That  in  East  Ten- 
nessee extended  from  the  Virginia  line  on  the  east,  southwest  to  the  wa- 
ters of  Little  Tennessee,  in  the  shape  of  a peninsula.  Its  length  was 
about  150  miles,  and  its  width  from  twenty-five  to  fifty.  This  narrow 
strip  of  inhabited  country  was  bounded  on  the  south  by  a constant  suc- 
cession of  mountains  claimed  and  in  part  occupied  by  the  Indians,  on  the 
west  by  territory  occupied  by  them,  and  on  the  north  and  northwest  by 
the  Clinch  and  Cumberland  Mountains.  And  the  settlements  within 
these  limits  were  confined  mainly  to  the  valleys  of  the  Holston,  Nolli- 
chucky  and  the  French  Broad  and  Little  Elvers  below  the  mountains. 
All  the  rest  of  East  Tennessee  was  occupied  by  Cherokee  villages  or  their 
hunting  grounds.  In  this  portion  of  the  State,  comprising  what  was  then 
Washington  District,  there  were  about  30,000  inhabitants. 

The  other  community  was  settled  along  the  Cumberland  Biver,  and 
was  almost  entirely  insulated  from  the  community  in  East  Tennessee. 
They  were  included  in  Mero  District,  and  numbered  about  7,000  inhabi- 
tants. The  counties  were  Davidson,  Tennessee  and  Sumner.  Between 
these  two  sections  thus  distant  from  each  other  there  was  no  direct  and 
easy  communication.  By  water  the  great  obstacles  were  the  rapids  and 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


147 


Muscle  Shoals  of  the  Tennessee  River,  and  the  ascent  of  the  Ohio  and 
Cumberland,  and  between  the  two  a mountain  chain  and  a wilderness 
intervened  -which  could  not  well  be  traversed  without  a military  guard. 

West  of  the  Tennessee  River  lay  the  territory  claimed  but  unoccupied 
by  the  Chickasaws.  Much  of  it  was  covered  by  grants  from  North  Caro- 
lina but  as  yet  none  of  it  had  been  settled  by  white  people.  It  furnished 
a thoroughfare  through  which  intercommunication  was  continued  for  a 
considerable  period  between  northern  and  southern  tribes  of  Indians,  and 
foreign  emissaries  who  sought  to  involve  the  settlements  in  difficulties 
with  the  tribes.  Spaniards  were  also  residing  in  the  towns  of  the  Creeks 
and  Choctaws,  who  themselves  had  no  valid  claim  to  the  lands.  Such 
was  the  state  of  affairs  when  the  cession  was  made,  and  when  the  terri- 
tory of  the  United  States  south  of  the  Ohio  River  was  organized,  and 
when  that  accomplished  gentleman,  William  Blount,  of  North  Carolina, 
was  appointed  its  governor  by  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
George  Washington. 

An  important  transaction  took  place  about  this  time  with  which  sev- 
eral prominent  citizens  of  Tennessee  were  connected  either  directly  or 
indirectly.  It  was  between  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Georgia  and 
the  Tennessee  Land  Company.  It  would  probably  be  very  difficult  to 
ascertain  the  names  of  all  the  members  of  this  company,  even  if  it  were 
desirable  so  to  do.  The  leading  spirit,  however,  in  the  enterprise,  was 
Zachariah  Cox.  Others  who  were  either  members  of  the  company  or  in- 
terested in  its  operations  were  Matthias  Maher,  William  Cox,  James 
Hubbard,  Peter  Bryant,  John  Ruddle,  Thomas  Gilbert,  John  Strother,  a 
Mr.  Williams  and  a Mr.  Gardiner,  Gen.  Sevier  and  Col.  Donelson. 
The  territory  of  Georgia  then  like  that  of  North  Carolina,  extended 
westward  to  the  Mississippi  River,  and  the  Legislature  of  that  State  con- 
sidering itself  authorized  by  the  constitution  so  to  do,  and  thinking  it 
would  be  to  the  interest  of  their  State,  sold  large  quantities  of  land  in  its 
Avestern  territory  to  different  companies,  among  these  being  the  Tennes- 
see Land  Company.  The  tract  of  land  thus  purchased  by  this  company 
lay  upon  the  Great  Bend  of  the  Tennessee  River  and  was  bounded  as 
folloAvs:  “Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  Bear  Creek,  on  the  south  bank  of 
the  Tennessee  River ; thence  up  the  said  creek  to  the  most  southern  source 
thereof ; thence  due  south  to  latitude  thirty-four  degrees  and  ten  minutes ; 
thence  a due  east  course  120  miles;  thence  a due  north  course  to  the 
great  Tennessee  River ; thence  up  the  middle  of  said  river  to  the  north- 
ern boundary  line  of  this  State ; thence  a due  Avest  course  along  the  said 
line  to  where  it  intersects  the  great  Tennessee  River  below  the  Muscle 
Shoals;  thence  up  the  said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning.”  Within 


148 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


these  limits  were  contained  8,500,000  acres  of  land,  and  the  stipulated 
price  was  $46,875.  The  act  of  the  Legislature  making  this  grant  was 
passed  December  21,  1789;  $12,000  was  to  be  paid  down,  and  242,000 
acres  were  to  be  reserved  to  the  citizens  of  Georgia.  Of  this  land  Gen. 
Sevier  had  “ten  or  twenty  thousand  acres  at  the  mouth  of  Blue  Water 
Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Tennessee  near  the  head  of  Muscle  Shoals, 
the  right  to  which  he  afterward  relinquished  to  the  United  States  for 
the  privilege  of  entering  5,000  acres  of  other  unappropriated  public 
lands.”  * 

In  view  of  the  course  taken  by  the  United  States  toward  those  who 
attempted  to  settle  upon  this  purchase,  this  statement  is  somewhat  con- 
fusing. Zachariah  Cos  and  Thomas  Carr,  as  agents  of  the  company,  soon 
took  measures  to  effect  this  settlement.  From  their  territory  they  issued 
a notice  September  2,  1790,  that  they  would  embark  a large  armed  force 
at  the  mouth  of  French  Broad.  But  little  attention  was  paid  to  them  by 
Gov.  Blount,  as  it  was  supposed  they  were  unable  to  start  the  expedition. 
But  about  January  10,  1791,  Cox  and  about  twenty-five  or  thirty  others 
arrived  at  the  place  of  embarkation,  and  began  to  make  preparations  in 
earnest  to  go  down  the  river.  The  President  of  the  United  States,  hear- 
ing of  the  purchase  and  intended  occupation  of  these  lands,  issued  a 
proclamation  forbidding  the  settlement,  and  declaring  those  who  made 
such  settlement  would  be  entirely  outside  the  protection  of  the  United 
States.  Upon  the  receipt  of  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated 
January  13,  1791,  Gov.  Blount  dispatched  Maj.  White,  of  Hawkins 
County,  to  make  known  to  the  company  the  tenor  of  the  proclamation, 
and  to  inform  them  that  if  they  went  to  the  Muscle  Shoals  the  Indians 
would  be  immediately  notified  of  it  and  be  at  liberty  to  act  toward  them 
as  they  might  think  proper,  without  offense  to  the  United  States;  and  to 
inform  them  also  that  if  the  Indians  would  permit  them  to  settle,  the 
United  States  would  not. 

This  communication  for  a time  intimidated  the  company,  but  upon 
considering  that  in  February  a force  of  about  300  men  from  Kentucky  in- 
tended to  make  a settlement  near  the  Yazoo,  upon  land  bought  by  the  Vir- 
ginia Yazoo  Company,  at  the  same  time  the  Tennessee  Company  purchased 
their  land,  they  determined  to  disregard  the  Federal  prohibition  and  pro- 
ceed with  their  enterprise.  Zachariah  Cox,  Col.  Hubbard,  Peter  Bryant 
and  about  fifteen  others  embarked  at  the  mouth  of  the  Dumplin  in  a small 
boat  and  two  canoes  for  the  purpose  of  taking  possession  of  the  Tennes- 
see grant.  With  such  a small  party  the  enterprise  of  sailing  down  the 
river  was  hazardous  in  the  extreme.  Remembering  the  sad  fate  of  Col. 


* Putnam. 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


149 


Brown  three  years  before,  they  proceeded  down  the  river  with  the  utmost 
caution.  “ Below  the  Suck  a small  party  of  Indians  came  out  in  their 
canoes  and  hailed  them.  The  same  number  of  white  men  were  sent  out 
to  meet  them,  advancing  firmly  with  their  rifles  in  their  hands,  but  with 
orders  not  to  fire  till  the  last  extremity.  Their  canoe  floated  down  toward 
the  Indians,  who,  observing  their  preparation  for  attack,  withdrew  and 
disappeared.  A little  further  down  night  overtook  the  voyagers,  and, 
when,  from  the  dangers  of  navigation  at  night,  it  was  proposed  to  steer  to 
the  shore,  they  saw  upon  the  bank  a row  of  fires,  extending  along  the 
bottoms  as  far  as  they  could  see,  and  standing  around  them  armed  Indian 
warriors.  They  silenced  their  oars  by  pouring  water  upon  the  oar-pins, 
spoke  not  a word,  but  glided  by  as  quietly  as  possible.  * * * Sev- 

eral times  next  day  the  Indians  tried  by  various  artifices  to  decoy  them 
to  land.  On  one  occasion  three  of  them  insisted,  in  English,  to  come  and 
trade  with  them.  After  they  had  refused  and  passed  by,  300  warriors 
rose  out  of  ambush.  * * * For  three  days  and  nights  they  did  not 

land,  but  doubled  on  their  oars,  beating  to  the  south  side  at  night  and  to 
the  middle  of  the  river  by  day  A 

Arriving  at  the  Muscle  Shoals  Oox  and  his  party  built  a block-house 
and  other  works  of  defense  on  an  island.  The  Glass  with  about  sixty 
Indians  shortly  afterward  appeared,  and  informed  the  intruders  that  if 
they  did  not  peacefully  withdraw  he  would  put  them  to  death.  Upon 
considering  their  defenseless  condition  as  against  a much  superior  force, 
they  abandoned  their  works,  which  the  Indians  immediately  reduced  to 
ashes.  Beturning  to  Knoxville  Oox  and  his  associates  were  arrested 
upon  a warrant  by  Judge  Campbell  to  answer  for  their  offense,  but  the 
indictments,  two  of  which  were  sent  to  the  grand  jury,  were  not  sustained 
as  true  bills.  Thus  Cox  and  his  twenty  young  men  from  Georgia  seemed 
to  triumph  over  the  Government,  and  were  thereby  encouraged  to  perse- 
vere in  their  attempt  to  settle  at  the  Muscle  Shoals.  They  soon  found 
purchasers  for  many  thousands  of  acres  of  land  and  made  public  declar- 
ation of  their  intention  to  make  another  attempt  at  settlement,  and  that 
they  would  do  so  with  a great  force  drawn  from  Maryland,  Virginia, 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina  and  Georgia.  The  time  fixed  upon  for 
this  grand  movement  was  November,  1791,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  their 
numbers  could  be  collected.  This  movement,  however,  appears  to  have 
failed,  and  the  failure  was  probably  on  account  of  the  company’s  failure 
to  comply  with  the  terms  of  their  purchase  of  the  lands  from  Georgia. 

For  two  or  three  years  the  matter  remained  in  abeyance,  but  in  1794 
the  Legislature  of  Georgia  passed  another  bill  for  the  sale  of  the  lands 


♦Ramsey. 


150 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


which  was  vetoed  by  the  Governor  in  December  o£  that  year.  In  Janu- 
ary, 1795,  a bill  was  passed  which  received  the  Governor’s  signature  and 
became  a law.  Under  this  law  an  aggregate  Qf  35,000,000  acres  of 
land  was  sold  to  four  companies,  very  nearly  in  proportion  to  the  amounts 
paid  by  each  company.  The  Georgia  Company  paid  $250,000,  the 
Georgia-Mississippi  Company  paid  $155,000,  the  Upper  Mississippi 
Company  paid  $35,000  and  the  Tennessee  Land  Company  paid  $60,000, 
the  latter  company  receiving  the  same  amount  as  under  the  first  purchase 
in  1789.  In  August,  1795,  a report  was  circulated  that  Cox  and  his 
associates  intended  making  another  attempt  at  the  establishment  of  a 
settlement  on  the  lands  purchased  from  Georgia,  and  Gov.  Blount  recom- 
mended a regular  military  force  to  prevent  them.  In  January,  1796, 
some  individuals  arrived  from  Georgia  for  the  purpose  of  making  a pas- 
sage to  the  Muscle  Shoals  with  the  view  of  keeping  possession  there  until 
a settlement  could  be  established  by  the  Tennessee  Company.  They 
gave  out,  however,  that  they  were  going  to  Natchez,  and  it  was  some 
time  before  the  Governor  could  learn  their  true  designs.  On  the  18th  of 
February,  1796,  he  wrote  a letter  to  the  chiefs  of  Cherokees,  informing 
them  that  about  four  weeks  before  that  time  a boat  with  many  men  had 
left  Knoxville,  ostensibly  for  Natchez,  but  really  for  the  Muscle  Shoals 
with  the  view  of  settling  on  the  Great  Bend  of  the  Tennessee,  and  gave 
assurance  to  the  chiefs  that  if  such  were  the  fact  the  United  States  would 
remove  the  intruders  and  that  they,  the  Cherokees,  need  not  be  uneasy. 

But  the  settlement  under  all  of  these  purchases  was  effectually  pre- 
vented by  the  action  of  the  State  of  Georgia  with  reference  to  the  sale 
of  the  lands,  which  is  in  itself  a curious  and  interesting  study.  The 
entire  populace  of  that  State  became  intensely  excited  and  most  highly 
inflamed  against  the  Legislature  for  selling  the  lands,  and  in  1796  the 
act  by  which  the  sale  was  made  was  repealed  by  a new  Legislature 
elected  for  the  purpose,  by  an  overwhelming  vote,  on  the  ground  of 
unconstitutionality  and  fraud,  and  the  enrolled  bill,  passed  January  7, 
1795,  was  publicly  and  solemnly  burned  February  13,  1796,  together 
with  such  portions  of  the  records  as  could  be  destroyed  without  destroy- 
ing other  and  valuable  portions.  And  it  is  matter  of  tradition  that  the 
fire  was  kindled  by  means  of  a sun  glass,  upon  the  theory  that  the  infamy 
sought  to  be  cast  upon  the  fair  fame  of  the  State  could  only  appropriately 
be  obliterated  by  fire  brought  down  from  heaven. 

The  following  table  shows  the  various  land  grants  or  appropriations 
by  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  within  her  western  territory,  now  the 
State  of  Tennessee: 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


151 


Acres.  Acres. 

Granted  to  claimants  in  the  counties  of  Washington, 

Sullivan,  Greene  and  Hawkins 879,262 

Granted  to  claimants  in  the  Eastern,  Middle  andWes- 

tern  districts 1,271,280 


Granted  to  the  settlers  on  the  Cumberland  pre-emp- 
tion   

Granted  to  Maj.-Gen.  Nathaniel  Greene 

Granted  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  Continen- 
tal line 1,239,498 

Granted  to  ditto  for  which  warrants  had  been 
granted,  but  for  which  grants  had  not  been 
issued 1,594,726 


2,834,224 

Granted  to  the  surveyor  of  the  military  lands  for 


his  services 30,203 

Granted  to  the  commissioners,  surveyors, officers  and 
guards,  for  ascertaining  the  bounds  of  the  mil- 
itary lands 65,932 

Total  number  of  acres 5,415,661 


Tlie  above  statement  was  certified  by  J.  Glasgow,  secretary  of  state 
for  North  Carolina,  July  30,  1791,  and  by  Alexander  Martin,  governor, 
August  10,  of  the  same  year. 

Settlement  of  West  Tennessee. — That  portion  of  Tennessee  lying 
west  of  the  Tennessee  River  was  not  settled — was  not  opened  for  settle- 
ment— until  long  after  Tennessee  became  a flourishing  and  wealthy  State. 
The  lands  in  this  section  were  owned  and  occupied  by  the  Chickasaw 
tribe  of  Indians  as  far  back  as  there  is  any  authentic  record.  Their  firm 
friendship  for  the  whites,  particularly  the  English,  was  something  rather 
remarkable.  They  were  first  met  by  De  Soto  in  his  tour  of  conquest  in 
1540,  a little  above  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State,  by  whom  he  was 
treated  with  remarkable  courtesy  until  he  demanded  of  them  200  of  their 
number  to  carry  his  baggage.  He  had  spent  the  winter  at  their  village, 
Cliisca,  and  received  many  courtesies  from  them,  but  on  this  demand  they 
burned  their  village  and  flew  to  arms.  They  preferred  desolated  homes 
and  death  to  anything  like  slavery.  Whether  De  Soto  and  his  band 
marched  within  the  boundaries  of  this  State  is  questioned.  The  next 
white  man,  possibly  the  first,  was  the  Jesuit  missionary,  Marquette,  who 
visited  the  borders  of  the  State  in  1673,  but  his  voyage  down  the  river 
was  one  of  exploration  and  discovery  rather  than  settlement.  He  found 
the  dusky  men  of  the  forest  armed  with  the  weapons  of  civilized  warfare, 
which  they  had  doubtless  obtained  from  traders  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 

In  1736  an  attempt  was  made  by  Bienville  from  the  south,  in  concert 


2,150,542 

309,760 

25,000 


152 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


with  D'Artaguette  ancl  Viusenne  from  the  north,  to  dispossess  the  Chick  - 
asaws  of  their  lands.  The  attempt  was  a disastrous  failure,  the  two  forces 
not  acting  simultaneously;  the  former  was  compelled  to  beat  a hasty  re- 
treat, and  the  latter  two  were  captured  and  burned  at  the  stake.  In  1739 
the  French  again  attempted  to  possess  themselves  of  the  territory  of  the 
Chickasaws;  this  time  they  made  an  attack  upon  the  Indians  at  Chicka- 
saw Bluffs  (at  Memphis),  but  were  defeated  with  loss.  The  attempt 
was  renewed  at  the  same  place  in  1710  by  Bienville  and  De  Noailles,  who 
ascended  the  river  in  boats.  They  met  with  little  success  but  managed 
to  patch  up  a hollow  treaty.  A fort  was  built  by  them  at  Chickasaw* 
Bluff,  called  Prud’homme,  but  the  date  is  unknown.  Desultory  fighting 
was  kept  up  between  them  for  the  possession  of  this  territory  for  ten 
years  longer.  In  nearly  all  the  wars  of  the  United  States  and  while  the 
colonies  were  under  control  of  the  English  Government,  these  Indians 
sided  with  and  assisted  the  English.  In  consequence  of  which  they 
received  very  liberal  boundaries  at  the  treaty  of  Hopewell,  after  the  Rev- 
olutionary war.  Besides  lands  the  Government  courted  their  friendship 
by  large  donations  of  corn  and  other  supplies. 

In  1782  (December  11)  Gen.  Robertson  established  Chickasaw  Bluffs 
as  a depot  to  which  was  sent  the  supplies  given  to  the  Indians.  The 
Bluffs  thus  became  a kind  of  permanent  post  at  which  the  English  and 
Chickasaws  met,  from  time  to  time,  till  the  treaty  of  1818,  when  the 
entire  western  portion  of  the  State  was  transferred  to  the  United  States. 

The  Spanish  seemed  anxious  to  obtain  this  territory  whether  by  fair 
means  or  foul.  The  Spanish  governor  of  Natchez,  Gayoso  by  name, 
appeared  at  the  Chickasaw  Bluffs  some  time  between  the  last  of  May  and 
the  9th  of  July,  with  the  intention  of  building  a fort  there.  He  took 
possession  of  the  bluff  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  within  the  territorial 
limits  of  the  United  States.  He  came  up  the  river  with  three  galleys 
which  anchored  on  the  side  opposite  the  bluffs,  until  the  materials  on  the 
west  side  were  prepared  for  the  erection  of  a block-house.  When  the 
material  was  ready  it  was  quickly  transferred  across  to  the  east  side,  and 
the  block-house  hastily  erected.  Complaint  was  made  to  Gov.  Blount  by 
the  Chickasaws  that  their  territorial  rights  had  been  invaded.  Novem- 
ber 9,  1795,  Gov.  Blount,  by  direction  of  the  President,  sent  a letter  to 
Gayoso,  by  Col.  McKee,  at  Fort  St.  Ferdinando,  near  the  Chickasaw  Bluff. 
This  letter  stated  that  the  United  States  considered  the  establishment  of 
a Spanish  fort  at  or  near  Chickasaw  Bluff  an  encroachment  not  only  upon 
the  territorial  rights  of  the  United  States  but  also  upon  the  rights  of  the 
Chickasaw  nation,  and  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  expected 


*Haywood. 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


153 


him  to  demolish  the  fort,  block-house  or  whatever  military  works  he  may 
have  erected,  and  to  withdraw  his  troops  from  its  limits.  The  Spanish 
officers  at  this  time  from  Fort  St.  Ferdinando  and  New  Madrid  below  and 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  above  allowed  no  boats  to  pass  without  reporting 
their  destination  and  cargo.  This  was  done  to  prevent  supplies  being 
sent  to  the  Chickasaws.  Col.  McKee  who  had  been  sent  to  Gayoso  did 
not  return  till  in  the  spring  of  1796,  when  it  was  learned  that  the  Gen- 
eral Government  had  made  a treaty  with  Spain  that  ended  all  grounds 
for  controversy. 

Various  treaties  were  made  with  the  Chickasaws  with  a view  to  obtain 
their  territory  in  the  State  for  settlement.  Among  these  treaties  were 
those  of  1806-07  by  which  they  relinquished  355,000  acres  for  settlement 
for  $22,000,  and  a large  amount  again  in  1816,  for  which  they  received 
$4,500  cash  and  $12,000  in  ten  annual  installments.  The  final  treaty  by 
which  they  relinquished  all  West  Tennessee  was  signed  October  19, 
1818,  by  Isaac  Shelby  and  Andrew  Jackson  on  the  part  of  President 
James  Monroe,  and  by  the  chiefs  on  the  part  of  the  Chicasaws.  The 
substance  of  this  treaty  is  here  given.  It  was  to  settle  all  territorial 
controversies  and  remove  all  grounds  of  complaint  or  dissatisfaction 
which  might  arise  to  interrupt  the  peace  and  harmony  so  long  and  so 
happily  existing  between  the  United  States  and  the  Chickasaw  nation  of 
Indians.  It  ceded  all  lands  lying  north  of  the  southern  boundary  of  the 
State  (except  a small  tract  reserved  for  a special  purpose)  described  as 
follows:  “Beginning  on  the  Tennessee  Biver  about  thirty-five  miles  by 
water  below  Col.  George  Colbert’s  ferry,  where  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of 
north  latitude  strikes  the  same;  thence  due  west  with  said  parallel  to 
where  it  cuts  the  Mississippi  Biver  at  or  near  the  Cliicasaw  Bluffs; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio;  thence  up  the  Ohio  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee;  thence  up  the  Tennessee  to  the  place  of 
beginning.”* 

The  consideration  of  this  treaty  was  that  the  Chickasaws  were  to 
receive  $20,000  annually  for  fifteen  years  to  be  paid  to  the  chiefs  of  the 
nation;  also  a private  claim  of  Capt.  John  Gordon,  $1,115  due  him  by 
Gen.  William  Colbert  of  the  nation;  to  Capt.  David  Smith  $2,000,  for 
supplies  furnished  to  himself  and  forty-five  soldiers  in  assisting  the 
Chickasaws  in  a war  with  the  Creeks;  to  Oppassantubbee,  principal 
chief,  $500  for  a tract  of  land  two  miles  square,  reserved  for  him  in  the 
treaty  of  September  20,  1816;  to  John  Lewis  $25,  for  a saddle  lost  in 
the  service;  to  John  Colbert  $1,089,  stolen  from  him  at  a theater  in 
Baltimore;  also  reservations  to  Col.  George  Colbert,  May  Levi  Colbert 


*Land  Laws. 


154 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  John  McClisli,  who  liad  married  a white  woman.  It  was  further 
ordered  that  the  boundary  line  on  the  south  should  be  marked  in  bold 
characters  by  commissioners  agreeable  to  both  the  President  and  the 
Chickasaws.  It  was  further  agreed,  in  consideration  of  the  faithfulness 
of  the  Chickasaws,  but  particularly  as  a “ manifestation  of  the  friendship 
and  liberality  of  the  President  ” of  the  United  States,  that  the  commis- 
sioners pay  certain  sums  annually  to  the  leading  chiefs  of  the  tribe. 

To  the  time  of  the  above  treaty  little  effort  at  settlement  had  been 
made  in  West  Tennessee.  The  friendly  feeling  so  long  existing  between 
the  whites  and  the  Chickasaws,  and  the  determination  of  the  Government 
to  maintain  that  friendship  by  preventing  any  encroachment  upon  their 
territory,  prevented  a long  series  of  murders  and  Indian  massacres  so 
common  to  the  settlement  of  a new  country.  From  this  time  the  settle- 
ment became  rapid  and  soon  grew  to  vast  proportions,  owing  to  the  invit- 
ing lands  and  large  population  in  sections  so  near.  Before  any  settle- 
ments had  been  made  there  were  roads  or  traces  leading  through  the 
territory  on  which  occasionally  there  was  a squatter.  One  of  these  roads 
or  traces,  known  as  the  “Massac  trace,”  entered  West  Tennessee  nearly 
south  of  Somerville  and  passed  a little  west  of  north  through  Haywood 
County  and  in  the  same  direction  to  Fort  Massac,  in  Illinois.  Another 
was  a United  States  road  that  entered  West  Tennessee  west  from 
Waverly,  and  passed  through  the  territory  in  a southwesterly  direction. 
Along  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State  was  another  road  or  pathway. 
On  the  upper  courses  of  the  main  stream  of  the  Big  Hatchie  were  two  or 
three  rough  bridges.  These  roads  were  opened  about  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century.  Among  the  squatters  who  lived  on  these  roads  was 
John  Chambers  who  dwelt  on  the  road  leading  south  to  Natchez.  He 
raised  cattle  and  corn;  the  latter  lie  sold  at  a very  high  price.  The  first 
settlers  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  State  were  Stephen  Mitchell,  eight 
miles  below  New  Madrid,  at  Mitchell’s  Landing  on  the  Mississippi ; Enoch 
Walker,  at  Walker’s  Landing,  on  Reelfoot  Lake ; Evan  Shelby,  at  Shelby’s 
Landing,  also  on  Beelfoot  Lake,  and  the  Bone  family,  three  miles  below 
Shelby’s.  All  these  were  between  1818  and  1820  and  were  in  Lake, 
County. 

Others  in  the  same  county  and  about  the  same  time  were  Robert  and 
Jefferson  Nolen,  John  and  R.  J.  Rivers,  Reuben  and  Richard  Anderson, 
Michael  Peacock,  William  Box,  Henry  Walker,  Joe  Bone,  Robert  C. 
Nall,  Ezekiel  Williams,  Thomas  Wynn,  Robert  Thompson,  Richard  J. 
Hill,  James  Crockett,  John  Campbell,  E.  W.  Nevill,  Jesse  Gray,  Richard 
Sand,  J.  W.  Bradford,  C.  H.  Bird  and  B.  B.  Bird.  The  first  settlers  en- 
tered Obion  County  about  1821;  among  them  were  John  Cloy,  Valentine 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


155 


Wester  brook,  Thornton  Edwards,  James  Hollowman,  Benjamin  Totten, 
Benjamin  and  David  Hubbard,  James  Collins,  John  Tarr,  James  Bedford, 
John  Clark,  O.  Roberts,  Fletcher  Edwards,  John  White,  Benjamin  Far- 
ris, William  Scott,  Col.  Lysander  Adams,  Gen.  George  Gibbs,  Hardin 
Talley,  Robert  Corwin,  John  Parkey,  William  Caldwell,  Alfred  McDan- 
iel and  Benjamin  Evans.  The  celebrated  Davy  Crockett  assisted  in  lay- 
ing off  the  town  of  Troy  in  1825,  and  later,  when  on  a tour,  canvassing 
for  Congress,  he  was  without  money,  and  Col.  William  M.  Wilson  came 
to  his  relief  and  paid  his  hotel  bill.  A nice  family  Bible  was  sent  to  Col. 
Wilson  from  Washington  by  Crockett,  as  a reward  for  his  kindness.  It 
is  needless  to  say  that  this  is  kept  as  a highly  prized  heirloom  by  the 
Wilson  family.  The  first  white  child  born  in  the  county  was  Thomas  D. 
Wilson,  son  of  Col.  William  M.  Wilson.  The  first  settlement  in  Weak- 
ley County  was  made  in  1819.  Those  settling  in  the  vicinity  of  Dresden 
were  John  Terrill,  Perry  Vincent,  Dr.  Jubilee  Rogers,  Benjamin  Bondu- 
rant,  Richard  Porter,  T.  and  A.  Gardner  and  Robert  Powell.  A few 
years  later  than  these  were  Vincent  Rust,  Claiborne  Stone,  Thomas  Par- 
ham and  John  H.  Reams.  Vincent  Rust  raised  the  first  hogshead  of 
tobacco  in  Weakley  County  in  1835.  This  was  hauled  by  Dr.  Reams  to 
Hickman,  Ky.,  and  sold  at  5 cents  per  pound.  Those  settling  northeast 
of  Dresden  were  Levi  Mizell,  Joe  Wilson,  John  Webb,  and  thos6  a little 
later  were  the  families  of  Ridgeway,  Buckley,  Killebrew  and  Kilgore. 
Those  on  the  northeast  between  the  middle  fork  of  Obion  and  the  Ken- 
tucky line  were  John  F.  Cavitt,  who  settled  there  March  20,  1820,  also 
John  Stevenson,  Isaac  and  William  Killingham,  who  had  preceded  Stev- 
enson a short  time  and  had  erected  a hut;  John  Rogers  moved  into  the 
cabin  with  Cavitt  above  mentioned  until  he  could  erect  a cabin  for  him- 
self. These  were  soon  followed  by  J.  B.  Davis,  Peter  Williams,  Marcus 
Austin,  L.  F.  Abernathy  and  Benjamin  Farmer.  The  latter  was  elected 
constable  and  was  given  an  execution  levying  on  a cow  and  calf,  to  serve 
on  a settler.  In  his  simplicity  he  ran  down  the  cow  and  rubbed  the 
execution  against  her,  but  was  unable  to  catch  the  calf;  he  shook  the  in- 
strument at  it  and  exclaimed:  “you  too,  calfy.”  Alexander  Paschall  was 
one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  county ; he  came  there 
in  1824  from  Carroll  County,  N.  C.  As  evidence  of  the  sparsely  settled 
country,  Paschall,  in  building  his  house,  invited  all  persons  living  within 
a circuit  of  twelve  miles,  and  got  only  thirty-one  hands.  Other  settlers 
about  the  same  time  were  Daniel  Laswell,  Sr..  John  and  George  Harlin 
and  Peter  Mooney. 

It  is  said  the  first  preaching  in  that  vicinity  was  by  a colored  minis- 
ter. Everybody  was  anxious  to  go  to  church,  but  few  of  the  women  had 


156 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


a change  of  dresses.  Mrs.  Paschall  having  seven,  loaned  six  to  her  less 
fortunate  sisters  and  thus  enabled  them  to  attend  the  first  preaching  in 
that  vicinity.  On  Mud  Creek  were  settled  Reuben  Edmunson,  Dudley 
Glass,  Sr.,  Levi  Clark  and  Israel  Jones.  Between  Mud  Creek  and  Mid- 
dle Fork  were  Owen  Parrish,  Thomas  Etheridge,  father  of  Hon.  Emerson 
Etheridge,  A.  Clemens,  J.  W.  Rogers  and  John  Jenkins.  Between 
Middle  and  South  Fork  were  Duke  Cantrell,  M.  H.  G.  Williams,  William 
Hills,  Alfred  Bethel,  E.  A.  Kemp  and  Calloway  Hardin.  Higher  up  the 
river  were  Robert  Mosely,  E.  D.  Dickson,  James  Hornback,  John  and 
G.  Bradshaw  and  Richard  Drewery.  Southeast  on  Upper  Spring  Creek 
were  Thomas  Osborne,  A.  Demming,  Isaac  Crew,  Robert  Gilbert,  Jona- 
than Gilbert,  James  and  Alfred  Smith,  William  Hamilton,  Francis  Lid- 
dle,  John  O’Neal,  James  Kennedy  and  Tilgliman  Johnson.  On  Thomp- 
son’s Creek  were  John  Thomas,  Daniel  Campbell,  Samuel  Morgan,  Elijah 
Stanley,  M.  Shaw,  William  Gay,  John  H.  Moore  and  Hayden  E.  Wells. 
On  Lower  Cypress  were  Capt.  John  Rogers,  E.  P.  Latham,  the  Carneys, 
McLeans,  Scultzs  and  Stewarts.  On  Upper  Cypress  were  the  Rosses, 
Thompsons,  Winsteads  and  Beadles.  Davy  Crockett  settled  near  the 
junction' of  South  and  Rutherford  Forks  of  Obion,  in  Weakley  County,  and 
Avas  elected  to  the  Legislature  the  same  year  on  a majority  of  247  votes. 
He  was  beaten  for  Congress  in  1825  and  1827  by  Hon.  A.  R.  Alexander 
on  a majority  of  only  tAvo  votes  each  time.  He  was  elected  in  1829  by 
3,585  votes.  He  was  beaten  by  William  Fitzgerald  in  1831,  and  he  in 
turn  beat  Fitzgerald  in  1833  by  a good  majority.  Crockett  was  himself 
beaten  in  1835  by  Adam  Huntzman,  a wooden-legged  lawyer.  Crockett 
was  in  Congress  the  author  of  the  “occupant’s  bill,”  a measure  to  give 
each  settler  200  acres  of  land.  Henry  Stunson,  Avho  was  born  in  1821, 
was  the  first  white  child  born  in  Weakley  County.  The  first  cabin  built 
by  a white  man  was  erected  in  1819  by  John  Bradshaw. 

The  settlement  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  western  section  of  the 
State  began  in  1819;  the  first  settlers  were  from  Stewart  County:  they 
Avere  Joel  Ragler,  John  Studdart  and  James  Williams.  They  came  in 
wagons,  having  made  their  Avay  through  the  forest  and  settled  near  Man- 
leyville.  When  they  arrived  at  Big  Sandy  it  was  so  high  they  could  not 
cross.  After  waiting  two  weeks  they  were  compelled  to  make  a canoe 
and  a raft.  When  these  Avere  completed  some  of  the  party  hesitated  to 
enter.  As  evidence  of  the  bold  spirit  of  those  pioneer  women,  “Granny” 
Studdart,  on  seeing  the  hesitation  of  the  party,  said,  “I — I'll  get  in.” 
She  did  so,  and  soon  all  were  landed  safely  on  the  other  shore.  Other 
settlers  near  Paris  Avere  James  Leiper,  Gen.  Richard  Porter,  John  Brown, 
J.  L.  Allen  and  Dr.  T.  K.  Allen.  A horse-mill  was  erected  by  John 


FROM  PHOTO  BY  THUSS  KOfllElN  &CICRS.  NASHVH.ll 


David  Crockett 


W0 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE 


157 


Carter,  near  Springville,  in  1820,  and  a water-mill  in  the  northwest  part 
of  this  county  in  the  same  year  by  Thomas  James. 

Settlements  began  in  Dyer  County  in  1828.  William  Nash  settled 
between  the  forks  of  Forked  Deer  River;  John  Rutledge  at  Key  Corner, 
and  the  Dugan  family  on  Obion  Lake.  The  first  house  built  in  Dyers- 
burg  was  erected  by  Elias  Dement,  and  had  only  a dirt  floor.  Among 
other  settlers  in  this  section  were  John  Rutherford,  Benjamin  Porter, 
John  Bowers,  William  Bowers  and  William  Martin.  Nathaniel  Benton, 
another  settler,  was  a brother  of  Thomas  H.  Benton,  who  moved  to  Dyer 
County  about  1818.  The  section  away  from  the  large  rivers — -the  Ten- 
nessee and  Mississippi — was  not  settled  quite  so  early  as  those  along  the 
rivers.  In  what  is  now  Gibson  County  the  first  settlement  began  about 
1819.  Those  who  settled  in  that  year  were  Thomas  Fite,  John  Spencer 
and  J.  F.  Randolph.  This  settlement  was  made  about  eight  miles  east 
of  Trenton.  Other  settlers  followed  in  rapid  succession ; among  them 
were  Luke  and  Reuben  Biggs,  William  Holmes,  John  B.  Hogg,  David 
P.  Hamilton,  Col.  Thomas  Gibson,  John  Ford  and  W.  C.  Love.  That 
part  of  West  Tennessee  now  embraced  in  Carroll  County  was  settled  by 
Thomas  Hamilton  on  Cedar  Creek,  near  McKenzie;  John  Woods  on  Ruth- 
erford Fork  of  Obion;  Samuel  McKee,  Spencer  and  Nathaniel  Edwards 
on  the  Big  Sandy;  and  E.  C.  Daugherty  where  McLemoresville  now 
stands;  and  John  Blunt,  who  built  a mill  on  a branch  of  the  Big  Sandy 
in  1821-22.  Settlements  in  Benton  County  began  in  1819-20,  the  first 
settler  being  William  and  D.  Rushing,  on  Rushing  Creek,  sis  miles 
north  of  Camden;  the  nest  was  by  Nicholas  and  Lewis  Browers  in  1820, 
on  Randall  Creek,  twelve  miles  from  Camden ; Thomas  and  William 
Minnis,  on  Bird  Song  Creek,  in  1820.  Lauderdale  County  was  first  set- 
tled by  Benjamin  Porter,  in  April,  1820.  Fie  moved  from  Reynolds- 
ville  by  way  of  the  Tennessee,  the  Ohio ; thence  down  the  Mississippi  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Forked  Deer ; thence  up  said  river  to  Key  Corner,  near 
which  place  he  settled  and  remained  till  his  death.  The  first  flat-boat 
on  Forked  Deer  River  brought  the  family,  household  goods  and  stock  of 
Henry  Benjamin  to  Lauderdale  County  in  1820.  One  of  the  first  cotton 
gins  in  West  Tennessee  is  said  to  have  bpen  built  at  Key  Corner  in  1827, 
by  John  Jordan  and  William  Chambers.  Capt.  Shockey  ran  the  first 
steam-boat,  the  “Grey  Eagle,”  up  Forked  Deer  River  in  1836.  Capt. 
Thomas  Durham,  of  North  Carolina,  settled  at  what  is  now  Durhamville, 
in  1826.  A man  named  Vincent  settled  at  Fulton,  near  the  Chickasaw 
Bluffs,  on  the  Mississippi,  in  1819,  and  John  A.  Givens,  from  South 
Carolina,  one  and  one-half  miles  east  of  the  bluff  in  1820.  Other  set- 
tiers  in  Lauderdale  were  Henry  and  John  Rutherford,  sons  of  Gen. 


158 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Griffith  Rutherford,  of  North  Carolina.  James  Sherman,  who  resided  in 
Lauderdale  for  a great  many  years,  was  once  on  a jury  which  was  trying 
a man  for  his  life.  They  were  unable  to  agree,  and  stood  sis  for  con- 
viction and  six  for  clearing  the  man.  The  judge  refused  to  release  the 
jury  without  a verdict.  It  was  finally  agreed  to  leave  the  matter  to  a 
game  of  “seven-up.”  A deck  was  sent  for  and  the  champions  were 
chosen.  The  game  was  hotly  contested,  but  by  the  fortunate  turn  of  a 
card  the  game  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  defendant.  This  story,  though 
seemingly  incredible,  is  vouched  for  on  excellent  authority,  and  shows 
the  crude  idea  of  administering  justice  in  that  day. 

The  first  settlers  in  Tipton  County  were  from  Middle  Tennessee  and 
the  older  States.  Among  these  were  H.  Terrell,  E.  T.  Pope,  R.  W.  San- 
ford, Gen.  Jacob  Tipton,  Maj.  Lauderdale,  Capt.  Scurry,  Dr.  Hold, 
the  Durhams,  Mitchells,  Davises,  Pryors,  Hills,  Parrishes  and  Garlands. 
In  the  White  and  Archer  neighborhood  were  C.  C.  Archer,  George  Shark- 
ley,  William  McGuire  and  the  Whites.  In  and  near  Randolph  were  K. 
H.  Douglass,  George  W.  Frazier,  Thomas  Robinson,  Jesse  Benton,  M. 
Phillips,  R.  H.  Munford,  A.  N.  McAllister,  W.  P.  Mills,  Anderson  Hunt, 
the  Simpsons  and  Clements.  On  Big  Creek  were  Dr.  R.  H.  Rose,  Henry 
Turnage,  Capt  Jones,  Capt.  Newman,  Alfred  Hill  and  Maj.  Legrand.  The 
vicinity  of  Indian  Creek  was  settled  by  the  Smiths,  Owens,  Kellers, 
Kinneys  and  Walks.  “ Old  Uncle  Tommy”  Ralp  built  a horse-mill  one 
mile  from  Covington,  this  being  perhaps  the  first  in  the  county. 

The  portion  of  West  Tennessee  known  as  Crockett  County,  was  set- 
tled about  1823.  Among  the  first  in  this  section  were  John  B.  Boykin,  B. 
B.  Epperson,  Alexander  Avery,  David  Nann,  Isaac  Koonse,  Thomas  Thw- 
eatt,  James  Friar  Randolph,  Anthony  Swift,  John  McFarland,  John 
Yancey,  Zepheniah  Porter,  Solomon  Rice,  Giles  Hawkins,  Joseph  Clay, 
John  Bowers,  E.  Williams,  Cornelius  Bunch  and  Robert  Johnson.  J. 
F.  Randolph,  above  mentioned,  moved  with  his  father  from  Alabama,  and 
settled  at  McMinnville,  Warren  County ; thence  to  West  Tennessee.  I 
M.  Johnson  was  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  and  settled  in  what  was 
then  Haywood,  now  Crockett,  in  1823. 

Into  Haywood  County  the  wjiites  began  to  enter  about  1820.  The 
first  permanent  settler  is  believed  to  have  been  Col.  Richard  Nixon, 
in  1821,  who  was  born  October  26,  1769,  and  whose  father  was  a 
Revolutionary  soldier.  For  his  services  in  that  war  he  was  reward- 
ed by  a grant  of  3,600  acres  of  land.  The  grant  fell  in  Haywood 
County,  and  on  a portion  of  this  Col.  Nixon  settled.  His  place  of 
settlement  was  on  Nixon  Creek,  about  four  miles  from  Brownsville. 
Lawrence  McGuire,  David  Hay,  Sr.,  B.  H.  Sanders,  David  Jefferson,  N.. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


159 


T.  Perkins,  David  Cherry  and  Joel  Estes,  were  among  those  who  found- 
homes  on  the  north  side  of  the  river.  Those  settling  down  amidst  the 
virgin  forest  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  were  Oliver  Wood,  B.  G. 
Alexander,  Samuel  P.  Ashe  and  Bev.  Thomas  P.  Neely.  The  latter  of 

these  came  between  1826  and  1828.  It  was  at  the  house  of  Col.  Nixon 

« 

that  the  first  courts  were  established  in  1824.  As  rivers  were  about  the 
only  means  of  egress  at  that  time  nearly  all  settlements  were  made  along 
the  river  courses. 

. After  the  final  treaty  with  the  Chickasaws,  by  which  they  gave  up 
West  Tennessee,  the  inhabitants  from  East  and  Middle  Tennessee,  North 
and  South  Carolina  and  Virginia  began  to  pour  rapidly  into  those  un- 
occupied lauds.  The  first  in  the  vicinity  of  Jackson  were  Adam  It. 
Alexander,  William  Doak  and  Lewis  Jones.  In  the  Wilson  neigh- 
borhood were  Theophilus  and  David  Launder, 'and  Mr,  Lacy.  In  1820 
John  Hargrave  and  Duncan  Mclver  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  “Old  Cot- 
ton Grove,”  and  a little  later  John  Bradley;  about  the  same  time  J.  Wad- 
dell settled  on  Spring  Creek.  The  city  of  Jackson  was  built  on  lands 
owned  by  B.  G.  Stewart,  Joseph  Lynn  and  James  Trousdale.  Dr.  Will- 
iam Butler  planted  cotton  in  1821,  in  this  county;  also  erected  a gin 
the  same  year,  which  was  brought  all  the  way  from  Davidson  County. 
Bernard  Mitchell  brought  a keel-boat  loaded  with  goods,  groceries  and 
whisky,  up  Forked  Deer,  and  landed  within  one  mile  and  a half  of  Jack- 
son;  this  was  the  first  to  vex  the  waters  of  that  stream. 

Pioneers  came  into  Henderson  County  in  1821;  a few  came  earlier. 
Joseph  Beel  was  beyond  doubt  the  first  permanent  white  settler  in  the 
county.  He  came  to  the  place  in  1818,  and  settled  on  Beech  Biver,  about 
five  miles  east  of  the  present  site  of  Lexington.  His  sons  John  and  Will- 
iam remained  on  the  same  land  during  their  lifetime.  Abner  Taylor  set- 
tled near  the  site  of  Lexington;  Maj.  John  Harmon  near  the  headwaters 
of  the  Big  Sandy;  Jacob  Bartholomew  and  William  Hay  at  the  head  of 
Beech  Biver;  William  Cain  and  George  Powers  near  the  site  of  Pleas- 
ant Exchange;  William  Doffy  at  the  headwaters  of  the  south  branch  of 
Forked  Deei\  Biver;  William  Dismukes  on  the  north  fork  of  Forked 
Deer,  and  Joseph  Beed  near  Pine  Knob.  This  county  developed  rapidly. 
A mill  was  built  on  Mud  Creek,  in  1821,  by  John  and  William  Brigham, 
and  one  on  Forked  Deer  about  the  same  time  by  Daniel  Barecroft.  A 
horse-mill  was  built  on  the  road  from  Lexington  to  Trenton  about  the 
same  time;  also  a cotton-gin  by  Maj.  John  Harmon,  on  Beech  Creek, 
in  1823.  The  first  legal  hanging  in  the  vicinity  was  the  execution  of 
a slave  woman  of  Dr.  John  A.  Wilson’s  for  the  willful  drowning-  of  his 
daughter.  Willis  Dseden,  who  moved  into  this  county  from  North  Car- 


ICO 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


olina,  was  a man  remarkable  for  size;  liis  weight  was  never  known,  but 
was  estimated  at  800  pounds. 

Samuel  Wilson  owned  the  land  on  which  the  city  of  Lexington  now 
stands;  this  was  set  apart  for  the  city  in  1822.  The  land  office  was 
established  at  the  house  of  Samuel  Wilson  in  the  same  year. 

The  rich  and  attractive  lands  on  the  Tennessee  in  the  southeastern 
portion  of  this  county  was  first  to  attract  immigrants.  Almost  as  soon  as 
the  Indian  title  was  extinguished,  1818,  immigrants  began  to  pour  into 
this  section  of  the  newly  acquired  territory.  That  portion  of  the  country 
known  as  Hardin  County  was  laid  off  in  1820  and  named  in  honor  of 
Capt.  John  Hardin,  of  Revolutionary  fame.  James  Hardin  settled  at  the 
mouth  of  Horsa  Creek,  a tributary  entering  the  Tennessee  not  far  from 
iSavannah,  in  1818  or  1819,  and  a horse-mill  was  erected  on  the  same 
stream  by  Charles  B.  Nelson  in  1819.  It  was  doubtless  from  this  source 
that  the  stream  got  its  name.  T.  C.  Johnson,  Lewis  Faulkner,  Samuel 
Faulkner  and  Daniel  Robinson  settled  on  Turkey  Creek  about  1820. 
Hiram  Boon  settled  on  a small  stream  that  was  afterward  called  Boon’s 
Creek.  James  White  gave  a name  to  a small  creek,  a tributary  of  Horse 
Creek.  Thomas  White  became  a resident  on  Flat  Gap  Creek  in  1819. 
Samuel  Parmley,  Thomas  Cherry  and  Samuel  Bruton  became  residents 
of  this  section  at  a little  later  period,  all  of  whom  were  on  the  east  side 
of  the  river.  On  the  west  side  of  the  river,  opposite  the  mouth  of  Horse 
Creek,  Simpson  Lee,  Nathaniel  Way  and  James  McMahan  took  claims 
in  1818  or  1819.  The  pioneers  were  compelled,  before  the  erection  of 
mills,  to  depend  upon  the  mortar  or  hand-mill  for  meal.  This  being 
rather  a slow  process  water  or  horse-mills  were  encouraged  and  liberally 
patronized.  A water-mill  was  built  by  Jesse  Lacewell,  on  Smith’s  Fork 
of  Indian  Creek,  in  1819,  and  another  about  the  same  time  and  near  the 
same  place  by  John  Williams.  Few  regular  ferries  were  to  be  found  at 
that  time.  The  Indian  with  his  light  or  birch-bark  canoe  was  enabled 
to  cross  the  stream  at  almost  any  time  as  he  could  carry  his  boat  with 
him.  It  was  not  till  after  his  white  brother  got  possession  of  the  country 
that  regular  ferries  were  established.  Among  the  first  of  these  was  one 
at  Rudd’s  Bluff,  just  above  where  Savannah  now  stands.  This  was  in 
1818.  Lewis  H.  Broyles  opened  a store  in  this  section  in  1819-20. 
His  sroods  were  loaded  on  a flat-boat  in  East  Tennessee  and  floated 

<D 

down  the  Tennessee  to  the  place  of  landing.  The  first  marriage  cere- 
mony in  this  county  was  performed  by  Rev.  James  English  in  1818, 
the  contracting  parties  being  A.  B.  Gantt  and  Miss  M.  Boon.  All  the 
necessary  wants  of  a civilized  and  progressive  people  were  soon  supplied 
to  these  people,  as  a school  was  being  taught  near  Hardinsville  in  1820, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


161 


by  Nathaniel  Casey;  a church  of  the  Primitive  Baptists  was  built  on 
Turkey  Creek  in  1819-20,  with  Rev.  Charles  Riddle  as  pastor;  a cotton- 
gin  wras  built  by  James  Boyd  on  Horse  Creek  in  1822.  Courts  were 
established  in  January,  1820,  at  the  house  of  Col.  James  Hardin,  near 
the  mouth  of  Horse  Creek.  A small  log  court  house  was  soon  after 
erected,  having  a dirt  floor  and  dimensions  16x20  feet.  A large  hollow 
tree  sufficed  for  an  improvised  jail. 

Immediately  west  of  Hardeman  County  lies  McNairy;  this  county 
being  away  from  any  of  the  larger  streams  immigrants  did  not  reach  it 
quite  so  early  as  some  of  the  counties  whose  location  was  geographically 
more  favorable.  Among  the  pioneers  of  this  county  were  Abel  Oxford, 
who  settled  on  Oxford  Creek  below  the  mouth  of  Cypress ; also  Quincy 
Hodge  and  William  S.  Wisdom  with  their  families  settled  in  the  south- 
west part  of  the  county.  Others  were  John  Shull,  Peter  Shull,  John 
Plunk,  John  Woodburn  and  Francis  Kirby,  whose  son.  Hugh  Kirby,  was 
the  first  white  child  born,  1821,  in  the  county.  James  Reed  and  Allen 
Sweat  came  from  North  Carolina  and  settled  in  McNairy  about  1824. 
John  Chambers  and  N.  Griffith  established  the  first  business  house  in 
the  county.  A water-mill  was  built  on  Cypress  Creek  in  1824,  by  Boyd 
& Barnesett. 

Lying  in  the  upper  valley  of  the  Big  Hatchie  is  Hardeman  County. 
Settlements  began  in  this  portion  of  West  Tennessee  in  1819-20. 
Among  the  first  and  for  whom  the  county  was  named  was  Col.  Thomas  J. 
Hardeman,  also  Col.  Ezekiel  Polk,  his  son  William  Polk  and  son-in-law 
Thomas  Me  Neal  Before  permanent  settlements  began  a number  of  tran- 
sient persons  had  squatted  in  different  parts  of  the  county.  Among  them 
was  Joseph  Fowler,  who  settled  at  Fowler’s  Ferry,  about  sixteen  miles 
south  of  Bolivar.  The  next  permanent  settlement  was  made  by  William 
Shinault  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  county,  not  far  from  Hickory  Tal- 
ley. Jacob  Purtle  raised  a crop  of  corn  near  “Hatchie  Town,”  in  the 
neighborhood  ot  Thomas  McNeal’s  in  1821.  William  Polk  made  a crop 
the  same  year,  five  miles  north  of  Bolivar.  On  the  organization  of  the 
county  court,  in  1823,  he  was  made  chairman.  A mill  was  built  by  Sam- 
uel Polk  on  Pleasant  Run  Creek,  one  and  one-half  miles  east  of  the  pres- 
ent site  of  Bolivar,  about  1823;  a second  one  was  built  on  Mill  Creek 
about  six  miles  south  of  Bolivar,  in  the  same  year,  for  Col.  John  Murray 
by  John  Golden.  A school  was  taught  in  the  Shinault  neighborhood  in 
1823-24  by  Edwin  Crawford.  Maj.  John  H.  Bills  and  Prudence  McNeal 
were  the  first  couple  united  in  marriage  in  that  vicinity  by  the  laws  of 
civilization.  The  steam-boat  “Roer,”  commanded  by  Capt.  Newman, 
was  the  first  to  stem  the  waters  of  Hatchie  as  far  up  as  Bolivar. 


162 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Fayette  County  began  to  be  settled  about  1822-23.  Among  the  first 
was  Thomas  J.  Cocke,  who  came  from  North  Carolina  and  settled  in  the 
northwest  part  of  the  county  in  1823.  It.  G.  Thornton  and  Joel  Lang- 
ham  followed  soon  after.  Where  Somerville  now  stands  the  lands  were 
entered  by  George  Bowers  and  James  Brown  some  time  before  1825. 
Bears  and  wolves  and  other  beasts  of  the  forest  were  then  holding 
almost  undisputed  sway  throughout  the  territory.  Joseph  Simpson 
claimed  to  have  killed  a bear,  near  where  the  court  house  of  the  county 
now  stands,  in  1824.  The  county  seat,  Somerville,  was  named  in  honor 
of  Lieut.  Robert  Somerville,  who  was  killed  at  Horseshoe  Bend  in  bat- 
tle with  the  Indians.  Other  settlers  were  David  Jornegan,  Thomas  Cook, 
Daniel  Head  (a  gunsmith),  Horace  Loomis,  Dr.  Smith,  Henry  Kirk, 
Henry  M.  Johnson,  William  Owen,  L.  G.  Evans,  William  Ramsey,  Daniel 
Cliff  and  John  T.  Patterson,  with  their  families. 

The  oldest  and  most  wealthly  division  in  West  Tennessee  is  Shelby 
County.  Could  the  rocks  and  rills  speak,  or  “the  books  in  running  brooks” 
and  “the  tongues  in  trees”  tell  their  story  of  the  past,  volumes  of  un- 
told interest  would  be  revealed  to  us  which  must  forever  remain  hidden. 
It  is  problematical  whether  the  adventurous  Spaniard,  DeSoto,  in  the 
year  1540,  was  the  first  white  man  to  tread  the  soil  of  this  portion  of 
Tennessee  or  whether  it  was  left  to  the  French  Father  Marquette  or 
Bienville ; yet  this  much  is  certain,  it  is  historic  ground,  around  which 
cluster  many  events  having  great  weight  in  the  march  of  civilization. 
Known  as  it  was  for  more  than  200  years  with  its  inviting  prospects,  it 
seems  strange  that  the  polished  hand  of  civilization  should  have  been 
held  back  so  long.  The  Chickasaw  Bluffs  were  long  a place  of  getting 
or  receiving  supplies  between  the  whites  and  Indians;  it  did  not  become 
a place  of  permanent  abode  for  the  whites  till  about  1818-19.  Among 
the  first  settlers  in  Shelby  County  were  Joel  Kagler  and  James  Williams. 
Shelby  was  admitted  into  the  sisterhood  of  counties  on  November  24, 
1819,  although  the  first  court  was  not  held  until  May  1,  1824.  This  was 
opened  at  Chickasaw  Bluffs  on  the  above  date.  As  few  if  any  roads 
were  open  for  travel  through  the  county,  the  first  was  opened  from  Mem- 
phis to  the  Taylor  Mill  settlement  on  Forked  Deer  River.  Persons  con- 
nected with  road  officially  were  Thomas  H.  Persons,  John  Fletcher,  John 
C.  McLemore,  Marcus  B.  Winchester,  Charles  Holeman  and  William 
Erwin.  William  Irvine  was  the  legalized  ferryman  at  Memphis  in  1820. 
The  following  were  the  rates  charged:  Each  man  and  horse,  $1;  each 

loose  horse,  50  cents;  each  hog  or  sheep,  25  cents;  each  four-wheeled 
carriage  drawn  by  four  horses,  the  wagon  being  empty,  $3 ; the  same, 
loaded,  $5;  each  four-wheeled  vehicle  and  two  horses,  $1.50;  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


163 


same,  loaded,  $2.50.  The  first  ordinaries  or  houses  of  entertainment 
were  kept  in  the  city  of  Memphis  in  1820  by  Joseph  James  and  Patrick 
Meagher.  These  houses  were  regulated  by  law  as  to  charges,  board 
being  $2.50  to  $3.50  per  week  or  $1  per  day.  A horse  was  kept  at 
$2.50  a week  or  50  cents  per  day.  The  court  was  somewhat  itinerant  in 
its  nature  at  first,  having  been  changed  to  Raleigh  in  1827,  and  then  to 
Colliersville  in  1837.  Peggy  Grace  is  said  to  have  purchased  the  first 
lot  after  the  city  of  Memphis  was  laid  out.  Among  the  earliest  settlers 
in  the  county  were  W.  A.  Thorp,  who  owned  a grant  near  the  old  State 
line— a little  north  of  it — and  Peter  Adams,  who  settled  near  the  same 
place,  a little  south  of  the  old  line.  On  Big  Creek,  in  1820,  were  settled 
Jesse  Benton,  Charles  McDaniel,  D.  C.  Treadwell,  Samuel  Smith  and 
Joel  Crenshaw.  In  the  vicinity  of  Raleigh  were  Dr.  Benjamin  Hawkins, 
William  P.  Reaves,  Thomas  Taylor  and  William  Sanders.  The  first 
American  white  child  born  in  Shelby  County  was  John  W.  Williams,  in 
1822.  The  steam-boat,  “2Etna.”  was  the  first  to  make  regular  trips  to 
the  wharf  at  Memphis  early  in  the  decade  of  the  twenties.  A brief 
retrospect  shows  that  in  a few  years  after  the  Indian  title  was  extin- 
guished in  West  Tennessee,  the  whole  country  was  changed  as  if  by 
magic  into  an  abode  of  civilization,  wealth  and  refinement.  In  less  than 
a decade  every  part  of  it  was  organized  into  counties,  having  their 
courts,  churches,  schools  and  accumulating  wealth. 


164 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Organization— The  European  Charters— Proprietary  Grants— The  Bound- 
ary Controversies— Causes  of  Dispute— Failure  of  Attempted  Set- 
tlement of  the  Question — Final  Establishment— New  Causes  for 
Dispute — Extension  of  the  Northern  Line — The  Walker  and  the 
Henderson  Survey's — The  Resulting  Confusion — Opinion  of  Gov. 
Blount— The  Demands  of  Kentucky— Negotiations— Illogical  Posi- 
tion of  Tennessee— The  Compromise  of  1820— The  Readjustment  of  1860 
—The  Southern  Boundary  Established  in  1818  and  in  1821— The 
Watauga  Association— Officers  and  Laws — The  Government  of  the 
Notables — The  “Compact”  or  “Agreement”— Laws — The  State  of 
Franklin— Causes  which  led  to  its  Formation— Form  of  Government 
—The  First  Legislative  Assembly'— Interference  of  North  Carolina 
—Resistance  of  Gov.  Sevier— Ratification  of  the  Constitution- 
Conflict  of  Authority'— Severe  Measures— Fall  of  the  State  of 
Franklin. 

THE  first  charter  granted  by  an  English  sovereign  to  an  English 
subject  to  lands  in  North  America,  was  by  Queen  Elizabeth  to  Sir 
Humphrey  Gilbert,  to  any  lands  he  might  discover  in  North  America. 
Its  date  was  about  June  11,  1578,  and  it  was  to  be  of  perpetual  efficacy 
provided  the  plantation  should  be  established  within  six  years.  After 
several  failures  Sir  Humphrey  made  a determined  effort  in  1583  to 
plant  a colony  on  the  island  of  Newfoundland,  which  resulted  fatally  to 
himself,  his  little  bark  of  ten  tons  going  down  in  a storm  with  himself 
and  all  on  board. 

The  second  grant  was  by  Queen  Elizabeth  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  and 
was  dated  March  26,  1584.  It  was  similar  in  its  provisions,  to  that 
granted  to  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert,  and  as  Sir  Walter’s  patent  included 
what  is  now  Tennessee,  those  provisions  may  be  briefly  stated  in  this 
connection.  They  are  worthy  of  particular  attention,  as  they  unfold  the 
ideas  of  that  age  respecting  the  rights  of  “ Christian  rulers,”  to  countries 
inhabited  by  savage  nations,  or  those  who  had  not  yet  been  brought 
under  the  benign  influences  of  the  gospel. 

Elizabeth  authorized  Sir  Walter  to  discover,  and  take  possession  of 
all  barbarous  lands  unoccupied  by  any  Christian  prince  or  people,  and 
vested  in  him,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  the  right  of  property  in  the 
soil  of  those  countries  of  which  he  should  take  possession.  Permission 
was  given  such  of  the  Queen’s  subjects  as  were  willing  to  accompany  Sir 
Walter  to  go  and  settle  in  the  countries  which  he  might  plant,  and  he 
was  empowered,  as  were  also  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  dispose  of  what- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


165 


ever  portion  of  tliose  lands  lie  or  they  should  judge  fit  to  persons  settling 
there  in  fee  simple  acccording  to  the  laws  of  England;  she  conferred 
upon  him,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  the  complete  jurisdiction  and  royalties, 
as  well  marine  as  other  within  the  said  lands  and  seas  thereunto  adjoin- 
ing, and  gave?  him  full  power  to  convict,  punish,  pardon,  govern  and  rule 
in  causes  capital  and  criminal,  as  well  as  civil,  all  persons  who  should 
from  time  to  time  settle  in  these  countries,  according  to  such  laws  and 
ordinances,  as  should  by  him,  or  by  his  heirs  and  assigns,  be  devised 
and  established. 

Raleigh,  one  of  the  most  enterprising,  accomplished  and  versatile  men 
of  his  time  was  eager  to  undertake  and  execute  the  scheme  of  settling  his 
grant,  and,  in  pursuit  of  this  design,  despatched  two  small  vessels  under 
command  of  Amadas  and  Barlow,  two  officers  of  trust,  to  visit  the  coun- 
try which  he  intended  to  settle.  In  order  to  avoid  the  serious  error  made 
by  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert,  in  coasting  too  far  north,  Raleigh's  captains 
selected  the  course  by  the  Canary  and  West  India  Islands,  and  arrived 
on  the  American  coast  July  4,  1584,  landing  on  the  island  of  Wocoken. 
Raleigh’s  grant  was  named  by  the  Queen  “ Virginia,”  in  commemoration 
of  her  state  of  life.  But  notwithstanding  the  precautions  of  the  captains, 
and  the  smiles  of  the  virgin  queen  upon  the  various  attempts  made  to 
settle  this  grant,  these  attempts  all  terminated  no  less  disastrously  than 
had  Sir  Gilbert’s,  and  at  the  end  of  Queen  Elizabeth’s  reign,  in  1603, 
not  a solitary  Englishman  had  effected  a permanent  settlement  on  North 
American  soil. 

In  1607,  however,  a more  successful  effort  was  made  to  form  a perma- 
nent English  colony  on  this  continent  at  Jamestown,  in  Virginia.  In 
1609  a second  charter  was  granted  to  this  colony,  investing  the  company 
with  the  election  of  a council,  and  the  exercise  of  legislative  power  inde- 
pendent of  the  crown.  In  1612  a third  patent  conferred  upon  the  com- 
pany a more  democratic  form  of  government,  and  in  1619  the  colonists 
were  themselves  allowed  a share  in  legislation.  In  1621  a written  con- 
stitution was  brought  out  by  Sir  Francis  Wyatt,  under  which  constitution 
each  colonist  became  a freeman  and  a citizen.  The  colony  prospered, 
and  extended  its  southern  boundaries  to  Albemarle  Sound,  upon  which 
the  first  permanent  settlers  of  North  Carolina  pitched  their  tents,  hav- 
ing been  attracted  in  this  direction  by  reports  of  an  adventurer  from 
Virginia,  who,  upon  returning  from  an  expedition  of  some  kind,  spoke  in 
the  most  glowing  terms  of  the  kindness  of  the  people,  of  the  excellence 
of  the  soil  and  of  the  salubrity  of  the  climate. 

Representations  of  this  kind  reaching  England  had  the  effect  of 
stimulating  into  activity  the  ambition  and  cupidity  of  certain  English 


166 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


courtiers,  and  on  March  24,  1663,  Charles  II  made  a grant  to  Edward, 
Earl  of  Clarendon,  “hated  by  the  people,  faithful  to  the  king Monk, 
“conspicuous  in  the  Restoration,  now  the  Duke  of  Albemarle;”  Lord 
Craven,  “brave  cavalier,  supposed  to  be  the  husband  of  the  Queen  of  Bo- 
hemia;” Lord  Ashley  Cooper,  afterward  Earl  of  Shaftesbury;  Sir  John 
Colleton;  Lord  John  Berkeley  and  his  younger  brother,  Sir  William 
Berkeley,  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  “passionate,  ignorant  and  not  too 
honest,”  the  grant  including  the  country  between  the  thirty-first  and 
thirty-sixth  parallels  of  latitude,  and  extending  from  the  Atlantic  to  the 
Pacific  Ocean. 

Notwithstanding  the  extent  of  this  grant  the  proprietaries  above 
named,  in  June,  1665,  secured  by  another  patent  its  enlargement  and  an 
enlargement  of  their  powers.  This  second  charter  granted  by  King 
Charles  II  was  in  part  as  follows: 

Charles  the  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  king,  defender  of  the  faith,  etc. 

Whereas,  By  our  letters  patent,  bearing  date  the  24th  of  March,  in  the  fifteenth 
year  of  our  reign,  we  were  graciously  pleased  to  grant  unto  our  right  trusty  and  right  well 
beloved  cousin  and  counsellor,  Edward,  Earl  of  Clarendon,  our  high  chancellor  of  Eng- 
land [here  follow  the  names  of  the  other  grantees  as  given  above]  all  that  province, 
territory  or  tract  of  ground  called  Carolina,  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  dominions 
of  America,  extending  from  the  north  end  of  the  island  called  Luke  Island,  which  lieth  in 
the  southern  Virginia  seas,  and  within  thirty-six  degrees  of  north  latitude,  and  to  the  west 
as  far  as  the  South  seas,  and  so  south  respectively  as  far  as  the  river  Matthias,  which  bor- 
dereth  upon  the  coast  of  Florida  and  within  thirty-one  degrees  of  northern  latitude,  and 
so  west  in  a direct  line  as  far  as  the  South  seas  aforesaid. 

Know  ye,  that  at  the  humble  request  of  the  said  grantees,  we  are  graciously  pleased 
to  enlarge  our  said  grant  unto  them  according  to  the  bounds  and  limits  hereafter  specified, 
and  in  favor  of  the  pious  and  noble  purpose*  of  the  said"  Edward,  Earl  of  Clarendon  [the 
names  of  the  other  proprietaries  here  follow],  their  heirs  and  assigns,  all  that  province, 
territory  or  tract  of  land,  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  dominions  of  America  as 
aforesaid,  extending  north  and  eastward  as  far  as  the  north  end  of  Currituck  River  or  Inlet, 
upon  a straight  line  westerly  to  Wyonoak  Creek,  which  lies  within  or  about  the  degree  of 
thirty-six  and  thirty  minutes,  north  latitude,  and  so  west  in  a direct  line  as  far  as  the  South 
seas,  and  south  and  westward  as  far  as  the  degree  of  twenty-nine,  inclusive,  of  northern 
latitude,  and  so  west  in  a direct  line  as  far  as  the  South  seas,  together  with  all  and  singu- 
lar the  ports,  harbors,  bays,  rivers  and  inlets  belonging  unto  the  province  and  territory 
aforesaid. 

This  grant  was  made  June  30,  1665,  and  embraced  the  territory 
now  included  in  the  following  States:  North  and  South  Carolina,  Georgia, 
Tennessee,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana  and  Arkansas,  and  parts  of 
Morida,  Missouri,  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  California.  The  line  of  thirty- 
six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  extending  from  the  top  of  the  Alleghany 
Mountains  to  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Tennessee  River,  separates  Virginia 
and  Kentucky  from  Tennessee.  The  powers  granted  to  the  lords,  pro- 
prietors of  this  immense  province,  were  those  of  dictating  constitutions 


*This  pious  and  noble  purpose  was  none  other  than  the  increase  of  their  own  worth  and  dignity. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


1G7 


and  laws  for  the  people  by  and  with  the  advice  and  assent  of  the  freemen 
thereof,  or  the -greater  part  of  them,  or  of  their  delegates  or  deputies, 
who  Avere  to  be  assembled  from  time  to  time  for  that  purpose. 

This  munificent  grant  Avas  surrendered  to  the  King  July  25,  1729, 
by  seven  of  the  eight  proprietors  under  authority  of  an  act  of  parliament 
(2nd  George,  2nd  ch.,  34),  each  of  the  seven  receiving  £2,500,  besides 
a small  sum  for  quit  rents.  The  eighth  proprietor.  Lord  Carteret,  after- 
ward Earl  Granville,  on  the  17th  of  September,  1744,  relinquished  his 
claim  to  the  right  of  government,  but  by  a commission  appointed,  jointly 
by  the  King  and  himself,  was  given  his  eighth  of  the  soil  granted  by  the 
charter,  bounded  as  follows:  “North  by  the  Virginia  line,  east  by  the 

Atlantic,  south  by  latitude  thirty-five  degrees  thirty-four  minutes  north, 
and  Avest  as  far  as  the  bounds  of  the  charter.”  Prior  to  this  the  govern- 
ment of  Carolina  had  been  proprietary;  but  now  (after  1729)  it  became 
regal,  and  the  province  was  divided  into  two  governments,  North  and 
South  Carolina,  in  1732.  The  Georgia  Charter,  issued  in  1732,  comprised 
much  of  the  Carolina  grant,  but  after  1752  the  proprietors  gave  up  the 
government,  Avhich  also  then  became  regal.  Tennessee  from  this  time 
until  the  treaty  of  Paris,  in  1782,  continued  the  property  of  the  British 
Government,  when  all  right  to  it  was  relinquished  to  North  Carolina. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  the  general  reader  to  learn  that  the 
descendant  of  Lord  Carteret,  who  had  become  the  Earl  of  Granville 
before  the  Revolutionary  war,  brought  suit  a short  time  before  the  war 
of  1812  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  district  of 
North  Carolina,  for  *the  recovery  of  his  possessions.  The  case,  as  we 
learn  from  the  Hon.  W.  H.  Battle,  formerly  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  North  Carolina,  was  tried  before  C.  J.  Marshall,  and 
Judge  Potter,  who  was  then  the  district  judge,  and  resulted  in  a verdict  and 
judgment  against  the  plaintiff,  whereupon  he  appealed  to  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States.  Before  the  case  could  be  heard  in  that  court 
the  war  of  1812  came  on,  which  put  a stop  to  it  and  it  was  never  revived. 

William  Gaston  (afterward  Judge  Gaston),  then  a young  man, 
appeared  in  the  suit  for  the  plaintiff,  and  Messrs.  Cameron  (afterward 
Judge  Cameron),  Baker  (afterward  Judge  Baker)  and  Woods  appeared 
for  the  defendants.  The  question  was  whether  Lord  Granville’s  rights, 
which  had  been  confiscated  by  the  State  of  North  Carolina  during  the 
Revolutionary  war,  had  been  restored  by  the  treaty  of  peace  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain.  The  case  Avas  never  reported.  Thus 
passed  away  the  last  vestige  of  the  most  munificent  gift  of  Avliich  history 
makes  mention.* 


*Killebrew’s  Resources  of  Tennessee. 


168 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


The  twenty-fifth  section  of  the  Declaration  of  Eights  of  North  Caro- 
lina at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  her  constitution  in  December,  1776, 
so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  boundary  of  that  State,  is  as  follows: 

The  property  of  the  soil  in  a free  government  being  one  of  the  essential  rights  of  the 
collective  body  of  the  people,  it  is  necessary  in  order  to  avoid  future  disputes,  that  the 
limits  of  the  State  should  be  ascertained  with  precision;  and  as  the  former  temporary  line 
between  North  and  South  Carolina  was  confirmed  and  extended  by  commissioners  appoint- 
ed by  the  Legislatures  of  the  two  States  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  late  King  George 
the  Second  in  Council,  that  line  and  that  only  should  be  esteemed  the  southern  boundary 
of  this  State  as  follows,  that  is  to  say:  Beginning  on  the  sea-side  at  a cedar  stake  at  or 
Dear  the  mouth  of  Little  River,  being  the  southern  extremity  of  Brunswick  County;  and 
runs  thence  a northwest  course  through  the  Boundary  House  which  stands  in  thirty-three 
degrees  and  fifty-six  minutes  to  thirty -five  degrees  north  latitude;  and  from  thence  a west 
course  so  far  as  is  mentioned  in  the  charter  of  King  Charles  the  Second  to  the  late  pro- 
prietors of  Carolina:  Therefore  all  the  territories,  seas,  waters  and  harbors  with  their 
appurtenances,  lying  between  the  line  above  described  and  the  southern  line  of  the  State 
of  Virginia,  which  begins  on  the  sea  shore  in  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  north 
latitude;  and  from  thence  runs  west  agreeable  to  the  said  charter  of  King  Charles  I.,  the 
right  and  property  of  the  people  of  this  State  to  be  held  by  them  in  sovereignty,  any 
partial  line  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  at  any  time  thereafter 
directed  or  laid  out  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

A number  of  provisos  was  included  in  the  section,  the  last  being 
that  “nothing  herein  contained  shall  affect  the  title  or  possessions  of 
individuals  holding  or  claiming  under  the  laws  heretofore  in  force,  or 
grants  heretofore  made  by  the  late  King  George  the  Third,  or  his  pred- 
ecessors, or  the  late  lord  proprietors  or  any  of  them.” 

The  history  of  the  establishment  of  the  line — thirty-six  degrees  and 
thirty  minutes — as  the  northern  boundary  of  North  Carolina,  is  as  fol- 
lows: James  I,  King  of  England,  on  May  23,  1609,  made  a grant  to 

Bobert,  Earl  of  Salisbury ; Thomas,  Earl  of  Suffolk,  and  numerous  other 
persons,  “ of  all  those  countries  lying  in  that  part  of  America  called  Vir- 
ginia, from  the  point  of  land  called  Cape  or  Point  Comfort,  all  along  the 
sea-coast  to  the  northward  200  miles,  and  from  the  same  Point  Comfort 
all  along  the  sea-coast  to  the  southward  200  miles,  and  all  that  space  or 
circuit  of  land  throughout  from  sea  to  sea.”  The  above  was  the  enlarged 
grant  to  the  London  Company,  and  extended  along  the  Atlantic  coast 
from  Sandy  Hook  to  Cape  Fear,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  In  1620  the  grant  to  the  Plymouth  Company  made  the  fortieth 
parallel  their  southern  limit,  and  established  that  parallel  as  the  northern, 
boundary  of  Virginia.  On  March  21,  1662,  Charles  II  made  his  first 
grant  to  the  proprietors  of  Carolina  as  recited  above,  and  on  J une  30, 
1665,  Charles  II  enlarged  this  grant,  as  also  recited  above,  and  named  a 
line  destined  to  become  only  less  famous  in  the  history  of  the  United 
States  than  Mason  and  Dixon’s  line,  viz. : the  line  of  thirty-six  degrees 
and  thirty  minutes  north  latitude.  The  language  of  this  second  charter 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


169 


of  Charles  II,  so  far  as  it  pertains  to  this  famous  line,  is  as  follows:  “All 
the  province,  etc.,  in  America,  extending  north  and  eastward  as  far  as  the 
north  end  of  Currituck  River  or  inlet,  upon  a straight  westerly  line  to 
Wyonoak  Creek,  which  lies  within  or  about  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty 
minutes  northern  latitude,  and  so  west  on  a direct  line  at  far  as  the  South 
Seas.”  North  Carolina  was  called  “ Our  County  of  Albemarle,”  in  Caro- 
lina until  about  1700,  when  it  began  to  be  called  the  Colony  of  North 
Carolina.  The  boundary  line  between  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  soon 
begun  to  be  the  source  of  considerable  altercation  between  the  two 
colonies,  for  the  reason  that  the  grant  of  Charles  I overlapped  the 
grant  of  his  grandfather,  James  I.  That  this  altercation  was  not  fol- 
lowed by  strife  and  bloodshed  was  due  in  part  to  the  necessity  of  mutual 
aid  and  defense  during  the  protracted  struggle  preceding  and  during  the 
Revolution.  But  notwithstanding  the  forbearance  thus  caused  and  mani- 
fested is  was  necessary  to  locate  this  unlocated  boundary  line,  for  Vir- 
ginians were  continually  claiming  lands  south  of  the  proper  line,  under 
what  they  supposed  to  be  titles  from  the  Crown,  and  North  Carolinians 
were  as  continually  entering  lands  to  the  north  of  the  proper  limits  under 
warrants  from  the  lord  proprietors  of  Carolina. 

The  London  Company  had  been  dissolved  by  James  I,  and  when  this 
dissolution  occurred  Virginia  became  a royal  province;  hence  the  settle- 
ment of  the  boundary  line  between  Virginia  and  Carolina  devolved  upon 
the  Crown  and  the  lord  proprietors.  Early  in  1710  commissioners 
representing  the  Crown  of  England,  met  similar  commissioners  represent- 
ing the  lord  proprietors,  having  for  their  object  the  settlement  of  this 
vexed  question.  But  upon  attempting  to  fix  upon  a starting  point,  they 
failed  to  agree  by  a difference  of  about  fifteen  miles ; hence  they  separa- 
ted without  having  accomplished  anything.  Against  the  Carolina  com- 
missioners serious  charges  were  made.  On  the  1st  of  March,  1710,  an 
order  of  council  was  issued,  front  which  the  following  is  extracted: 
“ The  commissioners  of  Carolina  are  both  persons  engaged  in  interest  to 
obstruct  the  settling  of  the  boundaries ; for  one  of  them  has  been  for  sev- 
eral years  surveyor  general  of  Carolina,  and  has  acquired  great  profit  to 
himself  by  surveying  lands  within  the  controverted  bounds,  and  has  taken 
up  several  tracts  of  land  in  his  own  name.  The  other  of  them  is  at  this 
time  surveyor  general,  and  hath  the  same  prospect  of  advantage  by 
making  future  surveys  within  the  same  bounds.”  The  conclusion  of  the 
order  is  as  follows:  “ Her  Majesty,  in  Council,  is  pleased  to  order  as  it 

is  hereby  ordered,  the  Right  Honorable,  the  Lord  Commissioners  for 
Trade  and  Plantations,  do  signify  her  Majesty’s  pleasure  herein  to  her 
Majesty’s  Governor  or  Commander-in-chief  of  Virginia  for  the  time 


170 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


being,  and  to  all  persons  to  whom  it  may  belong,  as  is  proposed  by  their 
Lordships,  in  said  representation,  and  the  Right  Honorable,  the  Lord 
Proprietors  of  Carolina  are  to  do  what  on  their  part  does  appertain.” 

In  January,  1711,  commissioners  appointed  by  both  the  governors  of 
North  Carolina  and  Virginia  again  attempted  to  settle  the  question,  but 
failed  to  complete  their  task  for  want  of  money.  Great  inconvenience  to 
the  settlers  was  the  result  of  this  protracted  controversy,  and  a remedy 
was  sought  in  an  act,  the  preamble  of  which  was  as  follows : 

Whereas,  great  suit,  debate  and  controversy  bath  heretofore  been,  and  may  hereafter 
arise  by  means  of  ancient  titles  to  lands  derived  from  grants  and  patents  by  the  governor 
of  Virginia,  the  condition  of  which  patents  has  not  been  performed,  nor  quit-rents  paid, 
or  the  lands  have  been  deserted  by  the  first  patentees  or  from  or  by  reason  of  former  en- 
tries or  patents  or  grants  in  this  government,  etc.,  and  for  the  prevention  of  the  recur- 
rence of  such  troubles,  and  for  quieting  men’s  estates  an  act  was  passed. 

In  obedience  to  the  above  quoted  order  of  the  Queen  an  agreement 
was  entered  into  between  the  two  governors,  Charles  Eden  and  Alexan- 
der Spottswood,  which  was  transmitted  to  England  for  the  approbation 
of  the  King.  This  agreement  was  approved  by  the  King  in  council,  and 
also  by  the  lord  proprietors  and  returned  to  the  governors  to  be  exe- 
cuted. The  agreement  or  “convention,”  as  Haywood  calls  it,  was  as 
follows:  “That  from  the  mouth  of  Currituck  River,  or  Inlet,  setting  the 
compass  on  the  north  shore  thereof,  a due  west  line  shall  be  run  and 
fairly  marked,  and  if  it  happen  to  cut  Chowan  River  between  the  mouth 
of  Nottaway  River  and  Wiccacon  Creek,  then  the  same  direct  course 
shall  be  continued  toward  the  mountains,  and  be  ever  deemed  the  divid- 
ing  line  between  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  But  if  the  said  west  line 
cuts  Chowan  River  to  the  southward  of  Wiccacon  Creek,  then  from  that 
point  of  intersection  the  bounds  shall  be  allowed  to  continue  up  the  mid- 
dle of  the  Chowan  River  to  the  middle  of  the  entrance  into. said  Wicca- 
con Creek,  and  from  thence  a due  west  line  shall  divide  the  two  govern- 
ments. That  if  said  west  line  cuts  Blackwater  River  to  the  northward  of 
Nottaway  River,  then  from  the  point  of  intersection  the  bounds  shall  be 
allowed  to  be  continued  down  the  middle  of  said  Blackwater  River  to  the 
middle  of  the  entrance  into  said  Nottaway  River,  and  from  thence  a due 
west  line  shall  divide  the  two  governments,  etc.” 

’Commissioners  were  appointed  to  carry  this  agreement  or  convention 
into  effect,  in  accordance  with  following  order:  “At  the  court  of  St. 

James,  the  28th  day  of  March,  1727.  Present  the  King’s  Most  Excel- 
lent Majesty  in  Council.  * * His  Majesty  is  hereupon  pleased 

with  the  advice  of  his  Privy  Council  to  approve  the  said  Proposals,  * 
* * and  to  order,  as  it  is  hereby  ordered,  that  the  Governor  or 

Commander-in-chief  of  our  Colony  in  Virginia  do  settle  the  said  bound- 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


171 


aries  in  conjunction  with  the  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  agreeable  to 
said  Proposals.”  The  royal  commission,  so  far  as  it  regards  Virginia, 
was  in  part  as  follows:  “George  II,  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  to  our  well- 
beloved  William  Byrd,  Bichard  Fitz  William  and  William  Dandridge, 
Esqrs.,  members  of  our  Council  of  the  Colony  and  Dominion  of  Virginia, 
Greeting.”  This  commission  was  dated  December  14,  1727.  The  Caro- 
lina commission  was  dated  February  21,  1728,  and  as  that  colony  was 
under  the  government  of  the  lord  proprietors,  the  commission  runs  in 
their  name:  “Sir  Richard  Everard,  Baronet,  Governor,  Captain,  General 
and  Commander-in-chief  of  the  said  Province:  To  Christopher  Gale, 
Esqr.,  Chief  Justice;  John  Lovick,  Esqr.,  Secretary;  Edward  Mosely, 
Esqr.,  Surveyor  General,  and  William  Little,  Esqr.,  Attorney  General, 
Greeting:  * * I,  therefore,  reposing  especial  confidence  in 

you  * * to  be  Commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  true  and  absolute 

Lord  Proprietors.” 

The  commissioners  thus  appointed  met  at  Currituck  Inlet  March  6, 
1728,  and  after  some  disputes  placed  a cedar  post  on  the  north  shore  of 
Currituck  Inlet,  as  their  starting  point.  This  point  was  found  to  be  in 
north  latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty-one  minutes,  and  at  that 
point  the  variation  of  the  compass  was  found  to  be  very  nearly  three  de- 
grees, one  minute  and  two  seconds  west,  Allowing  for  this  variation 
they  ran,  as  they  supposed,  a due  west  line,  passing  through  the  Dismal 
Swamp,  and  acquired,  as  Col.  Byrd  expresses  it,  “immortal  reputation  by 
bein.tr  the  first  of  mankind  that  ever  ventured  through  the  Dismal 
Swamp.”  Upon  arriving  at  Buzzard  Creek  about  169  miles  westward 
from  the  Atlantic  coast,  the  Carolina  commissioners  abandoned  the  work, 
October  6,  T728.  Mr.  FitzWilliam  also  abandoned  the  work  at  the  same 
time.  Col.  Byrd  and  Mr.  Dandridge  continued  the  line  to  a point  on 
Peter’s  Creek,  a tributary  of  Dan  River,  near  the  Saura  Towns,  241  miles 
and  30  poles  from  the  coast,  and  there  marked  the  termination  of  their 
work  on  a red  oak  tree,  October  26,  1728.  Col.  Byrd  wrote  a delightful 
work  entitled:  “The  History  of  the  Dividing  Line,”  in  which  he  records 
his  disappointment  at  finding  that  the  people  along  the  border  were  de- 
sirous of  falling  on  the  Carolina  side  of  the  line,  and  though  disgusted 
and  indignant,  as  well  as  disappointed,  at  this  preference  of  the  people, 
yet  true  to  the  generosity  of  his  nature,  he  favored  their  wishes  as  far  as 
his  instructions  would  permit,  and  located  the  line  about  one  mile  north 
of  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty-one  minutes.  In  his  history  he  says: 
“We  constantly  found  the  borderers  laid  it  to  heart,  if  their  land  was 
taken  into  Virginia,  They  chose  much  rather  to  belong  to  Carolina, 


172 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


where  they  pay  no  tribute  to  God  or  Caesar.”  Col.  Byrd  closes  his  nar- 
rative in  the  following  language:  “Nor  can  we  by  any  means  reproach 

ourselves  of  having  put  the  Crown  to  any  exorbitant  expense  in  this 
difficult  affair,  the  whole  charge  from  beginning  to  end  amounting  to  no 
more  than  £1,000.  But  let  no  one  concerned  in  this  painful  Expedition 
complain  of  the  scantiness  of  his  pay,  so  long  as  his  Majesty  has  been 
graciously  pleased  to  add  to  our  reward  the  Honour  of  his  Royal  appro- 
bation, and  to  declare,  notwithstanding  the  Desertion  of  the  Carolina 
Commissioners,  that  the  line  by  us  run  shall  hereafter  stand  as  the  true 
Boundary  betwixt  the  Governments  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.” 

The  next  step  in  the  history  of  this  line  was  taken  in  1749,  when  it 
was  extended  westward  from  Peter’s  Creek,  where  Col.  Byrd  terminated 
his  labors,  to  a point  on  Steep  Rock  Creek,  a distance  of  eighty-eight 
miles,  in  all  329  miles  from  the  coast.  In  this  extension  the  commis- 
sioners on  the  part  of  Virginia  were  Joshua  Pry,  professor  of  mathe- 
matics in  William  and  Mary  College,  and  Peter  Jefferson,  father  of 
Thomas  Jefferson,  afterward  President  of  the  United  States;  and  on  the 
part  of  North  Carolina  they  were  Daniel  Weldon  and  William  Churton. 

The  line  thus  extended'  by  these  last  commissioners  was  satisfactory, 
and  remained  the  boundary  between  North  Carolina  and  Virginia;  and 
as  by  the  treaty  of  Paris  in  1763,  the  Mississippi  River  was  fixed  upon 
as  the  western  boundary  of  North  Carolina,  it  was  hoped  that  that  and 
the  northern  boundary  line  were  established — the  latter  at  thirty-six  de- 
grees and  thirty  minutes.  In  1779,  urged  by  the  necessities  of  the 
western  settlements,  the  Legislatures  of  'Virginia  and  North  Carolina 
appointed  a joint  commission  to  extend  the  line  westward  between  their 
respective  territories.  The  commissioners  on  the  part  of  North  Carolina 
were  Col.  Richard  Henderson  and  William  B.  Smith;  and  on  the  part  of 
Virginia,  Dr.  Thomas  Walker  and  Daniel  Smith.  These  commissioners 
were  instructed  to  begin  the  extension  of  the  line  where  Pry  and  Jeffer- 
son, and  Weldon  and  Churton  ended  their  work;  and  if  that  were  found 
to  be  truly  in  latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  north,  then 
to  run  due  west  from  that  point  to  the  Tennessee  or  the  Ohio  River.  If 
that  point  were  found  not  to  be  truly  in  said  latitude,  then  to  run  from 
the  said  place  due  north  or  due  south  into  the  said  latitude  and  thence 
due  west  to  the  said  Tennessee  or  Ohio  River,  correcting  said  course  at 
due  intervals  by  astronomical  observations. 

The  commissioners  met  early  in  September,  1779,  but  failed  to  find 
the  point  on  Steep  Rock  Creek  where  Fry  and  Jefferson,  and  Weldon 
and  Churton  ended  their  line.  The  point  of  observation  chosen,  according 
to  memoranda  of  agreement  entered  on  the  books  of  both  parties,  was  in 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


173 


north  latitude  thirty-six  degrees,  thirty-one  minutes  and  twenty-five 
seconds,  and  in  west  longitude  eighty-one  degrees  and  twelve  minutes. 
From  this  point  they  ran  due  south  one  mile,  to  appoint  supposed  to  be 
in  latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes.  From  this  point  they 
ran  a line,  as  they  supposed,  due  west  about  forty-five  miles,  to  Carter’s 
Valley,  when  a disagreement  occurred,  and  the  two  commissions  separated. 
Each  commission  then  ran  a line  independent  of  the  other  as  far  west  as 
the  Cumberland  Mountain,  the  two  lines  being  parallel  with  each  other, 
nnd  about  two  miles  apart.  The  line  run  by  the  North  Carolina  commis- 
sioners, generally  known  as  Henderson’s  line,  was  north  of  that  run  by 
the  Virginia  commissioners,  likewise  generally  known  as  Walker’s  line. 
At  the  Cumberland  Mountain  the  North  Carolina  commissioners  aban- 
doned their  work  after  sending  in  a protest  against  Walker’s  line.  The 
Virginia  commissioners  continued  with  their  line  to  the  Tennessee  Fiver, 
leaving,  however,  an  unsurveyed  gap  from  Deer  Fork  to  the  east  crossing 
•of  Cumberland  River,  a distance  estimated  by  them  to  be  one  hundred 
-and  nine  miles.  Although  not  authorized  to  do  so,  the  commissioners 
marked  the  termination  of  this  line  on  the  Mississippi  River,  but  did  not 
survey  the  intervening  distance.  The  total  length  of  the  line  thus  far 
surveyed  was  as  follows:  Bryd’s  line,  241  miles;  Fry  and  Jefferson’s 
line,  88  miles:  Walker’s  line — from  Steep  Rock  Creek  to  Deer  Fork — 
123|;  miles,  unsurveyed  line  (estimated)  109  miles;  from  the  east  to  the 
west  crossing  of  the  Cumberland,  131  miles  ; and  from  the  Cumberland 
to  the  Tennessee  River,  9^  miles ; total  distance  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean 
to  the  Tennesse  River,  702  miles.  The  commissioners  were  at  Deer 
Fork  November  22,  1779;  at  the  east  crossing  of  the  Cumberland 
February  25,  1780;  and  at  the  Tennessee  River  March  23,  following. 

Considerable  disorder  followed  the  running  of  these  two  lines,  as  be- 
tween them  the  authority  of  neither  State  was  established;  the  validity 
of  process  from  neither  State  was  acknowledged;  entries  for  lands 
tween  the  lines  were  made  in  both  States ; and  both  States  issued  grants 
for  the  said  lands.  Crimes  committed  on  this  disputed  territory  could 
not  be  punished,  and  while  no  immediate  action  was  taken  by  the  two 
States,  yet  such  a condition  of  society  between  them  could  not  be  long  en- 
dured, especially  as  by  concert  of  action  a remedy  could  be  applied.  Upon 
this  subject  the  Governor  of  Virginia  addressed  a letter  to  the  Legisla- 
ture of  North  Carolina,  proposing  that  the  line  commonly  called  Walker’s 
line  be  established  as  the  boundary  between  the  States;  and  that  if  that 
proposition  were  not  satisfactory,  they  then  would  appoint  commissioners 
to  meet  commissioners  to  be  appointed  by  North  Carolina,  empowered  to 
■confer  on  the  propriety  of  establishing  either  Walker’s  or  Henderson’s 


174 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


line,  and  to  report  the  result  of  their  conference  to  the  Legislatures  of 
their  respective  States.  This  letter  was  referred  by  the  Legislature  of 
North  Carolina  to  a committee  of  which  Gen.  Thomas  Person  was  chair- 
man, at  its  session  commencing  November  2,  and  ending  December  22, 
1789.  The  committee  reported  through  Gen.  Person  in  favor  of  the  pas- 
sage of  a law  confirming  and  establishing  Walker’s  line  as  the  boundary  be- 
tween the  two  States.  Doubts  arising  as  to  the  formality  and  sufficiency 
of  this  action  of  the  Legislature,  a second  report  was  made  by  the  Carolina 
committee  on  boundaries,  of  which  Gen.  Person  was  again  chairman,  again 
recommending  the  confirming  of  Walker’s  line  as  the  boundary  line. 
This  report  was  read  and  concurred  in  December  11,  1790,  by  both  the 
House  of  Commons  and  the  Senate.  Learning  of  this  action  on  the  part 
of  North  Carolina,  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  passed  an  act  on  the  7th 
of  December,  1791,  declaring  “That  the  line  commonly  called  and  known 
by  the  name  of  Walker’s  line  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared 
to  be  the  boundary  line  of  this  State.”  Thus  the  boundary  line,  which 
had  so  long  been  in  controversy,  was  regarded  by  both  States  as  being 
finally  settled. 

With  reference  to  the  direction  of  the  line  run  by  Mr.  Walker  and 
Mr.  Smith  it  may  here  be  stated  that  in  consequence  of  failure  to  make 
due  allowance  for  the  variation  of  the  needle,  this  line  continuously  de- 
flected toward  the  north.  This  deflection  was  caused  either  by  the  im- 
perfection of  their  instruments  or  by  the  failure  of  the  commissioners  to 
test  their  work  by  a sufficient  number  of  observations.  Upon  reaching 
the  Tennessee  River  Walker’s  line  was  more  than  twelve  miles  too  far 
north  in  a direct  line,  being  near  latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  forty 
minutes,  and  where  it  first  touched  the  State  of  Tennessee  it  was  near 
latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty-four  minutes. 

With  respect  to  the  date  of  the  first  resolution  confirming  Walker’s 
line,  it  should  here  be  noted  that  it  was  adopted  practically  on  the  2d 
of  November,  1789,  as  under  the  law  of  North  Carolina  all  acts  related 
to  the  first  day  of  the  session,  and  the  act  ceding  the  Western  Terri- 
tory to  the  United  States  was  passed  at  the  same  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, and  thus,  therefore,  on  the  same  day.  The  deed  executed  to  Con- 
gress, in  pursuance  of  the  cession  act,  was  dated  February  25,  1790,  and 
was  accepted  April  2,  1790.  The  second  resolution  confirmatory  of 
Walker’s  line  was  passed  December  11,  1790. 

In  1792  William  Blount,  territorial  governor  of  Tennessee,  insisted 
that  the  first  resolution  of  the  Carolina  Legislature,  referred  to  above, 
was  not  a legal  confirmation  of  Walker’s  line,  and  that  the  second  reso- 
lution adopted  December  11,  1790,  having  been  passed  many  months 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


175 


after  tlie  acceptance  by  Congress  of  the  cession  of  the  Western  Terri- 
tory, was  invalid  as  to  the  United  States,  of  which  Tennessee  was  then 
a Territory.  Gov.  Blount  also  urged  that  for  ten  years  previous  to  the 
cession  North  Carolina  had  exercised  jurisdiction  to  Henderson’s  line, 
and  announced  his  intention  of  maintaining  that  jurisdiction.  A proc- 
lamation was  issued  by  Gov.  Blount  asserting  jurisdiction  to  Hender- 
son’s line,  and  a counter  proclamation  was  issued  by  Gov.  Lee,  of  Vir- 
ginia, asserting  jurisdiction  to  Walker’s  line.  Matters  remained  in  this 
rather  hostile  shape  until  1801,  when  a joint  commission  was  appointed 
to  determine  the  true  boundary  line. 

The  Legislature  of  Tennessee  passed  an  act  appointing  Moses  Fisk, 
Gen.  John  Sevier  and  Gen.  George  Rutledge  her  commissioners  to  meet 
commissioners  appointed  by  Virginia  to  take  the  latitude  and  run  the 
line.  Virginia  appointed  Joseph  Martin,  Creed  Taylor  and  Peter  John- 
son. This  commission  met  at  Cumberland  Gap  December  18,  1802,  and 
failing  to  agree  in  the  result  of  their  astronomical  observations,  entered 
into  an  agreement,  which  they  reduced  to  writing,  signed  and  sealed, 
and  ran  the  line  in  accordance  therewith  parallel  to  the  two  lines  in 
dispute  and  about  midway  between  them,  and  about  one  mile  from  each. 
The  agreement  of  the  commissioners  and  the  certificate  of  the  surveyors 
who  ran  the  line  are  as  follows: 

The  commissioners  for  ascertaining  and  adjusting  the  boundary  line  between  the  two 
States  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  appointed  pursuant  to  the  public  authority  on  the  part 
qf  each,  have  met  at  the  place  previously  appointed  for  the  purpose,  and  not  uniting  from 
the  general  result  of  their  astronomical  observations  to  establish  either  of  the  former  lines 
called  Walker’s  or  Henderson’s,  unanimously  agree,  in  order  to  end  the  controversy 
respecting  the  subject,  to  run  a due  west  line  equally  distant  from  both,  beginning  on  the 
summit  of  the  mountain  generally  known  by  the  name  of  White  Top  Mountain,  where 
the  northwest  corner  of  Tennessee  terminates,  to  the  top  of  the  Cumberland  Mountain, 
where  the  southwestern  corner  of  Virginia  terminates,  which  is  declared  hereby  to  be  the 
true  boundary  line  between  the  two  States,  and  has  been  accordingly  run  by  Brice  Martin 
and  Nathan  B.  Markland,  the  surveyors  duly  appointed  for  the  purpose,  and  marked 
under  the  direction  of  the  said  commissioners,  as  will  more  at  large  appear  by  the  report 
of  the  said  surveyors  hereto  annexed,  and  bearing  date  herewith.  The  commissioners 
do,  therefore,  unanimously  agree  to  recommend  to  their  respective  States  that  individuals 
having  claims  or  titles  to  lands  on  either  side  of  the  said  line  as  now  affixed  and  agreed 
upon  and  between  the  lines  aforesaid,  shall  not  in  consequence  thereof  in  any  wise  be 
prejudiced  or  affected  thereby,  and  that  the  Legislatures  of  their  respective  States  should 
pass  mutual  laws  to  render  all  such  claims  or  titles  secure  to  the  owners  thereof. 

Given  under  our  hands  and  seals  at  William  Robertson’s,  near  Cumberland  Gap,  the 
8th  day  of  December,  1802. 

The  certificate  of  the  surveyors  that  they  had  run  the  line  as  above 
described  was  dated  on  the  same  day,  and  signed  by  both.  This  agree- 
ment and  the  line  run  in  accordance  therewith  were  confirmed  by  the 
Legislatures  of  both  States,  by  Tennessee  November  3,  1803,  and  by 


176 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Virginia  in  tlie  same  year,  and  the  boundary  between  Virginia  and  Ten- 
nessee was  thus  finally  established  by  a compromise.  Although  subse- 
quent negotiations  have  occurred,  no  change  has  been  made,  but. in  1859 
the  line  was  re-marked  by  Samuel  Milligan  and  George  R.  McClellan, 
commissioners  for  Tennessee,  and  Leonidas  Baugh  and  James  C.  Black, 
commissioners  for  Virginia. 

While  this  compromise  line  midway  between  Walker’s  and  Hender- 
son’s lines  became  the  established  boundary  between  Tennessee  and  Vir- 
ginia, the  boundary  between  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  was  Walker’s  line. 
In  the  first  Carolina  resolution  confirming  the  Walker  line,  the  follow- 
ing language  was  used:  “Mr.  Walker  and  the  other  commissioners  from 
Virginia  extended  the  line  to  the  Tennessee  River  and  marked  its  termi- 
nation on  the  Mississippi  from  observations,  leaving  the  line  from  the 
Tennessee  to  that  place  unsurveyed.”  The  second  resolution  reaffirmed 
the  first,  and  the  Legislatures  of  both  States  ratified  the  action  of  the 
commissioners,  thus  clearly  extending  the  line  to  the  Mississippi  Rivei^ 
Biit  the  action  of  Tennessee  under  Gov.  Blount,  above  explained,  repudi- 
ating the  Carolina  and  Virginia  compact,  was  seized  upon  by  Kentucky 
in  later  years  to  reopen  the  boundary  question  as  between  her  and  Ten- 
nessee. As  stated  above  Kentucky  discovered  that  Walker’s  line  was 
several  miles  north  of  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes;  the  parallel 
upon  which  it  was  designed  to  be  run,  and  was  desirous  of  readjusting  the 
boundary  on  that  parallel.  The  logic  of  her  argument  in  favor  of  this 
was  irresistible:  “Since  by  your  own  showing  the  confirmation  of  Walk- 
er’s line  by  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  is  invalid  as  to  us,  then  we  have 
no  dividing  line  except  the  imaginary  one  of  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty 
minutes.  Let  us  move  down  south  and  locate  it.” 

In  1813  Kentucky  passed  an  act  in  the  preamble  to  which  she  inti- 
mates her  impatience  at  the  continuance  of  the  struggle,  and  her  deter- 
mination to  find  some  effectual  means  of  settling  it:  “Whereas  Tennes- 
see proposes  to  depart  from  the  true  line  of  separation  * * * 

to  be  ascertained  by  correct  and  scientific  observations,  etc.,  the  disa- 
greeable necessity  is  imposed  upon  Kentucky  of  having  the  long-con- 
tested question  finally  settled  by  the  means  pointed  out  by  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  United  States.”  The  next  step  taken  by  Tennessee  was  No- 
vember 17,  1815,  when  an  act  was  passed  to  which  the  following  is  the 
preamble : 

Whereas,  Some  difficulty  lias  existed  between  the  State  of  Kentucky  and  this  State, 
and  whereas  it  is  essential  to  the  harmony  and  interest  of  both  States  that  the  line  com- 
monly called  Walker’s  line  heretofore  considered  and  acted  on  as  the  boundary  between 
them  should  be  established  as  the  boundary  between  the  two  States,  therefore  be  it  en- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


177 


acted  that  the  line  commonly  called  Walker’s  line  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  established 
and  confirmed  as  the  true  boundary  between  the  States  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.” 

% ^ # % * * 

Sec.  5.  Be  it  enacted  that  if  the  Legislature  of  Kentucky  shall  refuse  to  pass  such 
an  act  as  the  above,  then  this  act  shall  cease  to  be  in  force,  etc. 

In  response  to  this  proposition  on  the  part  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky 
passed  an  act  on  the  10th  of  February,  181(3,  in  which  she  declines  to 
accept  the  line  proposed,  but  offers  to  adopt  “Walker’s  line  so  far  as  it 
was  originally  run  and  marked,  to  wit:  From  a point  near  the  mouth  of 
Obed’s,  alias  Obey’s  Eiver  to  the  Tennessee  Paver,  as  the  true  jurisdictional 
line  between  this  State  and  the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  as  to  the  residue  of 
the  line  between  the  two  States,  the  following  shall  be  adopted  as  the  true 
position  thereof:  At  the  eastern  extremity  of  Walker’s  line  near  the  mouth 
of  Obed’s  Eiver  aforesaid,  a line  shall  be  run  at  right  angles  either 
north  or  south,  as  the  case  may  require,  till  it  reaches  the  true  chartered 
limits  of  the  two  States  in  the  latitude  of  thirty-sis  degrees  and  thirty 
minutes  north,  and  from  that  point  the  line  shall  be  extended  to  the 
east,  still  keeping  the  same  latitude  till  it  reaches  the  eastern  boundary 
of  this  State;  and  at  the  west  extremity  of  Walker’s  line,  to  wit,  the  Ten- 
nessee Eiver,  a line  shall  be  extended  up  or  down  the  said  river  as  the 
case  may  require  till  it  reaches  the  true  chartered  latitude  thirty-six  de- 
grees and  thirty  minutes  north,  and  from  that  point  the  line  shall  be  ex- 
tended due  west,  still  keeping  the  same  latitude  till  it  reaches  the  Missis- 
sippi Eiver.” 

Had  this  proposition  been  accepted  by  Tennessee  about  180  miles 
of  the  boundary  line  would  have  been  placed  on  the  “ chartered  latitude,” 
thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes ; but  Tennessee  could  be  satisfied 
with  nothing  short  of  Walker’s  line,  or  at  least  with  very  little  less  than 
that  line  as  her  northern  boundary,  and  in  order  to  show  her  insistence 
on  that  line  passed  an  act,  after  reciting  the  customary  preamble,  “that 
the  line  commonly  called  Walker’s  line,  so  far  as  the  same  has  been  run 
and  marked,  shall  be  considered  and  taken  to  be  the  true  line  between 
the  States.” 

Sec.  2.  That  as  soon  as  the  State  of  Kentucky  shall  pass  a law  agreeing  thereto,  a 
direct  line  from  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  line  called  Walker’s  line,  as  marked  at  Cum- 
berland River,  to  Walker’s  line  at  a place,  called  Cumberland  Gap,  shall  be  considered 
and  taken  the  true  line  between  the  States. 

Sec.  3.  That  this  State  will,  provided  the  State  of  Kentucky  agree  thereto,  apply  to 
the  Executive  of  the  United  States  to  appoint  a commissioner  to  ascertain  the  true  point 
where  the  boundary  line  between  this  State  and  the  State  of  Kentucky  will  strike  the  Ten- 
nessee River  on  the  western  bank  thereof,  and  that  from  that  point  a line  shall  be  run  di- 
rectly west  to  the  western  boundary  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  which  shall  be  the  line 
bounding  the  two  States. 

This  persistence  on  the  part  of  Tennessee  in  affirming  what  she  con- 


178 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


sidered  to  be  her  right,  considerably  nettled  her  sister  State,  who  re- 
plied to  this  proposal  on  January  30,  1818,  by  the  following  “spicy  en- 
actment.” 

Be  it  enacted  that  all  laws  heretofore  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  com- 
monwealth relative  to  the  boundary  line  between  this  State  and  Tennessee  shall  be,  and 
the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

Sec.  2.  That  the  southern  boundary  line  of  this  State  shall  be  and  remain  on  a 
line  running  west  from  the  top  of  Cumberland  Mountain  to  the  Mississippi  River  in  36° 
30'  north  latitude,  anything  in  any  former  law  passed  by  this  State  to  the  contrary  not- 
withstanding. 

In  pursuance  of  this  enactment  Kentucky,  in  1819,  sent  her  surveyors 
Alexander  and  Munsell  to  run  and  mark  the  line  on  thirty-six  degrees 
and  thirty  minutes  between  the  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  Rivers,  and 
declared  this  to  be  the  true  boundary.  This  line  struck  the  Tennessee 
River  about  twelve  miles  in  a direct  line  feouth  of  Walker’s  line,  and  if 
it  had  been  continued  on  eastward  it  would  have  passed  about  two  miles 
to  the  south  of  Clarksville.  It  was  now  evident  to  Tennessee  that  her 
territorial  integrity  was  in  danger,  and  that  decided  steps  must  be  taken 
if  she  would  not  lose  to  a large  extent  in  property  and  population.  She 
realized  her  own  illogical  position  in  claiming  jurisdiction  to  a line  the 
validity  of  which  as  a boundary  she  had  solemnly  repudiated.  She  could 
not  rest  quietly  in  possession,  for  she  plainly  saw  that  Kentucky  intended 
to  have  the  boundary  question  settled,  and  to  extend  her  southern  line 
down  to  the  “chartered  limits”  of  the  State,  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty 
minutes;  the  latitude  in  which  Walker’s  line  was  supposed  to  be  run. 
It  was  necessary  to  find  some  plea  by  which  she  could  still  plausibly 
maintain  her  right  to  Walker’s  line  as  actually  run  as  her  northern 
boundary.  This  plea  was  supplied  by  Gov.  Joseph  McMinn  in  his  mes- 
sage of  October  6,  1819,  and  it  was  the  only  plea  which  Tennessee  could 
bring  to  her  aid,  the  desire  of  the  people  residing  on  the  belt  of  territory 
between  the  “chartered  limits,”  and  Walker’s  line,  to  remain  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  Tennessee.  He  admitted  that  Alexander  & Munsell’ s line, 
if  it  were  in  fact  in  latitude  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty  minutes,  should 
be  allowed  to  stand.  The  necessity  of  this  compromise  was  forced  upon 
Tennessee  by  her  being  estopped  from  pleading  the  confirming  of 
Walker’s  line  by  the  Virginia  and  Carolina  compact  which  under  Gov. 
William  Blount  she  had  repudiated. 

The  Legislature  of  Tennessee  having  thus  failed  to  establish  her 
claim  by  enactments  determined  to  send  commissioners  to  the  Kentucky 
Legislature  and  try  the  efficacy  of  a joint  commission.  Kentucky  though 
opposed  to  that  method  of  settling  the  question,  was  at  length  persuaded 
by  Tennessee’s  commissioners,  Felix  Grundy  and  William  L.  Brown,  to 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


179 


appoint  a commission,  selecting  John  J.  Crittenden  and  Robert  Trimble. 
Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Kentucky’s  argument  as  to  abstract  title 
was  unanswerable,  yet  the  Tennessee  commissioners  successfully  urged 
actual  possession,  and  the  desires  of  the  people,  together  with  the  multi- 
tude of  hardships  that  must  necessarily  result  from  a change,  and  offered 
to  permit  all  the  lines  to  remain  as  then  located  including  Alexander  & 
Munsell’s  line.  The  compromise  was  accepted  by  Kentucky,  and  effected 
February  2,  1820.  According  to  this  compromise  the  boundary  line  was 
to  be  Walker’s  line  to  the  Tennessee  River;  thence  up  and  with  said 
river  to  Alexander  & Munsell’s  line;  thence  with  said  line  to  the  Missis- 
sippi River — -the  treaty  to  be  valid  wdien  ratified  by  the  Legislature  of 
Kentucky.  Thus  the  main  points  were  finally  settled,  but  still  for  some 
years  numerous  inconveniences  continued  to  develop  from  the  loss  of 
some  of  the  landmarks  of  Walker’s  line,  the  uncertainty  regarding  others, 
and  the  unsurveyed  gap,  between  Deer  Fork  and  the  Cumberland  River. 
In  1821,  this  gap  unsurveyed  by  Walker,  was  surveyed  by  a joint  com- 
mission consisting  of  William  Steele,  on  the  part  of  Kentucky,  and  Ab- 
salom Looney,  on  the  part  of  Tennessee,  and  they  extended  their  survey 
from  the  east  crossing  of  Cumberland  River  to  Cumberland  Gap.  On 
November  13,  1821,  Tennessee  passed  an  act  confirming  this  survey  as 
far  as  it  extended,  including  in  the  act  a minute  description  of  the  survey, 
and  on  the  22d  of  the  same  month  Kentucky  confirmed  this  line. 

In  1831  James  Bright,  commissioner  for  Tennessee,  and  Dr.  Mun- 
sell,  commissioner  for  Kentucky,  ran  and  marked  Walker’s  line  along 
the  southern  borders  of  Allen,  Simpson  and  Trigg  Counties  straight  from 
the  point  near  the  west  crossing  of  the  Cumberland  River  to  the  Tenn- 
essee. This  survey,  if  adopted,  would  have  thrown  into  Kentucky  a strip 
of  land  about  a mile  wide  which  is  now  a portion  of  Tennessee. 

In  1845  Gov.  James  C.  Jones  appointed,  as  commissioners  on  the 
part  of  Tennessee,  C.  W.  Nance  and  William  P.  McLain,  who  met  Messrs. 
Wilson  and  Duncan,  commissioners  from  Kentucky,  in  October  of  that 
year,  and  marked  a line  along  the  borders  of  Trigg  and  Christian  Coun- 
ties, and  along  that  portion  of  Fulton  County  west  of  Reelfoot  Lake. 
These  different  lines  were  all  readjusted  in  1859,  by  a joint  commission 
consisting  of  Benjamin  Peeples  and  O.  R.  Watkins,  commissioners;  0.  H. 
P.  Bennett,  engineer;  J.  Trafton,  L.  Burnett,  assistant  engineers,  and  J. 
M.  Nicholson,  surveyor,  on  the  part  of  Tennessee;  and  Austin  P.  Cox  and 
C.  M.  Driggs,  commissioners;  J.  Pillsburg,  engineer;  G.  Trafton,  G. 
Stealey  and  A.  Hensly,  assistant  engineers,  on  the  part  of  Kentucky. 
They  met  at  a place  called  Compromise,  on  the  Mississippi  River,  and 
having  improved  instruments  made  an  accurate  and  satisfactory  survey, 


180 


HISTOBY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


placing  tlie  stones  as  required  and  marking  tlie  line  on  permanent  trees 
with  four  chops  toward  the  east  and  toward  the  west. 

From  Compromise,  in  latitude  thii’ty-six  degrees,  twenty-nine  minutes 
and  fifty-five  and  seven  hundredths  seconds,  they  followed  very  nearly 
along  Alexander  and  Munsell’s  line  to  the  Tennessee,  in  latitude  thirty- 
six  degrees,  twenty-nine  minutes  and  fifty-four  seconds.  Thence  they 
ran  down  the  Tennessee  to  W alker’s  line,  which  is  very  nearly  in  latitude 
thirty-six  degrees,  forty  minutes  and  forty-five  seconds,  and  from  this 
point  they  followed  Walker’s  line  to  the  southeastern  corner  of  Kentucky, 
latitude  thirty-six  degrees,  thirty-four  minutes  and  fifty-three  and  forty- 
eight  hundredths  seconds.  From  this  point  they  ran  to  the  southwest 
corner  of  Virginia  in  latitude  thirty  six  degrees,  thirty-six  minutes  and 
ninety-two  hundredths  seconds.  This  survey  cost  Tennessee  $25,357, 
and  Kentucky  $22,630.07.  The  stone  posts  cost  $1,265.  Kentucky  ap- 
proved the  acts  of  this  joint  commission  February  28,  1860,  and  Ten- 
nessee March  21,  1860. 

Thus  after  a protracted,  and  in  many  instances  a vexatious  contro- 
versy, lasting  from  1792  to  1860,  Tennessee  finally  established  her  title, 
if  not  her  right,  to  that  strip  of  territory  extending  from  White  Top 
Mountain  to  the  Tennessee  River.  That  portion  adjoining  Virginia  is 
about  110  miles  long,  and  averages  about  seven  miles  in  width,  while 
that  adjoining  Kentucky  is  about  245  miles  long,  and  about  five  and 
three-quarters  miles  wide  at  its  eastern  extremity,  gradually  increasing 
in  width  until  it  reaches  the  Tennessee,  where  it  is  about  twelve  and  one- 
lialf  miles  wide. 

For  this  acquisition  she  is  indebted  first  to  the  failure  of  the  Virginia 
and  Carolina  commissioners  to  make  due  allowance  for  the  variation  of 
the  needle;  second,  to  the  fidelity  and  ability  of  her  public  servants; 
third,  to  the  preference  of  the  people  along  the  border  to  remain  within 
her  jurisdiction,  and  fourth,  to  the  liberality  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia, 
which  led  them  to  respect  the  preferences  of  the  people.  And  for  the 
loss  of  the  strip  west  of  the  Tennessee  and  between  the  “chartered  limits’* 
and  Walker’s  line,  she  is  indebted  to  the  repudiation  by  Gov.  Blount, 
of  the  Virginia  and  Carolina  compact.  And  yet,  although  this  struggle 
which  lasted  so  long  and  had  attracted  so  much  attention,  was  settled 
thus  in  1860,  her  constitution  of  1870  adheres  to  the  old  imaginary  lines, 
and  describes  her  northern  boundary  as  thirty-six  degrees  and  thirty 
minutes,  but  this  careless  description  is  well  guarded  by  the  following 
clause:  “Provided  that  the  limits  and  jurisdiction  of  this  State  shall  ex- 
tend to  any  other  land  and  territory  now  acquired  .by  compact  or  agree- 
ment with  other  States  or  otherwise,  although  such  land  and  territory 
are  not  included  within  the  boundaries  hereinbefore  designated.” 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


181 


The  history  of  the  southern  boundary  line  of  this  State  is  not  of  such 
absorbing  interest,  nor  fortunately  so  long  as  that  aboye  detailed. 
Quoting  again  from  the  Declaration  of  Rights:  “That  line  and  that  only 
should  be  esteemed  the  southern  boundary  of  this  State  (North  Carolina) 
as  follows,  that  is  to  say:  Beginning  on  the  sea-side  at  a cedar  stake  at  or 
near  the  mouth  of  Little  River,  being  the  southern  extremity  of  Bruns- 
wick County  and  runs  thence  a northwest  course  through  the  Boundary 
House,  which  stands  in  thirty-three  degrees  and  fifty-six  minutes,  to 
thirty -five  degrees  north  latitude,  and  from  thence  a west  course,  so  far 
as  is  mentioned  in  the  charter  of  King  Charles  II  to  the  late  proprietors 
of  Carolina.”  This  declaration  was  adopted  in  December,  1776,  and 
shows  that  the  parallel  of  thirty-five  degrees  north  latitude  was  consid- 
ered as  the  established  southern  boundary  line  of  North  Carolina 
westward  from  the  point  where  the  line  “running  a northwest  course 
through  the  Boundary  House”  if  extended  would  intersect  that  parallel. 
To  establish  the  line  between  North  and  South  Carolina,  commissioners 
were  appointed  by  both  these  colonies  in  1737.  Those  of  the  former 
colony  were  Robert  Hilton,  Matthew  Rowan  and  Edward  Mosely. 
They  began  at  the  cedar  stake  on  the  sea  shore  by  the  mouth  of  Little 
River,  and  ran  the  line  until  they  arrived  at  the  thirty-fifth  degree.  At 
the  termination  of  the  northwest  line  they  erected  a light  wood  stake 
upon  a mound.  The  line  was  continued  by  private  parties  twenty  miles, 
and  in  1764  was  still  further  extended. 

In  1818  the  boundary  between  Tennessee  and  Georgia  was  estab- 
lished. The  commissioners  appointed  Joseph  Cobb  surveyor,  and  two 
chain  carriers  and  two  markers.  These  parties  arrived  at  Ross’  in  the 
Cherokee  nation  on  the  15th  of  May.  From  Ross’,  which  was  on  the 
Tennessee  River,  they  proceeded  to  Nickajack,  where  on  the  next  day 
they  met  the  commissioners  and  surveyor  appointed  by  Georgia.  The 
joint  commission  decided  tliat  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of  north  latitude 
was  one  mile  and  twenty-eight  poles  from  the  south  bank  of  the  Tennes- 
see, due  south  from  near  the  center  of  the  town  of  Nickajack.  This  point 
was  supposed  by  them  to  be  the  corner  of  the  States  of  Georgia  and  Ala- 
bama. At  this  point  they  caused  a rock  to  be  erected,  two  feet  high,  four- 
inches  thick  and  fifteen  inches  broad,  engraved  on  the  north  side  “June 
1, 1818,  Var.  six  degrees  and  forty-five  minutes  east,”  and  on  the  south  side 
“Geo.  Lat.  thirty-five  degrees  north,  J.  Carmack.”  From  this  rock  they 
ran  the  line  due  east  to  the  top  of  the  Unaka  Mountains,  where  they 
closed  their  survey  with  a variation  of  the  compass  of  five  degrees  and 
thirty  minutes;  the  length  of  the  line  surveyed  being  nearly  110  miles. 
The  line  west  of  Nickajack  was  extended  in  part  by  Gen.  Coffee  and  the 


182 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


residue  by  Gen.  Winchester.  The  boundary  line  between  Tennessee  and 
Mississippi  was  also  run  by  John  Thompson,  and  his  line  was  adopted 
by  Tennessee  as  the  southern  boundary,  but  Mississippi  failed  to  adopt 
it.  The  question  was  finally  settled  by  Tennessee  November  9,  1837, 
and  by  Mississippi  February  8,  1838,  on  which  dates  the  two  States, 
respectively,  ratified  the  proceedings  of  a joint  commission  to  run  the 
true  boundary  line.  The  history  of  the  running  of  the  line  is  sufficiently 
shown  in  the  language  of  the  act  by  the  Tennessee  Legislature  above  re- 
ferred to  as  follows: 

Whereas  the  State  of  Tennessee  believing  the  southern  boundary  line  of  the  State 
dividing  Tennessee  from  Mississippi  was  not  correctly  run  by  the  commissioners  in  1819, 
with  the  thirty-fifth  parallel  of  north  latitude;  and  whereas  the  State  of  Tennessee,  by  an 
act  passed  November  29,  1833,  did  establish  what  is  known  as  Thompson’s  line  as  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  State,  which  act  did  not  receive  the  sanction  of  the  State  of 
Mississippi;  and  whereas  the  authorities  of  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  having  recently  by 
commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  two  States,  run  and, marked  another  line  which  is  agreed 
upon  providing  they  ratify  the  same,  which  line  is  described  in  the  commissioners’  report 
as  follows-  Commencing  at  a point  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Tennessee  River,  sixty-four 
chains  south  or  above  the  mouth  of  Yellow  Creek  and  about  three-fourths  of  a mile  north 
of  the  line  known  as  Thompson’s  line,  and  twenty-six  chains  and  ten  links  north  of 
Thompson’s  line  at  the  basis  meridian  of  the  Chickasaw  surveys,  and  terminating  at  a 
point  in  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi  River,  opposite  Cow  Island,  sixteen  chains  north 
of  Thompson’s  line;  therefore 

Be  it  enacted,  etc.,  That  the  line  as  run  and  marked  between  this  State  and  Mississippi 
by  B.  A.  Ludlow, D.  W.  Connely  and  W.  Petrie  (commissioners  on  the  part  of  Mississippi), 
and  John  D.  Graham  and  Austin  Miller  (commissioners  on  the  part  of  Tennessee)  be  and 
the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  be  the  true  southern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Tennessee, 
being  35°  north  latitude,  and  that  the  jurisdiction  of  the  State  be  extended  to  that  line 
in  as  full  and  ample  a manner  as  the  same  was  extended  to  the  line  run  by  Winchester. 

The  eastern  boundary  line,  or  that  between  Tennessee  and  North  Car- 
olina, was  finally  established  by  an  act  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  the 
former  State  during  the  session  commencing  November  19,  1821,  the 
language  of  the  act  running  somewhat  as  follows:  That  the  dividing  line 
run  and  marked  by  Alexander  Smith,  Isaac  Allen  and  Simeon  Perry,  com- 
missioners on  the  part  of  Tennessee,  and  James  Mebane,  Montford  Stokes 
and  Robert  Love,  commissioners  from  North  Carolina,  which  line  begins 
at  a stone  set  up  on  the  north  side  of  the  Cataloochee  Turnpike  Road, 
and  marked  on  the  west  side  “ Tenn.  1821,”  and  on  the  east  side  “ N.  C. 
1821,”  and  running  along  the  summit  of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains, 
etc.,  etc.,  and  striking  the  southern  boundary  line  twenty-three  poles 
west  of  a tree  in  said  line  marked  “72M,”  where  was  set  up  by  said 
commissioners  a square  post,  marked  on  the  west  side  “Tenn.  1821,”  and 
on  the  east  side  “ N.  C.  1821”  and  on  the  south  side  “G.”  be  and  the 
same  is  hereby  ratified,  confirmed  and  established  as  the  true  boundary 
line  between  this  State  and  North  Carolina.  This  line  was  confirmed  by 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


183 


the  Legislature  of  North  Carolina  during  the  session  commencing  No- 
vember 19,  1821. 

THE  WATAUGA  ASSOCIATION. 

The  settlers  on  the  Watauga  and  Holston,  though  very  near  the 
boundaries  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  though  most  of  them 
were  emigrants  from  the  latter  State',  were  living  without  the  protection 
of  the  laws  of  either.  Being  thus  without  regular  government,  it  was 
necessary  for  them  to  adopt  for  themselves  rules  for  their  own  guidance. 
These  rules  were  adopted  in  1772,  and  are  believed  to  have  constituted 
the  first  written  compact  of  government  west  of  the  mountains.  The 
government  was  simple  and  moderate,  paternal  and  patriarchal,  summary 
and  firm.  The  settlers  elected  as  commissioners  thirteen  citizens,  as  fol- 
lows: John  Carter,  Charles  Robertson,  James  Robertson,  Zachariali  Is- 

bell, John  Sevier,  James  Smith,  Jacob  Brown,  William  Bean,  John 
Jones,  George  Russell,  Jacob  Womack,  Robert  Lucas  and  William 
Tatham.  Of  these  thirteen  commissioners  five  were  appointed  as  a 
court,  by  whom  all  matters  in  controversy  were  settled,  and  the  same  tri- 
bunal had  entire  control  of  everything  pertaining  to  the  public  good. 
This  court  was  composed,  it  is  believed,  of  the  following  persons:  John 
Carter,  Charles  Robertson,  James  Robertson,  Zachariali  Isbell  and 
John  Sevier,  with  William  Tatham  as  clerk.  For  a number  of  years  this 
form  of  government  performed  its  functions  with  success  and  satisfaction 
to  the  people.  But  at  length  dissensions  arose,  and  the  result  of  these 
various  views  and  desires  of  the  people  was  the  establishment  of  the  State 
of  Franklin,  as  detailed  later  in  this  chapter. 

After  the  establishment  of  the  Watauga  Association,  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Notables  was  the  next  in  the  order  of  time.  This  was  on 
the  banks  of  the  Cumberland,  as  that  was  on  the  banks  of  the  Watauga. 
It  grew  up  from  the  necessities  of  the  people,  far  removed  from  any  pro- 
tecting government.  Robertson’s  principal  colony  arrived  at  the  French 
Lick  about  January  1,  1780 — Putnam  says  December  25,  1779.  John 
Donelson’s  party  arrived  April  24,  1780,  and  on  May  1 following,  the 
compact  of  government  or  articles  of  agreement  were  entered  into  by 
the  settlers  on  the  Cumberland.  It  was  stated  in  the  chapter  on  the  set- 
tlement of  the  territory,  that  in  the  vicinity  of  the  French  Lick  there 
were  eight  stations,  and  Avlien  the  government  came  to  be  established, 
each  station  was  entitled  to  representatives  fii  the  “ Tribunal  of  Nota- 


bles” as  follows: 

Nashborough  (at  Nashville) 3 

Mansker’s  (Casper  Mansker’s  Lick) 2 

Bledsoe’s  (now  Castilian  Springs). . . 1 


184 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Asher's  (Station  Camp  Creek) 1 

Freeland’s  (at  Dr.  McGavock’s  or  Horticultural  Garden) 1 

Eaton’s  (now  Brooklyn) 2 

Fort  Union  (where  Haysborough  was) 1 

Stone’s  River  (west  of  the  Hermitage) 1 


These  representatives,  or  a majority  of  them,  after  being  bound  by 
the  solemnity  of  an  oath  to  do  equal  and  impartial  justice  between  all 
contending  parties,  were  empowered  and  made  competent  to  settle  all 
controversies  relative  to  location  and  improvements  of  lands;  all  other 
matters  and  questions  of  dispute  among  the  settlers;  protecting  the  rea- 
sonable claims  of  those  who  may  have  returned  for  their  families;  pro- 
viding implements  of  husbandry  and  food  for  such  as  might  arrive  with- 
out such  necessaries ; making  especial  provisions  for  widows  and  orphans 
whose  husbands  or  fathers  may  die  or  be  killed  by  the  Indians ; guaran- 
teeing equal  rights,  mutual  protection  and  impartial  justice;  pledging 
themselves  most  solemnly  and  sacredly  to  promote  the  peace,  happiness 
and  well  being  of  the  community,  to  suppress  vice  and  punish  crime. 

In  this  compact  one  of  the  principal  elements  of  popular  government  was 
expressly  set  forth,  viz. : the  right  of  the  people  at  the  various  stations  to 
remove  their  representative  or  judge,  or  other  officers,  for  misconduct  or 
unfaithfulness  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  and  to  elect  others  to  fill 
the  vacancies.  “This  tribunal  exercised  the  prerogatives  of  government 
to  their  fullest  extent,  with  the  exception  of  the  infliction  of  capital  pun- 
ishment. They  called  out  the  militia  of  the  stations  to  ‘repel  or  pursue 
the  enemy;’  impressed  horses  for  such  service  as  the  public  exigency 
might  demand;  levied  fines,  payable  in  money  or  provisions;  adjudicated 
causes;  entered  up  judgments  and  awarded  executions;  granted  letters  of 
administration  upon  estates  of  deceased  persons,  taking  bonds  ‘payable  to 
Col.  James  Robertson,  chairman  of  committee,’  ” etc. 

Following  are  the  articles  of  agreement,  or  compact  of  government, 
entered  into  by  the  settlers  on  the  Cumberland  River  May  1,  1780.  The 
first  page  is  lost  and  the  second  torn  and  defaced,  but  there  can  be  read 
distinctly  as  follows,  supplying  in  brackets  lost  words: 

* * property  of  right  shall  be  determined  as  soon  [as]  conveniently  may  be  in 

the  following  manner:  The  free  men  of  this  country  over  the  age  [of  twenty]  one  years 
shall  immediately, or  as  soon  as  may  [be  convenient], proceed  to  elect  or  choose  twelve  con- 
scientious and  [deserving]  persons  from  or  out  of  the  different  sections,  that  is  [to]  say: 
From  Nashborough,  three;  Mansker’s.two;  Bledsoe’s,  one;  Asher’s,  one;  Stone’s  River, one; 
Freeland’s,  one;  Eaton’s,  two;  Fort  Union,  one.  Which  said  persons,  or  a majority  of 
them,  after  being  bound  by  the  solemnity  of  an  oath,  to  do  equal  and  impartial  justice  be- 
tween all  contending  parties,  according  to  their  best  skill  and  judgment,  having  due  regard 
to  the  regulations  of  the  land  office  herein  established,  shall  be  competent  judges  of  the 
matter,  and  * * hearing  the  allegations  of  both  parties  and  [their]  witnesses  as  to 

the  facts  alleged  or  otherwise  * * as  to  the  truth  of  the  case,  shall  have  [power]  to 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


185 


decide  controversies,  and  determine  who  is  of  right  entitled  to  an  entry  for  such  land  so  in 
dispute,  when  said  determination  or  decision  shall  be  forever  binding  against  the  future 
claim  of  the  party  against  whom  such  judgment  [shall  be  rendered].  And  the  entry  taker 
shall  make  a [record  thereof]  in  his  book  accordingly,  and  the  entry  * * tending 

party  so  cast  shall  he  * * * if  it  had  never  been  made,  and  the  land  in  dispute 

*'  * * to  the  person  in  whose  favor  such  judgment  shall  * * * * in  case 

of  the  death,  removal,  or  absence  of  any  of  the  judges  so  to  be  chosen,  or  their  refusing  to 
act,  the  station  to  which  such  person  or  persons  belong,  or  was  chosen  from,  shall  proceed 
to  elect  another,  or  others,  in  his  or  their  stead,  which  person,  or  persons,  so  chosen,  after 
being  sworn,  as  aforesaid,  to  do  equal  and  impartial  justice,  shall  have  full  power  and  au- 
thority to  proceed  to  business,  and  act  in  all  disputes  respecting  the  premises  as  if  they 
had  been  originally  chosen  at  the  first  election. 

That  the  entry  book  shall  be  kept  fair  and  open  by  * * person  * * to  be 

appointed  by  said  Richard  Henderson  * * * chose,  and  every  entry  for  land  num- 
bered and  dated,  and  * * * order  without  leaving  any  blank  leaves  or  spaces 

* * * to  the  inspection  of  the  said  twelve  judges,  or  * * of  them  at  all  times. 

That  many  persons  have  come  to  this  country  without  implements  of  husbandry,  and 
from  other  circumstances  are  obliged  to  return  without  making  a crop,  and  [intend]  re- 
moving out  this  fall,  or  early  next  spring,  and  it  * * reason  * * such  should 

have  the  pre-emption  * * * of  such  places  as  they  may  have  chosen.  * * the 

purpose  of  residence,  therefore  it  is  * * * be  taken  for  all  such,  for  as  much 

land  as  they  are  entitled  to  from  their  head-rights,  which  said  lands  shall  be  reserved  for 
the  particular  person  in  whose  name  they  shall  be  entered,  or  their  heirs,  provided  such 
persons  shall  remove  to  this  country  and  take  possession  of  the  respective  place  or  piece  of 
land  so  chosen  or  entered,  or  shall  send  a laborer,  or  laborers,  and  a white  person  in  his  or 
her  stead  to  perform  the  same,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  May,  in  the  year  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-one;  and  also  provided  such  land  so  chosen  and  entered  for  is 
not  entered  and  claimed  by  some  person  who  is  an  inhabitant,  and  shall  raise  a crop  of 
corn  the  present  year  at  some  station  or  place  convenient  to  the  general  settlement  in  this 
country.  But  it  is  fully  to  be  understood  that  those  who  are  actually  at  this  time  inhab- 
itants of  this  country  shall  not  be  debarred  of  their  choice  or  claim  on  account  of  the  right 
of  any  such  absent  or  returning  person  or  persons.  It  is  further  proposed  and  agreed  that 
no  claim  or  title  to  any  lands  whatsoever  shall  be  set  up  by  any  person  in  consequence  of 
any  mark  or  former  improvement,  unless  the  same  be  entered  with  the  entry  taker  within 
twenty  days  from  the  date  of  this  association  and  agreement;  and  that  when  any  person 
hereafter  shall  mark  or  improve  land  or  lands  for  himself,  such  mark  or  improvement  shall 
not  avail  him  or  be  deemed  an  evidence  of  prior  right,  unless  the  same  be  entered  with  the 
entry  taker  in  thirty  days  * * from  the  time  of  such  mark  or  improvement,  but  no 

other  person  shall  be  entitled  to  such  lands  so  as  aforesaid  to  be  reserved  * * conse- 

quence of  any  purchase  gift,  or  otherwise. 

That  if  the  entry  taker  to  be  appointed  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  perform  his  duty, 
or  be  found  by  said  judges,  or  a majority  of  them,  to  have  acted  fraudulently,  to  the  prej- 
udice of  any  person  whatsoever,  such  entry  taker  shall  be  immediately  removed  from  his 
office,  and  the  book  taken  out  of  his  possession  by  the  said  judges,  until  another  be  ap- 
pointed to  act  in  his  room. 

That  as  often  as  the  people  in  general  are  dissatisfied  with  the  doings  of  the  judges 
or  triers  so  to  be  chosen,  they  may  call  a new  election  at  any  of  the  said  stations  and  elect 
others  in  their  stead,  having  due  respect  to  the  number  now  to  be  elected  at  each  station, 
which  persons  so  to  be  chosen  shall  have  the  same  power  with  those  in  whose  room  or 
place  they  shall  or  may  be  chosen  to  act. 

That  as  no  consideration  money  for  the  lands  on  Cumberland  River,  within  the 
claim  of  the  said  Richard  Henderson  and  Company,  and  which  is  the  subject  of  this  asso- 
ciation, is  demanded  or  expected  by  the  said  company,  until  a satisfactory  and  indisputa- 
ble title  can  be  made,  so  we  think  it  reasonable  and  just  that  the  £26,  13s.  4d.  current 
money  per  hundred  acres,  the  price  proposed  by  the  said  Richard  Henderson,  shall  be 


186 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


paid  according  to  the  value  of  money  on  the  first  day  of  January  last,  being  the  time 
when  the  price  was  made  public,  and  settlement  encouraged  thereon  by  said  Henderson, 
and  the  said  Richard  Henderson  on  his  part  does  hereby  agree  that  in  case  of  the  rise  or 
appreciation  of  money  from  that  * "x'  * an  abatement  shall  be  made  in  the 

sum  according  to  its  raised  or  appreciated  value. 

That  where  any  person  shall  remove  to  this  country  with  intent  to  become  an  in- 
habitant and  depart  this  life,  either  by  violence  or  in  the  natural  way,  before  he  shall 
have  performed  the  requisites  necessary  to  obtain  lands,  the  child  or  children  of  such  de- 
ceased person  shall  be  entitled,  in  his  or  her  room,  to  such  quantity  of  land  as  such  person 
would  have  been  entitled  to  in  case  he  or  she  had  lived  to  obtain  a grant  in  their  own 
name;  and  if  such  death  be  occasioned  by  the  Indians  the  said  Henderson  doth  promise 
and  agree  that  the  child  or  children  shall  have  as  much  as  amounts  to  their  head-rights 
gratis,  surveyor’s  and  other  incidental  fees  excepted, 

Axd  Whereas,  from  our  remote  situation  and  want  of  proper  offices  for  the  admin- 
istration of  justice,  no  regular  proceedings  at  law  can  be  had  for  the  punishment  of  of- 
fenses and  attainment  of  right,  it  is  therefore  agreed  that  until  we  can  be  relieved  by 
Government  from  the  many  evils  and  inconveniences  arising  therefrom,  the  judges  or 
triers  to  be  appointed  as  before  directed  when  qualified  shall  be  and  are  hereby  declared 
a proper  court  or  jurisdiction  for  the  recovery  of  any  debt  or  damages;  or  where  the  cause 
of  action  or  complaint  has  arisen,  or  hereafter  shall  commence  for  anything  done  or  to  be 
done  among  ourselves,  within  this  our  settlement  on  Cumberland  aforesaid,  or  in  our  pas- 
sage hither,  where  the  laws  of  our  country  could  not  be  executed,  or  damages  repaired  in  any 
other  way;  that  is  to  say,  in  all  cases  where  the  debt  or  damages  or  demand  does  or  shall 
not  exeeed  one  hundred  dollars,  any  three  of  the  said  judges  or  triers  shall  be  competent  to 
make  acourt,  and  finally  decide  the  matter  in  controversy;  but  if  for  a larger  sum,  andeither 
party  shall  be  dissatisfied  with  the  judgment  or  decision  of  such  court,  they  may  have  an 
appeal  to  the  whole  twelve  judges  or  triers,  in  which  case  nine  members  shall  be  deemed 
a full  court,  whose  decision,  if  seven  agree  in  one  opinion,  the  matter  in  dispute  shall  be 
final,  and  their  judgment  carried  into  execution  in  such  manner,  and  by  such  person  or 
persons  as  they  may  appoint,  and  the  said  courts,  respectively,  shall  have  full  power  to 
tax  such  costs  as  they  may  think  just  and  reasonable,  to  be  levied  and  collected  with  the 
debt  or  damages  so  to  be  awarded. 

And  it  is  further  agreed  that  a majority  of  said  judges,  or  triers,  or  general  arbitra- 
tors shall  have  power  to  punish  in  their  discretion,  having  respect  to  the  laws  of  our  coun- 
try, all  offenses  against  the  peace,  misdemeanors,  and  those  criminal  or  of  a capital  nature 
provided  such  court  does  not  proceed  with  execution  so  far  as  to  affect  life  or  member; 
and  in  case  any  should  be  brought  before  them  whose  crime  is  or  shall  be  dangerous  to 
the  State,  or  for  which  the  benefit  of  clergy  is  taken  away  by  law,  and  sufficient  evidence 
or  proof  of  the  fact  or  facts  can  probably  be  made,  such  courts,  or  a majority  of  the  mem- 
bers, shall  and  may  order  and  direct  him,  her,  or  them  to  be  safely  bound  and  sent  under 
a strong  guard  to  the  place  where  the  offense  was  or  shall  be  committed,  or  where  legal 
trial  of  such  offense  can  be  had,  which  shall  accordingly  be  done,  and  the  reasonable  ex- 
pense attending  the  discharge  of  this  duty  ascertained  by  the  court,  and  paid  by  the  in- 
habitants in  such  proportion  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  on  for  that  purpose. 

That  as  this  settlement  is  in  its  infancy,  unknown  to  government,  and  not  included 
in  any  county  within  North  Carolina,  the  State  to  which  it  belongs,  so  as  to  derive  the 
advantages  of  those  wholesome  and  salutary  laws  for  the  protection  and  benefits  of  its  cit- 
izens, we  find  ourselves  constrained  from  necessity  to  adopt  this  temporary  method  of 
restraining  the  licentious,  and  supplying,  by  unanimous  consent,  the  blessings  flowing- 
from  a just  and  equitable  government,  declaring  and  promising  that  no  action  or  com- 
plaint shall  be  hereafter  instituted  or  lodged  in  any  court  of  record  within  this  State  or 
elsewhere,  for  anything  done  or  to  be  done  in  consequence  of  the  proceedings  of  the  said 
judges  or  general  arbitrators  so  to  be  chosen  and  established  by  this  our  association. 

That  the  well-being  of  this  country  entirely  depends,  under  Divine  Providence,  on 
unanimity  of  sentiment  and  concurrence  in  measures,  and  as  clashing  interests  and  opin- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


187 


ions  without  being  under  some  restraint  will  most  certainly  produce  confusion,  discord 
and  almost  certain  ruin,  so  we  think  it  our  duty  to  associate  and  hereby  form  ourselves 
into  one  society  for  the  benefit  of  present  and  future  settlers,  and  until  the  full  and  proper 
exercise  of  the  laws  of  our  country  can  be  in  use,  and  the  powers  of  government  exerted 
among  us,  we  do  solemnly  and  sacredly  declare  and  promise  each  other  that  we  will  faith- 
fully and  punctually  adhele  to,  perform  and  abide  by  this  our  association,  and  at  all  times,, 
if  need  be,  compel  by  our  united  force  a due  obedience  to  these  our  rules  and  regulations. 
In  testimony  whereof  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names,  in  token  of  our  entire 
approbation  of  the  measures  adopted. 

Tlie  following  additional  resolutions  were  adopted  and  entered  into  at 
Nashborough,  May  31,  1780: 

That  all  young  men  over  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  and  able  to  perform  militia  duty, 
shall  be  considered  as  having  a full  right  to  enter  for  and  obtain  lands  in  their  own  names 
as  if  they  were  of  full  age;  and  in  that  case  not  be  reckoned  in  the  family  of  his  father, 
mother  or  master  so  as  to  avail  them  of  any  land  on  their  account. 

That  when  any  person  shall  mark  or  improve  land  or  lands,  with  intent  to  set  up  a 
claim  thereto,  such  person  shall  write  or  mark  in  legible  characters  the  initial  letters  of 
his  name  at  least,  together  with  the  day  of  the  month  and  year  on  which  he  marked  or 
improved  the  same  at  the  spring  or  most  notorious  part  of  the  land,  on  some  convenient 
tree  or  other  durable  substance,  in  order  to  notify  his  intention  to  all  such  as  may  inquire 
or  examine;  and  in  case  of  dispute  with  respect  to  priority  of  right,  proof  of  such  trans- 
action shall  be  made  by  the  oath  of  some  indifferent  witness,  or  no  advantage  or  benefit 
shall  be  derived  from  such  mark  or  improvement ; and  in  all  cases  where  priority  of  mark 
or  occupancy  cannot  be  ascertained  according  to  the  regulations  and  prescriptions  herein 
proposed  and  agreed  to,  the  oldest  or  first  entry  in  the  office  to  be  opened  in  consequence 
of  this  association  shall  have  the  preference,  and  the  lands  granted  accordingly. 

It  is  further  proposed  and  agreed  that  the  entry  office  shall  be  opened  at  Nash- 
borough  on.  Friday,  the  19th  of  May,  instant,  and  kept  from  thenceforward  at  the  same 
place  unless  otherwise  directed  by  any  future  convention  of  the  people  in  general  or  their 
representatives. 

That  the  entry  taker  shall  and  may  demand  and  receive  twelve  dollars  for  each  entry 
to  be  made  in  his  book,  in  manner  before  directed,  and  shall  give  a certificate  thereof  if 
required;  and  also  may  take  the  same  fee  for  every  caveat  or  counter-claim  to  any  lands 
before  entered;  and  in  all  cases  where  a caveat  is  to  be  tried  in  manner  before  directed, 
the  entry  book  shall  be  laid  before  the  said  committee  of  judges,  triers,  or  general  arbi- 
trators, for  their  inspection  and  information,  and  their  judgment  upon  the  matter  in  dis- 
pute fairly  entered  as  before  directed;  which  said  court  or  committee  is  also  to  keep,  a 
fair  and  distinct  journal  or  minutes  of  all  their  proceedings,  as  well  with  respect  to  lands 
as  other  matters  which  may  come  before  them  in  consequence  of  these  our  resolutions. 

It  is  also  firmly  agreed  and  resolved  that  no  person  shall  be  admitted  to  make  an  entry 
for  any  lands  with  the  said  entry  taker,  or  permitted  to  hold  the  same,  unless  such  person 
shall  subscribe  his  name  and  conform  to  this  our  Association,  Confederacy  and  General 
Government,  unless  it  be  for  persons  who  have  returned  home,  and  are  permitted  to  have 
lands  reserved  for  their  use  until  the  first  day  of  May  next,  in  which  case  entries  may  be 
made  for  such  absent  persons  according  to  the  true  meaning  of  this  writing,  without  their 
personal  presence,  but  shall  become  utterly  void  if  the  particular  person  or  persons  for 
whom  such  entry  shall  be  made  should  refuse  or  neglect  to  perform  the  same  as  soon  as 
conveniently  may  be  after  their  return,  and  before  the  said  first  day  of  May,  1781. 

Whereas,  The  frequent  and  dangerous  incursions  of  the  Indians  and  almost  daily  mas- 
sacre of  some  of  our  inhabitants  renders  it  absolutely  necessary  for  our  safety  and  defense 
that  due  obedience  be  paid  to  our  respective  officers  elected  and  to  be  elected  at  the  sev- 
eral stations  or  settlements  to  take  command  of  the  men  or  militia  at  such  fort  or  station, 
It  is  further  agreed  and  resolved  that  when  it  shall  be  adjudged  necessary  and  expe 
dient  by  such  commanding  officer  to  draw  out  the  militia  of  any  fort  or  station  to  pursue 


188 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


or  repulse  the  enemy,  the  said  officer  shall  have  power  to  call  out  such  and  so  many  of  his 
men  as  he  may  judge  necessary,  and  in  case  of  disobedience  may  inflict  such  fine  as  he  in 
his  discretion  shall  think  just  and  reasonable,  and  also  may  impress  the  horse  or  horses  of 
any  person  or  persons  whomsoever,  which,  if  lost  or  damaged  in  such  service,  shall  be 
paid  for  by  the  inhabitants  of  such  fort  or  station  in  such  manner  and  such  proportion  as. 
the  Committee  hereby  appointed,  or  a majority  of  them,  shall  direct  and  order;  but  if  any 
person  shall  be  aggrieved,  or  think  himself  unjustly  vexed  and  injured  by  the  fine  or  fines 
so  imposed  by  his  officer  or  officers,  such  person  may  appeal  to  the  said  Judges  or  Com- 
mittee of  General  Arbitrators,  who,  or  a majority  of  them,  shall  have  power  to  examine 
the  matter  fully  and  make  such  order  ^therein  as  they  may  think  just  and  reasonable, 
which  decision  shall  be  conclusive  on  the  party  complaining  as  well  as  the  officer  or  officers 
inflicting  such  fine;  and  the  money  arising  from  such  fines  shall  be  carefully  applied  for 
the  benefit  of  such  fort  or  station  in  such  manner  as  the  said  Arbitrators  shall  hereafter 
direct. 

It  is  lastly  agreed  and  firmly  resolved  that  a dutiful  and  humble  address  or  petition  be 
presented  by  some  person  or  persons  to  be  chosen  by  the  inhabitants,  to  the  General  As- 
sembly, giving  the  fullest  assurance  of  the  fidelity  and  attachment  to  the  interest  of  our 
country  and  obedience  to  the  laws  and  Constitution  thereof;  setting  forth  that  we  are 
confident  our  settlement  is  not  within  the  boundaries  of  any  nation  or  tribe  of  Indians,  as 
some  of  us  know  and  all  believe  that  they  have  fairly  sold  and  received  satisfaction  for 
the  land  or  territories  whereon  we  reside,  and  therefore  we  hope  we  may  not  be  consid- 
ered as  acting  against  the  laws  of  our  country  or  the  mandates  of  government. 

That  we  do  not  desire  to  be  exempt  from  the  ratable  share  of  the  public  expense  of 
the  present  war,  or  other  contingent  charges  of  government.  That  we  are,  from  our 
remote  situation,  utterly  destitute  of  the  benefit  of  the  laws  of  our  country,  and  exposed 
to  the  depredations  of  the  Indians,  without  any  justifiable  of  effectual  means  of  embodying 
our  militia,  or  defending  ourselves  against  the  hostile  attempts  of  our  enemy;  praying  and 
imploring  the  immediate  aid  and  protection  of  government,  by  erecting  a county  to  in- 
clude our  settlements;  appointing  proper  officers  for  the  discharge  of  public  duty;  taking 
into  consideration  our  distressed  situation  with  respect  to  Indians,  and  granting  such  relief 
and  assistance  as  in  wisdom,  justice  and  humanity  may  be  thought  reasonable. 

Nashborougli,  13tli  May,  1780. 

To  these  articles  of  agreement  250  persons  signed  their  names,  all  of 
whom  could  write  but  one,  James  Patrick,  who  made  his  mark.  No  rec- 
ords of  the  government  of  the  Notables  have  been  discovered  by  any  his- 
torian, for  the  reason,  doubtless,  that  few,  if  any,  were  made.  Putnam 
to  whom  this,  as  well  as  other  histories,  is  largely  indebted  for  its  account 
of  this  government  on  the  Cumberland  says  on  this  point;  “After  the 
organization  of  the  primitive  government  on  May-day,  1780,  down  to 
January,  1783,  we  have  no  records,  not  even  a fugitive  scrap  or  sheet,  of 
which  that  ready  clerk,  Andrew  Ewin,  was  usually  so  careful.  The  peo- 
ple were  so  greatly  exposed  and  kept  in  such  constant  alarm,  some  leav- 
ing, and  many  agitating  the  propriety  or  possibility  of  remaining,  all 
admitting  that  their  perils  were  imminent  and  were  likely  so  to  continue 
for  an  indefinite  period,  that  we  may  presume  there  were  no  regular 
meetings  of  the  judges  and  no  regular  minutes  made.  * * * 

“From  our  researches  we  conclude  that  immediately  after  the  adop- 
tion of  the  articles,  an  election  was  held  at  the  stations,  and  that  then 
Robertson  was  chosen  colonel ; Donelson,  lieutenant-colonel;  Lucas,  major; 


VIEW  ON  FALLS  CREEK,  NEAR  SMITH VILLE. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


189 


and  George  Freeland,  Mauldin,  Bledsoe  and  Blackmore,  captains.” 
How  long  these  individuals  remained  in  office,  or  wliat  duties  they  per- 
formed, is  not  now  known.  But  in  1783  the  government  was  revived, 
as  the  following  extract  shows: 

North  Carolina,  Cumberland  River,  January  7,  1783 

The  manifold  sufferings  and  distresses  that  the  settlers  here  have  from  time  to  time 
undergone,  even  almost  from  our  first  settling,  with  the  desertion  of  the  greater  number 
of  the  first  adventurers,  being  so  discouraging  to  the  remaining  few  that  all  administration 
of  justice  seemed  to  cease  from  amongst  us,  which,  however  weak,  whether  in  con- 
stitution, administration  or  execution,  yet  has  been  construed  in  our  favor  against  those 
whose  malice  or  interest  would  insinuate  us  a people  fled  to  a hiding  place  from  justice, 
and  the  revival  of  them  again  earnestly  recommended.  It  appears  highly  necessary  that 
for  the  common  weal  of  the  whole,  the  securing  of  peace,  the  performance  of  contracts 
between  man  and  man,  together  with  the  suppression  of  vice,  again  to  revive  our  former 
manner  of  proceedings,  pursuant  to  the  plan  agreed  upon  at  our  first  settling  here,  and  to 
proceed  accordingly  until  such  times  as  it  shall  please  the  Legislature  to  grant  us  the  sal- 
utary benefits  of  the  law  duly  administered  amongst  us  by  their  authority. 

To  this  end,  previous  notice  having  been  given  to  the  several  stationers  to  elect 
twelve  men  of  their  several  stations,  whom  they  thought  most  proper  for  the  business,  and 
being  elected,  to  meet  at  Nashborough  on  the  7th  day  of  January,  1783. 

Accordingly  there  met  at  the  time  and  place  aforesaid  Col.  James  Robertson,  Capt- 
■George  Freeland,  Thomas  Molloy,  Isaac  Lindsey,  David  Rounsevail,  Heydon  Wells,  James 
Maulding,  Ebenezer  Titus,  Samuel  Barton  and  Andrew  Ewin,  who  constituted  themselves 
into  a committee,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  by  voluntarily  taking  the  following  oath: 

I. , do  solemnly  swear  that  as  a member  of  the  committee,  I will  do  equal  right 

and  justice,  according  to  the  best  of  my  skill  and  judgment,  in  the  decision  of  all  causes 
that  shall  be  laid  before  me  without  fear,  favor  or  partiality.  So  help  me  God. 

The  committee  then  proceeded  to  elect  Col.  James  Robertson,  chair- 
man ; John  Montgomery,  sheriff,  and  Andrew  Ewin,  clerk,  and  to  fix  the 
clerk’s  fees.  From  this  time  to  the  organization  of  Davidson  County  in 
April,  1783,  the  committee  held  meetings-as  occasion  required,  accounts 
•of  which  will  properly  be  introduced  as  a prelude  to  the  history  of  that 
organization.  And  in  this  way  the  government  of  the  Notables  served 
its  purpose  and  came  to  its  end.  It  was  wholly  unlike  that  other  anom- 
aly in  government,  the  State  of  Franklin,  in  not  aspiring  to  independent 
Statehood,  and  always  looking  steadily  to  North  Carolina  as  the  source 
of  proper  government  for  the  settlers  on  the  Cumberland.  Its  proceed- 
ings were  frequently  dated  “ North  Carolina,  Cumberland  District,”  and 
a part  of  the  time  “ Nashborough,”  and  were  continued  until  in  August, 
after  which  the  regular  authorities  of  Davidson  County,  the  act  for  the 
organization  of  which  was  approved  October  6,  1783,  assumed  authorita- 
tive control  of  public  affairs. 

THE  STATE  OE  FRANKLIN. 

The  Revolutionary  war  was  over  and  independence  won.  The  colonies 
and  their  dependencies  were  thrown  entirely  upon  their  own  resources. 


12 


190 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Society  was  in  an  unsettled,  in  somewliat  of  a chaotic  condition,  but  it  is; 
remarkable  that  there  was  very  little  of  the  spirit  of  insubordination  and 
anarchy.  The  main  reason  for  the  universal  disposition  to  maintain 
order  was  undoubtedly  the  financial  necessities  of  the  various  colonial 
governments,  as  well  as  those  of  the  Continental  Congress.  The  stabil- 
ity of  the  individual  States  and  of  the  General  Government  depended,  in 
large  measure,  upon  the  extinguishment  of  the  debts  that  had  been 
created  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

One  of  the  expedients  for  improving  the  condition  of  things  resorted 
to  by  Congress,  was  its  suggestion  to  such  of  the  States  as  owned  vacant 
lands  to  throw  them  together,  establish  a joint  fund,  and  Avitli  this  joint 
fund  pay  off  the  common  debt.  North  Carolina  owned  a large  amount 
of  territory,  extending  from  the  Alleghany  Mountains  to  the  Mississippi 
River,  and  among  the  measures  adopted  by  her  General  Assembly  was  the 
act  of  June,  1783,  ceding  to  Congress  the  lands  therein  described. 
According  to  this  act  the  authority  of  North  Carolina  was  to  extend  over 
this  territory  until  Congress  should  accept  the  cession.  The  members  to 
the  General  Assembly,  from  the  four  western  counties,  Washington,  Sulli- 
van, Greene  and  Davidson,  were  present  and  voted  for  the  cession. 

These  members  perceived  a disinclination  on  the  part  of  the  parent  State 
to  make  proper  provision  for  the  protection  of  the  people  in  the  western 
province.  Accounts  were  constantly  being  presented  to  the  General 
Assembly  for  the  defense  of  the  frontier  settlements  against  the  Indians. 
These  accounts  were  reluctantly  received,  cautiously  scrutinized  and 
grudgingly  paid.  Crimination  and  recrimination  were  mutually  indulged 
in  by  North  Carolina  and  her  western  counties,  and  it  was  even  intimated 
that  some  of  these  accounts,  or  portions  of  some  of  them,  were  fabricated 
or  invented.  The  inhabitants  of  these  western  counties,  whose  exposed 
situation  seemed  not  to  be  appreciated  and  whose -honor  seemed  thus  to 
be  impugned,  remembering  that  in  the  Bill  of  Rights  adopted  at  the  same 
time  Avitli  the  State  Constitution,  a clause  had  been  inserted  authorizing 
the  formation  of  one  or  more  neAV  States  out  of  this  western  territory, 
and  entertaining  the  impression  that  Congress  would  not  accept  the 
cession  of  the  territory  within  the  two  year  limit,  and  feeling  that  the 
new  settlements  included  within  this  territory  would  be  practically 
excluded  from  the  protection  of  both  North  Carolina  and  Congress,  would 
in  fact  be  left  in  a state  of  anarchy,  unable  to  command  their  own  poAvers 
and  resources,  knowing  that  no  provision  had  been  made  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  superior  courts  AYest  of  the  mountains,  seeing  that  violations 
of  law  were  permitted  to  pass  unpunished  except  by  the  summary  process 
of  the  regulators  appointed  for  the  purpose  by  the  people  themselves, 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


191 


and  perceiving  also  that  the  military  organization  was  inadequate  to  the 
defense  of  the  inhabitants,  in  part  because  there  was  no  brigadier-genera? 
authorized  to  call  the  military  forces  into  active  service,  with  an  extensive 
frontier  constantly  exposed  to  and  suffering  from  the  ravages  of  the 
savages,  and  with  numerous  other  considerations  suggested  to  them  by 
their  anomalously  exposed  situation,  perceived  the  necessity  of  themselves 
devising  means  for  the  extrication  of  themselves  from  the  numerous, 
great  and  unexpected  difficulties  with  which  they  found  themselves  sur- 
rounded. 

For  the  purpose  of  an  attempt  at  extrication  it  was  proposed  that  each 
captain’s  company  elect  two  representatives,  and  that  these  representa- 
tives assemble  to  deliberate  upon  the  condition  of  affairs  and  if  possible 
devise  some  general  plan  adapted  to  the  emergency.  Accordingly  these 
representatives  met  August  23,  1783,  in  Jonesborough.  Following  are 
the  names  of  the  deputies  from  Washington  County:  -John  Sevier, 

Charles  Robertson,  William  Trimble,  William  Cox,  Landon  Carter,  Hugh 
Henry,  Christopher  Taylor,  John  Christian,  Samuel  Doak,  William 
Campbell,  Benjamin  Holland,  John  Bean,  Samuel  Williams  and  Richard' 
White.  Sullivan  County:  Joseph  Martin,  Gilbert  Christian,  William 
Cocke,  John  Manifee,  William  Wallace,  John  Hall,  Samuel  Wilson, 
Stockley  Donelson  and  William  Evans.  Greene  County:  Daniel  Ken- 
nedy, Alexander  Outlaw,  Joseph  Gist,  Samuel  Weir,  Asahel  Rawlings, 
Joseph  Bullard,  John  Managhan,  John  Murphey,  David  Campbell, 
Archibald  Stone,  Abraham  Denton,  Charles  Robinson  and  Elisha  Baker. 
Davidson  County  sent  no  delegates. 

John  Sevier  was  chosen  president  of  the  convention,  and  Landon- 
Carter,  secretary.  A committee  was  appointed  to  deliberate  upon  the 
condition  of  affairs,  consisting  of  Cocke,  Outlaw,  Carter,  Campbell, 
Manifee,  Martin,  Robinson,  Houston,  Christian,  Kennedy  and  Wilson. 
After  deliberation  upon  and  discussion  of  the  objects  of  the  convention, 
during  which  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read,  and  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  three  counties  represented  suggested,  the  committee 
drew  up  and  presented  a report,  which  was  in  substance  as  follows:  That 
the  committee  was  of  the  opinion  that  they  had  the  right  to  petition  Con- 
gress to  accept  the  cession  of  North  Carolina  and  to  recognize  them  as  a 
separate  government;  that  if  any  contiguous  part  of  Virginia  should 
make  application  to  join  this  association,  after  being  permitted  to  make 
such  application  by  Virginia,  they  should  receive  and  enjoy  the  same 
privileges  that  they  themselves  enjoyed,  and  that  one  or  more  persons 
should  be  sent  to  represent  the  situation  of  things  to  Congress.  This 
report  was  adopted  by  the  following  vote : Yeas — Messrs.  Terrell,  Sarnms, 


192 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


North,  Taylor,  Anderson,  Houston,  Cox,  Talbot,  Joseph  Wilson,  Trim- 
ble, Reese,  John  Anderson,  Manifee,  Christian,  Carnes,  A.  Taylor,  Fitz- 
gerald, Cavit,  Looney,  Cocke,  B.  Gist,  Rawlings,  Bullard,  Joshua  Gist, 
Valentine  Sevier,  Robinson,  Evans  and  Managhan.  Nays — John  Tip- 
ton,  Joseph  Tipton,  Stuart,  Maxfield,  D.  Looney,  Vincent,  Cage,  Provine, 
Gammon,  Davis,  Kennedy,  Newman,  Weir,  James  Wilson  and  Campbell. 

It  is  thought  that  the  above  described  proceedings  were  had  at  the 
August  convention  of  1784,  which  may  account  for  the  discrepancy  in 
the  names  of  those  voting  as  compared  with  those  elected,  as  given  ear- 
lier.* The  plan  of  the  association  was  drawn  up  by  Messrs.  Cocke  and 
Hardin,  and  was  referred  next  day  to  the  convention.  This  plan  was  the 
formation  of  an  association  by  the  election  of  representatives  to  it,  to 
send  a suitable  person  to  Congress,  and  to  cultivate  public  spirit,  benev- 
olence and  virtue,  and  they  pledged  themselves  to  protect  the  association 
with  their  lives  and  fortunes,  faith  and  reputation. 

It  was  then  determined  that  each  county  should  elect  five  members  to 
a convention  to  adopt  a constitution  and  form  an  independent  State. 
This  convention  met  in  November  and  broke  up  in  great  confusion  upon 
the  plan  of  association,  and  besides  some  were  opposed  to  separation 
from  North  Carolina.  The  North  Carolina  General  Assembly  was  then  in 
session  at  Newbern,  and  repealed  the  act  of  cession  to  the  United  States, 
appointed  an  assistant  judge  and  an  attorney-general  for  the  supei'ior 
court,  directed  the  superior  court  to  be  held  at  Jonesborough  and  also 
organized  the  militia  of  Washington  District  into  a brigade  and  ap- 
pointed John  Sevier  brigadier -general.  Gen.  Sevier  expressed  himself 
satisfied  with  the  action  of  North  Carolina,  and  advised  the  people  to 
proceed  no  further  in  their  determination  to  separate  from  the  parent 
State,  but  they  were  not  to  be  advised.  Proceeding  with  their  move- 
ment five  delegates  or  deputies  were  chosen  to  the  convention  from  each 
county  as  follows:  Washington  County — John  Sevier,  William  Cocke, 
John  Tipton,  Thomas  Stewart  and  Rev.  Samuel  Houston.  Sullivan 
County — David  Looney,  Richard  Gammon,  Moses  Looney,  William  Cage 
and  John  Long.  Greene  County — Daniel  Kennedy,  John  Newman, 
James  Roddy e and  Joseph  Hardin. 

Upon  assembling  John  Sevier  was  elected  president  of  the  conven- 
tion, and  F.  A.  Ramsey,  secretary.  Prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Houston.  A constitution  was  adopted  subject  to  the  ratification 
or  rejection  of  a future  convention  to  be  chosen  by  the  people.  This 
convention  met  at  the  appointed  time  and  place,  Greeneville,  November 
14,  1784,  the  first  legislative  assembly  that  ever  convened  in  Tennessee. 

*Ramsey. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


193 


Landon  Carter  was  speaker  and  Tliomas  Talbot  clerk  of  the  Senate; 
William  Cage,  speaker  and  Thomas  Chapman,  clerk  of  the  House  of 
Commons.  The  assembly,  after  being  organized,  elected  John  Sevier 
governor.  A judiciary  system  was  established,  and  David  Campbell 
elected  judge  of  the  superior  court,  and  Joshua  Gist  and  John  Anderson 
assistant  judges.  The  last  day  of  this  first  session  was  March  31,  1785. 
Numerous  acts  were  ratified,  among  them  one  for  the  promotion  of  learn- 
ing in  the  county  of  Washington.  Under  the  provisions  of  this  act 
Martin  Academy  was  founded,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Doak  became  its  presi- 
dent. Wayne  County  was  organized  out  of  a part  of  Washington  and 
Wilkes  Counties.  The  officers  of  this  new  State,  in  addition  to  those 
mentioned  above,  were  the  following:  State  senator,  Landon  Carter; 
treasurer,  William  Cage;  surveyor-general,  Stockley  Donelson ; briga- 
dier-generals of  the  militia,  Daniel  Kennedy  and  William  Cocke.  Gen. 
Cocke  was  chosen  delegate  to  Congress.  Council  of  State,  William  Cocke, 
Landon  Carter,  Francis  A.  Ramsey,  Judge  Campbell,  Gen.  Kennedy  and 
Col.  Taylor.  The  salaries  of  the  officers  were  fixed,  various  articles  were 
made  a legal  tender  in  the  payment  of  debts,  and  a treaty  was  made  with 
the  Cherokee  Indians.  The  boundary  line,  according  to  this  treaty, 
which  was  concluded  May  31,  1785,  was  the  ridge  dividing  the  Little 
River  and  the  Tennessee. 

Gov.  Martin,  of  North  Carolina,  hearing  of  the  organization  of 
the  State  of  Franklin,  addressed  Gov.  Sevier,  requesting  informa- 
tion regarding  the  movement.  In  response  to  this  request  a communi- 
cation was  sent  to  Gov.  Martin,  signed  by  Gov.  John  Sevier,  by  Landon 
Carter,  speaker  of  the  Senate,  and  by  William  Cage,  speaker  of  the  House 
of  Commons,  setting  forth  what  had  been  done  and  the  several  reasons 
therefor.  Thereupon  Gov.  Martin  called  together  the  Council  of  North 
Carolina,  April  22,  and  convened  the  Legislature  June  1,  and  on  the 
same  day  issued  an  elaborate  manifesto  to  the  inhabitants  in  the  revolted 
counties,  Washington,  Sullivan  and  Greene,  hoping  to  reclaim  them  to 
their  allegiance  to  North  Carolina,  and  warning  them  of  the  consequences 
of  their  action  in  adhering  to  the  State  of  Franklin.  A few  had,  from 
the  first,  opposed  the  organization  of  the  State.  The  repeal  of  the  cession 
act  had  increased  their  number,  but  no  one  seemed  to  desire  to  establish 
a permanent  connection  with  North  Carolina,  hence  a large  majority  of 
the  people  firmly  adhered  to  the  new  commonwealth. 

During  the  administration  of  Patrick  Henry  as  governor  of  Virginia, 
information  was  communicated  by  him  to  the  Legislature  of  that  State 
as  to  the  movement  of  Col.  Arthur  Campbell  and  others,  who  had  labored 
with  some  success  to  persuade  the  citizens  of  Washington  County  to  sever 


194 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


tlieir  connection  from  the  old  government  of  Virginia,  and  attach  them- 
selves to  the  new  State  of  Franklin,  or  to  form  a new  one  distinct  from 
it.  It  was  proposed  by  Col.  Campbell  that  the  limits  of  the  new  State, 
which  he  was  in  favor  of  forming  and  naming  “ Frankland,”  should  be  as 
follows:  “ Beginning  at  a point  on  the  top  of  the  Alleghany  or  Appalach- 
ian Mountains,  so  as  a line  drawn  due  north  from  this  point  will  touch 
the  bank  of  the  New  River,  otherwise  called  Kanawha,  at  its  confluence 
with  Little  River,  which  is  about  one  mile  from  Ingle’s  Ferry,  down  the 
said  river  Kanawha  to  the  mouth  of  the  Rencovert,  or  Green  Briar  River ; 
a direct  line  from  thence  to  the  nearest  summit  of  the  Laurel  Mountains, 
and  along  the  highest  part  of  the  same  to  the  point  where  it  is  inter- 
cepted by  the  thirty-seventh  degree  of  north  latitude ; west  along  that  lati- 
tude to  a point  where  it  is  met  by  a meridian  line  that  passes  through  the 
lower  part  of  the  River  Ohio;  south  along  the  meridian  to  Elk  River,  a 
branch  of  the  Tennessee;  down  said  river  to  its  mouth,  and  down  the 
Tennessee  to  the  most  southwardly  part  or  bend  of  the  said  river ; a direct 
line  from  thence'  to  that  branch  of  the  Mobile  called  Tombigbee;  down 
said  river  Tombigbee  to  its  junction  with  the  Coosawattee  River,  to  the 
mouth  of  that  branch  of  it  called  the  Hightower;  thence  south  to  the  top 
of  the  Appalachian  Mountains,  or  the  highest  land  that  divides  the  sources 
of  the  eastern  from  the  western  waters;  northwardly  along  the  middle  of 
said  heights  and  the  top  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  to  the  beginning.” 

The  proposed  form  of  government  stated  that  the  inhabitants  within 
the  above  limits  agreed  with  each  other  to  form  themselves  into  a free 
and  independent  body  politic  or  State  by  the  name  of  the  “ Commonwealth 
of  Frankland.”  It  will  be  seen  that  the  people  who  proposed  to  estab- 
lish the  independent  State  of  Frankland  had  affixed  such  boundaries  to 
their  proposed  commonwealth  as  to  include  the  State  of  Franklin,  much 
of  the  territory  of  Virginia,  and  the  present  Kentucky,  and  of  Georgia 
and  Alabama.  This  magnificent  project  was  supported  by  but  few  men, 
and  was  soon  abandoned,  even  by  its  friends  and  projectors. 

The  people  who  had  revolted  from  North  Carolina,  however,  continued 
to  maintain  their  form  of  government,  but  it  still  remained  for  the  people 
in  convention  assembled  to  ratify,  amend  or  reject  the  constitution  pro- 
posed by  a former  convention.  The  convention  met,  but  a complete  list 
of  their  names  has  not  been  preserved.  The  following  is  a partial  list: 
David  Campbell,  Samuel  Houston,  John  Tipton,  John  Ward,  Robert  Love, 
William  Cox,  David  Craig,  James  Montgomery,  John  Strain,  Robert 
Allison,  David  Looney,  John  Blair,  James  White,  Samuel  Menece,  John 
Gilliland,  James  Stuart,  George  Maxwell , Joseph  Tipton  and  Peter  Park- 
inson. The  Bill  of  Rights  and  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Frankland, 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


195 


were  proposed  for  adoption,  discussed  and  rejected  by  a small  majority. 
The  president  of  the  convention,  Gen.  John  Sevier,  then  presented  the 
constitution  of  North  Carolina  as  the  foundation  of  the  government  for 
the  new  State.  This  constitution,  modified  to  suit  the  views  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  convention,  was  adopted  by  a small  majority.  The  names 
“ Franklin,”  after  Dr.  .Benjamin  Franklin,  of  Philadelphia,  and  “ Frank- 
land,”  meaning  the  land  of  freemen,  were  then  proposed,  and  the  name 
Franklin  chosen,  and  the  convention  appointed  Gen.  Cocke  to  present  the 
constitution  as  adopted  to  Congress,  with  a memorial  applying  for  admis- 
sion into  the  Union,  but  he  was  not  received  and  no  notice  was  taken  of 
his  mission. 

The  Franklin  government  had  now  got  under  way,  and  Greeneville 
became  the  permanent  capital  of  the  State.  Four  days  after  the  Greene- 
ville Convention  was  held  the  North  Carolina  Legislature  passed  an  act 
preceded  by  a preamble  in  which  were  recited  the  reasons  for  the  organ- 
ization of  the  State  of  Franklin,  that  the  citizens  thought  North  Carolina 
inattentive  to  their  welfare,  had  ceased  to  regard  them  as  citizens,  and 
had  made  an  absolute  cession  of  the  soil  and  jurisdiction  of  the  State  to 
Congress.  It  stated  that  this  opinion  was  ill-founded,  that  the  General 
Assembly  of  North  Carolina  had  been  and  continued  to  be  desirous  of 
extending  the  benefits  of  civil  government  over  them,  and  granted  par- 
don and  oblivion  for  all  that  had  been  done,  provided  they  would  return 
to  their  allegiance  to  North  Carolina.  It  appointed  officers  civil  and 
military  in  place  of  those  holding  office  under  the  State  of  Franklin,  and 
empowered  the  voters  of  Washington,  Sullivan  and  Greene  Counties  to 
elect  representatives  otherwise  than  by  the  methods  then  in  vogue. 
Dissatisfaction  with  the  Franklin  government  began  to  manifest  itself, 
and  in  Washington  County,  George  Mitchell,  as  sheriff,  issued  the  fol- 
lowing notice: 

July,  19th  day,  1786. 

Advertisement — I hereby  give  Puhlick  Notice  that  there  will  be  an  election  held  the 
third  Friday  in  August  next  at  John  Rennoe’s  near  the  Sickamore  Sholes,  where  Charles 
Robinson  formerly  lived,  to  choose  members  to  represent  Washington  County  in  the 
General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina,  agreeable  to  an  act  of  Assembly  in  that  case  made 
and  provided,  where  due  attendance  will  he  given  pr  me. 

George  Mitchell,  Sheriff. 

The  election  was  held  on  Watauga  River.  Col.  John  Tipton  was 
■chosen  senator  from  Washington  County,  and  James  Stuart  and  Richard 
White  members  of  the  House  of  Commons.  Their-  election  was,  and 
was  generally  perceived  to  be,  ominous  of  the  fate  of  the  State  of  Frank- 
lin, and  following  their  example  many  citizens  enrolled  their  names  in 
opposition  to  the  new  State.  From  this  time  resistance  to  its  authority 
■assumed  a more  systematic  and  determined  form.  The  unusual  anomaly 


I 


19G  HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 

was  exhibited  of  two  empires  holding  sway  at  one  and  tlie  same  time- 
over  the  same  territory.  As  was  to  be  expected,  the  authority  of  the 
two  frequently  came  in  conflict  with  each  other.  The  county  courts  of 
the  one  were  broken  up  by  the  forces  of  the  other  and  vice  versa , and  the 
justices  of  the  peace  turned  out  of  doors.  But  the  government  of 
Brankl  in  continued  to  exercise  its  authority  in  the  seven  counties  con- 
stituting its  sovereignty,  and  to  defend  its  citizens  from  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  Indians.  Gen.  Cocke  and  Judge  Campbell  were  appointed 
commissioners  to  negotiate  a separation  from  North  Carolina,  but  not- 
withstanding their  most  determined  and  persistent  efforts,  the  General 
Assembly  of  North  Carolina  disregarded  their  memorials  and  protests, 
and  continued  to  make  laws  for  the  government  of  the  people  of  the 
State  of  Franklin.  Commissioners  were  sent  to,  accepted,  and  acted 
under,  by  several  people  in  Washington,  Sullivan  and  Hawkins  Coun- 
ties as  justices  of  the  peace,  and  courts  were  held  by  them  as  if  the  State 
of  Franklin  did  not  exist.  Difficulties  between  the  two  States  continued, 
notwithstanding  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  people  to  adjust  them,  and 
trouble  with  the  Indians  could  not  be  avoided.  Negotiations  were  con- 
ducted with  Georgia  for  the  purpose  of  securing  mutual  assistance. 
Gov.  John  Sevier  was  elected  a member  of  the  “Society  of  the  Cincin- 
nati.” Sevier  recruited  an  army  to  co-operate  with  Georgia  in  her  cam- 
paign against  the  Creek  Indians.  In  1787  there  remained  in  the  com- 
monwealth of  Franklin  scarcely  vitality  enough  to  confer  upon  it  a mere 
nominal  existence,  the  Legislature  itself  manifested  a strong  inclination 
to  dismemberment,  its  county  courts  were  discordant,  and  in  fact 
attempting  to  exercise  conflicting  authority.  An  unpleasant  clashing  of 
opinion  and  effort  to  administer  the  laws  was  the  necessary  result.  The 
county  court  of  Washington  County  held  its  session  at  Davis’,  under 
the  authority  of  North  Carolina,  while  that  under  Franklin  held  its  ses- 
sions at  Jonesborough.  John  Tipton  was  clerk  at  Davis’  and  tfre  fol- 
lowing extract  is  from  his  docket: 

1788,  February  term — Ordered,  that  the  Sheriff  take  into  custody  the  County  Court 
docket  of  said  county,  supposed  to  be  in  possession  of  John  Sevier,  Esq.,  and  the  same- 
records  being  from  him  or  any  other  person  or  persons  in  whose  possession  they  may  be, 
or  hereafter  shall  be,  and  the  same  return  to  this  or  some  succeeding  Court  for  said 
County. 

The  supremacy  of  the  new  and  old  governments  was  soon  after  this, 
brought  to  a test.  A scire  facias  was  issued  in  the  latter  part  of  1787 
and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  sheriff  to  be  executed  in  the  early  part  of 
1788  against  the  estate  of  Gov.  John  Sevier.  The  sheriff  of  North  Caro- 
lina seized  Gov.  Sevier’s  negroes  while  he  was  on  the  frontiers  of  Greene 
County  defending  the  inhabitants  against  the  Indians.  Hearing  of  this 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


197 


action  of  the  sheriff  Gov.  Sevier  immediately  resolved  to  suppress  all  op- 
position to  the  government  of  Franklin  and  to  punish  the  actors  for  their 
audacity.  Raising  150  men  he  marched  directly  to  Col.  Tipton’s  house. 
Gov.  Sevier’s  indignation  had  also  been  aroused  by  a knowledge  of  the 
fact  that  Tipton  had  made  an  attempt  to  take  him  prisoner.  Upon  Sevier’s 
arrival  before  Tipton’s  house,  which  was  on  Sinking  Creek,  a branch  of 
Watauga  River,  about  eight  or  ten  miles  from  Jonesborough,  he  found 
it  defended  by  Col.  Tipton  and  fifteen  of  his  friends.  Though  he  had  a 
much  larger  force  than  Tipton  and  was  in  possession  of  a small  piece  of 
ordnance,  his  demand  for  an  unconditional  surrender  was  met  with  a flat 
refusal  and  the  daring  challenge  “to  fire  and  be  damned.”  But  Gov. 
Sevier  could  not  bring  himself  to  the  point  of  making  an  attack  upon 
men  who  were,  and  upon  whom  he  looked  as,  his  fellow  citizens.  Nego- 
tiations failed  to  effect  a surrender.  Gov.  Tipton  received  large  rein- 
forcements, and  after  the  siege  had  been  continued  a few  days  made  an 
attack  upon  the  Governor’s  forces,  who,  after  defending  themselves  in  a 
half-hearted  way  for  a short  time,  were  driven  off.  With  this  defeat  of 
Gov.  Sevier’s  troops  the  government  of  Franklin  practically  came  to  an  end. 
But  the  populace  was  greatly  excited.  Not  long  after  this  siege,  which 
terminated  about  February  28,  1788,  Bishop  Francis  Asbury  made  a 
visit  to  the  settlements  on  the  Watauga  and  held  a conference,  the  first 
west  of  the  mountains,  abQut  May  1,  1788.  His  calm  dignity  and  un- 
pretending simplicity  served  to  soothe  and  quiet  and  harmonize  the  ex- 
cited masses,  and  to  convert  partisans  and  factions  into  brothers  and 
friends. 

After  the  termination  of  the  siege  at  Tipton’s,  Gov.  Sevier,  now  a 
private  citizen,  was  engaged  in  defending  the  frontiers  against  the  In- 
dians. As  was  to  be  expected,  his  conduct  was  .represented  to  the  Gov- 
ernor of  North  Carolina  as  embodying  under  the  form  of  a colonelcy  of 
an  Indian  expedition,  still  further  resistance  to  North  Carolina.  The 
consequence  was  that  Gov.  Johnston  issued  to  Judge  Campbell  the  fol- 
lowing instructions: 

Hillsbobough,  29th  July,  1788. 

Sir:  It  has  been  represented  to  the  Executive  that  John  Sevier,  who  styles  himself 
captain-general  of  the  State  of  Franklin,  has  been  guilty  of  high  treason,  in  levying  troops 
to  oppose  the  laws  and  government  of  the  State,  and  has  with  an  armed  force  put  to  death 
several  good  citizens.  If  these  facts  shall  appear  to  you  by  the  affidavit  of  credible  per- 
sons, you  will  issue  your  warrant  to  apprehend  the  said  John  Sevier,  and  in  case  he  can 
not  he  sufficiently  secured  for  trial  in  the  District  of  Washington,  order  him  to  be  com- 
mitted to  the  public  gaol. 

Judge  Campbell,  either  from  unwillingness  or  incapacity  arising 
from  his  past  relations  with  Gov.  Sevier,  or  both,  failed  to  obey  the 
order  of  Gov.  Johnston;  but  Spencer,  one  of  the  judges  of  North  Caro- 


198 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


lina,  held  a superior  court  at  Jonesborougli  in  conjunction  with  Camp- 
bell, and  there  issued  the  warrant  against  Sevier  for  the  crime  of  high 
treason.  After  the  expiration  of  considerable  time  Sevier  was  arrested, 
handcuffed,  and  taken  as  a prisoner  to  Morganton  for  trial,  notwith- 
standing his  protest  against  being  taken  away  from  his  home  and  friends. 
After  being  in  Morganton  a few  days,  during  a part  of  which  time  he 
was  out  on  bail,  a small  party  of  men,  composed  of  two  sons  of  his 
(James  and  John  Sevier),  Dr.  James  Cozby,  Maj.  Evans,  Jesse  Greene 
and  John  Gibson  arrived  unnoticed  in  Morganton,  having  come  in  singly, 
and  at  night,  at  the  breaking  up  of  the  court  which  was  then  in  session, 
pushed  forward  toward  the  mountains  with  the  Governor  with  the  great- 
est rapidity,  and  before  morning  were  there  and  far  beyond  pursuit. 
This  rescue,  so  gallantly  made,  was  both  witnessed  and  connived  at  by 
citizens  of  Burke  County,  of  which  Morganton  was  the  county  seat, 
many  of  whom  were  friends  of  Sevier,  and  although  sensible  that  he  had 
been  guilty  of  a technical  violation  of  the  law,  were  yet  unwilling  to  see 
him  suffer  the  penalty  attached  by  the  law  to  such  violation.  His  cap- 
ture and  brief  expatriation  only  served  to  heighten,  among  the  citizens  of 
the  late  State  of  Franklin  whom  he  had  served  so  long  and  so  well,  their 
appreciation  of  his  services,  and  to  deepen  the  conviction  of  his  claims 
to  their  esteem  and  confidence,  and  when  the  General  Assembly,  which 
met  at  Fayetteville  November  21,  1788,  extended  the  act  of  pardon  to 
all  who  had  taken  part  in  the  Franklin  revolt  except  John  Sevier,  who 
was  debarred  from  the  enjoyment  of  any  office  of  profit,  of  honor  or  trust 
in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  this  exception  was  seen  to  be  at  variance 
with  the  wishes  of  the  people,  and  at  the  annual  election  in  August  of 
the  next  year  the  people  of  Greene  County  elected  John  Sevier  to  repre- 
sent them  in  the  Senate  of  North  Carolina.  At  the  appointed  time,  No- 
vember 2,  1789,  he  was  at  Fayetteville,  but  on  account  of  disabilities  did 
not  attempt  to  take  his  seat  until  after  waiting  a few  days,  during  which 
time  the  Legislature  repealed  the  clause  above  mentioned  which  debai’red 
him  from  office.  During  the  session  he  was  reinstated  as  brigader-gen- 
eral  for  the  western  counties.  In  apportioning  the  representatives  to 
Congress  from  North  Carolina  the  General  Assembly  divided  the  State 
into  four  Congressional  Districts,  the  westernmost  of  which  comprising 
all  the  territory  west  of  the  mountains.  From  this  district  John  Sevier 
was  elected,  and  was  thus  the  first  member  of  Congress  from  the  great 
Mississippi  Valley . He  took  his  seat  Wednesday,  June  16,  1790. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


199 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Organization  Concluded— Congressional  Action  for  the  Disposal  of  Un- 
appropriated Lands— The  Cession  Act  of  North  Carolina— The  Ac- 
ceptance by  Congress— The  Deed— Act  for  the  Government  of  the 
Territory— Offices  and  Commissions— Gubernatorial  Acts  and  Poli- 
cies— The  Spanish  and  the  Indian  Questions — Establishment  of  Coun- 
ters— The  Territorial  Assembly — The  Early  Laws  and  Taxes — Offi- 
cial Documents— Statistics— The  First  Constitutional  Convention- 
Debate  of  Forms  and  Provisions— The  Bill  df  Bights— Peal  Estate 
Taxation — Official  Qualifications — Other  Constitutional  Measures 
— Formation  of  the  State  Government — The  State  Assembly — John 
Sevier,  Governor — Legislative  Proceedings— Establishment  of  Courts 
— The  Second  Constitutional  Convention — Alterations,  etc. — Amend- 
ments Before  and  Soon  After  the  Civil  War— The  Present  Constitu- 
tion—Its  General  Character  and  Worth. 

S was  stated  under  tlie  history  of  the  State  of  Franklin,  it  was  not 


loner  after  the  dissolution  of  that  organization  before  it  became 
necessary  that  separation  should  occur  between  North  Carolina  and  her 
western  territory.  And  this  separation  was  effected  by  the  passage  by 
the  mother  State  of  her  second  cession  act,  dated  December,  1789.  This 
cession  was  in  accordance  with  the  following  resolution  adopted  by  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  October  10,  1780: 

Resolved:  That  the  unappropriated  lands  that  may  he  ceded  or  relinquished  to  the 
United  States  by  any  particular  State,  pursuant  to  the  recommendation  of  Congress  of  the 
6th  day  of  September  last,  shall  be  disposed  of  for  the  common  benefit  of  the  United  States 
and  be  settled  and  formed  into  distinct  republican  States,  which  shall  become  members  of 
the  Federal  Union  and  have  the  same  rights  of  sovereignty,  freedom  and  independence  as 
the  other  States;  that  each  State  which  shall  be  so  formed  shall  contain  a suitable  extent 
of  territory,  not  less  than  one  hundred  nor  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  square, 
or  as  near  thereto  as  circumstances  will  admit;  that  the  necessary  and  reasonable  expenses 
which  any  particular  State  shall  have  incurred  since  the  commencement  of  the  present 
war,  in  subduing  any  British  posts  or  in  maintaining  forts  or  garrisons  within,  and  for 
the  defense,  or  in  acquiring  any  part  of  the  territory  that  may  be  ceded  or  relinquished  to 
the  United  States,  shall  be  reimbursed;  that  the  said  lands  shall  be  granted  or  settled  at 
such  times  and  under  such  regulations  as  shall  hereafter  be  agreed  on  by  the  United 
States  in  Congress  assembled,  or  any  nine  or  more  of  them. — Journals  of  Congress,  October 
10,  1780. 

Tlie  cession  act  of  North  Carolina  was  in  the  following  language: 

Whereas,  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  have  repeatedly  and  earnestly 
recommended  to  the  respective  States  in  the  Union,  claiming  or  owning  vacant  western 
territory,  to  make  cession  of  part  of  the  same  as  a further  means,  as  well  of  hastening  the 
extinguishment  of  the  debts,  as  of  establishing  the  harmony  of  the  United  States;  and  the 


200 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


inhabitants  of  the  said  western  territory  being  also  desirous  that  such  cession  should  be 
made,  in  order  to  obtain  a more  ample  protection  than  they  have  heretofore  received; 

Now,  this  State,  being  ever  desirous  of  doing  ample  justice  to  the  public  creditors,  as 
well  as  the  establishing  the  harmony  of  the  United  States,  and  complying  with  the  rea- 
sonable desires  of  her  citizens: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  it  is  hereby 
enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  That  the  senators  of  this  State,  in  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States,  or  one  of  the  senators  and  any  two  of  the  representatives  of  this  State, 
in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  are  hereby  authorized,  empowered  and  required  to 
execute  a deed  or  deeds  on  the  part  and  behalf  of  this  State,  conveying  to  the  United 
States  of  America  all  right,  title  and  claim  which  this  State  has  to  the  sovereignty  and 
territory  of  the  lands  situated  within  the  chartered  limits  of  this  State  west  of  a line  be- 
ginning on  the  extreme  height  of  the  Stone  Mountain,  at  a place  where  the  Yii-ginia  line 
intersects  it;  running  thence  along  the  extreme  height  of  the  said  mountain  to  the  place 
where  Watauga  River  breaks  through  it;  thence  a direct  course  to  the  top  of  the  Yellow 
Mountain,  where  Bright’s  road  crosses  the  same;  thence  along  the  ridge  of  said  mountain 
between  the  waters  of  Doe  River  and  the  waters  of  Rock  Creek  to  the  place  where  the 
road  crosses  the  Iron  Mountain;  from  thence  along  the  extreme  height  of  said  mountain 
to  where  Nolichucky  River  runs  through  the  same;  thence  to  the  top  of  the  BaldMountain; 
thence  along  the  extreme  height  of  the  said  mountain  to  the  Painted  Rock  on  French 
Broad  River;  thence  along  the  highest  ridge  of  the  said  mountain  to  the  place  where  it 
is  called  the  Great  Iron  or  Smoky  Mountain;  thence  along  the  extreme  height  of  the  said 
mountain  to  the  place  where  it  is  called  Unicoy  or  Unaka  Mountain,  between  the  Indian 
towns  of  Cowee  and  Old  Chota;  thence  along  the  main  ridge  of  the  said  mountain  to  the 
southern  boundary  of  this  State;  upon  the  following  express  conditions  and  subject  there- 
to; That  is  to  say: 

First.  That  neither  the  lands  nor  the  inhabitants  westward  of  the  said  mountain 
shall  be  estimated  after  the  cession  made  by  virtue  of  this  act  shall  be  accepted,  in  the  as- 
certaining the  proportion  of  this  State  with  the  United  States  in  the  common  expense 
occasioned  by  the  late  war.  ' 

Secondly.  That  the  lands  laid  oil  or  directed  to  be  laid  oil  by  an  act  or  acts  of  the 
, General  Assembly  of  this  State  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  thereof,  their  heirs  and  assigns, 
respectively,  shall  be  and  inure  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  said  officers,  their  heirs  and 
assigns,  respectively;  and  if  the  bounds  of  the  lands  already  prescribed  for  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  continental  line  of  this  State  shall  not  contain  a sufficient  quantity  of  land 
fit  for  cultivation,  to  make  good  the  several  provisions  intended  by  law,  that  such  officer  or 
soldier  or  his  assignee,  who  shall  fall  short  of  his  allotment  or  proportion  after  all  the 
lands  fit  for  cultivation  within  the  said  bounds  are  appropriated,  be  permitted  to  take  his 
quota,  or  such  part  thereqf  as  may  be  deficient,  in  any  other  part  of  the  said  territory  in- 
tended to  be  ceded  by  virtue  of  this  act,  not  already  appropriated.  And  where  entries 
have  been  made  agreeable  to  law,  and  titles  under  them  not  perfected  by  grant  or  other- 
wise, then,  and  in  that  case,  the  governor  for  the  time  being  shall,  and  he  is  hereby  required 
to  perfect,  from  time  to  time,  such  titles,  in  such  manner  as  if  this  act  had  never  been 
passed.  And  that  all  entries  made  by,  or  grants  made  to,  all  and  every  person  or  persons 
whatsoever  agreeable  to  law  and  within  the  limits  hereby  intended  to  be  ceded  to  th* 
United  States,  shall  have  the  same  force  and  effect  as  if  such  cession  had  not  been  made; 
and  that  all  and  every  right  of  occupancy  and  pre-emption  and  every  other  right  reserved 
by  any  act  or  acts  to  persons  settled  on  and  occupying  lands  within  the  limits  of  the  lands 
hereby  intended  to  be  ceded  as  aforesaid,  shall  continue  to  be  in  full  force  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  the  cession  had  not  been  made,  and  as  conditions  upon  which  the  said  lands 
are  ceded  to  the  United  States.  And  further,  it  shall  be  understood  that  if  any  person  or 
persons  shall  have  by  virtue  of  the  act  entitled  “An  act  for  opening  the  land  office  for  the 
redemption  of  specie  and  other  certificates  and  discharging  the  arrears  due  to  the  army,” 
passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  made  his  or  their  entry 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


201 


in  the  office  usually  called  John  Armstrong’s  office  and  located  the  same  to  any  spot  or 
piece  of  ground  on  which  any  other  person  or  persons  shall  have  previously  located  any 
entry  or  entries,  and  then,  and  in  that  case,  the  person  or  persons  having  made  such  entry 
or  entries,  or  their  assignee  or  assignees,  shall  have  leave,  and  be  at  full  liberty  to  remove 
the  location  of  such  entry  or  entries,  to  any  land  on  which  no  entry  has  been  specially 
located  or  on  any  vacant  lands  included  within  the  limits  of  the  lands  hereby  intended  to 
be  ceded:  Provided,  That  nothing  herein  contained  shall  extend,  or  be  construed  to  ex- 
tend, to  the  making  good  of  any  entry  or  entries,  or  any  grant  or  grants  heretofore  de- 
clared void,  by  any  act  or  acts  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State. 

Thirdly.  That  all  the  lands  intended  to  be  ceded  by  virtue  of  this  act  to  the  United 
States  of  America,  and  not  appropriated  as  before  mentioned,  shall  be  considered  as  a 
common  fund  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  United  States  of  America,  North  Carolina  in- 
clusive, according  to  their  respective  and  usual  proportion  in  the  general  charge  and  ex- 
penditure, and  shall  be  faithfully  disposed  of  for  that  purpose  and  for  no  other  use  or 
purpose  whatever. 

Fourthly.  That  the  territory  so  ceded  shall  be  laid  out  and  formed  into  a State  or 
States,*  containing  a suitable  extent  of  territory,  the  inhabitants  of  which  shall  enjoy  all 
the  privileges,  benefits  and  advantages  set  forth  in  the  ordinance  of  the  late  Congress  for 
the  government  of  the  Western  Territory  of  the  United  States;  that  is  to  say:  Whenever 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  shall  cause  to  be  officially  transmitted  to  the  executive 
authority  of  this  State,  an  authenticated  copy  of  the  act  to  be  passed  by  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States  accepting  the  cession  of  territory  made  by  virtue  of  this  act  under  the 
express  conditions  hereby  specified,  the  said  Congress  shall  at  the  same  time,  assume  the 
government  of  the  said  ceded  territory,  which  they  shall  execute  in  a similar  manner  f to 
that  which  they  support  in  the  territory  west  of  the  Ohio;  shall  protect  the  inhabitants 
against  enemies  and  shall  never  bar  nor  deprive  them  of  any  privileges  which  the  people 
in  the  territory  west  of  the  Ohio  enjoy:  Provided  always,  that  no  regulations  made  or  to 
be  made  by  Congress  shall  tend  to  emancipate  slaves. 

Fifthly.  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  ceded  territory  shall  be  liable  to  pay  such 
sums  of  money  as  may,  from  taking  their  census,  be  their  just  proportion  of  the  debt  of 
the  United  States,  and  the  arrears  of  the  requisitions  of  Congress  on  this  State. 

Sixthly.  That  all  persons  indebted  to  this  State  residing  in  the  territory  intended  to 
be  ceded  by  virtue  of  this  act  shall  be  held  and  deemed  liable  to  pay  such  debt  or  debts  in 
the  same  manner,  and  under  the  same  penalty  or  penalties,  as  if  this  act  had  never  been 
passed. 

Seventhly.  That  if  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  do  not  accept  the  cession 
hereby  intended  to  be  made,  in  due  form,  and  give  official  notice  thereof  to  the  executive 
of  this  State,  within  eighteen  months  from  the  passing  of  this  act,  then  this  act  shall  be 
of  no  force  or  effect  whatsoever. 

Eighthly.  That  the  laws  in  force  and  use  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  at  the  time 
of  passing  this  act  shall  be,  and  continue,  in  full  force  within  the  territory  hereby  ceded 
until  the  same  shall  be  repealed  or  otherwise  altered  by  the  Legislative  authority  of  the 
said  territory. 

Ninthly.  That  the  lands  of  non-resident  proprietors  within  the  said  ceded  territory 
shall  not  be  taxed  higher  than  the  lands  of  residents. 

Tenthly.  That  this  act  shall  not  prevent  the  people  now  residing  south  of  French 
Broad,  between  the  rivers  Tennessee  and  Big  Pigeon,  from  entering  their  pre-emptions  in 
that  tract  should  an  office  be  opened  for  that  purpose  under  an  act  of  the  present  General 
Assembly.  And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  the  sovereignty  and 
jurisdiction  of  this  State,  in  and  over  the  territory  aforesaid,  and  all  and  every  inhabitant 

* See  Act  of  Congress  of  June  t,  1796, pos/;  also  resolution  of  Congress  of  October  10, 17S0,  ante. 

f The  “ manner”  of  government  here  referred  to  is  fully  set.  forth  in  ‘‘An  Ordinance  for  the  Government 
of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  Northwest  of  the  River  Ohio,”  passed  July  13,  1787.  The  “Territory  of 
the  United  States  south  of  the  River  Ohio  ” was,  for  the  purpose  of  temporary  government,  declared  to  be  one 
district  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  26,  1790. 


202 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


a 

thereof,  shall  be,  and  remain,  the  same,  in  all  respects,  until  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States  shall  accept  the  cession  to  be  made  by  virtue  of  this  act,  as  if  this  act  had  never 
passed. 

Read  three  times,  and  ratified  in  General  Assembly  the day  of  December,  A.  D. 

1789.  Ciias.  Johnson,  Sp.  Sen. 

S.  Cab  Arkus,  Sp.  H.  C. 

Upon  tlie  presentation  of  this  cession  act  to  Congress,  that  body  passed 
the  following  act  accepting  the  cession: 

AN  ACT  TO  ACCEPT  A CESSION  OP  THE  CLAIMS  OP  THE  STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA  TO  A 

CERTAIN  DISTRICT  OF  WESTERN  TERRITORY. 

A deed  of  cession  having  been  executed,  and,  in  the  Senate,  offered  for  acceptance  to 
the  United  States,  of  the  claims  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  to  a district  or  territory 
therein  described,  which  deed  is  in  the  words  following,  viz. : 

To  all  who  shall  see  these  Presents. 

We,  the  underwritten  Samuel  Johnston  and  Benjamin  Hawkins,  Senators  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States  of  America,  duly  and  constitutionally  chosen  by  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  send  greeting. 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  on  the  day  of 

December,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-nine,  passed 
an  act  entitled  “an  act  for  the  purpose  of  ceding  to  the  United  States  of  America  certain 
western  lands  therein  described,”  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

(Here  was  recited  the  cession  act  of  North  Carolina.) 

Now,  therefore,  know  ye,  That  we,  Samuel  Johnston  and  Benjamin  Hawkins,  Sen- 
ators aforesaid,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  committed  to  us  by  the  said  act,  and 
in  the  name,  and  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  said  State,  do,  by  these  presents,  convey,  assign, 
transfer  and  set  over,  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  for  the  benefit  of  the  said  States, 
North  Carolina  inclusive,  all  right,  title  and  claim  which  the  said  State  hath  to  the  sover- 
eignty and  territory  of  the  lands  situated  within  the  chartered  limits  of  the  said  State,  as 
bounded  and  described  in  the  above  recited  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  and  for  the 
use  and  purposes,  and  on  the  conditions  mentioned  in  the  said  act. 

In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names  and  affixed 
our  seals  in  the  Senate  chamber  at  New  York,  this  twenty-fifth  day  of  Febru- 
ary, in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety,  and  in 
the  fourteenth  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America, 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of 

Sam.  A.  Otis  Sam.  Johnston, 

Benjamin  Hawkins. 

The  following  act  was  then  passed  by  Congress: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  said  deed  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  accepted. 

Frederick  Augustus  Muhlenberg, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

John  Adams, 

Vice-President  of  the  United  States  a,nd  President  of  the  Senate. 

Approved  April  the  2d,  1790. 

George  Washington, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

The  cession  thus  being  accepted  and  approved,  Congress  soon  after- 
ward passed  a law  for  the  government  of  the  new  acquisition.  This  law 
was  in  the  following  language: 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


203 


AN  ACT  FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  TERRITORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  SOUTH  OF  THE 

RIVER  OHIO. 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
State  of  America  in  Congress  assembled , That  the  territory  of  the  United  States  south  of 
the  river  Ohio,  for  the  purposes  of  temporary  government,  shall  be  one  district,  the  inhab- 
itants of  which  shall  enjoy  all  the  privileges,  benefits  and  advantages,  set  forth  in  the 
ordinance  of  the  late  Congress  for  the  government  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States 
northwest  of  the  river  the  Ohio.  And  the  government  of  the  said  territory  south  of  the  Ohio, 
shall  be  similar  to  that  which  is  now  exercised  in  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio, 
except  so  far  as  is  otherwise  provided  in  the  conditions  expressed  in  an  act  of  Congress 
of  the  present  session  entitled:  “An  act  to  accept  a cession  of  the  claims  of  the  State  of 
North  Carolina  to  a certain  district  of  western  territory.” 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  salaries  of  the  officers,  which  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States  shall  nominate,  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate 
appoint,  by  virtue  of  this  act  shall  be  the  same  as  those,  by  law  established  of  similar  offi- 
cers in  the  government  northwest  of  the  river  Ohio.  And  the  powers,  duties  and  emol- 
uments of  a superintendent  of  Indian  affairs  for  the  Southern  Department  shall  be  united 
with  those  of  the  Governor. 

Approved  May  26,  1790. 

Congress  having  thus  made  provision  for  the  government  of  the  ter- 
ritory, the  duty  devolved  upon  President  George  Washington  to  appoint 
suitable  officers  to  carry  the  government  of  the  new  territory  into  oper- 
ation. As  is  usual  in  such  cases,  there  were  several  gentlemen  of 
acknowledged  capacity  and  worth  of  character,  who  through  their  friends 
were  candidates  for  the  office  of  governor.  Mr.  Mason  of  Virginia  was  pre- 
sented to  the  President  by  Patrick  Henry.  But  the  representatives  in  the 
North  Carolina  General  Assembly  from  Washington  and  Mero  Districts, 
had  frequently  met  in  the  Assembly  a North  Carolina  gentleman,  kindly 
and  sociable  in  disposition,  of  graceful  and  accomplished  manner,  business- 
like in  his  habits,  and  of  extensive  information  respecting  Indian  affairs, 
and,  who  in  addition  to  these  qualifications  had  manifested  many  proofs 
of  sympathy  and  interest  for  the  pioneers  of  the  territory  now  needing 
an  executive  head.  This  gentleman  was  William  Blount,  and  besides  his 
eminent  fitness  for  the  position ; there  was  an  evident  propriety  in  select- 
ing the  governor  from  the  State,  by  which  the  territory  had  been  ceded 
to  the  United  States.  President  Washington,  recognizing  the  validity 
and  force  of  these  considerations,  issued  to  him  a commission  as  gov- 
ernor, which  he  received  August  7,  1790.  On  the  10th  of  October  follow- 
ing, Gov.  Blount  readied  the  scene  of  his  new  and  important  public 
duties  on  the  frontier,  and  took  up  his  residence  at  the  house  of  William 
Cobb,  near  Washington  Court  House,  in  the  fork  of  Holston  and  Watauga 
Rivers,  and  not  far  from  Watauga  Old  Fields.  Mr.  Cobb  was  a wealthy 
farmer,  an  emigrant  from  North  Carolina,  and  was  no  stranger  to  com- 
fort, taste  nor  style.  He  entertained  elegantly,  and  kept  horses,  dogs, 
rifles  and  even  traps  for  the  comfort  and  amusement  of  his  guests.  Thus 


204 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


surrounded,  Gov.  Blount  held  his  first  court.  The  President  had  ap- 
pointed as  judges  in  the  Territorial  Government  David  Campbell  and 
Joseph  Anderson.  David  Campbell  will  be  remembered  as  having  held 
a similar  position  under  the  State  of  Franklin,  and  subsequently  under 
the  appointment  of  North  Carolina.  Joseph  Anderson  had  been  an  offi- 
cer in  the  Continental  service  during  the  Revolutionary  war.  Gov. 
Blount  appointed  Daniel  Smith  Secretary  of  the  Territorial  Government, 
and  also  the  civil  and  military  officers  for  the  counties  forming  the  dis- 
trict of  Washington.  The  oath  of  office  was  administered  to  these  ap- 
pointees by  Judge  Campbell.  The  following  are  the  names  of  some  of 
the  officers:  Washington  County,  November  term,  1790 — magistrates, 

Charles  Robertson,  John  Campbell,  Edmond  Williams  and  John  Chis- 
holm; clerk,  James  Sevier.  Greene  County,  February  term,  1791 — 
magistrates,  Joseph  Hardin,  John  Newman,  William  Wilson,  John  Mc- 
Nabb  and  David  Rankin;  clerk,  David  Kennedy.  David  Allison  and 
William  Cocke  were  admitted  to  the  bar.  Hawkins  County,  December 
term,  1790,  clerk,  Richard  Mitchell. 

The  private  secretaries  of  the  Governor  were  Willie  Blount,  his  half- 
brother,  afterward  governor,  and  Hugh  Lawson  White,  afterward  Judge 
White,  and  candidate  for  the  presidency  of  the  United  States.  Having 
commissioned  the  necessary  officers  for  the  counties  of  Washington  Dis- 
trict, Gov.  Blount  set  out  for  Mero  District  on  the  27th  of  November. 
Mero  District  was  composed  of  Davidson,  Sumner  and  Tennessee  Coun- 
ties. Davidson  County — John  Donelson,  justice  of  the  peace,  and  Samp- 
son Williams  was  appointed  sheriff,  and  upon  the  presentation  of  his  com- 
mission from  the  governor,  was  appointed  by  the  court.  Sumner  County : 
Benjamin  Menees  was-  appointed  justice  of  the  peace,  his  commission  be- 
ing dated  December  15,  1790,  as  were  also  George  Bell,  John  Philips 
and  Martin  Duncan.  Anthony  Crutcher  was  appointed  clerk,  and  James 
Boyd  sheriff.  At  the  April  term,  1791,  John  Montgomery  produced 
his  commission  from  Gov.  Blount  as  justice  of  the  peace.  In  all  the 
counties  the  Governor  had  appointed  military  officers  below  the  rank  of 
brigadier -general.  These  he  was  not  authorized  to  appoint,  but  recom- 
mended for  appointment  Col.  John  Sevier  for  Washington  District, 
and  Col.  James  Robertson  for  Mero  District.  These  commissions  were 
issued  in  February,  1791.  Following  is  the  commission  of  John  Don- 
elson : 

William  Blount,  Governor  in  and  over  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of 
America  south  of  the  River  Ohio. 

To  all  who  shall  see  these  Presents,  Greeting: 

Know  ye  that  I do  appoint  John  Donelson,  Esq.,  of  the  County  of  Davidson  in  the 
said  Territory,  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the  said  County,  and  do  authorize  and  empower 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


205 


him  to  execute  and  fulfill  the  duties  of  that  office  according  to  law,  and  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  said  office  during  his  good  Behavior,  or  during  the  existence  of  the  Temporary 
Government  of  said  Territory,  with  all  the  powers,  authorities  and  privileges  to  the  same 
of  right  appertaining. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  in  the  said  Territory,  this  15th  day  of  December,  1790. 

By  the  Governor:  William  Blount. 

Daniel  Smith. 

In  Iris  tour  through  the  territory,  Gov.  Blount  endeavored  to  famil- 
iarize himself  with  the  condition  and  necessities  of  the  inhabitants,  with 
the  view  of  becoming  better  prepared  to  discharge  his  official  duties.  His 
position  was  by  no  means  a sinecure,  for,  besides  the  ordinary  duties  of 
his  gubernatorial  office,  he  was  obliged  to  perform  those  pertaining  to 
that  of  superintendent  of  Indian  affairs,  having  been  also  appointed  to 
that  position  on  account  of  his  long  familiarity  with  the  Indian  tribes, 
with  whom  the  people  of  his  territory  Avere  necessarily  immediately  in 
contact.  It  was  and  is  belieAred  that  no  man  could  have  been  selected 
better  qualified  than  he  to  reconcile  the  two  classes  of  citizens  more  or 
less  estranged  by  the  setting  up,  continuing  in  existence  and  dissolution 
of  the  anomalous  government  of  the  State  of  Franklin,  and  to  regulate 
affairs  between  the  people  of  the  territory,  the  Indians,  and  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States.  His  superintendency  of  Indian  affairs  in- 
cluded the  four  southern  tribes — the  Creeks,  the  Cherokees,  the  Chicka- 
saws  and  ChoctaAvs.  All  of  these  tribes  either  resided  wdthin  or  claimed 
hunting  grounds  within  his  own  territory,  and  the  collisions  continually 
occurring  between  some  of  these  Indians  and  the  settlers  caused  a con- 
stant complaint  to  be  addressed  to  the  Governor  for  redi'ess  or  mitigation. 
One  reason  of  these  conflicts  was,  that  in  all  of  the  tribes  there  were  sev- 
eral distinct  parties  swayed  by  opposing  influences!  and  motives.  Some 
adhered  and  favored  adherence  to  the  United  States ; others  adhered  to 
the  Spanish  authorities,  who  still  held  possessions  with  military  and  trad- 
ing posts  in  Florida,  and  also  similar  posts  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States  east  of  the  Mississippi.  The  Spaniards,  notwithstanding  treaties 
of  peace  and  professions  of  friendship,  by  artful  persuasions  and  tawdry 
presents,  incited  and  inflamed  the  savages  to  robbery,  pillage  and  mur- 
der. To  reconcile  all  these  animosities,  and  to  protect  the  people  from, 
their  naturally  injurious  effects,  frequent  conferences  and  an  extensive 
correspondence  were  required,  as  also  was  required  a high  degree  of  ad- 
ministrative and  diplomatic  ability.  The  difficulties  of  his  position  were 
enhanced  by  the  policy  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  which 
Avas  to  avoid  offensive  measures,  and  rely  upon  conciliation  and  defense 
with  the  view  of  the  establishment  of  peace  between  the  various  Indian 
tribes  and  the  settlements,  and  the  neutralization  of  the  influence  of  the 


206 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Spaniards.  Under  these  circumstances,  Gov.  Blount  found  it  impossible- 
to  afford  protection  to  settlers  upon  the  frontier,  aggressions  upon  whom 
were  numerous  and  of  several  years’  continuance.  The  settlers  them- 
selves, whose  property  was  being  destroyed  and  whose  friends  and  rela- 
tives were  being  barbarously  murdered,  could  not  appreciate  this  inof- 
fensive policy,  but  burned  with  the  desire  to  retaliate  in  kind  upon  their 
savage  foe,  and,  as  was  perfectly  natural,  heaped  upon  the  head  of  Gov. 
Blount  unstinted  censure.  Neither  were  they  any  better  satisfied  with 
the  treaty  concluded  August  17,  1790,  between  the  Government  of  the 
United  States  and  the  Creek  nation  of  Indians,  by  which  a large  territory 
was  restored  to  that  nation.  The  treaties,  however,  were  not  observed  by 
the  Indians,  and,  consequently,  not  by  the  white  people,  who  complained 
against  the  Governor  for  not  adopting  vigorous  measures  of  offense.  The 
Indians  complained  that  such  measures  were  adopted,  and  the  United 
States  Government  complained  that  the  expense  of  protecting  the  frontier 
accumulated  so  rapidly.  Thus  Gov.  Blount  was  the  center  of  a steady 
fire  of  complaint  from  at  least  three  different  sources.  But  like  the  mar- 
tyrs of  old,  the  Governor  bore  these  complaints  with  equanimity,  and  at 
length  the  people,  ascertaining  that  the  fault  was  not  with  him,  withdrew 
their  complaints,  and  very  generally  sustained  his  authority. 

Besides  difficulties  with  the  Indians  the  duty  devolved  upon  the  Gov- 
ernor of  preventing  the  settlement  by  the  Tennessee  Company  of  their 
immense  purchase  in  the  Great  Bend  of  the  Tennessee  River,  which  was 
at  length  effectually  prevented  by  the  State  of  Georgia  annulling  the 
sale.  He  had  also  to  raise  a force  of  332  men  in  the  district  of  Wash- 
ington for  service  under  Gen.  St.  Clair  at  Fort  AVashington.  These 
duties,  however,  he  was  obliged  to  permit  to  fall  on  Gen.  Sevier,  his  own 
time  being  so  fully  engrossed  with  his  Indian  superintendency,  in  which 
capacity  he  made  a treaty  with  the  Cherokees  on  the  Holston  July  2, 
1791.  Indian  hostilities,  however,  continued,  notwithstanding  the  treaty 
of  Holston,  and  numerous  people  were  killed  for  a number  of  years. 
During  the  next  year  the  Governor  held  another  conference  with  the  In- 
dians, this  time  at  Nashville  with  the  Chickasaws  and  Choctaws,  and  in 
company  with  Gen.  Pickens,  who  attended  the  conference  at  the  request 
of  the  Secrerary  of  AVar.  There  was  a large  delegation  of  chiefs  in 
attendance;  goods  were  distributed  among  them,  which  gave  renewed 
assurances  of  peace.  A brief  account  of  this  conference  was  written  by 
the  Governor  to  the  Secretary  of  AVar  under  date  of  August  31,  1792,  as 
follows: 

On  tlie  10th  inst.  the  conference  with  the  Chickasaws  and  Choctaws  ended;  there  was 
a very  full  representation  of  the  former,  but  not  of  the  latter,  owing,  there  is  reason  to 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


207 


believe,  to  the  Spanish  influences.  During  the  conference  Gen.  Pickens  and  myself  re- 
ceived the  strongest  assurances  of  peace  and  friendship  for  the  United  States  from  these 
nations,  and  I believe  they  were  made  with  great  sincerity. 

In  this  way  was  the  Governor  engaged  for  the  first  two  years  of  his 
term.  In  1792  he  turned  his  attention  to  civil  government,  and  on  the 
lltli  of  June,  1792,  he  issued  an  ordinance  circumscribing  the  lim- 
its of  Greene  and  Hawkins  Counties,  and  creating  Knox  and  Jefferson 
Counties.  This  ordinance  fixed  the  time  for  holding  courts  of  pleas  and 
quarter  sessions  in  these  two  new  counties.  A number  of  acts  were  also 
passed  by  the  Governor  and  his  two  judges,  David  Campbell  and  Joseph 
Anderson,  the  first  one  being  passed  November  20,  1792.  This  act  au- 
thorized the  levying  of  a tax  for  building  or  repairing  court  houses, 
prisons  and  stocks  in  the  respective  counties,  limiting  the  tax  to  50  cents 
on  each  poll,  and  to  17  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land. 

According  to  the  congressional  ordinance  for  the  (government  of  the 
territory  of  the  United  States  south  of  the  Ohio  River,  the  governor  and 
the  judges,  or  a majority  of  them,  were  authorized  to  adopt  and  publish 
such  laws,  criminal  and  civil,  as  might  be  necessary  and  best  suited  to 
the  circumstances  of  the  district,  which,  being  from  time  to  time  report- 
ed to  Congress  and  by  that  body  approved,  were  to  be  the  law  of  the  Ter- 
ritory until  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly,  but  afterward  the 
General  Assembly  was  to  have  the  power  to  alter  them  as  they  might  see 
proper.  According  to  this  ordinance  the  Territorial  Legislature  was  to 
consist  of  the  governor,  Legislative  Council  and  the  House  of  Represent- 
atives. The  General  Assembly  met  at  Knoxville,  August  25,  1794,  the 
Legislative  Council  being  composed  as  follows:  The  Hon.  Griffith  Ruth- 
erford, the  Hon.  John  Sevier,  the  Hon.  James  Winchester,  the  Hon. 
Stockley  Ponelson  and  the  Hon.  Parmenas  Taylor.  The  Hon.  Griffith 
Rutherford  was  unanimously  elected  president ; George  Roulstone,  clerk, 
and  Christopher  Shoat,  door-keeper.  The  House  of  Representatives  was 
composed  as  follows:  David  Wilson,  James  White,  James  Ford,  AVilliam 
Cocke,  Joseph  McMinn,  George  Rutledge,  Joseph  Hardin,  George  Doher- 
ty, Samuel  Wear,  Alexander  Kelly  and  John  Baii-d.  A message  was  sent 
by  the  house  to  the  council,  and  also  one  to  the  governor,  notifying  each 
respectively  of  its  readiness  to  proceed  to  business.  The  next  day  they 
adopted  rules  of  decorum  and  also  rules  to  be  observed  in  the  transaction 
of  business,  prepared  by  a joint  committee  of  the  two  houses.  When  all 
the  preliminaries  had  been  arranged  the  following  bills  were  reported: 
An  act  to  regulate  the  military  of  this  Territory ; an  act  to  establish  the 
judicial  courts  and  to  regulate  the  proceedings  thereof;  an  act  making 
provision  for  the  poor ; an  act  to  enable  executors  and  administrators  to 


208 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


make  rights  for  lands  due  upon  bonds  of  persons  deceased;  an  act  de- 
claring what  property  is  to  be  taxable,  and  for  collecting  the  tax  thereon; 
an  act  to  levy  a tax  for  the  support  of  the  Government  of  1794,  and  an 
act  to  provide  relief  for  such  of  the  military  as  have  been  wounded  by 
the  Indians  in  the  late  invasion. 

By  the  ordinance  for  the  government  of  the  Territory  it  was  provided 
that  as  soon  as  a Legislature  shall  be  formed  in  the  district,  the  council 
and  house,  assembled  in  one  room,  shall  have  authority,  by  joint  ballot, 
to  elect  a delegate  to  Congress.  Under  this  authority  the  two  houses 
uiet  September  3,  1794,  at  the  courthouse  and  balloted  for  a delegate 
to  Congress.  The  joint  committee  to  superintend  the  balloting  was  com- 
posed of  Parmenas  Taylor,  from  the  council,  and  George  Doherty  and 
Leroy  Taylor  on  the  part  of  the  house,  and  the  result  of  the  balloting  was 
the  election  of  James  White  as  delegate  to  Congress.  On  the  next  day 
a resolution  was  adopted  by  the  council  requesting  the  concurrence  of 
the  house  to  the  taking  of  a new  census  of  the  people,  to  be  made  on  the 
last  Saturday  of  July,  1795. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  the  session  the  two  houses  had  considerable 
difficulty  in  arranging  the  details  of  the  Tax  Bill.  Amendments  were 
proposed  by  the  one  house  and  uniformly  rejected  by  the  other.  During 
this  discussion  the  council  submitted  to  the  house  the  following  estimate 
to  show  that  its  own  schedule  of  taxation  was  ample  in  its  provisions  for 
the  raising  of  revenue.  The  following  is  the  estimate  of  the  contingent 
fund:  10,000  white  polls  at  12-|  cents,  $1,250;  1,100  black  polls  at  50 
cents,  $550;  100  stud  horses  at  $4,  $400;  200  town  lots  at  $1,  $200; 
taxes  of  law  proceedings,  grants,  deeds,  etc.,  $750;  1,000,000  acres  of 
land  at  124  cents,  $1,250;  total  $4,400.  This  was  while  the  council 
''was  insisting  that  a tax  of  124  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land  was 
'sufficient,  while  the  house  insisted  that  the  tax  on  land  should  be 
;25  cents  on  each  100  acres.  Failing  to  agree  on  Saturday,  September 
'27,  the  two  houses  adjourned  until  Monday,  the  29tli,  and  on  that 
day,  after  an  attempt  at  compromise  by  fixing  the  land  tax  at  18  cents 
'on  each  100  acres,  the  council  at  length  yielded  and  sent  the  house 
'the  following  message:  “The  council  accede  to  your  proposition  in  tax- 
ing land  at  25  cents  per  100  acres;  you  will,  therefore,  send  two  of  your 
'members  to  see  the  amendments  made  accordingly.”  Following  is  the 
resolution  of  the  house  fixing  the  pay  of  the  members  of  both  houses: 
“ Resolved , that  the  wages  of  the  members,  clerks  and  door-keepers  of 
both  houses  be  estimated  as  follows : For  each  member  per  day, 
$2.50;  for  each  clerk  per  day,  $2.50;  for  each  clerk  for  stationery 
$25;  for  each  door-keeper  per  day,  $1.75;  each  member,  clerk  and 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE 


203 


door-keeper  to  be  allowed  for  ferriages ; every  twenty-five  miles,  riding 
to  and  from  the  assembly,  $2.50.”  On  the  last  day  of  the  session,  Sep- 
tember 30,  among  other  joint  resolutions  the  following  was  passed: 
“That  the  thanks  of  this  General  Assembly  be  presented  to  Gov. 
Blount  for  the  application  of  his  abilities  and  attention  in  forwarding1 
their  business  as  representatives ; more  especially  in  compiling  and  ar- 
ranging the  system  of  court  law,  and  that  as  there  appears  to  be  no  more1 
business  before  this  assembly  his  excellency  is  requested  to  prorogue 
the  same  to  the  first  Monday  in  October,  1795.”  The  Governor  after- 
acknowledging  that  the  laws  presented  for  his  approval  were  essential  to 
the  public  happiness,  and  that  no  law  of  importance  was  omitted,  sent  the 
following  prorogation : 

William  Blount,  Governor  in  and  over  the  Territory  op  the  United  States  of 

America,  south  op  the  River  Ohio. 

To  the  President  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Legislative  Council,  and  the  Speaker  and  Gentlemen 

of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

The  session  of  the  General  Assembly  is  prorogued  until  the  first  Monday  in  the  month, 
of  October,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-five,  then  to  commence  at  this  place. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Knoxville,  September  30,  1794. 

By  the  Governor,  Daniel  Smith.  William  Blount 

The  expense  of  the  Legislative  Council  for  the  August  and  September 
session,  1794,  amounted  to  $970. 71§,  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
for  the  same  session,  $l,700.16f.  The  Territorial  Assembly,  although 
prorogued  as  above  narrated,  was  convened  by  the  Governor  on  June  29, 
1795.  In  his  message  the  Governor  said:  “The  principal  object  for 
which  I have  called  you  together  at  an  earlier  period  than  that  to  which 
the  General  Assembly  stood  prorogued,  is  to  afford  an  opportunity  to  in- 
quire whether  it  is  as  I have  been  taught  to  believe,  the  wish  of  the 
majority  of  the  people  that  this  Territory  should  become  a State,  when 
by  taking  the  enumeration  there  should  prove  to  be  60,000  free  inhabit- 
ants therein,  or  at  such  earlier  period  as  Congress  shall  pass  an  act  for  its 
admission,  and  if  it  is  to  take  such  measures  as  may  be  proper  to  effect 
the  desired  change  of  the  form  of  government  as  early  as  practicable.” 
On  the  7th  of  July,  following,  John  Sevier  from  the  joint  committee  ap- 
pointed for  the  purpose  offered  the  following  address  to  the  Governor: 

Sir: — The  members  of  the  Legislative  Council,  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
beg  leave  to  express  to  your  Excellency  their  approbation  of  the  object  for  which  they 
were  principally  called  together;  and  feeling  convinced  that  the  great  body  of  our  con- 
stituents are  sensible  of  the  many  defects  of  our  present  mode  of  government,  and  of  the 
great  and  permanent  advantages  to  be  derived  from  a change  and  speedy  representation 
in  Congress;  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Territory  will  during  the  present  session,  en- 
deavor to  devise  such  means  as  may  have  a tendency  to  effect  that  desirable  object,  and 
in  doing  so  we  shall  be  happy  in  meeting  with  your  Excellency’s  concurrence. 


210 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  treasurer  of  Washington  and  Hamilton  Districts  submitted  his 
report  at  this  session  of  the  Legislature.  A joint  committee,  to  whom  it 
was  referred,  in  the  conclusion  of  tlieir  report  used  the  following  lan- 
guage: “Your  committee  beg  leave  to  observe  that  the  moneys  arising 

from  the  tax  levied  by  the  last  General  Assembly  very  much  exceed  their 
most  sanguine  expectations,  and  that  such  will  be  the  state  of  the  treas- 
ury department,  that  the  next  tax  to  be  levied  may  be  very  much  lessened 
and  then  be  fully  commensurate  and  adequate  to  defray  every  expendi- 
ture and  necessary  contingency  of  our  government.”  It  is  believed  that 
this  flattering  condition  of  the  treasury  had  its  influence  in  determining 
public  sentiment  more  strongly  in  favor  of  the  change  in  the  form  of 
government  from  a Territory  to  a State.  The  preference  of  the  people 
of  the  Territory  for  a State  form  of  government  was  recognized  by  the 
Legislature,  which  passed  an  act  for  the  enumeration  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Territory,  in  which  it  was  provided  that  “if  it  shall  appear  that 
there  are  60,000  inhabitants  therein,  the  governor  be  authorized  and 
requested  to  recommend  to  the  people  of  the  respective  counties,  to  elect 
five  persons  of  each  county  to  represent  them  in  convention  to  meet  at 
Knoxville  at  such  time  as  he  shall  judge  proper  for  the  purpose  of  form- 
ing a constitution  or  form  of  government  for  the  permanent  government 
for  the  people  who  are  or  shall  become  residents  upon  the  lands  by  the 
State  of  North  Carolina  ceded  to  the  United  States.”  So  general  had 
become  the  conviction  that  the  territorial  would  soon  be  superseded  by  a 
State  government,  that  this  session  of  the  Territorial  General  Assembly 
was  of  but  short  duration — thirteen  days — and  its  work,  other  than  that 
outlined  above,  comparatively  unimportant,  and  in  accordance  with  a con- 
current request  of  the  two  houses,  the  Governor  sent  the  following 
message: 

William  Blount,  Governor  in  and  over  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of 

America,  south  of  the  River  Ohio.  , 

To  the  President  aiid  Gentlemen  of  the  Legislative  Council  and  the  Speaker  and  Gentle- 
men of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

The  business  of  this  session  being  completed  the  General  Assembly  is  prorogued  sine 

die. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  Knoxville,  July  11,  1795. 

William  Blount. 

By  the  Governor, 

Thomas  H.  Williams,  Pro.  Sec’y. 

The  results  of  the  enumeration  of  the  people  under  the  act  passed  as 
above  recited  were  as  follows: 

Territory  of  the  United  States  of  America,  South  of  the  River  Ohio. 

Schedule  of  the  aggregate  amount  of  each  description  of  persons,  taken  agreeably  to 
“ An  act  providing  for  the  enumeration  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Terri  torjr  of  the  United 
States  of  America  south  of  the  River  Ohio,”  passed  July  11,  1795. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


211 


COUNTIES. 

Free  white  males, 
16  years  and  up- 
ward, including 
heads  of  families. 

Free  white  males 
under  16  years. 

Free  white  fe-  1 
males,  including 
heads  of  families,  j 

All  other  free  per- 
sons. 

Slaves. 

Total 

Popula- 

tion. 

Yeas. 

Nays. 

Jefferson 

1706 

2225 

3021 

112 

776 

7840 

714 

316 

Hawkins 

2666 

3279 

4767 

147 

2472 

13331 

1651 

534 

Gieene. . . , 

1567 

2203 

3350 

52 

446 

7638 

560 

495 

Knox 

2721 

2723 

3664 

100 

2365 

11573 

1100 

128 

Washington 

2013 

2578 

4311 

225 

978 

10105 

873 

145 

Sullivan 

1803 

2340 

3499 

38 

777 

8457 

715 

125 

Sevier 

628 

1045 

1503 

273 

129 

3578 

261 

55 

Blount 

585 

817 

1231 

183 

2816 

476 

16 

Davidson 

728 

695 

1192 

6 

992 

3613 

96 

517 

^Sumner 

1382 

1595 

2316 

1 

1076 

6370 

Tennessee 

380 

444 

700 

19 

398 

1941 

58 

231 

Totals 

16179 

19994 

29554 

973 

10613 

77262 

6504 

2562 

I,  William  Blount,  Governor  in  and  over  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, south  of  the  River  Ohio,  do  certify  that  the  schedule  is  made  in  conformity  with  the 
schedules  of  the  sheriffs  of  the  respective  counties  in  the  said  Territory,  and  that  the 
schedules  of  the  said  sheriffs  are  lodged  in  my  office. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Knoxville  November  28,  1795. 

William  Blount. 

The  Territory  being  thus  found  to  contain  more  than  the  number  of 
inhabitants  required  by  the  ordinance  to  authorize  the  formation  of  a 
State  government,  Gov.  Blount  issued  the  following  proclamation : 

William  Blount,  Governor  in  and  over  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of  America,  south 

of  the  River  Ohio,  to  the  people  thereof: 

Whereas  by  an  act  passed  on  the  11th  of  July  last, entitled  “ An  act  providing  forthe 
enumeration  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of  America  south  of 
the  River  Ohio,”  it  is  enacted  ‘‘that  if  upon  taking  the  enumeration  of  the  people  in  the 
said  Territory  as  by  that  directed,  it  shall  appear  that  there  are  60,000  inhabitants  therein, 
counting  the  whole  of  the  free  persons,  including  those  bound  to  service  for  a term  of  years 
and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed  and  adding  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons,  the  Governor 
"be  authorized  and  requested  to  recommend  to  the  people  of  the  respective  counties  to  elect 
five  persons  for  each  county,  to  represent  them  in  convention  to  meet  at  Knoxville  at  such 
time  as  he  shall  judge  proper  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a constitution  or  permanent  form 
of  government.” 

And,  Whereas,  upon  taking  the  enumeration  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  Territory,  as 
by  the  act  directed,  it  does  appear  that  there  are  60,000  free  inhabitants  therein  and  more, 
besides  other  persons;  now  I,  the  said  William  Blount,  Governor,  etc.,  do  recommend  to 
the  people  of  the  respective  counties  to  elect  five  persons  for  each  county,  on  the  18th  and 
19th  days  of  December  next,  to  represent  them  in  a convention  to  meet  at  Knoxville  on 
the  11th  day  of  January  next,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a constitution  or  permanent 
form  of  government. 

And  to  the  end  that  a perfect  uniformity  in  the  election  of  the  members  of  the  conven- 
tion may  take  place  in  the  respective  counties,  I,  the  said  William  Blount,  Governor,  etc,, 
do  further  recommend  to  the  sheriffs  or  their  deputies,  respectively,  to  open  and  hold 
polls  of  election  for  members  of  convention,  on  the  18th  and  19th  days  of  December,  as 
aforesaid,  in  the  same  manner  as  polls  of  election  have  heretofore  been  held  for  members 


212 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


of  the  General  Assembly;  and  that  all  free  males  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upward,  be 
considered  entitled  to  vote  by  ballot  for  five  persons  for  members  of  convention,  and  that 
the  sheriffs  or  their  deputies  holding  such  polls  of  election  give  certificates  to  the  five 
persons  in  each  county  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes,  of  their  being  duly  elected 
members  of  convention. 

And  I,  the  said  William  Blount,  Governor,  etc.,  think  proper  here  to  declare  that  this 
recommendation  is  not  intended  to  have,  nor  ought  to  have,  any  effect  whatever  upon  the 
present  temporary  form  of  government;  and  that  the  present  temporary  form  will  con- 
tinue to  be  exercised  in  the  same  manner  as  if  it  had  never  been  issued,  until  the  conven- 
tion shall  have  formed  and  published  a constitution  or  permanent  form  of  government. 

Done  at  Knoxville  November  28,  1795. 

William  Blount. 

By  the  Governor,  Willie  Blount,  Pro.  Secretary. 

In  accordance  with  the  suggestions  of  this  proclamation,  elections 
were  held  in  each  of  the  eleven  counties  in  the  Territory,  for  five  mem- 
bers of  the  convention  from  each  county.  These  members  met  at  Knox- 
ville, January  11,  1796.  Following  are  the  names  of  the  members  who 
appeared,  produced  their  credentials  and  took  their  seats : 

Jefferson  County — Joseph  Anderson,  George  Doherty,  Alexander 
Outlaw,  William  Roddye,  Archibald  Roane.  Hawkins  County — James 
Berry,  William  Cocke,  Thomas  Henderson,  Joseph  McMinn,  Richard 
Mitchell.  Greene  County — Elisha  Baker,  Stephen  Brooks,  Samuel  Fra- 
zier, John  Galbreath,  William  Rankin.  Knox  County — John  Adair,  Will- 
iam Blount,  John  Crawford,  Charles  McClung,  James  White.  Wash- 
ington County — Landon  Carter,  Samuel  Handley,  James  Stuart,  Leroy 
Taylor,  John  Tipton.  Sullivan  County — William  C.  C.  Claiborne,  Rich- 
ard Gammon,  George  Rutledge,  John  Rhea,  John  Shelby,  Jr.  Sevier 
County — Peter  Bryan,  Thomas  Buckingham,  John  Clack,  Samuel  Wear, 
Spencer  Clack.  Blount  County — Joseph  Black,  David  Craig,  Samuel 
Glass,  James  Greenaway,  James  Houston.  Davidson  County — Thomas 
Hardeman,  Andrew  Jackson,  Joel  Lewis,  John  McNairy,  James  Robert- 
son. Sumner  County — -Edward  Douglass,  W.  Douglass,  Daniel  Smith, 
D.  Shelby,  Isaac  Walton.  Tennessee  County — James  Ford,  William 
Fort,  Robert  Prince,  William  Prince,  Thomas  Johnson. 

The  convention  was  organized  by  the  election  of  William  Blount,  pres- 
ident; William  Maclin,  secretary,  and  John  Sevier,  Jr.,  reading  and  en- 
grossing clerk.  John  Rhea  was  appointed  door-keeper.  On  motion  of 
Mr.  White,  seconded  by  Mr.  Roddy e,  it  was  ordered  that  the  next  morn- 
ing’s session  commence  with  prayer,  and  that  a sermon  be  delivered  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Carrick.  In  the  act  providing  for  the  enumeration  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  Territory,  it  was  provided  that  each  member  of  the  con- 
vention should  be  entitled  to  receive  the  same  wages  as  a member  of  that 
session  of  the  Assembly — $2.50  per  day.  The  convention  on  the  second 
day  of  its  session  adopted  the  following  resolutions : 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


213 


Resolved,  That  economy  is  an  admirable  trait  in  any  government  and  that,  in  fixing 
the  salaries  of  the  officers  thereof,  the  situation  and  resources  of  the  country  should  be 
attended  to. 

Resolved,  That  ten  shillings  and  sixpence,  Virginia  currency,  per  day  to  every  member 
is  a sufficient  compensation  for  his  services  in  the  Convention,  and  one  dollar  for  every 
thirty  miles  they  travel  in  coming  to  and  returning  from  the  Convention,  and  that  the 
members  pledge  themselves  each  one  to  the  other  that  they  will  not  draw  a greater  sum 
out  of  the  public  treasury. 

After  substituting  $1.50  for  10s.  6d.  in  the  second  resolution,  both 
resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted.  It  was  then  resolved  that  the  con- 
vention appoint  two  members  from  each  county  to  draft  a constitution, 
and  that  each  county  name  its  members,  and  accordingly  the  following 
individuals  were  named  as  members  of  the  committee. 

Blount  County — Daniel  Craig  and  Joseph  Black.  Davidson  County 
— Andrew  Jackson  and  John  McNairy.  Greene  County — Samuel  Fra- 
zier and  William  Bankin.  Hawkins  County — Thomas  Henderson  and 
William  Cocke.  Jefferson  County — -Joseph  Anderson  and  William 
Boddye.  Kmox  County — William  Blount  and  Charles  McClung.  Sulli- 
van County — William  C.  C.  Claiborne  and  John  Bhea.  Sumner  County 
— D.  Shelby  and  Daniel  Smith.  Sevier  County — John  Clack  and  Sam- 
uel Wear.  Tennessee  County — Thomas  Johnson  and  William  Fort. 
Washington  County — John  Tipton  and  James  Stuart.  On  motion  of  Mr. 
McMinn,  the  sense  of  the  convention  was  taken  as  to  whether  a declara- 
tion of  rights  be  prefixed  to  the  constitution,  which  being  decided  in 
the  affirmative  the  committee  was  directed  to  present  as  early  as  practic- 
able a declaration  or  bill  of  rights  to  be  thus  prefixed.  A bill  of 
rights  was  consequently  prepared,  but  later  in  the  session  it  was  decided 
by  the  convention  to  affix  it  to  the  constitution  as  the  eleventh  arti- 
cle thereof. 

On  the  18th  of  January  an  important  question  Avas  presented  to  the 
convention  by  Mr.  Outlaw,  as  to  whether  the  Legislature  should  consist 
of  two  houses.  This  question  being  decided  in  the  affirmative,  another 
question  was  raised  by  Mr.  McNairy  as  to  whether  the  two  houses  in  the 
Legislature  should  be  of  equal  numbers  and  of  equal  powers.  This  ques- 
tion, being  decided  in  the  affirmative,  was  the  next  day  reconsidered  on 
motion  of  Mr.  McNairy,  and  amended  so  as  to  read  as  follows:  In  lieu 

of  the  words  “two  houses,”  insert  “one  House  of  Bepresentatives,”  and 
that  no  bill  or  resolution  shall  be  passed  unless  by  two  thirds  of  the 
whole  number  of  members  present.  This  proposed  form  of  the  legisla- 
tive branch  of  the  government  was,  upon  reflection,  no  more  satisfactory 
than  “two  houses  of  equal  numbers  and  powers,”  and  on  the  20th  of  Jan- 
uary the  convention  again  resolved  itself  into  committee  of  the  whole  on 
this  question;  and  Mr.  Bobertson,  chairman  of  the  committee,  reported 


214 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


that  “the  Legislature  shall  consist  of  two  branches,  a Senate  and  a House 
of  Represenatives,  organized  on  the  principles  of  the  constitution  of  North 
Carolina,  to  be  elected  once  in  two  years;  and  that  the  members  of  each 
house  be  elected  by  the  same  electors,  and  that  the  qualifications  of  the 
members  of  each  house  be  the  same,  until  the  next  enumeration  of  the 
people  of  the  United  States,  and  then  to  be  represented  by  members,  re- 
taining the  principle  of  two  representatives  to  one  senator ; provided  the 
ratio  shall  be  such  as  that  both  shall  not  exceed  forty  until  the  number 
of  the  people  exceed  200,000,  and  that  the  number  shall  never  exceed 
sixty.” 

Although  in  the  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  convention  no  further 
reference  is  made  to  discussions  upon  this  part  of  the  constitution,  yet  on 
January  30,  when  the  draft  of  the  constitution  was  considered  in  com- 
mittee of  the  whole,  this  clause  is  found  to  have  undergone  considerable 
change.  It  was  then  provided  that  the  General  Assembly  should  consist 
of  a Senate  and  a House  of  Representatives,  the  former  to  consist  of  one 
and  the  latter  of  two  members  from  each  county,  to  continue  thus  for 
sixteen  years  from  the  commencement  of  the  second  session,  and  after 
that  representation  should  be  apportioned  according  to  numbers  in  such 
manner  that  the  whole  number  of  senators  and  representatives  should  not 
exceed  thirty-nine  until  the  number  of  free  white  persons  should  be 
200,000,  and  after  that  (preserving  the  same  ratio  of  two  representatives 
to  one  senator)  the  entire  number  of  senators  and  representatives  should 
never  exceed  sixty.  As  finally  adopted  on  February  4,  1796,  this  portion 
of  the  constitution  assumed  the  following  form: 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  1.  The  legislative  authority  of  this  State  shall  be  vested  in  a General  As- 
sembly, which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  both  dependent  on 
the  people. 

Sec.  2.  Within  three  years  after  the  first  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  with- 
in every  subsequent  term  of  seven  years,  an  enumeration  of  the  taxable  inhabitants  shall 
be  made  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  directed  by  law.  The  number  of  representatives  shall 
at  the  several  periods  of  making  such  enumeration  be  fixed  by  the  Legislature,  and  appor- 
tioned among  the  several  counties  according  to  the  number  of  taxable  inhabitants  in  each, 
and  shall  never  be  less  than  twenty-two,  nor  greater  than  twenty-six,  until  the  number  of 
taxable  inhabitants  shall  be  40,000;  and  after  that  event  at  such  ratio  that  the  whole  num- 
ber of  representatives  shall  never  exceed  forty. 

Sec.  3.  The  number  of  senators  shall  at  the  several  periods  of  making  the  enumera- 
tion before  mentioned  be  fixed  by  the  Legislature,  and  apportioned  among  the  districts, 
formed  as  hereinafter  directed,  according  to  the  number  of  taxable  inhabitants  in  each, 
and  shall  never  be  less  than  one-third,  nor  more  than  one-half  of  the  number  of  representa- 
tives. 

Sec.  4.  The  senators  shall  be  chosen  by  districts,  to  be  formed  by  the  Legislature, 
each  district  containing  such  a number  of  taxable  inhabitants  as  shall  be  entitled  to  elect 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


215 


not  more  than  three  senators.  When  a district  shall  be  composed  of  two  or  more  counties 
they  shall  be  adjoining,  and  no  county  shall  be  divided  in  forming  a district. 

Thus  was  concluded  perhaps  the  most  important  part  of  the  work  of 
the  convention.  It  is  doubtless  more  curious  than  profitable  to  reflect 
upon  what  would  have  been  the  consequences  to  the  people  of  the  State 
had  either  of  the  earlier  propositions  been  adopted — to  form  a Legislature 
consisting  of  two  houses  of  equal  power  and  numbers,  or  of  “one  House 
of  Representatives.”  It  is  an  interesting  study,  however,  to  note  the 
varying  forms  this  subject  assumed  in  the  minds  of  those  primitive  con- 
stitution builders,  illustrating  as  it  does  the  general  principle  that  the 
wisest  form  or  course  is  seldom  that  first  suggested  to  the  mind.  There 
are  other  features  in  this  constitution,  declared  by  Jefferson  to  be  the 
“least  imperfect  and  most  republican”  of  the  systems  of  government 
adopted  by  any  of  the  American  States,  worthy  of  especial  comment. 
Several  of  its  features  or  principles  had  previously  been  enacted  into  laws 
by  North  Carolina.  So  far  as  those  laws  are  concerned  these  principles 
had  their  origin  in  the  demands  of  the  times,  or  the  necessities  of  the 
people;  and  experience,  that  great  teacher  of  the  wise  legislator,  had  de- 
termined their  wisdom  by  demonstrating  their  adaptability  to  the  ends 
they  were  designed  to  subserve.  This  adaptability  being  thus  clearly 
proven  by  experience,  the  principles  were  embodied  in  the  constitution 
for  the  purpose  of  conferring  upon  the  people  Avith  certainty  the  benefits 
to  be  derived  from  their  operation,  and  of  placing  them  beyond  the  power 
and  caprice  of  Legislatures ; for  it  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  present, 
no  matter  how  much  confidence  it  may  possess  in  its  own  Avisdom  and  in 
that  of  the  past,  has  very  little  respect  for  that  of  the  future.  One  of 
these  principles  was  enacted  into  a law,  in  1777,  by  the  Legislature  of 
North  Carolina,  as  follows:  “That  every  county  court  shall  annually  se- 
lect and  nominate  a freeholder,  of  sufficient  circumstances,  to  execute  the 
office  of  sheriff,  who  shall  thereupon  be  commissioned  by  the  governor, 
or  commander-in-chief,  to  execute  that  office  for  one  year.”  The  Con- 
stitution of  Tennessee,  Article  YI,  Section  1,  reads  as  follows:  “There 

shall  be  appointed  in  each  county,  by  the  county  court,  one  sheriff,  one 
coroner,  one  trustee,  and  a sufficient  number  of  constables,  who  shall  hold 
their  offices  for  two  years.  They  shall  also  have  power  to  appoint  one 
register  and  one  ranger  for  the  county,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  during 
good  behavior.  The  sheriff  and  coroner  shall  be  commissioned  by  the 
governor.”  In  1784  the  Legislature  of  North  Carolina  passed  the  fol- 
lowing law: 

Whereas,  It  is  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  constitution  and  the  principles  of  a gen- 
uine republic  that  any  person  possessing  a lucrative  office  should  hold  a seat  in  the  Gen- 
•eral  Assembly; 


216 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Therefore,  he  it  enacted,  etc.,  That  from  and  after  the  present  session  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, every  person  holding  a public  office  of  profit,  either  by  stated  salary  or  commis- 
sions, shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  incapable  of  being  elected  a member  to 
serve  in  the  General  Assembly,  or  to  enjoy  seats  therein.” 

Tliis  principle  Avas  embodied  in  tlie  constitution  of  Tennessee  in  the 
following  form:  “No  person,  who  heretofore  hath  been  or  hereafter  may 
be  a collector  or  holder  of  public  monies,  shall  have  a seat  in  either  house 
of  the  General  Assembly.”  The  nest  section  was  of  similar  import.  In 
the  year  1785  North  Carolina  passed  the  following  law:  “That  from  and 
after  passing  of  this  act  the  several  county  courts  of  pleas  and  quarter 
sessions  within  this  State  shall  have,  hold  and  exercise  jurisdiction  in  all 
actions  of  trespass  in  ejectment,  formedon  in  descender , remainder  and 
reverter,  dower  and  partition,  and  of  trespass  quare  clausum  fregit,  any 
law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding,”  etc. 

The  constitution  of  Tennessee,  Article  V,  Section  7,  provides  that  “the 
judges  or  justices  of  the  inferior  courts  of  larv  shall  have  power  in  all  civil 
cases,  to  issue  writs  of  certiorari , to  remove  any  cause  or  a transcript 
thereof  from  any  inferior  jurisdiction  into  their  court,  on  sufficient  cause 
supported  by  oath  of  affirmation.”  North  Carolina  enacted  in  1786  that 
the  public  tax  on  each  and  every  poll  should  equal  the  public  tax  on  300 
acres  of  land.  The  constitution  of  Tennesee,  Article  I,  Section  26,  pro- 
vides that  “no  freeman  shall  be  taxed  higher  than  100  acres  of  land,  and 
no  slave  higher  than  200  acres  on  each  poll.”  But  perhaps  the  most  re- 
markable feature  of  this  constitution  was  that  respecting  the  tax  to  be 
levied  on  land,  in  the  folloAving  language:  “All  lands  liable  to  taxation 
in  this  State,  held  by  deed,  entry  or  grant,  shall  be  taxed  equally  and 
uniformly  in  such  manner  that  no  100  acres  shall  be  taxed  higher  than 
another,  except  town  lots,”  etc. 

It  is  not  certain  whence  this  idea  was  derived.  It  is  not  to  be  found 
in  the  constitution  of  North  Carolina,  nor  in  that  of  any  of  the  other 
States.  It  probably  originated  in  the  Territorial  Legislature  of  1794,  in 
which,  as  Avill  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  preceding  pages,  the  most  se- 
rious contest  occurred  over  the  question  of  what  the  tax  should  be  upon 
each  100  acres  of  land,  whether  124  cents,  18  or  25  cents,  the  decision 
being  finally  in  favor  of  25  cents.  The  idea  of  taxing  lands  according  to 
quantity  instead  of  according  to  value  Avas  probably  derived  from  the 
fact  of  the  equal  value  of  the  lands  at  that  time,  and  Avas  suggested  to 
the  constitutional  convention  of  1796  by  the  course  pursued  by  the  Ter- 
ritorial Legislature  of  1794.  At  any  rate  it  was  embodied  in  the  first 
constitution  of  this  State,  where  it  remained  an  anomalous  feature,  work- 
ing greater  and  greater  injustice,  as  lands  became  more  and  more  un- 
equal in  value,  until  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of  1834,  when  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


217 


principle  was  adopted  of  taxing  lands  as  well  as  otlier  property  according 
to  their  value. 

With  reference  to  the  qualifications  of  electors  the  constitution  of 
Tennessee  provided  that  “Every  freeman  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years 
and  upwards  possessing  a freehold  in  the  county  wherein  he  ruay  vote, 
and  being  an  inhabitant  of  this  State,  and  every  freeman  being  an  in- 
habitant of  any  one  county  in  this  State  six  months  immediately  pre- 
ceding the  election,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  for  members  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  for  the  county  in  which  he  may  reside.”  This  was  a step 
considerably  in  advance  of  the  provisions  of  the  North  Carolina  constitu- 
tion, which  required  an  elector  to  be  a freeman,  a resident  of  the  county 
twelve  months,  and  to  be  possessed  of  a freehold  of  fifty  acres  in  the 
county  in  which  he  resided,  to  qualify  him  to  vote  for  senator.  To  be 
qualified  to  vote  for  representative  he  was  required  to  have  been  a resi- 
dent of  his  county  twelve  months,  and  to  have  paid  public  taxes.  But  it 
will  be  observed  that  under  both  these  constitutions  colored  men,  if  free, 
could  vote. 

Then  in  reference  to  the  qualifications  of  office-holders,  the  constitu- 
tion of  Tennessee  provided,  like  that  of  North  Carolina,  that  no  clergy- 
man or  preacher  of  the  gospel  should  be  eligible  to  a seat  in  either  house 
of  the  General  Assembly.  With  regard  to  the  religious  qualification  of 
office-holders  in  general,  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  advance  made  in 
public  opinion  during  the  twenty  years  from  1 77 G to  1796.  In  the  North 
Carolina  constitution  it  was  provided  that  “No  person  who  shall  deny 
the  being  of  God,  or  the  truth  of  the  Protestant  religion,  or  the  divine 
authority  of  either  the  Old  or  New  Testament,  or  who  shall  hold  religious 
principles  incompatible  with  the  freedom  or  safety  of  the  State,  shall  be 
capable  of  holding  any  office  or  place  of  trust  or  profit  in  the  civil  de- 
partment of  this  State.”  The  constitutional  convention  of  Tennessee, 
when  discussing  this  question,  evidently  had  the  constitution  of  North 
Carolina  before  them,  and  were  determined  to  improve  upon  that  instru- 
ment. When  the  first  draft  of  the  constitution  was  presented,  January 
30,  1796,  no  reference  was  made  to  religious  qualifications  for  office- 
holders ; but  on  F ebruary  2,  Mr.  Doherty  moved,  and  Mr.  Roan  seconded 
the  motion,  that  the  following  be  inserted  as  a section  in  the  constitution : 
“ No  person  who  publicly  denies  the  being  of  God,  and  future  rewards 
and  punishments,  or  the  divine  authority  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments, 
shall  hold  any  office  in  the  civil  department  in  this  State ;”  which  was 
agreed  to.  Mr.  Carter  then  moved,  and  Mr.  Mitchell  seconded  the  motion, 
that  the  words  “or  the  divine  authority  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments” 
be  struck  out,  which  being  objected  to,  the  yeas  and  nays  were  called  for, 


218 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  resulted  in  an  affirmative  victory  by  a vote  of  twenty-seven  votes  to- 
twenty-six.  Afterward  the  word  “publicly”  was  struck  out,  and  this 
section  of  the  constitution  was  adopted  in  the  following  form:  “No  person 
who  denies  the  being  of  God,  or  a future  state  of  rewards  and  punish- 
ments, shall  hold  any  office  in  the  civil  department  of  this  State.” 

One  or  two  features  of  the  bill  of  rights  are  deemed  worthy  of  notice 
in  this  connection.  The  twenty-ninth  section,  adopted  through  the 
efforts  of  William  Blount,  was  as  follows:  “ That  an  equal  participation 
of  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  is  one  of  the  inherent  rights  of 
the  citizens  of  this  State ; it  cannot,  therefore,  be  conceded  to  any  prince, 
potentate,  power,  person  or  persons  whatever.”  Section  31  was  as 
follows:  “ That  the  people  residing  south  of  French  Broad  and  Hols- 
ton,  between  the  rivers  Tennessee  and  Big  Pigeon,  are  entitled  to  the 
right  of  pre-emption  and  occupation  in  that  tract.”  It  is  stated  that  the 
name  “ Tennessee  ” was  suggested  as  the  name  of  the  State  by  Andrew 
Jackson,  the  members  from  the  county  of  Tennessee  consenting  to  the 
loss  of  that  name  by  their  county,  on  condition  that  it  be  assumed  by 
the  State. 

The  president  of  the  convention  was  instructed  to  take  the  constitu- 
tion into  his  safe  keeping  until  a secretary  of  State  should  be  appointed 
under  it,  and  then  to  deliver  it  to  him.  The  president  was  also  instructed 
to  send  a copy  of  the  constitution  to  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  United 
States;  and  he  was  also  instructed  to  “issue  writs  of  election  to  the 
sheriffs  of  the  several  counties,  for  holding  the  first  election  of 
members  of  the  General  Assembly  and  a governor,  under  the  au- 
thority of  the  constitution  of  Tennessee,  to  bear  teste  of  this  date.” 
(February  6,  1790.)  On  the  9tli  of  February  a copy  of  the  constitution 
was  forwarded  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  Mr.  Pickering,  by  Joseph 
McMinn,  who  was  instructed  to  remain  at  the  seat  of  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment long  enough  to  ascertain  whether  members  of  Congress  from 
Tennessee  would  be  permitted  to  take  their  seats  in  Congress.  Mr. 
White,  who  was  then  territorial  delegate  in  that  body,  was  urged  by- 
Mr.  McMinn  to  apply  for  the  admission  of  Tennessee  into  the  Union. 
In  response- to  the  application  of  Mr.  White,  Congress  at  length  passed 
the  following  act,  receiving  the  State  of  Tennessee  into  the  Union: 

Whereas,  By  the  acceptance  of  the  deed  of  cession  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina, 
Congress  are  bound  to  lay  out  into  one  or  more  States  the  territory  thereby  ceded  to  the 
United  States. 

Be  it  enacted,  etc..  That  the  whole  of  the  territory  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the- 
State  of  North  Carolina  shall  be  one  State,  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  be  one  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States,  in  all  respects 
whatever,  by  the  name  and  title  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  That  until  the  next  general 
census  the  said  State  of  Tennessee  shall  be  entitled  to  one  representative  in  the  House  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


219 


Kepresentatives  of  the  United  States;  and  in  all  other  respects  as  far  as  they  may  be 
applicable,  the  laws  of  the  United  States  shall  extend  to  and  have  force  in  the  State  of 
Tennessee,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  that  State  had  originally  been  one  of  the  United 
States. 

Approved  June  the  1st,  1796.  Jonathan  Dayton, 

George  Washington,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

President  of  the  United  States.  Samuel  Livermore, 

President  of  the  Senate,  pro.  tem. 

Writs  o£  election  were  issued  by  the  president  of  the  convention  to 
the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties,  requiring  them  to  hold  the  first  elec- 
tion of  members  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  governor  of  the  State. 
The  Legislature  thus  elected  assembled  at  Knoxville  March  28.  The 
Senate  was  constituted  as  follows:  From  Tennessee  County,  James  Ford; 
from  Sumner  County,  James  Winchester;  from  Knox  County,  James 
White;  from  Jefferson  County,  George  Doherty;  from  Greene  County, 
Samuel  Frazier;  from  Washington  County,  John  Tipton;  from  Sullivan 
County,  George  Rutledge;  from  Sevier  County,  John  Clack;  from  Blount 
County,  Alexander  Kelly;  from  Davidson  County,  Joel  Lewis;  from 
Hawkins  County,  Joseph  McMinn. 

The  Senate  was  organized  by.  the  election  of  James  Winchester, 
speaker;  Francis  A.  Ramsey,  clerk;  Nathaniel  Buckingham,  assistant 
clerk ; Thomas  Bounds,  door-keeper.  The  House  of  Representatives  was 
composed  of  the  following  gentlemen:  Blount  County,  Joseph  Black  and 
James  Houston;  Davidson  County,  Seth  Lewis  and  Robert  Weakley; 
Greene  County,  Joseph  Conway  and  John  Gass;  Hawkins  County,  John 
Cocke  and  Thomas  Henderson;  Jefferson  County,  Alexander  Outlaw  and 
Adam  Peek;  Knox  County,  John  Crawford  and  John  Manifee;  Sullivan 
County,  David  Looney  and  John  Rhea;  Sevier  County,  Spencer  Clack 
and  Samuel  Newell ; Sumner  County,  Stephen  Cantrell  and  William  Mont- 
gomery; Tennessee  County,  William  Fort  and  Thomas  Johnson;  Wash- 
ington County,  John  Blair  and  James  Stuart.  James  Stuart  was  chosen 
speaker;  Thomas  H.  Williams,  clerk;  John  Sevier,  Jr.,  assistant  clerk, 
and  John  Rhea,  door-keeper. 

The  two  houses  being  thus  organized  met  in  the  representatives 
chamber,  to  open  and  publish  the  returns  of  the  election  in  the  several 
counties  for  governor.  From  these  returns  it  appeared  that  “citizen 
John  Sevier  is  duly  and  constitutionally  elected  governor  of  this  State, 
which  was  accordingly  announced  by  the  speaker  of  the  Senate,  in  pres- 
ence of  both  houses  of  the  General  Assembly.  On  the  same  day  a joint 
committee  was  appointed  “to  wait  on  his  Excellency,  John  Sevier,  and 
request  his  attendance  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  to-morrow,  at  12 
o’clock,  to  be  qualified  agreeably  to  the  constitution  of  the  State  of  Tennes- 


220 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


see.”  Gov.  William  Blount  was  requested  to  be  present  at  the  quali- 
fication of  the  governor  elect,  and  on  March  30,  “both  houses  having 
convened  in  the  representative  chamber,  the  several  oaths  prescribed 
for  the  qualification  of  the  governor  were  duly  administered  to  him 
by  the  honorable  Joseph  Anderson.”  After  his  inauguration  Gov. 
Sevier  presented  the  following  address: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Rouse  of  Representatives: 

The  high  and  honorable  appointment  conferred  upon  me  by  the  free  suffrage  of  my 
countrymen,  fills  my  breast  with  gratitude,  which,  I trust,  my  future  life  will  manifest. 
I take  this  early  opportunity  to  express,  through  you,  my  thanks  in  the  strongest  terms  of 
acknowledgment.  I shall  labor  to  discharge  with  fidelity  the  trust  reposed  in  me;  and  if 
such  my  exertions  should  prove  satisfactory,  the  first  wish  of  my  heart  will  be  gratified. 
Gentlemen,  accept  of  my  best  wishes  for  your  individual  and  public  happiness;  and,  rely- 
ing upon  your  wisdom  and  patriotism,  I have  no  doubt  but  the  result  of  your  deliberations 
will  give  permanency  and  success  to  our  new  system  of  government,  so  wisely  calculated  to 
secure  the  liberty  and  advance  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  our  fellow  citizens. 

John  Sevier. 

Tlie  duty  of  electing  United  States  Senators  for  Tennessee  still  re- 
mained unperformed.  The  mode  adopted  at  that  time  was  as  follows: 
The  following  message  was-  sent  by  the  House  to  the  Senate:  “This 
House  propose  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  two  senators  to  represent  this 
State  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States;  and  that  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives  do  convene  in  the  House  of  Representatives 
for  that  purpose  to-morrow  at  10  o’clock;  and  do  propose  Mr.  William 
Blount,  Mr.  William  Cocke  and  Mr.  Joseph  Anderson,  as  candidates  for 
the  Senate.”  The  Senate  replied  by  the  following  message:  “We 
concur  with  your  message  as  to  the  time  and  place  for  the  election  by 
you  proposed,  and  propose  Dr.  James  White  to  be  added  to  the  nomin- 
ation of  candidates  for  the  Senate.”  On  the  nest  day  the  names  of  Jo- 
seph Anderson  and  James  White  were  withdrawn,  leaving  only  William 
Blount  and  William  Cocke  as  candidates,  who  were  thereupon  duly  and 
constitutionally  elected  the  first  United  States  senators  from  Tennessee. 
Addresses  were  prepared  by  committees  appointed  for  that  purpose  to 
William  Blount  as  retiring  governor,  and  as  senator  elect,  and  to  William 
Cocke  as  senator  elect,  to  which  both  these  gentlemen  appropriately  replied. 
William  Maclin  was  elected  Secretary  of  State ; Landon  Carter,  treasurer 
of  the  districts  of  Washington  and  Hamilton,  and  William  Black,  treasurer 
of  the  district  of  Mero.  John  McNairy,  Archibald  Roane  and  Willie 
Blount,  were  elected  judges  of  superior  courts  of  law  and  equity.  This 
election  occurred  April  10.  John  McNairy  and  Willie  Blount  declined 
the  appointment,  and  Howell  Tatum  and  W.  C.  C.  Claiborne  were  com- 
missioned in  their  places  respectively.  John  C.  Hamilton  was  appointed 
attorney  for  the  State,  in  place  of  Howell  Tatum,  appointed  judge. 


John  Sevier 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


221 


On  the  14th  of  April  a curious  piece  of  legislation  was  attempted  in 
the  House  of  Bepresentatives : “The  bill  to  preclude  persons  of  a certain 
description  from  being  admitted  as  witnesses,  etc.,  was  then  taken  up,  to 
which  Mr.  Gass  proposed  the  following  amendment:  ‘That  from  and 

after  the  passing  of  this  act,  if  any  person  in  this  State  shall  publicly 
deny  the  being  of  a God  and  a future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments, 
or  shall  publicly  deny  the  divine  authority  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments, on  being  convicted  thereof,  by  the  testimony  of  two  witnesses, 

shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of dollars  for  every  such  offense,  etc.’ 

The  foregoing  amendment  being  received  the  question  was  taken  on  the 
amended  bill  which  was  carried.  Whereupon  the  yeas  and  nays  were 
called  upon  by  Mr.  Johnson  and  Mr.  Gass,  which  stood  as  follows: 
Yeas:  Messrs.  Blair,  Black,  Conway,  Clack,  Crawford,  Gass,  Houston, 
Johnson,  Looney,  Montgomery,  Newell,  Outlaw,  Peck  and  Weakly — -14. 
Nays:  Messrs.  Cantrell,  Cocke,  Fort,  Henderson,  Lewis,  Manifee,  Bhea 
— 7.  Mr.  Lewis  entered  the  following  protest:  “To  this  question  we 

enter  our  dissent,  as  we  conceive  the  law  to  be  an  inferior  species  of  per- 
secution. which  is  always  a violation  of  the  law  of  nature,  and  also  that 
it  is  a violation  of  our  constitution.  Seth  Lewis,  John  Cocke,  William 
Fort,  John  Bhea,  Stephen  Cantrell,  John  Manifee,  Thomas  Henderson.” 
On  the  16th  of  April  this  question  came  up  in  the  Senate,  where  the 
following  proceedings  were  had:  “Ordered  that  this  bill  be  read,  which 
being  read  was  on  motion  rejected.”  On  the  22d  of  April,  both  houses 
of  the  General  Assembly  being  convened  in  the  representatives’  chamber, 
proceeded  to  ballot  for  four  electors  to  elect  a President  and  Vice-Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States,  when  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen: 
Daniel  Smith,  Joseph  Greer.  Hugh  Neilson  and  Joseph  Anderson.  Attor- 
neys-general  were  also  similarly  elected  on  the  same  day;  for  Washing- 
ton District,  Hopkins  Lacey;  Hamilton  District,  John  Lowrey;  Mero 
District,  Howell  Tatum. 

The  above  mentioned  action  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  electing-  four 
electors,  was  in  accordance  with  a law  passed  by  which  it  was  provided 
that  the  General  Assejnbly  should,  from  time  to  time,  by  joint  ballot, 
elect  the  number  of  electors  required  by  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States.  The  error  was  in  supposing  that  the  State  was  entitled  to  two 
representatives  in  Congress  as  well  as  two  Senators,  and  in  accordance 
with  this  supposition  an  act  was  passed  April  20,  1796,  dividing  the 
State  in  two  divisions,  the  first  to  be  called  the  Holston  Division,  and  to 
be  composed  of  the  districts  of  Washington  and  Hamilton ; the  second  to 
be  called  Cumberland  Division,  to  be  composed  of  Mero  District : each  of 
which  divisions  should  be  entitled  to  elect  one  representative  to  Congress. 

I 4 


222 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Wlieu  it  was  learned  tliat  Tennessee  was  entitled  to  only  one  representa- 
tive in  Congress,  Gov.  Sevier  convened  the  Legislature  in  extra  session 
to  meet  on  the  30th  of  July  for  the  purpose  of  making  an  alteration  in 
the  act  directing  the  mode  of  electing  representatives  to  Congress;  “for 
by  a late  act  of  Congress  the  intended  number  of  our  representatives  is 
diminished,  of  course  it  proportionably  lessens  our  number  of  electors  for 
President  and  Vice-President  of  the  United  States.”  In  accordance  with 
the  necessities  of  the  situation  and  the  recommendations  of  the  governor, 
the  Legislature  on  the  3d  of  August,  passed  the  following  law: 

“Be  it  enacted,  etc. : That  an  election  shall  be  held  at  the  respective  court  houses  in  each 
county  in  this  State  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October  next  and  on  the  day  next  succeeding, 
to  elect  one  representative  to  represent  this  State  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.” 

In  an  act  passed  October  8 provision  was  made  for  the  election  of  elec- 
tors for  the  districts  of  Washington,  Hamilton  and  Mero,  one  for  each  dis- 
trict. William  Blount  and  William  Cocke  were  again  elected  senators 
to  Congress,  and  under  the  act  providing  for  the  election  of  electors  of 
President  and  Vice-President,  the  State  was  divided  into  three  districts, 
Washington,  Hamilton  and  Mero,  and  three  persons  from  each  county  in 
each  district  were  named  to  elect  the  elector  for  their  respective  districts. 
The  electors  named  in  the  act  were  to  meet  at  Jonesborougli,  Knoxville, 
and  Nashville,  and  elect  an  elector  for  each  district,  and  the  three  elec- 
tors thus  elected  were  to  meet  at  Knoxville  on  the  first  Wednesday  in 
December,  “to  elect  a President  and  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States,  pursuant  to  an  act  of  Congress.  Andrew  Jackson  was  elected 
representative  from  Tennessee  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and 
when  that  body  assembled  at  Philadelphia,  December  5,  1799,  Mr.  Jack- 
son  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

On  the  31st  of  January,  1797,  an  act  was  passed  by  Congress  giving 
effect  to  the  laws  of  the  United  States  within  the  State  of  Tennessee. 
By  the  second  section  of  this  act  the  State  was  made  one  district,  the 
district  court  therein  to  consist  of  one  judge  who  was  required  to  hold 
four  sessions  annually,  three  months  apart,  and  the  first  to  be  held  on 
the  first  Monday  of  April,  the  sessions  to  be  held  alternately  at  Knox- 
ville and  Nashville.  This  judge  was  to  receive  an  annual  compensation 
of  $800.  By  the  fourth  section  of  this  act,  the  entire  State  of  Tennessee 
was  made  one  collection  district,  the  collector  to  reside  at  Palmyra, 
“which  shall  be  the  only  port  of  entry  or  delivery  within  the  said  district 
of  any  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  not  the  growth  or  manufacture  of 
the  United  States;  and  the  said  collector  shall  have  and  exercise  all  the 
powers  which  any  other  collector  hath,  or  may  legally  exercise  for  col- 
lecting the  duties  aforesaid;  and  in  addition  to  the  fees  by  law  provided, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


223 


shall  be  paid  the  yearly  compensation  of  one  hundred  dollars.”  At  the 
election  of  August,  1797,  John  Sevier  was  again  elected  governor;  and 
a Legislature,  consisting  of  eleven  senators  and  twenty-two  representa- 
tives from  the  thirteen  counties  then  in  existence,  was  chosen.  Grainger 
and  Hawkins  sent  Joseph  McMinn,  Senator,  and  Robertson  and  Mont- 
gomery sent  James  Ford.  James  White  was  elected  speaker  of  the  Sen- 
ate; George  Ron! stone,  principal  clerk;  and  N.  Buckingham,  assistant 
clerk;  James  Stuart  was  elected  speaker  of  the  House;  Thomas  H.  Will- 
iams, clerk;  Jesse  Wharton,  assistant  clerk,  and  John  Rhea,  door-keeper. 

On  the  3d  of  December,  1798,  the  second  session  of  the  Second  Gen- 
eral Assembly  convened  at  Knoxville.  James  Robertson  was  elected 
senator  in  place  of  Thomas  Hardeman,  who  had  resigned.  William 
Blount  appeared  from  Knox  County  in  place  of  James  White,  resigned. 
William  Blount  was  elected  speaker  of  the  Senate,  George  Roulstone, 
clerk,  and  N.  Buckingham  assistant  clerk.  It  was  at  this  session  of  the 
Legislature  that  the  number  of  senators  was  increased  to  twelve  and  the 

O 

number  of  representatives  to  twenty-four  by  a law  passed  January  5, 
1799.  Section  2 of  the  act  provided  that  there  should  be  four  sen- 
ators and  eight  representatives  from  Washington  District.  Washington 
and  Carter  Counties  were  made  one  senatorial  district,  and  Sullivan, 
Greene  and  Hawkins  Counties  each  had  one  senator,  while  Carter  and 
Hawkins  Counties  each  had  one  representative,  and  Washington,  Sulli- 
van and  Greene  each  had  two.  Hamilton  District  was  divided  as  fol- 
lows : Knox  and  Grainger  each  had  one  senator,  Blount  and  Sevier  had 
one,  and  Jefferson  and  Cocke  one;  Knox  and  Grainger  had  two  representa- 
tives each,  while  the  other  counties  in  the  district  had  one  each.  Mero 
District — Davidson  County  had  two  senators  and  three  representatives; 
Sumner  County  one  senator  and  three  representatives;  and  Robertson 
and  Montgomery  Counties  one  senator  from  both  counties  and  one  rep- 
resentative from  each.  The  first  session  of  the  General  Assembly  elected 
according  to  the  provisions  of  this  act  began  at  Knoxville,  September  16, 
1799.  Alexander  Outlaw  was  chosen  speaker  of  the  Senate,  and  John 
Kennedy,  clerk.  William  Dickson  was  chosen  speaker  of  the  House,  and 
Edward  Scott,  clerk. 

The  first  constitution  of  Tennessee  had  been  so  wisely  constructed  as 
to  subserve  its  purpose  for  forty  years  without  urgent  necessity  being 
felt  for  its  revision.  But  in  1833,  in  response  to  a demand  in  various 
directions,  for  its  amendment,  the  Legislature  passed  an  act,  under  date 
of  November  27,  providing  for  the  calling  of  a convention.  The  act  pro- 
vided that  the  convention  should  consist  of  sixty  members,  who  should 
be  elected  on  the  first  Thursday  and  Friday  of  March  following,  and  that 


I 


224  HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 

it  should  meet  at  Nashville  on  the  third  Monday  of  May.  The  conven- 
tion having  assembled  May  19,  1834,  Willie  Blount,  of  Montgomery 
County,  was  made  temporary  chairman,  and  immediately  afterward  Will- 
iam B.  Carter,  the  delegate  from  Carter  County,  was  elected  president. 
Mr.  Carter,  in  the  course  of  his  speech  acknowledging  the  honor  con- 
ferred upon  him,  said  “the  great  principle  which  should  actuate  each  indi- 
vidual in  this  convention  is  to  touch  the  constitution  with  a cautious  and 
circumspect  hand,  and  to  deface  that  instrument,  formed  with  so  much 
wisdom  and  foresight  by  our  ancestors,  as  little  as  possible,  and  should 
there  be  in  that  sacred  charter  of  liberty  some  articles  or  features  of 
doubtful  policy,  prudence  requires  that  we  should  better  let  it  remain 
than  to  launch  it  into  a,  sea  of  uncertainty  when  we  cannot  perhaps  better 
its  condition.”  The  Bev.  James  0.  Smith,  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Nashville,  pronounced  a solemn  and  appropriate  prayer. 
William  K.  Hill  was  made  secretary  of  the  convention,  and  William  I.  I. 
Morrow  assistant  secretary,  the  latter  by  a yea  and  nay  vote  of  fifty-one 
to  nine.  Ministers  of  the  gospel  and  editors  of  Tennessee  newspapers 
were  admitted  to  seats  within  the  bar  of  the  house.  Y arious  committees 
were  appointed,  each  committee  to  bring  forward  amendments  on  some 
specific  department  of  the  constitution — the  first  the  Bill  of  Bights,  the 
second  the  Judicial  Department,  the  third  the  Legislature,  etc.  The 
Bill  of  Bights  in  the  new  constitution  remained  substantially  the  same 
as  in  the  old.  Its  position  was  changed  from  that  of  the  eleventh  article 
to  that  of  the  first,  and  the  first  change  was  in  the  seventeenth  section, 
from  which  is  the  following  sentence:  “Suits  may  be  brought  against 
the  State  in  such  manner  and  in  such  courts  as  the  Legislature  may  by 
law  direct,  provided  the  right  of  bringing  suit  be  limited  to  citizens  of 
this  State,”  the  proviso  being  omitted.  In  the  nineteenth  section  the 
sentence  “ and  in  all  indictments  for  libels  the  jury  shall  have  a right  to 
determine  the  law  and  the  facts,  under  the  direction  of  the  court,  as  in 
other  cases,”  the  word  “criminal”  was  inserted  in  the  last  phrase,  so 
as  to  cause  it  to  read  “as  in  other  criminal  cases.”  Section  26, 
reading  that  “the  freemen  of  this  State  shall  have  a right  to  keep  and 
bear  arms  for  the  common  defense,”  was  changed  so  as  to  read  that 
“the  free  white  men,”  etc.  Section  31,  describing  the  boundaries 
of  the  State,  was  amended  by  the  following  additional  words:  “And 
provided  also  that  the  limits  and  jurisdiction  of  this  State  shall  extend 
to  any  other  lands  and  territory  now  acquired  or  that  may  hereafter  be 
acquired  by  compact  or  agreement  Avith  other  States  or  otherwise,  al- 
though the  land  and  territory  are  not  included  within  the  boundaries 
hereinbefore  designated.” 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


225 


In  tlie  constitution  proper,  Article  I in  tire  old  constitution  became 
Article  II  in  tlie  new,  and  two  new  sections  were  prefixed  thereto. 
These  new  sections  provided  that  the  government  should  be  divided  into 
three  distinct  departments,  Legislative,  Executive  and  Judicial,  and  that 
no  person  belonging  to  one  of  these  departments  should  exercise  any  of 
the  powers  belonging  to  either  of  the  others  except  in  certain  specified 
cases.  Section  4 of  this  second  article  provides  that  an  enumeration 
of  the  qualified  voters  should  be  made  every  ten  years,  commencing  in 
1841,  instead  of  an  enumeration  of  the  taxable  inhabitants  every  seven 
years,  and  Section  5 provides  that  representatives  shall  be  appointed 
according  to  the  number  of  qualified  voters  instead  of  the  taxable  inhabi- 
tants, and  the  number  of  representatives  was  limited  to  seventy-five  until 
the  population  of  the  State  became  1,500,000,  and  after  that  event  the 
number  should  never  exceed  ninety-nine,  and  the  number  of  senators 
was  limited  to  one-tliird  of  the  number  of  representatives.  Under  the 
old  constitution  no  man  was  eligible  to  a seat  in  the  General  Assem- 
bly unless  he  possessed,  in  his  own  right,  at  least  200  acres  of  land. 
Erom  the  new  constitution  this  requirement  was  omitted.  Section  20, 
Article  I,  of  the  old  constitution  limited  the  pay  of  legislators  to  $1.75 
per  day,  and  no  more  than  that  sum  for  every  twenty-five  miles  of  travel 
to  and  from  the  place  of  meeting.  This  was  changed  in  the  new  consti- 
tution so  that  each  member  was  allowed  $4  per  day,  and  $4  for 
every  twenty-five  miles  of  travel  to  and  from  the  seat  of  government. 

In  the  old  constitution  the  governor  was  required  to  possess  a free- 
hold estate  of  500  acres  of  land,  and  to  have  been  a citizen  of  the  State 
four  years.  In  the  new  constitution  he  was  required  to  be  at  least  thirty 
years  of  age,  to  be  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  to  have  been  a 
citizen  of  Tennessee  at  least  seven  years  next  preceding  the  election,  the 
property  qualification  being  omitted.  The  article  on  the  qualifications 
of  electors  was  changed  so  as  to  read  “every  free  white  man  of  the  age 
of  twenty-one  years,  being  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the 
county  wherein  he  may  offer  to  vote  six  months  next  preceding  the  day 
of  election,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  for  members  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly and  other  civil  officers  for  the  county  or  district  in  which  he  may  re- 
side; provided  that  no  person  shall  be  disqualified  from  voting  at  any 
election  on  account  of  color  who  is  now  by  the  laws  of  this  State  a com- 
petent witness  in  the  courts  of  justice  against  a white  man.  A free  man 
of  color  shall  be  exempt  from  military  duty  in  time  of  peace,  and  also 
from  paying  a free  poll  tax.”  Section  3 of  article  IX  was  entirely 
new,  and  read:  “Any  person  who  shall  fight  a duel,  or  knowingly  be  the 
bearer  of  a challenge  to  fight  a duel,  or  send  or  accept  a challenge  for 


226 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


that  purpose,  or  be  an  aider  and  abettor  in  fighting  a duel,  shall  be  de- 
prived of  the  right  to  hold  any  office  of  honor  or  profit  in  this  State.” 
The  new  constitution  established  a supreme  court  for  the  State,  and  pro- 
vided that  this  court  should  consist  of  three  judges,  one  of  whom  should 
reside  in  each  of  the  three  grand  divisions  of  the  State,  the  concurrence 
of  two  of  whom  was  necessary  in  every  case  to  a decision.  It  also  pro- 
vided for  their  term  of  office  and  salary. 

The  above  are  the  principal  changes  made  in  the  old  constitution  by 
the  convention  of  1834.  Its  labors  terminated  August  30,  after  passing 
an  ordinance  for  an  election  to  be  held  on  the  first  Thursday  and  Friday 
of  March,  1835,  on  the  question  of  adopting  the  constitution  it  had  pre- 
pared. A curious  provision  of  this  ordinance  was  as  follows:  “That  no 
person  shall  be  deemed  a qualified  voter  in  said  election  except  such  as 
are  included  within  the  provisions  of  the  first  section  of  the  fourth  arti- 
cle of  the  amended  constitution,”  according  to  which  only  free  white 
men  were  allowed  to  vote.  Thus  the  convention  itself  assumed  the  right 
and  exercised  the  power  of  adopting  for  the  people  a portion  of  the  con- 
stitution, the  whole  of  which  it  was  preparing  to  submit  to  them  for  their 
ratification  or  rejection.  This  proceeding  was  doubtless  extra-judicial, 
but  was  defensible,  if  at  all,  on  the  ground  that  the  free  colored  men 
Avho  had  hitherto  exercised  the  right  of  suffrage,  would  most  probably 
vote  against  their  own  disfranchisement,  and  thus,  perhaps,  render 
doubtful  the  fate  of  the  constitution.  The  amended  constitution  was 
submitted  to  the  people  March  5 and  6,  and  was  ratified  by  them  by  a 
vote  of  42,666  for  the  constitution  to  17,691  against  it.  According  to 
the  census  of  1830  there  were  then  in  the  State  4,511  free  colored  per- 
sons, or  about  900  who,  under  the  old  constitution,  were  entitled  to  vote, 
which  number  had  probably  increased  to  1,000  at  the  time  of  the  adop- 
tion of  the  amended  constitution. 

The  session  of  the  convention  lasted  about  three  months  and  its  delib- 
erations were  characterized  by  great  earnestness,  patriotism  and  intelli- 
gence. The  future  good  of  the  State  was  kept  constantly  in  view,  and 
the  care  and  caution  and  even  jealousy  with  which  proposed  changes 
were  scrutinized  are  sufficiently  indicated  by  the  method  adopted  in  their 
discussion — each  section  being  read,  considered  and  voted  upon  four 
times  before  finally  disposed  of.  But  its  crowning  work  was  its  estimate 
placed  upon  the  value  of  education,  and  provision  made  for  the  perpetu- 
ity of  the  fund  for  the  support  of  common  schools.  This  estimate  is 
clearly  and  forcibly  expressed  in  the  following  language:  “Knowledge, 

learning  and  virtue  being  essential  to  the  preservation  of  Republican 
institutions,  and  the  diffusion  of  the  opportunities  and  advantages  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


227 


education  tlirougliout  tlie  different  portions  of  tlie  State  being  highly 
conducive  to  the  promotion  of  this  end,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  in  all  future  periods  of  this  Government  to  cherish  litera- 
ture and  science.”  The  provision  made  for  the  perpetuity  of  the  common 
school  fund,  and  the  development  of  the  educational  facilities  under  the 
new  constitution  are  discussed  and  set  forth  in  the  chapter  on  education. 

In  1853  this  constitution  was  so  amended  as  to  provide  for  the  elec- 
tion of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court  by  the  qualified  voters  of  the 
State  at  large,  and  of  the  judges  of  the  inferior  courts  by  the  qualified 
voters  of  the  district  to  which  such  judges  were  assigned.  An  attorney- 
general  for  the  State  and  attorney  for  the  districts  and  circuits  were  to 
be  elected  in  the  same  manner  instead  of  by  the  Legislature.  Before 
the  conclusion  of  the  civil  war,  a convention  met  at  Nashville,  January 
9,  1865,  and  completed  its  labors  on  the  26th  of  the  same  month.  By 
this  convention  the  following  amendments  were  framed  and  submitted  to 
the  people 

That  slavery  and  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a punishment  for  crime,  whereof 
the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted,  are  hereby  forever  abolished  and  prohibited 
throughout  this  State. 

The  Legislature  shall  make  no  law  recognizing  the  right  of  property  in  man. 

Other  amendments  were  made  abrogating  certain  features  of  the 
constitution  of  1834,  so  as  to  make  it  consistent  with  the  above  amend- 
ments, and  also  declaring  treasonable,  unconstitutional,  null  and  void, 
the  declaration  of  independence  of  Tennessee,  and  the  ordinance  dis- 
solving the  Federal  relations  between  Tennessee  and  the  United  States 
of  America,  passed  and  promulgated  May  6,  1861. 

The  present  constitution  was  prepared  by  a convention  held,  in  Nash- 
ville January,  1870,  and  which  ended  its  labors  February  23,  1870. 
The  first  change  made  was  in  Article  I,  Section  4,  which  in  the  constitu- 
tion of  1834  reads:  “No  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualifi- 
cation to  any  office  or  public  trust  under  this  State.”  In  the  constitution 
of  1870  this  section  reads,  “No  political  or  religious  test,  other  than  an 
oath  to  support  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  and  of  this  State, 
shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust 
under  this  State.”  Section  5 of  this  article,  “That  elections  shall  be 
free  and  equal,”  was  amended  by  adding  the  following  words:  “And  the 
right  of  suffrage,  as  heretofore  declared,  shall  never  be  denied  to  any  per- 
son entitled  thereto,  except  upon  conviction  by  a jury  of  some  infamous 
crime,  previously  ascertained  and  declared  by  law  and  judgment  thereon 
by  a court  of  competent  jurisdiction.”  Section  6,  reading  “That  the 
right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  remain  inviolate,”  was  amended  by  adding 


228 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


“and  no  religious  or  political  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a’  qualifica- 
tion for  “jurors.”  Section  8,  “That  no  free  man  shall  be  taken  or 
imprisoned  or  disseized  of  his  freehold,  liberties  or  privileges,”  etc.,  was 
amended  by  omitting  the  word  “free.”  Section  18  was  amended  so  as 
to  read:  “The  Legislature  shall  pass  no  law  authorizing  imprisonment  for 
debt  in  civil  cases.” 

In  the  legislative  department  of  the  constitution,  important  changes 
were  made.  Counties  and  incorporated  towns  were  forbidden  to  lend 
their  credit  to,  or  to  become  stockholders  in,  any  incorporation,  except  upon 
a three-fourths  majority  of  the  vote  cast  at  an  election  upon  the  question, 
and  the  credit  of  the  State  was  forbidden  to  be  given  to  any  company, 
incorporation  or  municipality.  No  bonds  of  the  State  can  be  issued  to 
any  railroad  company,  which  at  the  time  of  its  application  for  the  same  is 
in  default  in  payment  of  interest  upon  the  State  bonds  previously  loaned 
to  it,  or  that  previously  to  such  application  shall  have  sold  any  State 
bonds  loaned  to  it  at  less  than  par.  In  the  executive  department  the 
principal  change  made  was  in  conferring  upon  the  governor  the  veto 
power.  The  qualifications  of  electors  were  so  changed  as  to  confer  the 
suffrage  on  every  male  person  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  resident  in 
the  State  one  year  and  in  the  county  six  months  who  had  paid  his  poll 
tax.  The  supreme  court  was  changed  so  as  to  consist  of  five  judges 
instead  of  three,  of  whom  not  more  than  two  may  reside  in  any  one  of 
the  grand  divisions  of  the  State.  The  judges  themselves  are  required  to 
elect  one  of  their  own  number  chief  justice. 

One  of  the  miscellaneous  provisions  of  the  present  constitution  is  as 
follows:  “The  Legislature  shall  have  no  power  to  authorize  lotteries 

for  any  purpose,  and  shall  pass  laws  to  prohibit  the  sale  of  lottery  tick- 
ets within  this  State.”  A provision  was  also  inserted  under  which  each 
head  of  a family  is  entitled  to  a homestead  of  the  value  of  $1,000,  ex- 
empt from  sale  for  debt,  except  for  public  taxes  and  the  purchase  price 
of  the  homestead,  which  may  be  retained  by  the  widow  and  minor  chil- 
dren so  long  as  occupied  by  them.  The  intermarriage  of  white  persons 
with  negroes  or  mulattoes,  or  persons  of  mixed  blood  descending  from  a 
negro  to  the  third  generation  inclusive,  is  prohibited  under  this  consti- 
tution. The  vote  on  the  ratification  of  this  new  constitution  was  taken 
March  26,  1870,  and  resulted  as  follows:  For  the  constitution,  98,128; 

against  it,  33,872.  In  East  Tennessee,  15,678;  against  it,  17,155.  Middle 
Tennessee,  48,503;  against  it,  7,190.  West  Tennessee,  33,947 ; against  it, 
9,527. 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


229 


CHAPTER  VIII  * 

Growth  and  Development— Imperfect  Agricultural  Methods— Produc- 
tions for  Market— Supply  for  Home  Consumption— Adoption  of  Im- 
proved Agricultural  Implements— Comparison  of  the  Three  Grand 
Divisions  of  the  State  in  Crops  and  Progress — The  Staple  Products — 
The  Great  Range  of  Productions  and  the  Reason— Fruit.  Grain,  To- 
bacco, Cotton,  Peanuts,  Hay,  Hemp,  Flax,  Sorghum,  Live-Stock  and 
Miscellaneous  Products— Introduction  of  the  Cotton-Gin— Purchase 
of  the  Patent  by  the  Legislature— The  Labor  Question  and  the  cost 
of  Production — Fertilization  and  Statistics. 

TENNESSEE  is  so  happily  situated  geographically  and  topographic- 
ally that  her  fields  yield  in  greater  or  less  abundance  nearly  every 
product  of  the  temperate  zones,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  any  other  State  in 
the  Union  possesses  equal  agricultural  resources.  Yet  the  condition  of 
agriculture  in  the  State  lias  not  been  so  prosperous  as  the  nature  of  , the 
soil,  the  variety  of  the  products  and  the  salubrity  of  the  climate  should 
insure.  This  is  due  partly  to  the  agricultural  methods,  which  have  been 
in  the  main  quite  primitive,  and  partly  to  the  fact  that  in  Middle  and 
West  Tennessee  especially,  the  attention  of  farmers  has  been  directed  to 
one  or  two  crops  to  the  almost  utter  exclusion  of  all  others.  It  is  true 
that  before  the  war  these  farmers  were  the  most  thriving  in  the  State  and 
that  many  of  their  farms  were  in  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  improve- 
ment, but  this  mode  of  agriculture  could  succeed  and  prove  profitable 
only  under  a well  regulated  and  well  disciplined  system  of  slave  labor. 
The  great  civil  convulsion  which  overturned  the  social  system  of  the 
South  wrought  most  disastrous  changes  among  the  land  owners  and 
farmers,  and  many  years  have  been  required  for  them  to  recover  from  the 
effects,  and  to  adapt  themselves  to  the  new  condition  of  society. 

There  is  a widely  marked  and  striking  difference  in  the  three  divis- 
ions of  the  State  in  the  economical  management  of  the  farmers.  The 
most  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the  average  farmer  in  East  Tennes- 
see is  the  effort  which  he  makes  to  supply  what  may  be  required  for  his 
own  consumption.  It  is  not  uncommon  on  a small  farm  to  see  a patch  of 
cotton,  which  the  women  of  the  household  work  up  into  cloth ; a spot 
given  to  tobacco  for  home  consumption ; a field  of  sorghum,  from  which 

♦Compiled  from  ICillebrew’s  “Resources  of  Tennessee,”  “Revised  Hand  Book  of  Tennessee  ” census  and 
other  reports,  and  collected  by  the  writer  from  numerous  original  and  reliable  sources. 


230 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


syrup  is  made  for  domestic  use ; a few  acres  of  wheat  are  raised  for  flour ; 
corn  and  oats  or  hay  to  feed  the  stock,  which  usually  consist  of  a few 
sheep,  to  supply  wool  for  winter  clothes;  cows,  from  which  a consider- 
able revenue  is  derived  by  the  manufacture  of  butter,  and  a brood-mare 
or  two,  from  which  the  farmer  rears  his  mules  and  horses  for  farm  use. 
Besides  these  an  abundance  of  the  staple  vegetables  and  of  all  kinds  of 
poultry  are  raised.  A few  bee-hives  and  an  apple  and  [teach  orchard  are 
the  necessary  adjunct  to  nine-tenths  of  the  farms  in  East  Tennessee. 
The  most  striking  fact  in  the  farming  operations  of  that  division  is  that 
no  money  crop  is  raised.  Tobacco,  cotton,  corn  and  hay  are  all  grown  in 
small  quantities,  not  so  much  for  sale  as  for  use.  The  amount  of  money 
realized  by  the  average  farmer  of  East  Tennessee  is  exceedingly  small, 
and  yet  the  people  in  no  portion  of  the  State  live  so  well  or  have  their 
tables  so  bountifully  furnished.  Many  a farmer,  who  lives  like  a lord  at 
his  table,  does  not  realize  $200  in  money  from  his  farm  in  a year,  and 
this  comes  mainly  from  the  sale  of  feathers,  chickens,  eggs,  dried  fruit 
and  occasionally  a few  cattle  or  mules.  Indeed,  with  their  strict  habits 
of  economy,  they  have  but  little  use  for  money.  The  wool  and  cotton,  by 
the  patient  industry  of  the  female  members  of  the  family,  are  wrought 
into  cloth.  A few  hides  from  the  beeves  are  tanned  and  made  into 
shoes.  Salt,  coffee  and  sugar  comprise  almost  the  sum  total  of  pur- 
chases, while  a few  dollars  are  required  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  tax- 
gatherer.  . I 

The  use  of  improved  machinery,  except  in  the  valley  lands,  is  impos- 
sible on  the  farms  in  East  Tennessee;  consequently  the  implements  are 
very  inexpensive,  and  are  frequently  made  at  the  neighboring  blacksmith 
shop.  The  valley  farms,  however,  are  usually  supplied  with  all  the  ma- 
chinery to  be  found  upon  the  best  farms  in  the  other  portions  of  the 
State.  The  growing  of  corn  and  wheat  for  a long  period  in  East  Tennes- 
see, without  proper  rotation,  resting  or  clovering,  has  greatly  impaired 
the  fertility  of  the  soil;  yet  there  is  no  better  land  anywhere  for  clover, 
and  the  rich,  red  ferruginous  subsoils,  resting  in  the  valleys  on  the  lime- 
stone rock,  are- susceptible  of  being  kept  up  to  a high  point  of  fertility 
if  properly  managed.  Although  a small  minority  of  the  farmers  are 
content  to  plant,  work  and  gather  their  crops  just  as  did  their  fathers 
and  grandfathers  before  them,  under  the  lead  of  a few  intelligent  farm- 
ers, and  the  inspiration  of  the  East  Tennessee  Farmers’  Convention,  great 
changes  for  the  better  have  been  wrought  within  the  past  few  years. 
Improved  breeds  of  cattle,  sheep  and  hogs,  and  better  methods  of  cultiva- 
tion have  been  pretty  generally  introduced.  When  this  spirit  of  progress 
and  improvement  shall  have  become  general,  East  Tennessee  will  rival 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


231 


any  other  portion  of  the  Union  in  the  variety  and  wealth  of  its  agricult- 
ural products. 

Unlike  his  brother  in  East  Tennessee,  the  farmer  of  the  middle 
division,  especially  in  the  Central  Basin  and  the  richer  portions  of  the 
Highlands,  aims  to  have  in  addition  to  the  food  crops,  a “money  crop” 
of  either  tobacco,  cotton  or  peanuts.  His  anxiety  is  greater  to  secure  the 
former  than  the  latter,  for  his  domestic  habits  are  not  such  as  to  enable 
him  to  dispense  with  money  to  the  same  extent  as  the  farmer  of  East 
Tennessee.  As  a usual  rule,  except  in  places  remote  from  town,  he  does 
not  manufacture  his  clothes  at  home,  but  buys  them.  He  does  not  pay 
as  much  attention  to  the  smaller  industries,  nor  is  his  every  day  table 
supplied  with  such  a variety  of  food.  Milk  and  butter  he  usually  pro- 
duce^ in  abundance  for  home  consumption,  but  unless  in  the  dairy  busi- 
ness he  does  not  aim  to  produce  a surplus  for  market.  While  his 
orchards  may  cover  more  acres,  his  orchard  products  are  less  remunei’a- 
tive.  Fowls  are  raised  in  large  quantities,  but  the  money  for  them 
belongs  to  the  housewife,  and  does  not  enter  into  his  bills  receivable. 
His  thoughts  center  in  his  money  crops,  and  everything,  even  the  appear- 
ance of  his  farm,  must  yield  to  the  imperative  demands  of  such  crops. 
He  feels  no  disappointment  at  having  no  corn  or  pork  to  sell.  He  aims 
to  make  a supply.  If  there  is  a surplus  he  rejoices,  if  not,  he  remains 
contented.  He  knows  and  appreciates  the  value  of  labor-saving  machinery, 
and  his  farm  is  usually  well  supplied  with  the  best  of  implements.  His 
work-stock  are  the  best  his  purse  will  enable  him  to  buy.  He  also 
inherits  a love  for  a good  saddle  horse.  He  rejoices  in  a good  cotton- 
gin,  or  tobacco  screw,  gin  house  or  tobacco  barn,  and  will  take  infinitely 
more  pains  to  exhibit  these  than  he  will  his  dwelling,  although  his 
dwelling  may  be  tasteful  and  elegant  in  its  surroundings.  He  is  fond 
too  of  a good  stable,  with  a bounteous  supply  of  provender,  though 
stables  and  everything  else  must  yield  to  the  exactions  of  his  “money 
crop.”  If  a stock  raiser,  everything  is  subordinated  to  that,  it  being  the 
“ money  crop.”  The  possession  of  a heavy  purse  once  a year  is  the 
dream  of  his  existence.  Energetic,  thoughtful,  intelligent  and  pains- 
taking, he  prospered  under  a different  condition  of  things.  He  prospers 
yet,  when  able  to  take  the  front  row  or  to  carry  on  his  farm  in  a system- 
atic and  orderly  manner.  He  is  not  so  careful  of  his  land  now  as  before 
the  war ; he  does  not  value  it  so  highly.  He  can  be  tempted  to  rent  out 
fields  that  in  the  regular  order  should  be  rested.  Sometimes  his  clover 
seed  runs  short,  and  he  prefers  to  let  the  unsown  fields  lie  fallow  rather  than 
to  incur  further  expense.  He  is  not  so  particular  about  having  his  fence 
corners  clean  as  formerly.  He  is  in  a manner  disheartened  because  he 


232 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


can  rely  upon  no  regular  supply  of  labor.  His  enthusiasm  is  greatly 
chilled  by  the  course  of  events,  and  yet  he  will  confess  that  in  a good 
season  with  good  hands  his  profits  are  as  great  and  as  satisfactory  as 
ever. 

The  farms  in  Middle  Tennessee,  as  a general  thing,  are  much  better 
improved  than  in  the  other  divisions.  The  dwelling  houses  are  good, 
many  of  them  elegant,  some  of  them  princely.  Stock  raising  and  cotton 
growing  in  this  central  basin  are  the  favorite  branches  of  industry.  Fine 
stock,  horses,  cattle,  hogs  and  sheep  of  the  most  approved  breeds  are  to 
be  found  in  every  county.  On  the  Highlands  surrounding  the  basin, 
peanuts,  tobacco,  wheat  and  fruits  are  the  favorite  crops.  The  average 
farmer  of  lower  West  Tennessee  aspires  to  be  a planter.  He  loves  to 
see  many  broad  acres  in  cultivation.  He  is  ambitious,  industrious, ^are- 
less  and  energetic.  He  cares  for  nothing  so  much  as  to  see  his  cotton 
fields  flourishing.  He  does  not  try  to  raise  his  supplies,  but  stoutly 
maintains  that  he  can  buy  them  cheaper  than  he  can  make  them.  Debt 
has  no  such  terrors  for  him  as  for  the  East  Tennessee  farmer.  He  will 
stake  his  all  upon  the  prospects  for  cotton;  chicken,  eggs,  butter,  corn, 
wheat,  hay,  meat — all  these  are  little  things  and  cotton  will  buy  them. 
Cotton  is  the  great  mogul  of  all  the  crops.  It  controls  all  and  buys  all. 
Land,  teams,  tools  are  as  nothing,  compared  with  the  lordly  bales  rolled 
out  from  the  gin  house.  Gullies  may  wash,  fences  may  rot,  houses  may 
fall  to  decay,  but  cotton  must  be  raised.  A big  crop  of  cotton  will  buy 
fresh  fields  with  virgin  soil  elsewhere.  Taking  care  of  land  and  resting 
it  may  do  for  the  farmer  elsewhere,  but  time  is  too  valuable  to  be  wasted 
in  this  way  by  the  average  West  Tennessee  farmer.  He  can  and  does, 
spend  money  for  fertilizers,  and  they  are  used  where  the  cotton  crop  will 
get  the  full  benefit.  He  will  crop  out  his  land,  or  rent  it  out,  payable  in 
cotton,  but  rarely  in  money.  He  is  inclined  to  be  more  cosmopolitan 
than  his  brothers  of  the  other  divisions,  yet  he  cherishes  a high  regard 
for  his  State,  but  would  cherish  it  still  more,  if  it  would  produce  more 
cotton. 

In  the  more  northern  counties  of  West  Tennessee,  however,  the 
average  farmer  is  very  much  like  the  Middle  Tennessee  farmer.  He  has 
his  money  crop,  but  he  takes  an  interest  in  working  supplies  enough  for 
home  consumption.  He  is  careful  of  his  soil,  and  feeds  and  nurses  it 
with  clover.  He  takes  great  delight  in  his  corn  crop  until  his  tobacco 
plants  begin  to  press  him,  then  the  corn  must  stand  second  in  his  affec- 
tions. He  loves  his  hay  fields,  but  his  tobacco  fields  better.  He  is  fond 
of  rich  soil  and  studies  the  aptitudes  and  capacities  of  the  different  vari- 
eties, and  plants  his  various  crops  so  that  each  may  have  the  most  con- 


I, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE.  233 

genial  soil.  There  is  no  better  farmer  in  the  State  than  the  farmer  of 
northern  West  Tennessee.  He  raises  a surplus  of  all  food  crops,  but 
pays  little  attention  to  the  smaller  industries.  He  is  fond  of  good  stock, 
especially  good  hogs,  which  his  magnificent  corn  crops  enable  him  to 
rear  in  great  quantities.  He  keeps  up  his  improvements  and  has  a 
lively  faith  in  the  future  of  the  State. 

The  many  varieties  of  soil  and  the  difference  of  elevation  give  to  Ten- 
nessee a very  wide  range  in  its  agricultural  products.  Assuming  that 
an  elevation  of  333  feet  is  equivalent,  so  far  as  temperature  is  concerned 
to  one  degree  of  latitude,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  highest  clime  of  the 
Unakas  in  the  East  differ  from  the  low  lands  of  the  Mississippi  by  near- 
ly fifteen  degrees  of  latitude ; the  one  having  a semi-tropical  climate  and 
the  qther  that  of  Canada.  The  soils  do  not  differ  less  than  the  climate. 
Upon  them  can  be  grown  the  sweet  potato  of  the  South  and  the  Irish 
potato  of  the  North,  both  in  remunerative  quantities,  and  of  excellent 
quality.  Peaches  that  attain  their  luscious  sweetness  in  a sunny  climate 
find  in  the  State  a congenial  home,  where  they  are  brought  to  their  high- 
est perfection.  Apples,  upon  the  elevated  lands,  bear  as  profusely  and 
ripen  as  deliciously  as  in  the  great  apple  growing  region  of  Ohio  or 
Michigan.  Grapes  of  many  varieties  bear  in  unsurpassed  luxuriance  up- 
on the  sunny  slopes  and  rich  hills  in  every  part  of  the  State.  Plums, 
apricots,  pears,  nectarines  and  cherries  flourish  and  yield  in  pro- 
fusion. Even  the  fig,  in  sheltered  places,  may  be  brought  to  maturity 
in  the  open  air.  Those  more  common,  but  not  less  useful  fruits,  the 
blackberry,  raspberry  and  the  dewberry  are  indigenous  throughout  the 
State.  In  the  woods  and  in  the  fields,  on  poor  soil  and  on  rich,  covering 
the  mountain  tops  and  flourishing  in  the  alluvial  bottoms,  the  blackber- 
ry bush  supplies  a rich,  healthy  and  delicious  fruit,  and  in  quantities 
sufficient  to  supply  ten  times  the  present  population.  So  numerous  and 
so  excellent  are  the  berries,  that  pickers  are  sent  out  from  Cincinnati 
and  from  other  northern  towns  to  gather  and  ship  the  fruit.  The  rasp- 
berry and  dewberry  grow  wild,  and  yield  abundantly.  The  cranberry 
grows  wild  in  the  elevated  swampy  places  of  Johnson  County,  and  but 
for  want  of  facilities  for  transportation  could  be  made  a source  of  great 
profit.  Of  the  great  staple  products,  corn  should,  perhaps,  be  ranked 
first,  although  as  a “money  crop”  it  is  subordinate  to  both  cotton  and 
tobacco.  Tennessee  now  ranks  ninth  as  a corn  growing  State.  In  1840 
she  stood  first.  The  average  annual  production  of  this  cereal  is  not  far 
from  50,000,000  bushels.  The  great  central  basin  of  Middle  Tennessee, 
the  rich  valleys  of  East,  and  the  low  lands  of  West  Tennessee  raise  enor- 
mous crops  of  this  grain  and  the  quality  is  greatly  superior  to  that  grown 

• 


234 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  liig-lier  or  lower  latitude.  The  grain  matures  earlier  than  in  the  North 
and  dries  thoroughly,  fitting  it  to  make  a superior  quality  of  meal,  and 
it  is  noted  for  its  freedom  from  rot.  The  average  yield  per  acre  for  the 
State  is  about  twenty-three  bushels ; but  this  average  is  low,  due  to  the 
pernicious  habit  in  some  parts  of  the  State  of  planting  the  same  land- 
year  after  year  in  this  exhaustive  crop  without  manure.  Among  the 
best  farmers,  those  who  practice  rotation  and  clovering,  the  average  yield 
is  not  far  from  forty  bushels.  The  rent  paid  for  some  of  the  bottom 
lands  on  the  upper  Tennessee,  is  twenty  and  sometimes  thirty  bushels  of 
corn  per  acre,  and  the  yield  often  reaches  seventy-five,  and  in  some  rare 
instances,  100  bushels  per  acre. 

Of  the  cereals,  wheat  ranks  next  in  importance  to  corn.  The  usual 
quantity  of  wheat  raised  varies  from  5,000,000  to  10,000,000' bushels, 
with  a large  average  yield  per  acre.  About  1,000,000  acres  are  sown 
annually.  The  best  wheat  growing  portions  of  the  State  are  to  be  found 
in  the  upper  counties  of  the  valley  of  East  Tennessee,  the  counties  ly- 
ing on  the  north  side  of  the  Highland  Rim,  the  northern  counties  of  West 
Tennessee,  and  the  rolling  lands  of  the  central  basin.  The  average  yield 
in  these  regions  is  not  far  from  fifteen  bushels.  Though  the  yield  of  wheat 
is  far  from  being  what  .a  thorough  preparation  of  the  land  and  early 
seeding  could  make  it,  yet  the  excellence  of  the  berry  compensates  in 
some  degree  for  the  scantiness  in  the  yield.  The  flour  made  of  Tennes- 
see wheat  commands  in  every  market  a superior  price.  It  has  been  esti- 
mated that  at  least  one-half  of  the  flour  exported  to  Brazil  and  other 
inter-tropical  countries  is  manufactured  from  wheat  grown  south  of  the 
Ohio  and  Susquehanna  Rivers.  There  is  a peculiarity  in  the  flour 
which  enables  it  to  resist  damp,  and  it  remains  fresh  and  sweet  when 
flour  made  from  wheat  grown  in  high  latitudes  becomes  sour  and  worth- 
less. It  also  has  the  capacity  of  absorbing  more  water,  and  retaining  it 
in  the  baking  process,  giving  a greater  number  of  pounds  of  bread  for  a 
given  number  of  pounds  of  flour.  All  the  nutritive  elements  are  fully 
developed  in  the  wheat  of  Tennessee,  and,  maturing  a month  earlier  than 
the  wheat  crop  of  New  Yoi*k,  it  commands  a ready  market  at  good  prices. 

The  annual  production  of  oats  in  Tennessee  amounts  to  about  5,000,- 
000  bushels.  The  best  authorities  put  the  yield  at  sixteen  bushels  per 
acre,  but  the  primitive  methods  employed  in  separating  the  straAv  from 
the  grain  leave  a large  portion  of  the  latter  adhering  to  the  straw. 
Twenty-five  bushels  per  acre  can  be  grown  upon  any  soils  in  any  portion 
of  the  State  that  have  not  been  impoverished  by  bad  tillage.  Even  upon 
the  thin,  barren,  flat  lands  that  are  found  in  some  portions  of  Lewis, 
Lawrence,  Coffee  and  other  counties,  oats  grow  with  a prodigal  luxuri- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


235 


ance,  as  also  upon  the  sand-stone  soils  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land. 
Upon  the  richer  valley  and  bottom  lands  fifty  bushels  per  acre  are  not  an 
extraordinary  yield,  and  seventy-five  have  been  made.  Greene,  Hawkins, 
Knox,  Sullivan,  Roane,  Washington  and  Blount  Counties  in  East  Ten- 
nessee ; Davidson,  Wilson,  Montgomery  and  Sumner  in  the  middle  divis- 
ion, and  Obion,  Dyer  and  Gibson  in  West  Tennessee  furnish  the  best 
soils  for  oats. 

While  the  number  of  acres  devoted  to  barley  in  the  State  does  not 
exceed  5,000,  it  is  yet  one  of  the  most  profitable  crops  grown  by  the 
farmer.  The  average  yield  per  acre  is  about  eighteen  bushels.  About 
one-third  of  all  that  is  grown  in  the  State  is  raised  in  Davidson  County. 
It  flourishes  well  in  the  high  valleys  and  coves  in  Johnson  and  Carter 
Counties,  and  would  grow  well  in  all  the  rich  valley  lands  of  East  Ten- 
nessee. The  black  lands  of  the  central  basin  yield  very  large  crops, 
twenty-five  to  thirty-five  bushels  being  quite  common. 

Rye  is  not  considered  a productive  crop  in  Tennessee.  Farmers 
rarely  sow  it,  except  for  winter  or  early  spring  grazing,  a use  to  which  it 
is  admirably  adapted.  It  is  used  also  to  some  extent  as  a fertilizer,  and 
as  it  grows  with  vigor  where  corn,  oats  and  wheat  fail,  it  supplies  a great 
want  upon  the  thin  and  worked  soils.  The  amount  of  land  in  the  State 
devoted  to  rye  is  about  25,000  acres,  which  gives  a yield  of  about 
220,000  bushels,  or  about  nine  bushels  per  acre.  This  yield  is  doubtless 
largely  diminished  in  consequence  of  the  excessive  grazing  to  which  it  is 
subjected.  The  largest  rye-growing  counties  are  Marshall,  Lincoln, 
Rutherford,  Bedford  and  Davidson  in  Middle  Tennessee,  and  Johnson 
and  Carter  in  East  Tennessee.  West  Tennessee  raises  but  little  rye,  yet 
its  soil  and  climate  would  insure  an  abundant  yield. 

Only  a small  amount  of  buckwheat  is  grown  by  the  farmers  of  Ten- 
nessee. About  60,000  bushels  is  the  average  crop  of  the  State,  grown 
principally  in  Johnson,  Carter,  Washington  and  Perry  Counties.  It  is 
not  a remunerative  crop,  yielding  only  about  seven  bushels  per  acre. 

From  the  early  settlement  to  the  present  time,  sweet  potatoes  have 
formed  one  of  the  leading  articles  of  food.  They  grow  well  in  all 
thoroughly  drained  soils  of  the  State,  and  where  the  land  is  friable  and 
moderately  fertile.  Bottom  lands  are  not  usually  the  best  for  the  growth 
of  this  vegetable;  the  tendency  of  such  places  is  to  produce  an  enormous 
growth  of  vines  at  the  expense  of  the  tubers ; nor  does  cold,  clayey  land 
suit  them.  The  flavor  is  greatly  improved  in  a soil  with  a small  admix- 
ture of  sand  or  fine  gravel.  When  grown  upon  very  rich  land  they  are 
apt  to  be  sappy  and  insipid.  The  annual  yield  is  about  1,200,000 
bushels,  or  100  bushels  per  acre.  The  counties  raising  the  greatest 


286 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


quantities  are  Shelby,  Obion  and  Gibson  in  West  Tennessee;  Davidson, 
Wilson  and  Montgomery  in  the  Middle  Division;  and  Knox,  Bradley  and 
Anderson  in  East  Tennessee. 

Irish  potatoes  are  not  grown  in  sufficient  quantities  in  the  State  to 
supply  the  home  demand,  although  when  planted  upon  suitable  soils  and 
well  worked,  the  yield  is  prolific.  Upon  land  moderately  fresh  and  well 
fertilized,  the  yield  can  be  brought  up  to  400  bushels  per  acre.  Yet  the 
statistics  of  this  crop  shows  an  average  yield  of  only  seventy-seven 
bushels,  and  the  entire  production  1,422,000  bushels.  This  vegetable 
grows  well  in  every  division  of  the  State,  and  especially  is  it  brought  to 
perfection  in  the  more  elevated  portions.  Even  the  Cumberland  Table- 
land, though  yielding  sparsely  of  the  leading  crops,  produces  the  Irish 
potato  in  profusion. 

Of  the  “money  crops,”  perhaps  the  most  important  is  tobacco.  In 
the  production  of  this  plant  Tennessee  stands  third  among  the  States, 
Kentucky  being  first  and  Virginia  second.  The  average  yield  per  acre  is 
between  700  and  800  pounds,  although  as  much  as  1,200  and  even  as 
high  as  1,800  can  be  grown  on  the  best  soils  in  favorable  seasons.  Grown 
in  some  of  the  soils  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  it  acquires  a peculiar 
richness.  Tough,  thick,  gummy  and  leathery  in  its  character,  it  has  the 
capacity  of  absorbing  water,  which  makes  it  peculiarly  adapted  to  the 
manufacture  of  strips  for  the  English  market;  the  tobacco  known  as  the 
“ Clarksville  tobacco,”  and  which  grows  on  the  rich  red  soils  of  Stewart, 
Montgomery,  Robertson,  Cheatham  and  Dickson  Counties,  is  capable  of 
absorbing  38  per  cent  of  its  weight  in  water.  It  is  prepared  for  the 
English  market  by  pulling  out  the  main  stem  and  packing  it  in  hogs- 
heads as  dry  as  possible.  These  “strips”  are  watered  after  reaching  the 
English  market,  and  inasmuch  as  the  duty  on  tobacco  is  about  72 
cents  per  pound,  every  pound  of  water  absorbed  by  the  strips  is 
72  cents  in  the  pocket  of  the  importer,  and  he  is  thus  enabled  to  sell 
per  pound  at  the  same  price  at  which  he  buys  and  still  make  a handsome 
profit.  It  is  this  peculiar  property  that  gives  the  Clarksville  tobacco  such 
a high  rank  among  the  English  dealers.  The  upper  parts  of  Sumner, 
Trousdale  and  Smith,  all  of  Macon,  Clay  and  Jackson,  and  parts  of 
Overton,  Putnam,  Wilson  and  DeKalb,  raise  a "kind  of  tobacco  not  well 
suited  for  the  manufacturer.  It  is  large,  leafy,  coarser  than  the  Clarks- 
ville tobacco,  and  is  deficient  in  the  active  principle.  It  is  principally 
consumed  in  the  French  and  Spanish  markets,  a small  quantity  going  to 
Italy  and  Germany.  Obion,  Dyer,  Henry,  Weakley  and  Benton  Counties 
raise  a very  fine  manufacturing  leaf.  It  is,  indeed,  the  finest  article  for 
that  purpose  grown  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  It  is  rich,  silky, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


237 


mild,  of  a liglit  color,  and  some  of  it  rivalling  the  brilliant  colors  of  the 
fading  hickory  leaf.  It  is  especially  valued  for  bright  and  mottled 
wrappers.  All  of  this  tobacco  is  consumed  in  the  United  States,  none 
being  exported  on  account  of  its  high  price  and  scarcity.  This  tobacco 
is  not  well  adapted  for  stemming  purposes,  and  even  if  it  were,  the  price 
is  too  high  to  make  its  use  in  this  manner  profitable.  Coffee,  Warren, 
Moore,  Lewis,  Lawrence,  Wayne,  Hickman,  Humphreys  and  Dickson, 
raise  small  quantities  of  light,  mild  tobacco.  Nearly  every  county  in 
East  Tennessee  grows  enough  for  home  consumption,  and  but  little  more. 
The  quality  of  tobacco  differs  widely  from  that  grown  in  the  other  divis- 
ions of  the  State.  It  is  smaller  and  lighter,  and  not  so  rich  in  nicotine. 
The  stronger  tobaccos  of  Middle  and  West  Tennessee  contain  as  high  as 
six  per  cent  of  that  alkaloid,  Avhile  that  grown  in  East  Tennessee  does 
not  contain  above  three  per  cent.  It,  however,  is  preferred  by  many  on 
this  account,  being  milder,  pleasanter  and  more  agreeable. 

The  history  of  tobacco  cultivation  in  Tennessee  dates  back  to  its  ear- 
liest settlement.  The  pioneers  who  settled  in  the  fertile  valleys  of  the 
Watauga,  Nollichucky,  and  Holston  Rivers,  raised  tobacco  for  their  own 
consumption;  and  those  who  planted  colonies  on  the  Cumberland  during 
the  last  two  decades  of  the  eighteenth  century  brought  seed  from  North 
Carolina  and  Virginia,  and  began  its  culture.  Although  grown  for  many 
years  in  a small  way,  it  was  not  until  about  1810  that  tobacco  began  to 
form  one  of  the  great  staples  of  the  State.  By  1820  7,000  hogsheads 
were  annually  sent  in  flat-boats  to  New  Orleans  and  exchanged  for  coffee, 
sugar,  salt  and  other  commodities.  The  extinguishment  of  Indian  titles 
in  West  Tennessee,  in  1818,  added  immensely  to  the  available  area  for 
cultivation.  Prices  were  generally  low,  but  the  cost  of  production  was 
scarcely  appreciable.  It  is  estimated  that  during  the  decade  from  1820 
to  1830,  the  actual  cost  of  growing  tobacco  did  not  exceed  $1  per  100 
pounds.  From  1830  to  1810  the  culture  was  widely  extended.  In  the 
latter  year  Henry  County,  in  West  Tennessee,  heads  the  list,  reporting  a 
yield  of  9,479,065  pounds,  over  1,000,000  pounds  more  than  any  county 
at  the  present  time  produces.  Smith  County  came  next,  with  3,017,012 
pounds ; Sumner,  2,615,000;  Montgomery,  2,549,984;  Wilson,  2,313,000; 
Robertson,  1,168,833;  Williamson,  1,126,982;  Rutherford,  1,084,000; 
and  Stewart,  Jackson  and  Davidson,  993,495,  859,336,  and  334,394 
pounds,  respectively.  The  entire  yield  for  the  State  in  that  year  was  29,- 
550,442  pounds,  nearly  200,000  pounds  more  than  was  reported  in  the 
census  of  1880.  The  prices  which  prevailed  in  1837  were  very  low,  and 
many  planters  shipping  to  New  Orleans  were  brought  into  debt  for  freight 
and  charges.  During  the  next  two  years  the  prices  increased,  and  from  4 to 


238 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


10  cents  per  pound  was  frequently  paid.  In  1839  the  prices  were  higher 
than  for  several  succeeding  years.  From  1841  to  1846  the  prices  ranged 
from  2 to  8 cents,  but  in  the  latter  year,  on  account  of  the  Mexican  war, 
the  price  fell  to  from  1 to  3 cents.  In  1850  fair  prices  again  prevailed. 
About  1834  dealers  began  to  put  up  factories  in  Clarksville,  and  to  pur- 
chase leaf  tobacco.  Several  establishments  for  making  “ strips  ” sprang 
up  shortly  thereafter,  and  in  1840  the  number  of  stemmeries  had  consid- 
erably increased.  This  gave  renewed  animation  to  the  industry,  millions 
of  pounds  of  tobacco  being  annually  bought  in  Clarksville,  and  prepared 
for  the  English  trade. 

The  first  effort  to  establish  a market  for  the  sale  of  tobacco  in  Clarks- 
ville was  made  in  1842,  but  it  was  difficult  to  persuade  such  planters  as 
still  adhered  to  the  practice  of  pressing  the  tobacco  and  shipping  it  to 
New  Orleans,  to  consent  to  sell  in  Clarksville.  It  was  not  until  Febru- 
ary, 1845,  that  warehouses  for  the  inspection  and  sale  of  tobacco  in  casks 
were  erected,  and  for  the  year  ending  September  1,  1845,  900  hogsheads 
were  reported  sold.  Three  or  four  warehouses  were  opened  in  1846,  and 
since  that  time  they  have  been  increased  both  in  size  and  number.  With 
the  exception  of  Louisville,  Clarksville  opened  the  first  inspection  ware- 
house in  the  West. 

Nashville  also  was  a point  where  some  business  was  done  in  tobacco 
as  early  as  1835.  In  1840  the  receipts  amounted  to  4,000  hogsheads, 
and  for  the  next  ten  years  remained  stationary,  varying  from  4,000  to 
5,000  hogsheads  annually.  About  1850  two  tobacco  stemmeries  were 
put  up,  which  prepared  from  125  to  150  hogsheads  of  strips;  considerable 
leaf  tobacco  was  also  shipped  to  the  New  Orleans  market.  From  1850 
to  1860  the  trade  increased  somewhat,  reaching  from  7,000  to  8,000  hogs- 
heads, the  weight  of  the  hogshead  being  increased  about  twenty  per  cent. 
During  the  war  the  tobacco  trade  in  Nashville  was  suspended,  and  did 
not  greatly  revive  until  1872.  Paris,  Henry  County,  is  also  a tobacco 
market  of  some  importance.  In  1880  it  contained  six  factories,  only 
three  of  which  were  in  operation.  These  factories  during  that  year  put 
up  about  208,000  pounds. 

In  Clarksville,  while  the  amount  of  sales  varies  somewhat  with  the 
success  or  partial  failure  of  each  crop,  there  is  always  a considerable 
amount  sold  loose  to  the  factories  for  the  manufacture  of  strips.  In  1879 
the  number  of  hogsheads  of  strips  was  less  than  for  many  years.  In  that 
year  five  factories  in  operation  reported  an  aggregate  production  of 
544  hogsheads  or  680,000  pounds  of  strips,  although  the  usual  amount 
ranges  from  800  to  2,000  hogsheads.  Springfield,  in  Robertson  County, 
does  a considerable  business  in  stemming,  and  also  in  the  manufacture  of 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


239 


plug  tobaccos.  Nearly  every  town  in  the  tobacco-growing  region,  espe- 
cially if  it  be  on  the  railroad,  contains  one  or  more  dealers  who  buy  leaf 
tobacco,  put  it  into  hogsheads,  and  ship  it  to  Clarksville,  Nashville  or 
Louisville. 


Cotton  is  another  of  the  great  staple  products  of  Tennessee.  Its  cult- 
ivation, however,  is  mainly  restricted  to  a comparatively  small  area, 
eighty-four  per  cent  of  the  entire  amount  being  produced  in  West  Ten- 
nessee, and  only  one  per  cent  of  it  in  that  portion  of  the  State  east  of 
the  Central  Basin.  In  1879  the  county  in  the  State  having  the  highest 
total  production  was  Shelby,  with  46,388  bales.  The  county  having  the 
highest  average  production  per  acre  was  Lake,  with  1,059  pounds  of  seed 
cotton.  These  counties  of  West  Tennessee  produce  the  best  cotton  grown 
in  the  State,  and  the  farmers  give  to  this  staple  almost  their  entire  atten- 
tion. The  uplands  yield  a very  desirable  article  much  sought  after  by 
the  spinners  of  New  England  and  Great  Britain  on  account  of  its  clean- 
ness. At  the  London  exposition  in  1851,  the  cotton  raised  by  Col.  John 
Pope,  of  Shelby  County,  received  the  medal  as  the  best  cotton  known  to 
the  world.  Lincoln,  Rutherford,  Giles,  Williamson  and  Maury  are  the 
principal  cotton-growing  counties  of  Middle  Tennessee,  although  it  is 
produced  to  some  extent  in  the  whole  of  the  Central  Basin.  The  five 


counties  mentioned  in  1879  produced  over  43,000  bales. 

The  following  are  the  counties  of  Tennessee  producing  the  greatest 
quantity  of  this  staple,  together  with  the  number  of  bales  and  the  average 
yield  per  acre  for  1879  the  weight  of  the  bales  averaging  about  475 
pounds : 


Shelby 

Fayette 

Tipton 

Haywood. . . 

Gibson 

Madison. . . . 
Hardeman. . 
Lauderdale  . 

Giles 

Rutherford  . 

Carroll 

Henderson. . 
McNairy. . . 
Crockett. . . . 

Maury 

Dyer 

Weakley. . . . 

Henry 

Hardin 

Williamson. 


Production  Average  bales 


in  bales. 

per  ac 

.50 

.39,221 

.43 

.56 

.23,092 

.46 

.19,372 

.52 

.19,257 

.42 

.18,937 

.42 

.13,250 

.50 

.13,802 

.44 

.12,414 

.38 

.11,505 

.43 

. 9,469 

.42 

. 9,419 

.41 

. 9,320 

.52 

. 8,912 

.41 

. 8,564 

.59 

. 7,576 

.49 

. 5,516 

.42 

. 5,345 

.42 

. 4,538 

.38 

210 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Obion  . . . 
Lincoln. . 
Lake 
Decatur  . 
Benton . . 
Marshall. 
Davidson 
Hickman 
"Wilson  . . 
Wayne  . . 


4,225 

.58 

3,486 

.39 

2,412 

.74 

2,169 

.39 

1,801 

.37 

1,721 

.37 

1,333 

.41 

1,302 

.42 

1,272 

.40 

1,207 

.37 

The  remaining  counties  each  produced  less  than  1,000  bales.  Al- 
though the  average  yield  per  acre  is  one-half  greater  than  that  of  Ala- 
bama, and  equal  even  to  that  of  Mississippi,  it  could  be  greatly  increased 
with  proper  management.  The  estimated  cost  of  production  per  acre,  as 
furnished  by  eleven  cotton  growers  in  as  many  different  counties,  varies 
from  $4.05  to  $16.90  with  an  average  of  $11.48.  This  cost  can  be  ma- 
terially reduced  by  cultivating  less  land  and  cultivating  it  better,  employ- 
ing less  labor  and  thus  increasing  its  efficiency,  restoring  the  exhausted 
elements  to  the  soil  and  thus  keeping  up  its  fertility,  and  by  producing 
home  supplies. 

It  is  probable  that  the  cultivation  of  cotton  for  home  consumption 
was  begun  with  the  first  settlement  of  the  State,  but  the  amount  raised 
must  have  been  quite  small.  The  first  cotton  grown  west  of  the  moun- 
tains by  American  settlers  was  planted  by  Col.  John  Donelson  in  1780, 
on  the  east  side  of  Stone’s  River,  opposite  Clover  Bottom.  Before  the 
close  of  the  Indian  war  fields  of  half  an  acre  or  an  acre  of  cotton  were  to 
be  seen  at  most  of  the  “improvements”  or  settlements.  The  entire  care 
of  this  crop  at  that  time,  from  the  planting  of  the  seed  to  the  slow  and 
laborious  process  of  seeding  the  cotton,  devolved  upon  the  women  and 
children  of  the  household. 

The  invention  of  the  gin  by  Whitney,  in  1793,  added  impetus  to  the 
culture  of  cotton,  although  it  was  not  until  some  time  after  that  the 
machines  came  into  general  use.  On  October  22,  1803,  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  Tennessee  passed  an  act,  of  which  the  following  is  the  preamble : 

Whereas,  It  is  proposed  by  Russell  Goodrich,  the  agent  of  Elijah  Whitney,  the  in- 
ventor and  patentee  of  a machine  for  the  cleaning  of  cotton  from  the  seeds,  commonly 
called  the  saw-gin,  and  Phineas  Miller,  the  assignee  of  one  moiety  of  the  patent  right  to 
said  machine,  to  sell  to  the  State  of  Tennessee,  the  sole  and  exclusive  right  of  making, 
using  and  vending  the  said  machine,  within  the  limits  of  this  State,  and 

Whereas  the  culture  of  cotton  is  increasing  in  this  State,  and,  from  the  invention 
and  use  of  said  machine,  likely  to  become  a valuable  staple  article  of  exportation,  it  is 
expedient  that  the  State  of  Tennessee  do  purchase  from  the  said  Miller  and  Whitney 
their  patent  right  to  the  making,  using  and  vending  of  the  said  new  invention  on  the 
terms  and  conditions  hereinafter  mentioned,  that  is  to  say,  that  there  shall  be  levied  and 
collected  by  the  State  of  Tennessee  on  each  and  every  said  gin  which  shall  be  used  in  the 
State  from  the  passing  of  this  act,  thirty-seven  and  one-half  cents  upon  each  and  every 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


241 


saw  or  circular  row  of  teeth,  which  shall  be  used  iu  said  gins  in  each  and  every  year,  for 
the  term  of  four  years,  which  tax,  when  collected,  is  to  be  paid  to  the  said  Miller  and 
Whitney  or  their  order,  first  deducting  the  sheriff’s  usual  commission  of  six  per  cent  for 
collecting  from  year  to  year  for  the  term  aforesaid.  The  first  payment  to  be  made  on  the 
first  day  of  November,  1804,  and  the  last  payment  on  the  first  day  of  November,  1807. 

The  total  amount  paid  by  the  State  for  the  use  of  the  gin  in  the 
counties  of  Middle  Tennessee,  or  Mero  District,  was  $4,517.49,  after 
deducting  the  sheriff’s  commission  of  $288.35.  Gins  were  used  in  ten 
counties  as  follows:  Davidson,  twenty -four;  Sumner,  nine;  Williamson,’ 
sis;  Montgomery,  five;  Robertson,  five;  Smith,  five;  Stewart,  one; 
Dickson,  one;  Wilson,  four,  and  Rutherford,  four.  The  following  statis- 
tics show  the  rapid  increase  in  the  production  of  cotton  in  Tennessee  from 
the  beginning  of  the  century:  The  crop  for  the  year  1801  was  estimated 
at  1,000,000  pounds,  and  for  1811,  at  3,000,000  pounds.  Ten  years  later 
it  had  increased  20,000,000  pounds;  in  1828,  to  45,000,000  pounds,  and 
in  1833,  to  50,000,000  pounds.  These  amounts  were  only  estimated  how- 
ever, and  for  the  last  two  or  three  periods,  were  undoubtedly  placed  too 
high,  as  the  census  of  1840  reports  the  crop  for  the  previous  year  at  27,- 
701,277  pounds.  The  crop  for  the  next  four  decennial  years  was  as 
follows:  1849,  194,532  bales;  1859,  296,464  bales;  1869,  181,842  bales, 
and  for  1879,  330,621  bales. 

The  great  peanut  growing  region  of  the  State  embraces  the  counties 
of  Perry,  Hickman  and  Humphreys,  and  portions  of  Dickson  and  Lewis. 
The  cultivation  of  this  crop  was  introduced  into  this  section  by  Jesse 
George,  of  Hickman  County.  The  seeds  came  from  North  Carolina, 
and  were  given  to  him  by  some  relatives,  who  were  passing  through 
the  county  on  their  way  West.  These  he  planted,  and  finding  the  county 
so  well  adapted  to  their  growth  he  ventured  to  raise  peanuts  for  market. 
Obtaining  a good  price  for  these  he  was  stimulated  to  a larger  planting. 
His  neighbors  caught  the  infection  and  Humphreys  soon  became  famous 
for  the  richness  and  superiority  of  its  peanuts.  The  entire  production 
of  this  crop  in  the  region  mentioned  above  reached,  in  the  year  1872, 

680.000  bushels;  of  these  Hickman  raised  200,000;  Humphreys,  250,000; 
Perry,  200,000,  and  Dickson,  30,000.  The  excessive  production  of  that 
year  reduced  the  price  so  low  that  the  crop  in  1873  was  diminished  to 

110.000  bushels.  The  prices  paid  the  Nashville  and  Cincinnati  markets 
vary  from  60  cents  to  $2.25  per  bushel,  according  to  production  and 
demand.  The  average  yield  is  about  forty  bushels  per  acre.  The  best 
soils  for  peanuts  are  those  which  are  well  drained,  and  have  a large  quan- 
tity of  intermingling  gravel. 

One  of  the  most  important  crops  of  Tennessee,  and  one  to  which  it  is 
peculiarly  adapted,  is  that  of  hay.  Although  its  production  is  small  ill 


242 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


comparison  with  its  value  to  the  farmer,  it  has  steadily  increased  for  the 
past  fifty  years,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  following  figures  taken  from  the 
census  reports:  In  1839  there  were  produced  31,233  tons;  in  1849,  74,- 
091  tons;  in  1859,  143,499  tons;  in  18G9,  116,582  tons,  and  in  1879, 
186,698  tons.  The  average  yield  per  acre  is  not  far  from  one  and  one-fourtli 
tons.  No  State  is  more  abundantly  supplied  with  water-courses,  and  the 
hay  crop  of  Tennessee  might  be  made  to  rival  that  of  any  other  State  in 
the  Union.  But  the  hay  growing  regions  are  not  confined  to  the  low  land 
bordering  the  streams;  on  the  northern  slopes  of  the  ridges  of  East  Ten- 
nessee and  on  the  rolling  lands  of  the  Central  Basin,  timothy  grows  with 
a surprising  luxuriance,  and  upon  the  flat  lands  of  the  Highland  Biver 
and  in  the  sandy  lands  of  West  Tennessee,  herd  grass  finds  a fitting  soil 
and  grows  to  a height  almost  incredible.  Knox,  Greene,  Sullivan,  Wash- 
ington and  Davidson  are  among' the  best  hay  growing  counties  in  the 
State,  Greene  ranking  first  and  Davidson  second.  While  the  average 
yield  of  hay  for  the  State  is  small,  instances  are  given  where  meadows 
favorably  located  have  yielded,  for  a period  of  ten  years  in  succession, 
from  two  to  three  tons  per  acre.  Of  the  many  varieties  of  grasses  there 
is  scarcely  one  but  that  in  some  portion  of  the  State  can  be  grown  with 
profit.  Timothy  is  the  best  grass  for  hay  making,  and  it  improves  all 
pastures  when  it  is  mixed  with  other  grasses.  It  does  best  in  limestone 
land,  in  which  the  crop  often  amounts  to  two  tons  of  hay  per  acre,  which 
rarely  sells  for  less  than  $20  per  ton. 

Blue-grass  is  a perennial,  and  is  essentially  a pasture  grass.  It 
grows  but  on  limestone  lands,  and  to  it  Kentucky  and  several  other 
States  owe  a large  portion  of  their  wealth.  Much  of  the  lands  of  East- 
ern and  Middle  Tennessee  produce  as  fine  blue-grass  as  can  be  grown 
anywhere,  and  it  will  ultimately  cover  all  the  limestone  hills  of  the 
State.  Several  of  the  counties  of  West  Tennessee  will  also  produce  good 
blue-grass.  Indeed  but  little  land  exists  in  the  State  which,  under 
proper  management,  will  not  grow  this  grass  profitably,  and  there  is  no 
reason  why  Tennessee  should  not  rival  Kentucky  in  its  production. 

Herd’s-grass,  or  red  top,  is  a hardy  perennial,  and  is  devoted  to  both 
pasture  and  meadow.  For  making  meadow  in  swampy  land  it  is  regarded 
as  superior  to  any  other  grass.  It  produces  a,  deep,  tough  sod  of  roots 
that  make  a firm  surface,  even  in  muddy  places,  and  yields  a ton  and  a 
half  of  hay  of  good  quality  per  acre.  In  well  drained  upland  it  yields 
fair  crops  of  hay,  but  is  not  equal  to  clover  and  timothy.  This  grass 
finds  a most  congenial  soil  throughout  West  Tennessee,  in  many  places 
attaining  the  height  of  five  feet.  It  is  probably  better  adapted  to  all  the 
soils  of  the  State  than  any  other  grass.  It  flourishes  upon  the  slopes 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


243 


and  in  tlie  valleys  of  East  Tennessee,  and  yields  abundantly  upon  the 
sandstone  soils  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land,  as  well  as  on  the  rolling 
surface  of  the  Highland  River.  In  the  Central  Basin,  too,  it  is  second 
only  to  red  clover  and  timothy  as  a meadow  grass. 

Orchard-grass,  also  a perennial,  makes  hay  and  pasture  of  the  best 
quality.  It  grows  best  on  limestone  lands,  but  makes  good  meadows  on 
any  rich  soil.  It  is  difficult,  however,  to  get  this  grass  well  sodded  and 
to  keep  it  in  full  possession  of  the  ground.  Some  of  the  good  points  of 
this  grass  are  its  adaptability  to  every  variety  of  soil,  its  rapid  growth, 
its  ability  to  resist  drought  and  its  power  to  grow  in  the  shade. 

Red  clover  is  the  most  valuable  of  all  the  grasses.  It  not  only  makes 
excellent  hay  and  pasturage,  but  is,  also,  the  great  fertilizer  of  land.  It 
grows  best  on  rich  limestone  lands,  but  may  be  made  to  prosper  on  any 
land  which  is  not  extremely  sandy.  It  finds  a congenial  soil  in  the  clayey 
lands  of  the  valleys  of  East  Tennessee,  on  the  red  soils  of  the  Highland 
Rim  and  on  the  limestone  loams  of  the  Central  Basin.  Probably  three- 
fourths  of  the  land  in  the  State  will  grow  clover  remuneratively. 

Besides  the  common  red  clover  several  other  species  are  grown  with  suc- 
cess, the  two  most,  important  of  which  are  alsike  clover  and  crimson  clover. 
The  former  is  a perennial  and  is  hardier  than  red  clover,  but  its  yield  is 
less.  The  latter  is  an  annual,  and  is  chiefly  valuable  as  a green  food.  Of 
the  annual  grasses  cultivated  in  Tennessee  the  most  important  is  millet, 
of  which  there  are  many  varieties.  The  first  millet  cultivated  in  the 
State  was  of  the  kind  commonly  termed  Tennessee  Millet.  In  a few 
years  the  Hungarian  grass  became  popular,  and  later  the  Missouri  millet 
became  the  favorite.  At  the  close  of  the  war  the  German  variety  was 
introduced,  and  soon  superseded  all  others.  These  grasses  all  grow  best 
in  limestone  soils,  but  prosper  on  any  soil  that  is  rich  enough,  and  there 
is  probably  more  hay  made  from  them  in  Tennessee  than  from  any  other 
kind  of  grass.  There  are  many  other  valuable  grasses  which  could  be 
profitably  grown  in  the  State,  but  which  have  not  been  very  generally 
introduced.  Several  wild  or  indigenous  grasses  grow  spontaneously,  one 
of  which  is  the  barren,  or  prairie  grass.  It  covered  all  the  prairie  lands 
when  the  country  was  first  settled  by  white  people.  It  springs  up  about 
the  1st  of'  April,  grows  to  the  height  of  two  feet,  and  affords  good  pas- 
turage from  April  to  the  1st  of  August,  when  it  becomes  hard  and 
woody  so  that  stock  refuse  to  eat  it.  Wherever  the  forest  is  not  so  dense 
as  to  exclude  the  light  and  heat  of  the  sun,  on  the  streams  and  table- 
lands of  the  Cumberland  Mountains  and  on  the  sandy,  flinty  and  siliceous 
“flat  woods"  of  the  whole  State,  this  grass  still  holds  possession,  and  is 
a blessing  to  the  inhabitants  of  all  lands  which  are  deficient  in  lime . 


244 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Another  indigeneous  perennial  grass  is  known  as  nimble  will.  On 
limestone  lands  where  the  forest  has  been  thinned  out,  it  grows  up  to  the 
height  of  about  fifteen  inches  and  forms  a dense  mat,  affording  good 
pasturage  for  five  or  sis  months  in  the  year. 

White  clover  is  a spontaneous  growth  over  nearly  the  entire  State, 
and  is  luxuriant  in  limestone  soils.  Next  to  blue-grass  it  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  grazing  plants,  and  is  to  the  pasture  what  red  clover  is  to 
the  meadow.  It  is  a hardy  perennial,  and  withstands  drouth  and  con- 
stant grazing. 

Crab-grass  is  an  annual  of  some  value  for  fall  pasturage,  but  is  a 
troublesome  pest  among  growing  crops,  especially  during  wet  seasons. 
When  the  farm  is  kept  under  a rotation  of  crops,  however,  and  tilled  only 
once  in  four  or  five  years,  the  crab-grass  is  soon  exterminated  and  better 
grasses  take  its  place. 

In  addition  to  the  crops  already  mentioned  there  are  grown  in  partic- 
ular localities  hemp,  broom  corn,  flax,  sorghum  and  rice.  All  the  garden 
vegetables  are  raised  in  abundance.  Peas,  beans,  onions,  lettuce,  cab- 
bage, turnips,  radishes,  salsify,  celery,  cucumbers,  butterbeans,  toma- 
toes, squashes,  melons,  carrots,  beets,  egg-plant,  asparagus  and  many  oth- 
ers are  found  in  almost  every  garden. 

The  cultivation  of  hemp  is  chiefly  confined  to  the  counties  of  East 
Tennessee.  The  total  crop  in  the  State  for  1859  was  2,243  tons,  of  which 
Claiborne  County  produced  nearly  one-half.  The  other  counties  produc- 
ing it  in  any  considerable  quantities  during  that  year  were  Greene,  Haw- 
kins, Cannon  and  Anderson.  In  1869  Hancock  County  ranked  first  and 
Johnson  second,  the  crops  for  these  counties  being  290  and  207  tons 
respectively.  The  census  reports  for  1880  show  no  return  from  the  hemp 
crop  in  Tennessee. 

The  raising  of  flax  is  also  confined  mainly  to  East  Tennessee,  and  its 
production  in  that  locality  is  somewhat  decreased.  In  1859  the  State 
produced  164,294'pounds  of  fibre  and  9,362  bushels  of  seed.  The  reports 
for  1879  show  a total  production  of  only  19,601  pounds  of  fibre,  and  787 
bushels  of  seed,  Claiborne  County  ranking  first,  having  produced  nearly 
one-fourth  of  the  entire  amount. 

Sorghum  is  now  grown  in  considerable  quantities  in  every  county  of 
the  State.  Since  its  introduction  about  thirty  years  ago,  the  production 
of  the  staple  has  steadily  and  rapidly  increased,  and  it  is  now  one  of  the 
most  valuable  crops  raised.  The  entire  production  of  sorghum  for  1859 
amounted  to  706,663  gallons.  The  counties  producing  the  greatest 
quantities  were  Knox,  51,027  gallons;  Blount,  38,594;  McMinn,  27,252, 
and  Washington,  26,898.  In  1879  the  State  produced  3,776,212  gallons. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


245 


Lincoln  County  ranked  first  with  a production  of  142,357  gallons,  and 
Maury  County  second,  with  a production  of  137,195  gallons.  Wilson, 
Giles  and  Rutherford  each  produced  more  than  100,000  gallons. 

Some  maple  sugar  is  also  produced  in  many  counties  of  the  State, 
although  the  bulk  of  it  is  furnished  by  East  Tennessee.  In  1859  there 
was  produced  115,620  pounds  of  sugar  and  74,372  gallons  of  molasses,  df 
which  latter  article  Sevier  County  produced  more  than  one-half. 

In  1879  only  31,296  pounds  of  sugar  and  3,688  gallons  of  mola'sses 
were  produced,  Grainger  County  ranking  first  and  Fentress  County  sec- 
ond in  sugar  with  a production  of  3,040  and  2,415  pounds  respectively. 
Wilson  County  ranked  first,  and  Sullivan  County  second,  in  the  produc- 
tion of  molasses. 

There  has  never  been  sufficient  attention  paid  by  the  farmers  of  Ten- 
nessee to.  the  preservation  of  the  fertility  of  the  soil.  Land  has,  hith- 
erto, been  so  easily  obtained  that,  leaving  the  future  out  of  consideration, 
it  has  been  cheaper  to  buy  new  land  than  to  preserve  the  old.  But  the 
spirit  of  improvement  which,  during  the  past  twenty  years,  has  man- 
ifested itself  in  every  industry  in  the  South,  has  developed  better  systems 
of  cultivation,  and  a more  intelligent  appreciation  of  the  value  of  fertil- 
izers. All  the  stable  manure  and  other  refuse  matter  upon  the  farm  is 
now  carefully  saved  by  the  best  farmers,  and  is  returned  to  the  field  for 
the  benefit  of  the  future  crops.  On  account  of  the  small  amount  of  stock 
kept  upon  the  average  farm,  the  supply  of  stable  manure  is  insufficient, 
and  recourse  to  other  fertilizers  becomes  necessary.  Of  the  green  crops 
used  for  this  purpose,  here  as  nearly  everywhere  else,  clover  holds  the 
leading  place.  As  there  is  but  little  land  in  the  State  that  will  not  pro- 
duce clover,  no  difficulty  is  experienced  in  preserving  the  fertility  of  the 
soil,  and  in  restoring  fertility  where  it  has  already  been  impaired.  The 
native  or  southern  pea  is  also  used  to  some  extent  as  a fertilizer. 
Recently  the  use  of  artificial  or  commercial  fertilizers  has  been  intro- 
duced, and  is  rapidly  becoming  general.  They  are  more  largely  used 
in  the  cultivation  of  tobacco  and  wheat  than  any  other  crop.  The  amount 
of  these  fertilizers  used  in  the  State  in  1885  was  estimated  at  from 
10,000  to  12,000  tons,  as  against  about  3,000  tons  in  1882.  The  most 
extensive  fertilizer  manufactory  in  the  State  is  the  National  Fertilizer 
Company,  with  headquarters  at  Nashville.  The  company  was  organized 
in  1882  with  D.  C.  Scales  as  president,  and  W.  G.  Sadler  as  secretary 
and  superintendent.  Their  factory  is  located  about  three  miles  from  the 
town,  and  has  a capacity  of  10,000  tons  per  annum.  About  25  per  cent 
of  these  products  are  sold  in  Tennessee,  the  remainder  being  distributed 
among  the  other  Southern  States.  The  bone  phosphate  which  forms  the 


246 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


base  of  their  fertilizer  is  obtained  from  the  phosphate  rock  beds  of  South 
Carolina.  The  chemical  substances,  with  the  exception  of  sulphuric  acid, 
are  imported  from  Europe.  The  company  manufacture  all  of  the  latter 
substance  which  they  use.  It  is  generated  by  the  action  of  acids  upon 
what  is  commonly  known  as  “iron  pyrites,”  which  contains  about  45  per 
cent  of  sulphur.  The  rock  containing  the  pyrites  is  obtained  in  quantities 
of  several  hundred  tons  at  a time,  from  the  quarries  of  Georgia,  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin.  The  Memphis  Fertilizer  Company  utilizes  the  refuse 
from  the  cotton-seed  oil  mills  as  cotton-seed  hull  ashes  and  cotton-seed 
meal,  which,  when  mixed  with  acid  phosphates,  make  an  excellent  fertil- 
izer, especially  for  cotton.  There  are  also  two  or  three  firms  in  the  State 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  pure  bone  dust. 

Tennessee,  taking  the  twelfth  rank  in  the  sisterhood  of  States  in  the 
number  of  her  population,  aggregating  1,542,359,  according  to  the  last 
census,  takes  the  thirteenth  position  in  point  of  the  value  of  her  live- 
stock upon  farms,  aggregating  in  value  $43,651,470.  With  only 
8,496,556  acres  of  improved  land,  there  is  about  one-third  of  the  area  of 
the  entire  State,  or  a little  more  than  five  acres  to  each  inhabitant,  actu- 
ally available  and  employed.  According  to  the  tenth  census  there  are 
for  each  100  acres  eighty  so  employed;  only  three  horses,  three  and  sixth- 
tenths  milch  cows,  five  and  six-tenths  of  all  other  cattle,  eight  sheep  and 
twenty-five  swine.  Considering  the  vast  area  unemployed  and  unre- 
claimed, embracing  as  it  does  much  of  the  best  lands  of  the  State  for  the 
production  of  the  cereals  and  cultivated  grasses,  together  with  the  magnifi- 
cent climate  and  admirably  watered  valleys,  so  well  adapted  to  stock- 
growing, notwithstanding  the  aggregate  value  of  live-stock  making 
a large  item  in  the  wealth  of  the  State,  the  percentage  appears  very  low 
when  compared  with  her  real  capacity  for  the  development  of  this  great 
interest.  But  the  State  is  yearly  attracting  greater  attention  among 
those  engaged  in  stock  raising,  and  she  is  certainly  destined  to  occupy  a 
foremost  place  in  this  most  important  branch  of  husbandry. 

Tennessee,  while  possessing  fewer  horses  according  to  population  than 
many  other  States,  is  second  to  none  in  the  fine  quality  of  this  kind  of 
stock.  For  the  past  three-quarters  of  a century  this  branch  of  stock  hus- 
bandry, has  received  the  attention  of  many  of  the  most  enlightened  minds 
of  the  State,  Avliose  time,  means  and  zeal  have  been  devoted  to  the  pro- 
duction of  the  highest  type  of  the  equine  race.  As  early  as  1790  many 
good  horses  were  brought  into  East  Tennessee,  and  through  the  influence 
of  Gen.  Jackson,  who  was  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  turf,  many  of  them 
were  afterward  brought  to  Middle  Tennessee.  Since  that  time  some  of 
the  finest  imported  horses  ever  brought  to  this  country  have  been  owned 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


247 


in  the  State,  and  in  the  hands  of  skillful  breeders  have  made  Tennessee 
horses  renowned  throughout  America.  Although  a few  central  counties, 
as  Davidson,  Sumner,  Giles,  Maury,  Rutherford  and  others,  have  hitherto 
devoted  the  greatest  amount  of  attention  to  the  breeding  of  the  finest 
horses,  there  are  many  counties  which  vie  with  them  in  the  number  and 
value  of  their  stock.  In  1880  there  were  fourteen  counties  of  the  State 
owning  over  5,000  horses,  Wilson  with  9,166  ranking  first,  and  Ruther- 
ford with  9,005  occupying  the  second  place.  These  figures  include  only 
the  horses  owned  upon  farms.  Not  so  much  attention  has  been  paid  to 
the  heavy  draft  horse  as  to  the  roadster,  the  high  prices  obtained  for  the 
latter  making  it  more  profitable  to  the  breeder. 

The  mules  raised  in  the  State  are  nearly  equal  in  number  to  the 
horses,  and  many  of  the  States  further  south  look  to  Tennessee  for  their 
supply  of  these  animals.  In  1880  Maury  County  owned  8,301  mules; 
Shelby,  7,094;  Wilson,  6,336;  Fentress,  5,602,  and  six  other  counties 
between  4,000  and  5,000  each. 

Next  in  importance,  if  second  to  any  other,  is  the  cattle  interest  of 
the  State.  Yet,  if  the  natural  advantages  and  capabilities  of  the  State 
are  taken  into  consideration,  this  branch  of  stock  husbandry  is  developed 
to  a very  limited  extent.  During  the  war  this  interest  suffered  more 
severely  than  almost  any  other,  and  it  has  required  nearly  two  decades 
to  recover  from  its  effects.  In  1860  the  number  of  cattle  of  all  kinds  in 
the  State  aggregated  764,732;  in  1870,  607,038,  and  in  1880,  783,634; 
an  increase  over  1860  of  less  than  20,000.  The  improvement  in  quality, 
however,  has  been  great.  Notwithstanding,  some  few  of  the  improved 
breeds  of  cattle  were  introduced  as  early  as  1834  by  importations  from 
England  and  elsewhere,  nothing  like  a general  interest  was  manifested 
in  the  introduction  of  improved  breeds,  or  for  the  general  distribution  of 
the  more  economic  and  valuable  variety  of  cattle,  until  within  the  last  two 
decades.  Since  the  war,  however,  the  spirit  of  improvement  has  awak- 
ened the  farmers  of  the  State  to  a higher  appreciation  than  was  ever 
before  had  of  the  superiority  of  good  stock  over  bad  or  indifferent. 
Many  very  valuable  Short  Horns  have  been  brought  into  Middle  and 
West  Tennessee  from  Kentucky,  and  the  Lime-stone  Basin  has  become 
noted  for  its  good  cattle.  In  East  Tennessee  several  very  promising 
herds  of  Jerseys  have  been  introduced  into  various  sections  of  the  valley, 
and  the  interest  in  stock-breeding  is  fast  becoming  general.  Some 
excellent  herds  of  Ayrshires,  Devons  and  Holsteins  are  owned  in  various 
parts  of  the  State,  but  the  greatest  number  are  found  in  the  middle  divis- 
ion. In  the  rougher  and  more  mountainous  regions,  the  native  breeds, 
on  account  of  their  natural  hardiness  and  endurance,  will  undoubtedly 
continue  to  be  raised  more  largely  than  any  other. 


248 


HISTOHY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


There  is  no  State  in  the  Union  that  in  climate,  physical  features,  and 
productions  excels  Tennessee  in  the  proportion  of  her  territory  adapted 
to  the  successful  prosecution  of  the  important  industry  of  wool-growing. 
The  vast  plateaus  and  extensive  ridges  and  valleys  of  the  eastern  division 
of  the  State  seem  almost  to  have  been  formed  especially  for  the  production 
of  wool,  while  the  table-lands  of  the  middle  and  western  division  are 
scarcely  to  be  excelled  for  grazing  purposes.  Notwithstanding  these  great 
natural  advantages,  the  aggregate  number  of  sheep  in  Tennessee  accord- 
ing to  the  last  census  was  only  673,117,  a decrease  of  204,666  in  ten 
years.  This  diminution  in  the  number  of  sheep  kept  is  largely  owing 
to  the  fact  that  there  is  practically  no  legal  protection  for  the  property 
of  the  flock  owner  from  the  ravages  of  vicious  dogs.  Many  sheep  are 
annually  killed  by  these  depredators,  and  farmers  are  thereby  discour- 
aged from  what  would  otherwise  be  one  of  the  most  profitable  depart- 
ments of  husbandry.  * But  while  the  number  of  sheep  in  the  State  has 
largely  decreased,  it  is  probable  that  the  valuation  of  the  flocks  is  fully 
equal  to,  if  it  does  not  exceed,  that  of  ten  years  ago.  This  improvement  in 
the  quality  of  the  stock  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  although  the  num- 
ber of  sheep  in  1880  was  one-fourth  less  than  in  1870,  the  wool  clip  of 
the  former  year  exceeded  in  amount  that  produced  in  1870  by  nearly 
one-lialf.  The  pioneer  in  the  breeding  of  fine  sheep  in  Tennessee  was 
Mark  R.  Cockrill,  of  Davidson  County.  At  the  great  London  exhibition 
held  in  1849-50,  where  every  nation  in  the  world  was  represented,  he  was 
awarded  the  grand  medal  for  the  finest  specimen  of  wool  exhibited.  Af- 
ter making  a careful  study  of  the  wool  of  every  country,  lie  fearlessly 
maintained  that  the  peculiar  climate  and  soil  and  protecting  agencies  of 
Tennessee,  would  make  it  the  best  wool-growing  region  under  the  sun. 
and  he  proved  it  by  wresting  the  premium  for  the  finest  fleece  from  the 
assembled  wool-growers  of  the  world.  Yet  with  this  example  before  them, 
the  majority  of  farmers,  if  they  raised  any  sheep  at  all,  were  content 
with  the  half -wild  animal  which  may  still  be  found  roaming  at  large  in 
some  sections  of  the  State.  In  late  years,  however,  many  counties  have 
introduced  in  addition  to  the  Merino,  the  Cotswold,  Southdown  and  Lei- 
cester, all  of  which  have  proved  profitable. 

The  adaptation  of  the  soil  of  Tennessee  to  Indian  corn  renders  it  one 
peculiarly  fitted  for  the  growth  of  swine,  and  in  1850  she  took  first  rank 
as  a hog-growing  State.  The  following  figures  show  the  number  of  hogs 
reported  in  the  State  at  the  beginning  of  each  decade  from  1840.  1840, 

2,926,607 ; 1850,  3,104,800;  1860,  2,347,321;  1870,  1,828,690;  1880, 
2,160,495.  This  industry  became  well  nigh  annihilated  during  the  civil 
war,  but  owing  to  the  rapid  reproduction  of  this  animal,  the  State  is  now 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


249 


producing  as  many  liogs  as  in  1860.  Swine  are  probably  more  suscepti- 
ble of  rapid  improvement,  by  judicious  care  and  breeding,  than  almost 
any  other  class  of  domestic  animals.  Hence  in  renewing  their  herds, 
many  of  the  more  enterprising  farmers,  recognizing  the  importance  of 
introducing  improved  breeds,  made  large  importations  of  Bei'kshires, 
Poland  China,  Essex,  -Jersey  Reds,  and  other  standard  varieties.  These 
importations  have  since  continued,  and  such  is  the  perfection  to  which 
the  hogs  of  the  State  are  bred,  it  is  questionable  if  finer  specimens  are 
to  be  found  in  any  other  portion  of  the  United  States,  or  in  Europe. 

More  or  less  poultry  is  raised  or  allowed  to  breed  on  all  farms  in 
Tennessee,  but  as  a general  rule  the  fowls  receive  but  little  attention. 
In  East  Tennessee,  however,  the  raising  of  poultry  for  market  is  growing 
into  an  industry  of  considerable  importance.  The  value  of  this  interest 
is  usually  under-estimated.  In  1880  there  were  over  16,000,000  dozen 
eggs  produced,  and  the  number  of  fowls  in  the  State  exceeded  5,000,000. 
The  natural  aptitude  of  the  soils  of  Tennessee  for  the  production  of 
valuable  grasses  has  already  been  noticed.  That  it  has  natural  ad- 
vantages for  the  economical  production  of  butter  and  cheese  would 
almost  follow  as  a necessary  consequence.  Yet  so  little  have  the  dairy 
interests  been  developed  that  in  1879  Tennessee,  compared  with  the  other 
States  of  the  Union,  stood  fourteenth  in  the  amount  of  butter  made  upon 
farms,  and  twenty -third  in  the  production  of  cheese,  while  in  the  amount 
of  milk  sold  to  butter  and  cheese  factories  she  stood  the  twenty-fifth,  the 
amount  being  only  1,006,795  gallons.  With  natural  advantages  equal 
to  those  of  the  great  dairy  States,  New  York,  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio, 
Tennessee  has  not  until  very  recently  produced  butter  and  cheese  in 
sufficient  quantities  to  supply  the  home  demand.  Within  the  past  few 
years,  however,  the  establishment  of  creameries  has  given  the  industry  a 
decided  impetus,  and  in  many  counties,  it  bids  fair  to  become  the  most 
profitable  branch  of  husbandry.  The  Tennessee  Creamery  Company, 
with  headquarters  in  Nashville,  and  operating  in  Middle  Tennessee,  has 
done  much  toward  the  development  of  the  dairy  business  in  that  section. 
The  prices  paid  for  milk  by  these  creameries  are  fully  one-third  more 
than  are  paid  in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  yet  they  are  able  to  com- 
pete successfully  in  the  markets  with  the  butter  makers  of  any  other 
State.  The  following  was  written  by  a well  known  authority  upon  the 
subject:  “Tennessee  has  many  eminent  advantages  as  a dairy  State. 

It  can  make  butter  as  cheap  or  cheaper  than  any  other  State,  because 
good  grazing  lands  are  cheaper ; because  it  is  the  most  southern  State 
that  grows  a variety  of  grasses  and  forage  plants ; because  the  climate  is 
mild,  and  cows  have  access  for  a longer  period  to  those  succulent  grasses 


250 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


which  are  so  promotive  of  the  heavy  flood  of  milk,  and  consequently 
winter  dairies  can  be  carried  on  for  a greater  length  of  time.”  That  the 
dairy  interests  of  Tennessee  are  rapidly  advancing  is  evident  from  the 
fact  that  the  butter  production  for  1879  was  double  that  of  1869,  and  it 
is  safe  to  say  that  the  increase  during  the  present  decade  will  be  corre- 
spondingly great. 

From  the  first  settling  of  the  State  it  has  been  the  custom  of  a large 
majority  of  the  farmers  to  secure  a few  colonies  of  bees  as  a necessary 
adjunct  to  a well  stocked  farm,  but  it  was  not  until  the  introduction  of 
improved  hives,  artificial  swarming,  movable  combs  and  extractors  that 
it  was  pursued  as  a separate  vocation.  At  present  there  are  many  per- 
sons who  engage  in  this  business  almost  exclusively,  and  whose  profits 
are  satisfactory.  In  the  year  1850  the  number  of  pounds  of  bees-wax  and 
honey  reported  for  Tennessee  was  1,036,572;  in  1860,  the  amount  of 
bees-wax  was  98,882  pounds,  and  of  honey,  1,519,390  pounds;  in  1870, 
51,685  pounds  of  bees-wax,  and  1,039,550  pounds  of  honey.  The  decrease 
for  1870  is  doubtless  due  to  the  effect  of  the  war.  In  1880  the  amount 
of  honey  reported  was  2,130,689  pounds,  and  of  wax  86,421  pounds, 
which  places  Tennessee  first  among  the  States  of  the  Union  in  apiarian 
products.  These  results  are  due  not  only  to  the  increased  number  of 
bees  kept,  but  to  the  improved  methods  of  handling  them  and  to  the 
introduction  of  Italian  bees,  which  were  first  brought  into  the  State  in 
the  year  1866.  Tennessee  has  the  best  climate  and  the  greatest  variety 
of  food  for  bees  of  any  State,  having  all  the  forage  plants  of  both  the 
North  and  the  South,  while  it  has  some  that  are  not  found  in  either. 
The  climate,  too,  is  especially  adapted  to  bee  culture,  being  a medium 
one  with  mild  and  short  winters  and  agreeable  summers. 

Perhaps  no  industry  in  Tennessee  has  made  greater  advancement  in 
the  past  twenty  years  than  that  of  grape  growing,  the  admirable  adapta- 
tion of  the  soil  and  climate  to  which  was  in  a great  measure  unknown  or 
neglected  until  since  the  close  of  the  war.  One  of  the  first  efforts  to 

<D 

grow  grapes  in  the  State  was  made  by  P.  F.  Tavel,  a Swiss,  who  came  to 
Stewart  County  in  1844.  The  varieties  he  planted  being  imported  failed 
to  do  well,  and  the  attempt  was  abandoned  under  the  impression  that  the 
climate  was  not  propitious  for  the  culture  of  the  fruit.  Some  ten  years 
later  a few  enterprising  persons  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  after  in- 
specting the  vineyards  around  Cincinnati,  were  induced  to  plant  a few 
vines  of  the  Isabella  and  Catawba  varieties.  Among  these  early  pioneers 
ip  grape  growing  were  James  Clark  and  Rebecca  Dudley,  of  Montgom- 
ery County,  who,  long  before  wine  making  in  Tennessee  was  thought 
possible,  planted  and  successfully  managed  several  acres  of  vines,  and 


I 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE.  251 

made  wine  that  by  reason  of  its  excellence  and  flavor  soon  became  famous 
throughout  the  country.  The  varieties  they  planted,  however,  were  not 
suited  to  the  latitude,  and  the  frequent  failures  of  their  vineyards  in- 
duced the  belief  that  Tennessee  could  never  be  made  a grape  growing 
State.  For  a time  they  even  were  discouraged,  but  eventually  came  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  failures  arose  rather  from  the  unsuitableness  of 
the  varieties  than  from  the  nature  of  the  location,  soil  or  climate.  Act- 
ing upon  this  belief  some  new  kinds,  among  which  were  the  Ives  Seedling 
and  Concord,  were  planted  and  were  found  to  thrive  so  well  that  the  old 
vineyards  were  abandoned.  Since  that  time  grapes  have  been  very  suc- 
cessfully and  profitably  grown  in  nearly  every  section  of  the  State. 
Several  different  varieties  are  planted,  but  for  wine  the  two  above  named 
predominate. 

From  the  days  of  the  earliest  settlers,  even  among  the  Indians,  excel- 
lent apples  have  been  grown  in  Tennessee,  and  there  is  scarcely  a county 
in  the  State  that,  with  proper  cultivation,  will  not  produce  them  abun- 
dantly. The  most  favorable  localities  for  apples,  as  well  as  other  of  the 
larger  fruits,  are  the  river  lands  of  Middle  Tennessee,  the  great  plateau  of 
West  Tennessee  and  the  hillsides  of  the  eastern  division.  These  localities 
are  equal  to  the  most  favored  regions  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania.  Until 
within  the  past  few  years  the  raising  of  apples  has  been  mainly  confined 
to  the  supply  for  domestic  purposes.  Most  of  the  old  orchards  are  stocked 
with  native  varieties,  but  new  and  improved  late  varieties  are  now  being 
introduced,  and  the  acreage  of  orchards  is  rapidly  increasing.  Several 
extensive  orchards  have  recently  been  planted  on  the  river  lands  in  Rob- 
ertson County,  and  also  by  the  Ruby  community,  in  Morgan  County. 

Of  the  cultivated  berries  the  strawberry  is  the  most  largely  raised, 
and  it  grows  with  vigor  and  productiveness  in  every  portion  of  the  State. 
The  planting  and  crops  of  these  berries  in  the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga  is 
said  to  have  doubled  annually  for  the  past  five  years.  The  shipments 
of  them  for  the  season  of  1882  aggregated  143,822  pounds;  for  the  sea- 
son of  1884,  457,846  pounds,  and  for  the  season  of  1885,  814,574  pounds. 
Nearly  all  portions  of  West  Tennessee,  but  more  especially  the  northern 
counties,  are  unsurpassed  for  the  production  of  this  fruit,  and  large  and 
annually  increasing  quantities  are  shipped  to  the  cities  of  the  North.  With 
the  advantages  of  soil,  climate  and  transportation  facilities  the  possibili- 
ties of  this  business  are  unlimited. 

The  cultivation  of  raspberries,  blackberries  and  dew-berries  has  not 
been  extensively  engaged  in  on  account  of  the  luxuriance  and  perfection 
with  which  they  grow  in  the  wild  state.  Berries  of  the  finest  flavor  and 
of  large  size  grow  wild  along  the  fence-rows,  in  “old  fields”  and  in  the 


252 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


forest-.  For  the  production  of  all  kinds  of  small  fruits  Tennessee  stands 
superior  to  any  other  State  in  the  Union. 

From  the  following  lists  of  exports*  from  Madison  County  for  1884 
some  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  fruit  growing  industry  in  West  Tennessee 
may  be  obtained:  Apples,  8,000  barrels;  pears,  3,000  barrels;  peaches, 
2,500  crates;  plums,  550  crates;  strawberries,  22,000  crates;  other  fruits, 
L 0,000  crates. 

The  shipments  from  Chattanooga  for  the  same  season  were,  in 
pounds:  Peaches,  plums,  and  pears,  86,115;  blackberries,  208,208;  rasp- 
berries, 2,465;  strawberries,  457,816;  and  grapes,  16,733.  The  shipment 
of  peaches  for  the  season  of  1885  amounted  to  446,266  pounds. 


CENSUS  REPORTS  OF  AGRICULTURAL  PRODUCTION  WITH  THE  RELATIVE  RANK 

OF  TENNESSEE. 


PRODUCTS. 

1840. 

1850. 

Amount 

Rank 

Amount 

Rank 

(Bushels) 

4,569,692 

44,986,188 

7,035,678 

304,320 

4,809 

17,118 

1,904,370 

6 

1 

1,619,386 

52,276,223 

7,703,086 

89,137 

13 

5 

6 

8 

12 

15 

21 

2^737 

19,427 

1,067,844 

2,777,716 

(Bales) 

194,532 

20,148,932 

74,091 

24 

15 

18 

Irish  Potatoes 1 

16 

6 

( Pounds) 
27,701,277 
29,550,432 
(Tonsi 
31,233 

7 

5 

3 

4 

21 

(Pounds) 

8,139,585 

177,681 

11 

19 

tl, 036^572 
158,557 

4 

14 

Value  of  Orchard 

$52894 

270,636 

75,303 

86,255 

19 

Number 

341,409 

5 

7 

1 

4 

7 

414,051 

14 

741,593 

7 

811,591 

9 

2,926^607 

1 

3,104,800 

$29,978,016 

5,175,173 

$97,851,212 

1 

Value  of  all  Live 

5 

Acres  of  Improved 

8 

Value  of  Farms 

9 

1860. 

1870 

1880. 

Amount 

Rank 

Amount 

Rank 

Amount 

Rank 

5,459,268 

52,089,926 

13 

6,188,916 

13 

7,331,353 

18 

6 

41,343,614 

7 

62,764,429 

9 

2,267,814 

17 

4,513,315 

13 

4,722,190 

156,419 

16 

257,989 

16 

223,335 

17 

21 

25,144 

21 

75,068 

22 

30,019 

29 

14,481 

24 

77,437 

16 

33,434 

21 

1,182,005 

21 

1,124,337 

22 

1,354,481 

25 

2,604,672 

6 

1,205,683 

8 

2,369,901 

5 

296,464 

8 

181,842 

8 

330,621 

9 

43,448,097 

3 

21,465,452 

3 

29,365,052 

5 

143,499 

22 

116,582 

24 

186,698 

26 

10,017,787 

15 

9,571,069 

13 

17,886,369 

14 

135,575 

22 

142,240 

18 

98,740 

22 

1,519,300 

5 

1,039,550 

5 

2,130,689 

1 

115,620 

17 

134,968 

18 

31,296 

20 

(Gallons) 

74,372 

9 

4,843 

18 

3,688 

18 

706,663 

6 

1,254,701 

6 

3,776,212 

2 

$305,003 

18 

$571,520 

21 

$919,844 

16 

290,882 

9 

247,254 

11 

266,119 

14 

126,335 

i 

102,903 

2 

173,498 

2 

102,158 

7 

63,970 

5 

27,312 

14 

249,514 

10 

243,197 

12 

303,900 

13 

413,060 

15 

336,529 

11 

452,462 

15 

773,517 

n 

826,783 

12 

672,789 

16 

2,347,321 

4 

1,828,690 

5 

2,160,495 

7 

$60,211,425 

6 

$55,084,075 

9 

$ 43,651,470 

13 

6,795,337 

9 

6,843,278 

9 

8,496,556 

$206,749,837 

14 

$271,358,985 

8 

$218,743,747 

12 

14 

* Estimated. 

tWax  and  honey  combined. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


253 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Growth  and  Development  Concluded — The  Timber  Interests — Kind  and 
Quantity  of  Native  Wood — Manufactories— Iron  Products  and  Ship- 
ments—The  Early  Furnaces — The  Present  Enormous  PtETURNS— Min- 
eral Companies — Iron  Manufactures— The  Coal  Consumption  and  Ex- 
ports—The  Marble  Quarries— Quality,  Quantity  and  Market— The 
Yield  of  Copper  Ore— The  Production  of  Flour,  Cotton  and  Woolen 
Goods,  Gunpowder,  Paper,  Leather,  Whisky,  Cotton-seed  Oil,  etc. — 
The  Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Statistics  and  Mines — What  it  has 
Accomplished. 

TT1EW  States  of  the  Union  have  a larger  proportionate  area  of  valuable 
JL  timber  lands  than  Tennessee.  With  a superficial  area  of  26,000,- 
000  acres,  she  has  in  farms  a little  over  20,000,000  acres,  54  per  cent 
of  which  consists  of  woodland.  The  States  having  an  equal  or 
greater  percentage  of  timber  land  are  Florida,  having  66  per  cent;  Ar- 
kansas, 65;  North  Carolina,  62;  West  Virginia,  61;  Georgia,  59;  Missis- 
sippi, 58 ; Alabama,  55 ; Louisiana,  55,  and  South  Carolina,  54.  If  the 
value  of  the  timber  is  considered  Tennessee  without  a doubt  exceeds 
them  all.  In  her  forests  may  be  found  almost  every  variety  of  tree 
known  to  the  United  States.  This  is  due  to  the  difference  of  elevation 
in  the  State,  which  produces  a great  diversity  of  climate,  and  to  the.  ex- 
istence of  a variety  of  soil.  Some  portions  of  West  Tennessee  are  cov- 
ered with  heavy  forests,  the  magnificience  of  which  are  unsurpassed  in 
America.  The  river  swamps  in  this  part  of  the  State  still  contain  large 
Bodies  of  cypress,  while  the  hills  are  covered  with  oaks,  hickories  and 
other  hard-wood  trees.  The  'central  portion  of  the  State,  now  more 
largely  cleared  than  either  of  the  other  divisions,  was  once  covered  with 
forests  of  hard  wood,  considerable  bodies  of  which  still  remain  upon  the 
land  least  fit  for  agricultural  purposes,  or  remote  from  railroads.  Nearly 
through  the  center  of  this  middle  district,  extending  north  and  south, 
the  “cedar  glades”  occupy  an  extensive  region.  The  eastern  portion  of 
the  State  is  covered  with  a heavy  forest  of  oak  and  other  hard  woods, 
mixed  at  high  elevation  with  hemlock,  pine  and  spruce,  and  constituting 
one  of  the  finest  bodies  of  timber  in  the  United  States. 

As  a catalog  and  description  of  all  the  various  varieties  of  timber 
in  the  State  would  require  a volume,  only  a few  of  the  most  important 
will  be  noticed.  Of  the  oak  Tennessee  has  twelve  or  more  species,  the 
most  valuable  of  which  is  the  white  oak.  This  tree  attains  an  enormous 


16 


254 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


size  in  tlie  valley  of  tlie  Tennessee,  and  in  the  first  and  second  tier  of 
river  counties  of  West  Tennessee.  It  is  found  in  considerable  quantities 
in  many  parts  of  East  Tennessee,  the  best  being  on  the  ridges  in  the 
western  part  of  that  division,  or  in  the  counties  resting  against  the  Cum- 
berland Table-land,  and  also  in  the  slopes  of  the  Unaka  Mountains.  The 
ridges  and  valleys  lying  on  Duck  and  Buffalo  Bivers  are  also  covered 
with  this  tree,  and  it  is  pretty  generally  scattered  through  all  the  wooded 
district  of  the  Highland  Him.  The  timber  from  this  tree  is  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  wagons  and  agricultural  implements  and  for  staves  and 
fence  rails.  White  oak  lumber  sells'at  the  mills  for  $18  to  $20  per  1,000 
feet,  according  to  demand  and  accessibility. 

The  red  oak  grows  in  nearly  every  portion  of  the  State,  and  furnishes 
the  greater  part  of  the  staves  for  tobacco  hogsheads  and  flour  barrels. 
A large  proportion  of  the  charcoal  consumed  by  the  furnaces  is  also 
manufactured  from  this  timber.  The  post  oak  is  found  in  all  parts  of 
the  State,  and  grows  where  the  soil  is  dry,  gravelly  and  thin.  It  is  used 
extensively  for  railroad  ties,  being  solid,  tough,  close-grained  and  hard 
to  split.  The  chestnut  oak  thrives  on  high,  poor,  barren  and  rocky  soil, 
and  upon  such  may  be  found  in  every  division  of  the  State,  but  especially 
upon  the  leached  soils  of  the  Highland  Rim.  It  is  chiefly  valuable  for 
its  bark,  Avhich  is  richer  in  tanning  than  that  of  any  other  tree.  The 
black  oak  is  found  in  considerable  quantities  in  the  Highland  Rim,  es- 
pecially those  portions  which  have  a rich  loamy  soil;  as  in  Montgomery, 
and  parts  of  Stewart  and  Robertson  Counties.  Much  of  this  timber  is 
annually  made  into  boards  and  staves,  many  thousands  of  the  latter  being 
shipped  to  the  St.  Louis  market.  The  scarlet  oak  is  found  in  abundance 
in  East  Tennessee,  growing  in  moist  places.  It  is  also  found  in  the 
small  swampy  spots  in  Middle  and  West  Tennessee,  though  not  in  suffi- 
cient quantities  to  make  it  of  particular  interest  or  profit.  Black  jack 
oak  covers  a considerable  portion  of  the  “barrens,”  but  as  a timber  tree 
it  is  of  little  value.  Other  species  of  oaks  are  found  in  the  State,  but 
not  in  sufficient  quantities  to  make  them  of  much  worth. 

The  black  walnut  is  pretty  generally  distributed  over  all  the  rich  soils 
of  the  State.  Its  growth  is  an  unerring  indication  of  fertility.  It 
abounds  in  the  Central  Basin,  and  grows  on  the  better  part  of  the  High- 
lands. It  also  flourishes  on  the  north  sides  of  ridges  and  in  the  valleys 
of  East  Tennessee,  and  attains  a marvellous  size  upon  the  calcareo-sili- 
ceous  soil  of  the  western  division.  Probably  no  State  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi has  a greater  quantity  of  this  valuable  timber.  The  uses  to  which 
it  is  put  are  familiar  to  all.  The  butternut  or  white  walnut  grows  upon 
the  margins  of  streams  and  is  sometimes  found  on  rich  northern  slopes. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


255 


It  is  scattered  over  almost  as  great  an  extent  of  territory  as  tlie  black 
walnut.  The  wood  from  this  tree  is  durable  but  not  strong,  and  is  some- 
times used  in  ornamental  work  for  giving  variety  and  contrast. 

Of  the  hickory  there  are  six  species  found  in  Tennessee,  the  most 
important  of  which  are  the  scaly-bark  and  the  common  hickory.  The 
latter  grows  well  upon  all  soils  of  middling  quality  in  the  State,  and  is 
found  in  abundance  in  what  are  called  the  “hickory  barrens,”  on  the 
Highland  Him.  It  rarely  attains  a greater  diameter  than  eighteen 
inches.  When  of  this  size  it  is  worked  up  into  axles  for  wagons,  spokes 
and  felloes  for  carriages,  and  into  ax  handles ; when  small  it  is  used  for 
barrel  and  hogshead  hoops  and  for  box  casings.  The  scaly-bark  hickory 
seeks  a fertile  soil  upon  river  banks  and  rich  hill  sides.  It  grows  to  a 
much  larger  size  and  splits  more  readily  than  the  species  described.  It 
is  employed  for  the  same  purposes. 

Of  the  two  species  of  ash  met  with  in  the  State  the  white  ash  is  the- 
most  common.  It  was  formerly  very  plentiful  in  every  part  of  the  State, 
but  is  now  growing  scarce,  except  in  places  remote  from  facilities  for 
transportation.  It  finds  its  most  congenial  soil  in  the  caves  and  north 
sides  of  mountains,  and  in  the  rich  lands  of  the  Central  Basin  and  West 
Tennessee.  The  largest  trees  to  be  met  with  are  in  Bedford  County, 
some  of  which  have  attained  a diameter  of  six  feet.  The  wood  is  highly 
esteemed  by  wheelwrights,  carriage-makers,  ship-builders  and  manufact- 
urers of  agricultural  implements,  and  is  especially  valuable  for  flooring. 
The  green  or  blue  ash  is  found  only  along  water-courses. 

The  beech  is  a common  growth  throughout  the  State  upon  the  moist 
soils  lying  upon  the  streams.  The  most  extended  groves  are  found  in 
Macon,  Trousdale,  Smith,  Sumner,  Cannon,  Bedford  and  other  counties 
of  the  Basin.  But  little  of  it  is  converted  into  lumber,  and  it  is  chiefly 
valuable  for  fuel.  When  seasoned  the  wood  is  extremely  hard  and  solid. 
It  is  used  for  plow-stocks,  shoe-lasts  and  the  handles  of  tools. 

Chestnut  is  a valuable  timber  on  account  of  its  durability,  and  is 
abundant  in  the  State.  Large  forests  are  found  on  the  ridges  of  East 
Tennessee,  on  the  sandstone  soils  of  the  Cumberland  Table-land,  and  in 
portions  of  the  Highland  Bim,  especially  in  the  counties  of  Lawrence, 
Wayne,  Hickman  and' Perry. 

Upon  the  first  settlement  of  the  State  cedar  forests  were  as  abundant 
in  the  Central  Basin  as  those  of  oak  and  poplar.  The  demands  of  the 
agriculturist,  combined  with  the  export  trade,  however,  have  nearly  ex- 
hausted the  supply  in  Davidson,  Williamson,  Sumner  and  Rutherford 
Counties.  The  best  forests  are  now  found  in  Marshall,  Wilson.  Bedford 
and  Maury,  covering  in  the  aggregate  nearly  300  square  miles.  Occa- 


256 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


sional  trees  of  a valuable  size  are  still  seen  upon  the  banks  of  a majority 
of  the  streams  in  Middle  Tennessee.  Nowhere  else  in  the  United  States 
are  there  found  such  splendid  trees  of  this  timber.  In  the  counties  of 
Marshall  and  Bedford  solid  cedar  logs  have  been  cut  that  would  square 
twenty-four  inches  for  a distance  of  thirty  feet. 

The  cypress  finds  its  most  congenial  home  and  attains  its  highest  de- 
velopment in  the  swamps  lying  on  the  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  Rivers, 
where  it  is  found  in  considerable  quantities.  Owing  to  its  peculiar 
character  it  rarely  grows  in  company  with  other  trees,  but  stands  in  iso- 
lated forests,  rearing  its  long  white  trunk  high  into  the  upper  air,  while 
its  roots  permeate  the  deep  black  soil,  which  is  often  covered  with  water 
of  an  inky  blackness.  A great  quantity  of  cypress  timber  is  made  into 
shingles  and  staves  for  sugar  hogsheads  and  molasses  barrels.  Set  in 
the  ground  it  resists  decay  for  a great  while,  which  makes  it  a valuable 
timber  for  fencing. 

The  pine  is  one  of  the  most  abundant,  and  at  the  same  time  one  of 
the  most  valuable  of  the  forest  growths  of  the  State.  There  are  two 
species,  the  white  and  the  yellow.  The  latter  grows  in  considerable  quan- 
tities in  the  vicinity  of  Knoxville,  and  in  many  of  the  parallel  ridges  in 
the  valley  of  East  Tennessee.  It  is  also  found  in  extensive  forests  in  the 
Cumberland  Table-land,  and  forms  considerable  belts  in  Hardin  and 
Lawrence  Counties.  Patches  are  found  on  the  south  hill-sides  of  Wayne, 
and  in  less  quantities  in  several  counties  of  the  Highland  Rim  and  West 
Tennessee.  It  abounds  on  poor  soils,  those  usually  of  sandstone,  but  often 
on  red  clay  with  gravel.  It  takes  possession  of  abandoned  old  fields,  and 
grows  with  rapidity  when  the  soil  is  too  sterile  to  produce  other  vegeta- 
tion. In  the  regions  where  it  abounds  it  forms  the  principal  timbers  for 
domestic  purposes.  The  white  pine  is  not  so  abundant  as  the  preceding ; 
it  is  distributed  in  greater  or  less  quantities  over  the  slopes  of  the  Unaka 
Mountains,  and  is  found  locally  on  the  Cumberland  Table-land.  It  grows 
to  a larger  size  than  the  yellow  pine,  and  makes  a quality  of  lumber 
highly  prized  on  account  of  its  lightness  and  comparative  freedom  from 
resinous  exudations. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  poplar,  known  locally  as  blue,  white 
and  yellow  poplar,  the  last  named  being  the  most  valuable  as  a timber 
tree.  This  grows  upon  rich  soils  almost  everywhere.  The  finest  specimens 
in  the  State  are  to  be  found  in  Obion  and  Dyer  Counties,  West  Tennessee, 
and  in  Maury  and  Macon,  in  Middle  Tennessee.  Trees  twenty  and  twenty - 
bve  feet  in  circumference,  and  from  sixty  to  seventy  feettothe  first  limb,  are 
often  met  with.  The  wealth  of  poplar  timber  is  very  great  in  almost  every 
part  of  the  State,  and  millions  of  feet  are  annually  shipped  by  river  and 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


O' 


0 t 


rail.  It  is  more  used  in  the  construction  of  houses  than  any  other  wood : 
the  studding  and  clap-boards,  sills  and  joints,  rafters  and  shingles,  in  a 
large  proportion  of  frame  buildings  being  made  from  this  timber. 

The  sycamore,  plane  or  cotton-wood  is  found  growing  on  the  margins 
of  streams  in  nearly  every  section  of  the  State.  It  grows  with  rapidity, 
and  is  troublesome  on  account  of  the  sprouts  that  it  sends  up  from  the 
stump.  The  wood  is  used  in  cabinet  shops,  and  makes  a beautiful  article 
of  furniture.-  Only  as  a firewood  is  it  regarded  with  any  favor  by  the 
farmer,  as  it  does  not  split,  and  speedily  decays  when  exposed  to  the 
weather. 

Two  very  different  species  of  trees  are  commonly  called  gum ; both 
are  quite  abundant  in  Tennessee.  The  black  gum  is  usually  found  upon 
rich,  moist  soils,  and  grows  to  a considerable  size  where  the  soil  is  favor- 
able to  its  growth.  It  is  a valuable  timber  for  hubs,  and  is  much  used 
for  that  purpose  on  account  of  the  difficulty  with  which  it  splits.  The 
sweet  gum  is  found  in  wet  marshy  places  in  every  part  of  the  State. 
Large  quantities  of  it  are  manufactured  into  plank,  which  is  used  for 
coarse  work;  it  is  cheaper  than  poplar  but  decays  much  more  rapidly. 

The  linden  or  bass-wood,  is  abundant  in  the  blue  grass  region  of  the 
Central  Basin,  and  in  some  localities  in  East  Tennessee.  As  a timber 
tree  it  is  chiefly  valuable  for  making  firkin  staves. 

Black  or  yellow  locust,  flourishes  upon  the  slopes  of  the  Highland 
and  Cumberland  Mountains,  and  also  upon  the  sides  of  the  Unakas.  It 
is  also  found  upon  the  north  sides  of  Clinch  and  Powell  Mountains,  and 
grows  upon  the  glady  places  of  the  Central  Basin,  where  no  other  tree 
will  survive.  This  tree  rarely  attains  a greater  size  than  one  foot  in 
diameter  and  a height  of  thirty  or  forty  feet ; but  it  grows  with  rapidity 
and  in  ten  years  makes  good  posts  or  railroad  ties. 

There  are  three  species  of  maple  found  in  Tennessee,  the  sugar- 
maple,  the  red  flowering  maple  and  the  Avhite  maple.  The  first  abounds 
in  the  coves  of  the  mountains  and  on  the  rich  bottoms  of  the  streams. 
It  formerly  covered  a large  portion  of  the  Central  Basin,  and  was  the 
chief  reliance  of  the  early  settlers  for  sugar.  The  wood  of  this  tree  has 
a remarkable  beauty.  One  variety  of  it,  the  bird’s-eye  maple;  has  an 
exquisite  appearance,  the  fibres  being  contorted  into  little  knots  resem- 
bling the  eye  of  a bird.  This  timber  is  still  quite  abundant  in  nearly 
every  part  of  the  State,  and  is  yearly  becoming  more  valuable.  The  red 
flowering  maple  grows  in  wet  soils  and  on  the  marshy  margin  of  streams, 
and  in  such  localities  is  quite  plentiful  in  every  division  of  the  State. 
The  wood  is  hard  and  close  grained.  It  is  valuable  for  cabinet  work, 
the  most  beautiful  varieties  selling  higher  than  mahogany. 


258 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Of  tlie  elm  there  are  also  three  species,  the  white  elm,  the  slippery 
elm  and  the  wahoo  witch,  or  cork  elm.  The  first  is  widely  distributed  in 
considerable  quantities  throughout  the  State,  and  is  by  far  the  largest  of 
the  elms,  attaining  in  favorable  localities  as  much  as  100  feet  in  height 
and  5 feet  in  diameter.  The  other  two  varieties  are,  perhaps,  as  widely 
distributed,  but  are  not  so  abundant  as  the  white  elm.  None  of  the 
species  are  of  much  value  for  either  timber  or  fuel. 

Cotton-wood  is  confined  almost  exclusively  to  the  alluvial  bottoms  of 
the  Mississippi  in  West  Tennessee.  It  grows  very  large,  towering  high 
in  the  air,  darkening  the  landscape  with  its  thick  foliage.  The  wood  is 
white,  soft  and  easily  cut.  Its  chief  value  is  for  fuel,  being  used  in 
great  quantities  by  the  steam-boats  that  ply  on  the  Mississippi. 

Of  the  firs  there  are  two  species  found  in  the  State,  the  balsam  fir 
and  the  black  fir  or  spruce.  Some  of  the  highest  mountain  peaks  are 
covered  Avith  the  former  variety,  which  is  seldom  met  with  at  a lower 
elevation  than  4,000  feet.  The  dark  foliage  of  the  tree  has  given  the 
name  to  the  Black  Mountains  of  North  Carolina,  and  makes  the  charac- 
teristic feature  of  many  of  the  highest  peaks  of  the  Unakas.  Being  in- 
accessible it  is  rarely  made  into  lumber,  though  the  trunks  often  reach 
100  feet  in  diameter.  The  black  fir  is  found  in  the  same  localities. 

As  a shrub  sassafras  is  found  in  every  portion  of  the  State,  but  most 
abundantly  in  the  valley  of  East  Tennessee  and  upon  the  Highland  Him. 
It  is  a great  pest  to  the  farmer,  sometimes  covering  a field  Avith  sprouts 
almost  as  thickly  and  continuously  as  if  soavu.  These  shrubs  upon  their 
soil  never  reach  the  dimensions  of  a tree,  and  rarely  attain  a size  sufficient 
for  fence-stakes.  In  West  Tennessee,  however,  the  sassafras  is  one  of 
the  largest  trees  of  the  forest.  A specimen  of  this  species  was  found  in 
Obion  County  which  measured  sixty  inches  in  diameter,  exclusive  of  the 
bark.  The  Avood  is  soft,  brittle  and  close  grained,  and  is  used  for  house 
studding  and  to  some  extent  for  the  manufacture  of  furniture. 

The  trees  mentioned  constitute  the  great  bulk  of  the  timber  in  Ten- 
nessee, but  there  are  many  other  varieties  which  have  a special  interest. 
Among  them  are  the  buckeye,  mulberry,  Avild  cherry,  dogwood,  tupelo, 
pecan,  catalpa,  cucumber,  laurel,  holly,  hornbeam,  box  elder,  chinqua- 
pin, crab  apple,  hackberry,  avUIoav,  birch  and  persimmon. 

The  development  of  the  manufacturing  and  other  industrial  enter- 
prises in  Tennessee  since  the  close  of  the  civil  war  has  been  almost 
unprecedented,  and  especially  is  this  true  of  the  lumber  business.  No 
trade  during  the  past  twenty  years  has  exhibited  a more  uniform  and 
substantial  growth  than  that  embraced  in  the  manufacture  and  distribu- 
tion of  lumber,  and  no  industry  with  the  exception  of  iron,  gives  employ- 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


259 


ment  to  a greater  number  of  persons  and  requires  a larger  investment  of 
capital.  The  principal  center  of  this  industry  in  the  State  is  Nashville, 
which  now  ranks  fifth  in  the  importance  as  a lumber  market,  and  third  in 
size  as  a manufacturing  center.  The  annual  value  of  her  lumber  pro- 
duction amounts  to  about  35,000,000.  The  annual  shipments  of  rough 
and  manufactured  lumber  reach  nearly  120,000,000  feet.  It  is  sent  to 
nearly  every  city  in  the  United  States,  and  large  quantities  are  exported 
to  London,  Liverpool,  Hamburg,  and  other  European  points.  Although 
during  later  years  considerable  amounts  have  been  received  by  rail, 
the  chief  supply  of  logs  and  lumber  is  received  by  the  Cumberland 
River,  one  of  the  greatest  logging  streams  for  its  length  in  the  world. 
The  chief  lumber  staple  of  Nashville  is  the  yellow  poplar,  although  that 
city  stands  at  the  head  of  all  Southern  cities  as  a hard -wood  market,  and 
has  the  largest  trade  in  black  walnut  lumber  of  any  market  in  the  United 
States.  It  is  also  the  distributing  point  for  the  famous  Tennessee  red 
cedar.  The  beginning  of  this  industry  in  Nashville  may  be  said  to  date 
from  1840,  when  the  first  steam  saw-mill  was  erected.  Erom  that  time 
until  the  war  the  lumber  operations  were  confined  almost  exclusively  to 
the  local  trade.  The  only  shipments  of  any  consequence  were  red  cedar 
rafted  to  Memphis,  Helena  and  New  Orleans,  and  consisting  mostly  of 
railroad  ties.  Within  the  past  ten  years  the  business  has  developed 
wonderfully,  and  the  volume  of  capital  invested  is  annually  increasing. 
In  1870  there  were  but  three  saw-mills  and  six  planing-mills.  There 
are  now  within  the  limits  of  the  city  thirteen  saw-mills,  twelve  planing- 
mills  and  thirty-five  firms  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade. 

The  second  city  in  importance  as  a lumber  center  is  probably  Chat- 
tanooga. The  mills  in  that  city  now  cut  annually  from  14,000,000 
to  20,000,000  feet  of  lumber,  while  those  in  the  country  tributary  to  it 
cut  not  less  than  100,000,000  feet  more.  Of  this  latter  product  about 
30,000,000  feet  is  handled  by  Chattanooga  dealers,  and  used  by  her 
wood-working  establishments.  Large  amounts  of  pine,  both  yellow  and 
white,  as  well  as  nearly  all  the  varieties  of  hard  wood  are  manufactured 
into  lumber  and  shipped  to  Northern  cities.  In  addition  to  the  plow  and 
other  agricultural  implement  manufactories  which  consume  a large 
amount  of  lumber  there  are  in  Chattanooga  nine  establishments  ermao-ed 
in  manufacturing  chair  furniture,  pumps,  handles,  and  wooden  ware, 
which  represent  in  the  aggregate  an  investment  of  over  $350,000.  These 
factories  gives  employment  to  more  than  500  hands,  and  turn  out 
annually  manufactured  products  to  the  value  of  $500,000.  Few  of  these 
establishments  date  their  existence  back  of  1870,  and  the  majority  of 
them  have  been  put  into  operation  the  present  decade. 


260 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Memphis  is  also  a lumber  ceuter  of  importance.  Its  mills  are  sup- 
plied by  raft  from  the  Mississippi,  Arkansas  and  Tennessee  Rivers,  and 
saw  large  quantities  of  cypress,  ash,  poplar,  hickory,  gum,  and  black 
Avalnut. 

This  industry  in  Knoxville  also  is  developing  rapidly,  and  that  city, 
situated  as  it  is  in  one  of  the  finest  timber  regions  in  the  world,  will  in  a 
few  years,  no  doubt,  rival  any  other  point  in  the  State,  especially  in  the 
manufacture  of  pine  and  liard-wood  lumber.  Every  county  in  the  State 
manufactures  lumber  in  greater  or  less  quantities.  According  to  the 
last  census  the  number  of  saw-mills  in  Tennessee  was  755,  representing 
an  investment  of  capital  to  the  amount  of  $2,004,500,  and  making 
$3,744,905  worth  of  products  annually.  Could  a report  of  this  industry 
be  obtained  at  the  present  time  these  figures  would  be  largely  increased. 
The  following  table  exhibits  the  condition  in  1880  of  the  manufactures 
which  are  altogether  or  very  largely  dependent  upon  timber  for  raw 
material : 


Agricultural  implements 

No.  of  Estab- 
lishments. 

33 

Capital. 

$161,030 

Value  of 
Products. 

$ 182,116 

Boxes 

3 

23,500 

46,000 

Coffins,  caskets,  etc 

27 

40,485 

75,900 

Carriages  and  wagons 

51 

715,050 

1,253,721 

Cooperage 

36,350 

153,275 

Sash,  doors  and  blinds 

8 

183,500 

268.230 

Wooden  ware 

3 

99,430 

247,350 

Furniture 

85 

511,250 

954,100 

The  making  of  white  oak  staves  for  the  European  market  has  grown 
to  be  quite  an  important  industry.  The  number  annually  shipped  from 
the  lower  Tennessee  River,  and  made  in  Hardin,  Wayne,  Perry,  Hum- 
phreys and  Stewart  Counties  is  over  1,500,000.  About  one-half  of  the 
quantity  is  shipped  out  of  the  Cumberland.  In  their  rough  state  they 
command  at  New  Orleans  usually  from  $80  to  $150  per  thousand. 

The  industry  of  first  importance  to  Tennessee,  and  for  which  she  has 
resources  unexcelled  by  any  State  in  the  Union,  is  the  manufacture  of 
iron  and  its  manipulation  into  forms  of  utility.  Although  this  indus- 
try, as  it  now  exists,  has  grown  up  in  the  past  twenty  years,  its  history 
dates  back  into  the  last  century.  The  first  settlers  of  Tennessee  erected 
iron  works  within  its  limits  soon  after  the  close  of  the  Revolution.  A 
bloomary  was  built  in  Washington  County  in  1790,  and  another  at  Eliza- 
bethton,  on  Doe  River  in  Carter  County,  about  1795.  Wagner’s  bloom- 
ary, on  Roane  Creek,  in  Johnson  County,  is  said  to  have  been  built  in  the 
same  year.  A bloomary  was  also  erected  on  Camp  Creek,  in  Greene 
County,  in  1797.  Two  bloomaries  in  Jefferson  County,  the  Mossy  Creek 
Forge,  ten  miles  north  of  Dandridge,  and  Dumpling  Forge,  five  miles 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


261 


west  of  Dandridge,  were  built  in  the  same  year.  At  about  the  same 
time,  if  not  earlier,  David  Ross,  the  proprietor  of  iron  works  in  Campbell 
County,  Ya.,  erected  a large  furnace  and  forge  at  the  junction  of  the  two 
forks  of  the  Holston  River,  in  Sullivan  County,  near  the  Virginia  line,  on 
the  great  road  from  Knoxville  to  Philadelphia.  It  is  said  that  boats  of 
twenty-five  tons’  burden,  could  ascend  to  Ross’  iron  works,  and  that  at 
Long  Island,  a short  distance  above  on  the  Holston,  boats  were  built  to 
transport  iron  and  castings,  made  in  considerable  quantities  at  these 
works,  with  other  produce,  to  the  lower  settlements  and  to  New  Orleans. 
A bloomary  was  built  about  1795  below  the  mouth  of  the  Watauga,  and 
another  at  the  same  time  about  twenty-five  miles  above  the  mouth  of 
French  Broad  River,  and  thirty  miles  above  Knoxville.  In  what  is  now 
known  as  Middle  Tennessee,  iron  was  also  made  during  the  last  decade 
of  the  last  century.  A.  few  years  after  the  founding  of  Nashville,  iron  ore 
was.  discovered  about  thirty  miles  west  of  the  future  city.  Between  1790 
and  1795  Cumberland  Furnace  was  erected  on  Iron  Fork  of  Barton’s 
Creek,  in  Dickson  County,  seven  miles  northwest  of  Charlotte.  This 
furnace  was  rebuilt  in  1825,  and  is  still  in  operation.  This  county,  with 
Stewart  and  Montgomery  Counties,  afterward  became  very  prominent  in 
the  manufacture  of  charcoal  and  pig-iron.  The  first  furnace  in  Montgom- 
ery County  was  probably  on  Yellow  Creek,  fourteen  miles  southwest  of 
Clarksville,  built  in  1802.  The  enterprises  of  these  early  iron  workers 
assume  a picturesque  aspect,  when  viewed  in  connection  with  the  primi- 
tive methods  of  manufacture  which  were  employed  by  them,  and  which, 
in  some  portions  of  East  Tennessee,  have  been  continued  to  the  present 
day.  Their  charcoal  furnaces  were  blown  through  one  tuyere  with 
wooden  tubs,  adjusted  to  attachments  which  were  slow  in  motion,  and  which 
did  not  make  the  best  use  of  the  water-power  that  was  often  insufficiently 
supplied  by  mountain  streams  of  limited  volume.  A ton  or  two  of  iron  a 
day  in  the  shape  of  pigs  or  castings  was  a good  yield.  The  bloomaries, 
with  scarcely  an  exception,  were  furnished  with  a trompe  or  water-blast 
in  a small  stream  with  a suitable  fall  supplying  both  the  blast  for  the  fires 
and  the  power  which  turned  the  wheel  that  moved  the  hammer.  Of  cast 
iron  cylinders,  steam  power,  two  tuyeres,  and  many  other  improvements 
in  the  charcoal-iron  industry,  these  people  knew  but  little.  They  were 
pioneers  and  frontiersmen  in  every  sense ; from  the  world  of  invention 
and  progress  they  were  shut  out  by  mountains  and  streams  and  hun- 
dreds of  miles  of  unsubdued  forests.  It  is  to  their  credit,  and  it  should 
not  be  forgotten,  that  they  diligently  sought  to  utilize  the  resources 
which  they  found  under  their  feet,  and  that  they  were  not  discouraged 
from  undertaking  a difficult  task,  because  the  only  means  for  its  accom- 


/ 


262  history  or  Tennessee. 

plishment  of  which  they  had  any  knowledge  were  crude  in  conception 
and  often  very  difficult  to  obtain. 

The  iron  industry  of  Tennessee,  however,  made  steady  progress  after 
the  opening  of  the  present  century.  Both  furnaces  and  bloomaries  mul- 
tiplied rapidly.  In  1856  there  were  enumerated  over  75  forges  and 
bloomaries,  71  furnaces,  and  4 rolling-mills  in  the  State,  each  of  which 
had  been  in  operation  at  some  period  after  1790.  Of  the  furnaces,  29 
were  in  East  Tennessee,  and  42  in  Middle  and  West  Tennessee.  Of  the 
latter,  14  were  in  Stewart  County,  12  in  Montgomery,  7 in  Dickson,  2 in 
Hickman,  2 in  Perry,  2 in  Decatur,  2 in  Wayne,  and  1 in  Hardin  Coun- 
ty. The  furnaces  in  East  Tennessee  were  mainly  in  Sullivan  and  Car- 
ter Counties,  Sullivan  having  5,  and  Carter  7 ; but  Johnson,  Washington, 
Greene,  Cocke,  Sevier,  Monroe,  Hamilton,  Claiborne,  Campbell,  Grainger 
and  Union  Counties,  each  had  1 or  2 furnaces,  while  Boane  County  had 
3.  The  forges  and  bloomaries  were  mainly  located  in  East  Tennessee. 
Johnson  County  contained  15,  Carter  10,  Sullivan  6,  Washington  3, 
Greene  10,  Campbell  7,  Blount  4,  Boane  7,  Bhea  3,  and  a few  other 
counties  1 and  2 each.  Nearly  all  of  these  were  bloomaries.  In  West 
Tennessee  there  were  less  than  a dozen  refinery  forges,  and  1 or  2 
bloomaries.  These  forges  were  mainly  employed,  from  about  1825  to 
1860,  in  the  manufacture  of  blooms  for  rolling-mills,  many  of  which  were 
sold  to  mills  in  the  Ohio  Valley.  Most  of  the  furnaces,  forges  and  bloom- 
aries enumerated  have  been  abandoned.  There  still  remain  in  the  State 
20  charcoal  furnaces  and  about  the  same  number  of  forges  and  bloom- 
aries. Cumberland  Boiling-mill,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Cumberland 
Biver,  in  Stewart  County,  was  built  in  1829.  It  was,  probably,  the  first 
establishment  of  the  kind  in  the  State,  and  was  the  only  one  as  late 
ns  1856. 

Since  the  close  of  the  civil  war,  Chattanooga  has  become  the  most 
prominent  iron  center  in  Tennessee,  having  several  iron  enterprises  of 
its  own,  and  others  in  its  vicinity.  In  1854,  Bluff  Eurnace  was  built  to 
use  charcoal,  and  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  in  1861,  the  erection  of  the 
Vulcan  Boiling-mill,  to  roll  bar  iron,  was  commenced.  This  mill  was  not 
finished  in  1860,  when  it  was  burned  by  the  Union  forces.  It  was  rebuilt 
in  1866.  In  1864  a rolling-mill,  to  re-roll  iron  rails,  was  erected  by  the 
United  States  Government,  under  the  supervision  of  John  Fritz,  superin- 
tendent of  the  Cambria  Iron  Works.  In  1869  it  was  purchased  by  the 
Boane  Iron  Company,  who  at  once  put  in  puddling  furnaces  and  began 
making  iron  rails.  This  company,  the  year  previous,  had  purchased  a 
large  tract  of  land  about  seventy  miles  north  of  Chattanooga,  in  Boane 
County,  and  had  built  a small  furnace  with  a capacity  of  about  9,000 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


263 


tons  per  year.  The  business  was  successful,  and  the  company  soon  be- 
gan the  erection  of  another  and  larger  furnace,  which  was  put  in  blast 
in  1872.  Working  capacity  of  the  two,  about  20,000  tons  annually, 
which  have  since  been  doubled.  The  first  open-hearth  steel  made  in 
any  Southern  State,  was  made  by  this  company,  by  the  Siemens-Martin 
process,  at  Chattanooga,  June  6,  1878. 

The  Tennessee  Coal,  Iron  and  Railroad  Company  own  three  furnaces 
situated  at  Cowan  and  South  Pittsburg,  which  have  a combined  capacity 
of  about  75,000  tons.  The  one  at  the  former  place  was  built  in  1880, 
and  those  at  South  Pittsburg,  in  1879  and  1881. 

Other  furnaces  which  are  more  or  less  tributary  to  Chattanooga  as  a 
center  are  Oakdale,  in  Roane  County,  capacity,  21,000  tons;  Citico,  in 
that  city,  35,000  tons;  Dayton,  in  Rhea  County,  70,000  tons,  making  an 
aggregate  capacity  of  over  225,000  tons.  In  1880  the  total  production 
of  the  blast  furnace  of  the  State  was  reported  at  only  47,873  tons,  show- 
ing an  increase  of  little  less  than  500  per  cent  during  the  past  six  years. 
The  grand  aggregate  of  iron  and  steel  manufactured  in  Tennessee  accord- 
ing to  the  last  census  was  77,100  tons,  valued  at  $2,274,253.  The  cap- 
ital invested  in  this  industry  amounted  to  $3,681,776,  and  was  distribu- 
ted among  forty-three  establishments.  The  six  leading  counties  in  the 
order  of  production  were  Hamilton,  35,645  tons;  Marion,  17,958  tons; 
Roane,  12,000  tons;  Knox,  4,181  tons;  Dickson,  2,400  tons,  and  Stewart, 
1,800  tons. 

The  number  of  establishments  engaged  m the  manufacture  of  ma- 
chinery, nails,  car-wheels  and  other  articles  using  iron  as  raw  material, 
is  annually  increasing.  The  capital  invested  in  this  branch  of  the  iron 
industry  in  Chattanooga  amounts  to  over  $500,000,  and  the  annual  prod- 
uct of  iron  to  over  $800,000.  Knoxville,  also,  has  a considerable  amount 
of  capital  invested  in  manufactories  of  this  class.  The  Knoxville  Car- 
Wheel  Company  in  1880,  with  a capital  of  $101,000,  was  turning  out  an 
average  of  thirty-five  car-wheels  per  day.  The  Knoxville  Iron  Company 
was  incorporated  in  1864,  and  in  1880  had  a capital  stock  paid  in  of 
$230,000.  It  employs  250  hands,  and  has  a capacity  of  200  kegs  of 
nails  per  day.  It  has  eight  puddling  furnaces,  four  trains  of  rollers,  and 
thirty  nail  machines.  Besides  nails  the  company  makes  railroad  spikes, 
boat  spikes,  street  rails  and  light  T rails. 

The  Knoxville  Foundry  & Machine  Company  had  an  invested  cap- 
ital in  1880  of  $45,000,  and  employed  forty  hands.  This  company  man- 
ufactures mill  machinery,  castings,  steam  engines,  boilers,  saw-mills,  der- 
ricks and  other  machinery  of  that  class.  Nashville  and  Memphis  are  not 
very  extensively  engaged  in  iron  manufacturing.  In  1880  the  number 


264 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


of  foundries  and  machine  shops  in  the  former  city  was  thirteen,  with  a 
capital  of  $143,300,  and  an  annual  production  of  $487,451.  The  extent 
of  this  business  in  Memphis  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  in 
Nashville. 

As  great  and  important  as  are  the  iron  resources  of  Tennessee,  they 
would  be  of  little  value  were  it  not  for  the  vast  bodies  of  coal  which  lie 
adjacent.  Previous  to  1850  but  very  little  coal  was  mined,  and  that  was 
mostly  used  in  blacksmitliing.  The  pioneer  in  the  coal  business  of  Ten- 
nessee was  Henry  H.  Wiley,  of  Anderson  County,  a native  of  Virginia, 
and  a land  surveyor  by  profession.  He  opened  a mine  on  Poplar  Creek, 
and  for  many  years  during  the  winter  months  boated  coal  down  to  Hunts- 
ville and  Decatur,  Ala.  He  hauled  the  coal  four  miles  to  a point  below 
the  junction  of  the  four  forks  of  Poplar  Creek,  where  it  was  put  in  boats, 
floated  out  that  stream  to  the  Clinch,  then  into  the  Tennessee,  and  thence 
to  its  destination.  This  mine  was  opened  in  1852.  Other  mines,  how- 
ever, had  been  opened  several  years  previous,  one  or  two  as  early  as  1840, 
but  these  had  been  worked  merely  for  local  supply.  One  of  the  first 
opened  was  at  what  is  known  as  the  Tracy  City  Mine,  now  the  most  ex- 
tensive in  the  State.  The  seam  of  coal  at  this  place  was  discovered  by 
some  boys  hunting  a rabbit ; the  animal  ran  under  the  root  of  a tree,  and 
in  digging  it  out  the  coal  was  found.  They  reported  the  discovery  to 
their  father,  Ben  Wooten,  and  he,  thinking  it  might  be  of  some  value, 
got  out  a grant  for  500  acres  covering  the  opening.  The  Wooten  Bros, 
afterward  opened  the  seam,  and  for  many  years  hauled  the  coal  down 
the  mountain  to  the  blacksmiths  in  the  valley,  and  some  was  sent  to 
Nashville.  In  1852  Boorman  Johnson,  John  Cryder,  S.  P.  Tracy  and 
others,  of  New  York,  came  to  Tennessee  looking  for  opportunities  for  in- 
vestment. They  were  shown  this  property  and  soon  after  purchased  it. 
A company  was  then  formed  under  the  name  of  the  Sewanee  Mining 
Company,  which  had  a paid  in  capital  of  $400,000.  In  1854  the  con- 
struction of  a railroad  from  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Bailroad  to  the 
mines  was  commenced,  but  was  not  completed  until  1859,  when  the  com- 
pany found  themselves  $400,000  in  debt.  They  Avere  sued  by  both  the 
New  York  and  Tennessee  creditors.  The  latter,  represented  by  A.  S. 
Colyar,  obtained  the  first  judgment,  bought  in  the  property  and  re-organ- 
ized the  company  under  the  name  of  the  Tennessee  Coal  & Bailroad  Com- 
pany, with  Colyar  as  president.  In  1862  the  mines  were  abandoned  by 
the  company,  but  Avere  taken  possession  of  by  the  United  States  troops, 
and  for  some  time  were  worked  for  the  use  of  the  army.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  a compromise  Avas  effected  with  the  NeAV  York  creditors,  and, 
with  P.  A.  Marbury  as  general  manager,  operations  were  recommenced. 


HISTOKY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


265 


In  1868  the  manufacture  of  coke  in  pits  on  the  ground  was  begun,  and 
during  the  year  5,377  bushels  were  shipped.  In  1873  the  company  fore- 
saw that  to  make  a great  and  profitable  business  the  manufacture  of  coke 
must  form  a large  part  of  their  business,  and  that  that  coke  must  be  a 
good  iron-making  fuel.  A small  furnace  was  erected  on  the  mountain, 
and  this  experiment  satisfactorily  tested.  During  that  year  the  ship- 
ment of  coke  amounted  to  62,175  bushels.  The  erection  of  the  Chatta- 
nooga Iron  Company’s  furnace  gave  great  impetus  to  the  enterprise,  and 
in  1874  the  coke  shipment  increased  to  619,403  bushels.  The  next  year 
the  entire  property  was  sold  to  Cherry,  O’Connor  & Co.,  who  in  1880  be- 
gan the  erection  of  a furnace  at  Cowan,  which  was  finished  in  July,  1881. 
In  the  early  part  of  the  following  year  the  property  was  sold  to  John  H. 
Inman  and  others,  Tennessee  parties  retaining  a one-third  interest.  The 
name  was  changed  to  the  Tennessee  Coal,  Iron  & Railroad  Company. 

The  first  coal  shipped  from  this  mine  since  the  war  was  in  June, 

1866,  and  shipments  for  remainder  of  the  year  amounted  to  9,240  tons. 
In  1870  they  amounted  to  47,110  tons  of  coal  and  413  tons  of  coke;  in 
1875,  to  109,100  tons  of  coal  and  16,160  tons  of  coke;  in  1880,  to  114,- 
170  tons  of  coal  and  64,440  tons  of  coke;  1883,  126,784  tons  of  coal  and 
101,090  tons  of  coke;  1884,  152,307  tons  of  coal  and  100,935  tons  of 
coke.  For  several  years  about  one-half  of  the  labor  employed  in  these 
mines  has  been  that  of  convicts.  The  company  have  a very  large  tract 
of  land,  25,000  acres  of  which  is  underlaid  with  the  Sewanee  seam  of 
coal,  ranging  from  two  to  seven  feet  in  thickness. 

The  Rockwood  mines,  owned  by  the  Roane  Iron  Company,  are  located 
in  Roane  County,  ninety -two  miles  above  Chattanooga.  This  remarkable 
body  of  coal  was  discovered  in  1840  by  William  Green,  an  employe  of 
John  Brown.  Green  and  William  Brown  soon  after  entered  the  land, 
and  began  mining  the  coal  for  local  purposes.  This  was  continued  until 

1867,  when  the  property  was  purchased  by  a company,  of  which  Gen, 
John  T.  Wilder  was  vice-president  and  manager.  As  has  been  stated, 
the  company  erected  two  blast  furnaces,  and  to  supply  them  began  the 
manufacture  of  coke.  This  latter  branch  of  their  business  has  steadily 
increased  until  they  now  have  180  ovens. 

The  Etna  mines  are  situated  in  Marion  County,  fourteen  miles  from 
Chattanooga  in  what  is  known  as  Raccoon  Mountain.  They  were  first 
opened  in  1852  by  an  Eastern  company  working  under  a lease  from  Rob- 
ert Cravens  and  the  Boyce  and  Whiteside  estates.  Since  that  time  they 
have  been  operated  by  several  different  companies  and  individuals  with 
varied  success  and  reverses.  The  present  company  was  organized  in 
August,  1881,  under  the  name  of  the  Etna  Coal  Company.  The  mines 


266 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


now  operated  are  owned  by  the  company,  the  estate  consisting  of  about 
3,000  acres,  extending  from  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Bail- 
way  to  the  Tennessee  Eiver.  The  veins  worked  are  known  as  the 
Kelly  and  Oak  Hill.  From  the  Kelly  Mine  a coke  is  made  for  foun- 
dry use  exclusively,  while  that  from  Oak  Hill  is  used  for  blast  fur- 
naces. The  former  mine  was  originally  opened  for  general  domestic  use 
and  the  product  was  sold  largely  in  Nashville,  Chattanooga  and  else- 
where, but  its  superior  qualities  for  blacksmith  use  and  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  coke  soon  caused  the  trade  to  drift  almost  exclusively  into  that 
channel.  In  1880  about  one-fourth  of  the  entire  output  was  coked,  the 
remainder  being  sold  to  blacksmiths  throughout  the  South.  In  1884 
the  company  had  sixty-four  coke  ovens,  and  the  output  from  January  1 to 
November  1 was  coal,  41,205  tons,  and  coke,  533,436  bushels. 

The  Soddy  Cave  Company’s  mines  are  located  on  the  Cincinnati 
Southern  Bailway,  twenty-one  miles  from  Chattanooga,  at  Bathburn  Sta- 
tion. This  mine  was  opened  in  1867  by  an  association  of  Welshmen  on 
the  co-operative  plan.  It  proved  a failure,  and  the  mine  went  into  the 
hands  of  a receiver.  The  present  company  took  charge  in  1877,  and  the 
business  has  since  steadily  increased.  They  have  150  coke  ovens.  Their 
output  from  ten  months  preceding  November  1,  1884,  was  96,000  tons  of 
coal,  of  which  32,000  tons  were  converted  into  coke.  They  ship  to 
Georgia,  Alabama,  Louisiana,  Mississippi  and  Texas. 

The  Walden’s  Bidge  Coal  Company  is  a corporation  with  the  same 
stock  holders  as  the  Soddy  Company.  They  operate  a mine  on  Bocky 
Creek,  nine  miles  farther  up  the  railroad,  having  begun  in  1883.  Two 
seams  are  worked,  the  lower  for  coking  exclusively,  and  the  upper  for 
steam  and  domestic  purposes.  In  1884  thirty-five  coke  ovens  were  in 
operation,  producing  404,949  bushels  of  coke  annually.  These  mines 
were  worked  as  far  back  as  1843,  but  little  coal  except  for  blacksmithing 
was  consumed  at  that  time.  The  first  coal  mined  here. for  shipment  was 
by  Thomas  A.  Brown  and  John  Baxter,  of  Knoxville,  in  1866. 

The  coal  lands  at  Coal  Creek,  in  Anderson  County,  are  owned  by  the 
Coal  Creek  Consolidated  Mining  Company.  There  are  now  six  mines 
being  worked  at  that  place,  of  which  two  are  operated  by  the  above  com- 
pany and  the  remainder  leased  to  the  Knoxville  Iron  Company,  the  Coal 
Creek  Coal  Company,  the  New  Biver  Coal  Company,  and  H.  B.  and  Joel 
Bowling.  The  Coal  Creek  mines  were  first  opened  for  shipping,  coal 
upon  the  completion  to  that  place  of  the' Knoxville  & Ohio  Bailroad,  in 
1870.  The  shipments  in  1871  amounted  to  36,000  tons;  in  1875,  62,- 
369  tons;  in  1880,  150,000  tons;  and  in  1882,  200,000  tons.  The  Knox- 
ville Iron  Company  operates  a mine  about  one  and  one-half  miles  from 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


267 


the  main  track  of  the  Knoxville  & Ohio  division  of  the  East  Tennessee, 
Yirginia  & Georgia  Railroad.  They  employ  about  150  convicts  and 
thirty-four  laborers.  During  the  year  1882  the  company  shipped  98,645 
tons  of  coal  to  various  markets  in  southwest  Yirginia,  North  and  South 
Carolina,  Georgia  and  Alabama.  For  the  first  ten  months  of  1884  their 
output  amounted  to  204,978  tons. 

The  Dayton  Coal  & Iron  Company’s  mines  are  located  in  Rhea 
County,  Tenn.,  and  are  owned  by  English  capitalists.  These  mines  have 
been  recently  opened,  and  are  designed  mainly  to  supply  coke  for  the 
blast  furnaces  which  have  been  built. 

The  Standard  Coal  & Coke  Company  is  composed  of  Tennessee  cap- 
italists who  own  about  1,400  acres  of  land,  underlaid  by  a seam  of  coal 
four  and  one-half  feet  thick.  Their  mine  is  situated  near  Newcomb 
Station,  in  Campbell  County.  They  employ  175  men,  and  produce  about 
350  tons  of  coal  per  day. 

The  Poplar  Creek  mines  are  located  in  Morgan  County.  These  mines 
are  all  small.  They  are  operated  by  the  following  companies:  Poplar 
Creek,  Mount  Carbon,  Winter’s  Gap,  Eureka  and  Oliver. 

The  Glum  Mary  Coal  A Coke  Company  is  located  in  Scott  County, 
on  the  Cincinnati  Southern  Railroad. 

The  Tobler,  Crudup  Coal  & Coke  Company  was  incorporated  in  1881. 
The)'  own  7,000  acres  of  land  in  Hamilton  County,  and  put  out  about  200 
tons  of  coal  daily. 

One  of  the  most  promising  fields  of  industrial  activity  in  East  Ten- 
nessee, is  the  development  of  the  wonderful  marble  quarries  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Knoxville.  These  marbles  have  obtained  a reputation  second  to  no 
other  in  the  United  States,  and  it  is  said  that  when  they  come  into  com- 
petition with  foreign  marblb,  they  are  greatly  preferred  and  sell  for  a 
much  higher  price.  The  varieties  are  almost  innumerable,  and  are  of 
the  most  exquisite  colors.  Their  solidity,  durability  and  susceptibility  of 
polish  make  them  unequaled  for  building  and  monumental  purposes. 
Although  nearly  fifty  years  have  elapsed  since  the  first  marble  quar- 
ry was  opened,  the  business  is  still  in  its  infancy,  but  is  now  developing 
rapidly. 

The  Hawkins  County  marble  was  the  first  quarried,  and  it  is  said  that 
it  was  brought  to  notice  by  the  favorable  expression  with  reference  to  it 
by  Dr.  Troost,  the  first  State  geologist. 

In  1838  the  Rogersville  Marble  Company  was  formed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sawing  marble  and  establishing  a marble  factory  in  the  vicinity 
of  Rogersville.  Qrville  Rice  was  elected  president,  and  S.  D.  Mitchell 
secretary.  The  company  operated  to  a limited  extent  for  several  years, 


268 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


erected  a mill  and  sold  several  thousand  dollars  worth  of  marble  annual- 
ly, which  was  mostly  distributed  in  East  Tennessee.  In  1844  the  com- 
pany sold  out  to  the  president,  Rice,  who  on  a moderate  scale  carried  on 
the  business  for  many  years.  He  sent  a block  of  the  “light  mottled 
strawberry  variety”  to  the  Washington  monument.  This  was  called  the 
“Hawkins  County  Block,”  and  bears  the  inscription  “From  Hawkins 
County,  Tennessee.”  Another  block  of  one  of  the  best  varieties  was  sent 
by  act  of  the  Legislature,  which  was  called  the  “State  Block.”  These 
blocks  attracted  the  attention  of  the  building  committee  of  the  National 
Capitol,  who,  although  they  had  numerous  specimens  from  all  parts  of 
the  Union  before  them,  decided  in  favor  of  the  East  Tennessee  marble. 
An  agent  was  sent  out  by  them  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  it  could  be  ob- 
tained in  quantity,  who  upon  examination  found  the  supply  apparently 
inexhaustible.  As  a result  of  these  circumstances,  an  extensive  quarry  af- 
fording an  excellent  material  has  been  opened  near  Mooresburg,  Hawkins 
County,  and  is  now  known  as  the  old  Dougherty  Quarry.  From  this  was 
obtained  marble  for  probably  one-half  of  the  ornamental  work  in  the  Cap- 
itol at  Washington.  The  balustrades  and  columns  of  the  stairs  leading  up 
to  the  House  and  Senate  galleries,  the  walls  of  the  marble  room  and  other 
parts  of  the  building  are  made  from  it.  It  has  since  been  used  in  the 
United  States  Treasury  building,  the  State-house  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  and 
many  of  the  finest  buildings  in  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Chicago  and 
Cincinnati.  The  stone  from  this  quarry  has  not  been  used  for  general 
construction  on  account  of  the  high  price  which  it  commands  for  orna- 
mental work. 

In  1852  James  Sloan  opened  a quarry  about  two  miles  north  of  Knox- 
ville, near  the  East  Tennessee,  Virginia  & Georgia  Railroad.  It  was 
from  this  quarry  that  the  variegated  marble  used  in  the  capitol  at  Nash- 
ville was  obtained. 

The  first  quarry  in  the  vicinity  of  Concord  was  opened  in  the  lands  of 
William  T.  Smith  by  S.  L.  King,  1856.  He  also  constructed  a small 
mill  on  Lime  Creek,  where  some  marble  was  sawed. 

Col.  John  Williams  also  opened  a quarry  previous  to  the  war,  a few 
miles  northeast  of  Knoxville,  from  which  marble  of  the  gray  variety  was 
obtained. 

The  most  extensive  quarry  in  Tennessee,  and  one  of  the  oldest  now  in 
operation  in  the  vicinity  of  Knoxville,  was  opened  by  the  United  States 
Government  in  1869  to  procure  stone  for  the  construction  of  the  custom 
house  and  postoffice  buildings  at  Knoxville.  A considerable  quantity  of 
this  marble  was  also  used  in  the  State  Capitol  at  Albany,  New  York.  The 
quarry  is  located  at  the  junction  of  the  French  Broad  and  Holston  Rivers, 


DEAF  AND  DUMB  ASYLUM,  KNOXVILLE 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


2G9 


and  tlie  stone  is  carried  by  boat  four  miles  to  Knoxville.  This  marble  is 
susceptible  of  a high  polish,  and  when  so  polished  has  a pink  tinge  and 
shows  dark  wavy  lines  running  through  it.  It  is  highly  esteemed  for 
mantels  and  table-tops,  because  it  is  not  easily  stained.  It  is  also  largely 
used  for  cemetery  work,  and  tombstones  which  have  been  exposed  for 
thirty  years  do  not  show  the  slightest  signs  of  disintegration  or  wear. 

Morgan  & Williams  operate  two  quarries  within  two  miles  of  Knox- 
ville, one  of  them  producing  a white  marble,  and  the  other  a pink  mate- 
rial known  as  Knoxville  marble.  The  former  was  used  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  custom  house  at  Memphis,  and  the  shaft  of  the  Lee  monument 
at  New  Orleans  is  made  of  it.  The  supply  of  this  marble  is  practically 
inexhaustible. 

The  total  capital  invested  in  the  marble  business  in  Knox  County  in 
1884  was  estimated  at  $250,000,  and  the  number  of  men  employed  at 
300.  The  following  were  the  quarries  in  operation  at  that  time:  the 
Cross  Cut  Marble  Company,  Morgan  & Williams,  John  M.  Koss,  Craig 
& McMullen,  T.  P.  Thomas  & Co.,  K.  H.  Armstrong  & Co.,  H.  IT.  Brown 
& Co.,  Harvey  & Smith,  Franklin  Marble  Company,  Beach  & Co.,  C. 
B.  Boss  & Co.,  and  the  Lima  & East  Tennessee  Marble  Company.* 
The  only  ones  using  machinery  are  the  Knoxville  Marble  Company  and 
Morgan  & Williams.  The  former  has  five  steam  drills,  seven  steam 
derricks,  and  runs  a saw-mill  with  two  gangs  of  saws.  Morgan  & Williams 
have  three  steam  channeling  machines,  and  a mill  with  one  gang  of  saws. 
In  Knoxville  Beach  & Co.  and  the  Crescent  Marble  Company  have  mills 
for  sawing  and  machinery  for  polishing.  There  is  a demand  for  a greater 
amount  of  capital  in  this  branch  of  the  business. 

The  amount  of  marble  in  Hawkins  County  is  very  great,  and  its  va- 
riegated varieties  possess  greater  brilliancy  than  those  of  any  other  sec- 
tion. The  business  of  quarrying  has  not  increased  in  the  same  propor- 
tion as  in  Knox  County,  on  account  of  the  poor  facilities  for  transporta- 
tion. The  quarries  in  operation  in  1884  were  Prince  & Co.,  Chestnut 
& Chestnut,  John  Harnn  & Co.,  Chestnut  & Fulkerson,  James  White, 
the  Dougherty  Quarry,  Joseph  Stamps  and  the  Baltimore  Marble  Com- 
pany.  The  business  at  none  of  these  quarries  is  carried  on  very  exten- 
sively, and  but  little  machinery  is  used.  For  the  year  ending  June  30, 
1881,  there  was  shipped  from  such  of  these  quarries  as  were  operat- 
ing 20,000  cubic  feet  of  marble,  all  of  which  was  of  the  finest  grade 
for  ornamental  purposes,  and  was  worth  on  an  average  $4  per  cubic 
foot  upon  the  cars.  The  chief  markets  of  this  marble  are  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  New  York,  Boston  and  other  Northern  cities.  The  amount  of 

* “ Hand  Book  of  Tennessee.” 


270 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


marble  shipped  over  the  East  Tennessee,  Virginia  & Georgia  Railroad 
for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1871,  was  about  7,000  cubic  feet,  of  which 
Hawkins  County  furnished  all  but  about  350  cubic  feet.  For  the  year 
ending  June  30,  1881,  the  amount  shipped  over  the  same  railroad  was 
about  80,000  cubic  feet,  valued  at  $210,000.  Of  the  entire  amount 
Knox  County  furnished  not  far  from  56,000  cubic  feet. 

Hamblen  County  produces  marble  of  good  quality,  but  chiefly  for 
local  use.  Extensive  beds  of  excellent  marble  exist  in  Bradley  County 
on  the  Hiwassee  River,  above  Charleston,  at  which  machinery  has  lately 
been  erected  and  preparations  made  for  work  on  a large  scale.  South 
of  Cleveland,  near  the  Georgia  line,  is  the  quarry  of  Patrick  & Smith, 
from  which  a beautiful  grade  of  pink  marble  is  obtained.  Although  mar- 
ble in  greater  or  less  quantities  and  of  various  kinds  is  found  in  several 
other  counties  of  the  State,  no  quarries  of  importance  are  now  in  opera- 
tion in  any  of  them. 

Concord,  in  Knox  County,  has  recently  become  the  center  of  a large 
number  of  quarries,  there  being  no  less  than  eight  companies  operating 
in  that  vicinity,  all  of  which  have  been  organized  since  1880.  The  Li- 
ma & East  Tennessee  Marble  Company,  operating  the  Red  Triangle 
Quarry,  was  organized  in  1882,  and  made  their  first  shipment  in  June  of 
that  year,  Their  marble,  light  and  dark  variegated,  is  remarkably 
sound,  and  meets  with  a ready  sale  in  the  cities  of  the  North.  The  Con- 
cord marble  quarries,  operated  by  Brown,  Godfrey  & Co.,  were  opened  in 
1881.  They  employ  an  average  force  of  150  hands,  and  make  large 
shipments,  principally  to  New  York  and  Boston.  Woods  & Stamps  began 
operations  in  1881,  and  work  a large  force  of  hands.  The  Juniata 
Marble  Company  made  their  first  opening  in  February,  1883.  Their 
quarries  are  situated  in  Blount  County,  near  Louisville.  The  company 
employ  about  thirty-five  hands,  and  have  machinery  in  operation  for 
sawing  the  marble  into  slabs.  The  Great  Bend  Marble  Company,  Kin- 
kaid  & Co.  and  the  Cedar  Bluff  Marble  Manufacturing  & Railway 
Company,  all  opened  quarries  during  1885. 

The  number  of  men  now  employed  in  the  marble  business  in  East 
Tennessee  is  estimated  at  2,000.  The  shipments  from  the  various  sta- 
tions in  1885  aggregated  1,256  car  loads,  worth  from  $250  to  $300  each. 
There  were  also  manufactured  at  home  about  100  car  loads.  The  ship- 
ments for  1886  will  not  fall  short  of  1,500  car  loads. 

Although  suspended  at  the  present  time,  the  mining  of  copper  was 
carried  on  extensively  for  many  years  in  Polk  County.  The  discovery  of 
the  ore  was  made  in  1843,  but  none  was  mined  until  1847,  when  a Ger- 
man named  Webber,  securing  a lease,  took  out  ninety  casks  of  ore  and 


HISTOPiY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


271 


shipped  them  to  the  Bevere  Smelting  Works  near  Boston.  The  results 
not  proving  satisfactory,  he  suspended  operations  and  gave  up  his  lease. 
A year  or  two  later  John  Caldwell,  upon  petitioning  the  Legislature, 
obtained  the  passage  of  a law  under  which  he  secured  a lease  of  a section 
of  school  land  near  Ducktown.  In  May,  1850,  he  began  mining  in  the 
woods,  and  during  the  year  sunk  two  shafts,  from  both  of  which  he 
obtained  copper.  The  next  year  in  connection  with  S.  Congdon,  the 
agent  of  the  Tennessee  Mining  Company,  he  opened  what  was  afterward 
known  as  the  Hiwassee  Mine.  For  the  first  two  or  three  years  the  ore 
was  carried  out  of  the  mountains  on  mules,  but  in  1853  a wagon  road 
Avas  completed  at  a cost  of  $22,000.  In  1855  there  Avere  fourteen  mines 
in  operation,  and  over  $1,000,000  worth  of  ore  was  shipped  to  the  North. 
Three  years  later  a number  of  the  companies  united  under  the  name  of 
the  Union  Consolidated  Copper  Company,  but  the  war  coming  on  soon 
after  nothing  of  importance  was  then  accomplished.  In  1866  operations 
were  again  commenced  and  were  rapidly  extended.  Up  to  June  1,  1873, 
this  company  had  taken  out  8,476,872  pounds  of  ingot  copper,  worth  an 
average  of  26  cents  per  pound.  At  that  time  they  employed  562  men 
and  ran  sixteen  furnaces.  The  whole  value  of  their  property  was  $474,- 
549.30.  In  1873  there  was  one  other  large  company  operating  near 
Ducktown,  known  as  the  Burra  Burra  Copper  Company.  It  ran  nine 
furnaces  and  employed  158  men,  paying  out  for  wages  $60,000.  It  also 
consumed  10,192  cords  of  wood  and  produced  917,329  pounds  of  ingot 
copper,  valued  at  $192,639. 

In  1878  the  consolidated  company  entered  into  litigation  with  Capt. 
Baht,  the  superintendent,  which  caused  a stoppage  of  operations,  and 
since  that  time  but  little  has  been  done  by  any  of  the  companies.  The 
property  of  the  consolidated  company  was  purchased  during  the  latter- 
part  of  1884  by  a company  from  New  York,  who  has  not  yet  put  it  into 
operation. 

The  Hour-milling  industry  of  Tennessee  in  1880  ranked  above  all 
other  industrial  enterprises  both  in  the  amount  of  capital  invested  and  in 
the  value  of  its  products.  At  that  time  there  were  990  flour  and  grist- 
mill establishments  in  the  State  having  an  aggregate  capital  of  $3,595,- 
585,  and  putting  out  annually  products  to  the  amount  of  $10,784,804. 
These  amounts  were  slightly  exceeded  by  one  other  Southern  State, 
Virginia  Out  the  groAvth  of  this  business  in  Tennessee  during  the  past 
six  years  has  made  her  the  leading  milling  State  of  the  South.  Although 
no  other  industry  is  so  thoroughly  distributed  over  the  State,  Nashville 
is  the  flour-milling  center  of  Tennessee.  The  growth  of  the  business  in 
that  city  during  the  past  ten  years  has  been  wonderfully  rapid.  In  that 


272 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


time  the  four  leading  mills  have  been  built,  and  the  production  raised 
from  500  to  1,800  barrels  per  day,  while  the  capital  invested  has  increased 
from  $100,000  to  $600,000.  The  amount  of  wheat  used  annually  by 
these  mills  reaches  2,340,000  bushels,  of  which  a large  portion  is  grown 
in  Tennessee. 

Besides  Davidson  County  there  were  in  1880  five  counties  in  the 
State  the  value  of  whose  mill  products  amounted  to  over  $300,000  each. 
They  were  Knox,  with  a production  of  $444,617 ; Henry,  $365,372;  Bed- 
ford, $359,208;  Maury,  $314,067,  and  Williamson,  $301,270. 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  Tennessee,  Indian  corn  was  used  exclu- 
sively for  bread.  This  was  due  to  the  small  amount  of  labor  re- 
quired in  its  cultivation,  and  to  the  ease  with  which  it  could  be  prepared 
for  use.  Previous  to  the  erection  of  the  first  rude  mill,  the  only  machin- 
ery used  in  the  preparation  of  corn  for  hominy  or  meal  was  the  mortar 
and  pestle,  the  former  usually  consisting  of  the  stump  of  a tree  hollowed 
out  for  that  purpose.  The  first  mill  erected  in  Tennessee  was  built  be- 
fore 1775  on  Buffalo  Creek,  in  Carter  County,  and  belonged  to  Baptist 
McNabb.  At  about  the  same  time  another  mill  was  built  by  Matthew 
Talbot  on  Gap  Creek.  The  first  mill  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains 
was  a corn-mill  and  hominy-pounder  built  at  Eaton’s  Station  in  1782;  a 
dam  was  made  across  the  small  creek  which  empties  into  the  Cumber- 
land at  the  foot  of  the  high  land  on  which  the  station  was  located,  and  by 
the  construction  of  a race  by  the  side  of  the  branch,  sufficient  fall  of  wa- 
ter was  obtained  to  turn  a pair  of  rudely  cut  stones.  The  liominy-pounder 
was  an  extremely  primitive  piece  of  machinery.  “A  trough  was  made 
twelve  feet  long  and  placed  upon  a pivot,  or  balance,  and  was  so  dug  out 
that  by  letting  the  water  run  in  at  one  end  of  the  trough,  it  would  fill  up 
so  as  to  overcome  the  equipoise,  when  one  end  would  descend,  and,  the  wa- 
ter rushing  out,  the  trough  would  return  to  its  equilibrium,  coming  down 
at  the  other  end  with  considerable  force,  when  a pestle  or  hammer  was 
made  to  strike  with  force  sufficient  to  crack  the  grains  of  corn.”  This 
process  proving  too  slow  a Mr.  Cartwright  constructed  a wheel  upon 
which  was  fastened  a number  of  cow’s  horns  in  such  a way  that  as  each 
horn  was  filled  by  water  its  weight  turned  the  wheel  so  that  the  next 
horn  was  presented  to  receive  its  supply,  and  thus  the  wheel  was  kept  in 
constant  revolution.  To  a crank  was  attached  the  apparatus  for  corn- 
cracking, and  by  the  revolution  of  the  wheel  many  little  blows  were  made 
upon  the  corn  placed  in  the  mortar.  This  mill-seat,  wTater-wheel  and 
hominy-block  was  the  property  of  James  and  Hey  den  Wells,  the  earliest 
millers  in  Middle  Tennessee.*  A little  later  Casper  and  his  brother 


*Putnam. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


273 


George  Mansker  erected  a rival  establishment  within  a mile  of  Mans- 
ker’s  station.  Larger  and  better  equipped  mills  were  erected  by  Freder- 
ick Stump  and  John  Buchanan.  Stump’s  mill  was  on  White’s  Creek  and 
Buchanan’s  on  Mill  Creek,  two  miles  south  of  Nashville.  The  many 
streams  in  all  parts  of  the  State  afforded  abundant  water-power,  and  af- 
ter the  beginning  of  the  present  century  there  was  no  lack  of  mills. 
Those  on  Bed  Biver  were  especially  numerous,  and  had  a wide  reputa- 
tion for  the  good  quality  of  their  flour.  Within  the  past  few  years  the 
introduction  of  the  more  expensive  roller-mills  has  had  a tendency  to 
drive  out  some  of  the  smaller  establishments,  and  the  number  of  mills 
is  decreasing  somewhat. 

The  manufacture  of  cotton  into  various  goods  has  long  been  an  indus- 
try of  considerable  importance  in  Tennessee,  but  it  has  never  attained 
the  proportions  which  her  natural  advantages  would  justify.  The  rais- 
ing of  cotton  began  to  assume  considerable  proportions  during  the  first 
decade  of  the  present  century,  but  its  manufacture,  except  in  a domestic 
way,  was  not  attempted  until  a few  years  later.  In  a report  of  the  cotton- 
mills  of  the  United  States  in  1810,  only  one  is  mentioned  in  Tennessee, 
and  that  was  a horse-mill.  The-  Tennessee  Gazetteer  published  in  1831, 
in  enumerating  the  manufactories  in  the  State,  mentions  two  “spinning 
factories”  at  Knoxville  and  Paris,  each,  and  one  at  Athens;  two  cotton 
factories  at  Murfreesboro  and  one  at  Franklin  and  Statesville,  each.  The 
last  two  are  designated  as  “extensive.”  There  was  also  a rope  and  bag- 
ging factory  at  Lebanon.  In  1810  the  number  of  cotton  factories  in  the 
State  had  increased  to  thirty-eight,  representing  a capital  of  $-163,240, 
and  operating  16,813  spindles.  Of  the  whole  number  twenty-five  were 
in  Middle  Tennessee,  eight  in  East  Tennessee  and  five  in  the  western 
division.  The  counties  having  more  than  $30,000  invested  in  this  busi- 
ness were  Wilson,  $65,000;  Williamson,  $48,000;  Lawrence,  $47,000 ; 
Madison,  $50,000  and  Franklin  $33,100.  The  census  of  1860  reported 
thirty  factories  with  29,850  spindles  and  243  looms,  and  representing  a 
capital  of  $96o,000.  At  this  time  Lawrence  County  stood  first,  having  one- 
fifth  of  the  whole  number  of  factories,  and  more  than  one-fiftli  of  the 
capital  invested.  Owing  to  the  effects  of  the  civil  war  the  next  decade 
shows  a slight  decrease  in  the  number  of  factories  and  the  quantity  of 
the  product.  From  1870  to  1880  quite  a large  amount  of  new  capital 
was  invested  in  cotton  manufacturing,  but  the  greatest  increase  has  been 
within  the  past  five  years.  In  that  time  the  business  has  increased  about 
130  per  cent.  The  largest  factory  in  the  State,  and  perhaps  in  the  South, 
is  operated  by  the  Tennessee  Manufacturing  Company  at  Nashville.  Thev 
have  over  $1,000,000  invested;  run  850  looms  and  30,000  spindles,  and 


274 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


turn  out  products  to  the  amount  of  nearly  $1,000,000  annually.  Tlie 
goods  manufactured  consist  principally  of  sheetings,  shirtings,  grain 
bags  and  cotton  plaids.  Nashville  has  two  other  factories,  both  of  which 
were  established  in  1881,  and  represent  a combined  capital  of  $340,000. 
Their  production  consists  largely  of  carpet  warps,  twines  and  rope.  The 
Columbia  Cotton-mills,  established  in  1884,  operate  6,500  spindles  and 
174  looms,  and  manufacture  sheeting,  bags  and  yarn.  The  Pioneer  Mill 
at  Mount  Yerd,  McMinn  County,  put  into  operation  in  1881  at  an  outlay 
of  $200,000,  runs  5,272  spindles  and  132  looms.  The  Trenton  Manu- 
facturing Company  organized  in  1884,  with  a capital  stock  of  $60,000,  use 
3,200  spindles  and  100  looms  in  the  manufacture  of  white  goods.  The 
Brookside  Cotton-mills,  of  Knoxville,  began  operations  in  March,  1886, 
employing  200  hands.  Other  factories  of  less  capacity  have  been  erected 
since  the  beginning  of  this  decade,  but  the  above  are  sufficient  to  illus- 
trate the  rapid  growth  of  this  industry.  With  the  advantage  of  abun- 
dant water-power,  cheap  fuel,  and  close  proximity  to  the  raw  material,  it  is 
only  a question  of  time  when  Tennessee  will  rival,  if  not  excel,  New  Eng- 
land in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  goods. 

The  capital  invested  in  the  manufacture  of  woolen  goods  is  less  than 
one-half  that  represented  by  the  cotton  factories,  but  it  is  distributed 
among  a much  greater  number  of  establishments,  many  of  which  are  of 
small  capacity  and  run  only  a portion  of  the  year.  The  woolen-mills 
of  the  State,  as  reported  in  1880,  numbered  106,  representing  an 
aggregate  investment  of  $418,464.  The  annual  productions  are  val- 
ued at  $620,724,  and  consisted  principally  of  the  following  goods: 
Jeans,  644,036  yards;  linsey,  94,493  yards;  satinets,  23,300  yards;  flan- 
nels, 18,450  yards;  cloths,  cassimeres  and  similar  goods,  8,440  yards; 
blankets,  2,387  yards;  tweeds,  3,000  yards,  andshawls  1,000 yards.  There 
Avas  also  one  establishment  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  mixed  tex- 
tiles, having  a capital  of  $35,000,  and  producing  goods  to  the  value  of 
$79,000  annually.  Since  the  beginning  of  this  decade  the  manufacture 
of  Avoolen  goods  has  more  than  doubled,  several  of  the  largest  factories 
in  the  State  having  been  put  into  operation  within  the  last  four  years. 
The  Nashville  Woolen  Mill  Company,  with  a capital  of  $78,000,  began 
business  in  1882.  They  employ  100  operatives,  who  turn  out  products 
to  the  amount  of  $150,000.  The  Jackson  Woolen  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany, having  an  invested  capital  of  $50,000,  began  business  in  1884, 
and  operate  forty-seven  looms.  The  Knoxville  Mills,  which  began  busi- 
ness in  1885  Avith  a capital  of  $180,000,  operates  104  looms. 

Previous  to  1880  the  largest  Avoolen-mill  in  the  State  was  the  one  at 
Tullahoma,  which  represents  a capital  of  $90,000,  and  runs  eighty-five 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


275 


looms.  Previous  to  the  war  the  business  consisted  almost  exclusively  in 
wool-carding,  which  was  carried  on  by  small  establishments  involving  an 
outlay  of  only  a few  hundred,  or  at  most  a few  thousand  dollars.  The 
following  is  a list  of  these  “carding  machines,”  as  reported  in  the  census 
of  1840.  It  is  evidently  incomplete : 

Capital  Value  of 

Number.  Invested.  Products. 


Wilson 6 $3,750  $6,000 

Sumner 5 4,650  2,050 

Rutherford 5 6,000  3,400 

Jefferson 3 1,200  360 

Grainger § 1,500  700 

Hawkins 1 2,000  .... 

Coffee 1 4,000  1,000 

McNairy 1 1,400  30 

Knox 1 800  450 

Dickson 1 300  300 


Totals 27  $25,000  $14,290 


In  1860  the  number  of  these  establishments  had  increased  to  sixty- 
nine,  and  the  capital  invested  to  $82,800.  During  the  year  previous  they 
carded  460,665  pounds  of  wool,  making  460,000  pounds  of  rolls,  valued  at 
$219,772.  At  that  time  Tennessee  had  over  one-third  of  this  business 
in  the  Southern  States,  and  was  excelled  by  only  three  States  in  the 
Union.  The  only  mill  reported  which  contained  a loom  was  located  in 
Sumner  County.  This  mill  used  10,000  pounds  of  wool  and  manufact- 
ured 18,000  yards  of  cloth. 

Fifty  years  ago  gunpowder  was  manufactured  in  a small  way  in 
many  of  the  counties  of  this  State.  The  capital  invested  amounted  to 
but  little,  and  the  product  was  correspondingly  small.  Of  these  estab- 
lishments, in  1840,  Claiborne  and  Overton  Counties  had  two  each,  and 
Campbell,  Carter,  Jefferson,  Sullivan,  Giles  and  Warren  one  each.  The 
capital  represented  ranged  from  $25  to  $900,  and  the  product  from  160 
to  6,000  pounds,  the  aggregate  production  reaching  10,888  pounds. 
About  1845  the  Sycamore  Manufacturing  Company  located  in  Cheatham 
County,  erected  a large  mill  for  the  manufacture  of  gunpowder, 
which  they  continued  to  operate  until  the  war.  At  the  close  of  hostili- 
ties the  company  was  organized  under  a charter,  with  a capital  of  $100,- 
000,  which  has  since  been  increased  to  $300,000.  In  1874  the  entire 
machinery  of  the  Confederate  Powder  Works,  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  were 
purchased  by  the  company,  and  the  capacity  of  their  mills  was  increased 
to  100,000  kegs  of  powder  per  year. 

The  manufacture  of  paper  was  begun  in  Tennessee  at  a comparatively 
early  date,  and  has  been  continued  by  one  or  more  mills  to  the  present 
time.  One  of  the  first  establishments  of  this  kind  was  erected  at  Paper- 


27  6 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


ville,  a little  village  on  a branch  of  the  Holston  River,  in  Sullivan  Coun- 
ty. In  1840  the  number  of  paper-mills  in  the  State  was  six,  located  one 
in  each  of  the  following  counties:  Grainger,  Knox,  McMinn,  Sullivan, 
Davidson  and  Sumner.  They  represented  an  aggregate  capital  of  $103,- 
000,  and  their  annual  products  were  valued  at  $00,000.  In  1860  the 
number  of  mills  had  decreased  to  two,  and  the  amount  of  capital  invested 
to  $28,000.  Their  annual  product  was  200,000  pounds  of  paper,  valued 
at  $14,500. 

The  manufacture  of  leather  and  boots  and  shoes  is  a pioneer  in- 
dustry. Among  the  early  settlers  nearly  every  farmer  had  a vat,  or  more 
frequently  merely  a trough,  in  which  was  tanned  the  leather  to  make  the 
boots  and  shoes  for  his  household.  Later  numerous  small  tanneries 
were  erected,  which  endeavored  only  to  supply  the  local  demand.  In 
1840  there  were  454  of  these  establishments,  of  which  East  Tennessee 
had  225;  Middle  Tennessee,  164;  and  the  western  division,  65.  The 
entire  capital  invested  in  the  business  was  $484,114,  of  which  Middle 
Tennessee  had  a little  more  than  one-half.  The  aggregate  products  were 
133,547  sides  of  sole-leather,  and  171,339  sides  of  uppers,  of  which 
Montgomery  County  produced  nearly  one-sixth.  In  1860  the  number 
of  tanneries  was  reported  at  265,  with  a capital  of  $851,780,  and  an 
annual  production  of  leather  to  the  value  of  $1,142,246.  The  estimated 
amount  of  capital  invested  in  the  making  of  boots  and  shoes  was  $214,- 
512,  and  the  productions  were  valued  at  $395,790.  In  1870  the  number 
of  establishments  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  leather  was  396,  repre- 
senting capital  to  the  amount  of  $705,665,  and  turning  out  products  to 
the  value  of  $1,851,638.  According  to  the  census  of  1880  there  were 
113  establishments  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  curried  leather,  whose 
product  amounted  to  $546,427,  and  147  establishments  manufacturing 
tanned  leather  to  the  amount  of  $1,504,660  during  the  year.  The  larg- 
est tannery  in  the  State  is  located  at  Chattanooga,  and  is  operated  by 
Fayerweather  & Ladew.  The  products  from  this  establishment  amount 
to  little  less  than  $1,000,000  per  annum.  Nashville  has  several  tanner- 
ies, all  of  which  do  a good  business.  The  Hall  & Ordway  Manufactur- 
ing Company  are  erecting  an  extensive  establishment  at  that  place  to 
supply  their  factory,  as  well  as  to  meet  a large  foreign  demand.  This 
firm  operate  the  only  shoe  manufactory  in  the  State,  and  are  the  pioneers 
in  that  business.  The  company  was  organized  in  November,  1885,  and 
began  business  the  first  of  the  following  January.  They  have  a capacity 
of  700  pairs  of  shoes  per  day,  but  already  contemplate  increasing  it  to 
1,000.  They  employ  from  100  to  350  hands.  Their  materials,  except 
the  findings  and  uppers,  which  come  principally  from  Boston  and  New 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


277 


York,  are  obtained  from  Tennessee  tanneries,  and  their  trade  is  rapidly 
extending  over  the  entire  South.  Their  success  in  this  business  is  a sure 
precursor  of  numerous  other  establishments  of  the  kind,  as  Nashville  al- 
ready has  the  largest  boot  and  shoe  trade  of  any  city  of  its  size  in  the 
United  States.  It  is  also  said  by  experienced  shoemen  that  Tennessee 
leather,  on  account  of  the  superior  quality  of  the  bark  and  the  purity  of 
the  water  used  in  its  manufacture,  is  superior  to  that  of  any  other 
State. 

The  manufacture  of  whisky  in  Tennessee  dates  back  nearly  to  the 
advent  of  the  first  colonists.  As  early  as  1785  Col.  James  Robertson, 
learning:  that  the  establishment  of  distilleries  in  the  Cumberland  settle- 
ments  was  under  contemplation,  secured  the  passage  of  an  act  by  the  Leg- 
islature of  North  Carolina,  prohibiting  the  distillation  of  spirituous  liq- 
uors in  Davidson  County.  The  prohibition,  however,  proved  of  but  lim- 
ited duration,  and  there  was  soon  considerable  domestic  manufacture  and 
increased  consumption.  For  the  first  fifty  or  sixty  years  of  the  present 
century,  there  was  scarcely  a county  in  the  State  that  was  not  more  or 
less  extensively  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  whisky.  It  was  usually 
made  in  small  distilleries  with  a capacity  of  thirty  or  forty  gallons  per 
day.  In  1840  the  number  of  distilleries  reported  in  East  Tennessee  was 
606,  producing  for  that  year  314,445  gallons  of  whisky.  The  counties 
producing  the  most  were  McMinn,  Claiborne,  Hawkins,  Greene,  Roane 
and  Marion.  The  whole  number  of  “still-houses”  in  Middle  Tennessee 
was  668,  and  the  number  of  gallons  of  whisky  produced,  695,769.  Lin- 
coln, Bedford,  Davidson,  Maury  and  Robertson  produced  the  greatest  quan- 
tities. The  first  named  county  had  87  distillers  and  manufactured  128,180 
gallons  of  whisky.  This  county  and  Robertson  have  long  enjoyed  the 
reputation  of  producing  the  best  whisky  in  the  State,  if  not  in  the  United 
States.  This  is  largely  due  to  the  fact  that  it  is  manufactured  by  men  of 
long  experience  in  the  business,  and  the  materials  used  are  of  superior 
quality.  These  two  counties  now  produce  a large  part  of  the  whisky 
made  in  the  State.  The  largest  distillery  in  Tennessee  is  that  of  Charles 
Nelson,  near  Greenbrier,  in  Robertson  County.  This  establishment  in 
the  year  1885  produced  379,125  gallons,  more  than  one-third  the  entire 
production  for  the  State,  and  about  82  per  cent  of  the  production  in  Rob- 
ertson County.  During  the  fiscal  year,  ending  June  30,  1885,  there  were 
90  registered  grain  distilleries  in  the  State,  of  which  55  were  in  opera- 
tion, and  238  fruit  distilleries — all  in  operation.  The  total  revenue  for 
the  year  paid  by  the  former  was  $802, 515.74,  and  by  the  latter  $73,- 
849.55.  The  materials  used  by  the  grain  distilleries  were  as  follows: 
rye,  26,063  bushels;  corn,  181,899  bushels;  mill  feed,  5,581  bushels; 


278 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


wheat,  49  bushels;  and  malt,  12,717  bushels.  The  following  is  the  inter- 
nal revenue  collected  upon  distilled  liquors  in  Tennessee  for  each  year 
from  1864  to  1885:  1864,  $602,705.93;  1865,  $1,605,263.41;  1866, 
$3,381,840.56;  1867,  $3,349,459.91;  1868,  $3,717,010.04;  1869,  $1,255, - 
781.12;  1870,  $1,470,859.57;  1871,  $874,221.65;  1872,  $766,840.20; 
1873,  $644,480.76;  1874,  $664,717.18;  1875,  $861,645.28;  1876,  $596,- 
713.67;  1877,  $897,181.73;  1878,  $844,485.08;  1879,  $908,924.44; 

1880,  $1,003,735.86;  1881,  $1,146,763.64;  1882,  $997,728;  1883, 
$1,173,890.29;  1884,  $1,249,975.96;  1885,  $1,057,189.43.  The  total 
tax  collected  for  the  twenty-one  years  amounts  to  $29,071,413.31. 

The  manufacture  of  cotton-seed  oil  is  an  industry  of  great  impor- 
tance, both  in  the  amount  of  capital  invested  and  the  value  of  the  prod- 
ucts. Memphis  is  the  center  of  this  business,  although  there  are  sev- 
eral other  towns  which  have  extensive  oil-mills.  In  that  city  there  are 
eleven  mills,  but  all  are  not  run  on  full  time.  The  magnitude  of  this 
branch  of  business  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  nearly  $1,000,000  is 
annually  paid  out  for  cotton  seed  by  the  Memphis  mills  alone.  It  also 
gives  employment  to  fully  600  hands,  and  affords  to  river  and  railway 
commerce  nearly  $350,000  in  freight.  The  receipts  of  cotton  seed  in 
Memphis  during  1885  were  58,000  tons,  from  which  there  was  a yield  of 
45,000  barrels  of  oil,  22,000  tons  of  oil  cake,  26,000  bales  of  regius  and  200 
tons  of  ashes.  The  last  article  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  fer- 
tilizers. 

A mill  to  manufacture  oil  from  cotton  seed  was  established  in 
Jackson  about  seven  years  ago,  and  has  grown  to  be  one  of  the  largest 
establishments  of  the  kind  in  the  State.  It  gives  employment  to  about 
150  hands,  and  runs  day  and  night.  In  1883  a company  was  organized 
to  engage  in  the  business  at  Trenton,  and  during  the  summer  large  build- 
ings were  erected,  into  which  was  put  the  most  improved  machinery. 
When  first  put  into  operation,  the  mill  consumed  750  bushels  of  cotton 
seed,  making  500  gallons  of  oil  and  9,000  pounds  of  meal  or  coke. 
Within  the  past  year  the  capacity  of  the  mill  has  been  doubled. 

Nashville  has  two  mills,  the  first  of  which  was  built  in  1868.  Each 
consumes  from  5,000  to  6,000  tons  of  cotton  seed  yearly.  Their  com- 
bined annual  product  is  estimated  at  400,000  gallons  of  oil  and  2,100 
tons  of  meal.  The  oil  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  soap  and  candles, 
and  in  the  adulteration  of  lard  and  other  oils.  It  is  also  said  to  be 
used  to  some  extent  in  the  manufacture  of  oleomargarine.  The  growth 
of  the  manufacturing  interest  of  the  State  since  1850  is  shown  in  the 
following  table: 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


279 


Year. 

No.  Estab- 
lishments. 

Capital  Invested. 

Hands 

Employed. 

Wages  Paid. 

Value  of  Mater- 
ials. 

Value  of  Produce. 

1850  .... 
1860 .... 
1870  .... 
1880  .... 

2,887 

2,572 

5,317 

4,326 

$6,527,729 

14,426,261 

15,595,295 

20,092,845 

12,039 

12,528 

19,412 

22,445 

$2,247,492 

3,370,687 

5,390,630 

5.254,775 

$5,166,886 

9,416.514 

19,657,027 

23,834,262 

$9,725,608 

17,987,225 

34,362,636 

37,074,886 

The  agency  which  has  been  most  effective  in  placing  the  vast  natural 
resources  and  advantages  of  Tennessee  before  the  world,  and  in  inaugu- 
rating a better  system  of  farming,  is  the  Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Statistics 
and  Mines,  established  by  act  of  the  Legislature  in  December,  1871. 
With  the  limited  appropriations  granted  to  this  bureau,  not  one-fifth  as 
much  as  is  expended  for  that  purpose  by  some  States  of  the  Northwest, 
it  has  succeeded  in  the  past  ten  years  in  bringing  into  the  State  millions 
of  dollars  of  capital  and  thousands  of  families.  The  commissioners  of 
this  department  have  been  men  of  untiring  energy  and  practical  busi- 
ness ability,  and  to  them  are  largely  due  the  results  which  have,  been  ob- 
tained. J.  B.  Killebrew,  the  secretary  of  the  bureau,  and  the  first  com- 
missioner, published  numerous  works  on  the  agricultural  and  industrial 
interests.  His  work  on  the  Resources  of  Tennessee  ” is  one  of  the 
most  thorough  and  complete  publications  of  the  kind  ever  made.  The 
work  of  the  bureau  under  his  administration  proved  very  effective.  A 
committee,  appointed  in  1879  to  investigate  its  affairs,  reported  not  less 
than  8,000  immigrants,  and  about  $9,000,000  capital  had  been  intro- 
duced into  the  State  through  its  instrumentality.  In  1881  the  com- 
missioner reported  that  during  the  preceding  two  years  there  had  been 
added  not  less  than  $5,600,000  to  the  wealth  of  the  State,  and  7,000 
Immigrants  to  its  population.  From  1881  to  1883  the  bureau  was  under 
the  direction  of  ex-Gov.  Hawkins,  and  since  that  time  the  office  of  com- 
missioner has  been  filled  by  Maj.  A.  J.  McWhirter,  who  is  thoroughly 
alive  to  the  interests  of  the  State.  In  1883  an  exhibit  of  the  natural 
resources  and  agricultural  products  of  Tennessee  was  made  at  the  South- 
ern Exposition,  held  at  Louisville,  Ivy.,  and  the  Mechanics  Institute 
Fair,  held  at  Boston,  Mass.  A more  extensive  exhibit  was  made  at  the 
Industrial  and  Cotton  Centennial  of  New  Orleans  in  1884-85,  and  also 
in  the  following  year.  The  profits  derived  from  these  exhibits  have 
been  great  and  are  manifested  in  the  rapid  development  of  the  manufac- 
turing and  mining  interests  of  the  State,  as  well  as  the  increase  in  the 
number  of  farms.  The  population  of  Tennessee,  as  reported  by  the  last 
census,  was  1,542,359.  It  is  now  estimated  by  the  best  statisticians  at 
1,850,000,  a gain  of  over  300,000,  or  20  per  cent  in  six  years.  The  in- 
crease in  wealth  has  been  proportionately  great. 


280 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTER  X. 

State  Institutions— The  Location  of  Legislative  Sessions— Final  Estab- 
lishment of  the  Capital— Construction  of  the  State-house— Descrip- 
tion of  the  Style  of  Architecture— The  Jackson  Statue— The  State 
Library— The  Deaf  and  Dumb  School— Tiie  Tennessee  School  for  the 
Blind— The  Tennessee  Hospital  for  the  Insane — The  State  Peniten- 
tiary—The  Historical  Society— The  Medical  Society — The  State 
Board  of  Health— The  Agricultural  Bureau— The  Grand  Lodges  of 
Masons,  Odd  Fellows,  Knights  of  Honor,  United  Order  of  the  Golden 
Cross,  American  Legion  of  Honor,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Knights  and 
Ladies  of  Honor,  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen,  Royal  Arcanum 
and  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

PREVIOUS  to  tlie  year  1843,  tlie  seat  of  government  of  tlie  State 
had  not  been  definitely  fixed.  The  Territorial  Assembly  met  in 
Knoxville,  in  1794-95;  also  the  Constitutional  Convention  in  1796.  In 
1807  the  Legislature  convened  on  September  21,  at  Kingston,  but  two 
days  later  adjourned  to  Knoxville.  Nashville  was  the  place  of  meeting 
in  1812,  1813,  1815;  Knoxville  again  in  1817;  then  Murfreesboro,  from 
1819  to  1825,  inclusive.  The  session  of  1826  was  held  in  Nashville,  as 
have  been  all  succeeding  ones.  Section  2 of  the  schedule  to  the  constitu- 
tion of  1834  declared  that  the  seat  of  government  should  be  determined 
upon  within  the  first  week  after  the  commencement  of  the  session  of  the 
General  Assembly  in  1843.  That  body  convened  on  Monday,  October  1, 
of  that  year,  and  the  first  subject  to  engage  its  attention  was  the  location 
of  the  capital.  Almost  every  town  in  the  State,  having  any  pretension 
at  all  to  eligibility  or  convenience  of  position,  had  its  advocates.  Thus 
the  following  places  were  successively  voted  upon:  Woodbury,  McMinn- 
ville, Franklin,  Murfreesboro,  Kingston,  Lebanon,  Columbia,  Sparta, 
Gallatin,  Clarksville,.  Shelbyville,  Harrison,  Chattanooga,  Cleveland, 
Athens,  Knoxville  and  Nashville.  On  Thursday,  October  4,  the  Senate 
voted  to  locate  the  seat  of  government  at  Kingston,  Roane  County,  and 
the  House  at  Murfreesboro.  But  finally,  on  the  Saturday  following, 
Nashville  was  agreed  upon  by  both  houses,  and  became  the  capital  of  the 
State.  This  result  is  mainly  attributable  to  the  liberality  of  the  town 
selected,  the  corporation  having  purchased  Campbell’s  Hill,  at  a cost  of 
$30,000  and  donated  it  to  the  State  as  a site  for  the  capitol  building.  An 
interesting  ancedote  is  told  in  connection  with  this  property.  Many  years 
previous,  Judge  Campbell  had  sold  a cow  and  calf  to  a neighbor,  who, 
subsequently  determining  to  remove  from  the  country,  notified  his  cred- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


281 


itor  that  a rifle  and  Cedar  Hill  was  all  he  had  to  give  for  the  debt. 
The  Judge  accepted  them,  thinking  that  the  sum  he  might  be  able  to 
sell  the  gun  for  would  be  all  that  he  would  realize  for  the  cow  and  calf; 
besides  the  four  acres,  which  he  sold. to  the  city,  he  disposed  of  several 
lots  to  individuals,  and  retained  the  one  upon  which  his  residence  was 
built,  opposite  the  south  front  of  the  capitol.  * 

Previous  to  this  time  the  meetings  of  the  Legislature  in  Nashville 
had  been  held  in  the  Davidson  County  Court  House,  but  the  build- 
ing had  become  too  small  for  the  constantly  increasing  membership  of 
that  body,  and  the  building  of  a capitol  was  a necessity.  Now  that  the 
seat  of  government  had  become  fixed,  no  obstacle  lay  in  the  way  of  be- 
ginning the  work,  and  on  January  30,  1844,  an  act  was  passed  making 
the  first  appropriation  for  that  purpose,  $10,000.  Gov.  William  Carroll, 
William  Nichol,  John  M.  Bass,  Samuel  D.  Morgan,  James  Erwin  and 
Morgan  IV.  Brown  were  appointed  commissioners,  to  whom  were  added, 
May  14,  1844,  James  Woods,  Joseph  T.  Elliston  and  Allen  A.  Hall. 
JohnM.  Bass  was  appointed  chairman  March  31,  1848,  and  held  the  posi- 
tion until  March  31,  1854,  when  Samuel  D.  Morgan  was  appointed.  April 
20,  1854,  John  Campbell,  John  S.  Young  and  Jacob  McGavock  were 
appointed  commissioners  by  Gov.  Andrew  Johnson.  By  act  of  Eebruary 
28, 1854,  R.  J.  Meigs  and  James  P.  Clark  were  appointed  commissioners, 
and  John  D.  Winston  was  appointed  by  the  governor.  The  following 
governors  of  the  State  were  ex-officio  commissioners:  James  C.  Jones, 
Aaron  Y.  Brown,  Neill  S.  Brown,  William  Trousdale,  William  B.  Camp- 
bell, Andrew  Johnson  and  Isham  G.  Harris.  Clearing-  of  the  around  for 
the  site  was  begun  about  January  1,  1845;  foundations  were  dug  and 
nearly  finished  by  the  4th  of  July,  on  which  day  the  corner-stone  was 
laid  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  building  with  imposing  ceremonies. 
An  eloquent  oration  was  delivered  on  the  occasion  by  the  Hon.  Edwin  H. 
Ewing. 

On  the  20th  of  May  previous  William  Strickland,  the  designer  of 
many  of  the  finest  public  buildings  in  Philadelphia,  was  appointed  archi- 
tect, and  from  this  time  the  building  was  carried  on  regularly  and 
steadily  without  error  or  interruption  till  the  time  of  his  death,  April  7, 
1854.  His  funeral  ceremonies  were  conducted  in  Representative  Hall, 
and  he  was  entombed  in  a recess,  which  he  had  prepared  about  a year 
before,  in  the  wall  of  the  north  basement  portico.  After  the  death  of 
Mr.  Strickland  the  work  was  for  several  years  carried  on  by  his  son,  W. 
F Strickland.  The  last  stone  of  the  tower  was  laid  July  21,  1855,  and 
the  last  stone  of  the  lower  terrace  March  19,  1859.  This  completed  the 

*“  Old  Times  in  Tennessee.” 


282 


HISTOIti  OP  TENNESSEE. 


stone  work.  The  building  was  first  occupied  by  tlie  Legislature  October 
3,  1853.  For  several  years  the  greater  portion  of  the  efficient  convict 
labor  was  employed  in  quarrying  the  stone  for  the  capitol,  and  after  its 
completion  the  same  kind  of  labor  was  used  in  improving  the  grounds. 
The  entire  cost  to  the  State  of  the  building  and  grounds  up  to  1859 
amounted  to  $900,500.  The  $30,000  paid  for  the  site  by  the  city,  added 
to  the  amount  expended  in  completing  the  grounds,  makes  a total  cost  of 
something  over  $1,000,000.  The  following  description  of  the  building 
is  taken  from  the  architect’s  report  and  other  sources: 

“The  State-house  is  parallelogram  in  form,  112x239  feet,  with  an  eleva- 
tion of  64  feet  8 inches  above  an  elevated  terrace  walk  which  surrounds 
it,  or  74  feet  8 inches  above  the  ground.  Rising  through  the  center  of 
the  roof  is  the  tower,  36  feet  square  and  80  feet  high.  The  main  idea 
of  the  elevation  of  the  building  is  that  of  a Greek  Ionic  temple  erected 
upon  a rustic  basement,  which  in  turn  appears  to  rest  upon  a terraced 
pavement.  The  building  has  four  fronts,  each  graced  with  a noble  por- 
tico. The  end  porticoes,  north  and  south,  are  each  composed  of  eight 
magnificent  Ionic  columns;  the  side  porticoes,  east  and  west,  are  composed 
each  of  six  columns.  These  columns,  twenty-eight  in  all,  are  each  4 
feet  in  diameter,  33  feet  high,  and  rest  upon  the  entablature  of  the 
basement.  This  entablature  is  supported  by  a rusticated  pier,  rising 
through  the  basement  story  under  each  column  of  the  portico  above. 
The  end  porticoes  are  capped  by  an  entablature,  which  is  continued  around 
the  building,  and  above  which  is  a heavy  pediment.  The  side  porticoes 
are  capped  by  the  entablature  and  double  blocking  courses.  The  build- 
ing inside  is  divided  into  three  stories:  the  crypt,  or  cellar;  the  base- 
ment, or  first  floor;  and  the  main  or  second  floor.  The  crypt  is  used  for 
the  State  arsenal  and  for  furnaces,  etc. 

“ The  basement  story  is  intersected  by  longitudinal  and  transverse 
halls  of  wide  dimensions,  to  the  right  and  left  of  which  large  and  com- 
modious rooms  are  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  governor,  the  comp- 
troller, the  treasurer,  the  secretary  of  state,  register  of  lands,  superin- 
tendent of  weights  and  measures  and  keeper  of  public  arms,  superin- 
tendent of  public  instruction,  and  the  commissioner  of  agriculture,  sta- 
tistics and  mines.  There  is  also  an  archive  room,  which  is  34  feet  square, 
and  a supreme  court  room,  which  is  35x52  feet,  8 inches.  From  the  great 
central  hall  the  principal  story  is  approached  by  a double  flight  of 
stairs,  the  hand-railing  of  which  is  of  East  Tennessee  marble.  The  lon- 
gitudinal hall  of  this  floor  is  128  feet  2 inches  long  by  24  feet  2 inches 
wide,  while  the  dimensions  of  the  transverse  hall  are  the  same  as  that  of 
the  basement.  This  story  is  divided  into  three  apartments:  representa- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


283 


tive  hall,  the  senate  chamber  and  the  library.  The  main  floor  of  repre- 
sentative hall,  61x97  feet,  is  flanked  on  the  east  and  west  sides  by  eight 
committee  rooms,  16  feet  8 inches  square.  Above  these  rooms  are  the 
public  galleries,  each  of  which  is  fronted  by  eight  columns  of  the 
Roman  Ionic  order,  2 feet  8 inches  in  diameter,  and  21  feet  10  inches 
high.  The  shaft  of  each  column  is  of  one  block  of  stone  surmounted 
by  exceedingly  graceful  and  elaborate  capitals,  the  device  of  the  archi- 
tect. The  speaker’s  stand  and  screen  wall  are  composed  of  red,  white 
and  black  Tennessee  marble.  The  chandelier  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  elaborate  in  the  country.  It  possesses  the  merit  of  being  original 
in  style  and  novel  in  design,  though  it  is  not  graceful  nor  altogether 
pleasing  to  the  eye.  The  senate  chamber  is  of  an  oblong  shape  from 
35  to  70  feet,  having  pilasters  of  the  Ionic  order  with  a full  entablature, 
and  is  surrounded  on  three  sides  by  a gallery  10  feet  9 inches  wide  sup- 
ported by  twelve  columns ' of  variegated  East  Tennessee  marble.  This 
room  also  has  a chandelier,  similar  in  design  to  that  of  the  representa- 
tive hall,  though  smaller  and  of  better  proportions.  Immediately  opposite 
the  senate  chamber  are  the  rooms  containing  the  state  library.  The 
main  room  is  35  feet  square,  with  two  smaller  rooms  on  each  side.  Erom 
the  main  room  a spiral  stairway  of  iron  leads  to  the  two  galleries  above, 
the  lower  one  of  which  extends  entirely  around  the  room,  and  the  upper 
one  on  two  sides. 

“Above  the  center  of  the  building  through  the  roof  rises  the  tower 
supported  by  four  massive  piers  10  or  12  feet  built  from  the  ground. 
The  design  of  the  tower,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  features  of  the  entire 
structure,  is  a modified  reproduction  of  the  “Choragic  Monument  of 
Lysicrates,”  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  the  “ Lantern  of  Demos- 
thenes.” The  tower  is  composed  of  a square  rustic  base,  36  feet  square 
and  42  feet  high,  with  a window  in  each  front.  Above  this  the  lantern 
or  round  part  of  the  tower  rises  26  feet  8 inches  in  diameter  by  37  feet 
high.  It  consists  of  a circular  cell  with  eight  beautiful  three-quarters 
fluted  Corinthian  columns  attached  around  its  outer  circumference  with 
alternate  blank  and  pierced  windows  between  each  two  columns  in  eacli 
of  the  two  stories  of  the  cell.  The  columns  have  each  a very  elaborate 
and  beautifully  wrought  capital  of  the  purest  Corinthian  style,  and  above 
all  a heavy  entablature.  The  column  shafts  are  2 feet  6 inches  in 
diameter  by  27  feet  8 inches  high,  and  capital  4 feet  high.  The  roof 
and  iron  finial  ornament  are  together  34  feet  high  above  the  last  stone  of 
the  tower,  making  the  whole  height  of  the  edifice  above  the  ground  206 
feet  7 inches,  or  over  400  feet  above  low  water  mark  in  the  Cumberland 
River. 


'284 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


“The  roof  of  the  building  is  constructed  of  rafters  composed  of 
wrought  iron  ties  and  braces,  trussed  in  sections,  and  joined  together  by 
cast  iron  plates  and  knees.  The  greatest  span  of  these  rafters  is  over 
Representative  Hall,  a distance  of  sixty-five  feet.  The  whole  is  sheathed 
and  covered  with  copper.  The  walls  of  the  building  for  the  founda- 
tion are  7 feet  thick;  those  of  the  superstructure  4 feet  and  6 inches. 
All  of  the  inside  walls  are  laid  with  rubble  stone ; the  terraces,  pave- 
ments and  the  round  part  of  the  tower,  chiseled;  the  outer  walls  of 
the  first  story  and  the  square  part  of  the  tower,  rusticated  work  and 
tooled.  The  material  of  the  building  is  of  a stratified  fossiliferohs  lime- 
stone of  slightly  bluish-gray  tint  with  cloud-like  markings.  It  was  pro- 
cured within  half  a mile  west  of  the  building  in  a quarry  opened  by  the 
State  on  the  grounds  of  Samuel  Watkins.  Stones  have  been  quarried 
from  this  place,  weighing  in  their  rough  state,  fifteen  or  twenty  tons,  and 
thirty  and  more  feet  long.  One  of  the  terrace  stones  of  the  building  is 
8 feet  3 inches  by  14  feet,  and  the  cap  stones  of  the  terrace  buttresses  are  5 
feet  10  inches  by  15  feet  11  inches,  the  heaviest  weighing  probably  eight 
or  ten  tons.  The  stone  may  be  considered  both  as  to  durability  and 
beauty  of  appearance  when  worked  well,  equal  to  any  building  stone  in 
the  country.  Nearly  all  the  materials,  in  addition  to  the  stone,  used  in 
the  construction  of  the  building,  were  produced  in  Tennessee,  and  the 
work  was  mainly  done  by  Tennessee  workmen — a magnificent  monument 
to  the  mechanical  skill  and  the  resources  of  the  State.” 

One  of  the  most  interesting  objects  to  be  seen  upon  Capitol  Hill  is 
the  magnificent  equestrian  statue  of  Gen.  Jackson.  So  long  ago  as  the 
session  of  the  General  Assembly*  of  1845-46,  the  idea  was  conceived  of 
erecting  at  the  capitol  in  Nashville  a statue  in  honor  of  Gen.  Andrew 
Jackson,  whose  death  took  place  June  8,  1845;  and  an  act  was  passed  the 
2d  of  February,  1846,  appropriating  the  sum  of  $7,500,  “when  a suffi- 
cient sum  shall  be  subscribed  by  the  people  in  connection  therewith  to 
complete  said  monument.”  Commissioners  were  appointed  in  the  sixth 
section  of  said  act  to  receive  any  voluntary  contributions,  control  the  dis- 
bursements of  all  funds,  contract  with  an  American  sculptor  or  artist,  and 
superintend  the  erection  of  said  statue.  For  various  reasons  no  further 
action  was  taken  in  the  matter  for  many  years  though,  it  ivas  by  no 
means  forgotten.  Early  in  the  month  of  January,  1879,  Gen.  Marcus  J. 
Wright,  of  Washington  City,  addressed  a letter  to  the  vice-president  of 
the  Tennessee  Historical  Society,  suggesting  that  Clark  Mill’s  eques- 
trian statue  of  Gen.  Jackson  was  on  sale,  expressing  the  hope  that  Ten- 
nessee could  be  induced  to  make  the  purchase  and  tendering  his  services 


♦Report  of  the  Legislative  Committee  of  the  Jackson  Statue. 


EQUESTRIAN  STATUE  OF  GEN.  JACKSON,  AT  NASHVILLE. 


Thoto  by  Thusa,  Eoellein  & Giers. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


285 


to  aid  in  tlie  negotiation.  A correspondence  ensued  between  Gen. 
Wright  and  the  vice-president,  and  then  papers,  with  a letter  from  Mills 
stipulating  the  price,  were  laid  before  the  society.  There  was  a discus- 
sion of  plans  for  obtaining  the  requisite  funds  to  make  the  purchase,  but 
nothing  definite  was  agreed  upon  and  the  vice-president  was  instructed 
to  communicate  for  the  society  with  Gen.  Wright  and  also  to  con- 
fer with  the  governor  of  the  State  as  to  the  policy  of  applying  to  the 
General  Assembly  for  an  appropriation.  After  due  deliberation,  the 
time  was  not  deemed  opportune  to  invoke  the  assistance  of  the  State,  and 
the  society  did  not  care  to  have  any  future  prospect  clouded  by  a denial 
of  favorable  legislation.  At  a meeting  held  July  1,  1879,  the  sub- 
ject was  again  brought  up.  Various  plans  for  raising  the  money  were 
proposed,  none  of  which,  however,  commanded  that  assurance  of  success 
which  warranted  immediate  action,  and  the  measure  was  indefinitely  post- 
poned. At  a subsequent  meeting  of  the  society  and  of  the  citizens  of 
Nashville  to  make  arrangements  for  the  centennial  anniversary  to  be  cel- 
ebrated in  1880,  an  enthusiasm  was  aroused  which  spread  through  the 
entire  community.  There  was  a pause  in  the  pursuit  of  individual  in- 
terests and  the  moment  given  to  an  unselfish  and  patriotic  inspiration. 
Memories  of  the  past  seem  to  rise  spontaneously  in  the  public  mind,  and 
it  doubtless  occurred  to  more  than  one  that  the  conjuncture  of  circum- 
stances was  favorable  for  the  acquisition  of  the  Jackson  statue.  Such  a 
thought  did  certainly  occur  to  a venerable  and  patriotic  citizen  of  Nash- 
ville, Maj.  John  L.  Brown,  who,  early  after  the  meeting  in  December,  ex- 
pressed his  intention  to  try  to  raise,  by  voluntary  subscriptions,  the  money 
necessary  for  the  purchase. 

He  wrote  to  Senator  Harris  and  Maj.  Blair,  of  Washington  City,  to 
make  inquiry  as  to  the  cost  of  the  statue,  which  was  found  to  be  $5,000. 
Several  letters  written  by  Col.  Bullock  on  the  subject  of  the  purchase 
were  published,  and  gave  renewed  impetus  to  the  movement.  Maj. 
Brown,  continuing  his  efforts,  secured  the  appointment  of  the  president 
and  secretary  of  the  Historical  Society  with  himself  as  “ a committee  for 
the  purchasing  of  the  statue  for  the  State  of  Tennessee.”  Every  means 
and  appliance  was  used  to  further  the  enterprise,  and  by  the  18  th  of 
March,  1880,  the  list  of  subscribers  had  so  increased  that  success  being 
in  sight  the  Centennial  board  of  directors  incorporated  a committee  of 
seven  members,  to  be  known  as  the  committee  for  the  purchase  and 
dedication  of  the  equestrian  statue  of  Gen.  Jackson,  of  which  Gen.  G. 
B.  1 hui'ston  became  chairman.  The  subscription  soon  agg’regated  an 
amount  near  or  quite  $5,000,  which  justified  the  consummation  of  the 
purchase. 


286 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


On  the  20th  of  May,  1880,  in  the  presence  of  a vast  assemblage  of 
people,  the  statue  was  unveiled  with  appropriate  and  impressive  ceremonies. 
Hon.  John  F.  House  was  the  orator  of  the  day,  an  original  ode  written 
by  Rev.  F.  W.  E.  Paschau  was  sung,  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  T.  A. 
Hoyt,  and  a prize  poem,  by  Mrs.  Bowser,  Avas  read  by  Dr.  G.  S.  Blackie. 
A grand  military  procession  paraded  the  street,  in  Avhich  several  United. 
States  officers,  including  Gen.  Buell,  Gen.  Pennypacker  and  others, 
together  with  Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston,  Gen.  Cheatham  and  others  of 
the  old  Confederate  Army,  participated.  Clark  Mills,  the  sculptor,  was 
an  invited  guest,  and  in  speaking  of  the  statue  stated  that  it  is  a tripli- 
cate of  the  one  standing  in  front  of  the  President’s  house  in  Washington, 
which  was  not  only  the  first  equestrian  statue  ever  self-poised  on  the 
hind  feet,  but  was  also  the  first  ever  modeled  and  cast  in  the  United 
States.  “ The  incident  selected  for  representation  in  this  statue  occurred 
at  the  battle  of  ISlew  Orleans,  on  the  8tli  of  January,  1815.  The  com- 
mander-in-chief has  advanced  to  the  center  of  the  lines  in  the  act  of 
review.  The  lines  have  come  to  present  arms  as  a salute  to  their  com- 
mander, who  acknowledges  it  by  raising  his  chapeau  four  inches  from 
his  head  according  to  the  military  etiquette  of  that  period.  But  his 
restive  horse,  anticipating  the  next  evolution,  rears  and  attempts  to  dash 
down  the  line,  while  his  open  mouth  and  curved  neck  show  that  he  is 
being  controlled  by  the  hand  of  his  noble  rider.”  The  statue  was  first 
placed  on  a temporary  pedestal  of  wood,  fronting  northward,  with  the 
head  of  the  horse  turned  toward  the  Capitol.  April  6,  1881,  an  appro- 
priation of  82,000  was  made  for  the  purpose  of  placing  a marble  or 
granite  base  under  the  statue,  which  was  accordingly  done  about  three 
years  later. 

For  some  years  previous  to  1854  the  State  Library  consisted  entirely 
of  donations  from  the  General  Government  and  from  other  States  of  the 
Union,  and  of  the  State’s  oavii  publications.  Counting  a large  number 
of  duplicates,  there  were  about  10,000  volumes,  but  only  about  1,500  or 
2,000  separate  works.  The  books  were  kept  in  a room  which  was  devot- 
ed to  that  purpose,  in  the  Davidson  County  Court  House,  and  which 
formed  a kind  of  passage-way  or  ante-room  to  the  governor  and  secre- 
tary of  states’  office,  and  the  Representative  Chamber.*  It  was  conse- 
quently open  all  day,  and  even  at  night.  On  account  of  this  negligence- 
a large  number  of  the  law  reports  of  the  various  States  were  misplaced, 
lost  or  stolen.  In  1853,  when  the  Legislature  first  met  in  the  Capitol, 
the  books  were  removed  to  that  place,  and  by  an  act  of  January  20,  1854, 
the  secretary  of  State  was  constituted  ex  officio  librarian,  with  instruc- 
tions to  keep  the  library  open  at  least  one  day  in  the  week. 


*The  Legislature  then  met  in  the  Court  House. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


287 


By  the  active  endeavors  of  a few  enlightened  men  who  knew  the 
great  need  of  a State  Library,  the  Legislature  was  induced  to  insert  two 
sections  referring  to  the  library  into  the  general  appropriation  bill  of 
1854.  It  appropriated  $5,000  to  purchase  a library,  and  R.  J.  Meigs 
was  appointed  a commissioner  to  procure  books.  A very  excellent  se- 
lection of  books  was  made,  and  they  were  placed  in  the  north  ante-room 
of  the  library,  the  larger  room  not  having  been  fitted  up  at  that  time. 

March  1,  1856,  $500  per  annum  was  appropriated  to  make  additions 
to  the  library,  and  It.  J.  Meigs  was  appointed  librarian  at  a salary  of 
$500.  With  the  exception  of  the  years  from  1861  to  1868,  from  that 
time  until  1S79  annual  appropriations  varying  from  $500  to  $2,500  were 
made  for  the  purchase  of  additional  books.  Since  1871,  however,  no 
new  books  have  been  added,  except  those  obtained  by  exchange  with  other 
States.  The  library  now  contains  about  35,000  volumes  of  well-selectecf 
standard  works,  but  in  recent  literature  it  is  very  deficient. 

For  the  past  eight  years  this  institution  has  been  under  the  manage- 
ment of  Mrs.  S.  K.  Hatton,  and  her  daughter,  Miss  Emma  Hatton,  the 
assistant  librarian,  and  too  much  praise  can  not  be  accorded  them  for 
the  fidelity  and  courtesy  with  which  they  have  discharged  their  duties. 

The  Tennessee  Deaf  and  Dumb  School  owes  its  origin  to  the  benevo- 
lent impulses  and  the  prompt  and  persistent  action  of  Gen.  John  Cocke,- 
of  Grainger  County,  while  a member  of  the  senatorial  branch  of  the 
General  Assembly.  On  December  20,  1843,  a bill  providing  for  the  es- 
tablishment in  Nashville  of  an  institution  for  the  blind,  being  on  its  third 
reading  before  the  Senate,  Gen.  Cocke  moved  to  amend  by  the  addition? 
of  a section  providing  for  the  appropriation  of  $2,000  for  putting  into 
operation  at  Knoxville,  a deaf  and  dumb  school.  After  the  substitution  of 
$1,000  for  $2,000  the  amendment  was  adopted,  and  then  the  entire  bill 
was  rejected  by  a vote  of  eleven  to  thirteen.  On  the  following  day  the  vote 
was  reconsidered,  and  other  amendments  were  adopted.  The  vote  on  Gen. 
Cocke’s  amendment  was  reconsidered  by  a majority  of  three,  but  it  was  again 
adopted  by  a majority  of  one,  and  the  bill  was  finally  passed  in  the  Senate 
December  21,  1843.  The  bill  then  went  to  the  House,  where  on  its 
third  reading  it  was  rejected  by  a majority  of  three,  but  the  vote  was  subse- 
quently reconsidered,  and  the  bill  in  the  form  in  which  it  had  left  the 
Senate  was  passed  January  29,  1844.  The  governor  appointed,  to 
constitute  the  first  board  of  trustees,  Messrs.  B.  B.  McMullen,  Joseph 
Estabrook  and  D.  B.  McAnally,  who  met  at  Knoxville,  July  27,  1844, 
and  organized  by  electing  Mr.  McMullen,  president,  and  Mr.  McAnally, 
secretary. 

These  gentlemen  immediately  went  to  work  with  characteristic  zeal, 


288 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


opening  correspondence  with  officers  of  similar  institutions  in  other 
States,  obtaining  information  as  to  the  number  and  situation  of  the  deaf 
mutes  in  this  State,  selecting  a suitable  building  in  which  to  open  the 
school,  and  securing  the  services  of  a competent  instructor  for  the  pupils. 
Bev.  Thomas  Mclntire,  a former  teacher  in  the  Ohio  Deaf  and  Dumb 
School,  was  made  the  first  principal,  and  under  his  charge  the  exercises 
of  the  school  were  begun  in  what  was  known  as  the  Cliurchwell  House,  in 
East  Knoxville,  in  June,  1845.  By  an  act  passed  January  31,  1846,  the 
General  Assembly  recognized  the  existence  of  the  institution,  incorpo- 
rated it,  made  better  provision  for  its  support,  and  added  Messrs.  T.  Sul- 
lins,  J.  H.  Cowan  and  Campbell  Wallace  to  its  board  of  trustees. 

It  now  became  a leading  object  of  the  board  to  procure  means  for  the 
•erection  of  more  appropriate  buildings  for  the  purposes  of  the  school, 
and  measures  tending  to  that  end  were  promptly  undertaken  and  vigor- 
ously prosecuted.  The  board  issued  circular  letters  to  the  benevolent 
throughout  the  State,  applied  to  Congress  for  a donation  of  public  lands, 
established  several  local  agencies,  and  fortunately  placed  in  the  position 
of  manager  of  a general  soliciting  and  collecting  agency,*  Col.  John  M. 
Davis,  of  Knox  County.  These  efforts  met  with  gratifying  success,  and 
over  $4,000  was  contributed  by  individuals.  This  sum,  supplemented  by 
appropriations  made  by  the  Legislature,  enabled  the  trustees  to  erect  a 
large  and  commodious  building,  at  a cost  of  about  $20,000.  As  origin- 
all  v built  it  consisted  of  a main  building  25x79  feet  and  three  stories 
high,  with  two  wings  of  the  same  size  as  the  main  building,  altogether 
forming  a main  front  to  the  south  of  100  feet,  and  east  and  west  front  of 
129  feet  'each.  The  grounds  belonging  to  the  institution  were  obtained 
at  different  times  by  gift  and  purchase.  They  now  embrace  about  eight 
acres  lying  in  a rectangular  form,  entirely  surrounded  by  streets,  and  are 
handsomely  improved.  The  original  site,  consisting  of  two  acres,  was 
donated  by  Calvin  Morgan,  of  Knoxville,  and  the  remaining  six  acres 
were  purchased  at  a cost  of  about  $6,000. 

After  becoming  permanently  established  in  the  new  building  the 
school  rapidly  increased,  both  in  numbers  and  efficiency.  During  the 
first  session  the  number  of  pupils  in  attendance  was  nine,  while  in  1857 
the  number  had  increased  to  eighty.  In  the  year  1861  the  school  was 
among  the  largest  institutions  of  the  kind  in  the  country,  and  received  a 
liberal  support  from  the  State.  The  whole  building  had  been  refur- 
nished in  a creditable  manner,  and  the  grounds  were  highly  ornamented. 
But  the  war  came.  The  school  was  disbanded,  and  the  buildings  were 
taken  possession  of  by  the  military  authorities,  and  were  used  by  the  con- 

*Compiled  from  a report  by  Thomas  L.  Moses. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


289 


tending  armies  in  turn  for  hospital  purposes.  In  1866  the  buildings 
were  turned  over  to  the  trustees  in  a badly  damaged  condition,  and  after 
some  repairs  had  been  made  the  school  was  again  opened  December 
3 of  that  year.  Owing  to  the  financial  embarrassment  of  the  State  the 
appropriations  to  the  institution  for  some  time  were  scarcely  adequate  to 
supply  its  wants,  and  it  required  the  exercise  of  the  strictest  economy  on 
the  part  of  its  management  to  maintain  the  school.  In  1873,  however, 
the  appropriation  of  $10,000  placed  it  upon  a firm  financial  basis,  and 
since  that  time  it  has  been  in  a most  prosperous  condition.  A few  years 
ago  a new  chapel  was  erected  and  other  improvements  made,  so  that  at 
present  the  institution  can  comfortably  accommodate  125  pupils. 

In  the  fall  of  1881  a school  for  colored  mutes  was  opened  in  a rented 
house  in  East  Knoxville,  about  one  mile  from  the  main  building.  The 
school  numbered  ten  pupils,  and  was  taught  by  Matt  E.  Mann,  the  pres- 
ent teacher,  and  a former  pupil  of  the  institution.  Two  years  later  a 
substantial  brick  building,  with  twenty-seven  acres  of  land,  situated 
about  a mile  east  of  the  town,  was  rented  for  the  use  of  the  school.  The 
number  of  pupils  in  this  department  in  1881  was  seventeen.  The  white 
pupils  for  the  same  time  numbered  about  100.  On  December  21,  1882, 
Mr.  J.  H.  Ijams,  who  had  been  principal  of  the  school  for  sixteen  years, 
died,  and  Thomas  L.  Moses  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy,  which  posi- 
tion he  still  holds.  This  noble  charity  is  well  managed,  and  too  much 
praise  cannot  be  awarded  to  the  patient,  conscientious  teachers,  who  have 
dedicated  their  lives  to  the  work  of  educating  these  unfortunate  children. 

The  first  school  for  the  education  of  the  blind  in  America  was  opened 
in  Boston  1832.  So  favorable  were  the  results  obtained,  that  the  subject 
was  agitated  throughout  the  country,  and  within  the  next  twenty  years 
nearly  every  State  had  made  some  provision  for  the  education  of  her 
sightless  children.  In  1813  an  exhibition  was  given  in  one  of  the 
churches  of  Nashville,  showing  the  ability  of  the  blind  to  read  by  the 
sense  of  touch.  A good  audience  was  assembled,  to  a majority  of  whom, 
the  method  of  reading  by  the  fingers  was  something  new  and  surprising. 
An  enthusiastic  interest  was  awakened.  The  Legislature  was  petitioned 
for  aid  to  establish  a school,  and  $1,500  was  appropriated  by  that  bodv 
annually  for  two  years.  With  this  sum,  increased  by  private  subscrip- 
tions, a house  was  rented  and  furnished  and  the  school  opened.  Mr. 
J ames  Champlin,  who  had  given  the  exhibition,  was  selected  as  the  first 
teacher.  He  proved  to  be  incompetent,  and  in  a few  months  thereafter 
IV.  H.  Churchman  was  elected  principal.  The  pupils  then  numbered 
about  fifteen. 

In  1816  a charter  nominating  J.  T.  Edgar,  E.  B.  C.  Howell,  J.  T. 


290 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Wheat  and  A.  L.  P.  Green,  as  a board  of  trustees,  was  granted  to  the 
school,  and  the  annual  appropriations  for  the  next  two  years  was  increased 
to  $2,500.  The  household  and  domestic  department  was  placed  under 
the  control  of  Mrs.  John  Bell,  Mrs.  William  H.  Morgan,  Mrs.  Matthew 
AVatson  and  Mrs.  Joseph  H.  Marshall,  all  of  whom  had  taken  a deep  in- 
terest iii  the  institution  from  the  first.  After  serving  as  principal  of  the 
school  less  than  two  years,  Mr.  Churchman  resigned  the  position  to  en- 
ter upon  a broader  field  of  labor  in  Indiana,  and  Mr.  E.  AV.  Whelan,  of 
Philadelphia,  was  elected  to  take  his  place,  which  he  retained  until  May, 
1849,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Jacob  Berry,  also  of  Philadelphia.  In 
little  more  than  a month  Mr.  Berry  died  of  cholera,  also  the  matron, 
steward,  and  several  of  the  most  promising  pupils.  Mr.  AVhelan  volun- 
teered in  the  midst  of  suffering  and  death  to  take  charge  of  the  school 
temporarily.  His  offer  was  accepted,  and  after  holding  the  position  a 
short  time  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Fortescue,  Avho  resigned  in  about 
two  months.  These  frequent  changes  in  the  managemant  of  the  school 
and  still  more  the  fatal  visitation  of  cholera  within  the  household,  hin- 
dered its  growth  and  retarded  the  improvement  of  the  pupils. 

In  November,  1850,  J.  M.  Sturtevant  was  engaged  to  superintend  the 
school.  He  took  charge  of  it  the  following  J anuary,  and  for  many  years 
very  acceptably  performed  the  duties  of  the  office.  In  1852  a lot  was 
purchased  from  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  an  appropriation  was 
made  for  the  erection  of  a building  upon  it.  By  the  following  January 
a house  sufficiently  spacious  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  school  was 
completed.  Additions  were  afterward  made,  and  the  grounds  gradually 
improved  until  June,  1861,  the  whole  cost  of  buildings  and  grounds  hav- 
ing been,  up  to  that  time,  about  $25,000.  In  November  of  that  year  the 
building  was  demanded  for  the  accommodation  of  the  sick  and  wounded 
Confederates.  The  trustees  refused  to  give  it  up,  and  on  the  18tli  of  the 
month  the  immates  “were  summarily  ejected.”  The  pupils  who  had  no 
homes  were  distributed  to  private  residences,  and  the  furniture  was  stored 
away. 

After  the  Federals  took  possession  of  Nashville,  in  February,  1862, 
they  continued  to  use  it  as  a hospital  until  November,  when  by  order  of 
J.  St.  Clair  Morton,  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  the  build- 
ing, together  with  all  surrounding  improvements,  was  entirely  destroyed. 
At  the  close  of  the  war  a few  of  the  pupils  were  collected  and  the  school 
•was  reorganized.  In  October,  1872,  Hon.  John  M.  Lea,  for  $15,000,  pur- 
chased the  Claiborne  residence  with  about  seven  acres  of  land,  for  the 
purpose  of  donating  it  to  the  Tennessee  School  for  the  Blind,  to  which  it 
was  conveyed  immediately  after  the  purchase.  The  Legislature  of  1873 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


291 


acknowledged  tlie  excellence  of  the  location  and  the  munificence  of  the 
gift  by  appropriating  $40,000  for  the  erection  of  a building  “commen- 
surate with  the  wants  of  a first-class  institution.”  A competent  architect 
was  employed,  and  it  was  decided  to  erect  a wing  on  both  the  north  and 
south  sides  of  the  mansion,  giving  when  completed,  an  entire  front  of 
205  feet.  To  do  this  required  additional  appropriations.  The  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly  added  $30,000  and  the  Legislature  of  1879  set  apart  $34- 
000  for  the  use  of  the  school,  a portion  of  which,  it  was  provided,  might 
be  expended  in  improvements  upon  the  building.  About  three  years 
ago  provision  was  made  for  the  admission  of  colored  pupils,  and  a sepa- 
rate department  was  established  for  them. 

Although  there  are  many  larger  institutions  of  the  kind  in  this  coun- 
try, with  more  costly  buildings  and  grounds,  yet  in  excellence  of  manage- 
ment and  thoroughness  of  results,  it  is  unexcelled. 

In  addition  to  a literary  education  the  boys  are  taught  some  simple 
mechanical  trade,  and  the  girls  are  instructed  in  sewing,  and  bead  and 
other  ornamental  work.  Much  attention  is  also  given  to  music,  some 
of  the  graduates  of  that  department  having  become  excellent  teachers. 
The  school  is  now  under  the  superintendency  of  Prof.  L.  A.  Bigelow,  and 
in  December,  1884,  had  an  enrollment  of  sixty-nine  pupils,  eight  of 
whom  were  colored. 

October  19,  1832,  the  Legislature  passed  an  act  to  establish  a lunatic 
hospital  in  this  State,  to  be  located  in  Davidson  County,  near  Nashville. 
Francis  Porterfield,  Joseph  Woods,  Henry  B.  W.  Hill,  James  Roane, 
Felix  Robertson  and  Samuel  Hogg  were  appointed  commissioners  to  pur- 
chase a site  and  to  erect  a building,  for  which  purpose  $10,000  were 
appropriated.  A small  tract  of  land,  about  one  mile  from  the  city,  was 
obtained,  and  the  erection  of  the  building  begun.  From  some  cause  the 
work  progressed  very  slowly,  and  the  asylum  was  not  ready  for  occu- 
pancy until  1840.  Three  years  later  there  were  only  thirteen  patients  in 
the  institution,  which  up  to  that  time  had  cost  the  State  over  $56,000. 

In  1847  the  well-known  philanthropist,  Miss  D.  L.  Dix,  visited  Ten- 
nessee,' and  finding  the  accommodations  for  the  insane  inadequate,  me- 
morialized the  Legislature,  and  aroused  the  representatives  of  the  people 
to  take  action  upon  the  subject.  It  was  decided  to  dispose  of  the  old 
hospital  and  grounds  and  to  erect  new  buildings  on  some  more  favorable 
site.  The  old  grounds  were  too  small,  the  water  supply  insufficient,  the 
location  unhealthy,  and  the  arrangement  of  the  building  itself  not  good. 

By  authority  of  the  legislative  act  the  governor  appointed  nine  com- 
missioners to  purchase  a new  site.  They  selected  a large  farm  about  six 
miles  from  Nashville,  on  the  Murfreesboro  pike,  one  of  the  healthiest 


292 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


localities  in  the  State.  Dr.  John  S.  Young  was  employed  as  superin- 
tendent and  A.  Heiman  as  architect  of  the  building  to  lie  erected. 
Before  entering  upon  their  work  they  visited  various  asylums  in  the 
North  and  East  for  the  purpose  of  perfecting  their  plans.  Butler  Asy- 
lum, of  Providence,  R.  I.,  was  finally  chosen  as  a model,  with  a slight 
change  in  the  architecture. 

In  1849,  with  an  appropriation  of  $75,000,  the  work  of  erection 
began,  and  in  April,  1852,  the  patients  were  removed  from  the  old  hos- 
pital. Two  years  later  two  large  wings  were  added,  making  the  whole 
building  capable  of  accommodating  250  patients.  During  the  entire 
process  of  erection  Miss  Dix,  who  has  made  a study  of  buildings  of  this 
character,  lent  her  aid  and  assistance,  and  so  highly  was  this  apprecia- 
ted that  a room  was  especially  fitted  up  for  her  to  occupy  whenever  she 
chose  to  visit  the  institution.*  The  Tennessee  Hospital  for  the  Insane 
is  of  the  castellated  style  of  architecture,  with  twenty-four  octagonal 
towers  of  proportionate  dimensions,  placed  on  the  corners  of  the  main 
building  and  its  wings,  while  from  the  center  of  the  main  building  rises 
a larger  octagonal  tower,  twenty-five  feet  above  the  roof,  and  sixteen  feet 
in  diameter.  A range  of  battlements  from  tower  to  tower  surrounds  the 
whole  edifice,  following  the  angles  of  the  several  projections,  giving  a 
fine  relief  to  it  from  any  point  of  view.  The  extreme  length  of  the  main 
building  and  its  wings  from  east  to  west  is  405  feet  and  210  feet  from 
north  to  south.  There  are  two  airing  courts  in  this  area,  each  about  150 
feet  square.  The  height  of  the  main  building  from  the  ground  to  the  top 
of  the  main  tower  is  eighty-five  feet.  The  center,  right  and  left  of  the 
main  building  are  four  stories  high  without  the  basement;  the  interven- 
ing ranges  and  the  wings  are  three  stories  high.  Its  interior  arrange- 
ment and  structure  are  in  accordance  with  the  most  approved  plans.  In 
all  the  minutiae  of  detail,  the  comfort,  convenience  and  health  of  the 
patients  have  been  very  carefully  studied.  The  ventilation  of  the  build- 
ing is  a decided  feature  in  its  construction.  It  is  carried  on  by  means  of 
a centrifugal  fan  seventeen  feet  in  diameter,  driven  . by  a steam-engine. 
The  air  is  conducted  through  subterranean  passages  to  the  central  cham- 
bers in  the  basement,  and  thence  through  the  steam-pipe  chambers  into 
vertical  flues  passing  through  the  entire  building.  The  quantity  of  air 
discharged  may  be  carried  up  to  70,000  cubic  feet  per  minute  to  each 
occupant.  Thus  a constant  supply  of  pure  fresh  air  may  be  kept  up 
during  the  most  oppressive  weather.  The  means  of  heating  the  build- 
ing are  no  less  complete.  The  series  of  vertical  flues  before  alluded  to 
are  constructed  in  the  longitudinal  walls  of  the  halls,  starting  from  a coil 


*History  of  Davidson  County  and  the  Architect’s  Report. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


293 


of  pipe  or  hot-air  chambers  in  the  basement  story,  from,  the  halls  and 
rooms  of  the  different  stories  near  the  floor.  By  this  arrangement  the 
air  supply  is  constant  without  reference  to  any  external  condition  of 
weather  or  temperature.  Water  is  pumped  by  the  engine  from  a reser- 
voir to  a tank  in  the  center  of  the  building,  and  from  thence  distributed 
by  pipes  to  other  parts  of  the  institution.  Soon  after  the  war  suit- 
able quarters  removed  from  the  main  building  were  erected  by  the  State, 
at  a cost  of  about  $25,000,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  colored  insane. 
The  grounds  now  include  480  acres,  and  the  entire  property  is  valued  at 
about  $400,000. 

This  admirably  managed  charity  has  been  under  the  superintendency 
of  Dr.  John  H.  Callender  for  several  years,  and  has  accomplished,  a 
vast  amount  of  good  in  extending  the  most  helpful  and  tender  ministra- 
tions to  the  suffering  insane.  In  December,  1884,  the  whole  number  of 
patients  in  the  institution  was  412,  of  whom  a few  were  colored.  The 
annual  cost  per  patient  for  the  two  years  previous  was  $178.68.  In  1883 
the  superintendent,  as  he  had  done  in  many  previous  reports,  urged  upon 
the  Legislature  the  necessity  of  providing  more  accommodations  for  the 
insane  of  the  State.  At  that  session  $80,000  was  appropriated  for  the 
East  Tennessee  Insane  Asylum,  to  be  erected  near  Knoxville  upon  the 
property  known  as  Lyon’s  View,  which  the  State  had  purchased  for  that 
purpose  some  time  before.  Agreeably  to  the  provision  of  the  act  mak- 
ing the  appropriation  the  governor  appointed  R.  H.  Armstrong,  J.  C. 
Flanders  and  Columbus  Powell,  all  of  Knoxville,  to  constitute  a board  of 
directors,  who  promptly  organized  and  elected  W.  H.  Cusack,  of  Nash- 
ville, architect,  and  Dr.  Michael  Campbell,  of  Nashville,  superintending 
physician  of  construction.  The  board  of  directors,  with  the  superintend- 
ing physician  and  architect,  after  visiting  some  of  the  most  famous  asy- 
lums in  the  country,  adopted  a plan  embracing  the  latest  improvements, 
both  sanitary  and  architectural,  The  asylum  consists  of  nine  buildings, 
including  an  administration  building,  chapel,  kitchen,  laundry,  boiler- 
house  and  engine-house.  The  main  front  is  472  feet  long.  The  wards 
consist  of  174  rooms  that  will  accommodate  from  250  to  300  patients. 
In  1885  the  original  appropriation  had  been  exhausted,  and  an  additional 
sum  of  $95,000  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  for  the  completion  of  the 
buildings.  The  asylum  was  ready  for  occupancy  March  1,  1886,  and  a 
transfer  of  the  patients  belonging  to  East  Tennessee  was  made.  No  more 
beautiful  and  desirable  spot  could  have  been  chosen  for  an  insane  asy- 
lum than  Lyon’s  View.  Within  four  miles  of  the  city  of  Knoxville,  hioflr 
in  elevation,  commanding  a full  view  of  the  river  and  the  adjacent  heights 
with  their  attractive  scenery,  the  location  possesses  in  itself  all  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


294 

requirements  that  could  possibly  be  desired  in  an  institution  designed  for 
the  comfort,  care  and  cure  of  the  unfortunate  insane.*  The  asylum 
itself  is  one  of  the  most  stately  and  best  equipped  in  the  country,  and 
stands  an  honorable  monument  to  the  munificent  charity  of  Tennessee. 

Even  Avitli  these  two  large  asylums  it  was  found  that  not  all  of  this 
unfortunate  class,  who  are  peculiarly  the  wards  of  the  State,  could  be 
accommodated,  and  an  appropriation  of  $85,000  was  made  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a similar  institution  in  West  Tennessee.  John  M.  Lea,  John  H. 
Callendar  and  W.  P.  Jones  were  appointed  commissioners  to  select  a site 
and  superintend  the  construction  of  the  buildings.  These  commissioners, 
after  spending  several  weeks  in  visiting  and  carefully  examining  several 
places,  selected  a point  between  three  and  four  miles  northwest  of  Boli- 
var, in  Hardeman  County.  The  structure  will  be  of  brick  with  white 
stone  trimmings.  Its  length  will  be  750  feet,  with  a depth  of  40  feet. 
The  central  or  maiji  portion  of  the  building  will  be  five  stories  high,  and 
will  be  occupied  by  the  offices  and  domestic  apartments  of  the  officers. 
On  either  side  of  the  main  building  are  to  be  two  sections  four  stories 
high,  separated  from  each  other  by  fire-proof  walls.  Between  the  tiers 
of  rooms  will  be  large  corridors,  and  above  each  corridor  lofty  flues,  all 
so  arranged  as  to  secure  perfect  ventilation  and  sufficient  light.  The 
building  will  cost  over  $200,000,  without  the  furnishing,  and  will  accom- 
modate 250  patients. 

Previous  to  the  adoption  of  the  penitentiary  system,  the  severity  of 
the  penal  laws  of  the  State  tended  rather  to  increase  than  to  decrease  the 
number  of  crimes  committed.  As  the  means  of  punishment  were  limited 
to  the  whipping-post,  stocks,  pillory,  county  jail,  the  branding-iron  and 
the  gallows,  the  penalties  were  either  lighter  than  could  prove  effective, 
or  else  in  severity  out  of  all  proportion  to  the  offense  committed.  In 
either  case  the  result  was  the  same,  the  severe  penalty  frequently  pre- 
venting conviction.  The  penalty,  as  expressed  in  the  following  act  passed 
October  23,  1799,  is  an  example  of  the  punishments  inflicted  for  crimes  of 
that  character: 

Be  it  enacted , “ That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act  any  person  who  shall 
be  guilty  of  feloniously  stealing,  taking  or  carrying  away  any  horse,  mare  or  gelding, 
shall  for  such  offense  suffer  death  without  benefit  of  clergy.” 

For  some  years  after  the  organization  of  the  State  many  of  the  penal 
laws  remained  the  same  as  before  its  separation  from  North  Carolina. 
In  1807  an  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  fixing  a somewhat 
lighter  penalty  for  several  felonies.  For  grand  larceny,  arson  and 
malicious  prosecution,  the  penalty  for  the  first  offense  was  the  infliction 
upon  the  bare  back  of  a number  of  lashes,  not  to  exceed  thirty-nine, 


'•"Gov.  Bate. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


295 


imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  for  a term  not  to  exceed  twelve  months, 
and  to  “be  rendered  infamous,  according  to  the  laws  of  the  land.”  For 
the  second  offense,  the  penalty  was  death.  The  penalties  for  forgery 
and  perjury  were  even  more  severe.  In  the  earlier  days  of  civilization 
such  punishments  would  have  been  deemed  mild,  but  at  the  time  in  which 
these  laws  were  passed,  the  growth  of  humanizing  influences  rendered 
their  cruelty  apparent,  and  not  infrequently  the  culprit  escaped  convic- 
tion more  on  account  of  the  sympathy  of  the  judge  and  jury  than  from  a 
lack  of  sufficient  evidence  against  him.  This  fact  was  recognized,  and 
the  successive  governors  in  nearly  every  message  urged  upon  the  General 
Assembly  the  necessity  of  establishing  a penitentiary.  In  1813  an  act 
was  passed  requiring  the  clerk  of  each  county  court  to  keep  a subscrip- 
tion list  for  the  purpose  of  permitting  persons  “ to  subscribe  any  amount 
they  may  think  proper  for  erecting  a penitentiary.”  This  plan  of  raising 
money  for  that  purpose  was  not  a success,  as  four  years  later  the  total 
sum  subscribed  amounted  to  only  $2,173.40,  a great  part  of  which  the 
committee  appointed  to  investigate  the  matter  thought  could  not  be  col- 
lected. In  1819  Gov.  McMinn  again  brought  the  subject  before  the 
Legislature.  In  his  message  he  says:  “Notwithstanding  some  fruitless 
attempts  have  been  made  toward  establishing  a penitentiary  in  this  State, 
yet  I think  it  my  duty  to  bring  the  subject  before  you,  and  with  an 
earnest  hope  that  in  your  wisdom  and  in  your  love  of  humanity  and  jus- 
tice you  will  lend  your  aid  in  commencing  a work  which  will  do  lasting 
honor  to  its  founders.”  Nothing  more,  however,  was  done  until  October 
28,  1829,  when  the  act  providing  for  the  building  of  the  penitentiary 
became  a law.  The  ground  selected  for  the  site  of  the  institution  con- 
tains about  ten  acres,  and  is  situated  about  one  mile  southwest  of  the 
court  house  in  Nashville.  Contracts  for  the  building  were  let  in  April, 
1830,  and  work  was  immediately  begun,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
architect,  David  Morrison.  The  rock  used  in  its  construction  was 
quarried  upon  the  ground,  and  so  vigorously  was  the  work  prosecuted 
that  a proclamation  was  issued  by  the  governor  January  1,  1831,  an- 
nouncing the  penitentiary  open  to  receive  prisoners.  At  the  same  time 
the  revised  penal  code  went  into  effect.  The  following  description  of  the 
building  as  it  originally  appeared  is  taken  from  a Nashville  paper  issued 
December  7,  1830:  “The  principal  front  of  the  building  presents  a 
southern  exposure,  is  310  feet  long,  and  consists  of  a center  and  two 
wings.  The  former,  slightly  projecting,  is  composed  of  brick  embel- 
lished with  cut  stone  dressing,  120  feet  long,  32  feet  wide,  and  three 
stories  high.  It  contains  the  warden  and  keeper’s  apartments,  two  in- 
firmaries, an  apartment  for  confining  female  convicts,  and  sundry  other 


296 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


rooms  for  the  use  of  the  establishment.  In  surveying  the  front  of  the 
center  building,  the  most  conspicuous  feature  that  strikes  the  eye  is  a 
large  gateway  in  the  center  23  feet  high,  14  feet  wide,  the  piers  and  arch 
being  formed  of  large  blocks  of  well-polished  white  stone,  and  filled  by  a 
massive  wrought  iron  port-cullis  weighing  nearly  a ton.  The  wings  are 
constructed  of  large  blocks  of  well-dressed  lime  stone,  the  wall  being  4 
feet  thick  and  33  feet  high,  pierced  with  narrow,  grated  windows  corre- 
sponding in  height  with  those  of  the  center.  On  the  center  of  the  build- 
ing, and  immediately  over  the  gateway  above  described,  rises  a splendid 
Doric  cupola  that  accords  with  the  noble  proportions  of  the  whole.  In 
the  rear  of  the  building  a wall  30  feet  high  incloses  an  area  of  310 
square  feet.  At  each  angle  of  the  wall  is  a tower  for  the  purpose  of 
viewing  the  establishment.”  The  entire  cost  of  the  building  Avas  about 
$50,000.  In  1857  the  Avest  wing  Avas  added  at  a cost  of  $36,000,  and  in 
1867  tAvo  large  workshops,  known  respectively  as  the  east  and  west 
shops,  were  built.  The  first  prisoner  received  into  the  institution  was 
W.  G.  Cook,  from  Madison  County.  It  is  stated  that  he  was  a tailor, 
and  was  convicted  of  malicious  stabbing  and  assault  and  battery.  He 
stabbed  a man  with  his  shears,  and  assaulted  him  Avith  his  goose.*  He 
was  made  to  cut  and  make  his  oavii  suit,  the  first  Avork  done  in  the  peni- 
tentiary. In  June,  1833,  the  cholera  began  its  ravages  among  the  in- 
mates. Its  progress  was  so  rapid  that  in  a few  days  business  was  entirely 
suspended,  and  an  extra  force  of  nurses  and  physicians  Avas  employed. 
Out  of  eighty-three  convicts  not  one  escaped  the  disease,  and  nineteen 
of  the  number  died.  The  following  year  the  disease  again  broke  out,  but 
was  not  so  destructive  in  its  results  as  before. 

While  the  number  of  prisoners  Avas  small,  they  were  employed  by  the 
State  under  the  supervision  of  appointed  officers,  in  the  manufacture  of 
various  articles  of  trade.  In  1833  they  were  classified  under  the  followT- 
ing  departments:  shoe-makers,  coopers,  stone-cutters,  tailors,  chair-mak- 
ers, hatters,  blacksmiths,  Avagon-makers,  carpenters  and  brick-layers. 
Other  departments  Avere  afterward  added  and  some  of  the  above  dropped, 
the  aim  of  the  State  being  to  employ  as  far  as  possible  the  convicts  upon 
such  work  as  Avould  come  into  the  least  competition  with  private  manu- 
facturers. 

This  system  was  employed  with  more  or  less  success  until  1866,  when 
the  inspectors  reported  that  for  the  previous  thirty-three  years  the  insti- 
tion  had  cost  the  State  an  average  of  $15,000  per  year.  The  Legislature 
at  that  session  passed  an  act  establishing  a board  of  three  directors,  who 
were  authorized  to  lease  the  prison,  machinery  and  convicts  to  the  high- 


*Warden’s  Report,  1884. 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


297 


est  bidders  for  a term  of  four  years.  The  lease  was  made  to  the  firm  of 
Hyatt,  Briggs  & Moore,  afterward  Ward  & Briggs,  at  40  cents  per  day  for 
each  convict.  It  was  agreed  upon  the  part  of  the  State  to  provide  the 
necessary  guards  to  preserve  discipline.  The  firm  entered  upon  the  fulfill- 
ment of  the  contract.  In  May,  1867,  300  convicts  joined  in  an  attempt 
to  escape,  and  created  great  excitement.  Quiet  was  restored  without 
bloodshed,  but  the  mutinous  spirit  was  not  quelled,  and  the  following- 
month  they  succeeded  in  setting  fire  to  the  east  shops,  which  were  de- 
stroyed. 

A difficulty  then  arose  between  the  State  and  the  lessees.  The  latter 
refused  to  pay  for  the  labor  and  claimed  damages  from  the  State  for  this 
failure  to  preserve  discipline  and  for  the  losses  occasioned  by  the  fire. 
The  lease  was  terminated  by  mutual  agreement  July  1,  1869,  and  the 
matter  compromised  by  the  State  paying  the  lessees  $1 32, 200. 64  for  the 
material  on  hand,  and  in  settlement  of  the  damages  claimed  by  them. 
In  December,  1871,  provision  was  again  made  for  leasing  the  prisoners 
and  shops.  The  contract  was  taken  by  W.  H.  Cherry,  Thomas  O’Con- 
nor, A.  N.  Shook  and  Gen.  W.  T.  C.  Humes,  under  the  firm  style  of 
Cherry,  O’Connor  & Co.  The  second  lease  was  taken  December  1,  1876, 
by  Messrs.  Cherry,  O’Connor,  A.  N.  Shook  and  William  Morrow,  under 
the  old  firm  name,  with  M.  Allen  as  superintendent  of  the  works.  The 
lease  system  has  proven  highly  satisfactory.  Instead  of  requiring  al- 
most yearly  appropriations  for  its  support,  the  institution  now  pays  an 
annual  revenue  to  the  State  of  $101,000.  The  present  lease,  which  is 
for  six  years,  began  January  1.  1884,  the  Tennessee  Coal,  Iron  & Rail- 
road Company  being  the  lessees.  The  headquarters  of  this  company  are 
at  Tracy  City,  where  about  one-third  of  the  prisoners  are  worked  in  the 
mines,  and  where  a large  and  commodious  prison  has  been  erected.  There 
are  also  branch  prisons  at  the  Inman  mines  in  Marion  County,  and  Coal 
Creek  in  Anderson  County.  A few  prisoners  are  worked  in  marble  works 
at  Knoxville.  About  40  per  cent  of  the  entire  number  are  at  the  main 
prison,  where  they  are  worked  under  a sub-lease  by  Cherry,  Morrow 
& Co.  The  firm  is  engaged  exclusively  in  the  manufacture  of  wagons. 
The  shops  are  equipped  with  all  the  latest  improved  machinery,  enabling 
them  to  turn  out  .about  fifty  finished  wagons  per  day.  In  the  manufact- 
ure of  their  wagons  they  begin  with  the  raw  material,  making  their  own 
bent-work,  iron-work,  castings,  thimbles  and  skeins.  Their  goods  are 
sold  throughout  the  South  and  Southwest,  and  also  in  several  of  the 
Northern  and  Western  States. 

Under  the  present  lease  system  the  State  is  relieved  from  all  expense 
of  transportation  and  guarding  of  prisoners.  The  only  officers  connected 


298 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


with,  the  institution  who  are  paid  by  the  State  are  the  warden,  superin- 
tendent, physician  and  chaplain. 

The  number  of  convicts  in  the  main  prison  and  branches,  December 
1,  1884,  was  1,328;  in  1880,  the  number  was  1,241;  in  1870,  613;  in 
1857,  286,  and  in  1839,  154.  During  the  late  war  the  penitentiary  was 
converted  into  a military  prison,  and  at  one  time  there  were  as  many  as 
2.400  inmates.  Two  fires,  the  former  quite  destructive,  occurred  within 
the  past  five  years.  December  4,  1881,  the  various  workshops  and  ma- 
chinery belonging  to  the  State  and  the  lessees,  were  destroyed  by  fire, 
only  the  main  building  and  cells  escaping  destruction.  At  the  time  over 
700  convicts  were  within  the  walls,  and  it  became  necessary  to  turn  them 
all  out  into  the  space  in  front  of  the  prison;  yet,  so  well  were  they  man- 
aged, that  only  six  escaped.  The  shops  were  immediately  rebuilt  by  the  , 
State,  and  the  lessees  put  in  new  machinery.  On  January  12,  1884,  the 
east  end  of  the  blacksmith  shop  was  discovered  to  be  on  fire,  and  as  the 
second  story  was  used  as  a paint  shop  it  threatened  to  prove  very  de- 
structive. It  was,  however,  soon  brought  under  control.  The  loss  to  the 
State  was  about  $3,300,  which  was  fully  covered  by  insurance. 

*Many  years  ago  a society  for  the  collection  and  preservation  of  his- 
torical papers,  relics,  antiquities,  etc.,  existed  in  Nasliville.f  It  did  not 
accomplish  much,  but  its  very  organization  showed  the  tendency  of  the 
minds  in  the  city  noted  for  scholarly  attainments  to  endeavor  to  rescue 
from  oblivion  the  history  of  a people  remarkable  for  patriotism,  chivalry 
and  intelligence.  After  it  had  ceased  to  exist  for  a considerable  time 
several  public-spirited  citizens  met  in  the  library-i*ooms  of  the  Merchants’ 
Association,  to  reorganize  an  historical  society.  This  was  in  May,  1849,. 
and  the  organization  was  effected  by  the  election  of  Nathaniel  Cross  as 
president;  Col.  A.  W.  Putnam,  vice-president;  William  A.  Eichbaum, 
treasurer;  J.  If.  Eakin,  corresponding  secretary,  and  W.  E.  Cooper,  re- 
cording secretary.  This  society  did  not  exist  many  years,  but  was  again 
brought  to  life  in  1857,  and  at  the  May  meeting  elected  the  following 
officers:  A.  W.  Putnam,  president;  Thomos  Washington,  vice-president; 
W.  A.  Eichbaum,  treasurer;  R.  J.  Meigs,  Jr.,  corresponding  secretary; 
Anson  Nelson,  recording  secretary,  and  John  Meigs,  librarian.  Contri- 
butions of  valuable  manuscripts,  newspapers  and  relics  poured  in  from 
all  parts  of  the  State,  as  well  as  a few  from  other  States. 

A public  anniversary  meeting  took  place  on  the  1st  of  May,  1858,  in 
Watkin’s  Grove.  An  immense  procession  of  old  soldiers  of  the  war  of 
1812,  the  Creek  war,  the  Mexican  war,  the  officers  and  cadets  of  the 
Western  Military  Institute,  the  Shelby  Guards,  the  Nashville  Typo- 


*Prepared  by  Anson  Nelson,  Esq.,  recording  secretary. 

+The  Tennessee  Antiquarian  Society,  organized  July  1, 1820.  Discontinued  in  August,  1822. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


299 


graphical  Union,  the  Pliilomatliean  Society,  the  teachers  and  pupils  of 
the  Nashville  Female  Academy,  the  superintendent,  teachers  and  pupils 
of  the  public  schools  of  Nashville,  citizens  on  horseback,  in  carriages  and 
buggies,  and  citizens  on  foot  marched  from  the  public  square  to  Watkin’s 
Grove,  when  a collation  was  served  in  excellent  style  to  all  present.  The 
Hon.  James  M.  Davidson,  of  Fayetteville,  was  the  orator  of  the  day. 
Judge  T.  T.  Smiley  read  an  historical  account  of  the  services  of  the  Third 
Tennessee  Regiment  in  the  war  with  Mexico.  Gov.  William  B.  Camp- 
bell and  Rev.  Dr.  C.  D.  Elliott  delivered  eloquent  addresses.  Bands  of 
music  were  distributed  along  the  line  of  the  procession,  and  the  whole 
city  made  it  a holiday  occasion  to  commemorate  the  organization  of  the 
“provisional  government”  at  Robertson’s  Station,  now  Nashville,  May  1, 
1780,  and  the  formation  of  the  society  May  1,  1849.  At  the  annual 
celebration,  May  1,  1859,  Randal  W.  McGavock,  mayor  of  Nashville  and 
a grandson  of  Hon.  Felix  Grundy,  presented  a full  length  portrait  of 
Judge  Grundy,  painted  by  Drury.  John  M.  Bright,  of  Lincoln,  delivered 
an  eloquent  oration  on  the  life,  character  and  public  services  of  the 
renowned  statesman  and  jurist.  The  exercises  took  place  in  the  ball  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  in  the  presence  of  as  many  people  as  could 
obtain  admittance. 

In  September,  1859,  a committee,  consisting  of  Hon.  Thomas  Wash- 
ington, Col.  A.  W.  Putnam  and  Rev.  Dr.  R.  B.  C.  Howell,  was  appointed 
to  urge  the  council  of  the  city  of  Nashville  to  adopt  suitable  measures 
for  the  removal  of  the  remains  of  Lieut.  Chandler,  formerly  paymaster  in 
the  United  States  Army,  from  their  place  of  interment  in  the  Sulphur 
Spring  Bottom,  to  Mount  Olivet  Cemetery.  The  committee  accomplished 
their  purpose,  and  on  the  23d  of  September  the  remains  were  exhumed, 
after  having  lain  in  the  grave  for  nearly  sixty  years.  The  occasion  was 
marked  by  appropriate  exercises,  Hon.  E.  H.  East  delivering  a patriotic 
address. 

In  October,  1859,  at  the  request  of  the  society,  Lieut.  M.  F.  Maury, 
the  distinguished  scientist,  delivered  his  celebrated  lecture  on  the  geog- 
raphy of  the  sea.  In  January,  1860,  the  society  received  from  Egypt 
the  fine  Egyptian  mummy  now  in  the  Capitol,  sent  by  J.  G.  Harris  of 
the  United  States  Navy.  After  the  meeting  in  September,  1860,  the 
society  ceased  active  operations  until  several  years  after  the  war.  Many 
articles  were  lost  during  the  war,  but  the  small  collection  of  coins  was 
preserved  intact. 

In  1874  the  society  reorganized  by  electing  the  following  officers: 
Dr.  J.  G.  M.  Ramsey,  president;  Dr.  R.  C.  Foster,  vice-president;  Dr. 
John  H.  Currey,  treasurer;  Gen.  G.  P.  Thurston,  corresponding  secretary; 


300 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Anson  Nelson,  recording  secretary,  and  Mrs.  P.  Haskell,  librarian.  On 
June  16,  of  that  year,  the  society  held  a called  session  at  Knoxville,  the 
home  of  the  President,  who  presided  on  that  interesting  occasion.  The 
Recording  Secretary  exhibited  the  original  commission  of  Maj.  -Gen.  Israel 
Putnam,  on  parchment,  issued  June  19,  1775,  signed  by  John  Hancock, 
President,  and  Charles  Thompson,  Secretary  of  the  Continental  Congress. 
The  society  has  also  in  its  possession  a vest  worn  by  “Old  Put,”  in  the 
Revolutionary  war. 

In  October,  1874,  the  society  decided  to  participate  in  the  fourth 
annual  exposition  of  Nashville,  and  on  the  evening  of  October  6,  the 
anniversary  of  the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain,  the  Rev.  T.  A.  Hoyt  deliv- 
ered an  address  giving  the  history  of  that  important  battle.  The  address 
was  also  delivered  to  a large  audience  in  Knoxville.  The  centennial 
anniversary  of  the  signing  of  the  Mecklenburg  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence, May  20,  1775,  was  celebrated  by  the  society  at  the  Nashville  Fail- 
Grounds,  Ex-Gov.  Niell  S.  Brown  delivering  the  oration.  At  the  May 
meeting  in  1875,  several  delegates  were  appointed  to  attend  the  centen- 
nial of  the  Mecklenburg  Declaration  of  Independence  in  Charlottsville, 
N.  C.,  only  one  of  whom  attended — Hugh  L.  Davidson,  of  Shelby ville. 
At  the  annual  meeting  in  May,  1876,  John  M.  Lea  was  elected  vice-presi- 
dent, vice  R.  C.  Foster;  and  J.  B.  Lindsley,  librarian,  vice  Mrs.  Haskell. 
The  office  of  treasurer  was  attached  to  that  of  the  recording  secretary; 
the  other  offices  remained  the  same  as  before. 

The  National  Centennial  was  duly  celebrated  by  the  society  in  the 
hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  Dr.  John  H.  Callender,  reading 
the  Declaration  of  Independence.  An  elegant  historical  centennial 
address,  Avritten  by  Dr.  Ramsey,  president  of  the  society,  was  read  by  ReAr. 
T.  A.  Ployt.  Other  exercises  appropriate  to  the  occasion  Avere  rendered. 

In  1878  the  society  commenced  agitating  the  subject  of  celebrating 
the  centennial  of  Nashville,  and  appointed  a committee  on  that  subject, 
aaJio  afterward  reported  a program  for  the  exercises.  Subsequently 
the  idea  expanded,  and  finally  the  society  appointed  a committee  to  wait 
upon  the  mayor  and  urge  him  to  request  the  city  council  to  call  a public 
meeting  to  take  action  in  the  matter,  This  Avas  done,  and  an  enthusiastic 
interest  was  aroused.  Various  committees  were  appointed,  an  exposition 
was  inaugurated,  the  orators  chosen  by  the  Historical  Society  were  ap- 
proved, a grand  civic  procession  for  the  24tli  of  April  provided  for,  and 
many  other  matters  arranged  to  give  eclat  to  the  occasion.  All  of  this 
Avas  most  successfully  carried  out,  and  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of 
the  Historical  Society  Avere  more  than  realized,  On  April  11,  1884,  Dr. 
J.  G.  M.  Ramsey,  the  distinguished  president  of  the  society,  died  at  his 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


301 


home  in  Knoxville.  A delegation  of  members,  numbering  eleven,  went 
from  Nashville  to  be  present  at  the  funeral  obsequies  which  took  place 
on  the  13th,  and  were  attended  by  a very  large  number  of  the  citizens  of 
Knoxville  and  the  surrounding  country.  At  the  next  annual  meeting  in 
May  Hon.  John  M.  Lea  was  elected  to  the  office  made  vacant  by  the 
death  of  Dr.  Ramsey, 

The  society  is  indebted  to  the  trustees  of  Watkins’  Institute  for  the 
use  of  a large  and  elegant  room  in  that  building,  for  the  exhibition  of  its 
books,  manuscripts  and  relics,  of  which  it  has  a great  number. 

Among  the  most  interesting  relics  may  be  mentioned  the  musket  of 
Daniel  Boone,  the  veritable  “Old  Betsey;”  the  sword  of  Gov.  John  Se- 
vier, and  one  of  the  pistols  presented  to  him  by  the  State  of  North  Caro- 
lina; the  sword  of  Col.  Dupuyser,  of  the  British  Army,  taken  from  him  at 
the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain;  the  red  silk  sash  worn  by  Gen.  Ferguson, 
when  he  was  killed  at  King’s  Mountain;  one  of  the  chairs  used  by  Gen. 
Nathaniel  Greene;  also  one  used  by  President  Fillmore;  the  sword,  coat 
and  epaulette  of  Capt.  Samuel  Price,  worn  in  the  battle  of  Frenchtown, 
Raisin  River,  Mich.;  the  pitcher  used  at  the  treaty  of  Hopewell ; ‘ three 
canes  formerly  belonging  to  President  Polk,  one  in  the  form  of  a ser- 
pent, one  bearing  the  electoral  vote  cast  for  him  for  President,  the  other 
a hickory  cane  from  the  Hermitage;  the  first  greenback  $5  note 
issued  by  the  United  States;  the  portfolio  used  by  Henry  Clay  in  the 
United  States  Senate ; over  thirty  battle-flags  used  by  Tennessee  soldiers 
in  different  wars  from  1812  to  1865. 

Among  the  manuscripts  of  the  society  are  an  old  book  in  an  excellent 
state  of  preservation,  kept  in  Nashville  by  a merchant  in  1795;  the  jour- 
nals of  Gov.  William  Blount  from  1790  to  1796;  the  proceedings  of  the 
courts  martial  during  Jackson’s  campaign  in  1813,  kept  by  Col.  William 
White,  acting  judge-advocate;  journal  of  Capt.  John  Donelson  and  com- 
panions while  on  their  voyage  from  Holston  River  down  the  Tennessee, 
up  the  Ohio  and  Cumberland  to  what  is  now  Nashville  in  1779-80. 

The  society  also  possesses  portraits  of  Prof.  Priestly,  Dr.  Gerard 
Troost,  Dr.  Phillip  Lindsley,  Hon.  Felix  Grundy,  Dr.  J.  G.  M.  Ramsey, 
Anson  Nelson,  Dr.  Felix  Robertson  and  his  parents,  Henry  Clay,  Davy 
Crockett  and  many  others,  besides  portraits  of  all  the  governors  of  the 
State  with  the  exception  of  two,  Roane  and  McMinn. 

Among  the  old  and  rare  books  are  a copy  of  the  Polydori  Vergil  II, 
in  Latin,  bound  in  vellum,  printed  in  1611;  a copy  of  Cicero’s  “Discourse 
on  old  age,”  printed  by  Benjamin  Franklin  in  Philadelphia  in  1711; 
“Dioscoridis  Mat.  Med.,”  bound  in  parchment,  printed  in  1552;  copies  of 
the  Bible  printed  in  1678  and  1757,  respectively. 


802 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Tbe  present  officers  of  tlie  society  are  Hon.  John  M.  Lea,  presidents 
Ex-Gov.  James  D.  Porter,  first  vice-president;  Cap!  Albert  T.  McNeal, 
second  vice-president;  Joseph  S.  Carets,  treasurer;  James  A.  Cart- 
wright, corresponding  secretary;  Anson  Nelson,  recording  secretary;. 
Robert  T.  Quarles,  librarian. 

The  Medical  Society  of  Tennessee*  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of 
the  Legislature,  passed  January  9,  1830,  one  hundred  and  fifty-four 
physicians  from  the  various  counties  of  the  State  being  named  in  the 
charter.  Certain  powers  and  privileges  were  granted,  among  which  was 
the  power  to  appoint  boards  of  censors,  for  the  three  divisions  of  the  State, 
to  grant  licenses  to  applicants  to  practice  medicine  within  its  limits.  The 
first  meeting  of  the  society  was  held  in  Nashville  May  3,  1830,  and  its 
organization  completed  by  adopting  a constitution,  by-laws  and  a code  of 
medical  ethics,  and  by  electing  officers  for  two  years.  These  were  James 
Roane,  of  Nashville,  president;  J ames'King,  of  Knoxville,  vice-prsident ; 
James  M.  Walker,  of  Nashville,  recording  secretary;  L.  P.  Yandell,  of 
Rutherford  County,  corresponding  secretary,  and  Boyd  McNair,  of  Nash- 
ville, treasurer.  Prof.  Charles  Caldwell,  of  Transylvania  University, 
being  in  town  at  the  time,  was  elected  an  honorary  member  of  the  society, 
and  a committee  was  appointed  to  extend  him  an  invitation  to  visit  the 
meeting.  The  censors  appointed  for  Middle  Tennessee  were  Drs.  Doug- 
lass, Stith,  Hogg  and  Estill;  for  East  Tennessee,  Drs.  McKinney  and 
Temple ; and  for  the  western  division  of  the  State,  Drs.  Young  and  Wil- 
son. The  code  of  ethics  was  the  same  as  that  adopted  by  the  Central 
Medical  Society  of  Georgia  in  1828.  After  adopting  a resolution  con- 
demning the  habitual  use  of  ardent  spirits  and  recommending  total  ab- 
stinence, except  when  prescribed  as  a medicine,  the  society  adjourned. 

The  second  assembling  of  the  society  took  place  in  Nashville  May  2, 
1861.  Sixty  members  responded  at  roll-call,  and  fifty-four  were  added 
during  the  session,  constituting  the  largest  meeting  ever  held.  Dr.  John 
H.  Kain,  of  Slielbyville,  the  first  orator  appointed,  delivered  the  anni- 
versary discourse  before  the  society  on  “Medical  Emulation.”  Dr. 
Yandell  having  been  called  to  a professorship  in  the  Transylvania  Uni- 
versity, resigned  his  office  in  the  society,  and  delivered  an  address  which 
was  ordered  to  be  published.  He  was  subsequently  elected  an  honorary 
member,  and  though  he  became  a citizen  of  another  State,  no  one  ever 
served  the  society  more  faithfully,  or  contributed  more  to  advance  its  in- 
terests. A premium  of  $50  was  offered  at  this  meeting  for  the  best 
essay  on  “The  use  and  abuse  of  calomel,”  which  two  years  later  was 
awarded  to  James  Overton,  M.  D.  of  Nashville.  Dr.  James  G.  M. 


*Condensed  from  its  history,  furnished  by  Paul  F.Eve,  M.  D.,  in  1872. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


303 


Ramsey,  of  Knoxville,  sent  his  essay  on  the  topography  of  East  Ten- 
nessee, and  Dr.  Becton  read  his  own  on  the  topography  of  Rutherford 
County.  This  session  was  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic  and  interesting 
ever  held.  By  invitation  of  the  governor,  the  society  visited  the  peni- 
tentiary, then  just  erected.  The  third  convocation  of  this  body  took 
place  in  Nashville,  where  it  continued  to  meet  until  1851,  when  it  con- 
vened at  Murfreesboro.  Many  of  these  sessions  were  very  interesting, 
and  several  valuable  contributions  were  added  to  medical  literature.  The 
limited  facilities  for  travel,  however,  rendered  it  impossible  for  members 
from  distant  parts  of  the  State  to  attend  without  losing  a large  amount 
of  time  and  experiencing  considerable  inconvenience;  consequently  the 
number  in  attendance  was  frequently  very  small. 

At  the  third  session  a committee  was  appointed  to  ask  the  Legisla- 
ture to  repeal  the  law  making  it  a penitentiary  offense  to  exhume  a 
human  body  for  the  purpose  of  dissection,  but  this,  as  was  the  case  with 
several  other  petitions  presented  by  the  society,  the  Legislature  refused 
to  grant. 

At  the  meeting  in  1843  the  society  decided  to  establish  a museum  at 
Nashville  for  the  mutual  improvement  of  its  members.  Subsequently  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  from  the  Legislature  a donation  for 
the  museum  and  a library,  but  the  request  was  not  granted.  Upon  the 
establishment  of  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville 
the  museum  was-  transferred  to  that  institution. 

At  the  session  of  the  society  held  in  Murfreesboro,  in  1851,  the  code 
of  ethics  adopted  by  the  American  Medical  Association  in  1847  was 
substituted  for  the  one  heretofore  governing  this  body. 

The  society  met  at  Murfreesboro  again  in  1852,  but  the  following 
year  convened  at  Nashviller  The  complete  catalog  of  the  membership 
of  the  society  up  to  that  time  was  307.  In  1857  twenty-five  delegates 
were  appointed  to  the  American  Medical  Association,  which  assembled  in 
Nashville  the  following  year.  The  thirty-second  annual  meeting  of  the 
Tennessee  Medical  Society  was  held  in  the  Masonic  Hall  at  Murfreesboro 
April  2,  1861.  The  attendance  was  small,  only  eleven  members  being 
present  at  roll-call.  Owing  to  the  unsettled  condition  of  the- country  no 
more  meetings  were  held  until  April  20,  1866,  when  seven  members  as- 
sembled at  Nashville.  Dr.  Robert  Martin  was  elected  president,  and  Dr. 
Nichol  re-elected  vice-president.  But  little  business  was  transacted,  and 
after  the  appointment  of  several  committees  preparatory  to  the  next  meet- 
ing, the  society  adjourned.  From  that  time  until  the  present,  meetings 
have  been  held  annually.  In  1871  the  society  convened  at  Pulaski;  in 
1874  at  Chattanooga;  and  in  1878  at  Memphis.  In  1872  a committee  of 


304 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


nine,  three  for  each  grand  division  of  the  State,  was  appointed  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  and  encouraging  local  societies.  Two  years  later 
Drs.  J.  B.  Lindsey,  J.  J.  Abernethy  and  P.  D.  Sims  were  constituted  a 
committee  to  examine  the  workings  of  the  various  State  medical  societies 
and  report,  at  the  next  annual  meeting,  such  amendments  and  by-laws  as 
might  tend  to  strengthen  the  society.  This  was  accordingly  done,  and  at 
the  next  meeting  the  constitution  as  revised  by  the  committee  was 
adopted  after  a full  and  free  discussion.  Since  1874  delegates  have  been 
appointed  to  each  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Medical  Association, 
and  in  1876  Drs.  Paul  P.  Eve,  Yan  S.  Lindsley,  D.  C.  Gordon,  W.  P. 
Jones,  J.  H.  Yan  Deman,  W.  C.  Cook,  Thomas  Menees,  E.  Bogart,  J.  B. 
Buist,  S.  S.  Mayfield,  H.  J.  Warmouth  and  A.  Blitz  were  appointed 
delegates  to  the  International  Medical  Congress. 

The  forty-seventh  annual  meeting  was  held  at  Knoxville,  beginning 
April  6,  1880.  The  local  attendance  was  quite  large,  and  a number  "of 
delegates  from  Middle  Tennessee  were  present,  but  the  western  division 
of  the  State  was  not  so  largely  represented.  Among  the  notable  features 
of  this  meeting  was  the  election  of  the  first  female  doctor  to  membership, 
she  being  regularly  delegated  from  the  Knox  County  Medical  Society,  of 
which  she  was  an  accepted  member.  The  lady  was  Mary  T.  Davis. 

In  1881  two  meetings  were  held.  At  the  date  of  the  regular  meeting 
on  April  5,  the  society  was  convened  in  the  supreme  court  room  of  the 
capitol,  and  the  committee  on  arrangements  reported  that  acting  under 
the  authority  of  the  president,  and  at  the  request  of  a number  of  physi- 
cians of  Knoxville,  notices  of  an  adjourned  meeting  had  been  sent  out. 
Therefore,  after  having  received  the  governor’s  signature  to  the  bill, 
which  had  just  passed  the  Legislature,  requiring  the  registration  of  the 
births,  deaths,  and  marriages*  in  the  State,  the  society  adjourned  to  meet 
on  May  10,  1881.  At  that  time  the  continental  exposition  was  in  prog- 
ress, and  the  meeting  was  well  attended. 

The  next  year  the  society  assembled  at  Casino  Hall,  in  Memphis,  on 
May  9.  The  attendance  was  not  large,  but  the  session  proved  an  inter- 
esting one.  Among  its  social  features  was  a very  .pleasant  excursion  on 
the  steamer  “ Benner,”  given  by  Dr.  B.  IV.  Mitchell,  of  the  National 
Board  of  Health.  The  fiftieth  annual  meeting  Avas  held  in  Nashville,  be- 
ginning April  10,  1883.  One  of  the  pleasing  incidents  of  the  session, 
was  an  address  by  Gov.  Bate.  On  April  8,  1884,  the  society  again  con- 
vened at  Chattanooga  just  two  years  after  its  former  meeting  in  that  city. 
The  session  was  in  every  respect'  one  of  the  most  successful  ever  held. 
Several  amendments  to  the  constitution  were  adopted,  one  of  which  abol- 


*This  law  was  repealed  by  the  next  Legislature. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


305 


islied  tlie  boards  of  censors,  and  established  in  lieu  a judicial  council 
composed  of  the  ex-presidents  of  the  society.  Fifty  dollars  was  appropri- 
ated to  assist  in  the  erection  of  a monument  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  J. 
Marion  Sims.  The  fifty-second  annual  meeting  was  held  in  the  hall  of 
Representatives  in  the  State  Capitol,  April  14  to  16,  1885.  Several  inter- 
esting papers  were  read,  and  considerable  business  of  importance  was 
transacted. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  society  was  held  in  Memphis,  on  the  first 
Tuesday  in  April,  1886.  The  present  officers  are  Thomas  L.  Mad- 
din,  M.  D.,  of  Nashville,  president;  Drs.  S.  T.  Hardison,  J.  E.  Black 
and  G.  W.  Drake,  vice-presidents,  for  Middle,  West  and  East  Tennessee, 
respectively;  Dr.  C.  C.  Fite,  secretary  and  Dr.  Deering  J.  Roberts, 
treasurer 

The  subject  of  preventive  medicine  has  been  for  several  years  attract- 
ing more  and  greater  attention,  especially  from  the  occurrence  of  fre- 
quent epidemics  throughout  the  FTnion.  The  necessity  of  some  organ- 
ized and  co-operative  efforts*  on  the  part  of  persons  clothed  Avith  au- 
thority to  take  such  steps  as  may  be  deemed  sufficient  to  protect  the 
country  from  the  rapid  spread  of  epidemics,  became  so  apparent  that 
many  of  the  States  organized  State  Boards  of  Health,  and  such  powers 
were  delegated  to  them  as  were  thought  proper  to  effect  the  purpose  of 
their  creation. 

This  idea  reached  material  development  in  this  State  in  1866,  when 
the  first  board  of  health  in  Tennessee  was  organized  at  Nashville.  Soon 
after  a similar  organization  was  formed  for  the  city  of  Memphis,  since 
which  time  local  boards  of  health  have  been  established  in  all  of  the 
larger  towns  and  most  of  the  smaller  ones  in  the  State.  All  are  pro- 
ducing good  fruit  by  developing  an  intelligent  public  sentiment  and  a 
growing  interest  in  regard  to  the  value  and  importance  of  sanitary 
science  as  applied  not  only  to  communities,  but  also  to  individuals, 
households  and  persons.  In  April,  1874,  a committee  was  appointed  by 
the  State  Medical  Society  to  prepare  and  to  present  to  the  State  Legisla- 
ture at  its  next  session  a bill  providing  for  the  establishment  of  a State 
Board  of  Health.  This  bill  passed  the  House  but  was  lost  in  the  Sen- 
ate. Two  years  later  another  bill  was  presented,  which,  after  much  ex- 
planation, finally  passed  with  the  section  of  the  bill  providing  for  an  ap- 
propriation of  funds  stricken  out,  thus  securing  the  organization  simply 
of  the  “State  Board  of  Health  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,”  without  any 
executive  power  or  means  with  which  to  carry  out  any  of  the  more  practical 
objects  for  which  it  was  established;  consequently  they  were  compelled  to 


*From  the  Reports  of  1880  and  1884. 


306 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


content  themselves  with  acting  as  an  advisory  body  only,  notwithstanding 
the  western  and  southern  portions  of  the  State  a,s  far  east  as  Chattanooga 
were,  during  the  summer  of  1878,  swept  by  a most  disastrous  epidemic 
of  yellow  fever.  They  issued  advisory  circulars  through  the  secular 
press  upon  the  lesser  epidemics,  such  as  scarlet  fever  and  diphtheria, 
which  appeared  in  different  localities  through  the  State,  and  otherwise 
gave  timely  counsel  to  the  people,  and  created,  as  opportunity  afforded,  an 
interest  in  the  subject  of  public  hygiene.  Two  years  subsequently  the 
Legislature  passed  an  amendatory  act,  which  was  approved  by  the  gov- 
ernor, March,  1879,  giving  the  board  additional  powers  and  making  a 
small  appropriation  of  money,  which  enabled  them  to  obtain  an  office 
and  p^ay  their  secretary  a salary. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  board  Avas  held  April  3,  1877,  in  the 
office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  the  following  members  appointed  by 
the  governor  being  present:  Drs.  J.  D.  Plunket,  T.  A.  Atchison,  James 
M.  Safford,  of  Middle  Tennessee;  E.  M.  Wight,  of  East  Tennessee,  and 
B.  B.  Maury,  of  West  Tennessee.  Dr.  J.  D.  Plunket,  to  whose  exertion 
the  board  largely  owed  its  existence,  was  chosen  president,  and  Dr.  J. 
Berrien  Lindsley  was  appointed  secretary  pro  tern.  Committees  were 
appointed  on  vital  statistics,  hygiene  of  schools,  prisons,  geological  and 
topographical  features  of  Tennessee  in  relation  to  disease,  and  epidemic, 
endemic  and  contagious  diseases. 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  board  was  held  in  Memphis,  April, 
1878,  concurrently  with  the  meeting  of  the  State  Medical  Society.  Lit- 
tle business  of  importance  was  transacted.  The  office  of  vice-president 
Avas  created,  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Safford  Avas  elected  to  that  position.  Follow- 
ing this  meeting  came  the  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  of  1878,  yet  the 
board  was  powerless  to  do  aught  to  stay  its  dreadful  ravages.  A reign  of 
terror  existed,  and,  though  badly  needed,  there  was  no  guide,  no  head 
of  power.  The  experience  of  that  terrible  season  taught  even  the  law- 
makers that  a State  Board  of  Health  Avith  enlarged  powers  and  increased 
facilities  was  a necessity.  Therefore  March  26,  1879,  an  amendatory 
act  was  passed  giving  the  board  power  to  declare  and  enforce  quaran- 
tine, and  to  prescribe  rules  and  regulations  to  prevent  the  introduction 
of  yellow  fever  and  other  epidemic  diseases.  The  act  also  required  the 
governor  to  appoint  two  additional  members  of  the  board  connected  with 
the  commerce  and  transportation  of  the  country,  and  appropriated  $3,000 
to  defray  expenses.  Hon.  John  Johnson,  ex-mayor  of  Memphis,  and 
Col.  E.  W.  Cole,  of  Nashville,  Avere  chosen  as  the  neAv  members  of  the 
board.  At  the  second  annual  meeting  Dr.  Lindsley  resigned  his  posi- 
tion as  secretary,  and  Dr.  W.  M.  Clark  was  elected  to  fill  out  the  unex- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


307 


pired  term.  In  anticipation  of  tlie  reappearance  of  tlie  yellow  fever  in 
1879,  the  board  issued  10,000  copies  of  an  address  urging  the  people  of 
the  State  to  organize  local  boards  of  health  to  co-operate  with  the  State 
Board.  In  consequence  of  this  action  many  local  boards  were  formed, 
and  the  State  Board  was  thus  enabled  to  carry  on,  with  but  little  diffi- 
culty, its  plans  for  staying  the  progress  of  the  epidemic  which  followed. 
Since  that  time  no  widespread  epidemic  has  visited  the  State,  and  the 
work  of  the  board  has  been  directed  to  the  improvement  of  the  sanitary 
condition  of  the  jails,  penitentiaries,  etc.,  the  education  of  the  people  in 
sanitary  science,  and  the  collection  of  valuable  vital  statistics.  The 
board  as  constituted  at  the  present  time  is  as  follows:  J.  D.  Plunket, 
president;  James  M.  Safford,  vice-president;  J.  B.  Lindsley,  secretary; 
G.  B.  Thornton,  P.  D.  Sims,  Daniel  E.  Wright,  David  P.  Hadden  and 
E.  W.  Cole. 

As  early  as  1834  or  1835  the  Tennessee  Agricultural  and  Horticul- 
tural Society  was  organized,  and  annual  fairs  were  held  for  a few  years. 
The  officers  elected  at  the  meeting  held  October  13,  1835,  were  Dr.  Phil- 
lip Lindsley,  president;  Drs.  John  Shelby  and  Felix.  Robertson,  vice- 
presidents;  H.  Petway,  treasurer,  and  Joseph  T.  Dwyer,  secretary.  In 
1840  the  society  established  a paper  called  the  Tennessee  State  Agricul- 
turalist, of  which  Tolbert  Fanning  wns  installed  as  editor.  Drs.  Girard 
Troust  and  John  Shelby  were  liberal  contributors  to  its  columns.  In 
1842  the  Tennessee  State  Agricultural  Society,  including  members  from 
most  of  the  counties  of  Middle  Tennessee,  -was  incorporated  with  an  auth- 
orized capital  stock  of  $100,000. 

December  18,  1851,  several  of  the  leading  agriculturalists  of  the  State, 
prominent  among  whom  were  Mark  B.  Cockrill,  W.  G.  Harding,  Wil- 
loughby Williams  and  Tolbert  Fanning,  secured  the  re-incorporation  of 
the  society,  with  authority  to  organize  two  auxiliary  societies,  one  for 
each  of  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  State.  These  societies  served  to 
create  an  interest  in  improved  methods  of  agriculture,  and  during  the 
session  of  1853—54  the  subject  was  presented  to  the  Legislature.  The 
result  was  the  organization  of  the  Tennessee  State  Agricultural  Bureau, 
consisting  of  the  governor,  ex-officio  president,  one  member  from  each 
grand  division  of  the  State,  five  members  from  Davidson  County,  and 
one  member  from  each  of  the  county  societies  organized.  It  was  made 
the  duty  of  the  bureau  to  investigate  all  such  subjects  relating  to  the 
improvement  of  agriculture  as  it  might  think  proper,  and  to  encourage 
the  establishment  of  county  agricultural  societies.  For  the  support  of 
the  bureau,  it  was  provided  that  when  $1,000  had  been  raised  by  contri- 
butions of  individuals  and  placed  out  at  interest,  the  bureau  should  be 


308 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


entitled  to  receive  from  the  treasury  of  the  State  the  sum  of  $500. 
Each  county  society  was  also  to  receive  $50  from  the  State  when  $300 
had  been  contributed  by  individuals.  It  was  found  difficult  for  the 
county  societies  to  comply  with  the  latter  proviso,  and  in  1856  the  act 
was  amended  and  a bounty  of  $200  granted  to  each  society  without  re- 
quiring any  individual  contributions.  At  the  same  time  $30,000  was 
appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  suitable  grounds  for  the  biennial  fairs 
to  be  held  at  Nashville,  and  State  bonds  to  that  amount  were  issued.  A 
tract  of  land  containing  thirty-nine  acres,  lying  on  Brown’s  Creek,  was 
purchased  from  John  Trimble  for  the  sum  of  $17,750.  The  work  of 
fitting  up  the  grounds  was  immediately  begun,  and  by  October  they  were 
sufficiently  improved  to  admit  of  holding  the  annual  fair  upon  them. 
The  fair  of  that  year,  however,  was  not  so  successful  as  previous  ones, 
owing  to  unfavorable  weather,  and  to  the  excitement  incident  to  the 
presidential  campaign  than  in  progress.  The  improvements  of  the 
grounds  was  completed  during  the  following  year,  and  from  the  secre- 
tary’s report  it  appears  that  the  entire  cost  of  the  grounds  and  improve- 
ments exceeded  $30,000. 

The  sixth  and  last  annual  fair  was  begun  on  October  10,  1859,  and 
continued  six  days.  This  was  one  of  the  most  successful  fairs  held. 
The  number  of  people  in  attendance  on  the  second  day  was  estimated  at 
10,000,  to  which  assemblage  an  elaborate  and  instructive  address  was  de- 
livered by  Lieut.  M.  F.  Maury. 

In  the  reports  made  by  the  officers  of  the  society  much  regret  is  ex- 
pressed at  the  lack  of  interest  in  making  creditable  exhibits  of  stock  and 
other  farm  products.  But  the  greatest  good  derived  from  these  annual 
fairs  came  from  the  addresses  delivered  by  scientific  men  like  Lieut. 
Maury.  They  served  to  give  the  farmer  a broader  idea  of  his  profession 
and  to  awaken  him  to  the  fact  that  there  is  a science  of  agriculture. 

During  the  war,  as  a matter  of  course,  the  agricultural  societies  were 
suspended,  and  but  little  effort  has  since  been  made  to  revive  them.  In 
1870  the  old  fair  grounds  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society  were  sold  by 
a committee  appointed  by  the  Legislature,  consisting  of  the  secretary  of 
state,  comptroller  and  treasurer. 

In  December,  1871,  an  act  was  passed  authorizing  the  governor  to 
appoint  two  citizens  from  each  grand  division  of  the  State,  as  commis- 
sioners of  agriculture,  to  constitute  a bureau  of  agriculture.  They  were 
required  to  meet  once  each  year,  and  were  allowed  to  appoint  a secretary, 
at  a salary  of  $600  per  year.  The  Legislature  of  1875  abolished  this 
department,  and  in  its  stead  established  the  Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Sta- 
tistics and  Mines,  to  be  under  the  control  of  a commissioner  appointed 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


309 


by  the  governor.  It  is  made  the  duty  of  the  commissioner  to  collect 
specimens  of  all  the  agricultural  and  mineral  products  of  the  State;  to 
analyze  and  inspect  fertilizers  sold  in  the  State;  to  study  the  insects  in- 
jurious to  crops;  to  study  the  diseases  of  grain,  fruit  and  other  crops, 
and  to  collect  statistics  bearing  upon  these  subjects.  He  is  also  allowed 
to  employ  a chemist  and  geologist  to  assist  him  in  his  researches.  At 
the  same  time  a bureau  of  immigration  was  established  for  the  purpose 
of  encouraging  immigration  to  the  State.  Two  years  later  the  duties 
of  this  offi.ce  were  imposed  upon  the  Bureau  of  Agriculture,  Statistics 
and  Mines,  which  had  been  placed  under  the  control  of  J.  B.  Killebrew, 
as  commissioner,  a man  of  great  ability,  and  untiring  energy.  He  did 
much  to  make  known  the  immense  natural  resources  of  the  State;  he 
wrote  and  published  works  on  “Wheat  Culture,”  “ Tennessee  Grasses  and 
Cereals,”  “The  Mineral  Wealth  of  the  State,”  “Sheep  Husbandry,”  and 
an  extensive  work  entitled  “The  Resources  of  Tennessee,”  all  admirably 
well  written.  For  the  past  three  years  the  bureau  has  been  under  the 
efficient  management  of  A.  J.  McWhirter. 

The  first  charter  issued  to  a Masonic  Lodge  in  Tennessee  was  grant- 
ed in  accordance  with  a petition  received  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North 
Carolina,  December  17,  1796.  The  lodge  was  organized  in  Nashville, 
and  was  known  as  St.  Tammany,  No.  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  North 
Carolina  continued  its  authority  over  Tennessee  until  1812.  During  the 
same  period  a charter  was  issued  to  one  lodge  in  this  State  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Kentucky,  and  a dispute  arose  between  these  two  grand  lodges 
in  regard  to  their  jurisdiction.  In  1805  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  North  Carolina  was  directed  to  write  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Kentucky,  and  request  them  to  call  in  all  dispensations  or 
charters  granted  to  lodges  in  Tennessee.  The  request  was  not  complied 
with,  and  two  years  later  it  was  renewed  with  the  warning  that,  if  it 
were  not  heeded,  all  communication  between  them  would  cease.  The, 
difficulty,  however,  was  not  settled  until  a separate  Grand  Lodge  for 
Tennessee  was  established. 

On  December  11,  1811,  a convention,  consisting  of  representatives 
from  all  the  lodges  in  Tennessee,  met  at  Knoxville.  Resolutions  favor- 
ing the  formation  of  a separate  grand  lodge  were  passed,  and  an  address 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North  Carolina  prepared.  This  address  wab  re- 
ceived by  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  meeting  in  December,  1812,  and 
the  petition  for  a separate-  grand  lodge  granted.  Accordingly  Grand 
Master  Robert  Williams  called  a convention  to  meet  in  Knoxville,  on 
December  27,  1813,  at  which  time  a charter,  or  deed  of  relinquishment, 
from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North  Carolinia  was  presented.  This  charter 


310 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


is  still  on  file  in  the  archives  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  is  said  to  he  the 
only  charter  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States. 

The  officers  installed  the  first  meeting  were  Thomas  Claiborne, 
Grand  Master;  George  Wilson,  Deputy  Grand  Master;  John  Hall,  Se- 
nior Grand  Warden ; Abraham  K.  Shaifer,  J unior  Grand  Warden ; Thom- 
as McCarry,  Grand  Treasurer  and  Senior  Grand  Deacon;  Edward  Scott, 
Grand  Secretary  and  Junior  Grand  Deacon.  At  the  meeting  held  in 
July  following  a controversy  arose  as  to  whether  the  subordinate  lodges 
could  work  under  their  old  charters.  It  was  finally  decided  to  allow  them 
to  do  so  until  new  charters  could  be  granted 

The  constitution  as  originally  adopted  provided  that  the  meetings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  should  be  held  at  the  place  where  the  Legislature  con- 
vened. In  1815  this  was  amended,  and  Nashville  was  permanently  fixed 
as  the  place  of  meeting.  Quarterly  meetings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  were 
held  until  October,  1819,  when  they  were  abolished.  At  a called  meet- 
ing on  May  4,  1825,  Gen.  La  Fayette,  who  was  then  visiting  Nashville, 
was  elected  an  honorary  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  during  the 
day  was  introduced  to  the  lodge  by  Gen.  Jackson.  The  Grand  Master 
delivered  an  address  of  welcome,  to  which  Gen.  La  Fayette  replied.  An 
elegant  oration  was  then  delivered  by  William  G.  Hunt,  J.  G.  W.,  after 
which  a banquet  terminated  the  exercises. 

At  the  annual  meeting  held  in  October,  1825,  Gen.  Samuel  Houston 
presented  a memorial  concerning  a difficulty  which  had  arisen  between 
him  and  another  member  of  Cumberland  Lodge,  No.  8.  Upon  hearing 
the  case  the  committee  completely  exonerated  Gen.  Houston  from  all 
charges  of  unmasonic  conduct,  but  two  years  later  he  was  suspended  by 
his  lodge.  He  appealed  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  but  the  decision  of  the 
subordinate  lodge  was  not  reversed.  The  chief  grounds  of  his  suspen- 
sion was  his  having  fought  a duel  with  another  Mason,  Gen.  White. 
The  constitution  and  by-laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  were  amended  in 
1822,  and  again  in  1830.  In  1845  a new  constitution  was  adopted. 

October  6,  1858,  the  corner-stone  of  the  Masonic  Temple  at  Nashville 
was  laid  with  the  usual  ceremonies.  Since  that  time  but  little  of  general 
interest  has  transpired  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  During 
the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1878,  the  order  was  active  in  relieving  the 
suffering,  and  over  $24,000  was  contributed  for  that  purpose.  • In  1885 
the  Grand  Lodge  had  jurisdiction  over  409  subordinate  lodges  with  a 
membership  of  15,263.  The  following  is  a complete  list  of  the  Past 
Grand  Masters  of  the  Grand  Lodge: 

Thomas  Claiborne,  1813;  Robert  Searcy,  1815;  Wilkins  Tannehill, 
1817;  O.  B.  Hays,  1819;  Wilkins  Tannehill,  1820;  Andrew  Jackson, 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


311 


1822;  Wilkins  Tannehill,  1824;  Matthew  D.  Cooper,  1825;  William  E. 
Kennedy,  1827;  Hugh  W.  Dunlap,  1829;  Archibald  Yell,  1831;  Dudley 
S.  Jennings,  1832;  Harry  L.  Douglass,  1833;  Benjamin  S.  Tappan, 
1834;  J.  C.  N.  Robertson,  1836;  Philander  Priestly,  1837;  Samuel  Mc- 
Manus, 1838;  George  Wilson,  1840;  Wilkins  Tanuehill,  1841;  John 
Novell,  1843;  Edmund  Dillahunty,  1844;  William  L.  Martin,  1846; 
Hardy  M.  Burton,  1848;  Robert  L.  Caruthers,  1849;  Charles  A.  Puller, 
1850;  A.  M.  Hughes,  1852;  John  S.  Dashiell,  1854;  Thomas  McCulloch, 
1856;  John  Frizzell,  1858;  James  McCallum,  I860*;  A.  M.  Hughes, 
1863;  Thomas  Hamilton,  1864;  Joseph  M.  Anderson,  1866;  Jonathan  S. 
Dawson,  1868;  John  W.  Paxton,  1869;  John  C.  Brown,  1870;  W.  M. 
Dunaway,  1871;  D.  R.  Grafton,  1872;  James  D.  Richardson,  1873; 
Andrew  J.  Wheeler,  1874;  J.  C.  Cawood,  1875;  E.  Edmundson,  1876; 

A.  Y.  Warr,  1877 ; George  C.  Connor,  1878;  Wilbur  F.  Fowler,  1879; 
Q.  T.  Irion,  1880;  N.  S.  Woodward,  1882;  N.  W.  McConnell,  1883; 

B.  R.  Harris,  1884;  H.  M.  Aiken,  1885;  Thomas  O.  Morris,  1886.  The 
following  is  a list  of  the  present  grand  officers: 

Thomas  O.  Morris,  Nashville,  M.  W.  Grand  Master;  Caswell  A.  Good- 
loe,  Alamo,  R.  W.  Deputy  Grand  Master ; H.  H.  Ingersoll,  Knoxville,  R. 
W.  Senior  Grand  Warden;  John  T.  Williamson,  Columbia,  R.  W.  Junior 
Grand  Warden;  William  H.  Morrow,  Nashville,  R.  W.  Grand  Treasurer; 
John  Frizzell,  Nashville,  R.  W.  Grand  Secretary;  Rev.  C.  H.  Strickland, 
Nashville,  R.  W.  Grand  Chaplain;  H.  W.  Naif,  Bristol,  Wor.  Senior 
Grand  Deacon;  H.  P.  Doyle,  Dyersburg,  Wor.  Junior  Grand  Deacon; 
P.  H.  Craig,  Waynesboro,  Wor.  Grand  Marshal;  N.  A.  Senter,  Hum- 
boldt, Wor.  Grand  Sword  Bearer;  A.  C.  Robeson,  Athens,  Wor.  Grand 
Steward;  M.  P.  -Prince,  Minor  Hill,  Wor.  Grand  Pursuivant;  Ewin 
Burney,  Nashville,  Wor.  Grand  Tyler.  The  Grand  Council  of  Tennes- 
see Royal  and  Select  Master  Masons  was  organized  October  13,  1847, 
with  the  following  officers: 

Dyer  Pearl,  T.  I.  Grand  Master;  William  R.  Hodge,  G.  Prim  C.  of 
Work ; Joseph  F.  Gibson,  Grand  Treasurer;  Charles  A.  Fuller,  Grand 
Recorder.  Since  that  time  the  following  have  filled  the  chair  of  Grand 
Master:  John  S.  Dashiell,  1849;  Henry  F.  Beaumont,  1850;  John  P. 
Campbell,  1851-52;  James  Penn,  1853;  Jonathan  Huntington,  1854; 
L.  Hawkins,  1855 ; Edward  W.  Kinney,  1856 ; Robert  Chester,  1857 ; 
H.  M.  Lusher,  1858;  Jonathan  Huntington,  1859;  John  H.  Devereux, 
1860;  John  Frizzell,  1861;  William  Maxwell,  1865;  John  McClelland, 
1866 ; William  H.  McLeskey,  1867 ; David  Cook,  1868 ; W.  F.  Foster, 
1869;  A.  Y.  Ware,  1870;  James  McCallum,  1871;  A.  P.  Hall,  1872;  E. 


*No  meetings  held  in  1861  and  1852. 


312 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Edmundson,  1873;  W.  R.  Shaver,  1874;  H.  M.  Aiken,  1875;  B.  F. 
Haller,  1876;  Bradford  Nicliol,  1877;  B.  R.  Harris,  1878;  George  H. 
Morgan,  1879;  Ewin  Burney,  1880-82;  William  Matthews,  1883;  P.  C. 
Wright,  1884. 

The  Grand  Chapter  was  organized  April  3,  1826,  with  the  following 
officers:  William  G.  Hunt,  Grand  High  Priest;  Wilkins  Tannehill, 
Deputy  Grand  High  Priest;  Ed  Id.  Steele,  Grand  King;  Dyer  Pearl, 
Grand  Scribe;  Moses  Stevens,  Grand  Treasurer;  and  Charles  Cooper,. 
Grand  Secretary. 

The  following  have  been  the  Grand  High  Priests:  William  G.  Hunt,* 
1826;  William  G.  Hunt,*  1827;  Moses  Stevens,*  1828;  Wilkins  Tan- 
nehill,* 1829;  William  G.  Dickinson,*  1830;  Hezekiali  Ward,*  1831; 
Hezekiali  Ward,*  1832;  Jacob  F.  Foute,*  1833;  Moses  Stevens,*  1834; 
T.  S.  Alderson,*  1835;  Dyer  Pearl,*  1836;  Benjamin  S.  Tappan,*  1837; 
Benjamin  S.  Tappan,  1838;  Moses  Stevens,*  1839;  Edmund  Dillahunty,* 
1840;  Edmund  Dillahunty,*  1841;  Henry  F.  Beaumont,*  1842;  James 
H.  Thomas,*  1843;  Dyer  Pearl,*  1844;  Dyer  Pearl,*  1845;  Dyer  Pearl,* 
1846;  P.  G.  Stiver  Perkins,*  1847;  P.  G.  Stiver  Perkins,*  1848;  Charles 
A.  Fuller,*  1849;  A.  M.  Hughes,  1850;  A.  M.  Hughes,  1851;  J.  M.  Gil- 
bert, 1852;  Edward  W.  Kenney,*  1853;  Edward  Kenney,*  1854;  Solomon 
W.  Cochran,  1855;  Solomon  W.  Cochran,  1856;  Robert  I.  Chester,  1857; 
Robert  S.  Moore,*  1858;  Roberts.  Moore,*  1859;  W.  H.  Whiton,  1860; 
Jonathan  Huntington,*  1861  ; John  Frizzell,  1865;  Jonathan  S.  Dawson, 
1866;  Townsend  A.  Thomas,  1867;  William  Maxwell,  1868;  John  W- 
Hughes,  1869;  William  H.  Armstrong,  1870;  A.  J.  Wheeler,*  1871; 
John  W.  Paxton,*  1872;  Joseph  M.  Anderson,  1873;  Wilbur  F.  Foster, 
1874;  Algernon  S.  Currey,  1875;  H.  M.  Aiken,  1876;  John  S.  Pride, 
1877;  Benjamin  F.  Haller,  1878;  Joe  H.  Bullock,  1879;  Gideon  R. 
Gwynne,  1880;  W.  E.  Eastman,  1882;  James  D.  Richardson,  1883; 
David  J.  Pierce,  1884;  William  S.  Matthews,  1885;  Bradford  Nichol, 
1886. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  present  grand  officers:  Bradford  Nichol,' 
Nashville,  Grand  High  Priest;  John  E.  Pj^ott,  • Spring  City,  Deputy 
Grand  High  Priest;  Lewis  R.  Eastman,  Nashville,  Grand  King;  N.  F. 
Harrison,  Germantown,  Grand  Scribe;  N.  S.  Woodward,  Knoxville, 
Grand  Treasurer;  John  Frizzell,  Nashville,  Grand  Secretary;  Rev.  H. 
A.  Jones,  Memphis,  Grand  Chaplain;  Charles  Buford,  Pulaski,  Grand 
Captain  of  the  Host;  J.  W.  N.  Burkett,  Jackson,  Grand  Principal 
Sojourner;  John  B.  Garrett,  Nashville,  Grand  Royal  Arch  Captain; 
James  R.  Crowe,  Pulaski,  Grand  Master  Third  Veil;  J.  T.  Williamson, 


* Deceased. 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


313 


Columbia,  Grand  Master  Second  Veil;  John  H.  Ferguson,  Dayton, 
Grand  Master  First  Yeil;  Ewiu  Burney,  Nashville,  Grand  Sentinel. 

The  Grand  Council  of  the  order  of  High  Priesthood  for  Tennessee 
was  organized  October  9,  1860,  by  Thomas  Ware,  of  Kentucky,  Grand 
President  pro  tern.  The  officers  installed  were  Robert  S.  Moore,  Grand 
President;  John  M.  Morrill,  Yice  Grand  President;  Jonathan  Hunting- 
ton,  Grand  Chaplain;  John  Frizzell,  Grand  Treasurer,  and  John  McClel- 
land, Grand  Recorder. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  Grand  Presidents  from  the  organization : 
Robert  S.  Moore,  1860;  John  McClelland,  1861;  John  S.  Dashiell,  1864; 
John  Frizzell,  1866;  John  Bell,  1867;  John  W.  Paxton,  1868;  J.  M. 
Gilbert,  1869;  John  McClelland,  1870;  Wilbur  F.  Foster,  1871;  Wilbur 
F.  Foster,  1872;  A.  J.  Wheeler,  1873;  Morton  B.  Howell,  1874;  John 
B.  Morris,  1875;  George  S.  Blackie,  1876;  E.  Edmundson,  1877 ; Gideon 
R.  Gwynne,  1878;  Benjamin  F.  Haller,  1879;  George  S.  Blackie,  1880; 
Henry  M.  Aiken,  1882;  Bradford  Nichol,  1883;  Bradford  Nichol,  1884; 
Bradford  Nichol,  1885;  D.  J.  Pierce,  1886. 

October  12,  1859,  the  four  commanderies  of  Knights  Templar  and 
appendant  orders  in  Tennessee,  working  under  charters  from  the  Grand 
Encampment  of  the  United  States,  assembled  in  Nashville  for  the  pur- 
pose of  organizing  a Grand  Commandery  for  Tennessee.  Twenty-six  Sir 
Knights  were  present.  The  officers  chosen  and  installed  were  Charles 
A.  Fuller,  Grand  Commander;  A.  M.  Hughes,  Deputy  Grand  Com- 
mander; Lucius  J.  Polk,  Grand  Generalissimo;  M.  Whitten,  Grand 
Captain  General ; W.  H.  Horn,  Grand  Treasurer ; W.  H.  Whiton,  Grand 
Recorder,  Jonathan  Huntington,  Grand  Prelate;  J.  J.  Worsham,  Grand 
Senior  Warden;  A.  S.  Currey,  Grand  Junior  Warden;  Thomas  McCulloch, 
Grand  Standard  Bearer;  J.  H.  Devereux,  Grand  Sword  Bearer;  Henry 
Sheffield,  Grand  Warden;  M.  E.  De  Grove,  Grand  Sentinel.  Annual 
meetings  have  since  been  held  with  the  exception  of  three  years  during 
the  war.  The  number  of  subordinate  commanderies  in  1885  was  14, 
with  a membership  of  813. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  Past  Grand  Commanders:  Charles  A. 
Fuller,  Lucius  J.  Polk,  J.  J.  Worsham,  A.  S.  Underwood,  John  McClel- 
land, John  Frizzell,  Dr.  J.  M.  Towler,  A.  D.  Sears,  George  S.  Blackie, 
J.  B.  Palmer,  George  Mellersh,  M.  B.  Howell,  H.  M.  Aiken,  W.  R.  But- 
ler, E.  R.  T.  Worsham,  W.  F.  Foster,  George  C.  Connor,  Joseph  H. 
Fussell,  B.  F.  Haller,  W.  D.  Robison,  W.  P.  Robertson,  G.  R.  Gwynne, 
J.  B.  Nicklin. 

The  Grand  Commandery  in  1886  assembled  at  Tullahoma  and  elected 
*the  following  officers:  Henry  C.  Howsley,  Grand  Commander;  Charles 


314 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Mosby,  Deputy  Grand  Commander;  G.  B.  Wilson,  Grand  Generalissimo; 
W.  C.  Smith,  Grand  Captain  General;  Bev.  J.  J.  Manker,  Grand  Pre- 
late; Joseph  H.  Bullock,  Grand  Treasurer;  W.  F.  Foster,  Grand 
Recorder;  N.  S.  Woodward,  Grand  Senior  Warden;  Dr.  Robert  Pillow, 
Grand  Junior  Warden;  T.  O.  Morris,  Grand  Standard  Bearer;  H.  C. 
Cullen,  Grand  Sword  Bearer;  D.  J.  Chandler,  Grand  Warden,  and  Ewin 
Burney,  Grand  Captain  of  the  Guard. 

The  first  lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  was  in- 
stituted in  Nashville  on  the  evening  of  June  1,  1839,  and  was  known 
as  Tennessee  Lodge  No.  1.  This  lodge  is  still  in  existence.  The 
next  year,  1840,  a second  lodge  was  organized  at  Nashville.  The  Grand 
Lodge  of  Tennessee  was  instituted  under  authority  of  a charter  issued 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  August  10,  1841,  by  C.  C. 
Trabue,  Special  Deputy  Grand  Sire.  The  first  grand  officers  elected  and 
installed  were  Timothy  Kezer,  Grand  Master;  R.  A.  Barnes,  Deputy 
Grand  Master;  W.  EL  Calhoun,  Grand  Warden;  William  P.  Hume, 
Grand  Secretary;  George  R.  Forsyth,  Grand  Treasurer.  At  the  next 
meeting,  August  24,  the  constitution  and  by-laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Ohio  was  adopted.  New  charters  were  granted  to  the  two  lodges  al- 
ready organized,  and  in  October  a charter  was  also  granted  to  Columbia 
Lodge  No.  3,  the  first  instituted  under  authority  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Tennessee.  On  January  2,  1843,  Grand  Lodge  Hall,  over  the  postoffice, 
at  the  corner  of  Union  and  Cherry  Streets,  was  dedicated  with  appropri- 
ate ceremonies.  Soon  after  a committee  was  appointed  to  purchase  the 
old  Nashville  theater,  which  was  done  at  a cost  of  nearly  $10,000.  In 
order  to  raise  the  necessary  money  to  pay  for  the  building  and  fit  it  up, 
an  association  was  formed  and  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature, 
under  the  name  of  the  Odd  Fellows  Hall  Association,  with  an  authorized 
capital  stock  of  $20,000,  divided  into  shares  of  $25  each.  Stock  was 
taken  by  individuals  and  also  by  subordinate  lodges.  In  January,  1850, 
the  committee  appointed  to  fit  up  the  hall  reported  the  work  finished, 
and  the  entire  cost  of  the  building  to  be  about  $30,000.  This  amount 
proved  to  be  greater  than  the  lodge  could  raise,,  and  the  following  year 
the  property  was  sold  under  a decree  of  the  chancery  court  for  $9,500. 
This  sale  was  set  aside  by  the  supreme  court,  and  in  March,  1853,  the 
hall  was  sold  to  E.  H.  Childress  and  P.  W.  Maxey  for  $12,350.  The 
lodge  still  owed  $3,000,  and  they  were  obliged  to  sell  other  property  to  sat- 
isfy this  debt.  This,  however,  did  not  put  an  end  to  the  financial  difficul- 
ties, and  in  1857  the  indebtedness  of  the  lodge  amounted  to  over  $7,000. 
During  the  war  many  subordinate  lodges  were  suspended,  the  Grand 
Lodge  was  cut  off  from  communication  with  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


315 


United  States,  and  the  order  throughout  the  State  was  badly  disorganized. 
But  within  a few  years  after  the  cessation  of  hostilities  prosperity  re- 
turned, old  lodges  were  revived  and  a large  number  of  new  ones  insti- 
tuted. In  1885  the  number  of  subordinate  lodges  was  122,  with  a mem- 
bership of  3,302.  During  the  year  benefits  to  the  amount  of  $12,599.7,8 
were  paid,  and  the  total  revenue  from  all  sources  was  $26,345.11.  Since 
1853  the  Grand  Lodge  has  owned  no  hall,  but  has  held  its  meetings  in 
the  halls  of  subordinate  lodges  at  various  places,  Nashville,  Knoxville, 
Memphis  and  Chattanooga.  The  following  is  a list  of  .the  Grand  Masters, 
with  the  year  in  which  they  were  elected:  Timothy  Kezer,  1841;  J.  G. 
Harris,  1842;  W.  F.  Tannehill,  1843;  James  R.  Shelton,  1844;  William 
H.  Calhoun,  1845;  W.  S.  McNairy,  1846;  G.  P.  Smith,  1847.;  W.  K. 
Poston,  1848;  W.  S.  Howard,  1849;  W.  M.  Blackmore,  1850;  Robert 
Stark,  1851;  George  W.  Day,  1852;  Constantine  Perkins,  1853;  E.  A. 
Raworth,  1854;  George  Robertson,  1855;  E.  D.  Farnsworth,  1856;  A. 
A.  Barnes,  1857;  Robert  Hatton,  1858;  Benjamin  Johnson,  1859 ; M.  D. 
Cardwell,  1860;  J.  D.  Danbury,  1861;  H.  C.  Hensley,  1862;  E.  D. 
Farnsworth,  1863;  William  Wood,  1864;  M.  C.  Cotton,  1865;  O.  F. 
Prescott,  1866 ; William  H.  McConnell,  1867 ; Hervey  Brown,  1868 ; M. 
R.  Elliott,  1869;  J.  R.  Prescott,  1870;  James  Rodgers,  1871;  J.  L. 
Weakley,  1872;  A.  M.  Burney,  1873;  H.  T.  Johnson,  1874;  H.  P. 
Seliorn,  1875;  George. B.  Boyles,  1876;  S.  D.  J.  Lewis,  1877;  Charles 
M.  Carroll,  1878;  E.  G.  Budd,  1879;  R.  D.  Frayser,  1880;  E.  B.  Mann, 
1881;  James  H.  Criclilow,  1882;  C.  F.  Landis,  1883;  James  G.  Ayde- 
lotte,  1884;  Halbert  B.  Case,  1885. 

The  Grand  Encampment  of  Tennessee  was  organized  at  Nashville 
July  21,  1847,  by  T.  P.  Shaffner,  of  Louisville,  Ky.  The  first  officers 
elected  and  installed  were  George  W.  Wilson,  Grand  Patriarch;  Donald 
Cameron,  Grand  High  Priest;  N.  E.  Perkins,  Grand  Senior  Warden ; C. 
K.  Clark,  Grand  Junior  Warden;  G.  P.  Smith,  Grand  Scribe;  John  Col- 
tart,  Grand  Treasurer;  C.  G.  Weller,  Grand  Inside  Sentinel;  Charles 
Smith,  Grand  Outside  Sentinel.  The  constitution  and  by-laws  of  the 
Grand  Encampment  of  Maine  was  adopted.  At  this  time  there  were 
five  subordinate  encampments  in  the  State,  the  first  of  which  was 
Ridgely  Encampment,  No.  1,  organized  at  Nashville.  In  1849  the  num- 
ber of  encampments  had  increased  to  ten,  with  a membership  of  eighty- 
three;  in  1873  the  encampments  numbered  twenty-nine,  and  the  mem- 
bers 867.  The  present  membership  is  about  300,  divided  among  fifteen 
encampments. 

The  order  of  the  Knights  of  Honor  was  introduced  by  the  organiza- 
tion of  Tennessee  Lodge,  No.  20,  at  Nashville,  on  May  6,  1874,  with 


316 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


a membership  of  fifteen.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Tennessee  was  organized 
in  Nashville  by  Supreme  Director  Dr.  A.  E.  Keys,  of  Mansfield,  Ohio, 
July  3,  1875,  at  which  time  D.  B.  Gaily  was  elected  Grand  Dictator, 
and  W.  H.  Trafford  Grand  Reporter.  The  constitution  and  by  daws  of 
the  Supreme  Lodge  was  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  until  a permanent  constitution  could  be  prepared,  which  was  done 
at  an  adjourned  meeting  held  in  October,  1875.  Since  the  organization 
of  the  first  lodge  in  the  State,  the  growth  of  the  order  has  been  steady. 
By  January  1,  1878,  the  membership  had  reached  3,814;  in  1880  it  was 
5,527,  and  in  1885,  6,858.  The  financial  condition  of  the  order  has  been 
equally  prosperous. 

During  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1878  much  was  done  by  the 
order  to  alleviate  suffering.  Dr.  D.  F.  Goodyear,  Grand  Treasurer,  of 
Memphis,  with  other  members  of  the  relief  committee,  remained  in  that 
city  and  distributed  contributions,  which  were  received  from  all  parts  of 
the  State  and  of  the  United  States,  to  the  amount  of  nearly  $15,000. 
The  number  of  deaths  for  that  year  was  167,  of  which  131  were  caused 
by  yellow  fever.  The  amount  of  benefit  for  the  year  reached  $334,000. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  Grand  Dictators:  D.  B.  Gaily,  of  Nash- 
ville; L.  A.  Gratz,  of  Knoxville;  John  W.  Childress,  of  Murfreesboro; 
E.  Smithson,  of  Pulaski-;  J.  Bunting,  of  Bristol;  J.  P.  Young,  of  Mem- 
phis ; W.  E.  Baskette,  of  Murfreesboro ; Creed  F.  Bates,  of  Cleveland ; 
Warner  Moore,  of  Memphis;  P.  R.  Albert,  of  Chattanooga,  and  others. 
The  Grand  Reporter's  have  been  W.  H.  Trafford,  1875-76;  L.  A.  Gratz, 
1877;  Ben  K.  Pullen,  1878-83,  and  W.  M.  Johnson,  1884.  Meetings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  are  held  at  Nashville  in  April  of  each  year. 

The  Grand  Lodge,  Knights  and  Ladies  of  Honor  of  Tennessee,  was 
organized  in  the  hall  of  Harmony  Lodge,  at  Nashville,  April  7,  1879, 
under  a dispensation  from  the  Supreme  Protector,  by  D.  B.  Gaily.  The 
organization  was  effected  by  the  election  and  installation  of  the  follow- 
ing officers:  Ben  K.  Pullen,  Past  Grand  Protector;  D.  B.  Gaily,  Grand 
Protector;  Mrs.  Josephine  Mackenzie,  Grand  Yice-Protector ; George  F. 
Fuller,  Grand  Secretary;  George  F.  Hager,  Grand  Treasurer;  A.  A. 
Allison,  Grand  Chaplain;  Mrs.  Ada  McCullough,  Grand  Guide;  Miss 
Jessie  M.  Dorris,  Grand  Guardian;  Mrs.  D.  J.  Sanders,  Grand  Sentinel, 
and  W.  E.  Ladd,  W.  H.  Taylor  and  J.  A.  Kellogg,  Trustees.  The  con- 
stitution of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Missouri  was  adopted,  and  Nashville 
was  fixed  as  the  permanent  place  of  meeting.  The  first  annual  meeting 
was  held  April  12  and  13,  at  which  time  the  Grand  Protector  reported  that 
twelve  new  lodges  had  been  established,  making  a total  of  thirty-eight 
lodges  in  the  State,  with  a membership  of  about  1,200.  At  this  session 


FIRST  CHAPEL. 


RESIDENCE  OF  MAJOR  FAIRBANKS. 


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THOMPSON  HALL,  UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  SOUTH. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


317 


Ben  K.  Pullen  was  elected  Grand  Protector,  but  refused  to  serve,  and 
F.  Smithson  was  chosen  in  his  place.  The  latter  failed  to  perform  the 
duties  devolving  upon  the  office,  and  a called  meeting  was  held  Septem- 
ber 30,  1880,  to  elect  a Grand  Protector  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term. 
A.  A.  Allison,  of  Fidelia  Lodge,  No.  155,  of  Gallatin,  was  chosen  to  the 
office.  A second  special  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  was  held  in  Knights 
of  Pythias  Hall  in  Nashville,  December  12  and  13,  1881. 

After  the  reports  of  several  committees,  and  that  of  the  Grand  Pro- 
tector had  been  received,  an  animated  discussion  arose  as  to  the  pow- 
ers of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  this  special  session.  The  Grand  Protect- 
or finally  decided  that  any  business  offered  could  be  transacted,  and  new 
officers  were  elected.  D.  B.  Gaily  was  chosen  Grand  Protector,  and 
Mrs.  E.  E.  De  Pass,  Grand  Yice-Protector.  The  Secretary  reported  a 
total  membership  of  about  1,500,  distributed  among  forty-two  working 
lodges.  The  first  biennial  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  was  held  April 
2,  1883.  But  little  except  routine  business  was  transacted.  The  Secre- 
tary reported  forty-one  lodges  in  working  order,  with  an  aggregate  mem- 
bership of  1,650.  The  Protector  reported  that  up  to  that  time  there 
had  been  paid  to  the  families  of  deceased  members  in  Tennessee  benefits 
to  the  amount  of  over  $80,000.  At  this  meeting  B.  J.  F.  Owen  was 
elected  Grand  Protector,  and  Mrs.  J.  E.  Jordan,  Grand  Yice-Protector. 
April  13,  1885,  the  Grand  Lodge  convened  in  second  biennial  session 
at  Nashville,  and  was  opened  in  due  form.  The  Grand  Protector  re- 
ported forty-five  lodges  in  the  State,  with  about  1,800  beneficiary  mem- 
bers. He  also  reported  that  the  State  had  drawn  benefits  to  the  amount 
of  $116,873.65,  and  paid  in  assessments  $73,908.15.  After  business  of  a 
miscellaneous  character  was  transacted  the  following  officers  were  elected: 
George  E.  Hawkins,  Grand  Protector;  Mrs.  Dosie  Brooks,  Grand  Yice- 
Protector;  George  Fuller,  Grand  Secretary;  Pi.  A.  Campbell,  Grand 
Treasurer;  Mrs.  Olive  Peacock,  Grand  Chaplain;  Mrs.  Josephine  Mac- 
kenzie. Grand  Guide ; I.  C.  Garner,  Grand  Guardian,  and  J.  T.  Macken- 
zie, Grand  Sentinel.  W.  L.  Grigsby  was  elected  representative  to  the 
Supreme  Lodge,  with  W.  B.  Kendall  as  alternate.  The  lodge  holds  its 
next  biennial  session  in  April,  1887. 

On  May  9,  1876,  fourteen  ladies  and  gentlemen  met  in  the  city  of 
Knoxville  and  resolved,  after  a preliminary  discussion,  to  apply  for  a 
charter  under  the  laws  Qf  Tennessee,  that  they  might  organize  an  order 
to  be  known  and  styled  the  United  Order  of  the  Golden  Cross,  together 
with  provisions  for  the  pecuniary  relief  of  sick  or  distressed  members, 
and  the  establishment  of  a benefit  fund  from  which  should  be  paid  to  the 
friends  of  deceased  members  a sum  not  to  exceed  $2,000.  The  charter 


20 


318 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


was  granted,  and  on  July  4,  1876,  the  Supreme  Commandery  was  organ- 
ized. The  first  Subordinate  Commandery  organized  was  Peace  No.  1,  at 
Knoxville,  on  July  11.  The  order  increased  quite  rapidly,  and  on  May 
10,  1877,  a called  meeting  of  the  Supreme  Commandery  of  the  World  was 
held  at  Knoxville  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a Grand  Commandery  for 
the  State  of  Tennessee.  The  members  present  were  J.  H.  Morgan,  Su- 
preme Commander;  Addie  Wood,  Supreme  Vice-Commander ; Isaac 
Emory,  Supreme  Prelate;  D.  H.  Weaver,  Supreme  Keeper  of  Records; 
William  Wood,  Supreme  Treasurer;  R.  A.  Brown,  Supreme  Herald;  C. 
J.  Gochwend,  Supreme  Warden  of  the  Inner  Gate;  E.  W.  Adkins,  Su- 
preme Warden  of  the  Outside  Gate;  Harvey  Clark,  Supreme  Post  Com- 
mander; W.  R.  Cooper,  Mary  Adkins,  Maggie  P.  Morgan,  M.  E.  Weav- 
ers and  A.  M.  Emory.  An  election  of  grand  officers  was  held,  which  re- 
sulted as  follows : E.  E.  Young,  P.  G.  C. ; A.  J.  Baird,  G.  C. ; A.  M. 
Emory,  G.  V.  C. ; S.  H.  Day,  G.  P. ; George  W.  Henderson,  G.  K.  of  R. ; 
E.  W.  Adkins,  G.  T. ; J.  A.  Ruble,  G.  H. ; Addie  Wood,  G.  W.  I.  G. ; W. 
J . Eagan,  G.  W.  O.  G.  J.  C.  Flanders  was  elected  Representative  to  the 
Supreme  Commandery  for  one  year,  and  George  B.  Staddan  for  two  years. 
The  whole  number  of  third  degree  members  reported  at  this  time  was 
317.  Both  the  first  and  second  annual  sessions  of  the  Supreme  Com- 
mandery were  held  in  Knoxville,  but  the  growth  of  the  order  was  rapid  in 
the  other  States,  and  the  third  session  was  held  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
The  Grand  Commandery  held  its  first  annual  meeting  in  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
on  April  16,  1878,  at  which  time  A.  J.  Baird  was  chosen  Grand  Com- 
mander, and  Addie  Wood,  Grand  Vice-Commander.  Seven  new  lodges 
were  organized  during  the  preceding  year,  which  increased  the  member- 
ship to  598.  The  second  annual  session  and  all  succeeding  ones  have 
been  held  at  Nashville.  At  the  meeting  in  1880  it  was  decided  to  hold 
biennial  instead  of  annual  sessions,  and  accordingly  the  next  convention 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  occurred  on  April  18,  1882.  Two  sessions  have 
since  been  held.  The  Grand  Commanders  elected  since  1878  have  been 
S.  H.  Day,  1879;  J.  H.  W.  Jones,  1880;  R.  G.  Rothrock,  1882;  C.  S. 
McKenna,  1884  and  R.  A.  Campbell,  1886.  The  other  officers  at  pres- 
ent are  E.  J.  Roach,  G.  V.  C. ; W.  W.  Ownby,  G.  P. ; George  B.  Stad- 
dan,. G.  K.  of  R. ; E.  W.  Adkins,  G.  T. ; Belle  McMurray,  G.  H. ; J.  L. 
Webb,  G.  W.  I.  G. ; D.  S.  Wright,  G.  W.  O.  G.  The  membership  in 
1880  was  766;  in  1882,  1,036;  and  on  January  1,  1884,  1,114  The 
influence  of  this  order  is  always  for  good,  and  no  person  not  pledged  to 
total  abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  liquors  is  admitted  to  membership. 

The  order  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  was  introduced  by  the  estab- 
lishment of  Holston  Lodge,  No.  1,  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  in  March,  1872. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


319 


Soon  after  lodges  were  established  at  Chattanooga.  Nashville,  Memphis, 
and  other  points  throughout  the  State.  The  Grand  Lodge  was  organized 
at  Nashville,  April  2,  1872,  by  Supreme  Chancellor,  Samuel  Head,  o£ 
New  Jersey.  There  were  present  representatives  from  six  lodges:  Hol- 
ston  Lodge,  No.  1,  of  Knoxville;  Damon  Lodge,  No.  2,  of  Chattanooga; 
Myrtle  Lodge,  No.  3,  of  Nashville ; Bayard  Lodge,  No.  4,  of  Murfreesboro ; 
Tennessee  Lodge,  No.  5,  and  Memphis  Lodge,  No.  6,  both  of  Memphis. 
The  first  Grand  Chancellor  was  Calvin  McCorkle,  of  Knoxville.  The  rep- 
resentatives to  the  Supreme  Lodge  elected  at  the  same  time  are  W.  Brice 
Thompson,  of  Nashville,  and  W.  R.  Butler,  of  Murfreesboro.  Since  the 
organization  of  the  Grand  Lodge  the  chancellors  have  been  T.  S.  Jukes, 
of  Memphis;  Alexander  Allison,  of  Knoxville;  W.  P.  Robertson,  of  Jack- 
son  ; J.  J.  Atkins,  of  Knoxville ; B.  H.  Owen,  of  Clarksville ; H.  S.  Reyn- 
olds, of  Memphis:  R.  L.  C.  White,  of  Lebanon;  E.  S.  Mallory,  of  Jack- 
son;  R.  J.  Wheeler,  of  Nashville;  W.  C.  Caldwell,  of  Trenton;  W.  R. 
Carlile,  of  Chattanooga;  George  S.  Seay,  of  Gallatin;  L.  D.  McCord,  of 
Pulaski,  and  M.  M.  Niel,  of  Trenton,  the  present  incumbent. 

H.  S.  Reynolds,  was  chairman  of  K.  of  P.  Relief  Committee  at  Mem- 
phis during  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1878,  and  remained  in  the  city, 
discharging  his  duties,  until  he  fell  ill  and  died  of  the  disease.  In  recog- 
nition of  his  noble  work  and  sacrifice  of  his  life  the  Supreme  Lodge  of 
the  World,  by  special  dispensation,  placed  his  name  on  the  roll  of  Past 
Grand  Chancellors  in  the  following  words:  “The name  of  Brother  Reyn- 
olds is  placed  upon  the  list  of  Past  Grand  Chancellors,  though  lie  died 
during  his  term  as  Grand  Chancellor ; but  he  died  nobly  at  his  post  of 
duty,  and  immortalized  his  name  in  the  annals  of  Pythian  Knighthood.” 

There  are  at  present  twenty-six  lodges  in  the  State,  with  an  aggre- 
, gate  membership  of  2,012.  Financially  the  order  is  in  excellent  con- 
dition, there  being  on  hand  in  the  treasuries  of  subordinate  lodges  on 
December  31,  1885,  the  amount  of  $5,543.64  cash,  while  the  value  of 
lodge  furniture  and  real  estate  is  estimated  at  $21,597  The  Grand  offi- 
cers, elected  at  Clarksville,  in  May  1886,  are  as  follows:  Sitting  Past 
Grand  Chancellor,  George  E.  Seay,  of  Gallatin;  Grand  Chancellor,  M. 
M.  Neil,  of  Trenton;  Grand  Vice-Chancellor,  Henry  AV.  Morgan,  of 
Nashville;  Grand  Prelate,  G.  B.  Wilson,  of  Clarksville;  Grand  Keeper 
and  Recorder  of  Seals,  R.  L.  C.  White,  of  Lebanon;  Grand  Master  of  Ex- 
chequer, W.  A.  AVade,  of  Milan;  Grand  Master  of  Arms,  T.  C.  Latimore, 
of  Chattanooga;  Grand  Inner  Guard,  E.  L.  Bullock,  of  Jackson;  Grand 
Outer  Guard,  W.  G.  Sadler,  of  Nashville;  and  representatives  to  the 
Supreme  Lodge,  George  E.  Seay,  of  Gallatin,  and  R.  L,  C.  White,  of 
Lebanon. 


• 320 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  Grand  Council  of  the  American  Legion  of  Honor  was  organized 
at  Nashville,  August  3,  1882,  by  Deputy  Supreme  Commander  Michael 
Brooks.  Past  Commanders  from  ten  councils  throughout  the  State 
were  present,  and  the  following  Grand  officers  were  elected:  George  F. 
Hager,  Past  Grand  Commander,  Nashville;  S.  H.  Day,  Grand  Command- 
er, Cleveland;  George  F.  Fuller,  Grand  Vice-Commander,  Nashville;  W. 
Z.  Mitchell,  Grand  Orator,  Memphis;  Frank  Winsliip,  Grand  Secretary, 
Pulaski;  Frank  A.  Moses,  Grand  Treasurer,  Knoxville;  J.  Radomsky, 
Grand  Guide,  Nashville;  E.  G.  Buford,  Grand  Sentry,  Pulaski;  W.  Z. 
Mitchell,  George  F.  Hager  and  Julius  Ochs,  Grand  Trustees.  George  F. 
Hager  was  also  chosen  representative  to  the  Supreme  Council. 

The  growth  of  this  order  in  Tennessee  as  in  other  States,  has  been 
rapid,  and  owing  to  its  careful  and  economical  management  it  is  in  a 
splendid  condition  financially.  There  are  now  in  the  State  sixteen  sub- 
ordinate councils  with  a membership  of  about  900.  The  Grand  Council 
now  holds  biennial  sessions.  The  following  are  the  present  officers: 
George  F.  Hager,  Grand  Commander,  Nashville;  Joseph  Wassaman, 
Grand  Vice-Commander,  Chattanooga;  W.  Z.  Mitchell,  Grand  Orator, 
Memphis;  Alexander  Allison,  Past  Grand  Commander,  Knoxville;  F.  C. 
Richmond,  Grand  Secretary,  Knoxville;  F.  A.  Moses,  Grand  Treasurer, 
Knoxville;  John  T.  Rogers,  Grand  Guide,  Cleveland;  Samuel  Strauss, 
Grand  Chaplain,  Chattanooga;  Henry  Benzing,  Grand  Warden,  Nash- 
ville; L.  Williams,  Grand  Sentry,  Cleveland.  W.  Z.  Mitchell,  Memphis; 
John  B.  Everitt,  Nashville;  Henry  Benzing,  Nashville,  Grand  Trustees. 

The  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  originated  in  Meadville, 
Penn.,  in  October,  1868.  The  first  lodge  organized  in  Tennessee  was  Ten- 
nessee Lodge,  No.  2,  instituted  at  Nashville,  November  26,  1876.  When 
this  lodge  was  organized  it  was  supposed  that  Lodge  No.  1 had  been 
formed  at  Memphis,  but  this  was  found  to  be  a mistake,  and  consequent- 
ly there  has  been  no  lodge  of  that  number  in  the  State.  On  February 
22,  1877,  representatives  from  six  subordinate  lodges  met  in  Nashville, 
and  organized  a Grand  Lodge  with  the  following  officers:  Dr.  G.  Sell  iff, 
Past  Grand  Master  Workman;  John  W.  Childress,  Grand  Master  Work- 
man; John  M.  Brooks,  Grand  Foreman;  D.  W.  Hughes,  Grand  Overseer; 
Thomas  H.  Everett,  Grand  Recorder;  J.  M.  Barnes,  Grand  Receiver;  P. 
R.  Albert,  Grand  Guide;  C.  A.  Thompson,  Grand  Watchman;  Dr.  G. 
Schiff,  John  Frizzell  and  John  W.  Childress,  Supreme  Representatives. 
According  to  the  provisions  of  the  constitution  adopted,  the  meetings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  are  held  at  Nashville  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  January. 
Annual  sessions  were  held  until  1883,  when  biennial  sessions  were  sub- 
stituted. In  1878  the  number  of  subordinate  lodges  was  thirteen,  with  a 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


321 


membership  of  742.  There  are  now  in  the  State  fifty-four  lodges  and 
1,900  members.  The  A.  O.  U.  W.  is  said  to  be  the  oldest  beneficiary 
secret  society  in  this  country.  It  embraces  in  its  membership  men  of 
every  vocation,  profession  and  occupation,  employes  and  employers, 
workers  of  all  classes.  It  has  no  connection  with  any  religious  sector 
political  party,  but  is  designed  to  promote  mental  and  social  improve- 
ment and  mutual  assistance.  The  amount  paid  in  benefits  in  Tennessee 
since  its  introduction  into  the  State  is  over  $562,000. 

The  order  of  Eoyal  Arcanum  originated  in  Massachusetts,  where  the 
Supreme  Council  was  incorporated  November  5,  1877.  The  first  council 
established  in  Tennessee  was  Nashville  Council,  No.  98,  organized  May 
22,  1878,  with  twenty-eight  charter  members.  During  the  nest  eight- 
een months  councils  were  organized  at  Memphis,  Knoxville,  Chatta- 
nooga, Tracy  City,  Shelby ville,  Edgefield,  South  Nashville,  and  a second 
lodge  in  Nashville.  On  February  20,  1878,  official  notice  was  received 
that  a dispensation  to  form  a Grand  Council  of  the  Royal  Arcanum  for 
the  State  would  be  granted  upon  the  assembling  of  a sufficient  number 
of  Past  Regents  to  constitute  the  same  at  Pythian  Hall,  Nashville,  on 
March  9,  following.  In  accordance  with  this  notice  a meeting  was  held 
at  which  were  present  twelve  Past  Regents,  representing  seven  subordinate 
councils.  The  following  officers  were  elected:  A.  R.  Tavel.  Grand  Re- 
gent; W.  Z.  Mitchell,  Grand  Vice-Regent;  A.  M.  Shook,  Grand  Orator;  J. 
B.  Everett,  Past  Grand  Regent;  I.  K.  Chase,  Grand  Secretary;  T,  H. 
Everett,  Grand  Treasurer;  R.  A.  Campbell,  Grand  Chaplain;  IV.  C.  Dib- 
rell,  Grand  Guide;  T.  M.  Schleier,  Grand  Warden;  W.  P.  Phillips,  Grand 
Sentry.  Supreme  Regent  J.  M.  Swain  then  proceeded  at  once  to  in- 
stall the  Grand  officers,  after  which  he  pronounced  the  Grand  Council 
legally  instituted.  A constitution  was  adopted,  and  the  first  session  was 
closed.  Since  that  time  meetings  of  the  Grand  Council  have  been  held 
in  Nashville  in  March  of  each  year.  Although  the  growth  of  the  order 
in  the  State  has  not  been  rapid,  it  has  been  remarkably  well  managed, 
and  is  now  one  of  the  most  prosperous  of  the  beneficiary  societies.  The 
number  of  members  in  Tennessee  January  1,  1880,  was  549.  January 
1,  1886,  it  was  1,106,  distributed  among  twelve  subordinate  councils. 
Since  that  time  Hermitage  Council  has  been  organized  in  North  Nash- 
ville, with  twenty-three  charter  members.  Of  the  Widows’  and  Ophans’ 
Benefit  Fund  there  was  received,  in  the  six  years  from  1880  to  1885  in- 
clusive, $105,383.01,  while  for  the  same  period  there  was  disbursed 
$168,000. 

The  following  have  been  the  Grand  Regents  elected  since  the  first 
meeting:  W.  Z.  Mitchell,  1881;  Charles  Mitchell,  1882;  L.  A.  Gratz, 


822 


HISTOIIY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


1883;  Joseph  Towler,  1884;  H.  AY  Morgan,  1885;  David  Douglas,  1886. 
The  Grand  Secretary,  up  to  1885,  was  Irvine  K.  Chase.  Since  that  time 
the  office  has  been  filled  by  Thomas  Taylor. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  1882,  George  H.  Thomas  Post,  No.  1, 
Grand  Army  of  the  Bepublic,  was  organized  at  Nashville.  At  the  out- 
set the  Post  was  very  weak,  numbering  only  sixteen  charter  members. 
May  1,  1883,  the  Provisional  Department  of  Tennessee  and  Georgia  was 
formed,  with  four  posts  and  a membership  of  136.  The  posts  at  that 
time,  besides  the  one  mentioned,  were  Lookout,  No.  2,  at  Chattanooga; 
Memphis,  No.  3,  and  Lincoln,  No.  4,  at  Nashville.  The  Department  of 
Tennessee  and  Georgia,  comprising  the  States  of  Tennessee,  Georgia 
and  Alabama,  was  organized  February  26,  1884,  under  special  order  No. 
4,  from  national  headquarters.  The  following  were  the  department 
officers  elected:  Department  Commander,  Edward  S.  Jones,  Post  1;  S. 
V.  Department  Commander,  S.  S.  Garrett,  Post  3;  J.  Y.  Department 
Commander,  Newton  T.  Beal,  Post  17 ; Medical  Director,  Frank  AYeise, 
Post  1;  Department  Chaplain,  AY.  J.  Smith,  Post  3;  Assistant  Adjutant- 
General,  James  Chamberlin,  Post  1;  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 
Charles  AY.  Norwood,  Post  2;  Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  Henry 
Trauernicht,  Post  1 ; Department  Inspector,  Henry  It.  Hinkle,  Post  6 ; 
Judge  Advocate,  L.  A.  Gratz,  Post  14;  Chief  Mustering  Officer,  J.  T. 
Wolverton,  Post  7 ; Council  of  Administration,  Edward  M.  Main,  Post  1 ; 
T.  B.  Edgington,  Post  3;  Peter  Martin,  Post  4;  A.  B.  AVilson,  Post  8; 
8amuel  Long,  Post  17.  The  first  annual  encampment  was  held  at  Chat- 
tanooga February  26  and  27,  1885,  at  which  time  the  Department  Com- 
mander reported  twenty-eight  posts  on  the  rolls,  numbering  989  members 
in  good  standing.  The  department  now  numbers  fifty  posts,  having  an 
aggregate  membership  of  nearly  2,000. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


323 


CHAPTER  XI. 

State  Institutions— Early  Management  of  the  Einances — The  Creation  of 
the  State  Debt — The  Bonds  Refunded — The  Question  of  Repudiation 
— Measures  to  Liquidate  the  Indebtedness— The  State  Banks— The  In- 
ternal Improvement  Era — State  Railroad  Stock— Improvement  of 
Navigable  Water-courses — The  Turnpike  Companies — Illustrative 
Receipts  and  Disbursements— Internal  Railway  Projects — The  Intro- 
duction of  Steam  Water-craft  — Catalog  of  State  Officers — Elec- 
tion Returns— Formation  of  Counties— Population  by  Decades— Sta- 
tistics, Etc. 

HAD  it  been  possible  to  maintain  the  primitive  simplicity  of  the 
early  government,  little  difficulty  would  have  arisen  concerning 
its  financial  management.  The  expenditures  and  receipts  were  very 
evenly  balanced,  the  former  consisting  mainly  in  defraying  the  expenses 
of  legislation.  In  the  Territorial  Assembly  of  1794  Mr.  Donelson,  from 
the  committee  appointed  to  estimate  the  expenses  for  that  year,  reported 
the  probable  expenditures  at  $2,390.  The  rates  of  taxation,  as  fixed  at 
this  session,  were  124  cents  on  each  white  poll;  50  cents  on  each  black 
poll;  $1  for  each  town  lot,  and  25  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land.  The 
Council  had  strongly  urged  that  a tax  of  124  cents  upon  land  was  suffi- 
cient, but  after  considerable  discussion,  and  several  offers  to  compromise 
on  their  part,  they  were  forced  to  yield  to  the  House,  which  stood  firm 
for  the  rate  fixed. 

The  following  is  a detailed  account  of  the  expenses  of  the  Legislative 
Council  and  House  of  Representatives  for  the  session  beginning  August 
25,  1794,  and  ending  September  30,  1794.  The  per  diem  allowance  for 
each  member  and  each  clerk  was  $2.50.  and  for  each  door  keeper  $1.75. 
All  were  allowed  for  ferriages,  and  $2.50  for  each  twenty-five  miles  of 
travel. 

LEGISLATIVE  COUNCIL. 


Griffith  Rutherford,  37  days,  322  miles,  4 ferries $125  70 

John  Sevier,  37  days,  200  miles,  2 ferries 112  16£ 

Stockley  Donelson,  37  days,  130  miles,  4 ferries 105  83£ 

James  Winchester,  15  days,  312  miles,  4 ferries 69  70 

Parmenas  Taylor,  37  days,  102  miles,  2 ferries 102  86£ 

G.  Roulstone,  clerk,  37  days 92  50 

Stationery  and  engrossing 47  50 

William  Maclin,  clerk,  37  days,  380  miles,  4 ferries 131  50 

Stationery  and  engrossing 47  50 

Christopher  Shoat,  doorkeeper,  37  days 64  75 

Thomas  Bounds,  doorkeeper,  34  days,  12  miles 60  70 

John  Stone,  house  rent 10  00 


324 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


HOUSE  OP  REPRESENTATIVES. 


David  Wilson,  37  days,  310  miles,  4 ferries $124  00 

James  White,  37  days,  870  miles,  4 ferries 130  00 

James  Ford,  37  days,  420  miles,  4 ferries 135  00 

William  Cocke,  17  days,  100  miles,  2 ferries 52  33£ 

Joseph  McMinn,  37  days,  170  miles,  2 ferries 109  83J- 

George  Rutledge,  37  days,  240  miles,  2 ferries 116  83£ 

Joseph  Hardin,  37  days,  150  miles,  2 ferries 107  60J- 

Leroy  Taylor,  35  days,  200  miles,  2 ferries 107  66f 

John  Tipton,  26  days,  218  miles,  2 ferries. . . 86  91J 

George  Doherty,  37  days,  60  miles,  2 ferries 98  66j- 

Samuel  Wear,  37  days,  60  miles,  2 ferries 98,66f 

Alexander  Kelly,  30  days,  25  miles,  2 ferries 77  66£ 

John  Baird,  31  days,  30  miles 80  50 

H.  Lacy,  clerk,  20  days,  100  miles,  2 ferries 60  33J 

B.  Harle,  clerk,  37  days,  150  miles,  2 ferries 107  66J 

W.  L.  Lovely,  clerk,  14  days,  200  miles,  2 ferries 55  66f 

Richard  Mynat,  doorkeeper,  37  days,  40  miles 68  75 

Stationery  and  engrossing 102  00 

James  White,  house  rent 5 00 


$1,700  16J 

The  tax  levy  made  at  this  session  proved  amply  sufficient.  The  joint 
committee  appointed  to  settle  with  the  treasurer  of  Washington  and 
Hamilton  Districts  for  the  following  year  reported  the  finances  to  be  in 
a very  flattering  condition. 

“Your  committee  beg  leave  to  observe  that  the  moneys  arising  from 
the  tax  levied  by  the  last  General  Assembly  very  much  exceeded  their 
most  sanguine  expectations,  and  that  such  will  be  the  state  of  the  treas- 
ury department,  that  the  next  tax  to  be  levied  may  be  very  much  les- 
sened, and  then  be  fully  commensurate  and  adequate  to  defray  every  ex- 
penditure and  necessary  contingency  of  our  government.” 

At  that  time  the  drawing  of  lotteries  was  not  an  uncommon  mode  of 
raising  money  for  the  erection  of  public  buildings  and  the  support  of 
public  enterprises  of  all  kinds.  There  seems  to  have  been  no  thought  of 
any  immoral  tendency  in  the  promotion  of  these  lotteries,  as  schools  and 
churches  frequently  instituted  them.  The  following  is  taken  from  the 
journal  of  the  Assembly  of  1794:  “A  bill  to  authorize  the  drawing  of  a 
lottery  in  the  District  of  Mero  for  raising  a fund  for  erecting  a district 
gaol  and  stocks  in  Nashville;  endorsed,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed.” 
One  of  the  first  acts  passed  after  the  organization  of  the  State  gov- 
ernment was  that  establishing  a treasury  for  the  districts*  of  Washing- 
ton and  Hamilton,  and  another  for  Mero  District.  The  treasurer  of 
Mero  District  was  ordered  to  turn  over  to  the  other  treasury  each  year 
all  the  money  remaining  on  hand,  within  six  days  after  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly.  This  plan  was  followed  until  the  seat  of  government 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


325 


was  changed.  While  located  at  Nashville  or  Murfreesboro  the  transfer 
of  funds  was  reversed,  and  the  treasurer  of  East  Tennessee  reported  to 
the  treasurer  of  the  other  division  of  the  State.  After  the  settlement  of 
West  Tennessee  another  treasury  was  established,  and  the  balance  of 
money  remaining  on  hand  in  each  of  the  other  districts  at  the  end  of  the 
year  was  delivered  to  the  treasurer  of  Middle  Tennessee.  In  1836  the 
three  treasuries  were  consolidated,  and  the  first  State  treasurer  elected 
At  the  same  time  the  office  of  comptroller  was  created. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  at  the  first 
General  Assembly  in  1796: 

Receipts  by  the  treasurer  of  Washington,  and  Ham- 


ilton Districts $6,380  63 

Disbursements 5,838  03 

Balance  in  the  treasury $ 542  60 

Receipts  by  the  treasurer  of  Mero  District $4,900  37x5g 

Disbursements  2,297  33f 

Balance  in  the  treasury $2,603  03x9g 

Whole  amount  on  hand $3,145  63x95 


The  first  treasurer  of  Mero  District  was  Howell  Tatum ; of  the  dis- 
tricts of  Hamilton  and  Washington,  Landon  Carter.  The  expenses  of 
the  first  General  Assembly  were  $2,351.70.  For  the  two  years  1805  and 
1806  the  total  amount  of  revenue  collected  was  $36,181.72.  The  dis- 
bursements for  the  same  period  were  $30,110.18,  and  the  balance  re- 
maining in  the  treasury  was  $8,253.19.  For  the  years  1817  and  1818 
the  receipts  were  $118,008.17^,  the  disbursements  $62,689.31,  and  the 
balance  remaining  in  the  treasury  $83,183.35-|.  These  amounts  do  not 
include  the  money  set  apart  for  the  use  of  school  and  academies.  In  the 
settlement  for  1825-26  an  item  of  $3,826.50  is  charged  for  the  expenses 
of  Gen.  Lafayette,  a large  amount  for  such  a purpose  at  that  time,  show- 
ing that  the  State  entertained  the  French  hero  of  the  Revolution  in  a 
fitting  manner.  The  following  is  an  itemized  account  of  the  expendi- 
tures for  the  years  1829  and  1830: 


Legislature $40,965  20 

Executive 5,687  50 

Judges 46,004  60 

Attorney-general 1,909  00 

Militia 708  88 

Public  printing 12,445  18 

Criminal  prosecutions 23,041  86 

County  Commissioners 1,912  27 

Sheriffs’  releases 3,343  98 

Treasurers’  commissson 5,374  74 

Enumeration 31  86 


326 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Solicitors $3,518  05 

Revenue  paid  out 3,487  53 

Wolf  scalps 2,676  00 

Miscellaneous 18,171  20 


$169,277  85 

The  receipts  for  tlie  same  period  were $175,986  52 


Up  to  this  time  the  government  had  been  economically  administered, 
and  was  free  from  debt.  But  it  seems  impossible  for  any  State  to  emerge 
from  the  simplicity  of  the  pioneer  organization  to  the  full  development 
of  a great  commonwealth  without  incurring  liabilities  beyond  its  power  to 
meet  at  the  time  they  are  incurred,  and  it  requires  the  wisest  and  most 
careful  management  not  to  overstep  the  limits  beyond  which  it  is  impos- 
sible to  recover.  Tennessee  has  been  peculiarly  unfortunate  in  this  re- 
gard. Drawn  into  the  extravagant  schemes  of  the  internal  improvement 
era,  she  was  almost  overwhelmed  by  the  losses  and  disasters  of  the  civil 
war,  and  still  further  embarrassed  by  the  rash  and  inconsiderate  legisla- 
tion of  the  reconstruction  period;  and  it  is  only  during  the  present  ad- 
ministration that  the  question,  how  to  preserve  the  honor  and  credit  of 
the  State,  and  yet  work  no  hardship  to  the  taxpayer,  seems  to  have  been 
solved. 

The  first  indebtedness  of  the  State  was  incurred  in  1833,  when  $500,- 
000  of  bonds  were  issued  for  stock  in  the  Union  Bank.  Under  the  acts 
providing  for  internal  improvements  and  the  State  Bank  the  bonded  in- 
debtedness rapidly  increased.  In  his  message  to  the  Legislature  in 
October,  1839,  Gov.  Polk  presents  the  following  statement  of  the 
financial  condition  of  the  State:  “The  whole  public  debt,  exclusive  of  the 
internal  improvement  bonds  authorized  to  be  issued  by  the  last  General 
Assembly,  and  exclusive  of  the  State’s  portion  of  the  Federal  revenue  held 
on  deposit,  amounts  only  to  the  sum  of  $1,763,666.62-1.  To  meet  this  the 
State  owns  $646,600  of  stock  in  the  Union  Bank,  $1,000,000  in  the 
Bank  of  Tennessee,  and  $263,666. 66§  in  internal  improvement  compa- 
nies, chartered  previous  to  the  last  session  of  the  General  Assembly. 
The  internal  improvement  bonds  which  have  been  issued  under  the  act 
of  the  last  General  Assembly  bearing  an  interest  of  5 per  cent  amount 
to  $899,580,  making  the  whole  public  debt  of  the  State  of  every  de- 
scription, exclusive  of  the  Federal  surplus  revenue  which  she  holds  on 
deposit,  $2,666, 166. 66§.”  The  amount  of  the  surplus  revenue  received  by 
the  State  was  $1,353,209.55,  none  of  which  was  ever  returned  to  the 
General  Government. 

The  repeal  of  the  internal  improvement  laws  in  1840  stopped  the 
issue  of  bonds  to  new  companies,  but  as  it  did  not  interfere  with  work 
already  begun  bonds  to  a considerable  amount  were  afterward  issued 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


327 


under  those  laws,  so  that  the  liabilities  of  the  State  had  increased  by 
October,  1S43,  to  $3,269,416.66.  During  the  next  eight  years  the  growth 
of  the  debt  was  not  so  great.  The  only  appropriations  made  except  for 
the  necessary  expenses  of  the  government,  were  for  the  erection  of  the 
capitol,  two  issues  of  bonds  being  made  under  acts  of  1848  and  I860. 
The  comptroller’s  report  for  1851  shows  the  total  indebtedness  to  be 
$3,651,856.66,  an  increase  of  less  than  $400,000  in  eight  years. 

The  General  Assembly  of  1851-52  passed  an  act  directing  the  Gov- 
ernor to  purchase,  for  the  State,  500  acres  of  land  belonging  to  the  estate 
of  Andrew  Jackson,  including  the  mansion  and  tomb.  This  Avas  accord- 
ingly done  at  a cost  of  $48,000,  for  A\rhicli  bonds  were  issued.  During 
the  same  year  $30,000  of  bonds  were  also  issued  to  the  agricultural 
bureau.  Additional  capitol  bonds  Avere  issued  in  1852,  1854,  1856  and 
1860,  making  the  entire  amount  for  that  purpose,  $866,000.  These 
bonds  Avith  the  previous  issues,  which  had  not  been  taken  up  or  canceled, 
amounted  to  $3,896,606.06,  Avkick  constituted  what  was  knoAvn  as  “the 
State  debt  proper,”  at  the  opening  of  the  Avar.  This  debt  bore  an  annual 
interest  of  $212,388.25.  At  the  same  time  the  bonds  loaned  and  endorsed 
to  the  various  railroad  companies  under  the  internal  improvement  sys- 
tem, established  by  the  Legislature  of  1851-52,  amounted  to  $13,959,000, 
the  interest  upon  which  Avas  paid  by  the  companies.  This  was  the  finan- 
cial condition  of  the  State  in  1861.  There  Avere  issued  to  railroads  im- 
mediately after  the  war,  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $14,513,000,  making  the 
entire  liabilities  of  the  State,  including  unpaid  interest,  over  $35,000,000. 
The  settlement  of  this  enormous  debt  from  that  time  until  the  present 
has  been  paramount  to  all  other  questions  of  legislation.  For  the  his- 
tory of  this  subject  since  the  war,  this  volume  is  largely  indebted  to  the 
very  thorough  resume  by  Gov.  Bate  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature  of 
1883.  The  first  act  to  provide  for  the  funding  of  the  State’s  indebted- 
ness Avas  passed  November  23,  1865.  It  authorized  and  instructed  the 
governor  to  issue  6 per  cent  coupon  bonds  to  an  amount  sufficient  to 
pay  off  all  the  bonds  and  interest  past  due  as  well  as  that  to  fall  due 
during  the  two  following  years.  Under  this  act  there  were  funded 
$4,941,000  of  bonds.  A similar  act  passed  in  1868  provided  for  the 
funding  of  bonds  maturing  during  the  years  1868,  1869  and  1870,  and 
under  it  were  issued  $2,200,000  of  bonds  bearing  6 per  cent  interest. 
Under  an  act  of  1852  and  its  amendments  which  provided  for  the  substi- 
tution of  coupon  bonds  for  those  Avitkout  coupons,  there  were  issued 
$697,000  of  bonds  known  as  “renewals.” 

In  1873  the  Legislature  passed  another  act  known  as  “the  funding 
act”  under  which  various  classes  and  kinds  of  bonds  were  funded,  and 


328 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


bonds  issued  for  past  due  interest  upon  them  amounting  to  $6,641,000. 
So  objectionable  was  this  to  the  people  that  at  the  ensuing  Legislature 
all  provisions  for  the  payment  of  interest  under  this  act  ivere  repealed. 

An  act  to  fund  the  State  debt  in  bonds  at  100  cents  on  the  dollar  and 
3 per  cent  annual  interest,  ivas  passed  by  the  Forty-second  General 
Assembly,  and  became  a law  on  April  6,  1881.  Before  this  was  in  full 
operation  it  was  thrown  into  the  courts  by  injunction,  and  finally  declared 
by  the  supreme  court  unconstitutional  and  void;  hence  no  bonds  were 
issued  under  this  act.  The  same  General  Assembly  was  convened  in  a 
third  extraordinary  session,  and  its  labors  during  this  extra  session  on 
May  19,  1882,  resulted  in  the  passage  of  what  is  known  as  the  “ 60-6 
act,”  authorizing  the  issue  of  bonds  at  the  rate  of  60  cents  on  the  dollar 
for  the  old  bonds  and  the  past  due  interest  upon  them,  payable  in  thirty 
years,  bearing  interest  as  follows : The  first  two  years  3 per  cent  ; 

the  next  two  years  4 per  cent;  then  5 per  cent  for  two  years  and  6 per 
cent  for  the  remainder  of  the  time.  It  was  also  enacted  that  the  funding 
should  cease  after  January  1,  1883,  leaving  all  bonds  not  so  funded  un- 
provided for.  The  act  went  into  effect  immediately  after  its  passage,  and 
before  it  expired  by  limitation  there  had  been  funded  under  its  pro- 
visions $13,706,812.77,  nearly  one-third  of  which  was  made  up  of 
coupons.  None  of  these  five  funding  acts  were  satisfactory  to  both  the 
people  and  the  creditors.  During  the  entire  discussion  of  this  subject 
there  has  been  much  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  State’s  moral  and 
legal  obligation  to  pay  the  debt  in  full.  Many  have  held  that  the  State 
should  pay  the  debt  in  full  without  regard  to  the  manner  in  which  it  was 
contracted.  The  sentiments  of  these  persons  are  expressed  by  Gov.  Por- 
ter in  a message  to  the  Legislature: 

‘‘The  settlement  of  this  debt  is  paramount  to  all  questions  of  legisla- 
tion that  can  engage  the  attention  of  the  General  Assembly ; it  involves 
the  honor  and  good  name  of  the  State,  the  credit  and  honor  of  every  one 
of  its  citizens.  It  is  a liability  that  was  voluntarily  contracted,  and 
whether  it  was  wisely  created  or  not  cannot  now  be  a question.  I hold 
and  have  always  believed  that  in  the  light  of  moral  and  legal  duty,  as  a 
question  of  commercial  honor  and  State  pride,  the  best  settlement  of  the 
debt  for  Tennessee  would  be  to  pay  the  entire  debt  according  to  the 
terms  of  the  contract.” 

Gov.  Hawkins  expresses  the  same  opinion.  He  says:  “I  am  free  to 
declare  that  to  my  mind  there  can  be  no  well  founded  question  as  to  the 
moral  and  legal  obligation  of  the  State  for  the  ultimate  payment  of  the 
bonds.”  A large  part  of  those  who  entertained  no  doubts  as  to  the  va- 
lidity of  the  entire  debt  considered  its  payment  in  full  an  impossibility, 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


329 


and  that  taking  into  consideration  the  great  loss  m revenue  to  the  State 
occasioned  by  the  war,  it  would  be  no  dishonor  to  make  the  best  terms 
possible  with  the  owners  of  the  bonds.  This  class  in  general  supported 
the  “ 60-6  act,”  and  considered  it  an  equitable  settlement  of  the  debt. 

Others  held  that  the  bonds  issued  to  railroad  companies,  under  the 
act  of  1852,  formed  no  part  of  the  State’s  liabilities,  and  that  the  owners 
of  the  bonds  should  look  to  the  companies  for  their  payment. 

Another  class,  and  the  one  which  was  in  the  majority,  held  that  the 
liabilities  of  the  State  should  be  resolved  into  two  parts.  The  “ State 
debt  proper,”  and  the  railroad  debt  for  which  the  State  had  pledged  its 
“faith  and  credit.”  They  asserted  that  the  “State  debt  proper”  in  1882 


consisted  of  the  following  bonds: 

Capitol  bonds $493,000 

Hermitage  bonds 35,000 

Agricultural  Bureau  bonds 18,000 

Union  Bank  bonds 125,000 

Bank  of  Tennessee  bonds 214,000 

Bonds  issued  to  various  turnpike  companies 741,000 

Hiwassee  Railroad  bonds 280,000 

East  Tennessee  and  Georgia  Railroad  bonds 144,000 

Memphis  & La  Grange  Railroad  bonds 68,000 


Total $2,118,000 


These  bonds  with  the  unpaid  interest,  exclusive  of  the  interest  which 
accrued  from  April  12,  1861,  to  May  26,  1865,  it  was  held,  should  be 
funded  dollar  for  dollar,  and  that  the  new  bonds  should  bear  the  same 
rate  of  interest  which  the  original  bonds  surrendered  bore. 

It  was  contended  that  the  State,  as  a matter  of  right  and  equity,  was 
entitled  to  a large  abatement  of  the  remainder  of  the  debt.  The  grounds 
for  this  were  that  it  was  never  intended  that  the  State  would  be  called 
upon  to  pay  the  bonds  issued  to  railroad  companies ; that  a large  part  of 
those  bonds  were  issued  “by  authority  of  legislative  acts  passed  and  en- 
forced immediately  after  the  war,  and  by  Legislatures  elected  at  a time 
when  more  than  one-half,  if  not  three-fourths  of  all  the  citizens  of  Ten- 
nessee who  had  been  voters  were  disfranchised ;”  and  that  the  purchasers 
of  the  bonds  so  issued  on  account  of  this  Irregularity  in  State  govern- 
ment at  the  time  of  their  issuance  and  sale  bought  them  at  greatly  re- 
duced prices.  It  was  therefore  considered  equitable  to  creditors  and  the 
State  alike  to  fund  this  part  of  the  debt  with  the  unpaid  interest,  exclu- 
sive of  that  which  accrued  during  the  war,  50  cents  on  the  dollar  and 
3 per  cent  interest.  The  only  exception  was  that  the  bonds,  no  mat- 
ter of  what  issue,  held  by  literary,  educational,  and  charitable,  institu- 
tions; also  those  owned  by  Mrs.  James  K.  Polk  should  be  funded  dollar 
for  dollar  at  6 per  cent  interest. 


330 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


This  plan  of  settlement  was  embodied  in  the  platform  adopted  by 
the  Democratic  State  Convention  in  June,  1882.  Upon  that  platform  the 
canvass  was  made,  and  at  the  ensuing  election  a large  majority  of  the 
votes  were  cast  in  its  favor.  Thus  sanctioned  by  the  people  the  Governor 
reviewed  the  plan  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature,  and  a bill -in  accord- 
ance with  its  provisions  was  passed  March  15,  1883.  At  that  time,  ac- 
cording to  the  closest  calculation,  the  entire  indebtedness  of  the  State 
including  principal  and  interest  amounted  to  $28,786,066.39.  Gf  this 
sum  the  State  debt  proper  bonds  and  other  bonds  to  be  funded  at  6 per 
cent  made  up  $2,783,150,  leaving  $26,002,916.39  to  be  funded  at  50 
cents  on  the  dollar  and  3 per  cent  interest.  This  makes  the  total 
bonded  indebtedness  of  the  State,*  under  operation  of  the  act  of  1883, 
about  $15,781,608.19.  The  funding  board  consisting  of  the  governor, 
comptroller  and  treasurer  began  its  work  in  July,  1883,  and  on  March  8, 
1886,  bonds  to  the  amount  of  about  $19,000,000  had  been  funded. 

Since  this  plan  of  settlement  is  stamped  with  the  approval  of  the 
majority  of  the  citizens  and  taxpayers,  and  as  the  progress  of  funding 
evidences  the  acquiescence  of  the  creditors  of  the  State,  it  is  probable 
that  the  question  has  been  definitely  settled.  Should  all  the  bonds  be 
presented  for  funding,  the  State  will  ultimately  have  to  pay  $192,399 
interest  annually.  The  decisions  of  the  courts  making  the  State  liable 
for  the  payment  of  the  notes  of  the  old  Bank  of  Tennessee  have  added 
nearly  $1,000,000  to  the  debt  within  the  past  two  years.  An  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  1883  provides  for  the  issue  of  treasury  certificates  to  take 
the  place  of  bank  notes.  It  also  directs  that  $200,000  of  these  certificates 
should  be  taken  up  annually  in  the  payment  of  taxes.  No  steps  have 
yet  been  taken  toward  paying  the  bonded  indebtedness,  but  it  will  un- 
doubtedly be  a question  for  next  Legislature.  The  bonds  issued  under 
the  funding  act  of  1883  are  made  payable  in  thirty  years  and  redeem- 
able at  the  pleasure  of  the  State.  With  a continuation  of  the  present 
prosperous  and  healthy  growth,  and  with  wise  and  economical  manage- 
ment of  the  government,  the  State,  at  the  expiration  of  the  thirty  years, 
will  have  no  debt  to  refund. 

After  the  passage  of  the  ordinance  of  secession,  in  May  6,  1861,  the 
Governor  was  authorized  to  issue  $5,000,000  of  bonds  bearing  8 per- 
cent interest  payable  in  ten  years.  Only  two-fifths  of  these  bonds  were 
sold,  the  remaining  three-fifths  being  held  as  contingent,  subject  to  the 
orders  of  the  Governor  and  the  Military  and  Financial  Boards.  The 
following  month  the  act  was  amended  and  the  Governor  authorized  to 
issue  treasury  notes  in  denominations  of  from  $5  to  $100  bearing  6 
per  cent  interest  in  lieu  of  the  $3,000,000  of  bonds. 


*Gov.  Bate.  Message  of  January  12,  1885. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


331 


The  first  bank  in  which  the  State  became  a stockholder  was  incorpor- 
ated by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  November  20,  1811,  under  the 
name  of  the  “President,  Directors  and  Company  of  the  Bank  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee.”  The  charter  provided  that  the  capital  stock  should 
not  exceed  $400,000,  divided  into  shares  of  $50  each.  Subscriptions 
for  stock  were  opened  on  January  1,  1812,  in  Knoxville,  and  in  the  fol- 
lowing counties:  Sullivan,  Carter,  Washington,  Greene,  Cocke,  Jefferson, 
Hawkins,  Sevier,  Blount,  Grainger,  Claiborne,  Anderson,  Campbell, 
Roane,  Rhea  and  Bledsoe,  to  each  of  which  were  assigned  440  shares. 
The  State  became  a stockholder  to  the  amount  of  $20,000,  but  reserved 
the  right  to  withdraw  at  the  end  of  ten  years.  The  subscriptions  were 
payable  in  gold  or  silver,  and  divided  into  eight  equal  installments.  As 
soon  as  $25,000  was  paid  in  the  stockholders  met  in  Knoxville  and  elect- 
ed officers,  except  one  director,  who  was  named  by  the  governor. 

The  main  bank  was  located  at  Knoxville,  with  branches  in  Clarksville, 
Columbia  and  Jonesboro.  No  notes  of  less  denomination  than  $5  could 
be  issued  until  1815,  when  the  limit  was  reduced  to  $1.  The  bank  was 
chartered  for  a period  of  thirty  years,  but  continued  only  until  1828, 
when  it  began  to  close  up  its  affairs,  which  was  accomplished  about 
three  years  later. 

During  the  year  1820  the  people  of  Tennessee,  in  common  with  those 
of  the  other  Western  States,  experienced  their  first  financial  panic,  and 
so  disastrous  were  the  consequences  that  Gov.  McMinn  convened  the 
Legislature  in  extra  session  to  provide  some  means  of  relief.  Accord- 
ingly, on  July  26  of  that  year,  an  act  was  passed  “to  establish  a bank 
of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the  distresses  of 
the  community,  and  improving  the  revenues  of  the  State.”  The  capital 
stock  was  fixed  at  $1,000,000,  in  bills  payable  to  order  or  bearer,  to  be 
issued  on  the  credit  and  security  of  the  borrower,  and  the  whole  to  be 
warranted  by  the  State  on  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  public  lands. 
The  treasurers  of  East  and  West  Tennessee  were  ordered  to  deposit  all 
the  public  moneys  in  the  bank,  and  the  governor  was  authorized  to  issue 
stock  bearing  6 per  cent  interest,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  $250,000. 
A branch  bank  was  established  at  Knoxville,  to  which  was  allowed  four- 
tenths  of  the  capital  stock.  An  agency  was  also  established  in  each 
county  in  the  State  formed  previous  to  the  year  1819.  The  president 
and  directors,  ten  in  number,  were  elected  on  a joint  ballot  of  the  Leg- 
islature. The  officers  were  instructed  to  put  the  bank  into  operation  by 
the  15th  of  the  next  October,  and  to  issue  $500,000  in  bills  of  denomi- 
nations of  not  less  than  $5  nor  more  than  $100.  Provision  was  after- 
ward made  for  the  issue  of  $75,000  in  fractional  notes.  According  to 


832 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


the  charter  either  the  Nashville  Bank  or  the  bank  at  Knoxville,  or  both, 
together  with  their  branches,  could  consolidate  and  incorporate  them- 
selves with  the  State  bank,  but  this  they  were  unwilling  to  do. 

The  bank  began  business  at  the  appointed  time,  and  at  first  seemed 
to  meet  the  expectations  of  its  founders,  but  its  capital  having  been  dis- 
tributed over  the  State,  large  amounts  were  lost  by  the  defalcations  of 
the  county  agents,  and  to  add  still  further  to  its  embarrassment,  the 
cashier  of  the  main  bank,  Joel  Parrish,  in  1832,  was  found  to  have  per- 
mitted overdrafts  to  the  amount  of  about  $80,000,  the  greater  part  of 
which  Avas  lost.  On  account  of  the  number  of  branches,  or  agencies, 
this  bank  Avas  sometimes  referred  to  as  the  “Saddle  Bags  Bank.”  Gov. 
■Carroll,  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature  in  1833,  discussed  the  subject 
at  considerable  length,  and  advised  the  closing  of  the  bank,  Avisely  add- 
ing that  “ the  establishment  of  banks  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the 
people  from  pecuniary  distress,  is,  in  most  cases,  ruinous  to  those  avIio 
avail  themselves  of  such  relief.” 

In  conformity  Avitli  the  recommendation  of  the  Governor,  the  Leg- 
islature, during  the  session,  passed  an  act  abolishing  the  bank,  and  pro- 
viding that  its  funds  should  be  deposited  in  the  Union  Bank,  then  just 
incorporated.  The  capital  stock  of  the  latter  bank  was  limited  to  $3,- 
000,000,  of  which  the  State  subscribed  $500,000,  in  her  own  bonds,  due 
in  fifteen,  twenty,  twenty-five  and  thirty  years,  bearing  5 per  cent  inter- 
est. In  consideration  of  this  support  the  bank  agreed  to  pay  annually 
to  the  State  a bonus  of  one-half  of  1 per  cent  on  the  capital  stock 
paid  in.  The  bank  began  business  March  4,  1833,  and  from  that  time 
until  the  civil  war  Avas  one  of  the  leading  monetary  institutions  of  Ten- 
nessee. Its  stock  was  mainly  held  by  Eastern  capitalists,  over  16,000 
shares  having  been  taken  in  Philadelphia. 

In  1846  the  president  of  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  was  authorized  to  dis- 
1 > * 
pose  of  the  State’s  stock  in  the  Union  Bank,  then  amounting  to  $646,000, 

provided  he  could  obtain  for  it  an  amount  sufficient  to  pay  off  the  bonds 
issued  to  the  bank.  This  could  not  be  accomplished,  and  the  State  still 
had  $125,000  of  those  bonds  when  the  bank  went  out  of  existence.  The 
Planter’s  Bank,  contemporary  with  the  Union  Bank,  did  an  equally  ex- 
tensive business,  but  received  no  aid  from  the  State. 

In  1817  a petition  for  the  location  of  a branch  of  the  United  States 
Bank  at  Nashville  was  signed  by  a number  of  the  leading  men  of  the 
State  and  forwarded  to  Washington,  but  before  it  was  considered,  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  passed  a law  forbidding  the  opening  of  such  a bank  in 
Tennessee.  Ten  years  later  the  law  Avas  repealed  and  the  bank,  Avitli  a 
nominal  capital  of  $1,000,000,  was  established.  It  continued  to  do  busi- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


333 


ness  until  1832  wlien  President  Jackson’s  veto  of  tlie  bill  recliartering  the 
United  States  Bank  necessitated  the  closing  of  its  doors.  Stock  banks, 
like  the  Union  and  Planters,  were  established  to  take  its  place,  and  a dis- 
astrous system  of  over-banking  and  consequent  over-trading  was  the 
result. 

The  contraction  in  the  currency  and  the  great  depression  in  business 
following  the  panic  of  1837,  induced  the  Legislature  to  establish  the  Bank 
of  Tennessee.  By  an  act  passed  January  19,  1838,  this  institution  was 
chartered  in  the  name  and  for  the  benefit  of  the  State,  and  for  the  sup- 
port of  which  the  faith  and  credit  of  the  State  were  pledged.  The  capital 
stock  was  fixed  at  $5,000,000,  to  be  raised  and  constituted  as  follows: 
The  whole  of  the  common  school  fund,  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the 
Ocoee  lands,  the  surplus  revenue  on  deposit  with  the  State,  and  an  addi- 
tional sum  in  specie  or  funds  convertible  into  specie  raised  on  the  credit 
of  the  State,  sufficient  to  make  up  the  $5,000,000.  The  Governor  was 
authorized  to  issue  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $2,500,000,  due  in  thirty 
years,  bearing  6 per  cent  interest,  payable  semi-annually.  The  act  al- 
so provided  that  the  bonds  should  not  be  sold  at  less  than  their  par 
value,  and  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  any  of  them  were  dis- 
posed of,  the  “faith  and  credit”  of  all  the  Western  States  at  that  time,  be- 
ing at  a very  low  ebb.  The  American  Life  Insurance  & Trust  Com- 
pany of  New  York  finally  purchased  two-fifths  of  the  bonds,  and  the  re- 
mainder were  held  by  the  bank  for  several  months,  when  they  were  or- 
dered to  be  canceled. 

The  location  of  the  branch  banks  was  left  to  the  directors,  who  created 
considerable  dissatisfaction  in  distributing  them.  The  places  chosen 
were  Bogersville,  Athens,  Columbia,  Shelbyville,  Clarksville,  Trenton, 
and  Summerville.  Another  at  Sparta  was  afterward  created.  The  bank 
went  into  operation  in  the  early  part  of  1838  with  a capital  of  $1,000,000 
derived  from  the  sale  of  bonds  and  $90,893.71  of  school  fund.  By  April 
1,  1839,  this  had  been  increased  to  $2,073,356.15  by  the  addition  of  the 
surplus  revenue, x and  the  proceeds  of  the  Ocoee  lands.  The  redemption 
of  notes  in  specie  had  been  suspended  by  the  other  banks  of  the  State  in 
1837.  January  1,  1839,  a general  resumption  of  specie  payments  took 
place,  but  the  movement  was  found  to  be  premature,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing October  another  suspension  occurred.  At  that  time  the  Legislature 
had  just  assembled,  and  Gov.  Polk  devotes  nearly  the  whole  of  a long- 
message  to  a discussion  of  the  financial  difficulties.  He  states  that  the 
banking  capital  of  the  State  exceeds  $10,000,000,  and  discourages  any 
attempt  to  increase  it.  He  refers  to  the  recent  suspension  of  specie  pay- 
ments as  a matter  of  great  regret,  and  adds  that  “the  only  substantial 


334 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  permanent  relief  is  to  be  found  in  habits  of  economy  and  industry, 
and  the  productive  labor  of  our  people.” 

In  compliance  with  a resolution  adopted  by  the  nest  General  Assem- 
bly, the  banks  on  January  1,  1843,  once  more  began  the  redemption  of 
their  notes  in  specie,  and  the  succeeding  ten  years  were  the  -most  pros- 
perous in  their  history.  Especially  was  this  the  case  with  the  Bank  of 
Tennessee,  which  was  carefully  managed,  and  was  looked  upon  with 
pride  by  the  citizens  of  the  State.  The  Legislature  of  1851-52,  how- 
ever, began  the  ruinous  policy  of  granting  charters  to  a large  number  of 
banks,  the  most  of  which  were  founded  upon  fictitious  capital.  Each  is- 
sued its  paper  to  any  extent  that  it  could  be  disposed  of,  at  no  matter 
how  great  a discount.  The  volume  of  currency  thus  unduly  expanded, 
the  credit  of  the  old  banks  was  impaired  and  their  profits  reduced.  This 
extravagant  system  of  over -banking,  which  had  invaded  every  State  in  the 
XJnion,  culminated  in  the  panic  of  1857,  in  which  the  experiences  of 
twenty  years  before  were  renewed.  Gov.  Johnson  foresaw  this  result, 
and  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature  in  1853  he  advised  the  gradual 
closing  up  of  the  business  of  the  State  bank.  This  advice  he  renews  in 
his  messages  of  1855  and  1857.  In  the  last  he  gives  a report  from  the 
directors  of  the  bank  in  which  they  state  that  they  have  come  to  the  con- 
clusion with  great  unanimity,  “and  from  a settled  conviction,  that  the  best 
interests  of  the  State  require  it,  that  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  should  be 
put  into  liquidation  and  its  concerns  closed  at  as  early  a period  as  the 
convenience  of  the  citizens  will  allow.”  These  recommendations  were 
disregarded  by  the  Legislature.  Had  they  been  acted  upon,  and  the  bank 
closed  up,  a large  reduction  of  the  State  debt  would  have  been  effected. 
In  October,  1857,  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  suspended  specie  payment 
and  began  to  curtail  its  business.  The  other  banks  did  likewise.  This 
was  continued  until  1861,  when  the  exigencies  of  war  required  an  in- 
crease in  the  circulating  medium,  and  a law  was  passed  compelling  them 
to  reverse  their  policy.  Accordingly  large  issues  of  new  notes  ivere 
made,  the  circulation  of  the  State  bank,  on  September  1,  1862,  reaching 
$4,710,666. 

When  the  Federal  occupation  of  the  State  became  imminent  the 
banks  were  given  permission  to  carry  their  assets  into  other  States.  The 
Bank  of  Tennessee  was  transferred  to  Georgia,  and  its  specie  deposited 
at  Atlanta,  where  it  afterward  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  United  States 
authorities.  After  the  removal  of  the  bank  from  Nashville  its  assets,  to 
the  amount  of  over  $8,000,000,  were  converted  into  Confederate  bonds, 
coupons  and  treasury  notes,  which  of  course  became  valueless  upon  the 
restoration  of  peace.  Gov.  Brownlow,  in  his  message  of  1865,  advised 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


335 


the  closing  up  of  all  existing  banks,  declaring  them  insolvent,  and  se- 
verely criticising  their  management  previous  to  the  war.  In  February, 
1866,  an  act  “ to  wind  up  and  settle  the  business  of  the  Bank  of  Ten- 
nessee ” was  passed.  Six  directors  were  appointed  for  this  purpose,  who 
were  instructed  to  receive  in  payment  for  debts  due  the  bank  United 
States  currency,  or  notes  of  the  bank  issued  prior  to  May  6,  1861.  The 
notes  issued  after  that  date  were  known  as  “New  Issue”  or  “Torbett  Is- 
sue,” from  the  name  of  the  president,  G.  C.  Torbett,  elected  May  9, 
1861.  These  were  declared  utterly  void. 

In  May,  1866,  by  appointment  of  the  chancery  court,  S.  Watson  be- 
came the  trustee  of  the  bank,  and  then  began  a series  of  litigations  ex- 
tending over  a period  of  twenty  years.  The  act  closing  the  bank  gave 
the  school  fund  the  preference  in  the  distribution  of  assets  over  all  other 
creditors.  The  depositors  secured  a decision  of  the  supreme  court 
against  the  validity  of  this  act,  and  the  holders  of  the  “ New  Issue”  de- 
manded the  redemption  of  their  notes-,  also  obtained  a favorable  decision. 
The  assets  of  the  bank  were  not  sufficient  to  redeem  these  notes,  and  the 
State  is  compelled  to  receive  them  for  taxes.  The  amount  of  the  “Neve 
Issue”  has  not  yet  been  definitely  determined,  but  it  is  not  far  from 
$1,000,000,  treasury  certificates  having  already  been  issued  for  nearly 
that  amount.  According  to  the  constitution  adopted  in  1870,  the  found- 
ing of  a bank  by  the  State  is  prohibited.  Section  31,  Article  2,  reads 
as  follows:  “The  credit  of  the  State  shall  not  be  hereafter  loaned  or  given 
to,  or  in  aid  of  any  person,  association,  company,  corporation  or  munici- 
pality. Nor  shall  the  State  become  the  owner  in  whole,  or  in  part,  of 
any  bank,  or  a stockholder  with  others  in  any  association,  company  or 
municipality.” 

In  1875  some  effort  was  made  to  amend  the  constitution  and  estab- 
lish another  State  Bank.  Comptroller  Burch  in  his  report  in  1874  ad- 
vocated this  measure.  He  proposed  that  the  State  issue  $5,000,000  of 
bonds,  which  he  thought  could  be  sold  at  90  per  cent.  This  would  yield 
$4,500,000  as  the  capital  stock  of  the  bank,  and  an  issue  of  notes  could 
then  be  made  to  the  amount  of  $13,500,000,  on  the  basis  of  $3  circula- 
tion to  $1  of  capital.  This  scheme  received  but  little  support,  and  it  is 
not  probable  that  so  long  as  the  present  system  of  national  banks  is 
maintained,  the  people  of  Tennessee  will  care  to  renew  their  experience 
with  State  banks. 

The  early  pioneers  depended  upon  trails  and  streams  for  their  routes 
of  travels,  but  with  the  growth  of  the  settlements  better  means  of  com- 
munication became  a necessity.  Streams  that  were  navigable  for  canoes 
and  small  boats  might  be  entirely  unfit  for  commercial  purposes  until 


336 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


the  obstructions  which  had  accumulated  for  centuries  were  removed. 
The  narrow  trails  winding  through  the  forest  over  hills  and  down  deep 
ravines  were  impassable  to  the  vehicles  of  civilization. 

So  early  as  November,  1785,  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina 
adopted  measures  for  the  better  protection  of  the  Cumberland  settle- 
ments, which  from  their  isolated  position  were  peculiarly  exposed  to 
Indian  depredations.  It  was  enacted  that  300  men  should  be  embodied 
for  the  protection  of  those  settlements,  and  that  when  assembled  at 
the  lower  end  of  Clinch  Mountain  the  troops  should  cut  and  clear  a 
road  from  that  point  by  the  most  eligible  route  to  Nashville,  making  the 
same  ten  feet  wide  and  fit  for  the  passage  of  wagons  and  carts.*  Dur- 
ing the  year  the  road,  as  directed  in  the  act,  was  opened.  Hereafter, 
instead  of  by  the  long  and  circuitous  route  through  the  wilderness  of 
Kentucky,  the  people  from  the  Atlantic  section  reached  the  Cumberland 
through  the  new  road  which  ran  by  the  way  of  the  Crab  Orchard  and  the 
Flat  Hock.  Two  years  later  the  road  was  found  insufficient  for  the  pur- 
poses of  the  vast  immigration  which  was  pouring  into  the  country.  Ac- 
cordingly at  the  representation  of  the  members  from  Davidson  and 
Sumner  Counties  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  authorized  the 
militia  officers  of  these  counties  to  appoint  two  or  more  persons  to  examine, 
survey  and  mark  out  the  best  and  most  convenient  way  from  the  lower 
end  of  Clinch  Mountain  to  the  settlement  of  Cumberland,  and  to  order 
out  the  militia  of  these  counties  to  cut  and  clear  the  road  so  marked. 
The  regiments  were  ordered  to  be  divided  into  classes  and  parts  of  classes, 
beginning  with  the  first,  and  so  on  in  rotation,  till  the  road  should  be 
cut.  A tax  was  also  assessed  to  defray  the  expense  of  opening  the  road. 
Under  the  provisions  of  this  act  the  old  road  was  widened  and  cleared, 
and  a road  leading  into  it  was  soon  afterward  cut  from  Bledsoe’s  Lick. 
The  following  year  provision  was  made  for  still  further  improving  these 
roads,  and  also  for  exploring  the  route  making  a road  through  the 
wilderness  lying  between  the  Cumberland  settlement  and  the  Holston 
counties.  From  this  time,  as  the  exigencies  of  the  country  demanded, 
other  roads  and  channels  of  communication  were  opened,  and  as  the 
country  still  further  filled  up  and  developed  the  question  of  internal  im- 
provement became  one  of  the  most  important  topics  for  the  legislators. 
Under  that  head  were  included  the  construction  of  roads,  the  improve- 
ment of  rivers  and  harbors,  and  later  the  building  of  railroads.  For 
several  years  after  the  adoption  of  the  United  States  Constitution  there 
was  much  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  right  of  the  National  Govern- 
ment to  appropriate  money  for  this  purpose,  the  Federalists  as  a party 


Ramsey.  * 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


337 


favoring  it,  and  the  Republicans  advocating  the  opposite  policy.  The 
opinion  of  the  former  finally  prevailed,  and  a system  of  internal  improve- 
ment was  inaugurated.  The  General  Government,  however,  undertook 
only  works  of  national  importance,  while  those  of  a more  local  nature 
were  left  to  the  individual  States. 

The  agitation  of  this  subject  after  the  organization  of  the  State  was 
begun  as  early  as  1801,  during  the  administration  of  Gov.  Sevier,  who, 
as  well  as  all  the  governors  succeeding  him  to  1837,  made  it  a special 
point  in  their  messages  to  the  Legislature  to  urge  the  adoption  of  meas- 
ures for  the  construction  of  highways  and  the  improvements  of  the 
navigable  streams.  The  delay  in  making  appropriations  for  this  purpose 
was  occasioned  by  the  opinion  prevalent  among  the  farming  community 
that  it  would  be  to  the  exclusive  interest  of  the  commercial  class.* 
Gov.  Carroll,  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature  of  1829-30,  after  review- 
ing the  work  done  by  the  General  Government  and  some  of  the  other 
States,  asks:  “With  these  bright  examples  before  us,  does  it  become 
Tennessee  to  be  idle?”  The  Legislature  undoubtedly  thought  that  this 
interrogatory  deserved  a negative  answer,  as  they  appropriated  $150,000 
for  removing  the  obstructions  in  streams,  and  for  other  improvements. 
Six  commissioners  were  elected  to  constitute  a board  of  internal  improve- 
ments, with  power  to  appoint  a civil  engineer  to  superintend  the  work; 
$30,000  was  to  be  used  in  West  Tennessee,  and  the  remainder  divided 
equally  between  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  State. 

The  constitution  of  1834  declared  that  a well  regulated  system  of 
internal  improvements  is  calculated  to  develop  the  resources  of  the 
State,  and  to  promote  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  the  people,  there- 
fore it  ought  to  be  encouraged  by  the  General  Assembly.  In  1836,  in 
compliance  with  the  above  section  of  the  constitution,  a general  system 
of  internal  improvements  was  established.  The  act  provided  that 
when  two-thirds  of  the  capital  stock  of  any  company,  organized  for  the 
purpose  of  constructing  any  railroad  or  macadamized  turnpike  within  the 
limits  of  the  State,  had  been  subscribed,  the  Governor,  in  behalf  of  the 
State,  should  subscribe  the  remaining  one-third,  and  issue  bonds  bear- 
ing 5J  per  cent  interest;  therefore  with  the  founding  of  the  Bank 
of  Tennessee  a more  extended  system  was  adopted.  Under  this  scheme 
the  State  became  subscriber  for  one-half  of  the  stock  in  all  rail- 
road and  turnpike  companies,  provided  that  the  whole  amount  of  stock 
taken  by  the  State  had  not  reached  $4,000,000.  The  profits  arising 
from  the  State  stock,  in  the  various  companies,  was  set  apart  to  constitute 
a fund  for  the  redemption  of  the  bonds  issued.  In  addition  to  the  above 


*HeMinn  in  his  message  to  the  Legislature  in  1S17. 


338 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


$300,000  was  appropriated  for  improving  the  navigation  of  rivers,  to 
be  divided  equally  among  the  three  divisions  of  the  State.  Under  these 
acts  there  were  issued  to  the  various  turnpike  companies  bonds  to  the 
amount  of  nearly  $1,500,000,  and  to  railroads,  about  $800,000. 

By  the  latter  part  of  1839  a reaction  had  set  in  against  the  internal 
improvement  schemes.  It  was  found  that  the  State  was  becoming 
heavily  involved  in  debt,  and  that  the  results  were  not  commensurate 
with  the  outlay.  Many  of  the  improvements  were  of  permanent  value 
and  general  importance,  but  the  law  was  open  to  abuse,  and  charters  were 
frequently  granted  for  local  and  unimportant  work.  The  profits  arising 
from  these  companies  were  small,  and  the  bonds  issued  to  them  still 
form  a part  of  the  State’s  indebtedness.  Had  the  charters  been  granted 
with  greater  discrimination,  and  the  work  placed  under  efficient  superin- 
tendency, the  results  would  have  been  more  satisfactory. 

In  January,  1840,  all  the  laws  authorizing  the  Governor  to  subscribe 
stock  on  behalf  of  the  State  in  internal  improvement  companies  were  re- 
pealed. This,  however,  was  not  to  interfere  with  any  work  heretofore 
commenced  and  carried  on  in  good  faith.  The  governor,  comptroller 
and  attorney-general  were  constituted  a board  to  examine  the  reports 
of  special  commissioners,  and  to  decide  upon  the  policy  of  completing 
any  work  already  begun.  This  board  was  afterward  made  to  consist  of 
the  comptroller,  secretary  of  state  and  the  president  of  the  Bank  of  Ten- 
nessee. 

No  more  aid  was  granted  to  corporations  by  the  State  until  1852, 
when  the  Legislature  again  passed  an  act  creating  a general  system  of 
internal  improvements.  It  provided  that  when  railroad  companies  had 
graded  a certain  amount  of  track,  that  bonds,  to  an  amount  not  exceed- 
ing $8,000  per  mile  (afterward  increased  to  $10,000),  should  be  issued 
to  equip  the  roads.  For  the  security  of  this  loan,  the  State  held  a lien 
upon  the  road  and  its  franchises.  The  companies  were  required  by  the 
act  and  its  amendments  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  coupons  on 
the  bonds  as  they  matured,  and  also  a sinking  fund  to  pay  the  bonds 
themselves.  This,  at  the  time  the  bonds  were  issued,  it  was  thought  the 
companies  would  be  able  to  do;  and  it  is  probable,  had  the  war  between 
the  States  not  occurred,  the  public  expectation  would  have  been  realized.* 
In  any  case,  it  appeared  as  if  the  State’s  investment  was  sufficiently  se- 
cured, since  the  lien  which  was  held  upon  the  roads  was  in  the  nature 
of  a first  mortgage,  and  took  precedence  over  all  other  claims.  But  the 
general  depreciation  in  values,  and  the  unproductive  character  of  much 
of  the  property  rendered  the  sale  of  the  roads,  at  anything  like  their 
actual  cost,  impossible.  From  the  statement  of  Gov.  Bate,  it  appears  that 


*Governor  Bate. 


HISTORY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


339 


twelve  railroads,  to  which  $20,502,684  of  bonds  had  been  issued,  were 
sold  under  judicial  proceedings  instituted  by  the  State,  with  a loss  to  the 
State  of  $13,804,684.  The  following  are  the  roads  with  the  respective 
.amounts  annexed  to  each,  which  made  up  the  sum  of  this  loss. 


Amt.  issued  Amt.  for  which 
to  road.  road  sold. 

Memphis,  Clarksville  & Louisville $2,953,795  $1,700,000 

McMinnville  & Manchester 1,091,578  300,000 

Nashville  & Northwestern 4,541,129  2,400,000 

Edgefield  & Kentucky 2,081,429  900,000 

Knoxville  & Kentucky 2,816,176  350,000 

Cincinnati,  Cumberland  Gap  & Charleston 1,657,208  300,000 

Winchester  &'  Alabama 1,790,536  300,000 

Rogersville  & Jefferson 532,013  23,000 

East  Tennessee  & Western  North  Carolina 448,000  20,000 

Tennessee  & Pacific. 1,220,530  300,000 

Knoxville  & Charleston 816,500  150,000 

Southern  Railroad  Company 553,790  


Totals $20,502,684  $6,698,000 

Loss  on  sale $13,804,684 


Under  the  various  internal  improvement  laws  there  was  granted,  or 
loaned  to  railroad  companies,  bonds  to  the  amount  of  over  $29,000,000, 
for  the  whole  of  which  the  State  became  responsible.  If  the  amount 
which  the  State  received  from  these  roads  is  alone  considered,  the  in- 
westment  must  be  regarded  as  a gigantic  failure,  but  the  benefits  result- 
ing indirectly  from  these  roads  should  not  be  overlooked.  Gov.  Hawkins, 
in  discussing  this  subject,  used  the  following  language:  “Subsequent  re- 
sults demonstrate  the  wisdom  and  foreisght  of  the  projectors  of  this 
grand  system  of  internal  improvement  in  our  State.  Under  the  encourage- 
ment which  was  thus  given,  various  railroads  were  projected  and  con- 
structed within  the  borders  of  our  State.  As  rapidly  as  the  several  com- 
panies could  meet  the  conditions  of  the  law,  the  bonds  were  issued, 
placed  upon  the  market  and  sold.  Our  State  immediately,  as  if  awak- 
ened to  a new  life,  took  rapid  strides  in  prosperity.  The  aggregate  value 
of  taxable  property  in  the  State,  as  shown  by  the  comptroller's  report  for 
1855,  was  $219,012,051.81.  In  1861  it  had  increased  to  $368,202,050, 
a gain  of  $149,189,998  in  six  years.” 

No  bonds  were  granted  to  railroad  companies  after  1867,  and  the 
constitution  of  1870  forbids  the  loaning  or  giving  of  the  credit  of  the 
State  to  any  corporation  or  company,  although  it  reaffirms  the  section  of 
the  old  constitution  which  declared  that  a well  regulated  system  of  inter- 
nal improvement  is  calculated  to  develop  the  resources  of  the  State  and 
to  promote  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  the  people,  therefore  it  ought 
to  be  encouraged.  The  constitution  of  1870  also  prohibits  the  State 


340 


HISTORY  03?  TENNESSEE. 


from  becoming  a stockholder  in  any  company.  This,  however,  does  not 
interfere  with  the  rights  of  counties  or  incorporated  towns  to  vote  aid  to 
railroads  or  other  enterprises  of  a like  character.  Previous  to  May  26, 
1886,  the  principal  railroads  of  the  State,  with  the  exception  of  the  Illi- 
nois Central  system  and  the  Mobile  & Ohio,  were  five  feet  gauge.  The 
question  of  reducing  them  to  a conformity  with  the  standard  gauge  had 
been  agitated  for  several  years,  but  nothing  in  this  direction  was  done 
until  the  spring  of  1886,  when  a convention  of  railroad  officials  was  held  in 
Atlanta,  Ga. , and  the  matter  taken  up  in  earnest.  It  was  decided  by  the 
convention  to  adopt  the  gauge  of  the  Pennsylvania  Road,  which  is  four 
feet  and  nine  inches,  and  during  the  last  week  in  May  the  change  was 
made.  The  Mobile  & Ohio  Road  changed  its  gauge  in  the  fall  of  1885. 

The  following  table  shows  the  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  State 
government  from  1837 : 


Year. 


Receipts. 


Disbursements. 


Balances. 


October  1,  1837 

October  1,  1839 

October  1,  1841 

October  1,  1843. 

October  1,  1845 

October  1,  1847 

October  1,  1849 

October  1,  1851 

October  1,  1853 

October  1,  1855. 

October  1,  1857 

October  1,  1859 

October  1, 1865* 

October  1,  1866 

October  1,  1867 

October  1,  1869 

October  1,  1871.. 

October  1,  1871,  to  December  3,  1872. , 
January  1,  1873,  to  December  20,  1874 

December  20,  1876 

December  20,  1878 

December  20,  1880 

December  20,  1882. 

December  20,  1884 


$ 231,596  63 
533,920  73 
543,739  79 
473,022  01 
576,942  71 
710,907  61 
790,695  53 
1,004,004  94 
1,202,047  04 
1,035.715  22 
1,451,175  87 
1,848,094  88 
129,991  38 
1,098,970  55 
3,508,586  91 
5,386,537  56 
3,590,926  95 
2,420,091  17 
3,618,703  52 
4,526,422  76 
2,000,883  64 
1,144,349  82 
1,870,224  02 
2,194,886  98 


$ 156,159  32 
429,758  61 
470,748  75 
623,737  27 
506,688  40 
642,314  32 
802,436  66 
933,431  25 
1,218,387  04 
1,154,307  79 
1,502,519  04 
1,704,287  61 
130,670  15 
1,128,986  86 
2,948,652  68 
5,858,004  06 
3,142,282  01 
2,432,858  00 
3,290,158  41 
4,715,795  12 
1,661,869  79 
1,400,316  47 
1,584,633  33 
1,765,072  38 


$ 75,437  31 
116,599  43 
189,590  47 
38.875  21 
109,329  52 
177,281  73 
152,198  11 
222,771  80 
206,431  80 
87,839  23 
36,496  06 
180,303  33 


589,950  54 
28,649  42 
159  44 
159  44 
328,704  55 
139,332  19 
478,346  04 
222,424  39 
508,015  08 
645,214  83 


*From  May  to  October  1. 

The  history  of  railroad  enterprises  in  Tennessee  is  one  of  singular 
and  absorbing  interest.  The  movement  toward  awakening  public  in- 
terest in  railroad  construction,  occurred  as  early  as  the  year  1835,  when 
in  the  language  of  Gov.  Cannon,  “ the  spirit  of  internal  improvement 
was  abroad  in  the  land.”  During  that  year  Col.  Robert  T.  Hayne,  of 
South  Carolina,  whose  debate  with  Daniel  Webster  on  the  Foster  reso- 
lutions gave  him  a world  wide  reputation,  visited  Nashville,  and  in  an 
able  address  advocated  the  construction  of  a railway  from  Memphis  to 
Knoxville,  thence  to  Charleston,  S.  C.,  so  as  to  connect  the  sea-board  with 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


341 


the  Mississippi  River,  the  great  inland  route  of  navigation.  No  attempt 
however,  was  made  to  put  the  plan  into  operation. 

A second  effort  was  made  the  nest  year  by  William  Armour,  repre- 
sentative to  tliQ  Legislature  from  Shelby  County,  to  unite  the  Mississippi 
with  the  sea-board  by  constructing  a line  “from  the  most  eligible  point  on 
said  river,  as  near  the  center  of  the  State  as  practicable,  to  the  Tennessee 
River ; thence  near  the  center  of  the  State  to  a point  on  the  Virginia  line.” 
October  10,  1836,  a convention  was  held  in  the  Federal  court  room  at  the 
capitol  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  subject  of  internal  improvement. 
Sixteen  counties  was  represented,  and  Col.  Robert  Allen  was  chosen  chair- 
man. The  session  lasted  four  days,  during  which  time  a resolution  advocat- 
ing the  construction  of  the  above  road  was  adopted.  The  subject  was  pre- 
sented to  the  Legislature,  Which  was  in  session  at  that  time,  and  $15,000 
was  appropriated  for  surveying  a route  for  the  “ Central  Railway.” 
Albert  M.  Lea  was  appointed  chief  engineer,  with  instructions  to  survey 
the  line  through  the  State,  and  to  estimate  the  cost  of  both  a single  and 
double-tracked  railway ; also,  the  comparative  cost  of  a turnpike  over  the 
same  route  through  Middle  and  East  Tennessee.  His  estimate  placed 
the  cost  of  a single-tracked  road  from  Perryville,  on  the  Tennessee  River, 
to  the  Virginia  line,  at  $6,421,718.60,  and  for  the  the  entire  distance, 
500  miles,  at  $7,841,718.60.  A double-tracked  road  over  the  same  route, 
he  thought  would  cost  $11,154,968.60.  He  also  estimated  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  such  a road.  Through  Middle  and  East  Tennessee 
he  placed  the  number  of  passengers  to  be  carried  at  an  average  of  100  per 
day  each  way,  which  at  5 cents  per  mile  would  produce  a yearly  income 
of  $1,370,575.  The  same  number  of  tons  of  freight,  at  6 cents  per  mile, 
would  produce  $1,644,690,  a total  of  $3,015,265.  The  cost  of  carrying 
the  passengers  at  -J  cent  per  mile,  and  freight  at  1 cent  per  mile,  would 
amount  to  $696,565,  which  added  to  the  cost  of  repairs,  $659,298.11 
makes  a total  annual  expenditure  of  $1,355,863.11.  leaving  a net  revenue 
of  $1,659,401.49.  The  estimates  for  West  Tennessee  are  made  on  the 
same  scale,  except  that  the  rate  for  carrying  freight  is  fixed  at  3 cents  per 
mile,  and  the  amount  of  business  is  placed  at  only  one-half  that  of  the 
other  division  of  the  State.  The  net  earnings  of  this  part  of  the  road 
would  thus  amount  to  $214,615.96. 

These  estimates  both  as  to  the  construction  and  operation  of  such  a 
road,  would  scarcely  coincide  with  those  of  an  experienced  railroad  oper- 
ator of  to-day,  and  they  serve  to  illustrate  how  little  was  then  known 
about  such  enterprises.  Railroads  were  projected  on  a grand  scale,  but 
seemingly  with  little  regard  to  the  demands  of  the  trade  and  commerce  of 
sections  through  which  they  were  to  pass,  or  the  comparative  cost  of 


•342 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


construction  over  a less  direct  route.  Tlie  engineer  of  tlie  above  road 
strongly  advocated  its  construction,  but  the  great  financial  crash  of  that 
year  rendered  a successful  movement  in  that  direction  impossible. 

During  the  same  year  that  the  Central  Hoad  was  projected  a charter 
was  procured  for  the  Hiwassee  Railroad,  through  the  influence  of  Gen. 
James  H.  Reagan,  representative  to  the  Legislature  from  McMinn 
County.  The  charter  required  that  stock  amounting  to  $600,000  should 
be  subscribed  within  two  years.  On  July  4,  1836,  a railroad  convention 
composed  of  delegates  from  all  the  Northern  States,  Maryland  and  the 
Southern  States  met  in  Knoxville ; Robert  T.  Hayne,  of  South  Carolina, 
was  made  president.  The  convention  adopted  measures  for  the  construc- 
tion of  a road  from  Cincinnati  or  Louisville,  through  Cumberland  Gap, 
up  the  French  Broad  River  and  on  to  Charleston.  This  route  was  not 
satisfactory  to  the  delegates  from  Georgia  and  lower  East  Tennesse.  The 
delegates  from  McMinn  County,  one  of  whom  was  T.  N.  Vandyke,  brought 
to  the  notice  of  the  Georgia  delegation  the  Hiwassee  charter. 

Upon  a conference  it  was  decided  that  by  adopting  this  route,  a road 
from  Knoxville,  through  Georgia  to  Charleston,  could  be  put  into  opera- 
tion before  the  work  would  commence  on  the  Cumberland  Gap  route, 
and  it  was  agreed  that  the  McMinn  County  delegation  should  go  home, 
open  books  and  secure  subscriptions,  while  the  members  from  Georgia 
should  procure  a charter  from  their  State,  and  meet  at  the  State  line. 

The  delegates  from  McMinn,  upon  their  return  home,  set  immediately 
to  work,  but  it  was  a new  enterprise  and  one  not  well  understood  by  the 
people.  The  taking  of  stock  advanced  so  slowly  that,  in  order  to  prevent 
the  forfeiture  of  the  charter,  six  residents  of  McMinn  County,  Gen. 
Nathaniel  Smith,  Onslow  G.  Murrell,  Ashbury  M.  Coffey,  James  H. 
Tyffe,  Alexander  D.  Keys  and  T.  N.  Vandyke,  agreed  to  subscribe  each 
$100,000.  Upon  examination  of  the  subscription  books,  it  was  found 
that  $120,000  of  stock  had  been  taken,  so  that  the  subscription  of  the 
six  men  named  had  to  be  reduced  to  $80,000  each.  These  men  refused 
to  permit  an  organization  of  the  company  until  they  could  distribute 
their  stock  in  such  a manner  that  the  stockholders  could  meet  the  calls 
without  embarrassment.  This  was  accomplished  within  a year,  and  an 
organization  was  effected  with  Solomon  P.  Jacobs  as  president  and  Ash- 
bury M.  Coffey  secretary  and  treasurer.  J.  C.  Trautwine,  of  Philadel- 
phia, was  engaged  as  chief  engineer.  The  road  was  surveyed  and  ground 
was  broken  two  miles  west  of  Athens,  in  1837,  being  the  first  work  ever 
done  on  a railroad  in  the  State.  With  the  exception  of  a few  intervening 
gaps,  the  road  was  graded  from  the  State  line  to  Loudon,  and  a bridge 
built  over  the  Hiwassee  River.  Meantime  it  was  ascertained  that 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


348 


$600,000  was  insufficient  to  build  the  road,  and  upon  application  to  the 
Legislature,  the  State  agreed  to  subscribe  stock  to  the  amount  of 
$650,000  in  5 per  cent  State  bonds  to  be  paid  upon  call  pari  passu , 
with  the  payments  of  the  individual  stockholders.  The  financial  embar- 
rassments of  1837  compelled  a suspension,  and  the  company  was  forced 
to  execute  a deed  of  trust,  authorizing  the  sale  of  the  road.  The  State 
filed  a bill  enjoining  the  trustees  from  acting  under  the  deed,  and  sought 
to  amend  the  charter.  The  suit  was  carried  to  the  supreme  court  and 
finally  decided  against  the  State.  The  debts  amounted  to  about 
$130,000,  and  the  sum  due  from  the  State  upward  of  $80,000,  but  by 
skillful  management  the  debts  were  all  compromised  and  liquidated  by 
the  creditors  taking  one-half  of  the  debt  in  5 per  cent  State  bonds,  and 
the  remainder  in  the  stock  of  the  company  at  par.  After  various  unsuc- 
cessful attempts  to  procure  money  to  complete  the  road,  the  company 
finally  made  a contract  with  Gen.  Duff  Green,  who  agreed  upon  certain 
conditions  to  build  the  road  from  Dalton,  Ga.,  to  Knoxville.  Gen. 
Green  after  doing  a considerable  amount  of  work  failed  and  surrendered 
his  contract.  The  company  then  entered  into  a contract  with  William, 
Grant  & Co.,  who  finished  the  road  from  Dalton  to  the  Hiwassee  Liver. 
J.  G.  Dent  A Co.  built  the  road  from  there  to  Loudon  in  1852,  and  in 
1856  the  portion  from  Loudon  to  Knoxville  was  completed.  Through 
repeated  failures,  delays  and  litigations  the  name  “Hiwassee”  became 
so  obnoxious  that  in  1848  it  was  changed  to  East  Tennessee  & Georgia. 

In  1852  the  East  Tennessee  A Virginia  Lailroad  was  chartered. 
The  portion  of  this  road  in  Tennessee  extended  from  Knoxville  to  Bris- 
tol on  the  Virginia  line,  and  formed  a connecting  link  between  the  two 
great  systems  of  roads  those  in  the  Northeast,  and  those  of  Alabama, 
Georgia  and  South  Carolina.  It  was  completed  in  1858,  and  later  was 
consolidated  with  the  East  Tennessee  A Georgia,  under  the  name  of  the 
East  Tennessee,  Virginia  A Georgia. 

The  first  railroad  chartered  by  the  Legislature  was  the  La  Grange  A 
Memphis.  The  company  was  incorporated  in  December,  1835,  and  was 
soon  after  organized.  Subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  $250,000  were 
made  by  individuals,  and,  in  accordance  with  the  act  of  1835,  the  gov- 
ernor subscribed  $125,000  on  behalf  of  the  State.  The  road  was  located 
in  September  following,  and  during  1837  the  grading  of  the  track  was 
begun.  Owing  to  financial  embarrassments  and  inexperience  on  the 
part  of  the  management,  the  work  progressed  slowly,  and  after  dragging 
along  for  several  years,  was  finally  abandoned.  February  2,  1846,  a 
charter  was  granted  to  the  Memphis  A Charleston  Lailroad,  authorizing 
a capital  stock  of  $800,000,  and  under  the  persevering  efforts  of  Ex- Gov. 


344 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


James  C.  Jones,  the  first  president,  Col.  Sam  Tate,  Joseph  Lenow,  Minor 
Meriwether  and  others,  was  brought  to  a successful  completion  in  1857. 
In  constructing  the  road  the  old  road  bed  of  the  La  Grange  & Memphis 
was  purchased  and  utilized. 

The  Nashville  & Chattanooga.  Railroad  was  constructed  simultaneous- 
ly with  the  building  of  the  Memphis  & Charleston.  This  enterprise 
originated  with  Dr.  James  Overton,  a man  of  remarkable  sagacity  and 
undaunted  resolution.  During  a contest  for  legislative  honors  in  1843, 
he  advocated  the  building  of  a road  from  Nashville  to  Chattanooga  to 
connect  with  the  Western  Atlantic,  a road  chartered  about  ten  years  pre- 
vious to  that  time.  He  failed  to  enlist  any  considerable  support  in  what 
was  then  looked  upon  as  a visonary  scheme,  and  on  account  of  his  en- 
thusiastic advocacy  of  the  project,  he  was  dubbed  “ old  Chattanooga. n 
Although  the  efforts  of  Overton  were  barren  of  any  immediate  results,  yet 
they  served  to  direct  public  attention  to  the  advantages  of  railroads. 
About  1845  the  depression  which  had  prevailed  so  long  in  business  cir- 
cles began  to  be  relieved.  The  growing  trade  of  Nashville  demanded 
other  outlets  than  that  afforded  by  the  Cumberland  River.  Other  por- 
tions of  the  State  began  to  awaken  to  the  necessity  of  providing  better 
means  of  transportation,  and  in  this  they  were  stimulated  somewhat  by 
the  action  of  Georgia  in  chartering  a road  to  run  from  Augusta  to  Chat- 
tanooga. The  subject  was  brought  before  the  Legislature,  and  under  the 
pressure  of  influential  citizens  of  Nashville,  an  act  was  passed  December 
11,  1845,  to  incorporate,  “a  railroad  from  Nashville  on  the  Cumberland 
River,  to  Chattanooga  on  the  Tennessee  River.”  The  internal  improve- 
ment laws  having  been  repealed,  no  State  aid  was  granted  to  this  road  at 
that  time,  but  an  act  passed  by  the  next  Legislature  authorized  the  may- 
or and  aldermen  of  Nashville  to  subscribe  $500,000  to  the  enterprise. 
This  measure  met  with  considerable  opposition,  and  a bill  was  filed  in 
chancery  to  enjoin  the  subscription  to  the  road  or  the  issuing  of  bonds 
by  the  corporation.  On  appeal  it  was  taken  to  the  supreme  court,  and 
finally  decided  at  the  December  term,  1848.  The  opinion  delivered  by 
Judge  Torley  decided  that  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  had  the  consti- 
tutional power  to  authorize  the  corporation  of  Nashville  to  take  stock  in 
the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad,  and  that  the  making  of  this  road 
was  a legitimate  corporate  purpose  of  the  corporation,  acting  under  the  au- 
thority of  the  act;  thus  sustained  by  the  court’s  decision,  the  city  voted 
the  $500,000  to  be  expended  in  the  construction  of  the  road.  During  the 
two  years  previous  the  subject  had  been  thoroughly  canvassed  through- 
out the  city  and  a strong  public  sentiment  had  been  enacted  in  favor  of 
the  enterprise.  Most  prominent  among  those  to  whom  this  result  was 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


345 


due  Avas  Yernon  K.  Stevenson,  and  upon  the  organization  of  the  compa- 
ny in  1848  he  Avas  elected  its  president,  Avhich  position  he  held  until  the 
breaking  out  of  the  civil  Avar.  In  addition  to  the  amount  obtained  from 
the  corporation  of  Nashville,  he  secured  a subscription  of  an  equal 
amount  from  Charleston,  S.  C.,  $250,000  from  the  Georgia  Railroad  & 
Banking  Company,  and  $30,000  from  the  corporation  of  Murfreesboro. 
Avhich  enabled  him  with  the  private  subscriptions  that  Avere  afterward  re- 
ceived, and  the  aid  Avhich  the  State  rendered  by  endorsing  the  company’s 
bonds,  to  enter  upon  the  Avork  of  construction.  The  first  passenger 
train  on  the  road  was  run  out  as  far  as  Antioch,  April  13,  1851,  and  the 
first  through  train  ran  into  Chattanooga  January  18,  1853.  In  1869 
the  company  leased  the  Nashville  & North-Western  Railroad  for  a term 
of  six  years,  but  before  the  lease  expired,  a two-thirds  interest  in  the  road 
was  purchased  from  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  Legislature 
and  the  chancery  court  to  sell  delinquent  railroads  in  the  State,  individ- 
uals in  Tennessee  and  New  York  taking  the  other  one-third.  Subse- 
quently the  directors  of  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  bought  the  one- 
third  interest  held  by  individuals,  and  that  company  now  owns  the  en- 
tire road  from  Chattanooga  to  Hickman,  Ky.,  together  Avith  its  branches. 
The  name  of  the  consolidated  road  is  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St. 
Louis. 

The  Nashville  & North-Western  was  chartered  as  early  as  1852,  but 
subscriptions  to  it  were  secured  with  difficulty,  and  the  work  of  construc- 
tion was  not  begun  for  several  years.  When  the  war  opened  only  a lit- 
tle over  thirty  miles  had  been  graded,  and  only  that  portion  between 
Nashville  and  Kingston  Springs  was  in  operation.  During  the  Avar  the 
United  States  Government,  for  military  purposes,  built  the  road  to  the 
Tennessee  River  at  Johnsonville.  At  the  close  of  hostilities  application 
was  made  to  the  Legislature  for  the  amount  due  the  road  under  the  then 
existing  laws.  This  was  granted,  and  the  road  was  completed  during  the 
latter  part  of  1868. 

The  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Railroad  has  several  branches. 
The  Winchester  & Alabama,  and  the  McMinnville  & Manchester  were 
both  chartered  in  1850,  but  neither  was  completed  for  several  years. 
In  1872,  upon  their  failure  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  bonds  issued  by 
the  State  in  aid  of  their  construction,  they  were  sold  to  the  Memphis  & 
Charleston  Railroad.  The  Tennessee  & Pacific,  another  branch,  Avas 
projected  to  run  from  Nashville  to  Knoxville,  but  financial  embarrassments 
checked  its  progress,  and  it  was  completed  only  to  Lebanon,  a distance 
of  thirty-one  miles.  It  was  incorporated  in  1866,  and  Avork  of  construc- 
tion was  begun  in  1869. 


346 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


One  of  the  largest  corporations  in  the  South  at  the  present  time  is  the- 
Louisville,  Nashville  & Great  Southern  Railroad.  The  lines  forming 
this  system  were  built  under  separate  charters,  and  afterward  consoli- 
dated. The  road  connecting  Louisville  and  Nashville,  which  forms  the 
main  stem,  was  chartered  in  1851,  and  was  opened  for  business  in  1859,. 
the  first  train  through  from  Louisville  having  passed  over  the  bridge 
into  Nashville  on  September  28  of  that  year.  The  Memphis  branch, 
extending  from  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  to  Memphis,  embraces  the  Memphis 
& Ohio,  and  the  Memphis,  Clarksville  & Louisville  Railroads.  The 
former  was  chartered  February  4,  1852,  under  the  name  of  the  Nashville 
& Memphis  Railroad.  Two  years  later,  by  Legislative  authority,  the 
name  was  changed  to  the  Memphis  & Ohio,  and  in  May,  1860,  the  road 
was  completed  from  Memphis  to  Paris.  In  1871,  in  order  to  prevent 
the  sale  of  the  road  by  the  State  the  Louisville  & Nashville  Company 
loaned  to  the  Memphis  & Ohio  State  bonds  sufficient  to  pay  off  its 
debt  to  the  State,  and  the  two  roads  were  then  consolidated.  The  Mem- 
phis, Clarksville  & Louisville  Railroad  received  its  charter  January  28, 
1852,  and  the  road  was  opened  in  September,  1861.  July  1,  1865,  the 
company  having  defaulted  on  the  interest  on  the  State  bonds  loaned  to 
them,  a receiver  was  appointed,  and  the  road  continued  to  be  operated  by 
receivers  from  that  time  until  1871,  when  it  was  purchased  by  the  Louis- 
ville & Nashville  Company  for  the  sum  of  $1, 700, 000. 

The  Edgefield  & Kentucky  Railroad,  extending  from  Nashville  to 
Guthrie,  Ivy.,  was  chartered  February  13,  1852,  and  finished  in  1860. 
This  road  formed  a part  of  the  Evansville,  Henderson  & Nashville  Road 
which  was  not  entirely  completed  until  1872.  The  line  was  then  consol- 
idated with  the  Nashville,  Chicago  & St.  Louis  Railroad  into  what  was 
known  as  the  St.  Louis  & Southeastern.  In  1879  the  Louisville  & Nash- 
ville Company  purchased  the  whole  line,  and  it  is  now  operated  as  the  St. 
Louis  division  of  that  company’s  system.  Another  important  division  is 
the  Nashville  & Decatur.  This  was  formed  in  1866  by  the  consolidation 
of  the  Tennessee  & Alabama,  the  Tennessee  & Alabama  Central,  and  the 
Central  Southern  Roads.  The  Tennessee  & Alabama  was  chartered  in  1852 
to  run  from  Nashville  by  the  way  of  Franklin  to  the  Alabama  State  line, 
in  the  direction  of  Florence,  but  in  1858  the  company  asked  authority  to 
terminate  the  road  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  which  request  was  granted.  In  1853 
the  Central  Southern  Railroad  Company  was  incorporated  for  the  pur- 
pose of  constructing  a line  from  Columbia,  Tenn.,  to  the  Alabama  State 
line  in  the  direction  of  Decatur.  This  line  was  completed  November  20, 
1860.  May  4,  1871,  the  consolidated  roads  were  leased  by  the  Louis- 
ville & Nashville  Railroad  Company  for  a period  of  thirty  years. 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


347 


Tlie  Mobile  & Ohio  Railroad  extends  from  Mobile,  Ala.,  to  the  Ohio 
River  at  Cairo,  entering  Tennessee  from  the  south  near  Corinth,  Miss.. 
It  was  originally  projected  to  strike  some  point  on  the  Tennessee  River, 
and  run  thence  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio.  The  company  was  organized 
in  Alabama,  and  in  1848  received  a charter  from  Tennessee.  At  the  time 
of  its  inception  this  was  the  greatest  railroad  enterprise  that  had  been 
inaugurated  on  either  continent;  and  it  was  not  until  1859,  after  many 
years  of  the  most  persistent  effort,  that  the  road  was  completed.  During 
the  war  the  road  suffered  greatly,  and  at  the  close  of  the  conflict  it  was  a 
splendid  wreck.  Sixty -five  per  cent  of  its  original  cost  was  lost ; but  by 
skillful  and  economical  management,  the  road  in  a few  years  was  put  into 
a prosperous  condition.  The  indebtedness  to  the  State  was  paid  off,  and 
in  1870  the  company  resumed  the  payment  of  interest  on  all  classes  of  its 
bonds. 

On  January  29,  1858,  the  Tennessee  Legislature  authorized  the  Miss- 
issippi River  Railroad  to  be  constructed  from  Memphis  to  the  Kentucky 
State  line  in  the  direction  of  Cairo.  The  work  of  grading  was  not  com- 
menced until  1869,  and  was  then  soon  after  suspended.  In  1871  it  Avas 
consolidated  with  the  Paducah  & Gulf  Railroad,  a Kentucky  corporation, 
under  the  name  of  the  Memphis  & Paducah.  The  whole  line  was  after- 
ward sold  under  mortgage,  and  reorganized  as  the  Memphis,  Paducah. 
& Northern.  It  is  now  known  as  the  Chesapeake,  Ohio  & Southwestern, 
extending  from  Cecilia,  Ky.,  by  way  of  Paducah  to  Memphis,  a distance 
of  about  345  miles. 

Another  important  road  in  West  Tennessee  forms  a part  of  a great 
system  extending  from  Chicago  to  New  Orleans  and  known  as  the  Chi- 
cago, St.  Louis  & New  Orleans  Railroad,  the  entire  length  of  which  is 
about  1,700  miles.  The  part  in  Tennessee  Avas  chartered  as  two  separate 
companies,  the  Mississippi  Central,  and  the  New  Orleans,  Jackson  & 
Northern.  These  roads  Avere  consolidated  in  November,  1877.  Running 
arrangements  were  then  made  with  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Com- 
pany by  which  the  entire  system  is  practically  placed  under  one  manage- 
ment, though  operated  by  tAvo  charters. 

One  of  the  most  important  roads  passing  through  Tennessee  is  the 
Cincinnati  Southern,  extending  from  Cincinnati  to  Chattanooga.  The 
company  was  incorporated  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Ohio  in  1869, 
and  received  a charter  from  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  January  20, 
1870.  The  road  was  completed  and  opened  for  business  in  1880,  and 
noAv  forms  a part  of  the  system  known  as  the  Cincinnati,  New  Orleans  & 
Texas  Pacific.  Several  other  roads  besides  those  mentioned  have  been 
constructed  and  are  now  successfully  operated,  but  the  greater  number 
of  them  are  narrow  gauge  roads,  or  are  of  but  limited  extent. 


348 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  General  Assembly,  in  March,  1883,  passed  an  act  for  the  regula- 
tion of  railroad  companies,  to  prevent  unjust  discrimination  in  tariffs 
and  rates,  and  to  this  end  provided  for  the  appointment  of  a railroad 
commission  to  consist  of  three  persons,  one  for  each  grand  division  of 
the  State.  To  this  commission  was  given  general  supervision  of  all 
railroads  in  Tennessee,  with  power  to  revise  all  tariffs  of  charges  for 
transportation,  and  to  reduce  the  rate  of  charges  if  in  any  case  they  were 
found  to  be  unjust  or  to  discriminate  against  any  person,  corporation  or 
locality.  It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  several  companies  operating  rail- 
roads in  the  State  to  make  annual  returns  of  their  business  to  the  com- 
missioners in  such  manner  as  the  latter  might  prescribe. 

In  April,  1883,  the  governor  appointed  John  H.  Savage,  J.  A.  Tur- 
ley and  G.  W.  Gordon  as  commissioners,  who  immediately  qualified  and 
entered  upon  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties.  Letters  were  ad- 
dressed to  the  representatives  of  the  various  railroads  requesting  them 
to  make  out  and  deliver  to  the  commission  for  revision  a schedule  of  the 
rates  of  charges  for  transportation.  This  several  of  the  companies  re- 
fused to  do,  and  two  of  the  leading  roads  obtained  from  John  Baxter, 
United  States  Circuit  Judge,  an  order  restraining  the  commissioners 
from  interfering  in  any  way  with  the  tariffs  of  their  roads.  After  the 
motion  for  an  injunction  was  heard  Judge  Baxter  pronounced  certain 
sections  of  the  act  creating  the  commission  unconstitutional,  and  granted 
the  injunctions.  The  cases  were  then  appealed  to  the  Federal  Supreme 
Court,  and  were  then  pending  when  the  Legislature  of  1885  convened. 
Gov.  Bates  in  his  message  advised  that  the  commission  bill  of  1883  be 
not  repealed,  but  that  it  be  revised  and  made  to  conform  to  the  constitu- 
tion. The  bill,  however,  had  never  been  very  popular,  and  it  was  re- 
pealed and  the  commission  abolished.  The  following  figures  show  the 
growth  of  railroads  in  Tennessee:  In  1850  there  was  no  road  in  opera- 
tion; from  1850  to  1860  1,253  miles  of  railroad  were  constructed;  the 
decade  which  follows  shows  an  increase  of  only  239  miles,  making  a 
total  in  1870  of  1,492  miles;  in  1880  there  were  1,872  miles  of  com- 
pleted road,  with  an  assessed  valuation  of  $16,375,894.50.  The  comp- 
troller’s report  for  1885  places  the  whole  number  of  miles  of  road  at 
2,094.5,  with  an  assessed  valuation  of  $34,350,170.84. 

The  history  of  steam-boat  navigation  on  the  W estern  rivers  dates  back 
to  1812.  In  the  winter  of  that  year  the  steamer  “Orleans,”  built  at 
Pittsburgh,  made  the  first  trip  from  that  city  to  New  Orleans.  The  suc- 
cess of  this  venture  revolutionized  river  navigation  and  efforts  were  at 
once  made  to  place  steam-boats  upon  the  Mississippi  and  all  of  its 
navigable  tributaries.  The  message  of  Willie  Blount  to  the  Legislature 


CHAPTER  HOUSE  AND  GYMNASIUM,  UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  SOUTH. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


349 


of  1812  contains  tlie  following:  “Tlie  petition  of  Messrs.  Fulton  & 
Livingstone,  of  New  York,  addressed  to  tlie  Legislature  of  Tennessee, 
proposing  to  bring  the  steam-boats  into  use  in  our  waters  in  aid  of  our 
present  usual  boats  employed  in  navigation,  if  encouraged  by  your  honor- 
able body,  is  herewith  laid  before  you,  together  with  their  letters  to  me 
touching  their  petition.”  No  action  seems  to  have  been  taken  upon  the 
petition  by  the  Legislature,  and  it  was  not  until  the  spring  of  1818  that 
the  first  steam-boat,  the  “General  Jackson,”  arrived  at  Nashville.  It 
was  built  at  Pittsburgh  for  Gov.  Cannon.  During  the  nest  two  or  three 
years  the  steam-boat  business  increased  rapidly.  Wharves  and  landing 
place  were  built  at  all  the  leading  towns  along  the  rivers,  and  commis- 
sion and  forwarding  houses  were  opened.  In  1825  there  were  from  fif- 
teen to  twenty  steam-boats  plying  between  Nashville  and  New  Orleans, 
and  during  that  year  over  $1,000,000  worth  of  cotton  was  shipped  from 
the  former  port.  The  steamers  “General  Robertson, ” “Rifleman,”  “James 
Ross,”  “Fayette”  and  “Feliciana”  were  all  running  on  the  Cumberland  as 
early  as  1821.  The  pioneer  boat,  “General  Jackson,”  was  snagged  and 
sunk  on  Harpeth  Shoals,  on  January  20,  of  that  year,  and  on  May  3,  the 
“Feliciana”  exploded  with  a loss  of  six  or  seven  lives.  During  the  follow- 
ing years  great  improvement  was  made  in  the  construction  of  boats,  both  as 
to  speed  and  safety.  May  15,  1820,  the  “Rifleman”  arrived  at  Nashville 
from  New  Orleans,  having  made  the  trip  in  thirty  days,  which  was  con- 
sidered very  fast  time.  In  May,  1843,  the  steamer  “Nashville”  made  the 
same  trip  in  six  days  and  thirteen  hours.  Tlie  “Tallyrand”  a short 
time  after  made  it  in  five  days  and  twenty-three  hours,  and  the  “Nash- 
ville” on  the  next  trip,  in  five  days  and  nineteen  hours.  Tlie  steam-boat 
has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  material  development  of  the  State, 
and  although  in  a measure  it  has  been  superseded  by  the  railroad,  its 
value  has  been  little  diminished.  In  1873  the  total  trade  of  the  Tennes- 
see River  approximated  $5,000,000,  while  that  of  the  Cumberland  for 
the  same  time  was  estimated  at  about  double  that  amount. 

The  first  steam-boat  to  navigate  the  Hatcliie  River  was  the  “Rover,” 
which  made  its  appearance  at  the  Brownsville  Landing  in  the  fall  of 
1827.  Not  one  in  twenty  of  the  vast  crowd  assembled  on  the  banks  of 
the  river  had  ever  seen  a steam-boat,  and  when  the  “puff”  of  the  boat 
was  heard  all  were  on  tiptoe;  as  it  hove  in  sight  the  excitement  be- 
came intense,  and  as  it  moved  to  shore  with  banners  flying,  amid  the 
shouts  of  the  multitude,  the  engineer  turned  off  steam,  scaring  men,  women 
and  children  nearly  out  of  their  wits.  Several  of  them  ran  for  their  lives, 
shrieking  and  screaming  amid  the  deafening  noise.  Horses  took  fright, 
broke  loose  and  scampered  off  through  the  Avoods  in  every  direction. 

22 


350 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  orator  of  the  day  delivered  an  address  of  welcome  to  the  commander 
of  the  “Rover,”  Capt.  Newman,  tvho,  with  liis  officers,  was  feasted  and 
toasted  the  nest  day  at  Brownsville1.  The  first  steam-boat  to  pass  up 
the  Forked  Deer  was  the  “Grey  Eagle,”  in  1836. 

STATE  OFFICERS. 

Governors. — William  Blount,  1792-96;  John  Sevier,  1796-1801; 
Archibald  Roane,  1801-03;  John  Sevier,  1803—09;  Willie  Blount,  1809- 
15;  Joseph  McMinn,  1815-21;  William  Carroll,  1821-27;  Samuel  Hous- 
ton, 1827-292;  William  Hall,  18293 ; William  Carroll,  1829-35;  New- 
ton Cannon,  1835-39;  James  K.  Polk,  1839-41;  James  C.  Jones,  1841-45;. 
Aaron  V.  Brown,  1845-47 ; Neill  S.  Brown,  1847-49;  William  Trousdale, 
1849-51;  William  B.  Campbell,  1851-53;  Andrew  Johnson,  1853-57; 
Isham  G.  Harris4,  1857-625 ; Andrew  Johnson6,  1862-65;  William  G. 
Brownlow,  1865-68;  D.  W.  C.  Senter,  1868-71;  John  C.  Brown,  1871-75; 
James  D.  Porter,  1875-79;  Albert  S.  Marks,  1879-81;  Alvin  Hawkins, 
1881-83;  William  B.  Bate,  1883. 

Secretaries  of  State. — William  Maclin,  1796-1807 ; Robert  Houston, 
1807-11;  William  G.  Blount,  1811-15;  William  Alexander,  1815-19; 
David  Graham,  1819-30;  Thomas  H.  Fletcher,  1830-31;  Samuel  G. 
Smith,  1831-33 ; David  Graham,  1833-35 ; Luke  Lea,  1835-39 ; John  S. 
Young,  1839-47  ; W.  B.  A.  Ramsey,  1847-55 ; F.  N.  W.  Burton,  1855-59 ; 
John  E.  R.  Ray,  1859-62;  A.  J.  Fletcher,  1865-70;  Thomas  H.  Butler, 
1870-73;  Charles  N.  Gibb,  1873-81;  David  A.  Nunn,  1881-85;  John 
Allison,  1885. 

Ti  ' easurers . — William  Black,  Mero  District,  1796-99;  Landon  Carter, 
Washington  and  Hamilton  Districts,  1796-1800;  Robert  Searcy,  Mero- 
District,  1799-1803;  John  Maclin,  Washington  and  Hamilton  Districts, 
1800-03;  Thomas  Crutcher,  West  Tennessee,  1803-29;  Thomas  McCorry, 
East  Tennessee,  1803—13;  Matthew  Nelson,  East  Tennessee,  1813-27; 
Thomas  Crutcher,  Middle  Tennessee,  1829-36 ; Miller  Francis,  East  Ten- 
nessee, 1827-36;  James  Caruthers,  Western  District,  1829-36 7 ; Miller 
Francis,  1836-43 ; Matthew  Nelson,  1843-45 ; Robert  B.  Turner’,  1845-47 ; 
A.  Dibrell,  1847-55;  G.  C.  Torbett,  1855-59;  W.  F.  McGregor,  1859; 
R.  L.  Stanford,  1865-67;  John  R.  Henry,  1867-68;  James  E.  Rust, 
1868-70;  W.  Morrow,  1870-77;  M.  T.  Polk,  1877-18838;  Atha  Thomas, 
1883-85;  J.  W.  Thomas,  1885. 

Comptrollers  of  the  Treasury. — F.  K.  Zollicoffer,  1843-49;  B.  H. 

1 MSS.  in  possession  of  Tennessee  Historical  Society.  2 Resigned  in  April,  1829.  3 Served  out  the  un- 

expired term  of  Gov.  Houston.  4 Governor  of  the  Confederate  State  Government  to  March  4,  1862.  5 Robert 

h.  Caruthers  was  elected  in  1863  by  the  Confederate  Army,  but  did  not  take  his  seat.  6 Military  Governor- 

7 Treasuries  consolidated.  8 Absconded  January  6,  1883. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


351 


Sheppard,  1849-51;  Arthur  E.  Crozier,  1851-55;  James  C.  Luttrell, 
1855—57;  James  T.  Duulap,  1857—61;  Joseph  S.  Fowler,  — 1865;  S. 
W.  Hatchett,  1865-661 ; G.  W.  Blackburn,  1866-70;  E.  E,  Pennebaker, 
1870-73;  W.  W.  Hobbs2,  1873;  John  C.  Burch,  1873-75;  James  L. 
Gaines,  1875-81;  James  N.  Nolan,  1881-83;  P.  P.  Pickard,  1883. 

Librarians. — W.  B.  A.  Eamsey3,  1854—56;  Eeturn  J.  Meigs,  1856—61; 
Joseph  S.  Fowler,  1861— 644 *  ; A.  G.  Gattinger,  1864— 69 3 ; Hr.  Wharton, 
1869-71;  Mrs.  Paralee  Haskell,  1871-79;  Mrs  S.  K.  Hatton,  1879. 

Commissioners  of  Agriculture,  Statistics  and  Mines. — J.  B.  Killbrew, 
1875-81;  Alvin  W.  Hawkins,  1881-83;  A.  J.  McWhirter,  1883. 

State  Geologists. — Gerard  Troost,  1831-50;  James  M.  Safford,  18546. 
Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction. — Eobert  H.  McEwen,  1836— 
40;  E.  P.  Currin,  1840-44 7 ; John  M.  Fleming,  1873-75;  Leon  Trousdale, 
1875-81;  W.  S.  Doak,  1881-82;  G.  S.  W.  Crawford,  July  1,  1882-83; 
Julia  A.  Doak,  May  23  to  July  1,  18828  ; Thomas  H.  Paine,  1883. 

Judges,  Territorial. — David  Campbell,  1790-96;  Joseph  Anderson, 
1791-96;  John  McNairy,  1790-96. 

Superior  Court  of  Law  and  Equity. — John  McNairy,  17969 ; Willie 
Blount,  179610;  Archibald  Eoane,  1796-1801;  Howell  Tatum,  1797-98; 
W.  C.  C.  Claiborne,  1796-97;  Andrew  Jackson,  1798-1804;  Hugh  L. 
White,  1801-07;  John  Overton,  1804-10;  Thomas  Emmerson,  180711; 
Parry  W.  Humphreys,  1807-10;  Samuel  Powell,  1807-10. 

Supreme  Court  of  Errors  and  Appeals. — George  W.  Campbell, 
1809-11;  Hugh  L.  White,  1809-14;  John  Overton,  1811-16;  William  W. 
Cooke,  1815—16 1 2 ; Archibald  Eoane,  181613;  Eobert  Whyte,  1816-34; 
John  Haywood,  1816-2614;  Thomas  Emmerson,  1818-22;  Jacob  Peck, 
1822-34;  William  L.  Brown,  1822-34;  John  Catron,  1824-34;  Henry 
Crabb,  1827 15 ; Nathan  Green,  1831-34. 

Supreme  Court. — William  B.  Turley,  1834-50;  William  B.  Eeese, 
1834-48;  Nathan  Green,  1834-52;  Eobert  J.  McKinney,  1848;  A. 
W.  O.  Totten,  1850-55 ; Eobert  L.  Caruthers,  1852-41;  William  E.  Har- 
ris, 1855-58;  Archibald  Wright,  1858;  William  F.  Cooper,  1861; 
Samuel  Milligan,  1865-68;  J.  O.  Shackleford,  1865-67;  Alvin  Hawkins, 
1865-68;  Horace  H.  Harrison,  1867-68;  Henry  G.  Smith,  1868—69; 
George  Andrews,  1868-70;  Andrew  McClain,  1869-70;  Alvin  Hawkins, 
1869-70;  Alfred  O.  P.  Nicholson,  1870-76;  James  W.  Deaderick, 

1 Elected  in  May,  1865.  T.  R.  Dillon  was  elected  April  25,  but  was  found  to  be  ineligible.  2 From 

January  to  May.  3 Secretary  of  State;  ex  officio  Librarian.  4 Acting.  5 Appointed  Aug.  14, 1SC4.  6 After 

the  death  of  Gerard  Troost,  no  geologist  was  appointed  until  February,  1854.  7 Office  abolished  January  12, 

1844 created  again  1871  and  state  treasurer  made  superintendent,  ex  officio.  8 Acting.  9 Declined  the  ap- 

pointment. 10  Appointed  in  April,  resigned  in  September.  11  Resigned  during  the  year.  12  Died  July 

20, 1816.  13  The  vacancy  had  been  tendered  to  Samuel  Powell,  Enoch  Parsons,  George  Duffield  and  John 

Williams,  but  all  declined.  14  Died  December  22, 1826.  15  Died  the  same  year. 


352 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


1870;  Peter  Turney,  1870;  Thomas  A .R.  Nelson,  1870—7 1 ; John  L. 
T.  Sneed,  1870-78;  Thomas  J.  Freeman,  1870;  Robert  McFarland, 
1871-84;  J.  B.  Cooke,  1884;  W.  F.  Cooper,  1878. 

Court  of  Referees. — At  Nashville,  W.  L.  Eakin,  1883-86;  W.  C.  Cald- 
well, 1883-86;  John  A.  Tinnon,  1883-86.  At  Knoxville,  John  Frizzell, 
1883-85;  John  L.  T.  Sneed,  1883-85;  R.  T.  Kirkpatrick,  1883-85.  At 
Jackson,  David  L.  Snodgrass,  1883-85;  John  Bright,  1883-85;  John 
E.  Garner,  from  April  to  July,  1883;  E.  L.  Gardenhire,  1883-85. 

Attorney-Generals. — George  S.  Yerger,  1835-39 ; W.  FI.  Flumphreys, 
1839—51;  William  G.  Swann,  1851-53;  John  L.  T.  Sneed,  1853-58; 
John  W.  Head,  1858-61;  Horace  Maynard,  1863-65;  Thomas  H.  Cald- 
well, 1865-70;  Joseph  B.  Heiskell,  1870-75;  B.  J.  Lea,  1875. 

Representatives. — IV  Congress,  1796-97,  Andrew  Jackson;  Y Con- 
gress, 1797-99,  William  C.  C.  Claiborne;  VI  Congress,  1799-1801,  same; 
YII  Congress,  1801-03,  William  Dickson;  VIII  Congress,  1803-05, 
George  W.  Campbell,  William  Dickson  and  John  Rhea;  IX  Congress, 
1805-07,  same;  X Congress,  1807-09,  George  W.  Campbell,  John  Rhea 
and  Jesse  Wharton;  XI  Congress,  1809-11,  Pleasant  M.  Miller,  John 
Rhea  and  Robert  Weakley;  XII  Congress,  1811-13,  Felix  Grundy,  John 
Rhea  and  John  Sevier;  XIII  Congress,  1813-15,  John  H.  Bowen,  New- 
ton Cannon,  Felix  Grundy*,  Thomas  K.  Harris,  John  Rhea,  Parry  W. 
Humphreys  and  John  SeAuer;  XIV  Congress,  1815-17,  William  G. 
Blount,  Bennet  H.  Henderson,  James  B.  Reynolds,  Samuel  Powell,  Isaac 
Thomas  and  Newton  Cannon;  XV  Congress,  1817-19,  William  G.  Blount, 
Thomas  Claiborne,  Samuel  Hogg,  Francis  Jones,  George  W.  L.  Marr 
and  John  Rhea;  XVI  Congress,  1819-21,  Robert  Allen,  Henry  H. 
Bryan,  Newton  Cannon,  John  Cocke,  John  Rhea  and  Francis  Jones; 
XVII  Congress,  1821-23,  Robert  Allen,  Henry  H.  Bryan, f Newton  Can- 
non, John  Cocke,  Francis  Jones  and  John  Rhea;  XVIII  Congress,  1823 
-25,  A.  R.  Alexander,  Robert  Allen,  John  Blair,  John  Cocke,  Samuel 
Houston,  Jacob  C.  Isacks,  James  B.  Reynolds,  James  T.  Sandford  and 
James  Standifer;  XIX  Congress,  1825-27,  A.  R.  Alexander,  Robert  Al- 
len, John  Blair,  John  Cocke,  Samuel  Houston,  Jacob  C.  Isacks,  John  H. 
Marable,  James  C.  Mitchell  and  James  K.  Polk;  XX  Congress,  1827-29, 
John  Bell,  John  Blair,  David  Crockett,  Robert  Desha,  Jacob  C.  Isacks, 
Pryor  Lea,  John  H.  Marable,  James  C.  Mitchell  and  James  Iv.  Polk; 
XXI  Congress,  1829-31,  John  Bell,  John  Blair,  David  Crockett,  Robert 
Desha,  Jacob  C.  Isacks,  Cave  Johnson,  Pryor  Lea,  James  K.  Polk  and 
James  Standifer;  XXII  Congress,  1831-33,  Thomas  D.  Arnold,  John 


^Resigned  in  1814. 

fls  said  not  to  have  taken  his  seat. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


353 


Bell,  John  Blair,  William  Fitzgerald,  William  Hall,  Jacob  C.  Isacks, 
Cave  Johnson,  James  Iv.  Polk  and  James  Standifer ; XXIII  Congress, 
1833-35,  John  Bell,  John  Blair,  Samuel  Bunch,  David  Crockett,  David 
W.  Dickinson,  William  C.  Dunlap,  John  B.  Forester,  William  M.  Inge, 
Cave  Johnson,  Luke  Lea,  Bailie  Peyton,  James  Iv.  Polk  and  James  Stan- 
difer; XXIV  Congress,  1835-37,  John  Bell,  Samuel  Bunch,  William  B. 
Carter,  William  C.  Dunlap,  John  B.  Forester,  Adam  Huntsman,  Cave 
Johnson,  Luke  Lea,  Abraham  P.  Maury,  Bailie  Peyton,  James  K.  Polk, 
Ebenezer  J.  Shields  and  James  Standifer;  XXV  Congress,  1837-39, 
John  Bell,  William  B.  Campbell,  William  B.  Carter,  Richard  Cheatham, 
John  W.  Crockett,  Abraham  P.  Maury,  Abraham  McLellan,  James  K. 
Polk,  Ebenezer  J.  Shields,  William  Stone,  Hopkins  L.  Turney,  C.  H. 
Williams  and  Joseph  L.  Williams;  XXVI  Congress,  1839-11,  John  Bell, 
Julius  W.  Blackwell,  Aaron  V.  Brown,  William  B.  Campbell,  William  B. 
Carter,  John  W.  Crockett,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Cave  Johnson,  Abraham 
McLellan,  Hopkins  L.  Turney,  Harvey  M.  Watterson,  C.  H.  Williams 
and  Joseph  L.  Williams;  XXVII  Congress,  1841-43,  Thomas  Arnold, 
Aaron  V.  Brown,  Milton  Brown,  Thomas  J.  Campbell,  William  B.  Camp- 
bell, Robert  L.  Caruthers,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Cave  Johnson,  Abraham 
McLellan,  Hopkins  L.  Turney,  Harvey  M.  Watterson,  C.  H.  Williams 
and  Joseph  L.  Williams;  XXVIII  Congress,  1843-45,  John  B.  Ashe. 
Julius  W.  Blackwell,  Aaron  V.  Brown,  Milton  Brown,  Alvan  Cullom,  D. 
W.  Dickinson,  Andrew  Johnson,  Cave  Johnson,  George  W.  Jones,  Joseph 
H.  Peyton  and  William  T.  Senter;  XXIX  Congress,  1845-47,  Milton 
Brown,  Lucien  B.  Chase,  William  M.  Cocke,  John  H.  Crozier,  Alvan 
Cullom,  Edwin  H.  Ewing,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Andrew  Johnson,  George 
W.  Jones,  Barclay  Martin,  Frederick  P.  Stanton;  XXX  Congress,  1847- 
49,  Washington  Barrow,  Lucien  B.  Chase,  William  M.  Cocke,  John  H. 
Crozier,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  William  T.  Haskell,  Hugh  L.  W.  Hill,  An- 
drew Johnson,  George  W.  Jones,  Frederick  P.  Stanton  and  James  H. 
Thomas;  XXXI  Congress,  1849-51,  Josiah  M.  Anderson,  Andrew  Ew- 
ing, Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Isliam  G.  Harris,  Andrew  Johnson,  George  W. 
Jones,  John  H.  Savage,  Frederick  P.  Stanton,  James  H.  Thomas,  Albert 
G.  Watkins  and  C.  H.  Williams;  XXXII  Congress,  1851-53,  William  M. 
Churcliwell,  William  Cullom,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Isham  G.  Harris,  An- 
drew Johnson,  George  W.  Jones,  William  H.  Polk,  John  IT.  Savage, 
Frederick  P.  Stanton,  Albert  G.  Watkins  and  C.  H.  Williams;  XXXIII 
Congress,  1853-55,  Robert  M.  Bugg,  William  M.  Church  well,  William 
Cullom,  Emerson  Etheridge,  George  W.  Jones,  Charles  Ready.  Samuel 
A.  Smith,  Frederick  P.  Stanton,  Nathaniel  G.  Taylor  and  Felix  Iv.  Zolli- 
coffer  ; XXXIV  Congress,  1855-57,  Emerson  Etheridge,  George  W. 


354 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Jones,  Charles  Ready,  Thomas  Rivers,  John  H.  Savage,  Samuel  A. 
Smith,  William  H.  Sneed,  A.  G.  Watkins,  John  Y.  Wright  and  Felix  K. 
Zollicoffer;  XXXV  Congress,  1857-59,  John  D.  C.  Atkins,  William  T. 
Avery,  George  W.  Jones,  Horace  Maynard,  Charles  Ready,  John  H. 
Savage,  Samuel  A.  Smith,  A.  G.  Watkins,  John  Y.  Wright  and  Felix  K. 
Zollicoffer;  XXXVI  Congress,  1859-01,  William  T.  Avery,  Reese  B. 
Brabson,  Emerson  Etheridge,  Robert  Hatton,  Horace  Maynard,  Thomas 
A.  R.  Nelson,  James  M.  Quarles,  William  B.  Stokes,  James  H.  Thomas 
and  John  Y.  Wright;  XXXYII  Congress,  1861-63,  George  W.  Bridges,* 
Andrew  J.  Clementsf  and  Horace  Maynard;  XXXVIXI  Congress,  1863- 
65,  vacant;  XXXIX  Congress,  1865-67,  Samuel  M.  Arnell,  William  B. 
Campbell,  Edmund  Cooper,  Isaac  R.  Hawkins,  John  W.  Leftwich,  Hor- 
ace Maynard,  William  B.  Stokes  and  Nathaniel  J.  Taylor;  XL  Congress, 
1867-69,  Samuel  M.  Arnell,  Roderick  R.  Butler,  Isaac  R.  Hawkins,  Hor- 
ace Maynard,  James  Mullins,  David  A.  Nunn,  William  B.  Stokes  and 
John  Trimble;  XLI  Congress,  1869-71,  Samuel  M.  Arnell,  Roderick  R. 
Butler,  Isaac  R,  Hawkins,  Horace  Maynard,  William  F.  Prosser,  Will- 
iam J.  Smith,  William  B.  Stokes  and  Lewis  Tillman;  XLII  Congress, 
1871-73,  John  M.  Bright,  Roderick  R.  Butler,  Robert  P.  Caldwell,  Abra- 
ham E.  Garrett,  Edward  L.  Galladay,  Horace  Maynard,  William  W 
Vaughan  and  W.  C.  Whitthorne;  XLIII  Congress,  1873-75,  John  D.  C. 
Atkins,  John  M.  Bright,  Roderick  R.  Butler,  William  Crutchfield,  Hor- 
ace H.  Harrison,  Barbour  Lewis,  Horace  Maynard,  David  A.  Nunn,  Ja- 
cob M.  Thornburgh  and  W.  C.  Whitthorne;  XLIV  Congress,  1875-77, 
John  D.  C.  Atkins,  John  M.  Bright,  William  P.  Caldwell,  G.  G.  Dibrell, 
John  F.  House,  William  McFarland,  Haywood  T.  Riddle,  Jacob  M. 
Thornburgh,  W.  C.  Whitthorne  and  Casey  Young;  XLY  Congress,  1877 
-79,  J.  D.  C.  Atkins,  John  M.  Bright,  W.  P.  Caldwell,  George  G.  Dib- 
rell, John  F.  House,  James  H.  Randolph,  W.  M.  Randolph,  H.  T.  Rid- 
dle, J.  M.  Thornburgh,  W.  C.  Whitthorne  and  Casey  Young;  XL YI 
Congress,  1879-81,  R.  L.  Taylor,  L.  C.  Honk,  George  G.  Dibrell,  Ben- 
ton McMillin,  John  M.  Bright,  John  F.  House, . W.  C.  Whitthorne,  John 
D.  C.  Atkins,  Charles  B.  Simonton  and  Casey  Young;  XLYII  Congress, 
1881-83,  A.  H.  Pettibone,  Leonidas  C.  Honk,  George  G.  Dibrell,  Ben- 
ton McMillin,  Richard  Warner,  John  F.  House,  W.  C.  Whitthorne,  John 
D.  C.  Atkins,  Charles  B.  Simonton  and  William  R.  Moore;  XL VIII 
Congress,  1883-85,  A.  H.  Pettibone,  L.  C.  Houk,  George  G.  Dibrell, 
Benton  McMillin,  Richard  Warner,  A.  J.  Caldwell,  John  M.  Taylor, 
Rice  A.  Pierce,  Casey  Young  and  John  G.  Ballentine;  XLIX  Congress, 
1885-87,  A.  H.  Pettibone,  L.  C.  Houk,  J.  R.  Neal,  Benton  McMillin, 


*Took  his  seat  February  25,  1863. 


yTook  his  seat  January  13,  1862. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


355 


James  D.  Richardson,  A.  J.  Caldwell,  J.  G.  Ballentine,  J.  M.  Taylor,  P. 
G.  Glass  and  Zachariali  Taylor. 

Senators. — IV  Congress,  1796-97,  William  Blonnt  and  William 
Cocke;  V Congress,  1797-99,  William  Blount1,  William  Cocke,  Joseph 
Anderson,  Andrew  Jackson2,  Daniel  Smith;  VI  Congress,  1799-1801, 
Joseph  Anderson  and  William  Cocke;  VII  Congress,  1801-03,  same; 
VIII  Congress,  1803-05,  same;  IX  Congress,  1805-07,  Joseph  Ander- 
son and  Daniel  Smith;  X Congress,  1807-09,  same;  XI  Congress, 
1809-11,  Joseph  Anderson,  Daniel  Smith3  and  Jenkin  Whiteside4; 
XII  Congress,  1811-13,  Joseph  Anderson  and  George  W.  Campbell; 
XTTT  Congress,  1813-15,  Joseph  Anderson,  George  W.  Campbell5  and 
Jesse  Wharton;  XIV  Congress,  1815-17,  George  W.  Campbell  and  John 
Williams;  XV  Congress,  1817-19,  George  W.  Campbell6,  John  Will- 
iams and  John  H.  Eaton;  XVI  Congress,  1819-21,  John  H.  Eaton  and 
John  Williams;  XVII  Congress,  1821-23,  same;  XVIII  Congress, 
1823-25,  John  H.  Eaton  and  Andrew  Jackson;  XIX  Congress,  1825-27, 
John  H.  Eaton,  Andrew  Jackson7  and  Hugh  Lawson  White;  XX  Con- 
gress, 1827-29,  John  H.  Eaton  and  Hugh  L.  White;  XXI  Congress, 
1829-31,  John  H.  Eaton8,  Hugh  L.  White  and  Felix  Grundy;  XXII 
Congress,  1831-33,  Felix  Grundy  and  Hugh  L.  White;  XXIII  Congress, 
1833-35,  same;  XXIV  Congress,  1835-37,  same;  XXV  Congress, 
1837-39,  Hugh  L.  White,  Felix  Grundy9  and  Ephraim  H.  Foster; 
XXVI  Congress,  1839-41,  Hugh  L.  White10,  Felix  Grundy11,  Alex- 
ander Anderson  and  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson.;  XXVII  Congress,  1841-43, 
A.  O.  P.  Nicholson12;  XXVIII  Congress,  1843—45,  Ephraim  H.  Foster 
and  Spencer  Jarnagin;  XXIX  Congress,  1845-47,  Spencer  Jarnagin  and 
Hopkins  L.  Turney;  XXX  Congress,  1847-49,  John  Bell  and  Hopkins 
L.  Turney;  XXXI  Congress,  1849-51,  same ; XXXII  Congress,  1851-53, 
John  Bell  and  James  C.  Jones;  XXXIII  Congress,  1853-55,  same; 
XXXIV  Congress,  1855-57,  same;  XXXV  Congress,  1857-59,  John  Bell 
and  Andrew  Johnson;  XXXVI  Congress,  1859-61,  Andrew  Johnson  and 
A.  0.  P.  Nicholson  ; XXXVII  Congress,  1861-63,  Andrew  Johnson13; 
XXXVIII  Congress,  1863-65,  vacant;  XXXIX  Congress,  1865—67, 
Joseph  S.  Fowler  and  David  T.  Patterson;  XL  Congress,  1867-69,  same; 
XLI  Congress,  1869—71,  William  G.  Brownlow  and  Joseph  S.  Fowler; 
XLII  Congress,  1871-73,  William  G.  Brownlow  and  Henry  Cooper; 
XLIII  Congress,  1873-75,  same;  XLIV  Congress,  1875-77,  James  E. 
Bailey,  Henry  Cooper,  Andrew  Johnson14  and  David  M.  Key15; 

1 Expelled  for  high  misdemeanors,  July  8,  1797.  2 Resigned  in  1798.  3 Resigned  in  1809.  4 Resigned 

in  1811.  5 Resigned  in  1811.  6 Resigned  in  1818.  7 Resigned  in  1825.  8 Resigned  in  1829.  9 Resigned  in 

183S.  10  Resigned  in  1840.  11  Died  December  19,  1840.  12.0ther  seat  Tacant.  13  Other  seat  vacant. 

.14  Died  July  31, 1875.  15  Appointed  pro  tem.  in  place  of  Andrew  Johnson. 


350 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


XLY  Congress,  1877-79,  James  E.  Bailey  and  Isliam  G.  Harris;  XL VI 
Congress,  1879-81,  same;  XLVII  Congress,  1881-83,  Isham  G.  Harris 
and  Howell  E.  Jackson;  XLVIII  Congress,  1883-85,  same;  XLIX  Con- 
gress, 1885-87,  same. 

GUBERNATORIAL  ELECTION  RETURNS. 

1815,  Robert  Weakley,  6,028;  Joseph  McMinn,  14,980b  1817,  Rob- 
ert C.  Foster,  15,460;  Joseph  McMinn,  28,402.  1819,  Enoch  Parsons, 

8,079;  Joseph  McMinn,  33,524.  1821,  Edward  Ward,  7,294;  William 

Carroll,  31,029.  1823,  No  opposition;  William  Carroll,  32,597.  1825, 

no  opposition;  William  Carroll.  1827,  Newton  Cannon;  Samuel  Hous- 
ton3. 1829,  no  opposition;  William  Carroll,  57,551.  1831,  no  opposi- 

tion; William  Carroll.  1833,  no  opposition;  William  Carroll,  51,184. 
1835,  Newton  Cannon,  42,795;  William  Carroll,  35,247.  1837,  Newton 

Cannon,  52,660;  — -Armstrong,  32,695.  1839,  Newton  Cannon,  50,841; 

James  K.  Polk,  52,899.  1841,  James  C.  Jones,  53,586;  James  K.  Polk, 

50,343.  1843,  James  C.  Jones,  57,491;  James  K.  Polk,  52,692.  1845, 

Ephraim  H.  Poster,  56,646;  Aaron  V.  Brown,  58,269.  1847,  Niell  S. 

Brown,  61,372;  Aaron  V.  Brown,  60,004.  1849,  Niell  S.  Brown,  60,350; 

William  Trousdale,  61,740.  1851,  William  B.  Campbell,  63,333;  Will- 
iam Trousdale,  61,673.  1853,  Gustav  A.  Henry,  61,163;  Andrew  John- 
son, 63,413.  1855,  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  65,343;  Andrew  Johnson,  67,- 

499.  1857,  Robert  Hatton,  59,807;  Isham  G.  Harris,  71.178.  1859, 

John  Netherland,  68,042;  Isham  G.  Harris,  76,073.  1861,  Isham  G. 

Harris,  70,273  (Confederate) ; W.  H.  Polk,  37,915.  1865,  William  G. 

Brownlow,  23,222  (Republican) ; William  B.  Campbell,  25.  1867,  Will- 
iam G.  Brownlow,  74,034;  Emerson  Etheridge,  22,250.  1869,  D.  W. 

C.  Senter,  120,234;  — Stokes,  55,046.  1870,  W.  H.  Wisener,  41,500; 

J.  C.  Brown,  78,979.  1872,  A.  A.  Freeman,  84,089;  John  C.  Brown, 

97,700.  1874,  Horace  Maynard,  55,847;  James  D.  Porter,  105,061;  — 

Brooks,  222.  1876,  George  Maney,  10,436;  James  D.  Porter,  123,740; 

Dorsey  B.  Thomas,  73,6933;  W.  F.  Yardley,  2,1654.  1878,  E.  M. 

Wight,  42,328;  A.  S.  Marks,  89,018;  R.  M.  Edwards,  15,1965.  1880, 

Alvin  Hawkins,  102,969;  John  V.  Wright,  79,191;  S.  E.  Wilson,  57,- 
424 6 ; R.  M.  Edwards,  3,6415.  1882,  Alvin  Hawkins,  90,660;  William 

B.  Bate,  118,821;  Joseph  H.  Fussell,  4,599 7 ; John  R.  Bealev.  9,5725. 
1884,  Frank  T.  Ried,  125,276;  William  B.  Bate,  132,201;  W.  J.  Bu- 
chanan, 636 5 . 


1 Also  Jesse  Wharton,  5,918;  Robert  C,  Foster,  3,626,  and  Gen,  Johnson,  2,117.  2 Houston’s  majority  ^ 

12,000.  3 Independent  Democrat.  4 Independent  Republican.  5 Greenback.  6 “Low  Tax”  Democrat. 

7 “State  Credit”  or  “Sky-blue”  Democrat. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


357 


Tlie  following  table  shows  the  total  number  and  amount  of  bonds  is- 
sued by  the  State  from  1832  to  1881,  the  rate  of  interest,  and  the  purpose 
for  which  they  were  issued. 


Union  Bank  of  Tennessee:. 

*Bank  of  Tennessee 

Nashville,  Murfreesboro  & Shelby ville  Turnpike  Company 

Gallatin  Turnpike  Company 

Chambers  & Purdy  Turnpike  Company 

Franklin  & Columbia  Turnpike  Company 

Columbia  Central  Turnpike  Company 

Nashville  & Charlotte  Turnpike  Company 

Fayetteville  & Shelbyville  Turnpike  Company 

Pelham  & Jasper  Turnpike  Company 

Columbia,  Pulaski  & Elkton  Turnpike  Company 

Clarksville  & Russellville  Turnpike  Company 

Forked  Deer  Turnpike  Company 

Big  Hatchie  Turnpike  Company 

Gallatin  & Cumberland  Turnpike  Company 

Nolensville  Turnpike  Company 

Ashport  Turnpike  Company 

Fulton  Turnpike  Company 

Lebanon  <&  Sparta  Turnpike  Company 

Nashville  & Kentucky  Turnpike  Company 

Central  Southern  Railroad  Company 

Memphis  & Ohio  Railroad  Company 

Mississippi  & Tennessee  Railroad  Company 

Winchester  & Alabama  Railroad  Company 1 

Memphis,  Clarksville  & Louisville  Railroad  Company 

Edgefield  & Kentucky  Railroad  Company 

Rogersville  & Jefferson  Railroad  Company 

Mobile  & Ohio  Railroad  Company 

Knoxville  & Kentucky  Railroad  Company 

Cincinnati,  Cumberland  Gap  & Charleston  Railroad  Company. 

Knoxville  & Charleston  Railroad  Company 

Nashville  & Northwestern  Railroad  Company 

Nashville*  Chattanooga  Railroad  Company 

Tennessee  & Pacific  Railroad  Company 

Mississippi  Central  Railroad  Company 

Southern  Railroad  Company  (Southwestern) 

East  Tennessee  & Western  North  Carolina  Railroad  Company 

t Mineral  Home  Railroad  Company 

Evansville,  Henderson  & Nashville  Railroad  Company 

Nashville  & Decatur  Railroad  Company 

Louisville,  Cincinnati  & Charleston  Railroad  Company 

Capitol  bonds 

Agricultural  Bureau  bonds 

Murfreesboro  & Manchester  Turnpike  Company 

Harpeth  Turnpike  Company 

Cumberland  & Stone’s  River  Turnpike  Company..... 

Lebanon  & Nashville  Turnpike  Company 

Jefferson  Turnpike  Company 

Carthage  & Hartsville  Turnpike  Company 

Carthage  & Rome  Turnpike  Company 

Carthage,  Alexander  & Red  Sulphur  Turnpike  Company 

Dyersburg  & Mississippi  Turnpike  Company 

Bristol  & Kendrick’s  Creek  Turnpike  Company 

Rogersville  & Little  War  Gap  Turnpike  Company 

New  Market  Turnpike  Company ! 

Jacksboro  & Powell’s  Valley  Turnpike  Company 

Mulberry  & Rogersville  Turnpike  Company 

Mansker’s  Creek  & Springfield  Turnpike  Company 

East  Tennessee  & Georgia  Railroad  Company 

Hiwassee  Railroad  Company 

Memphis  & Charleston  Railroad  Company.. 

East  Tennessee  * Virginia  Railroad  Company 

Louisville  & Nashville  Railroad  Company 

La  Grange  & Memphis  Railroad  Company 

McMinnville  & Manchester  Railroad  Company 

Tennessee  & Alabama  Railroad  Company 

Hermitage  bonds 

Funding  bonds,  act  of  1866 ; 

Funding  bonds,  act  of  1868 

New  series  funding  bonds,  act  of  1873 

Renewal  bonds 

Grand  total 


N umber. 


Amount. 


500  5 

2,500  6 


67  5)4 

132  | S1"4 

7 5 

75  5 

150  5 

30  5 

16  5 

44  5 

127  5 

37  5 

7 5 

14  5 

6 6 

49  5 

35  5 

6 5 

85  5 

50  5 

596  6 

1,999  6 

398  6 

1,289  6 

1,582  6 

1,180  6 

385  6 

1,296  6 

2,350  6 

1,373  6 

710  6 

3,222  6 

395  6 

1,185  6 

1,124  6 

503  C 

400  G 

100  6 

200  6 

350  6 

32  6 

1,166  6 

30  6 

49  5 

39  5 

107  5 

81  {f4 

45  5 

6 6 

8 o 

16  6 

25  6 

20  6 

20  6 

15  6 

8 6 

50  6 

10  6 

1,614  {l 

449  5 

1,700  6 

2,202  6 

445  6 

200 

772  6 

1,173  6 

48  6 

4,941  6 

2,200  6 

6,657  6 

697  6 


$500,000  00 
2,500,030  00 
66,666  66 
132,500  00 

7,000  00 
75,900  00 

150.000  00 

30.000  00 

16.000  00 

44.000  00 
127,600  00 

37,500  00 

7.000  00 

14.000  00 

6.000  00 

49.000  00 

35.000  00 
6,000  00 

85.000  00 

50.000  00 

596.000  00 

1.999.000  CO- 

398. 000  00 

1.289.000  00 

1.582.000  00 

1.180.000  00 

385.000  00 

1.296.000  00 

2.350.000  00 

1.373.000  00 

710.000  00 

3.222.000  00 

395.000  00 

1.185.000  00 

1.124.000  00 

503.000  00 

400.000  00 

100.000  00 
200,000  00 

350.000  00 

32.000  00 

866.000  00 

30.000  00 

49.000  00 

39.000  OO 

107.000  00 

81.000  00 

45.000  00 
6,000  00 
8,000  00 

16.000  00 

25.000  00 

20.000  00 
20,000  00 

15.000  00 
8,000  00 

50.000  00 

10.000  00 

1.614.000  00 

449.000  OO 

1.700.000  00 

2.202.000  00 

445.000  00 

217,250  00 

772.000  00 

1.173.000  OO 
48,000  00 

4.941.000  00 

2.200.000  00 
6,641,000  00 

697.000  00 

|$49, 102, 416,66 


* Only  1,000  of  these  bonds  were  sold, 
f Rejected. 


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Three  counties  not  reported.  f Voted  in  1880  with  the  counties  from  which  they  were  formed. 


360 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


AGGREGATE  POPULATION  OF  THE  STATE. 


Counties. 

1790. 

1800. 

1810. 

1820. 

1830. 

1840. 

1850. 

1860. 

1870. 

1880. 

3959 

4668 

5310 

5658 

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7068 

21584 

8463 

4459 

13270 

11701 

6712 

9509 

17437 

7124 

7258 

8704 

24333 

10820*’ 

26025 

8242 

16012 

30396 

20546 

21511 

4772 

6315 

8234 

9780 

3259 

5005 

4648 

5959 

4870 

5617 
1 5985 

5587 

8839 

11253 

11028 

11745 

12424 

14237 

7385 

12259 

11652 

12124 

2668 

4224 

5110 

6149 

6068 

7445 

10005 

7163 

8982 

10502 

11859 

9397 

12362 

15967 

19447 

22103 

4813 

4190 

4835 

6414 

5372 

6296 

7909 

6678 

10019 

7956 

4798 

5508 

8470 

9474 

9369 

9643 

9321 

13373 

6987 

Clay 

5154 

4S92 

6017 

6992 

8300 

8351 

10408 

9689 

12458 

10237 

14808 

12894 

14109 

8184 

3460 

47055 

6273 

10573 

9982 

3461 

4538 

3459 

9965 

15608 

20154 

28122 

30509 

38882 

62897 

7772 

79026 

6003 

8498 

5868 

8016 

11425 

9340 

14813 

4516 

5190 

7265 

7074 

8404 

12460 

1904 

4484 

6361 

10536 

24327 

5054 

13706 

15118 

8652 

21501 

26719 

4454 

26145 

4717 

31871 

5941 

2748 

3550 

5730 

16571 

15620 

12033 

13768 

19548 

13848 

21777 

26)66 

19004 

19004 

3093 

14970 

25666 

17178 

32685 

5801 

13689 

4546 

12558 

18703 

21494 

25949 

32413 

36014 

7367 

6397 

7651 

10066 

10572 

17824 

21668 

12384 

7741 

7610 

9713 

11324 

14410 

16076 

17824 

21668 

24005 

2773 

3250 

4592 

10187 

821 

2276 

8175 

10075 

13258 

7020 

17241 

23642 

5660 

7148 

9098 

11655 

14563 

17456 

17769 

18074 

22921 

1462 

4868 

8245 

10328 

11214 

11768 

15837 

25094 

14793 

6970 

6563 

7643 

10949 

13683 

15035 

13370 

17259 

13164 

16162 

19232 

14491 

20610 

5334 

13870 

11875 

26063 

8748 

14217 

17430 

12249 

14906 

8618 

18233 

19133 

20380 

22142 

2583 

6080 

8119 

9397 

9312 

9856 

12095 

4295 

1511 

4067 

6187 

5195 

6422 

9096 

9326 

11379 

5401 

7593 

9698 

12872 

15673 

11725 

12583 

12008 

5187 

9017 

7309 

8953 

11801 

12076 

i3‘204 

16043 

19476 

5852 

15846 

2658 

3705 

6018 

7766 

12446 

10171 

13034 

14498 

15485 

18807 

22813 

28990 

39124 

2428 

3968 

3435 

5169 

7559 

10838 

14918 

3271 

5411 

7121 

92S0 

9320 

7601 

10383 

4438 

2241 

1986 

2181 

6104 

14761 

22075 

21493 

23492 

22828 

28050 

26900 

9148 



6948 

7290 

6633 

9321 

11594 

16530 

21470 

21535 

23480 

30874 

3888 

5508 

6070 

6314 

6190 

6841 

1091O 

14555 

15616 

14592 

32498 

16207 

19259 

10359 

22089 

27665 

28186 

29520 

36289 

39904 

1623 

14460 

12719 

13906 

13555 

13969 

15064 

5697 

9385 

12864 

14732 

4667 

12726 

17271 

1794 

4879 

4511 

7117 

2529 

13708 

12056 

11874 

12607 

12589 

14283 

1387 

2899 

8021 

12219 

14349 

16927 

21045 

20895 

24747 

28481 

6233 

1676 

25S2 

2660 

3430 

7633 

3353 

2969 

5156 

2099 

4814 

12817 

15584 

22912 

5643 

7128 

8242 

9279 

11211 

12637 

6042 

11297 

1215  3 

2384 

7094 

7419 

5821 

6925 

7174 

Polk 

3570 

6338 

8726 

7369 

7269 

8558 

8698 

11501 

2504 

4215 

8186 

3985 

4415 

4991 

13583 

5538 

7070 

5581 

7895 

9938 

11341 

10948 

12185 

15622 

15237 

4280 

7270 

13272 

13801 

16145 

15265 

16166 

33289 

18862 

10265 

19552 

26134 

14280 

29122 

27918 

36741 

1905 

3519 

2120 

4054 

G021 

2335 

2565 

3619 

3419 

4595 

4772 

5717 

5648 

6442 

6920 

9122 

11028 

15541 

Shelby : 

364 

14721 

31157 

| 48092 

76378 

78430 

*Tennessee  County. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


361 


AGGREGATE  POPULATION  OF  THE  STATE. 


Counties. 

1790. 

1800. 

1S10. 

1820. 

1830. 

1840. 

1850. 

I860. 

1870. 

1880. 

4294 

11649 

17580 

19906 

21179 

18412 

16357 

15^94 

17799 

4262 

8397 

6968 

8587 

9719 

9896 

12019 

12690 

4447 

10218 

6847 

7015 

10073 

10736 

11742 

13552 

13136 

18321 

219G 

4616 

13729 

19211 

20569 

22445 

22717 

22030 

23711 

23625 

5317 

6800 

8887 

10705 

14884 

21033 

6646 

3645 

6117 

7605 

10260 

2674 

2581 

2725 

2933 

5725 

10384 

15210 

10803 

10179 

11147 

12714 

14079 

5872 

6379 

7740 

9557 

10995 

11751 

13861 

14829 

16317 

16181 

2459 

6013 

7705 

8170 

9115 

10209 

11301 

4797 

9870 

14608 

18216 

20755 

9375 

24538 

4028 

8701 

9907 

10747 

114-14 

9381 

11176 

2868 

13153 

20640 

26638 

27006 

27201 

23827 

25328 

28313 

3261 

11952 

18730 

25472 

24460 

27443 

26072 

25881 

28747 

Totals 

35691 

105602 

261727 

422771 

681904 

829210 

1002717 

1109801 

1258520 

1542359 

THE  FORMATION  OF  COUNTIES. 


NAMES. 


•Washington  .. 

•Sullivan 

„Greene 

.Davidson 

Sumner  /.  — 

•Hawkins 

Tennessee 

Jefferson 

Knox 

Sevier  

Blount 

•Carter 

Grainger 

Montgomery.. 

Robertson/.... 

Cocke 

Smith 

Wilson ..... 

Williamson 

Anderson  4. . . . 

Roane  

Claiborne 

Jackson 

Dickson... 

Stewart 

Rutherford.... 

Campbell 

Overton 

White — 

Hickman/..... 

Rhea 

Bledsoe 

Franklin 

Bedford...., 

Warren../. 

Maury 

Humphreys... 

Lincoln 

Giles 

Morgan./. 

Lawrence 

Marion 

Wayne 

Hardin 


Date  of 
Cre- 
ation. 

1777 

1779 

1783 

1783 

1786 

1786 

1788 

1792 

1792 

1794 

1795 

1796 
1796 
1796 

1796 

1797 
1799 
1799 
1799 
1801 
1801 
1801 
1801 
1803 
1803 
1803 
1806 
1806 
1806 
1807 
1807 
1807 
1807 
1807 
1807 
1807 
1809 
1809 
1809 
1817 
1817 
1817 
1817 
1819 


Monroe../.. 
McMinn . . . 

Perry 

Shelby...... 

Hamilton.. 
Henry  ...*. 


1819 

1819 

1819 

1819 

1819 

1821 


FROM  WHAT  FORMED. 


IN  WHOSE  HONOR  NAMED. 


Wilkes  and  Burke  Cos.,  N.  C 

Washington  Co 

Washington  Co 

Greene  Co 

Davidson  Co 

Sullivan  Co 

Davidson  Co 

Greene  and  Hawkins  Cos 

Greene  and  Hawkins  Cos 

Jefferson  Co 

Knox  Co 

Washington  Co 

Hawkins  and  Knox  Cos 

Tennessee  Co 

Tennessee  Co 

Jefferson  Co 

Sumner  Co 

Sumner  Co 

Davidson  Co 

Knox  and  Grainger  Cos 

Knox  Co 

Grainger  and  Hawkins  Cos., 

Smith  Co 

Robertson  and  Montgomery  Cos 

Montgomery  Co 

Davidson  Co 

Anderson  and  Claiborne  Cos 

Jackson  Co 

Wilson,  Smith,  Jackson  & Overton  Cos 

Dickson  Oo 

Roane  Co 

Roane  Co 

Warren  and  Bedford  Cos 

Rutherford  Co 

White  Co 

Williamson  Co 

Stewart  Co 

Bedford  Co 

Maury  Co 

Roane  Co 

Hickman  and  Maury  Cos 

Cherokee  Lands 

Hickman  and  Humphreys  Cos 

Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart 

and  Wayne  Cos 

Cherokee  Lands 

Cherokee  Lands 

Hickman  Co 

Hardin  Co 

Rhea  Co 

Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 


Gen.  Geo.  Washington. 

Gen.  John  Sullivan. 

Gen.  Nathaniel  Greene. 

Gen.  William  Davidson. 

Col.  Jethro  Sumner. 

Indian  name  Tenassee. 
Thomas  Jefferson. 

Gen.  Henry  Knox. 

Gov.  John  Sevier. 

Gov.  William  Blount. 

Gen.  Landon  Carter. 

Mary  Grainger  (Mrs.  Blount). 
Col.  John  Montgomery. 

Gen.  James  Robertson. 

Gen.  William  Cocke. 

Gen.  Daniel  Smith. 

Maj.  David  Wilson. 

Gen.  Williamson,  of  N.  C. 
Hon.  Joseph  Anderson. 

Gov.  Archibald  Roane. 

Gen.  Andrew  Jackson. 
William  Dickson. 

Duncan  Stewart. 

Gen.  Rutherford  of  ,X.  C. 

Col.  Arthur  Campbell. 


Edmund  Hickman,  surveyor. 


Thomas  Bedford. 

Abram  Maury. 

Parry  W.  Humphreys. 

Gen.  Benjamin  Lincoln. 

Gen.  William  B.  Giles,  of  Va. 
Gen.  Daniel  Morgan. 

Com.  James  Lawrence. 

Gen.  Francis  Marion. 

Gen.  Anthony  Wayne. 

Col.  Joseph  Hardin. 

James  Monroe. 

Gov.  Joseph  McMinn. 

Com.  Oliver  H.  Perry. 

Isaac  Shelby. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 
Patrick  Henry. 


362 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


THE  FORMATION  OF  COUNTIES. 


NAMES. 


Date  of 


Cre- 


FROM  WHAT  FORMED. 


Carroll 

Madison 

Henderson... 
Hardeman... 
Hay  wood.. f.. 

Dyer 

Gibson 

Weakley 

Fentress 

Obion.../. 

Tipton 

McNairy 

Fayette 

Coffee 

Lauderdale.. 

Benton 

Johnson 

* Meigs 

Cannon 

Marshall. 4... , 

Bradley 

DeKalb 

Polk 

Van  Buren... 

Putnam :. 

Macon 

Lewis...' 

Grundy.. 

Hancock...... 

Decatur../.... 

Scott 

*Union 


ation. 


1821 

1821 

1821 

1823 

1823 

1823 

1823 

1823 

1823 

1823 

1823 


Western  Dist.  under  control  ot  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 

Hardin  Co 

Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 

Overton  and  Morgan  Cos 

Western  Dist.  under  control  ot  Stewart  Co. 
Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 


I 


1823 

1824 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
1837 

1839 

1840 
1842 

1842 

1843 

1844 
1S44 

1845 

1849 

1850 


Western  Dist.  under  control  of  Stewart  Co. 

Hardeman  and  Shelby  Cos 

Warren,  Franklin  and  Bedford  Cos 


Humphreys  and  Henry  Cos. 
Carter  Co 


Bedford,  Maury,  Lincoln  and  Giles  Cos. 


White,  Warren,  Cannon,  Wilson,  Jackson. 

Bradley  and  McMinn  Cos 

White,  Warren  and  Bledsoe  Cos 

White,  Overton,  Jackson,  Smith,  DeKalb.. 

Smith  and  Sumner  Cos 

Mauiy,  Lawrence,  Wayne  and  Hickman... 

Franklin,  Coffee  and  Warren  Cos 

Claiborne  and  Hawkins  Cos 

Perry  Co 

Anderson,  Campbell,  Fentress  and  Morgan 
Grainger,  Claiborne,  Campbell,  Anderson 


and  Knox  Cos. 


Cumberland. 

Cheatham 

Sequatchie."!. 

Crockett 

Hamblen  .... 
Trousdale... 

Clay 

Lake....! 

Loudon 

Houston 

J ames 

Moore 

Unicoi 
Pickett...  4... 
Chester 


1855 

1856 

1857 
1870 
1870 
1870 
1870 
1870 

1870 

1871 

1871 

1872 
1875 
1879 
1879 


White,  Van  Buren,  Bledsoe,  Rhea,  Roane, 

Morgan  and  Putnam  Cos 

Davidson, Robertson  and  Montgomery  Cos. 

Hamilton  Co 

Gibson,  Haywood,  Dyer  and  Madison  Cos. 

Grainger,  Jefferson  and  Hawkins  Cos 

Sumner, Macon, Smith  and  Williamson  Cos. 

Jackson  and  Overton  Cos 

Obion  Co 

Roane,  Monroe  aDd  Blount  Cos 

Dickson,  Humphreys,  Stewart  and  Mont- 
gomery Cos 

Hamilton  and  Bradley  Cos 

Lincoln  and  Franklin  Cos 

Washington  and  Carter  Cos 

Overton  and  Fentress  Cos... 

Madison,  Henderson,  McNairy  and  Har- 
deman Cos 


*This,  as  well  as  several  other  counties,  was  not  organized  for  a few  years 
ating  it. 


IN  WHOSE  HONOR  NAMED. 


Gov.  William  Carroll. 
James  Madison. 

Col.  Thomas  J.  Hardeman. 
Judge  John  Haywood. 

Col.  Henry  Dyer. 

Col.  Thomas  Gibson. 


From  Obion  River. 
Jacob  Tipton. 

Judge  John  McNairy 


Col.  James  Lauderdale. 
Thomas  H.  Benton. 

Return  J.  Meigs. 

Gov.  Newton  Cannon. 


Baron  De  Kalb. 

James,  K.  Polk. 

Martin  Van  Buren. 
Israel  Putnam. 

Meriwether  Lewis. 
Felix  Grundy. 

John  Hancock. 

Com.  Stephen  Decatur 
Gen.  Winfield  Scott. 


David  Crockett. 
Hezekiah  Hamblen. 

Gov.  William  Trousdale. 
Henry  Clay. 

For  Obion  Lake. 

Fort  Loudon. 

Gen.  Sam  Houston. 

Jesse  J.  James. 


after  the  passage  of  the  act  ere- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


363 


CHAPTER  XII. 


The  Bench  and  Bar  of  Tennessee— The  Judicial  System  of  the  Watauga 
Association — The  Courts  Established  by  North  Carolina— Extracts 
from  ti-ie  Early  Records— Jurisdiction — The  Conflict  of  Authority 
at  Watauga — County,  District,  Supreme  and  United  States  Courts 
— Judicial  Procedure  Under  the  Territorial  Government — The  Ad- 
ministration of  Justice  Under  the  Constitutions— Expenses  of  the 
Judiciary— Illustrative  Anecdotes— Equity  and  Appellate  Tribu- 
nals—Eormation  Of  Circuits— Professional  Character  of  the  More 
Eminent  Practitioners. 

HE  early  judicial  system  of  Tennessee  was  modeled  after  that  of 


North  Carolina.  In  fact  the  system  was  established  while  the  Ter- 
ritory was  still  under  the  jurisdiction  of  that  State.  But  the  first  court 
established  in  what  is  now  Tennessee  was  an  entirely  original  creation  of 
the  Watauga  settlers,  and  was  formed  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  that  fron- 
tier colony.  It  consisted  of  five  members,  embracing,  it  is  believed,  the 
following  persons:  John  Carter,  Charles  Robertson,  James  Robertson, 
Zach  Isbell  and  John  Sevier,  with  W.  Tatham,  as  clerk.  The  jurisdic- 
tion of  this  court  included  the  legislative,  the  judicial  and  the  executive 
functions  of  the  infant  government.  All  of  the  judges,  or  commissioners 
as  they  were  sometimes  called,  were  men  of  distinguished  ability,  and 
under  their  rule  the  colony  experienced  a peace  and  prosperity  which  it 
did  not.  again  know  for  many  years.  This  court  continued  to  exercise  its 
authority  until  1777,  when  in  April  of  that  year  the  General  Assembly 
of  North  Carolina  passed  an  act  for  the  establishment  of  courts  of  pleas 
and  quarter  sessions,  and  also  for  appointing  and  commissioning  justices 
of  the  peace  and  sheriffs  for  the  several  courts  in  the  district  of  Wash- 
ington. In  the  following  November  the  district -of  Washington  was 
organized  into  a county.  The  act  and  its  amendments  establishing  the 
court  of  pleas  and  quarter  session  defined  their  jurisdiction  as  follows: 
“The  court  of  pleas  and  quarter  session  shall  have  original  jurisdiction  to 
hear  ail  cases  whatsoever  at  the  common  law  within  their  respective 
counties  when  the  debt  exceeds  £5,  breaches  of  the  peace  and  other  mis- 
demeanors of  what  kind  soever  of  an  inferior  nature,  and  all  actions  of 
detinue,  trover,  suits  for  filial  portions,  legacies  and  distributive  shares  of 
intestate  estates  and  all  other  matters  relating  thereto.”  In  addition  to  this 
they  were  invested  with  the  powers  and  duties  of  a court  of  probate,  and 
later  the  establishment  of  roads,  ferries  and  the  like  was  imposed  upon 
.them.  They  also  had  appellate  jurisdiction  in  all  cases  tried  before  a 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


364 

single  justice.  Tliis  court  was  composed  of  all  the  magistrates  within 
its  jurisdiction,  all  of  whom  sat  together,  but  any  three  of  whom  were  a 
sufficient  number  to  transact  business.  A single  justice  had  original 
jurisdiction  to  hear  all  cases  brought  for  debt  of  £5  or  under,  and  could 
also  try  all  misdemeanor  cases  coming  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court 
of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions.  Superior  courts  were  established  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  in  1767.  They  were  composed  of 
three  judges,  two  of  whom  were  sufficient  to  hold  court.  They  had  orig- 
inal jurisdiction  in  cases  brought  for  debts  of  £100  or  more,  where 
the  parties  to  the  suit  lived  in  the  same  district.  If  the  parties  lived- 
in  different  districts  the  limit  was  placed  at  £50.  These  courts  also  had 
original  jurisdiction  over  all  crimes  of  a serious  nature,  and  appellate 
jurisdiction  in  all  cases  from  the  courts  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions. 

The  first  court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions  in  Washington  County 
met  in  February,  1778.  The  following  extract  is  from  the  journal  of 
that  court  at  its  first  session,  Washington  County,  February  23.  “ Court 

Journal:  At  a court  begun  and  held  for  the  county  of  Washington, 

February  23,  1778;  Present,  John  Carter,  chairman;  John  Sevier,  Jacob 
Womack,  Robert  Lucas,  Andrew  Greer,  John  Shelby,  George  Russell, 
William  Bean,  Zacliariah  Isbell,  John  McNabb,  Thomas  Houghton, 
William  Clark,  John  McMahan,  Benjamin  Gist,  John  Chisholm,  Joseph 
Willson,  William  Cobb,  James  Stuart,  Michael  Woods,  Richard  White, 
Benjamin  Willson,  James  Robertson  and  Valentine  Sevier,  Esquires.  On 
Tuesday,  next  day,  John  Sevier  was  chosen  clerk  of  the  county;  Valen- 
tine Sevier,  sheriff;  James  Stuart,  surveyor;  John  Carter,  entry  taker; 
John  McMahan,  register;  Jacob  Womack,  stray  master,  and  John 
McNabb,  coroner.  William  Cocke,  by  W.  Avery,  moved  to  be  admitted 
clerk  of  Washington  County,  which  motion  was  rejected  by  the  court, 
knowing  that  John  Sevier  is  entitled  to  the  office.  The  following  extracts 
serve  to  show  the  prompt  and  vigorous  manner  in  which  this  court  dis- 
pensed justice: 

The  State,  I 

vs.  | In  Toryism. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  the  court  that  the  defendant  be  imprisoned  during  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain,  and  the  sheriff  take  the  whole  of  his  estate  into  custody,  which  must 
be  valued  by  a jury  at  the  next  court,  one-half  of  said  estate  to  be  kept  by  said  sheriff 
for  the  use  of  the  State,  and  the  .other  half  to  be.  remitted  to  the  family  of  defendant. 

The  following  also  appears  upon  the  records  of  the  Washington  County 
Court : 

On  motion  of  E.  Dunlap,  State’s  attorney,  that  J.  H.,  for  his  ill  practices  in  harboring 
and  abetting  disorderly  persons  who  are  prejudicial,  and  inimical  to  the  common  cause  of 
liberty,  and  frequently  disturbing  our  tranquility  in  general,  be  imprisoned  for  a term  of 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


365 


one  year.  The  court,  duly  considering  the  allegations  alleged  and  objected  against  the 
said  J.  H.,  are  of  opinion  that  for  his  disorderly  practices  as  aforesaid,  from  time  to  time, 
and  to  prevent  the  further  and  future  practice  of  the  same  pernicious  nature,  do  order 
him  to  be  imprisoned  for  the  term  of  one  year,  and  is,  accordingly,  ordered  into  the  cus- 
tody of  the  sheriff.  On  motion  of  E.  Dunlap,  Esq.,  that  a sum  of  money  of  £1,500  cur- 
rent money  due  from  E.  C.  to  said  J.  H.  for  two  negroes,  be  retained  in  the  hands  of  said 
E.  C.,  as  there  is  sufficient  reason  to  believe  that  the  said  J.  H.’s  estate  will  be  confiscated 
to  the  use  of  the  State  for  his  misdemeanors,  etc.  The  court,  considering  the  case,  are  of 
opinion  that  the  said  moneys  ought  to  be  retained.  On  motion  that  commissioners  ought 
to  be  appointed  to  take  into  possession  such  property  as  shall  be  confiscated.  The  court, 
on  taking  the  same  under  consideration,  do  nominate  and  appoint  John  Sevier,  Jesse 
Walton  and  Zachariah  Isbell,  Esqs.,  for  the  aforesaid  purpose. 

In  some  instances  the  action  of  these  courts  may  have  assumed  or 
encroached  upon  the  legislative  prerogative,  but  these  were  stormy  times 
and  rigorous  and  energetic  measures  were  necessary.  In  1782  the  dis- 
trict of  Salisbury  was  divided,  and  the  district  of  Morgan,  which  in- 
cluded Washington  and  Sullivan  Counties,  was  established.  Section  5 
of  the  act  creating  the  district  is  as  follows : 

And  Whereas,  The  extensive  mountains  that  lie  desolate  between  the  inhabited  parts 
of  Washington  and  the  inhabited  parts  of  Berke  Counties  make  the  transportation  of 
criminals  from  the  former  to  the  latter  difficult,  and  on  the  way  many  frequently  find 
means  to  break  custody  and  escape;  Wherefore,  that  offenders  in  said  counties  of  Wash- 
ington and  Sullivan  may  be  more  easily  and  certainly  brought  to  justice,  Be  it  enacted 
by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  one  of  the  judges  of  the  superior  court  and  some  other 
gentleman  commissioned  for  the  purpose,  or  one  of  them,  twice  in  every  year  at  the  court 
house  in  W ashington  County,  sit  and  hold  a court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and  general  gaol 
delivery  for  the  trial  of  all  criminal  cases  whatsoever  within  the  limits  of  the  courts  of 
Washington  and  Sullivan  Counties,  one  session  thereof,  beginning  on  the  15th  day  of 
February,  and  the  other  on  the  15th  day  of  August,  and  every  session  shall  be  continued 
by  adjournment  for  five  days  exclusive  of  Sunday,  unless  the  business  shall  be  sooner  fin- 
ished, and  said  court  shall  possess  and  exercise  as  full  and  ample  power  and  authority  in 
all  criminal  matters  within  the  limits  aforesaid  as  the  judges  of  the  superior  court  of  law 
possess  and  exercise  in  other  districts,  and  shall  also  have  power  to  receive  and  try 
appeals  from  the  county  courts  of  Washington  and  Sullivan  Counties. 

The  first  session  of  this  court  was  begun  and  field  on  August  15, 
1782,  tfie  Hon.  Spruce  McCay,  presiding.  Waigfitstill  Avery,  was  ap- 
pointed attorney  for  tfie  State,  and  Jofin  Sevier,  clerk.  How  long  tfiis 
court  continued  is -not  definitely  known,  but  if  it  continued  until  tfie 
establisfiment  of  a superior  court  in  Washington  District,  it  failed  to  ac- 
complish the  purpose  for  which  it  was  created.  In  writing  of  tfiis  period, 
Ramsey,  who  followed  Haywood,  says  that  violations  of  law  were  permitted 
to  pass  unpunished,  except  by  the  summary  process  of  the  regulators 
appointed  for  that  purpose  by  tfie  people  themselves,  and  tfiis  is  assigned 
as  one  of  tfie  causes  for  tfie  organization  of  tfie  State  of  Franklin.  It  is 
certain  that  soon  after  that  act  of  tfie  colonies  had  taken  place,  tfie  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  North  Carolina  taking  notice  of  tfie  disaffection  existing 
in  tfie  western  counties  passed  an  act  organizing  tfie  counties  of  Wash- 
ington, Sullivan,  Davidson,  and  Greene  into  a judicial  district,  and  ap- 

23 


366 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


pointed  an  assistant  judge  and  an  attorney-general  for  the  Superior 
Court,  which  was  directed  to  he  held  at  Jonesboro.  This  with  the  other 
' acts  passed  for  the  redress  of  their  grievances  were  not  sufficient  to  restore 
confidence  to  the  disaffected  colonists,  and  one  of  the  first  acts  passed  by 
the  Legislature  chosen  for  the  State  of  Franklin  established  a judicial 
system.  David  Campbell  was  elected  judge  of  the  superior  court  and 
Joshua  Gist  and  John  Anderson,  assistant  judges.  Soon  after  Gov. 
Sevier,  by  proclamation,  announced  the  appointment  of  F.  A.  Ramsey, 
Esq.,  as  clerk  of  the  superior  court.  County  courts  were  also  established, 
and  justices  of  the  peace  appointed.  The  salary  of  the  judge  of  the  su- 
perior court  was  fixed  at  £150  per  annum,  and  that  of  the  assistant  judges 
£25  for  each  court.  By  the  early  part  of  1786  these  courts  were  all  or- 
ganized. At  the  same  time  commissions  had  been  sent  to,  and  accepted 
by,  several  in  Washington,  Sullivan,  and  Hawkins  counties  as  justices  of 
the  peace,  under  the  authority  of  North  Carolina,  and  by  them  courts 
were  held  and  law  administered  as  though  the  State  of  Franklin  did  not 
exist.  In  Greene  County,  and  the  new  counties  below  it,  men  could  not 
be  found  willing  to  accept  the  offered  commissions.  * Then  the  authority 
of  Franklin  was  supreme  and  no  conflict  of  jurisdiction  occurred.  It  was 
very  different  elsewhere,  and  especially  in  Washington  County,  when  those 
who  adhered  to  the  government  of  North  Carolina  were  nearly,  if  not  quite 
equal  in  numbers  to  the  friends  of  the  new  State.  Col.  John  Tipton  refused 
obedience  to  the  new  government,  and  under  the  authority  of  North  Caro- 
lina held  courts  at  Davis’,  ten  miles  above  Jonesboro,  on  Buffalo  Creek. 
Both  superior  and  county  courts  were  also  held  in  Jonesboro  by  the  judges 
commissioned  by  the  State  of  Franklin.  As  the  process  of  these  courts  fre- 
quently required  the  sheriffs  to  pass  within  the  jurisdiction  of  each  other, 
in  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties,  collisions  were  sure  to  occur.  But 
they  did  not  confine  themselves  to  these  casual  encounters.  Whilst  a county 
court  was  sitting  at  Jonesboro,  for  the  county  of  Washington,  Col.  Tip- 
ton  with  a party  of  men  entered  the  court  house,  took  away  the  papers 
from  the  clerk  and  turned  the  justices  out  of  court.  Not  long  after  a 
party  of  adherents  to  the  new  government  went  to  the  house  where  a 
county  court  was  sitting  under  the  authority  of  North  Carolina  and  took 
away  the  clerk’s  papers,  and  turned  the  court  out  of  doors. -f-  The  like 
acts  were  several  times  repeated  during  the  existence  of  the  Franklin 
government.  Frequently  records  were  taken  and  retaken  several  times, 
and  in  that  way  many  valuable  papers  were  lost,  causing  much  annoy- 
ance and  loss  to  persons  interested  in  them. 

In  1788  the  government  of  Franklin  came  to  an  end  and  the  au- 
thority of  North  Carolina  was  again  undisputed.  # In  May  of  that  year 


*Bamsey.  fHay  wood. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


367 


courts  under  the  authority  of  that  State  were  held  in  Greeneville  without 
interruption,  and  Andrew  Jackson,  John  McNair y,  David  Allison,  Archi- 
bald Roane  and  Joseph  Hamilton,  who  were  licensed  by  North  Carolina, 
were  admitted  as  attorneys.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  previous  year 
had  elected  David  Campbell,  a former  adherent  of  Franklin,  to  be  judge 
of  the  superior  court  for  the  district  of  Washington. 

Whilst  this  conflict  between  the  State  of  Franklin  and  North  Carolina 
was  going  on,  the  people  of  the  Cumberland  settlement  remained  undis- 
turbed in  their  loyalty  to  the  latter  government.  In  1783  the  county  of 
Davidson  was  organized  and  provision  was  made  for  the  establishment  of 
a court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions.  The  governor  of  North  Carolina 
commissioned  Anthony  Bledsoe,  Daniel  Smith,  James  Robertson,  Thom- 
as Mulloy,  Isaac  Bledsoe,  Samuel  Barton,  Francis  Prince  and  Isaac 
Lindsey  as  justices  to  organize  the  court.  The  four  last  mentioned  ac- 
cordingly met  at  Nashville  October  6,  1783,  and  qualified  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner:  “The  nest  junior  to  the  senior  member  present  men- 

tioned in  the  commission  administered  the  oath  of  office  prescribed  for 
the  qualification  of  public  officers  to  the  senior  member,  and  then  he  to 
the  others  present.”  The  remainder  of  the  justices  appeared  and  quali- 
fied at  the  nest  term  of  the  court.  Two  years  later  an  act  was  passed  es- 
tablishing a superior  court  of  law  and  equity  for  the  county  of  Davidson 
to  be  held  twice  in  each  year  and  to  have  exclusive  jurisdiction  west  of 
the  Cumberland  Mountains.  The  first  session  of  this  court  was  to  have 
been  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  May,  1786,  but  a young  man  only 
twenty-four  years  of  age  was  appointed  to  be  judge,  who  upon  more  ma- 
ture reflection  becoming  fearful  that  his  small  experience  and  stock  of  le- 
gal acquirements  were  inadequate  to  the  performance  of  those  great  du- 
ties which  the  office  devolved  upon  him,  chose  rather  to  resign  than  to 
risk  the  injustice  to  suitors  which  others  of  better  qualification  might 
certainly  avoid.*  This  delayed  the  organization  of  the  court,  and  it  was 
not  until  November,  1788,  that  Judge  McNairy,  who  was  appointed  to  fill 
the  vacancy,  arrived  in  Nashville.  The  following  is  the  first  entry  in 
the  journal  of  the  supreme  court: 

North  Carolina — -At  a superior  court  of  law  and  equity  begun  and  held  for  the  coun- 
ties Davidson  and  Sumner,  at  the  court  house  in  Nashville,  on  the  first  Monday  in  Novem- 
ber, 1788.  Present,  the  Honorable  John  McNairy,  judge.  Proclamation  was  made  com- 
manding silence  under  pain  of  imprisonment,  while  the  judge  proceeded  in  the  public 
business. 

The  Court  then  appointed  John  McCay,  clerk  and  Andrew  Jackson, 
attorneys  in  behalf  of  the  State  for  that  term.  During  this  year  Tennes- 
see County  was  created  and  with  Davidson  and  Sumner  Counties  were 


*Haywood. 


368 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


organized  into  the  district  of  Mero,  * at  tlie  same  time  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  superior  court  was  somewhat  enlarged,  and  the  salary  of  the  judge 
increased. 

A somewhat  peculiar  and  yet  wholesome  regulation  of  1 eg#!  practice 
was  made  by  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  in  1786.  An  act 
was  passed  making  it  unlawful  for  either  the  plaintiff  or  defendant  to  em- 
ploy more  than  one  attorney  “to  speak  to  any  suit  in  court.”  It  also 
made  it  lawful  for  any  plaintiff  or  defendant  to  enter  his  own  plea  or  de- 
fend his  own  cause,  and,  to  encourage  this  practice,  it  was  provided  that 
“no  instrument  of  writing  which  contained  the  substance  should  be  lost 
or  destroyed  for  want  of  form,  any  law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.” 
A scale  of  attorneys  fees  in  various  cases  was  fixed  by  this  act  and  any 
attorney  convicted  of  taking  more  or  greater  fees  than  those  established 
by  law  was  suspended  from  practice  for  a term  of  one  year. 

Upon  the  organization  of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica south  of  the  River  Ohio,  no  material  change  was  made  in  the  courts. 
Those  holding  office  under  the  authority  of  North  Carolina  generally 
continued  to  serve  in  the  same  capacity  under  the  Territorial  Govern- 
ment, though  a new  constitution  and  a new  oath  of  office  were  required. 
The  two  judges  of  the  superior  court,  David  Campbell  and  John  McNairy, 
were  re-appointed  by  the  President.  Joseph  Anderson  was  added  as  the 
third  judge  required  by  the  ordinance  establishing  the  Territory.  That 
ordinance  also  provided  that  previous  to  the  organization  of  the  Legisla- 
tive Assembly,  the  three  judges  of  the  superior  court,  or  two  of  them, 
should  be  associated  with  the  governor  in  administering  both  the  legis- 
lative and  executive  departments  of  the  government.  Judges  Campbell 
and  Anderson  seem  to  have  been  the  only  ones  who  served  in  this  capac- 
ity, Judge  McNairy’ s name  not  appearing  in  any  of  their  proceedings. 

The  Territorial  Assembly,  soon  after  its  organization  in  1794,  passed 
an  act  establishing  courts,  but  it  was  little  more  than  a confirmation  of 
those  already  in  existence,  with  the  exception  that  provision  was  made 
for  the  appointment  of  a State’s  attorney  in  each  county.  No  change 
was  made  in  the  judges,  and  they  continued  to  hold  their  office  until  the 
admission  of  Tennessee  as  a State,  1796.  The  constitution  adopted  in  that 
year  did  not  establish  any  courts,  but  left  the  matter  entirely  to  the  Leg- 
islature. The  following  is  the  article  relating  to  the  judiciary: 

ARTICLE  V. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power  of  the  State  shall  be  vested  in  such  superior  and  in- 
ferior courts  of  law  and  equity  as  the  Legislature  shall  from  time  to  time  direct  and  estab- 
lish. 


*This  district,  for  some  reason  not  satisfactorily  known,  was  named  for  a Spanish  Officer  residing  in  the 
“ Mississippi  Country,”  with  whom  the  Cumberland  settlements  had  some  sort  of  dealings  and  disagreements. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


369 


Sec.  2.  The  General  Assembly  shall  by  joint  ballot  of  both  bouses  appoint  judges  of 
the  several  courts  of  law  and  equity,  also  an  attorney  or  attorneys  for  the  State  who  shall 
hold  their  respective  offices  during  good  behavior. 

Sec.  3.  The  judges  of  the  superior  courts  shall  at  stated  times  receive  a compensa- 
tion for  their  services  to  he  ascertained  by  law,  but  shall  not  be  allowed  any  fees  of  office, 
nor  shall  they  hold  any  other  office  of  trust  or  profit  under  this  State,  or  the  United 
States. 

Sec.  4.  The  judges  of  the  superior  courts  shall  be  justices  of  oyer  and  terminer,  and 
general  jail  delivery  throughout  the  State. 

Sec.  5.  The  judges  of  the  superior  and  inferior  courts  shall  not  charge  juries  with 
respect  to  matters  of  fact,  but  may  state  the  testimony  and  declare  the  law. 

Sec.  6.  The  judges  of  the  superior  court  shall  have  power  in  all  civil  cases  to  issue 
writs  of  certiorari  to  remove  any  ease  or  transcript  thereof,  from  any  inferior  court  of  re- 
cord into  the  superior,  on  sufficient  cause  supported  by  oath  or  affirmation. 

Sec.  7.  The  judges  or  justices  of  the  inferior  courts  of  law  shall  have  power  in  all 
cases  to  issue  writs  of  certiorari  to  remove  any  case  or  a transcript  thereof  from  any  inferior 
jurisdiction,  into  their  court  on  sufficient  cause  supported  by  oath  or  affirmation, 

Sec.  8.  No  judge  shall  sit  on  the  trial  of  any  cause  wherein  the  parties  shall  be  con- 
nected with  him  by  affinity  or  consanguinity,  except  by  consent  of  the  parties.  In  case 
all  the  judges  of  the  superior  court  interested  in  the  event  of  any  cause,  or  related  to  all 
or  either  of  the  parties,  the  governor  of  the  State  shall  in  such  case  specially  commission 
three  men  of  law  knowledge  for  the  determination  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  All  writs  and  other  processes  shall  run  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  Tennessee 
and  bear  test  and  be  signed  by  the  respective  clerks.  Indictments  shall  conclude  “against 
the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  State.” 

Sec.  10.  Each  court  shall  appoint  its  own  clerk,  who  may  hold  office  during  good 
behavior. 

Sec.  11.  No  fine  shall  be  laid  on  any  citizen  of  the  State  that  shall  exceed  fifty  dol- 
lars, unless  it  be  assessed  by  a jury  of  his  peers,  who  shall  assess  the  fine  at  the  time  they 
find  the  fact,  if  they  think  the  fine  ought  to  be  more  than  fifty  dollars. 

Sec.  12.  There  shall  be  justices  of  the  peace  appointed  for  each  county,  two  for  each 
captain’s  company,  except  the  company  which  includes  the  county  town,  which  shall  not 
exceed  three,  who  shall  hold  their  office  during  good  behavior. 

The  failure  of  this  constitution  to  establish  any  court  may  justly  be 
considered  as  one  of  its  weakest  points.  A supreme  court  which  owes 
its  existence  to  the  legislative  body,  and  which  at  any  time  by  the  re- 
peal or  the  amendment  of  a single  act  might  be  altered  or  abolished, 
could  scarcely  be  expected  to  retain  its  independence,  nor  could  it  be  ex- 
pected to  endanger  its  own  life  by  calling  into  question  the  validity  of  a 
law.  For  such  a court  to  pronounce  an  act  unconstitutional  would  be 
useless,  as  the  Legislature,  having  a sufficient  majority  to  pass  such  an 
act,  would  upon  any  question  of  importance,  have  a majority  to  repeal 
the  law  creating  the  court  itself.  The  danger  from  this  was  manifested 
in  several  instances,  and  was  one  of  the  strongest  arguments  in  favor  of 
the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  in  1834.  In  1829  a controversy 
arose  between  the  judiciary  and  the  Legislature,  and  the  result  was  the 
introduction  of  a bill  which,  had  it  become  a law,  would  have  abolished 
the  then  existing  supreme  court.  The  bill  failed  to  pass  by  a single  vote. 

The  first  General  Assembly  convened  on  the  28th  of  March,  1796, 


370 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  soon  after  passed  an  act  establishing  a superior  court  of  law  and 
equity,  and  a court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions,  and  defining  their 
jurisdiction  and  mode  of  procedure,  which  did  not  differ  materially 
from  that  of  the  courts  under  the  authority  of  North  Carolina  and  the 
Territory.  In  1806  the  district  of  Mero  was  divided  into  three  separate 
and  distinct  judicial  districts.  The  counties  of  Robertson,  Montgom- 
ery, Dickson  and  Stewart  were  constituted  one  district  by  the  name  of 
Robertson,  for  which  the  courts  were  held  at  Clarksville.  Jackson,  Smith 
and  Wilson  Counties  were  organized  into  the  district  of  Winchester, 
and  courts  were  held  at  Carthage.  The  remaining  counties,  Davidson, 
Sumner,  Williamson  and  Rutherford  constituted  the  district  of  Mero, 
with  the  seat  of  justice  at  Nashville.  The  district  of  Hamilton  had 
been  formed  in  1793  from  the  counties  of  Jefferson  and  Knox. 

On  November  16, 1809,  an  act  was  passed  abolishing  the  superior  court 
and  establishing  circuit  courts,  a supreme  court  of  errors  and  appeals  in  its 
stead.  The  former  was  made  to  consist  of  one  judge,  and  was  to  be  held 
twice  annually  in  each  county.  It  was  given  the  same  jurisdiction  in  all 
matters  in  common  law  and  equity  as  belonged  to  the  former  superior 
court,  exclusive  jurisdiction  in  all  criminal  causes  and  appellate  jurisdic- 
tion in  all  cases  from  the  court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions.  A solicitor- 
general  and  a judge  for  each  circuit  were  elected  by  a joint  vote  of  both 
houses  of  the  General  Assembly.  The  State  was  divided  into  five  ju- 
dicial circuits,  as  follows:  First  Circuit,  Greene,  Washington,  Carter,  Sul- 
livan, Hawkins,  Grainger,  Claiborne  and  Campbell.  Second  Circuit,  Cocke, 
Jefferson,  Sevier,  Blount,  Knox,  Anderson,  Roane,  Rhea  and  Bledsoe. 
Third  Circuit,  Smith,  Warren,  Franklin,  Sumner,  Overton,  White  and 
Jackson.  Fourth  Circuit,  Davidson,  Wilson,  Rutherford,  Williamson, 
Maury,  Giles,  Lincoln  and  Bedford.  Fifth  Circuit,  Montgomery,  Dick- 
son, Hickman,  Humphreys,  Stewart  and  Robertson. 

The  supreme  court  of  errors  and  appeals  was  made  to  consist  of  two 
judges  in  error  and  one  circuit  judge,  and  was  to  be  held  annually  at  the 
following  places:  Jonesboro,  Knoxville,  Carthage,  Nashville  and  Clarks- 
ville. The  jurisdiction  of  this  court  was  appellate  only.  The  act  creat- 
ing these  courts  went  into  effect  January  1,  1810,  and  Hugh  L.  White 
and  George  W.  Campbell  were  appointed  judges  of  the  supreme  court. 
In  1811  that  part  of  the  act  which  required  the  attendance  of  a circuit 
judge  in  the  court  of  errors  and  appeals  was  rescinded,  and  it  was  pro- 
vided that  when  the  two  judges  of  that  court  differed,  the  judgment  of 
the  circuit  court  was  to  be  sustained.  By  the  same  act  the  supreme 
court  was  given  exclusive  jurisdiction  in  all  cases  in  equity  arising  in 
the  circuit  courts.  In  1813  a change  was  made  in  the  court  of  pleas 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


371 


and  quarter  sessions,  by  which  five  justices  were  appointed  to  hold  the 
court,  although  the  county  business  was  transacted  as  before  by  all  the 
magistrates  on  the  first  day  of  the  session.  New  judicial  circuits  were 
formed  from  time  to  time  as  new  counties  were  organized.  In  1817  the 
Sixth  Circuit  was  established  from  the  counties  of  Lincoln,  Giles,  Maury, 
Bedford  and  Lawrence.  Two  years  later  the  counties  of  Roane,  Rhea, 
Bledsoe,  Marion,  McMinn,  Hamilton  and  Monroe  were  constituted  the 
Seventh  Circuit.  The  counties  of  Henry,  Carroll,  Madison,  Shelby, 
Wayne,  Hardeman,  Hardin  and  Perry  were  erected  into  the  Eighth 
Circuit  in  1821.  The  Ninth  Circuit  was  formed  in  1823,  from  the  coun- 
ties of  Perry,  Henderson,  Carroll  and  Henry,  and  all  the  counties  to  be 
established  west  of  Carroll  and  Henry.  The  Tenth  Circuit,  composed  of 
Wayne,  Hardin,  McNairy,  Hardeman,  Payette  and  Shelby  was  formed  in 
1830.  At  the  same  time  Warren,  Franklin,  Bedford,  Rutherford  and 
Wilson  Counties  were  constituted  the’  Eleventh  Circuit,  and  Henderson 
and  Perry  were  attached  to  the  eighth.  In  1815  the  number  of  judges 
of  the  supreme  court  was  increased  to  three,  and  Archibald  Roane  was 
appointed  as  the  third  judge.  A fourth  judge  was  added  in  1823,  and 
the  following  year  a fifth.  In  a few  months,  however,  it  was  again  re- 
duced to  four  and  so  continued  until  the  change  in  the  constitution  was 
made.  In  1831  the  office  of  chief  justice  was  created. 

As  has  been  stated,  the  Legislature  of  1829  discussed  and  voted  upon 
a bill  amending  the  judiciary  system.  The  Senate  committee  in  report- 
ing ujion  a bill  from  the  House  making  some  changes  in  the  inferior 
courts,  stated  that  they  considered  the  judiciary  system  of  Tennessee  the 
most  expensive  and  the  least  efficient  of  any  in  the  United  States.  The 
objections  to  it  as  stated  by  them  were  “the  multiplicity  of  courts  which, 
either  as  original  or  appellete,  can  take  jurisdiction  of  the  same  subject 
matter,  the  defective  mode  by  which  these  courts  are  governed,  the 
great  delay  of  common  right  to  the  parties,  and  the  unnecessary  expense 
incurred  by  the  number  of  courts  in  which  the  same  cause  may  be  in- 
vestigated.” 

The  following  description  of  the  “law’s  delay,”  as  given  by  this  com- 
mittee, leads  one  to  infer  that  modern  law  courts  are  not  so  degenerate 
as  they  are  usually  considered:  “A  suit  may  be  commenced  before  a jus- 
tice of  the  peace  for  a sum  not  exceeding  50  cents,  trial  be  had  thereon, 
and  an  appeal  taken  to  the  county  court;  and  notwithstanding  the  small 
sum  in  dispute,  ambition,  spite  and  other  malicious  motives  frequently 
operate  so  as  to  influence  one  or  both  of  the  parties  into  a determination 
to  run  his  adversary  into  as  much  cost  and  trouble  as  possible.  For  this 
purpose  lawyers  are  employed  on  either  side,  witnesses  are  summoned  by 


372 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


neighborhoods  to  attend  court,  often  at  the  most  busy  season  of  the  year, 
much  to  their  inconvenience  and  greatly  to  the  injury  of  their  private 
affairs.  The  cause  may  be  continued  from  term  to  term  for  years,  during 
which  time  ill-will,  strife,  and  party  animosity  prevail,  not  only  between 
the  parties  litigant,  but  unfortunately,  the  surrounding  neighborhood  often 
engages  in  feuds  in  consequence  of  it.  At  length  the  cause  is  tried  in 
the  county  court  where,  in  all  well  regulated  governments,  it  should  end 
so  far  as  relates  to  matters  of  fact.  But  instead  of  ending  there,  and  re- 
storing tranquillity  to  the  neighborhood  and  relieving  a host  of  witnesses 
who  have  been  drawn  from  the  cultivation  of  their  farms  or  from  pursuit 
of  their  ordinary  employment,  an  appeal  is  taken  to  the  circuit  court, 
where  additional  fees  must  be  given  to  lawyers,  clerks,  sheriffs,  consta- 
bles and  jurymen,  and  the  parties  have  not  gained  one  inch  of  ground 
toward  terminating  their  controversy,  but  must  travel  over  the  same 
ground  in  relation  to  law  and  facts  in  the  circuit  court,  and  if  their  purses 
have  not  increased  in  size  their  animosity  toward  each  other  has  in- 
creased threefold.  An  appeal  then  is  taken  to  the  supreme  court.  Law- 
yers1 and  clerks’  fees  are  again  to  be  paid,  and  should  judgment  be  ob- 
tained for  the  plaintiff  he  may  conclude  that  notwithstanding  his  road  to 
justice  has  been  tedious,  yet  he  has  at  length  reached  the  end  of  his 
trouble.  But  even  here  his  hopes,  perhaps,  are  succeeded  by  disappoint- 
ment. A bill  in  equity  may  be  filed  in. the  circuit  court  or  district 
chancery  court  and  the  neighborhood  again  be  disturbed  in  the  taking 
of  depositions.  The  parties  are  again  compelled  to  give  additional  fees 
to  lawyers,  clerks  and  sheriffs.  At  length  the  cause  is  tried  before  the 
fifth  tribunal.  An  appeal  is  again  taken  to  the  supreme  court  from  the 
decree  of  the  chancellor  where  it  is  tried  a sixth  time  with  additional  fees 
to  clerks  and  other  officers.” 

In  estimating  the  expense  of  the  courts  to  the  State,  the  committee 
placed  the  cost  of  jurors  in  the  county  courts  alone  at  $58,652  per  an- 
num, “an  amount  more  than  sufficient  to  defray  the  whole  expense  of  our 
government,  including  a session  of  the  Legislature  each  year.”  The 
costs  in  cases  taken  by  appeal  to  the  circuit  court  are  estimated  at  $46,- 
500  annually,  and  the  cost  of  grand  jurors  at  $30,876. 

Previous  to  1834  the  finding  of  articles  of  impeachment  against 
judges  and  other  officers  was  of  quite  frequent  occurrence.  The  first  case 
of  the  kind  was  that  of  David  Campbell,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supe- 
rior court  of  law  and  equity,  impeached  in  1803.  The  articles  as  pre- 
sented by  the  House  of  Representatives  charged  him  with  taking  a 
bribe  to  the  value  of  $50  from  one  James  Miller,  for  which  he  agreed  to 
procure  a favorable  decision  for  the  latter  in  a case  brought  by  J ohn  Den 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


373 


to  recover  the  possession  of  two  tracts  of  land  situated  in  the  county  of 
Knox.  The  managers  on  the  part  of  the  House  were  Wharton,  Kennedy 
and  Claiborne,  who  procured  Jenkin  Whiteside  as  counsel  for  the  prose- 
cution. The  counsel  for  the  defense  was  Edward  Scott,  John  Williams 
and  Robert  Whyte.  The  oath  was  administered  to  the  senators  by  ■■Hugh 
L.  White,  and  Senator  McMinn  was  chosen  to  preside.  After  hearing 
the  evidence  and  the  arguments  by  the  counsel  a ballot  was  taken,  which 
resulted  in  a verdict  of  not  guilty,  the  vote  standing  three  for  conviction 
and  nine  for  acquittal.  Leave  was  then  given  to  the  senators  to  have 
the  reasons  for  their  votes  recorded,  when  the  following  were  given  by 
John  Gass:  “My  reasons  for  saying  not  guilty  on  the  articles  of  im- 

peachment exhibited  against  David  Campbell,  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
superior  court  of  law  and  equity  in  this  State,  are  because,  if  the  wit- 
ness in  behalf  of  the  prosecution  could  have  such  a corrupted  heart  as  to 
attempt  to  bribe  a judge  to  the  injury  of  another  man,  it  is  a doubtful 
case  whether  the  evidence  ought  to  be  taken  in  such  latitude  as  to  con- 
vict any  person,  therefore  as  it  appears  to  me  to  be  a doubtful  case,  if  I 
should  err  at  all,  I wish  to  err  on  the  side  of  mercy.” 

In  1811  articles  of  impeachment  were  exhibited  by  the  House 
against  William  Cocke,  judge  of  the  First  Circuit.  The  first  two  articles 
charged  him  with  neglecting  to  hold  court  on  various  occasions,  and 
with  failing  to  open  and  close  the  sessions  of  the  court  properly.  The 
third  article  charged  that  “for  the  corrupt  purpose  of  partiality  to  his 
friend,”  he  had  refused  on  one  occasion  to  issue  certain  writs,  to  the 
great  injury  of  the  defendant.  The  case  was  continued  until  the  next 
session  of  the  Legislature,  when  the  defendant  was  acquitted  on  the  first 
two  articles  but  convicted  on  the  third  by  a vote  of  ten  to  three,  and  was 
accordingly  removed  from  his  office.  One  of  the  most  ably  contested 
cases  of  impeachment  in  the  history  of  the  State  was  that  of  Samuel  H. 
Williams,  surveyor  of  the  Seventh  District  of  the  Congressional  Reser- 
vation. He  was  charged  with  having  demanded  and  taken  extortionate 
fees,  and  with  having  allowed  false  entries  to  be  made.  The  trial  was 
begun  during  the  session  of  1821,  but  was  continued  at  the  request  of 
the  defendant  until  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature  in  1822.  It  was 
taken  up  again  on  July  24,  of  that  year,  and  continued  for  nearly  a month, 
when  he  was  found  guilty  upon  four  of  the  eleven  articles.  The  attor- 
neys for  the  defense  were  Jenkin  Whiteside,  Samuel  Houston,  Thomas 
Washington,  Alfred  Balcli  and  Charles  G.  Olmstead,  while  one  of  the 
managers  on  the  part  of  the  House  was  Felix  Grundy. 

In  1829  articles  of  impeachment  were  found  against  Joshua  Haskell, 
a judge  of  the  Eighth  Circuit,  charging  him  with  having,  on  several  oc- 


374 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


// 


casions,  left  tlie  court  liouse  during  the  progress  of  a trial  to  engage  in 
conversation,  business  and  amusement.  The  testimony  given  at  these 
trials  throws  some  light  on  the  character  of  the  courts  of  those  early 
times  and  of  the  houses  in  which  they  were  held.  During  the  trial  of 
J udge  Haskell  a witness  testified  that  the  house  in  which  the  court  was 


held  in  one  of  the  counties  was  a very  uncomfortable  one — -“occupied  by 
hogs  during  the  recess  of  the  court  and  infested  with  fleas.”  Another 
witness,  an  attorney,  stated  that  during  the  progress  of  a certain  trial 
the  judge  was  off  the  bench  from  between  9 and  10  o’clock  until  12 
o’clock,  and  that  upon  another  occasion  during  the  argument  of  the 
counsel,  the  judge  went  with  him  outside  of  the  court  house  and  ate 
a part  of  a watermelon — a doubtful  example  of  judical  dignity.  Gabriel 
Fowlkes  testified  that  at  one  time  during  a trial  he  was  sent  for  the 
judge,  and  found  him  “either  at  the  show  or  in  the  court  house  yard;”  he 
was  not  positive  at  which  place.  During  the  progress  of  this  trial  a diffi- 
culty arose  between  the  counsel  employed  as  to  the  admissibility  of  testi- 
mony; the  question  was  referred  to  a disinterested  attorney,  the  judge 
being  absent,  who  gave  a decision,  and  the  cause  progressed.  Judge 
Haskell,  however,  seems  to  have  been  a universal  favorite  on  his  circuit, 
and  notwithstanding  the  testimony  he  was  acquitted  of  the  charge,  the 
wote  of  the  Senate  being  equally  divided. 

In  1829  N.  W.  Williams,  judge  of  the  Third  Judical  Circuit,  was 
tried  upon  charges  of  neglect  of  official  duty.  One  of  the  articles  of 
impeachment  charged  that  “while  Hopkins  L.  Turney,  an  attorney  of 
that  court,  was  arguing  before  him  a certain  civil  suit  concerning  an  In- 
dian reservation,  which  suit  then  and  there  was  and  had  been  on  trial  for 
one  day,  he,  the  said  judge,  unmindful  of  the  duties  of  his  office  and  his 
obligation  to  perform  them  faithfully  and  impartially  to  the  best  of  his 
skill  and  ability,  did  carelessly,  negligently  and  unlawfully  go  to  sleep 
and  continue  asleep  for  the  space  of  one  hour;  waking  from  his  sleep  he 
inquired  what  suit  it  was,  and  being  told  by  said  attorney,  said  he  was 
related  to  some  of  the  parties,  and  could  not  sit  in  that  case.”  Charges 
of  partiality  were  also  preferred  against  him.  He  was  acquitted,  and  it 
was  generally  believed  that  the  prosecution  was  inspired  by  the  animosity 
of  some  of  the  attorneys  who  practiced  before  him. 

The  new  constitution  of  1834  made  no  radical  change  in  the  judicial 
system  then  in  existence,  but  the  supreme  court  was  rendered  indepen- 
dent of  the  Legislature  by  embodying  provision  for  its  establishment  in 
that  constitution.  For  the  purpose  of  comparison,  the  article  relating  to 
the  judiciary  is  given  in  full: 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


375 


ARTICLE  VI. 

Section  1.  TLie  judicial  power  of  this  State  shall  be  vested  in  one  supreme  court,  in 
such  inferior  courts  as  the  Legislature  shall  from  time  to  time  ordain  and  establish,  and 
the  judges  thereof,  and  in  justices  of  the  peace.  The  Legislature  may  also  vest  such  juris- 
diction as  may  be  deemed  necessary  in  corporation  courts. 

Sec.  2.  The  supreme  court  shall  be  composed  of  three  judges,  one  of  whom  shall  re- 
side in  each  of  the  three  grand  divisions  of  the  State;  the  concurrence  of  two  of  said 
judges  shall  in  every  case  be  necessary  to  a decision.  The  jurisdiction  of  this  court  shall 
be  appellate  only,  under  such  restrictions  and  regulations  as  may  from  time  to  time  be 
prescribed  by  law;  but  it  may  possess  such  other  jurisdiction  as  is  now  conferred  by  law  on 
the  present  supreme  court.  Said  court  shall  be  held  at  one  place,  at  one  place  only,  in 
each  of  the  three  grand  divisions  in  the  State. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Assembly  shall,  by  joint  vote  of  both  houses,  appoint  judges  of 
■the  several  courts  of  law  and  equity;  but  courts  may  be  established  to  be  holden  by  jus- 
tices of  the  peace.  Judges  of  the  supreme  court  shall  be  thirty-five  years  of  age,  and 
shall  be  elected  for  the  term  of  twelve  years. 

Sec.  4.  The  judges  of  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Legislature  may  establish  shall  be 
thirty  years  of  age,  and  shall  be  elected  for  the  term  of  eight  years. 

Sec.  5.  The  Legislature  shall  elect  attorneys  for  the  State  by  joint  vote  of  both  houses 
of  the  General  Assembly,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  six  years.  In  all 
•cases  when  an  attorney  for  any  district  fails  or  refuses  to  attend  and  prosecute  according 
to  law,  the  court  shall  have  power  to  appoint  an  attorney  pro  tempore. 

Sec.  6.  Judges  and  attorneys  for  the  State  may  be  removed  from  office  by  a concur- 
rent vote  of  both  houses  of  the  General  Assemby,  each  house  voting  separately,  but  two- 
thirds  of  all  the  members  elected  to  each  house  must  concur  in  such  vote;  the  vote  shall  be 
determined  by  ayes  and  noes.and  the  names  of  the  members  voting  for  or  against  the  judge 
■or  attorney  for  the  State,  together  with  the  cause  or  causes  of  removal,  shall  be  entered 
on  the  journals  of  each  house,  respectively.  The  judge  or  attorney  for  the  State,  against 
whom  the  Legislature  may  be  about  to  proceed,  shall  receive  notice  thereof,  accompanied 
with  a copy  of  the  cause  alleged  for  his  removal,  at  least  ten  days  before  the  day  on  which 
■either  house  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  act  thereupon. 

Sec.  7.  The  judges  of  the  supreme  and  inferior  courts  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive 
a compensation  for  their  services,  to  be  ascertained  by  law,  which  shall  not  be  increased 
or  diminished  during  the  term  for  which  they  are  elected.  They  shall  not  be  allowed  any 
fees  or  perquisites  of  office,  nor  hold  any  other  office  of  trust  or  profit  under  this  State  or 
the  United  States. 

Sec.  8.  The  jurisdiction  of  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Legislature  may  from  time  to 
time  establish  shall  be  regulated  bylaw. 

Sec.  9.  Judges  shall  not  charge  juries  with  respect  to  matters  of  fact,  but  may  state 
the  testimony  and  declare  the  law. 

Sec.  10.  The  judges  or  justices  of  such  inferior  courts  of  law  as  the  Legislature  may 
•establish  shall  have  power  in  all  civil  cases  to  issue  writs  of  certiorari  to  remove  any 
cause  or  transcript  thereof,  from  any  inferior  jurisdiction,  into  said  court  on  sufficient 
cause,  supported  by  oath  or  affirmation. 

Sec.  11.  Ho  judge  of  the  supreme  or  inferior  courts  shall  preside  in  the  trial  of  any 
cause  in  the  event  of  which  he  may  be  interested  or  where  either  of  the  parties  shall  be 
connected  with  him  by  affinity  or  consanguinity  within  such  degrees  as  may  be  prescribed 
bylaw,  or  in  which  he  may  have  been  of  counsel  or  in  which  he  may  have  presided  in  any 
inferior  court,  except  by  consent  of  all  the  parties.  In  case  all  or  any  of  the  judges  of 
the  supreme  court  shall  be  thus  disqualified  from  presiding  on  the  trial  of  any  cause  or 
causes  the  court  or  the  judges  thereof  shall  certify  the  same  to  the  governor  of  the  State, 
and  he  shall  forthwith  specially  commission  the  requisite  number  of  men  of  law  knowledge 
Lor  the  trial  and  determination  thereof.  In  case  of  sickness  of  any  of  the  judges  of  the  su- 
preme or  inferior  court  so  that  they,  or  any  of  them,  are  unable  to  attend,  the  Legisla- 


376 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


ture  shall  be  authorized  to  make  provision  by  general  laws  that  special  judges  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  attend  said  courts. 

Sec.  12.  All  writs  and  other  processes  shall  run  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  Tennessee, 
and  bear  test  and  be  signed  by  the  respective  clerks.  Indictments  shall  conclude  “against 
the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  State.”  i 

Sec.  13.  Judges  of  the  supreme  court  shall  appoint  their  clerks,  who  shall  hold  their 
offices  for  the  period  of  six  years.  Chancellors  (if  courts  of  chancery  shall  be  established) 
shall  appoint  their  clerks  and  masters,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  for  a period  of  six  years. 
Clerks  of  such  inferior  courts  as  may  be  hereafter  established,  which  shall  be  required  to 
be  liolden  in  the  respective  counties  of  the  State,  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters 
thereof  for  the  term  of  four  years.  They  shall  be  removed  from  office  for  malfeasance, 
incompetency  or  neglect  of  duty  in  such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed  bylaw. 

Sec.  14.  No  fine  shall  be  laid  on  any  citizen  of  the  State  that  shall  exceed  fifty  dol- 
lars, unless  it  shall  be  assessed  by  a jury  of  his  peers,  who  shall  assess  the  fine  at  the  time 
they  find  thS  fact,  if  they  think  the  fine  should  be  more  than  fifty  dollars. 

Sec.  15.  The  different  counties  in  the  State  shall  be  laid  off, as  the  General  Assembly 
may  direct,  into  districts  of  convenient  size,  so  that  the  whole  number  in  each  county  shall 
not  be  more  than  twenty-five,  or  four  for  every  one  hundred  square  miles.  There  shall 
be  two  justices  of  the  peace  and  one  constable  elected  in  each  district  by  the  qualified 
voters  therein,  except  districts  including  county  towns,  which  shall  elect  three  justices  and 
two  constables.  The  jurisdiction  of  said  officers  shall  be  co-extensive  with  the  county. 
Justices  of  the  peace  shall  be  elected  for  the  term  of  two  years.  Upon  the  removal  of 
either  of  said  officers  from  the  district  in  which  he  was  elected  his  office  shall  become  va- 
cant from  the  time  of  such  removal.  Justices  of  the  peace  shall  be  commissioned  by  the 
governor.  The  Legislature  shall  have  power  to  provide  for  the  appointment  of  an  addi- 
tional number  of  justices  of  the  peace  in  incorporated  towns. 

The  General  Assembly,  which  convened  after  the  adoption  of  the 
constitution  in  1835,  passed  an  act  establishing  a supreme  court  with  the 
same  jurisdiction  it  had  previously  possessed;  also  chancery,  circuit  and 
county  courts.  The  State  was  divided  into  three  chancery  divisions,  for 
each  of  which  a chancellor  was  appointed.  These  divisions  were  in  turn 
divided  into  chancery  districts,  there  being  nine  in  East  Tennessee,  fif- 
teen in  Middle  Tennessee  and  six  in  West  Tennessee.  Chancery  courts, 
however,  were  not  held  in  many  of  the  counties  until  several  years  after 
the  passage  of  this  act. 

The  circuit  courts  were  made  courts  of  general  jurisdiction,  and  were 
given  exclusive  jurisdiction  in  all  cases  triable  by  jury,  both  criminal 
and  civil,  which  had  previously  come  before  the  county  court.  The  State 
was  divided  into  eleven  judicial  circuits  as  follows:  First  Circuit,  Greene, 
Washington,  Sullivan,  Johnson,  Hawkins,  Grainger  and  Claiborne  Coun- 
ties. Second,  Cooke,  Jefferson,  Sevier,  Blount,  Knox,  Campbell,  Anderson 
and  Morgan.  Third,  Boane,  Rhea,  Meigs,  Bledsoe,  Marion,  Hamilton, 
McMinn  and  Monroe.  Fourth,  Smith,  Overton,  White,  Jackson,  Fentress 
and  Warren.  Fifth,  Wilson,  Rutherford,  Bedford,  Coffee  and  Franklin. 
Sixth,  Williamson,  Davidson  and  Sumner.  Seventh,  Dickson,  Hickman 
Humphreys,  Stewart,  Montgomery  and  Robertson.  Eighth,  Lincoln, 
Giles,  Maury  and  Lawrence.  Ninth,  Henry,  Weakley,  Obion,  Dyer,  Gib- 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


377 


son,  Carroll  and  Benton.  Tenth,  Perry,  Henderson,  Madison,  Haywood^ 
Tipton  and  Lauderdale.  Eleventh,  Shelby,  Fayette,  Hardeman,  McNairy, 
Hardin  and  Wayne.  County  courts  -were  established  to  be  held  by  all 
the  magistrates  in  the  county,  but  one-third  o£  them  were  made  a quo- 
rum to  transact  all  business  except  the  levying  of  taxes  and  the  appro- 
priating of  sums  amounting  to  more  than  $50.  The  same  jurisdiction 
was  given  to  the  single  justice  that  he  had  previously  exercised. 

In  1837  three  new  judicial  circuits  were  established,  the  Twelfth  con-, 
sisting  of  Cocke,  Sevier,  Jefferson,  Grainger,  Claiborne  and  Campbell; 
the  Thirteenth,  of  Warren,  Lincoln,  Franklin  and  Coffee;  and  the  Four- 
teenth of  Lawrence,  Wayne,  Hardin,  Perry,  Carroll  and  Benton.  At  the 
same  time  the  counties  of  Monroe  and  Boane  were  attached  to  the  Second 
Circuit.  In  1843  criminal  courts  were  established  in  Shelby  and  David- 
son Counties,  and  were  given  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  all  crimes  and 
misdemeanors.  Similar  courts  were  established  in  Montgomery,  Ruther- 
ford and  Wilson  Counties  in  1848.  Sections  3 and  5 of  Article  VI  of 
the  constitution  were  amended  to  road  as  follows: 

Sec.  3.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters  of 
the  State  at  large,  and  the  judges  of  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Legislature  may  establish 
shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters  residing  within  the  bounds  of  any  district  or  circuit 
to  which  such  inferior  judge,  or  judges,  either  of  law  or  equity  may  be  assigned,  by  ballot, 
in  the  same  manner  that  members  of  the  General  Assembly  are  elected.  Courts  may  be 
established  to  be  holden  by  Justices  of  the  Peace.  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  shall 
be  thirty-five  years  of  age,  and  shall  be  elected  for  the  term  of  eight  years. 

Sec.  5.  An  Attorney-General  for  the  State  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters  of 
the  State  at  large,  and  the  Attorney  for  the  State,  for  any  circuit  or  district  to  which  a j udge 
of  an  inferior  court  may  be  assigned,  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters  within  the 
bounds  of  such  district  or  circuit  in  the  same  manner  that  members  of  the  General 
Assembly  are  elected  ; all  said  attorneys,  both  for  the  State  and  circuit  or  district,  shall 
hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  six  years.  In  all  cases  where  the  attorney  for  any  dis- 
trict fails  or  refuses  to  attend  and  prosecute  according  to  law,  the  court  shall  have  power 
to  appoint  an  attorney  pro  tempore. 

Upon  the  reorganization  of  the  supreme  court  in  1835,  William  B. 
Turley,  William  B.  Reese  and  Hathan  Green  were  elected  judges,  all  of 
whom  had  resigned  previous  to  the  adoption  of  the  above  amendment, 
Judge  Reese  in  1848,  Turley  in  1850,  and  Green  in  1852.  Their-  places 
were  supplied  by  the  election  of  Robert  J.  McKinney,  A.  W.  O.  Totten 
and  Robert  L.  Caruthers.  At  the  election  in  1853,  these  men  were  all 
re-elected  by  the  people.  Judge  Totten  resigned  two  years  later  and 
William  R.  Harris  was  elected  to  succeed  him.  The  latter  continued  to 
hold  the  office  until  his  death  on  June  19,  1858,  when  Archibald  Wright 
was  chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy.  In  1861  Judge  Caruthers  resigned,  and 
was  succeeded  by  William  F.  Cooper.  During  the  civil  war  no  term  of 
this  court  was  held,  and  nearly  all  of  the  inferior  courts  were  also  sus- 


I 


S78  HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 

pended.  At  tlie  close  of  hostilities  Gov.  Brownlow  declared  the  supreme/ 
bench  vacant  and  appointed  Samuel  Milligan,  J.  0.  Shackleford  and 
Alvin  Hawkins  as  judges.  In  1867  Judge  Shackleford  resigned,  but  dur- 
ing the  following  year  was  reappointed,  Horace  H.  Harrison  having 
held  the  office  during  the  interim.  During  1868  both  Hawkins  and  Mil- 
ligan presented  their  resignations,  and  their  places  were  filled  by  the 
appointment  of  Henry  G.  Smith  and  George  Andrews.  In  May  of  the 
nest  year  there  was  an  election  by  the  people  under  the  restricted  suffra- 
ges which  then  prevailed,  and  George  Andrews,  Andrew  McLain  and 
Alvin  Hawkins  were  chosen  judges. 

The  new  constitution  of  1870  made  but  little  change  in  the  judicial 
system,  except  to  increase  the  number  of  judges  of  the  supreme  court 
to  five ; a large  number  of  cases  had  accumulated,  owing  to  the  immense 
amount  of  litigation  immediately  following  the  war ; and  to  expedite  bus- 
iness, it  was  provided,  that  at  the  first  election  six  judges  should  be 
chosen,  and  that  they  should  be  divided  into  two  sections,  who  should 
hold,  court  simultaneously  in  the  same  division  of  the  State.  It  was  fur- 
ther provided,  should  any  vacancy  occur  after  January  1,  1873,  it  should 
remain  unfilled.  An  election  was  held  in  August,  1870,  at  which  the 
judges  chosen  were  Alfred  O.  P.  Nicholson,  James  W.  Deaderick,  Peter 
Turney,  Thomas  A.  B.  Nelson,  John  L.  T.  Sneed,  and  Thomas  J.  Free- 
man. The  first  named  was  chosen  chief  justice,  which  position  he  held 
until  his  death,  in  1876,  when  James  W.  Deaderick,  the  present  incum- 
bent, succeeded  him.  In  1871  Judge  Nelson  resigned  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Robert  McFarland.  At  the  election  in  August,  1878,  all  of 
the  judges  then  on  the  bench  were  re-elected,  with  the  exception  of  J.  L. 
T.  Sneed,  whose  place  was  filled  by  William  F.  Cooper.  The  large 
number  of  cases  coming  before  the  supreme  court  impelled  the  Legis- 
lature, in  1875,  to  pass  an  act  providing  for  the  appointment  of  a special 
commission,  to  try  causes  referred  to  them,  upon  the  written  agreement 
of  all  the  parties  to  the  suit,  or  of  their  attorneys.  Their  decisions  were 
made  final,  but  were  submitted  to  the  supreme  court  for  approval. 
This  commission  was  appointed  to  sit  for  a few  months  only,  at  Jackson 
and  Memphis.  By  a similar  act  passed  two  years  later,  two  commissions 
were  appointed,  one  to  sit  at  Nashville,  and  the  other  at  Jackson,  from 
May  until  December  of  that  year.  In  1883  a court  of  referees  was  es- 
tablished for  each  of  the  three  grand  divisions  of  the  State,  to  hear  civil 
causes,  and  to  present  a statement  of  each  to  the  supreme  court  for  a 
final  decision,  privilege  being  given  to  either  party  to  the  suit,  dissatis- 
fied with  the  decree  of  the  referees,  to  file  objection  to  it.  The  judges 
appointed  for  Middle  Tennessee  were  W.  L.  Eakin,  W.  C.  Caldwell  and 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


379 


John  Tinnon;  for  East  Tennessee,  John  Frizzell,  John  L.  T.  Sneed  and 
R.  T.  Kirkpatrick;  for  West  Tennessee,  D.  A.  Snodgrass,  John  Bri  ght 
and  John  E.  Garner.  Judge  Garner  resigned  in  July,  1883  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  E.  L.  Gardenhire.  The  court  of  referees  for  the  eastern  and 
western  divisions  of  the  State  expired  by  limitation  January  1,  1885,. 
and  the  one  for  Middle  Tennessee,  April  30,  1886.  The  present  su- 
preme court  consists  of  the  following  judges:  James  W.  Deaderick, 

Peter  Turney,  Thomas  J.  Freeman,  W.  F.  Cooper  and  J.  B.  Cooke. 

In  many  of  the  States  within  the  past  few  years,  the  distinction  be- 
tween law  and  equity  courts  has  been  abolished,  and  equity  jurisdiction 
given  to  the  law  courts.  The  same  has  been  done  in  Tennessee,  to  some 
extent,  with  this  difference,  that  law  jurisdiction  has  been  given  to  equity 
courts.  In  1877  an  act  was  passed  conferring  upon  the  chancery  court 
concurrent  jurisdiction  with  the  circuit  court  of  all  civil  cases,  except 
for  injuries  to  person,  property  or  character,  involving  unliquidated 
damages.  A large  number  of  suits  are,  therefore,  brought  in  the  chan- 
cery court,  since  upon  appeal  they  are  tried  de  novo  by  the  supreme 
court.  In  1870  the  State  was  divided  into  twelve  chancery  districts,  for 
each  of  which  a chancellor  is  elected.  Several  special  courts,  probate, 
criminal  and  others,  have  been  established  to  meet  the  wants  of  towns, 
and  the  more  populous  counties.  In  1870  the  law  court  of  Nashville  was 
established  to  have  concurrent  jurisdiction  with  the  circuit  court  of 
Davidson  County,  and  to  be  held  quarterly.  It  continued  until  1877, 
when  it  was  abolished. 

The  jurisdiction  of  the  circuit  courts  has  not  been  materially  changed 
since  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of  1834;  but  owing  to  the  creation 
of  new  counties,  the  judicial  circuits  have  been  subject  to  frequent 
alterations.  As  now  constituted  they  are  as  follows : First  Circuit — Carter, 
Greene,  Hancock,  Hawkins,  Johnson,  Sullivan,  Unicoi  and  Washington 
Second  Circuit — Claiborne,  Campbell,  Grainger,  Union,  Hamblen,  Jef- 
ferson, Cocke,  Anderson  and  Sevier.  Third  Circuit — Blount,  Monroe,  Lou- 
don, Boane,  Morgan  and  Scott.  Fourth  Circuit — Bradley,  Polk,  Meigs, 
Kkea,  Bledsoe,  Sequatchie,  Marion,  Hamilton,  McMinn  and  James.  Fifth 
Circuit — Pickett,  Fentress,  Cumberland,  Putnam,  Overton,  Clay,  Jackson, 
Smith,  Macon  and  Trousdale.  Sixth  Circuit — Van  Buren,  Grundy,  Frank- 
lin, Coffee,  Warren,  Moore,  Lincoln,  De  Kalb  and  White.  Seventh  Cir- 
cuit— Davidson,  Williamson  and  Cheatham.  Eighth  Circuit — Wilson, 
Rutherford,  Cannon,  Bedford  and  Marshal.  Ninth  Circuit — Maury,  Giles, 
Lawrence,  Wayne,  Hardin,  Lewis  and  Hickman.  Tenth  Circuit — Sumner, 
Robertson,  Montgomery,  Stewart,  Houston,  Dickson  and  Humphreys. 
Eleventh  Circuit — McNairy,  Chester,  Madison,  Henderson,  Decatur  and 


380 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Perry.  Twelfth  Circuit — Obion,  Weakley,  Henry,  Carroll,  Gibson,  Crock- 
ett, Haywood  and  Benton,  Thirteenth  Circuit — Hardeman,  Payette,  Tip- 
ton,  Lauderdale,  Dyer  and  Lake.  Shelby  County  constitutes  the  Four- 
teenth Circuit;  it  also  has  a criminal  court.  Knox  County  has  a criminal 
court,  the  judge  of  which  presides  over  the  circuit  court  of  that  county. 
Davidson  and  Rutherford,  each  have  a criminal  court;  but  both  are  pre- 
sided over  by  the  same  judge.  Montgomery  County  also  has  a criminal 
court. 

By  the  act  of  1885,  the  State  is  also  divided  into  eleven  chancery  divis- 
ions as  follows:  First — Johnson,  Carter,  Washington,  Sullivan,  Hawkins, 
Greene,  Hancock,  Claiborne,  Jefferson,  Cocke,  Hamblen,  Unicoi  and 
Grainger.  Second — Knox,  Campbell,  Sevier,  Union,  Anderson,  Blount, 
Roane,  Loudon,  Morgan,  Scott.  Third — Bradley,  Polk,  Rhea,  Marion, 
McMinn,  Hamilton,  Monroe,  Meigs,  Bledsoe,  Sequatchie,  Van  Buren, 
Coffee;  Grundy.  Fourth — Warren,  Cannon,  Rutherford,  Bedford,  Frank- 
lin, Lincoln,  Moore  and  Marshall.  Fifth — Cumberland,  Fentress,  Pickett, 
Overton,  Clay,  Jackson,  Putnam,  White,  De  Kalb,  Smith  and  Macon. 
Sixth — Davidson,  Williamson.  Seventh — Maury,  Giles,  Lawrence,  Lewis, 
Wayne,  Hickman,  Hardin,  Perry,  Decatur,  Dickson,  Benton.  Eighth — 
Sumner,  Robertson,  Montgomery,  Wilson,  Stewart,  Houston,  Cheatham, 
Humphreys  and  Trousdale.  Ninth — Hardin,  McNairy,  Chester,  Madi- 
son, Crockett,  Henderson,  Carroll  and  Henry.  Tenth — Fayette,  Tipton, 

Haywood,  Lauderdale,  Dyer,  Obion,  Weakley,  Gibson.  Eleventh — 

Shelby. 

The  act  creating  Tennessee  a judicial  district  was  passed  by  the  Fifth 
Congress,  and  was  approved  January  31,  1797.  The  first  session  of  the 
court  was  ordered  to  be  held  at  Nashville,  on  the  first  Monday  of  the  fol- 
lowing April,  and  thereafter,  quarterly,  at  Knoxville  and  Nashville,  alter- 
nately. For  some  reason  the  court  was  not  organized  until  July.  The 
following  is  the  first  entry  in  the  records  of  this  court:  “ Be  it  remem- 

bered that  on  the  third  day  of  July,  1797,  a commission  from  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  and  under  seal  thereof,  directed  to  John 
McNairy,  Esq.,  to  be  judge  of  the  court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
district  of  Tennessee,  bearing  date  the  twentieth  of  February,  1797,  was 
produced  and  read,  whereupon  Archibald  Roane,  a judge  of  the  superior 
■court  of  law  and  equity,  in  and  for  the  State  of  Tennessee,  administered 
to  the  said  John  McNairy  the  oath  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States  and  the  oath  of  office.”  Robert  Hays  produced  his  com- 
mission as  marshal  and  qualified,  giving  James  White  and  Willie  Blount 
as  his  securities ; Thomas  Gray,  qualified  as  United  States  Attorney,  and 
appointed  Henry  Brazeale  his  deputy.  Randal  McGavock  was  appointed 


* 


Felix  Grundy 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


381 


clerk  of  the  court.  No  other  business  was  transacted  at  this  session 
except  to  admit  W.  C.  C.  Claiborne  to  practice,  and  nothing  more  was 
done  except  to  open  and  adjourn  the  court  until  April,  1798,  at  which 
time  the  following  grand  jury  was  empaneled:  Daniel  Smith,  foreman ; 
Joel  Rice,  Thomas  James,  Abram  Maury,  John  Nichols,  John  Hoggatt, 
William  Turnbull,  John  Donelson,  Thomas  Smith,  George  Ridley, 
Edmund  Gamble,  John  Childress,  Sr.,  Alexander  Ewing,  James  Mulher- 
rin,  and  Jones  Manifee.  The  jury  brought  in  bills  of  indictment  against 
Robert  Trimble  and  Archibald  Lackey  for  entering  the  Cherokee  coun- 
try without  obtaining  a pass.  They  were  tried  at  the  October  term  and 
fined  $25  and  $10,  respectively.  In  1801  Tennessee  was  divided  into 
two  districts,  and  at  the  same  time  the  Sixth  Judicial  Circuit  was  estab- 
lished to  consist  of  the  districts  of  East  and  West  Tennessee,  Kentucky 
and  Ohio.  The  court  was  made  to  consist  of  one  circuit  judge,  and  the 
judges  of  the  districts  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  two  of  whom  consti- 
tuted a quorum.  The  first  session  of  this  court  was  begun  and  held  at 
Nashville,  April  20,  1802.  James  Robertson  administered  the  oath  of 
office  to  Henry  Innis,  of  Kentucky,  and  John  McNairy,  of  Tennessee,  as 
judges  of  the  circuit  court.  Robert  Hays  qualified  as  marshal,  and 
Randal  McGavock,  as  clerk.  At  the  October  term  William  McClung  was 
admitted  as  judge  of  the  circuit  court  and  presiding  judge.  The  act  of 
1802  was  repealed  in  1807,  and  the  Seventh  Circuit,  embracing  Ohio, 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  was  established.  The  court  convened  June  13, 
1808,  Thomas  Todd,  associate  justice,  and  John  McNairy,  district  judge, 
being  present.  Robert  Searcy  was  elected  clerk,  and  John  Childress 
qualified  as  marshal.  But  little  business  of  importance  was  transacted 
by  this  court  for  several  years.  In  1827  Judge  Todd  was  succeeded  by 
Robert  Trimble  as  associate  justice. 

John  McNairy  continued  judge  of  the  district  of  Tennessee  until 
1834,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Morgan  W.  Brown,  who  held  the  office 
until  1853.  In  1838  an  act  was  passed  requiring  a session  of  the  dis- 
trict court  to  be  held  at  Jackson  in  September  of  each  year.  The  fol- 
lowing year  the  territory  west  of  the  Tennessee  River  was  constituted  a 
separate  district.  One  judge  continued  to  preside  over  the  courts  of  the 
three  districts  of  the  State  until  1877,  when  E.  S.  Hammond  was  appointed 
judge  for  the  district  of  West  Tennessee.  In  1853  West  H.  Humphreys 
was  appointed  district  judge  for  Tennessee  by  President  Pierce.  He 
continued  to  hold  the  office  until  1861,  when  he  accepted  a commission  as 
judge  under  the  Confederate  Government.  He  was  then  convicted  on  a trial 
of  impeachment  by  the  United  States  Senate,  and  Connolly  F.  Trigg  was 
appointed  to  succeed  him.  No  session  of  the  district  court  was  held  at 

24 


382 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Nashville  from  April,  1861,  until  June  3,  1862.  The  following  is  in  the 
records  at  the  opening  of  the  court  on  that  day:  “Be  it  remembered 

that  on  the  third  day  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-two,  the  Dis- 
trict Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  district  of  Middle  Tennessee,  was 
opened  for  the  transaction  of  business.  Present,  the  Hon.  John  Catron, 
associate  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  assigned  to 
hold  court  in  the  Eighth  Circuit,  and  authorized  by  law  to  hold  the  United 
States  District  Court  for  this  district  in  the  absence  of  the  district  judge. 
Present,  also,  H.  H.  Harrison,  clerk,  and  E.  Pi.  Glasscock,  marshal.”  At 
the  March  term,  1863,  it  was  ordered  by  the  court  that  no  attorney  be 
allowed  to  practice  who  had  not  taken  the  oath  to  support  the  constitu- 
tion, since  the  restoration  of  Federal  authority  in  the  district.  Accord- 
ingly several  attorneys  appeared  and  took  the  oath.  During  the  three  or 
four  years  following  the  attention  of  the  court  was  chiefly  occupied 
with  cases  of  conspiracy  and  confiscation.  On  July  15,  1862,  an  act  was 
passed  increasing  the  number  of  associate  justices  of  the  United  States 
Supreme  Court,  which  also  increased  the  number  of  judicial  circuits, 
the  States  of  Louisiana,  Texas,  Arkansas,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  being 
constituted  the  Sixth  Circuit.  In  1866  the  circuits  were  again  changed, 
and  Ohio,  Michigan,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  have  since  formed  the 
Sixth  Circuit.  H.  H.  Emmons  was  appointed  circuit  judge  in  1869,  and 
continued  in  the  office  until  1877,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  John  Baxter. 
Judge  Baxter  died  in  April,  1886,  and  was  succeeded  by  Howell  E. 
Jackson. 

The  bench  and  bar  of  Tennessee  have  always  been  able  to  challenge 
comparison  with  that  of  any  other  State  in  the  Union  in  point  of  ability, 
and  especially  was  this  true  during  the  early,  part  of  the  present  century. 
The  data  for  the  characterization  of  some  of  the  most  eminent  lawyers 
and  jurists  has  been  obtained  from  personal  recollection  and  from  various 
publications.  Of  those  who  were  identified  with  the  courts  while  they 
were  yet  under  the  authority  of  North  Carolina,  and  later  under  the 
Territorial  government,  none  occupied  a higher  position  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  people  than  Col.  David  Campbell,  who,  it  has  been  said,  “left 
the  savor  of  a good  name  wherever  he  was  known.”  Eor  some  twenty- 
five  years  of  his  life,  he  was  in  the  public  service,  either  as  judge  or 
legislator,  and  was  ever  distinguished  for  his  wise  council,  and  sound 
judgment.  He  was  a judge  of  the  superior  court  under  the  authority  of 
North  Carolina,  both  before  and  after  the  existence  of  the  State  of 
Franklin,  under  which  he  also  held  the  same  position.  In  the  spring  of 
1790  he  was  appointed  Territorial  judge  by  the  President,  which  office 
he  held  until  the  organization  of  the  State.  Upon  the  resignation  of 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


383 


AY.  C.  C.  Claiborne,  a judge  of  the  superior  court  in  1797,  lie  was  ap- 
pointed to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  continued  on  the  bench  until  the  abolition 
of  the  court.  He  was  soon  after  made  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Territory,  and  died  in  the  fall  of  1812.  Associated  with  him  upon 
the  bench  of  the  Superior  Court  of  North  Carolina,  and  also  as  a Terri- 
torial judge,  was  John  McNairy,  a man  some  years  his  junior,  but  not  his 
inferior  in  point  of  ability.  Judge  McNairy  organized  the  first  superior 
court  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and  on  his  journeys  through 
the  wilderness  from  Jonesboro  to  Nashville  he  had  several  narrow  escapes 
from  the  Indians,  and  on  one  occasion  lost  his  horses,  camp  equipage 
and  clothing.  He  continued  upon  the  bench  of  the  superior  court  after 
the  organization  of  the  State  for  about  a year,  when  he  was  appointed 
district  judge  of  the  Federal  courts  for  Tennessee,  which  office  he  held 
until  1834.  He  died  three  years  later  at  an  advanced  age,  having  served 
upon  the  bench  for  the  extraordinary  period  of  forty-six  years.  His 
whole  judicial  service  was  distinguished  by  a disregard  of  persons  and 
parties,  and  an  unswerving  devotion  to  truth  and  justice.  The  following 
epitaph,  written  by  his  nephew,  is  very  appropriate : 

In  council  wise,  of  artless  mind, 

E’er  honest  he  and  passing  kind; 

Fair  Peace  through  life  her  smiles  did  lend; 

None  knew  but  loved  this  gentle  friend. 

Accompanying  Judge  McNairy  on  his  first  trip  to  hold  court  at  Nash- 
ville in  1788  was  a young  man  just  entering  upon  the  practice  of  law, 
and  who  subscribed  himself  A.  Jackson.*  It  proved  to  be  a most  oppor- 
tune arrival  for  the  young  advocate,  as  his  peculiar  talents  were  in  de- 
mand at  that  time.  “The  only  licensed  lawyer  in  AVest  Tennessee  being 
engaged  in  the  service  of  the  debtors,  who,  it  seems,  made  common  cause 
against  their  common  enemy,  the  creditors,  j*”  Attorney  Jackson  was 
made  public  prosecutor,  and  immediately  secured  a large  patronage  from 
the  creditor  class,  whose  rights  he  fearlessly  championed.  He  continued 
the  practice  of  his  profession  without  interruption  until  the  organization 
of  the  State,  after  which  he  was  almost  continuously  in  the  public  service 
until  the  close  of  his  presidential  term.  He  was  upon  the  bench  of  the 
supreme  court  for  a period  of  six  years,  but  neither  as  a lawyer  nor  as  a 
jurist  can  he  be  said  to  have  exhibited  any  great  ability,  although  there  is 

^Previous  to  the  appointment  of  John  McNairy  to  be  judge  of  the  superior  court,  the  office,  in  1784, 
as  stated  by  Haywood,  was  tendered  to  a “ young  man  of  the  age  of  twenty-four  years.”  Putnam,  in  his  history 
of  Middle  Tennessee,  page  235,  quotes  the  "passage  referred  to  and  adds:  “This  same  ‘ young  man  ’ advanced  in 
years,  increased  in  qualifications,  attained  to  honors  and  office,  until  he  received  for  eight  consecutive  years 
from  the  people  of  the  United  States  and  the  national  treasury  a salary  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  per  an- 
num. Such  was  the  career  of  Judge  Jackson,  the  1 young  man,’  and  Gen.  Jackson,  hero  of  New  Orleans  and 
President  of  the  United  States.”  As  Gen.  Jackson  was  born  in  1767,  at  the  time  the  appointment  to  the  office 
was  made  he  was  only  seventeen  years  of  age,  which  would  clearly  indicate  that  Putnam  was  mistaken  as  to 
the  identity  of  the  “ young  man.  ” 
fParton’s  Life  of  Jackson. 


384 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


little  doubt  that,  had  he  chosen  to  devote  himself  to  the  study  of  his  pro- 
fession with  the  unremitting  diligence  necessai-y  to  the  acquisition  of 
deep  and  varied  legal  knowledge,  lie  might  have  attained  very  high  rank. 
His  temper,  however,  was  too  fiery  and  impetuous  and  his  inclination  to 
an  over-hasty  avowal  of  expressions,  which  had  not  solidified  into  opin- 
ions, too  great  to  have  secured  for  him  {he  reputation  of  a sound  and  im- 
partial judge.  Gen.  Jackson  and  Judge  McNairy  were  closely  associated 
for  many  years,  but  the  removal  of  Gen.  Robertson  from  the  Chickasaw 
agency  through  the  influence  of  the  latter,  produced  a breach  between 
them  which  was  never  entirely  healed. 

John  Overton,  the  successor  of  Gen.  Jackson  upon  the  bench  of  the 
superior  court,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  where  he  received  his  education. 
Before  attaining  his  majority  he  removed  to  Kentucky,  and  there  began 
the  study  of  law.  After  completing  his  legal  education  he  came  to  Ten- 
nessee and  opened  an  office  at  Nashville  in  1798.  The  litigation  at  that 
time  was  chiefly  concerning  the  titles  to  real  estate,  and  the  best  lawyers 
made  that  part  of  their  practice  a specialty.  Judge  Overton  at  once  ob- 
tained a large  practice,  which  he  held  until  he  was  transferred  to  the 
bench  in  1804.  “During  the  protracted  period  of  his  service  upon  the 
bench  he  delivered  many  able  and  luminous  opinions,  which  are  yet  held 
in  high  respect  in  the  courts  of  Tennessee  and  the  adjoining  States ; opin 
ions  bearing  conclusive  evidence  of  deep  legal  learning,  of  unsurpassed 
labor  and  research,  and  of  a vigorous  and  elastic  intellect.  Judge  Over- 
ton’s knowledge  of  the  common  law  was  such  as  few  of  his  contempo- 
raries had  succeeded  in  acquiring,  and  his  mind  seemed  to  be  singularly 
adapted  to  the  disentangling  of  complex  questions  of  mixed  law  and  fact, 
and  to  the  attainment  of  sure  and  satisfactory  conclusions  by  processes 
which  owed  their  effectiveness  far  more  to  the  exercise  of  a solid  and 
penetrating  common  sense  than  to  the  often  misapplied  rules  of  a subtle 
and  artificial  logic.”*  After  his  retirement  from  the  bench  in  1816  he 
again  entered  into  the  field  of  litigation,  where  he  continued  to  add  to  the 
already  high  reputation  which  he  had  acquired  as  a judge. 

The  successor  of  Judge  Overton  was  Robert  Whyte,  ft  native  of  Scot- 
land, and  a very  excellent  lawyer  and  judge.  He  continued  to  serve  up- 
on the  bench  of  the  supreme  court  until  the  adoption  of  the  new  consti- 
tution, in  1834,  when  he  retired  from  public  life.  He  was  a laborious 
and  accurate  la  wyes,  and,  like  most  of  his  countrymen,  exceedingly  tena- 
cious of  his  views  and  opinions. 

George  W.  Campbell  was  an  early  member  of  the  bar  at  Nashville, 
and  at  different  times  during  his  long  and  varied  career  enjoyed  a large 


*Beneh  aud  Bar  of  the  South  and  Southwest. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


385 


and  lucrative  practice.  He  was  a native  of  Scotland  and  possessed  all 
the  indomitable  perseverance  of  bis  race.  He  was  reared  in  poverty, 
and  at  an  early  age  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources  by  the  death  of 
his  father.  By  teaching  school  he  worked  his  way  through  Princeton 
College,  taking  the  junior  and  senior  courses  in  one  year  and  yet  gradu- 
ating: with  third  honors.  He  then  resumed  teaching  school  in  New  Jer- 
sey,  and  meanwhile  began  the  study  of  law.  He  completed  his  legal 
education  in  North  Carolina  and  soon  after  located  at  Knoxville,  where 
he  immediately  took  rank  with  the  best  lawyers  in  Tennessee.  He  was 
not  what  is  usually  termed  a ready  debater,  and  rarely  spoke  upon  any 
important  question  without  previous  preparation.  During  his  brief  ca- 
reer upon  the  bench  he  exhibited  the  same  untiring  diligence  which 
characterized  him  in  every  other  sphere.  He  removed  to  Nashville  in 
1810  and  served  as  judge  of  the  supreme  court.  For  about  a year  after 
his  resignation  he  filled  successively  the  offices  of  United  States  senator, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  Minister  to  Russia. 

Parry  W.  Humphreys  was  appointed  a judge  of  the  superior  court  in 
1807  and  continued  to  act  as  such  for  three  years.  He  was  afterward 
elected  a member  of  the  XIII  Congress,  and  was  also  one  of  the  com- 
missioners elected  to  settle  the  disputed  boundary  line  between  Ken- 
tucky and  Tennessee.  He  was  finally  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to 
be  judge  of  what  was  then  the  Fourth  Judicial  Circuit,  which  position 
he  filled  for  a period  of  fifteen  years.  He  is  still  remembered  for  the 
courtesy  and  urbanity  of  his  deportment  to  the  bar  and  for  his  incorrupt- 
ible integrity. 

One  of  the  best  known  and  most  highly  esteemed  members  of  the 
legal  profession  in  East  Tennessee  during  the  early  times  was  Pleasant 
M.  Miller.  He  was  born  and  reared  in  Virginia,  but  immigrated  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1796,  locating  at  Rogersville.  Four  years  later  he  removed  to 
Knoxville,  where  he  remained  until  1824,  when  he  again  removed,  locat- 
ing this  time  in  West  Tennessee.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a most  civil 
and  affable  gentleman,  easy  and  unaffected  in  conversation,  and  a great 
lover  of  wit.  He  was  consequently  a general  favorite  with  other  mem- 
bers of  the  bar,  as  well  as  with  the  public. 

In  making  mention  of  the  early  members  of  the  profession  in  Ten- 
nessee, the  name  of  Gen.  Sam  Houston  must  not  be  omitted,  although 
he  never  won  much  distinction  at  the  bar.  After  the  war  of  1812  he 
read  law  for  a short  time  with  James  Trimble  and  was  admitted  to  prac- 
tice. His  legal  knowledge  was  not  very  extensive,  nor  was  the  profes- 
sion much  suited  to  his  taste.  He  consequently  soon  abandoned  it  for 
the  more  congenial  sphere  of  politics,  where  his  native  ability,  strong 


386 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


force  of  character  and  fine  personal  appearance  gave  him  great  influence 
with  the  people.  With  his  entrance  into  political  life  his  connection 
with  the  profession  ended. 

Of  the  many  illustrious  names  in  the  history  of  the  bar  of  Tennessee 
during  the  early  part  of  the  century  none  is  more  conspicuous  than  that 
of  Jenkin  Whiteside.*  Jenkin  Whiteside  lias  come  down  to  the  men  of 
this  generation  exclusively  as  a great  land  lawyer.  No  one  was  more 
familiar  than  he  with  all  that  Coke  and  Blackstone  and  the  other  En- 
glish writers  have  said  in  their  labored  and  profoundly  reasoned  treatises 
upon  the  laws  of  real  property.  No  one  had  mastered  more  fully  than 
himself  the  principles  involved  in  the  doctrine  of  executory  devises  and 
contingent  remainders.  No  lawyer  of  his  time  could  talk  more  learned- 
ly and  luminously  upon  the  celebrated  rule  in  Shelley’s  case,  and  he  man- 
ifested a steady  energy  and  masterly  dexterity  in  the  management  of  all 
the  sharp  points  and  subtle  devices  that  appertain  to.  the  trial  of  actions 
of  ejectment,  which  things  gave  him  many  advantages  over  a sluggish 
and  less  wily  adversary.  No  man  could  be  more  conversant  than  was 
Jenkin  Whiteside  with  the  whole  history  of  land  titles  in  Tennessee,  as 
well  as  with  the  operations  of  the  land  offices  both  in  that  State  and 
North  Carolina — a species  of  knowledge  quite  indispensable  to  success  in 
the  arduous  but  profitable  vocation  in  which  he  had  enlisted  and  upon 
which  his  attention  had  been  concentrated  in  a manner  rarely  exempli- 
fied. He  was  undoubtedly  a man  of  vigorous  understanding,  of  wonder- 
ful sagacity  and  acuteness,  devoted  much  to  money-making,  and  especial- 
ly delighting  in  what  was  known  as  speculation  in  uncultivated  lands,  of 
which  he  had,  in  one  way  and  another,  at  different  times  accumulated 
large  bodies,  the  titles  to  which  were  not  rarely  involved  in  troublesome 
and  expensive  litigation. 

Personally  he  is  described  as  a man  of  rough  and  unimposing  ex- 
terior, of  awkward  and  ungainly  manners,  and  had  no  relish  whatever 
for  those  elegant  and  refined  pursuits  which  are  understood  to  distin- 
guish polished  and  aristocratic  communities.  He  was,  however,  civil 
and  unobtrusive  in  his  general  demeanor,  not  deficient  in  public  spirit, 
and  of  a coarse  and  unpretending  cordiality  which  made  him  many 
friends  and  no  enemies. 

Contemporary  with  this  great  land  lawyer  was  Felix  Grundy,  the 
greatest  criminal  advocate  that  ever  practiced  in  the  courts  of  Tennessee. 
As  a more  extended  sketch  of  him  is  given  in  another  chapter,  only  a 
brief  characterization  by  Judge  Guild  is  here  inserted.  “Judge  Grundy 
was  not  what  may  be  called  a book  man  or  a book  lawyer.  To  his  fine 


* Bench  and  bar  of  the  South  and  Southwest. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


387 


voice  and  inimitable  action  there  was  added  a brilliant  intellect,  through 
which  ran  a vein  of  strong  common  sense.  He  was  good  at  repartee, 
and  his  wit  fairly  sparkled.  He  possessed  in  a marked  degree  the  pow- 
er to  arouse  and  sway  the  passions  of  the  heart,  to  excite  sympathy  or 
indignation,  to  parry  the  blows  of  an  adversary,  and  to  carry  his  point 
by  brilliant  charge.  He  was  a consummate  judge  of  human  nature,  and 
this  rendered  him  unrivaled  in  the  selection  of  a jury.  He  was  unsur- 
passed in  developing  the  facts  of  a case,  and  wonderful  in  the  cross-ex- 
amination of  a witness  introduced  against  his  client.  He  generally  re- 
lied upon  his  associate  council  to  bring  into  court  the  books  containing 
the  law  of  the  case  on  which  they  were  employed,  and  the  law  was  read 
and  commented  upon  by  those  associates,  and  then  when  Mr.  Grundy 
came  to  close  the  case,  so  clear  were  his  deductions,  so  striking  his  illustra- 
tions, so  systematically  would  he  tear  to  pieces  the  superstructure  of  the  op- 
posing council,  and  so  vividly  portray  the  right  and  justice  for  which  he 
contended,  that  all  who  heard  him  regarded  him  as  the  finest  lawyer  of 
that  or  any  other  age.  So  thoroughly  did  he  carry  the  crowd  with  him 
that  he  may  be  aptly  likened  to  Paul  when  he  made  his  great  speech  be- 
fore King  Agrippa,  and  extorted  from  that  monarch  the  expression  ‘al- 
most thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a Christian.’” 

Another  contemporary,  in  many  respects  the  opposite  of  Judge 
Grundy,  was  Hugh  Lawson  White,  a man  remarkable  alike  for  his  eccen- 
tricities, and  for  the  very  high  order  of  bis  mental  and  moral  endow- 
ments. He  had  but  little  taste  for  general  literature,  but  in  all  that  per- 
tains to  his  profession  he  was  well  versed,  and  there  was  no  one  for 
whom  he  had  greater  contempt  than  for  the  “ case  lawyer,”  except  it  was 
a mere  “ case  judge.”  His  incorruptible  integrity,  and  his  straightfor- 
ward contempt  for  any  advantage  obtained  from  legal  quibbles  gave  him 
so  strong  a hold  upon  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  the  community,  that 
it  would  have  been  difficult  to  empanel  a jury  not  biased  in  his  favor. 
He  was  a deep  and  comprehensive  thinker,  was  remarkable  for  his  powers 
of  comparison,  had  an  acute  sense  of  the  ludicrous  and  was  a lover  of  wit. 
His  sentences  were  generally  short,  and  so  selected  and  arranged  that 
whatever  he  said  could  be  readily  followed.  He  was  appointed  a judge  of 
the  superior  court  of  law  and  equity  in  the  fall  of  1801,  and  continued 
on  the  bench  until  April,  1807.  Two  years  later  he  was  elected  a judge 
of  the  supreme  court  of  errors  and  appeals,  which  office  he  held  until 
December,  1814.  While  on  the  bench  his  intercourse  with  the  members 
of  the  bar  was  marked  by  that  kindness  and  genuine  courtesy  which 
characterized  him  in  every  relation  in  life.  The  perspicuity,  accuracy 
and  uncompromising  honesty  of  his  opinions  raised  him  into  such  high 


388 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  universal  estimation  that  his  final  resignation  of  his  seat  was  re- 
ceived with  great  regret. 

Another  member  of  this  galaxy  of  brilliant  legal  minds  was,  for  a 
time,  Thomas  H.  Benton,  who  removed  from  the  State  in  1810.  He  be- 
gan the  practice  of  law  in  Franklin,  and  it  is  said  that  from  the  first  he 
was  “much  fonder  of  political  pursuits  than  of  the  study  of  law  books, 
and  greatly  preferred  the  making  of  stump  speeches  to  the  argument  of 
legal  cases.”  He  seems  not  to  have  applied  himself  with  diligence  to 
his  profession,  and  his  practice  as  a lawyer  was  never  large.  But  he  was 
destined  for  a broader  field  of  usefulness.  Possessed  of  a commanding- 
intellect,  of  large  and  liberal  culture,  industrious,  temperate,  resolute 
and  endowed  with  a memory  whose  tenacity  was  marvelous,  he  soon 
placed  himself  in  the  front  rank  of  those  who  shaped  the  councils  of  the 
nation,  and  for  many  years  he  exercised  almost  unbounded  control  over 
the  politics  of  not  only  his  own  State  but  the  entire  West,  where  he 
molded  public  opinion  to  suit  himself.  His  history,  however,  belongs 
rather  to  Missouri  than  to  Tennessee. 

Without  doubt  the  greatest  jurist  ever  upon  the  bench  in  Tennessee 
was  John  Haywood,*  who,  previous  to  his  coming  to  the  State  in  1807, 
had  already  secured  the  highest  judicial  and  professional  honor  in  the 
courts  of  North  Carolina.  That  he  was  especially  adapted  to  his  chosen 
profession  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  without  the  advantages  of  a 
library,  or  the  benefit  of  legal  tuition  in  a lawyer’s  office,  he  fitted  him- 
self for  the  practice  of  law,  and  so  thorough  was  his  preparation  that 
when  at  the  age  of  twenty-four  years  he  made  his  first  argument  before 
the  supreme  court,  he  is  said  to  have  displayed  as  much  learning  and 
as  comprehensive  a view  of  the  great  landmarks  of  the  law  as  any  argu- 
ment that  had  ever  been  made  before  it.  The  following  characterization 
of  him  by  a contemporary  is  an  eminently  correct  one:  “Judge  Haywood 

was  a fine  genius  and  a most  powerful  and  unrivaled  advocate.  In  tact 
and  eloquence — such  eloquence  as  reaches  the  heart  and  convinces  the 
judgment — he  had  no  equal  in  Tennessee.  He  was  often  employed  with 
and  against  the  late  Felix  Grundy  in  the  most  critical  criminal  cases,  and 
it  would  not  be  saying  too  much,  perhaps,  to  say  that  as  an  orator  he 
was  equal  if  not  superior  to  that  distinguished  advocate.  Both  had  been 
on  the  supreme  bench  of  their  respective  States,  and  both  came  to  Ten- 
nessee preceded  by  the  most  brilliant  reputations.  Both  were  men  of 
great  learning  and  attainments,  but  in  all  the  learning  which  pertained  to 
his  profession  Judge  Haywood  stood  far  in  advance  of  his  great  rival. 
He  possessed  inexhaustible  stores  of  imagination;  was  quick  and  ready 

*The  publishers  designed  to  have  the  portrait  of  Judge  Haywood  appear  in  this  work,  but  notwith- 
standing wide  inquiries  were  made,  no  likeness  of  him  of  any  description  could  be  found. — Ed. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


389 


in  argument,  and  prompt  in  reply.  But  withal  his  judgment  was  too 
much  under  the  dominion  of  imaginative  faculty,  which  gave  to  some  of 
his  opinions  too  great  an  air  of  eccentricity  and  uncertainty.  He  had 
many  sympathies  in  common  with  his  fellow-men,  and  highly  cherished 
their  good  opinion,  particularly  of  his  own  fame.  He  was  ambitious  in 
the  highest  degree,  somewhat  overbearing  in  his  desire  to  be  considered 
‘the  court,’  and  perhaps  thought  too  highly  of  his  own  and  too  little  of 
his  brother  judges’  opinions,  and  felt  that  he  was  the  master-spirit  in  the 
settlement  and  determination  of  all  leading  questions  of  jurisprudence. 
I do  not  think  I should  do  him  injustice  if  I should  say  he  never  deliv- 
ered an  opinion  without  desiring  the  presence  of  a large  audience.” 

Associated  with  Judge  Haywood  for  a time,  upon  the  bench  of  the 
supreme  court  of  Tennessee,  was  William  L.  Brown,  a man  possessing 
many  traits  of  character  in  common  with  that  eminent  jurist.  He  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  but  considering  that 
field  too  narrow  for  his  abilities  he  removed  to  Nashville.  He  was  ambi- 
tious in  the  highest  degree,  and  his  tenacity  of  purpose  was  such  that  no 
difficulty,  however  great,  could  deter  him  from  an  undertaking.  His 
knowledge  of  the  law  was  such  as  few  men  succeed  in  acquiring,  and  his 
scholarly  attainments,  although  not  so  extensive,  were  yet  respectable. 
Gov.  Foote  says  of  him:  “A  man  of  a more  fervid  and  insatiable  ambi- 
tion has  never  lived,  though  the  purity  and  elevation  of  his  nature  effect- 
ually held  him  from  all  those  low  and  debasing  arts  by  which  a mere- 
tricious fame  is  so  often  acquired.  A legitimate  and  honest  celebrity  he 
sought*  for  with  all  the  earnestness  of  a zealous  and  hopeful  tempera- 
ment; he  toiled  for  it  with  exhaustless  assiduity.  He  meditated  upon 
the  means  by  which  it  was  to  be  realized  through  many  an  anxious  day 
and  many  a restless  night.  He  seemed  to  have  been  born  with  an  indom- 
itable confidence  in  his  own  capacity  for  self-advancement,  and  his  ulti- 
mate realization  of  a splendid  destiny  commensurate  with  his  aspirations 
and  indispensable  to  his  earthly  happiness.”  In  1822  he  was  appointed 
a judge  of  the  supreme  court,  but  remained  upon  the  bench  only  two 
years.  The  duties  of  the  office  were  distasteful  to  him,  and  he  preferred 
the  excitement  of  the  advocate  rather  than  the  calm  dignity  of  the  judge. 
The  chief  cause  of  his  resignation,  however,  is  said  to  have  been  that 
“he  was  not  content  to  occupy  a place  where  the  overshadowing  influence 
of  Judge  Haywood’s  long  established  fame  necessarily  held  him  in  sec- 
ondary dignity.”  His  retirement  was  a subject  of  universal  regret. 

In  striking  contrast  with  this  remarkable  man  was  his  successor,  John 
Catron,  a man  as  “simple  minded  and  as  simple  mannered  as  a child.” 
Yet  with  all  his  innocence  and  generous  simplicity  he  had  a mind  of 


390 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


wonderful  vigor  and  acuteness,  and  liis  powers  of  judicial  analysis  have 
rarely  been  excelled.  His  capacity  for  labor  was  enormous,  and  his 
incorruptible  integrity  as  a judge  was  never  questioned.  Born  of 
obscure  parentage  and  reared  in  poverty  his  early  education  was  some- 
what limited,  and  he  was  never  able  in  later  years  to  entirely  supply  its 
deficiency.  He  began  his  legal  career  in  the  town  of  Sparta,  where  he 
soon  gained  a reputation  for  ability,  but  like  many  other  ambitious  young 
men  he  longed  for  a broader  field  of  activity,  and  accordingly,  in  a short 
time,  removed  to  Nashville,  where  his  superior  talents  in  a few  years 
elevated  him  to  the  highest  judicial  position  in  the  State.  He  remained 
on  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court  until  the  change  of  the  judicial  sys- 
tem by  the  constitution  of  1834,  when  he  again  resumed  the  practice  of 
his  profession.  President  J ackson,  on  the  last  day  of  his  second  term, 
appointed  him  as  a judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 
which  office  he  held  until  his  death,  a period  of  more  than  thirty  years. 

Henry  Crabb,  the  successor  of  Judge  Haywood  upon  the  bench  of 
the  supreme  court,  was  for  many  years  a member  of  the  Nashville  bar, 
and  a rival  of  William  L.  Brown,  in  opposition  to  whom  he  often  ap- 
peared in  the  most  important  cases.  He  was  a well-balanced,  dignified, 
imperturbable,  polished  gentleman,  of  more  than  ordinary  talents  and  of 
considerable  learning.  He  had  a decided  advantage  over  his  more  ex- 
citable rival  whenever  they  were  thrown  into  professional  antagonism. 
His  calm  self-possession,  quiet  sarcasm,  and  half -concealed  raillery  so 
excited  the  feelings  of  his  adversary  that  on  more  than  one  occasion  an 
appeal  to  “the  code”  seemed  imminent.  The  opinions  delivered-by  him 
during  the  brief  period  that  he  occupied  his  seat  upon  the  bench  show 
him  to  have  possessed  a thoroughly  judicial  mind.  Cave  Johnson,  a 
sketch  of  whom  appears  in  another  chapter,  was  for  many  years  a prac- 
titioner of  law,  and  accumulated  a handsome  fortune  by  his  enei’gy, 
shrewdness  and  practical  intelligence.  He  was  always  a persuasive,  ear- 
nest and  eloquent  speaker,  and  thoroughly  skilled  in  debate,  but  for  some 
thirty  years  of  his  life  he  was  too  deeply  immersed  in  politics  to  achieve 
the  highest  distinction  in  his  profession. 

William  E.  Anderson,  who  came  to  Nashville  about  1825,  was  a man 
who  attracted  universal  attention,  not  only  on  account  of  his  gigantic 
stature,  but  from  his  otherwise  commanding  appearance.  His  distin- 
guishing characteristic  was  strength,  both  physical  and  mental.  He  was 
not,  however,  a very  diligent  student,  and  was  somewhat  inclined  to  ex- 
cessive self-indulgence  and  conviviality.  He  stood  high  at  the  bar  and 
his  services  were  eagerly  sought,  but  he  was  too  negligent  in  the  prepar- 
ation of  his  cases  to  be  a truly  successful  lawyer.  He  was  for  a time  a 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


391 


judge  of  the  circuit  court,  and  removed  to  Mississippi  about  1845.  Sev- 
eral other  members  of  the  profession  of  this  period  possessed  scarcely 
less  ability  than  those  already  noticed,  but  perhaps  through  force  of  cir- 
cumstance or  lack  of  ambition  did  not  attain  the  eminent  distinction 
accorded  to  their  more  fortunate  contemporaries.  In  this  class  may  be 
mentioned  James  Trimble,  who  practiced  his  profession  in  Knoxville  and 
Nashville  for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  for  a time  was  upon  the  bench  of 
the  circuit  court.  He  was  well  acquainted  with  all  that  pertained  to  his 
profession,  and  was  also  a thorough  student  of  general  literature.  In  his 
law  cases  he  was  laborious,  and  was  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  for  his 
clients.  His  style  of  speaking  was  conversational,  but  the  zeal  and  interest 
which  was  manifested  by  the  tone  of  his  voice  and  the  flash  of  his  eye 
carried  conviction  to  the  minds  of  a jury.  His  energy,  however,  proved 
too  much  for  his  strength,  and  while  yet  in  the  prime  of  life  he  died 
from  the  effects  of  overwork. 

Another  talented  member  of  the  profession  at  this  time  who  was  cut 
off  in  early  manhood  was  John  Dickinson.  Born  and  educated  in  Mas- 
sachusetts he  came  to  Nashville  a young  ma'n,  and  while  serving  as 
deputy  clerk  of  the  United  States  Court  prosecuted  the  study  of  law.  His 
energy  and  industry  soon  qualified  him  for  his  profession,  in  which  he 
soon  rose  to  distinction  and  took  his  place  by  the  side  of  the  ablest  advo- 
cates of  the  time.  He  was  faithful  to  his  business,  and  manifested  the 
most  unswerving  honesty  in  all  his  dealings.  He  was  one  of  the  able 
land  lawyers  of  his  day,  and  acquired  a large  and  remunerative  practice. 
Had  a longer  life  been  granted  him  it  is  doubtful  if  his  fame  would  have 
been  circumscribed  by  the  narrow  limits  of  the  State. 

“Toward  the  close  of  the  last  century  a very  worthy  Dutch  family  was 
residing  in  the  town  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  now  so  celebrated  for  its  institu- 
tion of  learning  and  specially  for  its  law  school.  The  Terger  mansion  is 
still  standing  and  in  a comfortable  state  of  preservation.  In  this  house 
were  born  eight  worthy  gentlemen,  all  brothers,  and  all  but  one  of  them 
practitioners  of  law.”*  None  of  the  brothers  remained  permanently  in 
Tennessee,  but  at  least  two  of  them  won  high  reputations  before  remov- 
ing from  the  State.  George  S.  Terger,  the  eldest  brother,  officiated  for 
some  years  as  reporter  of  the  judicial  decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Tennessee,  at  first  alone  and  afterward  with  his  younger  brother.  His 
early  education  was  somewhat  limited,  but  this  deficiency  was  more  than 
supplied  by  his  great  store  of  legal  knowledge,  which,  although  it  had 
been  obtained  in  a somewhat  irregular  manner,  was  thoroughly  digested 
and  ready  for  use  at  any  moment  it  might  be  wished.  He  possessed  in- 


♦Bench  and  Bar  of  the  South  and  Southwest. 


392 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


tellectual  faculties  of  a high  order,  was  kind  and  generous  in  all  liis  im- 
pulses, and  was  alike  “devoid  of  envy,  of  low  selfishness,  of  narrow  and  ir- 
rational prejudices  and  of  overweening  ambition.”  He  moved  to  Missis- 
sippi in  1839,  and  in  the  courts  of  that  State  he  succeeded  in  maintaining 
his  high  reputation  unimpaired  to  the  end  of  his  life.  J.  S.  Terger  pos- 
sessed many  qualities  of  mind  in  common  with  his  elder  brother,  but  was 
perhaps  of  a more  sociable  disposition,  and  possessed  conversational  pow- 
ers of  a most  entertaining  and  instructive  order.  He  was  widely  read, 
and  his  general  education  was  thorough  and  complete.  He  was  a good 
judge  of  both  men  and  their  motives  of  action,  and  consequently  Avas  un- 
surpassed in  the  selection  of  a jury.  He,  too,  removed  to  Mississippi, 
where  he  became  eminent  both  as  a judge  and  an  advocate. 

Thomas  H.  Fletcher  began  life  as  a merchant,  but  becoming  in- 
volved financially  during  the  crisis  of  1818-19,  he  was  led  to  the  study 
of  laAV,  and  soon  came  to  be  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  members  of 
the  bar.  “Although  he  had  a large  and  general  practice,  he  stood  pre-em- 
inently high  as  a criminal  advocate,  and  possessed  all  the  requirements 
for  success  in  that  special  forensic  field.  A good  judge  of  human  nature, 
knowing  its  strong  and  its  Aveak  side,  he  selected  his  jury  with  great  dis- 
crimination, and  ] laving  a heart  as  tender  as  a .woman’s  his  feelings  were 
naturally  with  his  clients  in  their  distress,  and  he  always  made  their 
cause  his  own.  There  have  been  great  criminal  lawyers  in  Tennessee, 
but  feAV  his  equal  and  none  his  superior.  His  voice  was  clear  and  strong, 
his  manner  earnest  and  excited  but  never  rude  and  boisterous ; pathetic  or 
humorous  as  the  occasion  suggested,  he  always  spoke  with  good  taste 
and  made  perhaps  fewer  failures  than  almost  any  other  lawyer  at  the 
bar.  He  was  very  popular  Avitli  the  profession,  especially  among  the 
younger  lawyers,  whom  he  always  treated  Avith  the  utmost  kindness  and 
courtesy.  His  reading  was  extensive,  and  not  confined  to  professional 
Avorks,  and  often  beguiled  his  leisure  hours  in  composition  for  the  news- 
papers on  the  ephemeral  subjects  of  the  day.  There  Avas  in  his  manner 
no  rudeness,  in  his  speech  no  coarseness  or  invective,  and  his  sympathy 
for  the  misfortunes  of  his  fellow-men  was  unbounded.”*  His  death, 
which  occurred  from  apoplexy  brought  on  by  over-exertion,  was  the  sub- 
ject of  universal  regret. 

Jacob  Peck,  for  twelve  years  a judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  errors 
and  appeals,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  one  of  the  oldest  attorneys 
in  the  State,  was  licensed  to  practice  in  1808.  He  Avas  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, but  removed  to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  period  of  his  life.  He 
was  a man  of  varied  talents  and  extensive  knowledge,  and  his  genius  was 


*Jobn  M.  Lea  in  Nashville  Banner. 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


398 


of  a liigli  order.  He  had  an  especial  fondness  for  painting,  poetry,  and 
music,  and  also  took  much  delight  in  the  study  of  zoology  and  mineral- 
ogy, in  which  sciences  he  was  looked  upon  as  an  authority. 

Edward  Scott,  who  presided  on  the  bench  of  the  Knoxville  Circuit 
for  nearly  thirty  years,  was  a man  of  great  eccentricities,  and  many  amus- 
ing stories  are  told  of  him.  He  was  a native  af  Virginia,  but  came  at  an 
early  day  to  Tennessee.  He  was  a hard  student  of  text-books  and  re- 
ports, but  failed  to  get  down  to  the  broad,  underlying  principles  of  the 
law,  and  was  consequently  looked  upon  as  a case  lawyer.  While  on  the 
bench,  he  administered  the  law  as  he  remembered  it,  and  seldom  threw 
himself  upon  his  own  mental  resources.  He  was  never  partial  to  young 
lawyers  either  in  manner  or  speech,  but  was  frequently  rude  and  uncivil, 
though  he  was  a man  of  kindness  and  tender  sensibilities.  In  1820  he 
published  his  revisal  of  the  laws  of  Tennessee  in  two  large  volumes. 
This  servecl  the  lawyers  and  judges  of  the  State  for  their  principal  refer- 
ence until  the  compilation  of  Caruthers  & Nicholson  was  published  in 
1838. 

Pryor  Lea  was  a prominent  member  of  the  early  bar  of  East  Tennes- 
see. He  was  a native  of  Grainger  County,  and  attended  Blount  College 
while  under  the  presidency  of  Samuel  Carrick.  He  was  an  indefatigable 
student,  and  at  the  bar  his  forte  was  special  pleading.  He  removed  to 
Mississippi  about  1836  or  1837,  and  later  went  to  Texas,  where  he  re- 
cently died  at  a very  advanced  age. 

Col.  John  Williams  was  one  of  the  pioneer  lawyers  of  East  Tennes- 
see, but  his  career  as  a politician  eclipsed  his  legal  career.  He  served  as 
a member  of  the  General  Assembly,  as  a United  States  Senator,  and  was 
sent  as  minister  to  Guatemala  by  President  Adams.  He  was  a brother 
of  Thomas  L.  Williams,  who  rather  excelled  him  as  a lawyer.  He  was 
most  courtly  and  fascinating  in  his  manners,  and  although  not  an  elo- 
quent speaker,  possessed  a wonderful  personal  magnetism. 

If  it  be  possible  to  divide  the  history  of  the  legal  profession  in  Ten- 
nessee into  eras,  it  may  be  said  that  the  reorganization  of  the  courts  in 
1831  marks  the  beginning  of  a new  era.  At  that  time  those  intellectual 
giants  Whiteside,  Grundy,  Haywood,  White  and  others,  around  whom 
the  events  of  the  first  two  or  three  decades  of  the  century  cluster,  had 
almost  without  exception  retired  from  practice  or  had  been  removed  to  the 
higher  courts  above.  But  as  they  disappeared,  one  by  one,  their  places 
were  filled  by  men  of  scarcely  less  ability  and  renown.  The  new  supreme 
court  was  organized  with  Nathan  Green,  William  B.  Pteese  and  William 
B.  Turley,  as  judges,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  the  bench  of  that  court  has  ever 
been  filled  by  men  of  more  uniformly  distinguished  ability.  Judge 


394 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Green  was  a native  of  Virginia.  He  possessed  but  few  advantages  of 
education,  but  with  a strong  will,  a vigorous  intellect  and  an  eager  thirst 
for  distinction,  lie  soon  placed  himself  upon  a level  with  those  who  had 
been  favored  by  higher  opportunities.  He  began  his  career  as  a lawyer 
in  the  Mountain  District  where  he  soon  took  a prominent  stand  among 
the  members  of  the  bar.  In  his  practice  he  preferred  the  chancery  de- 
partment, and  loved  especially  to  deal  with  the  great  and  broad  principles 
of  the  law.  For  nearly  a quarter  of  a century  he  occupied  a place  upon 
the  bench,  and  was  ever  distinguished  for  his  amenity  and  courtesy,  his 
learning  and  ability,  his  truth  and  integrity.  His  opinions  do  not  abound 
with  brilliant  passages  like  some  of  Judge  Turley’s,  nor  are  they  marked 
by  the  pure  and  elegant  though  somewhat  involved  style  of  Judge  Reese, 
but  are  always  clear  and  discriminating  and  logical.  Personally  he  is 
described  as  a man  of  majestic  stature,  of  a highly  commanding  aspect, 
and  of  sedate  and  gentlemanly  manners.  After  his  retirement  from  the 
bench  he  was  associated  with  Judge  Caruthers  as  professor  of  the  law 
department  of  Cumberland  County,  at  Lebanon.  J udge  Reese  was  a man 
of  unquestioned  uprightness,  and  of  the  most  ample  legal  attainments. 
His  general  scholarship  and  literary  culture  probably  excelled  that  of 
either  of  his  colleagues.  His  style  as  exhibited  in  his  opinions  is  marked  by 
elegance,  and  is  in  full  keeping  with  his  excellence  of  reasoning.  He  was 
eminently  qualified  by  nature  and  education  for  the  duties  of  the  bench. 
“ An  impartiality  that  knew  no  bias,  an  inborn  love  of  justice  that  experi- 
enced no  abatement,  an  almost  instinctive  perception  of  the  truth  joined  to 
his  profound  knowledge  of  the  law,  his  patience  and  industry  in  research, 
his  enlargement  of  mind  by  a general  and  varied  learning,  his  solidity  of 
judgment,  combined  to  make  him  one  of  the  first  judges  that  Tennessee 
has  yet  produced;”  as  an  attorney  he  possessed  scarcely  less  ability.  His 
care  in  the  preparation  of  cases,  his  logical  reasoning  and  terrible  sar- 
casm, and  his  thorough  acquaintance  with  legal  science,  made  him  a for- 
midable adversary  to  even  the  distiguished  men  who  adorned  the  bar 
of  East  Tennessee  when  he  practiced  in  her  courts. 

William  B.  Turley  was  at  one  time,  a member  of  the  Clarksville  bar, 
where  he  laid  the  foundations  for  a brilliant  career.  Previous  to  his  eleva- 
tion to  the  supreme  bench  he  served  for  many  years  as  a judge  of  the  circuit 
court,  where  he  was  distinguished  for  an  uncommon  facility  in  the  dis- 
patch of  business.  He  brought  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties  an  enlight- 
ened mind,  well  stored  with  legal  knowledge,  and  his  temper,  without 
being  imperious  or  irascible,  was  firm  and  decided.  His  opinions  are 
distinguished  for  their  perspicuity,  polished  language  and  exact  and  log- 
ical reasoning.  He  was  an  industrious  student,  very  fond  of  reading, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


395 


extensively  informed  and  liad  a memory  of  wonderful  tenacity;  but  he 
was  not  remarkable  for  close  and  persevering  application  to  business. 
After  his  retirement  from  the  supreme  court,  in  1850,  he  was  judge  of 
the  common  law  and  chancery  court  of  Memphis  until  his  death  about 
eighteen  months  later. 

The  bar  of  East  Tennessee  has  always  been  distinguished  for  its  su- 
perior ability,  but  of  the  long  list  of  illustrious  names  engraven  in  its- 
temple  of  fame,  none  occupy  a higher  position  than  that  of  Robert  J. 
McKinney,  the  successor  of  -Judge  Reese.  He  was  a native  of  Ireland, 
but  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Tennessee.  His  arguments  at 
the  bar  were  always  remarkable  for  their  logical  force  and  precision, 
their  freedom  from  all  circumlocution  or  mere  parade  of  words,  and  were 
occasionally  tinctured  with  something  approaching  sarcasm  and  irony. 
On  the  bench  he  was  diligent,  painstaking  and  unrelaxing  in  his  labors, 
as  his  reported  opinions  so  satisfactorily  attest.  He  was  accused,  of  being 
occasionally  a little  too  stern  and  austere  in  his  demeanor  toward  mem- 
bers of  the  bar,  and  was  not  a little  inclined  to  caution  attorneys  to  avoid 
anything  at  all  approaching  a superfluity  of  illustration. 

Robert  Looney  Carutliers,  the  successor  of  -Judge  Green,  has  been 
said,  by  those  who  knew  him,  to  have  been  the  best  advocate  that  Ten- 
nessee ever  produced.  That  he  was  a most  remarkable  man  is  evident 
from  the  fact  that  reared  in  comparative  poverty,  without  influential 
friends,  he  raised  himself  by  his  own  efforts  to  the  foremost  place  in  the 
estimation  of  the  people.  Although  he  held  several  official  positions  he 
had  but  little  fondness  for  political  life,  and  it  was  in  the  law  tliat  he 
found  what  was  most  congenial  to  his  taste,  and  which  best  occupied  his 
great  intellect.  His  marked  characteristic  as  a lawyer  was  persuasive 
logic,  based  upon  a substratum  of  common  sense.  His  powers  as  a de- 
claimer  merely  were  not  of  the  first  order.  He  perhaps  despised  the 
mere  tinsel  and  glare  of  what  is  frequently  mistaken  for  true  eloquence. 
Gentle  of  nature,  both  in  manner  and  feeling,  he  preferred  to  carry 
with  him  the  conviction  of  the  audience  by  soft  and  mild  leading  rather 
than  bold  assertion  and  overwhelming  dominance.  But  to  attain  his 
ends,  success  in  his  profession  and  success  in  his  courses,  he  never  con- 
descended to  trickery  or  unworthy  arts  of  any  description.  He  was  labor- 
ious in  the  preparation  of  cases ; he  trusted  nothing  to  chance  or  inspira- 
tion; he  left  down  no  gaps;  he  tightened  up  the  loose  joints,  and  always 
came  to  the  battle  fully  armed  and  equipped.  He  had  great  power  of 
labor,  which  if  not  genius  or  talent  is  yet  their  neccessary  concomitant, 
if  success  is  to  follow.  Birt  above  all  things  perhaps  his  most  available 
means,  especially  before  juries,  was  he  “ knew  what  was  in  man,”  motive,. 


396 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


probable  action,  influence  of  surroundings,  the  strength  and  weakness  of 
man,  varieties  of  character,  and  upon  a knowledge  of  these  he  built  up 
bis  argument.  There  is  a variety  of  opinion  whether  Judge  Carutliers 
shone  more  brilliantly  at  the  bar  or  on  the  bench ; the  opinion  is  unan- 
imous, however,  that  he  was  an  able,  upright,  laborious  and  conscientious 
expounder  of  the  laws  in  bis  official  capacity.  He  brought  to  the  bench 
the  same  broad  common  sense,  the  same  effective  learning,  the  same  com- 
prehensive mind  that  had  characterized  him  throughout  his  previous  life ; 
and  all  through  his  opinions  there  is  apparent  a careful  judicial  search 
for  truth,  and  a firm  determination  to  uphold  the  right  in  morals  and 
in  law.  The  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent  as  the  leading  professor  of 
the  law  department  of  Cumberland  University,  of  which  he  was  one  of 
the  principal  founders. 

Archibald  W.  O.  Totten,  the  successor  of  Judge  Turley,  was  born  in 
Middle  Tennessee,  but  at  an  early  age  removed  with  his  father  to  the 
western  division  of  the  State.  He  studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to 
practice  in  Gibson  County.  His  temperate  and  regular  habits,  his 
laborious  investigations  of  the  cases  intrusted  to  his  care,  and  his  fidelity 
to  all  his  professional  engagements,  secured  to  him  a full  and  lucrative 
practice,  and  he  rose  rapidly  to  independence  and  distinction.  His 
person  was  tall,  manly  and  striking;  his  manners  bland  and  courteous  in 
a high  degree,  and  his  general  deportment  dignified,  without  stiffness  or 
reserve.  In  the  most  exciting  debates  at  the  bar,  he  never  descended  to 
wrangling  or  lost  the  serenity  of  his  temper,  or  the  tranquillity  of  his 
manner.  He  retired  from  the  supreme  bench  in  August,  1855,  and  was 
succeeded  by  William  R.  Harris,  of  Memphis.  Judge  Harris  was  born 
in  North  Carolina,  but  was  reared  chiefly  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn 
His  educational  advantages  were  somewhat  meager,  but,  notwithstanding 
this  hindrance,  his  strong,  native  talents  enabled  him  to  reach  high  rank 
in  his  profession.  He  began  the  practice  of  law  in  Paris,  Henry  County, 
where,  in  a few  years,  he  evinced  so  much  ability  that  he  was  made 
judge  of  the  circuit  court,  a position  which  he  held  until  1845.  Six 
years  later  he  removed  to  Memphis,  where  he  presided  over  the  com- 
mon law  and  chancery  court  until  his  elevation  to  the  supreme  bench. 
As  an  advocate  he  was  earnest  and  forcible,  and  neither  in  his  oral 
or  written  productions  was  he  ever  known  to  affect  mere  ornaments 
of  speech.  In  his  judicial  capacity  he  was  cautious,  laborious  and 
circumspect  in  arriving  at  his  conclusions,  and  inflexible  in  main- 
taining them.  Judge  Harris  was  killed  in  a steam-boat  explosion  on 
the  Mississippi  River  in  1858.  The  vacancy  occasioned  by  his  death 
■was  filled  by  the  appointment  of  Archibald  Wright,  also  of  Memphis, 


rffOM  PHOTO  BY  THUSS,  HOfllHH  & GIERS.  NASHVILLE 


James  K.  Pdlk 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


397 


but  a native  of  Maury  County.  He  obtained  a fairly  good  education 
before  entering  upon  bis  career  as  a lawyer,  which  he  did  in  1832. 
He  possessed  great  capacity  for  labor,  and  by  sheer  strength  and 
directness,  attention  to  business  and  tenacity  of  purpose,  he  won  his  way 
to  distinction.  During  his  brief  career  upon  the  supreme  bench  he 
manifested  his  eminent  fitness  for  that  high  position.  His  opinions  are 
models  of  judicial  style — clear,  forcible,  direct,  tersely  stating  the  points 
and  deciding  the  matter  before  him,  briefly  reaching  his  conclusions 
without  verbiage  or  over-argumentation.  In  both  his  physical  and  men- 
tal qualities  he  was  a man  of  striking  individuality.  He  possessed  a 
magnificent  physique,  and  a constitution  equal  to  any  strain  upon  its 
powers  of  endurance.  The  salient  traits  of  his  character  were  his  origi- 
nality, strength  and  clearness  of  intellect,  tenacity  of  purpose  and  indom- 
itable energy. 

These  were  all  the  men  who  occupied  a position  upon  the  supreme 
bench  previous  to  the  civil  war.  W.  F.  Cooper  was  appointed  to  succeed 
Robert  L.  Caruthers  in  1861,  but  the  supension  of  the  court  prevented 
his  taking  his  seat.  It  now  I’emains  to  notice  some  of  the  distinguished 
members  of  the  bar  during  the  period  from  1834  to  1861. 

One  of  the  most  talented  men  whom  Tennessee  has  given  to  the 
world  was  John  Bell,  whose  career  as  a politician  and  statesman,  how- 
ever, over-towers  his  reputation  as  an  advocate.  As  a sketch  of  his 
life  appears  elsewhere,  only  brief  mention  of  him  is  made  in  this  con- 
nection. He  began  his  career  as  a lawyer  in  Williamson  County,  but 
soon  after  removed  to  Nashville  and  formed  a partnership  with  Judge 
Crabb.  Although  he  entered  Congress  when  he  was  little  more  than 
thirty  years  of  age,  he  had  acquired  a high  standing  at  the  bar  as  a law- 
yer of  great  acuteness,  research  and  ability,  and  as  a speaker  of  no  ordi- 
nary merit. 

James  Iv.  Polk  was  a contemporary  of  Bell,  both  having  been  born 
in  the  same  year.  The  former,  not  quite  so  precocious  as  his  rival,  did  not 
begin  the  practice  of  law  until  about  twenty-five  years  of  age,  but  when 
he  did  begin  he  was  thoroughly  equipped  for  his  forensic  struggles.  He 
opened  an  office  at  Columbia,  where  almost  from  the  first  he  occupied  a 
front  rank  in  the  profession.  His  naturally  strong  intellect,  disciplined 
by  years  of  study  to  close  and  accurate  reasoning,  together  with  his 
known  moral  integrity,  made  him  a most  powerful  adversary  before  the 
bar.  His  early  entrance  into  the  field  of  politics,  however,  practically 
closed  his  legal  career. 

Ephraim  H.  Foster,  a prominent  contemporary  of  the  above,  was  a 
native  of  Kentucky,  but  when  a small  child  came  with  his  father’s  family 

25 


398 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


to  Tennessee.  He  received  as  good  an  education  as  the  times  afforded, 
graduating  with  the  first  class  matriculated  in  Cumberland  College  in 
1813.  He  then  studied  law  with  John  Trimble.  Very  soon  after  begin- 
ning its  practice,  his  close  application  to  business,  together  with  his 
natural  ability  and  prepossessing  appearance,  placed  him  in  the  front 
rank  of  his  profession.  His  practice  becoming  too  large  for  one  person, 
he  formed  a partnership  with  William  L.  Brown,  with  ivliom  he  remained 
until  the  latter’s  elevation  to  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court.  From  that 
time  until  his  retirement  from  practice  he  was  associated  with  Francis  B. 
Fogg.  Col.  Foster  was  a fine  speaker,  but  he  had  by  nature  a quick  and 
violent  temper  which  he  did  not  always  control.  It  is  said  that  on  one 
occasion,  while  arguing  a case  in  which  he  was  greatly  interested,  he  be- 
came angry  at  some  remark  made  by  the  judge,  and  threw  a book  at 
him.  The  judge,  unmindful  of  his  position,  sprang  at  Col.  Foster,  with  a 
heavy  walking  stick  in  his  hand,  and  but  for  the  interference  of  friends  a 
serious  difficulty  would  have  been  the  result.  “Peace,  however,  was  restored 
without  bloodshed.  The  offender  made  the  proper  apology,  paid  a heavy 
fine  for  his  rashness,  and  the  honorable  but  belligerent  court  adjourned.” 
Col.  Foster  lived  in  elegant  style,  and  entertained  in  a princely  man- 
ner. This,  with  his  vivacity,  wit  and  brilliant  conversation,  made  him  a 
universal  favorite  in  society.  During  the  last  twenty  years  of  his  life, 
he  gave  the  greater  part  of  his  attention  to  political  matters,  into  which 
he  entered  with  great  spirit.  He  was  twice  elected  to  the  United  States 
senate,  the  first  time  in  1837,  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Felix 
Grundy.  He  was  again  chosen  in  1843,  but  resigned  two  years  later. 
In  1845  he  was  the  AYhig  candidate  for  governor,  but  was  defeated  by  A. 
V.  Brown,  by  a small  majority.  He  then  withdrew  from  active  life,  and 
died  in  1854. 

Francis  B.  Fogg,  for  many  years  a partner  of  the  above,  was  a native 
of  Connecticut,  where  he  received  a thorough  literary  education,  and  also 
prepared  himself  for  his  chosen  profession.  He  then,  in  1818,  came  to 
Tennessee  and  located  at  Columbia,  but  in  less  than  a year  removed  to 
Nashville,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  a long  life.  “Upon  his  settle- 
ment in  Tennessee  he  commenced  the  practice  of  law  which  he  pursued 
with  unremitting  diligence  for  half  a century,  until  age  and  disease  dis- 
qualified him  for  labor.  It  is  no  disparagement  to  his  many  distin- 
guished contemporaries  in  the  profession  during  that  long  and  eventful 
period  to  say  that  he  had  few  rivals  and  no  superiors.  His  success  was 
eminent.  He  commanded  the  confidence  of  the  community  in  a remark- 
able degree.  To  a mind  naturally  strong  and  vigorous  he  united  rare 
industry,  and  with  original  scholarship  of  a high  order  he  was  able  to 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


399 


amass  stores  of  learning  on  all  subjects.  He  possessed  a wonderful 
memory,  by  which  he  could  recall  cases  and  incidents  that  most  others 
had  forgotten.  He  was  familiar  not  only  with  the  history  of  the  law, 
but  with  the  history  of  this  and  other  countries.  Mr.  Fogg  was  not 
ambitious  for  office  and  never  sought  promotion,  but  in  1834  he  was,  by 
the  voluntary  action  of  the  community,  elected  a member  of  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention  and  took  a prominent  part  in  its  deliberations.  In 
1851-52  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  from  Davidson  County  and 
aided  efficiently  in  inaugurating  the  system  of  internal  improvements 
which  has  done  so  much  for  the  State.”  “It  is  impossible  now  to  tell  how 
many  of  the  statutes  that  adorn  our  code  and  measure  and  regulate  the 
rights  of  persons  and  property,  he  was  the  author  of.  It  was  the  habit 
of  Legislatures  to  call  upon  him  on  all  occasions  for  aid  in  the  preparation 
of  bills.”* 

No  member  of  the  Nashville  bar  is  remembered  with  a feeling  of 
greater  kindliness  and  respect  than  Josephus  C.  Guild.  Of  his  early 
professional  life  he  has  given  many  interesting  incidents  in  his  “Old 
Times  in  Tennessee,”  which  are  told  in  his  inimitable  style.  He  was  a 
man  of  strong  and  vigorous  intellect,  and  at  the  bar,  especially  before  a 
jury,  he  had  but  few  equals.  He  was  not  a student  of  books  nor  a fin- 
ished scholar,  but  was  a close  observer  of  human  nature  and  possessed  a 
fund  of  practical  knowledge  which  was  always  ready  for  use.  As  a 
judge  he  was  distinguished  for  his  strong  sense  of  justice  and  his  deep 
love  of  natural  equity,  which  made  suitors  feel  that  their  causes  would  be 
impartially  tried.  There  was  also  a natural  cheerfulness  and  liveliness 
of  his  disposition  which  would  crop  out  even  in  the  midst  of  the  decorum 
of  the  bench,  and  a lively  sally  of  wit  or  a gleam  of  humor  from  him 
often  brightened  the  otherwise  dull  tedium  of  legal  procedure.  Judge 
Guild  began  the  practice  of  law  in  1822,  in  Sumner  County,  where  he 
remained  until  the  close  of  the  civil  war.  He  was  three  times  elected  to 
the  House  of  Representatives,  and  twice  to  the  State  Senate,  was  a presi- 
dential elector  for  James  K.  Polk  in  1844  and  for  Franklin  Pierce  in 
1852;  was  elected  chancellor  for  the  Seventh  Chancery  Division  in  1860, 
and  in  1870  was  made  judge  of  the  law  court  of  Nashville,  which  position 
he  held  until  the  abolition  of  the  court  in  1878.  He  died  January  8, 
1883,  after  sixty  years  of  active  professional  life. 

Bailie  Peyton,  a contemporary  and  intimate  personal  friend  of  Judge 
Guild,  was  associated  with  him  in  his  early  practice.  He  was  born  in 
Sumner  County  in  1803.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar,  and  soon  after  formed  a partnership  with  Henry  A.  Wise,  a 


*The  above  extracts  are  taken  from  the  resolutions  passed  by  the  bar  at  his  death  in  April,  1880. 


400 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


young  man,  also  just  entering  upon  tlie  practice  of  law.  Being  of  sim- 
ilar disposition  they  at  once  became  intimate  friends,  but  neither  pos- 
sessed much  taste  for  the  arduous  duties  of  the  profession,  and  soon 
drifted  into  the  more  congenial  sphere  of  politics.  The  partnership  con- 
tinued for  two  years,  when  the  latter  returned  to  his  native  State.  His 
subsequent  career  is  familiar  to  all  students  of  history.  Peyton  did  not 
rank  very  high  as  a lawyer,  but  as  a political  speaker  he  had  few  supe- 
riors, possessing  in  a high  degree  that  peculiar  quality  known  as  per- 
sonal magnetism.  He  was  elected  to  Congress  on  the  Whig  ticket  when 
barely  thirty  years  of  age,  and  was  twice  returned,  serving  from  1833  to 
1839.  He  was  appointed  United  States  District  Attorney  at  New  Orleans 
by  President  Taylor,  and  soon  after  was  sent  as  minister  to  Chili.  He 
afterward  practiced  law  for  a time  in  California,  but  later  returned  to  his 
old  home  at  Gallatin,  where  he  died  in  1878. 

For  several  years  one  of  the  leading  law  firms  in  Nashville  was  com- 
posed of  Edwin  IT.  and  Andrew  Ewing,  sons  of  Nathan  Ewing  and  grand- 
sons of  Andrew  Ewing,  the  first  clerk  of  the  Davidson  County  Court. 
Edwin  H.  Ewing  graduated  at  the  Nashville  University  in  1827,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1831.  He  then  formed  a partnership  with  James 
Grundy,  which  continued  until  1837,  when  he  associated  himself  with 
his  younger  brother.  For  a number  of  years  he  took  an  active  interest 
in  politics,  serving  one  term  in  the  State  Legislature  and  one  term  in 
Congress.  Meanwhile  he  kept  up  the  practice  of  law,  and  added  to  his 
already  high  reputation.  He  sat  frequently  upon  the  bench  of  the  su- 
preme court  as  special  judge,  and  delivered  opinions  in  several  important 
cases.  In  1851  the  partnership  with  his  brother  was  dissolved,  and  he 
did  but  little  practice  thereafter  until  the  close  of  the  war,  at  which  time 
he  resumed  his  professional  labors  and  has  only  recently  entirely  with- 
drawn from  active  life. 

Andrew  Ewing  also  received  a collegiate  education  and,  in  point  of 
ability,  was  not  inferior  to  his  brother.  He  was  an  easy,  graceful  and 
persuasive  speaker,  a thorough  and  diligent  student,  and  an  energetic 
and  active  advocate.  While  in  partnership  he  performed  the  law  prac- 
tice, leaving  the  chancery  business  to  his  associate.  He  made  a careful 
study  of  each  case,  but  he  was  too  thorougly  imbued  with  a knowledge 
of  the  elements  and  principles  of  law  to  be  classed  as  a mere  case  lawyer. 
While  giving  diligent  attention  to  professional  business  he  also  mingled 
considerably  in  the  politics  of  the  day  as  a speaker  and  counselor.  While 
his  brother  was  a Whig  he  was  a moderate  Democrat,  and  in  1849  was 
elected  to  Congress  in  the  face  of  a strong  opposition.  He  was  appointed 
one  of  a permanent  court-martial  of  lawyers  by  the  Confederate  Govern- 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


401 


ment  in  1862,  and  two  years  later  died  from  exposure ' and  overwork  at 
Atlanta,  Ga. 

One  of  the  best  educated  and  most  brilliant  men  ever  at  the  bar  in 
Tennessee  was  Return  J.  Meigs,  who  practiced  law  for  many  years  in 
Athens,  McMinn  County,  and  afterward  removed  to  Nashville.  He  was 
the  author  of  a voluminous  digest  of  the  judicial  decisions  of  the  State, 
and  was  one  of  the  compilers  of  a “ Code  of  Tennessee.’’  He  was  not 
only  learned  in  the  law,  but  in  ancient  and  modern  languages,  and  was  a 
comparative  philologist  of  no  ordinary  attainments.  Indeed,  there  seemed 
to  be  no  branch  of  human  knowledge  with  which  he  was  not  in  some  de- 
gree familiar.  At  the  beginning  of  the  war,  being  a strong  Union  man, 
he  was  compelled  to  leave  Nashville,  and  he  afterward  made  his  home  in 
Washington,  where,  for  a number  of  years,  he  held  a responsible  posi- 
tion under  the  Government. 

William  T.  Haskell,  at  one  time  a prominent  member  of  the  bar  of 
Tehnessee,  was  almost  diametrically  opposite  in  character  to  Meigs.  He 
was  a brilliant  and  effective  speaker,  possessing  a mind  of  much  quick- 
ness and  energy,  and  an  imagination  of  exceeding  fertility.  He  had 
great  powers  of  ridicule,  and,  when  opportunity  afforded,  could  use  in- 
vective with  crushing  effect.  He  was  not,  however,  a thorough  and  dili- 
gent student,  and  was  somewhat  too  fond  of  social  pleasure  to  attain  to 
that  high  rank  to  which,  with  proper  application,  his  talents  would  have 
raised  him. 

Spencer  Jarnagin,  a student  at  law  under  Hugh  L.  White,  was  born 
and  reared  in  East  Tennessee,  where  he  attained  to  considerable  distinc- 
tion in  his  profession.  He  was  a plain  unimaginative  man  with  a clear 
head  and  sound  judgment.  His  language  was  simple,  well  chosen  and 
straightforward,  and  he  rarely  indulged  in  impassioned  flights  of  oratory, 
yet  he  never  failed  to  elicit  the  closest  attention  from  his  hearers.  His 
success  as  a jury  lawyer  has  rarely  been  excelled,  and  litigants  always  felt 
confident  of  success  when  they  had  secured  him  to  advocate  their  cause. 

One  of  the  leading  lawyers  in  the  western  division  of  the  State  for 
many  years  was  Milton  Brown,  a native  of  Ohio,  who  located  in  Tennes- 
see in  early  manhood.  During  his  long  practice  in  the  various  courts  of 
the  State  he  maintained  a high  reputation  for  industry,  probity  and 
legal  acumen,  and  succeeded  in  accumulating  an  ample  fortune.  His 
knowledge  of  the  law  was  full  and  accurate,  his  reasoning  powers  much 
above  mediocrity,  and  his  astuteness  and  skill  in  the  management  of 
cases  were  universally  acknowledged. 

John  A.  Nooe  was  at  one  time  prominently  identified  with  the  Mem- 
phis bar.  He  was  a man  of  high  character,  mild,  affable,  benignant  and 


402 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


of  unimpeachable  integrity.  He  was  thoroughly  well  read  in  the  law, 
and  could  effectively  apply  the  learning  which  he  had  acquired.  Al- 
though he  always  expressed  himself  with  fluency  and  in  elegant  language, 
his  diffidence  in  public  was  a serious  drawback  upon  his  complete  suc- 
cess as  a forensic  advocate. 

Neill  Smith  Brown,  the  thirteenth  governor  of  Tennessee,  was  a native 
of  Giles  County  and  a descendant  of  Scotch  Presbyterians.  His  parents 
were  poor,  and  unable  to  give  him  more  than  the  rudiments  of  an  educa- 
tion. At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources, 
and  took  to  teaching  school  to  enable  him  to  secure  a more  thorough 
education.  After  completing  a college  course  he  studied  law,  and  began 
the  practice  at  Matagorda,  Tex.,  then  a part  of  Mexico.  Not  finding  the 
society  congenial,  he  soon  after  returned  to  his  native  State,  where  he 
took  an  active  part  in  politics  until  the  beginning  of  the  war,  serving  as 
a member  of  the  General  Assembly,  governor,  minister  to  Russia,  and  as 
presidential  elector  on  the  Whig  ticket  in  1856.  His  career  a"s  a lawyer 
began  in  1835,  and  except  for  his  frequent  diversion  in  the  field  of  poli- 
tics, he  practiced  his  profession  for  a period  of  fifty  years.  It  could  not 
perhaps  be  said  that  his  legal  acquirements  were  the  most  comprehensive, 
or  that  in  grasp  of  thought  and  aggressive  force  of  character  he  was  not 
excelled,  but  his  native  talents  were  of  a high  order,  and  had  been  well 
cultivated  for  the  part  he  essayed  in  life,  and  they  won  for  him  just  and 
deserved  distinction. 

John  Trimble,  a son  of  James  Trimble,  who  has  been  previously  men- 
tioned, attained  a high  degree  of  eminence  in  the  profession.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-four  he  was  elected  attorney-general  for  the  Nashville  Dis- 
trict, a position  which  he  held  for  six  years.  In  1843  he  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  lower  house  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  two  years  later 
to  the  Senate.  He  refused  a renomination,  and  for  the  next  few  years 
devoted  himself  to  his  professional  labors,  acquiring  a large  practice. 
In  1859  he  again  entered  politics,  being  elected  to  the  State  Senate.  He 
was  a stanch  Union  man,  and  during  the  extra  session  of  1861  did  all  in 
his  power  to  defeat  the  passage  of  the  ordinances  of  secession.  In  1862 
he  was  commissioned  United  States  district  attorney,  which  office  he 
held  for  two  years.  In  1865  he  was  again  elected  to  the  State  Senate, 
and  two  years  afterward  was  chosen  to  represent  his  district  in  the  XL 
Congress.  He  had  a taste  for  literary  pursuits,  which  at  times  became 
almost  a passion,  and  for  several  years  of  his  life  he  devoted  himself 
almost  entirely  to  study.  Had  he  been  ambitious  to  rise  either  in  his 
profession  or  in  the  political  world,  he  could  have  attained  to  the  highest 
position  in  either. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


403 


Judse  Thomas  L.  Williams,  for  a long  time  chancellor  of  East  Ten- 
nessee,  was  one  of  the  most  highly  respected  members  of  the  profession 
who  ever  practiced  in  the  courts  of  the  State.  He  was  a man  of  strong 
constitution  and  of  great  energy  and  force.  He  scorned  all  effeminate 
self-indulgence,  and  his  powers  of  endurance  seemed  almost  unlimited. 
He  held  thirty-eight  courts  in  nineteen  different  counties  in  a year,  and 
in  going  from  one  point  to  another  had  to  travel  over  rough  mountain 
roads,  at  times  almost  impassable.  His  judicial  career  presents  an  ex- 
ample of  industry  and  adherence  to  official  duty  rarely  excelled. 
Although  he  possessed  highly  respectable  attainments  in  his  profession, 
he  was  not  a learned  lawyer  nor  an  accomplished  scholar;  but  he  pos- 
sessed in  an  eminent  degree  that  highest  and  most  valuable  of  all  intel- 
lectual gifts,  strong,  vigorous,  practical,  common  sense.  He  retired  from 
the  chancellorship  in  1854,  and  died  at  Nashville,  December  2,  1856. 

Thomas  C.  Lyon,  of  the  Knoxville  bar,  was  a native  of  Roane  Coun- 
ty, born  in  1810.  He  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  an  able  and  successful 
lawyer,  and  a thorough  and  profound  jurist.  He  was  a man  of  fine 
sensibilities  and  a high  sense  of  honor.  He  sat  frequently  upon  the 
supreme  bench  as  a special  judge,  and  his  opinions  are  generally  re- 
garded as  not  inferior  to  those  of  the  most  learned  jurists.  He  was  a fine 
linguist  and  an  accomplished  scholar,  with  considerable  taste  for  poetical 
composition.  When  he  was  quite  young  his  father  removed  to  Knox- 
ville, where  he  received  his  education,  graduating  from  East  Tennessee 
College.  During  the  Mexican  war  he  served  on  the  staff  of  Clen.  Wool, 
with  the  rank  of  major.  He  died  in  Richmond,  Va.,  October  1,  1864. 

William  H.  Sneed,  another  prominent  member  of  the  Knoxville 
bar,  was  born  in  Davidson  County  in  1812,  and  soon  after  attaining 
his  majority  began  the  practice  of  law  at  Murfreesboro.  He  early  at- 
tained a high  standing,  which  he  fully  maintained  to  the  end  of  his  life. 
In  1843  he  was  chosen  to  the  State  Senate,  and  soon  after  the  expiration 
of  his  term  of  office  married  the  only  daughter  of  Alexander  Williams,  of 
Greeneville,  where  he  then  located,  and  in  partnership  with  Robert  J. 
McKinney  practiced  his  profession  for  about  a year.  In  1845  he  re- 
moved to  Knoxville,  where  he  at  once  took  a prominent  position,  and  in 
1855  was  elected  to  represent  his  district  in  Congress.  He  died  at  his 
home  in  1869. 

Horace  Maynard,  for  many  years  a leading  lawyer  and  politician  of 
East  Tennessee,  was  born  in  Massachusetts  in  1814.  He  received  his 
early  education  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  but  graduated  from  Amherst  Col- 
lege in  1838.  He  soon  after  removed  to  East  Tennessee,  locating  at 
Knoxville,  where  he  was  employed  as  a professor  in  the  University  of 


404 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


East  Tennessee  until  1844.  He  then  entered  upon  the  practice  of  law 
and  soon  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  attorneys  in  that  division 
of  the  State.  In  1857  he  took  his  seat  as  a member  of  the  XXX Y 
Congress,  and  continued  as  a member  of  that  body  until  the  expiration 
of  the  XLXII  Congress,  with  the  exception  of  from  1863  to  1865, 
when  he  was  attorney-general  of  Tennessee.  Having  with  Andrew  John- 
son espoused  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  he  remained  faithful 
to  them.  He  served  during  the  greater  portion  of  President  Hayes’ 
administration  as  minister  to  Turkey,  and  also  for  a short  time  as  Post- 
master-General. He  was  a man  of  distinguished  ability,  was  a forcible 
and  clear  speaker  and  always  entertaining.  He  died  May  3,  1882. 

At  the  close  of  the  civil  war,  the  supreme  court  was  reorganized 
with  Samuel  Milligan,  J.  O.  Shackleford  and  Alvin  Hawkins,  as  judges 
appointed  by  the  governor.  Frequent  changes  occasioned  by  resignation 
occurred,  until  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  in  1870. 

,, Samuel  Milligan  was  born  in  Greene  County,  Tenn.,  “of  poor  but 
respectable  parents.”  His  father  was  unable  to  give  him  a better  educa- 
tion than  could  be  obtained  at  an  old  field  school;  but  being  possessed 
of  a well  balanced  and  indomitable  energy  he  determined  to  take  a 
college  course.  In  this  he  was  successful  and  graduated  from  Tusculum 
College.  He  studied  law  with  Robert  J.  McKinney,  but  before  begin- 
ning practice  he  was  elected  to  the  General  Assembly,  serving  two 
terms.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1846,  but  soon  after  joined  the 
army  and  served  as  a major  in  the  Mexican  war.  After  his  return  home 
he  practiced  his  profession  until  the  civil  war.  In  1868  he  resigned  his 
seat  upon  the  supreme  bench,  and  was  made  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
court  of  claims  at  Washington,  a position  he  held  until  his  death  in  1874. 
He  was  an  able  advocate,  and  an  impartial  and  incorruptible  judge. 

Alvin  Hawkins  entered  the  profession  of  the  law  as  a student  under 
Judge  Totten  at  the  age  of  nineteen.  About  two  years  later  he  located 
at  Camden,  Benton  County,  where  he  remained  only  a short  time,  when 
he  returned  to  Huntington.  In  1854  he  was  chosen  to  represent  his 
county  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  in  1862  was  elected  to  Congress 
but  did  not  take  his  seat.  He  remained  loyal  to  the  Union,  however,  and 
in  1864  was  appointed  United  States  District  Attorney  for  West  Tennes- 
see, by  President  Lincoln,  a position  which  he  resigned  the  following 
year  to  accept  a seat  upon  the  Supreme  Bench.  As  an  advocate  he  has 
few  superiors,  and  is  especially  strong  before  a jury.  He  is  an  effective 
speaker  at  all  times,  and  possesses  oratorical  powers  of  a high  order.  His 
native  talents  are  of  a high  order  and  have  been  well  cultivated,  and  they 
have  won  for  him  just  and  deserved  distinction. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


405 


James  O.  Shackleford  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  but  at  an  early  age 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Missouri.  During  his  early  manhood  he 
was  engaged  in  trapping  in  New  Mexico  and  other  parts  of  the  Southwest. 
After  his  return  he  studied  law  and  began  practice  at  Dover,  Stewart 
County.  Later  he  removed  to  Clarksville,  and  formed  a partnership  with 
James  Divers,  with  whom  he  practiced  for  a time.  He  afterward  was 
associated  with  Gustav  A.  Henry,  continuing  until  the  beginning  of  the 
civil  war.  During  that  struggle  he  espoused  the  Union  cause,  yet  he 
always  sympathized  with  the  misfortunes  of  his  neighbors  on  the  other- 
side,  and  through  his  influence  prevented  much  suffering.  In  1865,  with 
Hawkins  and  Milligan,  he  was  placed  upon  the  supreme  bench  by  ap- 
pointment of  Gov.  Brownlow.  He  resigned  in  1867,  but  was  reappointed 
the  following  year.  In  1869  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession 
in  Nashville;  there  he  continued  until  about  1875,  when  he  moved  to 
Colorado.  Judge  Shackleford  was  a man  of  good  ability  and  consider- 
able learning.  He  was  not  an  eloquent  speaker,  but  possessed  reasoning 
powers  of  a high  order. 

Andrew  McLain,  one  of  the  supreme  judges  elected  in  1869,  was  born 
in  Smith  County  and  began  his  career  as  a lawyer  at  Carthage.  He 
soon  became  one  of  the  leading  attorneys  in  that  county  and  was  made 
judge  of  the  circuit  court.  After  his  retirement  from  the  supreme  bench 
in  1870  he  practiced  law  in  Nashville  until  February,  1882,  when  he 
received  the  appointment  to  the  office  of  United  States  District  Attorney. 
Upon  the  change  in  the  administration  of  the  Federal  Government  in 
1885  he  was  retired,  and  now  resides  in  San  Diego,  Cal.  He  is  well 
read  in  his  profession,  but  is  not  a successful  advocate,  being  somewhat 
lacking  in  tact  and  skill.  He  is  a man,  however,  of  unquestioned  integ- 
rity, and  of  the  strictest  moral  rectitude. 

George  Andrews  was  born  in  Putney,  Vt.,  in  1826.  His  boyhood  was 
spent  in  his  native  State,  in  western  New  York  and  in  Michigan.  He 
studied  law  in  Detroit,  wffiere  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1857,  and 
continued  to  practice  his  profession  until  1865,  when  he  came  to  Ten- 
nessee. In  December,  1868,  he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Brownlow  a 
judge  of  the  supreme  court,  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation 
of  Judge  Milligan.  He  was  elected  to  the  same  position  at  the  judicial  elec- 
tion in  May,  1869,  and  continued  upon  the  bench  until  the  adoption  of 
the  new  constitution  in  1870.  In  December,  1871,  he  was  appointed 
United  States  District  Attorney  for  the  eastern  district  of  Tennessee, 
which  position  he  continued  to  hold  until  his  resignation  in  February, 
1879.  Since  that  time  he  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Knoxville; 
since  January  1,  1881,  in  partnership  with  J.  M.  Thornburgh. 


406 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


\ 


/ 


Henry  Gratton  Smith,  the  successor  of  Judge  Hawkins  upon  the  su- 
preme bench,  was  for  a long  time  a distinguished  member  of  the  bar  of 
Tennessee.  His  entire  career  was  marked  by  a love  of  truth  and  upright- 
ness, a scrupulous  fairness  toward  adversary  counsel  and  parties,  and 
a laborious,  painstaking  attention  to  ascertain  the  true  principle  of  law. 
It  could  not  be  claimed  for  him,  perhaps,  that  he  had  no  superiors  in  the 
profession,  yet  his  learning  and  ability  were  decidedly  above  mediocrity. 
During  the  civil  war  lie  remained  loyal  to  the  National  Government,  yet 
he  conducted  himself  with  such  rare  discretion  and  dignity  as  to  win  the 
esteem  of  even  his  enemies.  His  opinions  and  judgments  as  they  are 
found  in  the  official  reports  attest  to  his  ability  and  his  devotion  to  the 
duties  of  his  high  office. 


Horace  H.  Harrison  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Wilson  County,  August  7, 
1829.  In  1841  the  family  removed  to  McMinnville,  having  meanwhile 
resided  in  Sumner  and  Robertson  Counties.  The  father  died  in  1845, 
leaving  young  Harrison,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  the  sole  support  of  his 
mother,  Up  to  that  time  he  had  received  a liberal  education,  but  this 
event  prevented  him  from  completing  his  college  course.  He  entered  the 
office  of  the  county  clerk,  and  during  the  next  seven  years  served  in  that 
office,  the  office  of  the  clerk  and  master  of  the  chancery  court,  and  that  of 
the  register  of  deeds.  In  1853  he  was  elected  a director  of  the  Mc- 
Minnville & Manchester  Railroad,  and  two  years  later  began  the  prac- 
tice of  law  in  the  Mountain  Circuit,  where  he  enjoyed  a large  practice 
from  the  first.  In  1859  he  removed  to  Nashville.  In  1862  he  was  ap- 
pointed clerk  of  the  Federal  courts  for  Middle  Tennessee.  August  15, 
1863,  he  was  commissioned  United  States  District  Attorney,  a position  he 
held  until  1866.  He  was  then  appointed  chancellor  by  Brownlow,  and 
the  following  year  was  elected  to  the  supreme  bench.  In  1872  he  was 
again  appointed  United  States  District  Attorney,  and  afterward  was 
elected  to  Congress  from  the  Nashville  District.  At  the  end  of  his  time  he 
resumed  the  practice  of  law,  continuing  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
December  20,  1885.  Judge  Harrison  was  able  and  scholarly,  and  even 
his  political  opponents  always  conceded  his  purity  and  honesty.  As  a 
speaker  and  writer  he  was  noted  for  clearness  of  statement  and  earnest- 
ness of  manner. 

Robert  McFarland  was  for  many  years  an  able  member  of  the  East 
Tennessee  bar,  ranking  with  Reese  and  McKinney.  He  was  a born  law- 
yer and  a judge  by  nature.  Fie  had  a logical  mind,  patient  of  investi- 
gation and  trained  by  reflection  rather  than  much  reading.  He  was 
singularly  free  from  prejudices,  and  if  as  a judge  he  was  not  famed  for 
erudition,  he  fully  compensated  for  its  absence  by  an  accurate  discrimin- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


407 


ation,  sound  judgment  and  rare  practical  wisdom.  His  opinions  are  not 
distinguished  for  beauty  of  style  or  wealth  of  illustration,  but  they  are  al- 
ways clear  and  convincing.  In  correctness  of  decision,  the  highest  test 
of  a supreme  judge,  he  had  no  superior.  He  was  not  as  learned  a lawyer 
as  Reese,  nor  as  exact  and  precise  as  McKinney,  but  in  clearness  of  per- 
ception, soundness  of  judgment  and  correctness  of  decision  he  rivalled 
either*.  He  served  upon  the  supreme  bench  for  a period  of  eleven 
years,  retiring  on  account  of  failing  health  in  December,  1882.  He  died 
in  1884. 

Thomas  A.  R.  Nelson,  one  of  the  supreme  judges  elected  in  1870, 
was  a native  of  Roane  County,  Tenn.  He  graduated  from  East  Tennes- 
see College  in  1828,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  before  he  attained  his 
majority.  He  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  and  versatile  of  men  and 
soon  won  his  way  to  distinction.  He  figured  quite  prominently  in  poli- 
tics, and  while  in  Congress  delivered  a speech  which  was  published  in  full 
by  the  London  Times , and  which  that  paper  pronounced  to  be  “one  of  the 
finest  forensic  efforts  of  modern  American  lawgivers.”  His  reasoning 
powers  were  of  a very  high  order’,  his  imagination  uncommonly  fertile, 
and  his  power  of  satire  unexcelled.  During  all  the  years  of  his  long  life, 
while  not  engaged  in  politics,  he  was  vigorously  prosecuting  his  profes- 
sional labors,  and  in  everything  he  undertook  he  was  earnest,  laborious 
and  indefatigable.  During  his  short  term  of  service  as  a supreme  judge 
he  delivered  a number  of  opinions  which  give  evidence  of  his  eminent 
ability  as  a jurist. 

John  Louis  Taylor  Sneed,  one  of  the  six  supreme  judges  elected  un- 
der the  revised  constitution  in  1870,  is  a native  of  North  Carolina.  His 
mother  died  when  he  was  quite  a child  and  he  was  taken  in  charge  and 
educated  by  his  uncle,  then  living  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  but  who 
soon  after  removed  to  West  Tennessee.  There  young  Sneed,  after  re- 
ceiving an  academic  education,  began  the  study  of  law  with  Y.  D.  Barry. 
In  1843  he  settled  in  Memphis  for  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  two 
years  later  he  was  elected  to  the  General  Assembly.  In  1846  and  1847 
he  was  a captain  of  volunteers  in  the  Mexican  war,  and  served  with  dis- 
tinction until  its  close.  In  1851  he  was  elected  attorney-general  of  the 
Memphis  Judicial  District,  but  resigned  three  years  later  to  become  a 
candidate  for  the  office  of  attorney-general  of  Tennessee.  He  was  elected 
and  held  the  office  for  five  years,  during  which  time  he  published  the  five 
volumes  of  reports  known  as  Sneed’s  Reports.  After  his  retirement  from 
that  office  he  became  a candidate  for  Congress  on  the  Whig  ticket,  but 
was  defeated,  the  district  being  overwhelmingly  Democratic.  He  then  re- 

^Tribute  to  his  memory  from  the  Supreme  Court  Bar  of  East  Tennessee. 


408 


HISTOKY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


turned  to  the  practice  of  law  and  was  so  engaged  when  the  civil  war  be- 
gan. A Union  man  at  first,  like  many  others,  he  was  made  a rebel  “by 
the  tramp  of  an  invading  army,”  and  although  he  never  held  office  in  the 
Confederate  Army,  yet  he  was  thoroughly  identified  with  its  interests, 
and  devoted  to  its  cause.  On  his  retirement  from  the  supreme  bench  in 
1S78  a feeling  of  general  regret  Avas  expressed.  He  afterward  served  as 
judge  of  the  court  of  arbitration  and  also  of  the  court  of  referees.  As  a 
judge  he  was  patient,  courteous,  discriminately  just  and  capable.  In 
careful  consideration,  scholarly  composition,  lucidity  of  argument  and 
thorough  interpretation  of  the  law,  his  opinions  compare  favorably  with 
any  of  his  predecessors.  He  is  an  especally  brilliant  speaker,  and  a 
forcible  and  ready  orator.  Personally  he  is  very  popular,  being  a man 
of  commanding  presence,  easy  and  graceful  in  his  manners,  and  possess- 
ing rare  conversational  powers. 

Alfred  Osborne  Pope  Nicholson,  the  first  chief  justice  under  the  con- 
stitution of  1870,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn,  in  1808.  He 
received  a collegiate  education,  graduating  from  the  University  of  North 
Carolina  in  1827.  He  then  began  the  study  of  medicine,  but  soon 
abandoned  it  for  the  law,  and  was  licensed  to  practice  in  1881.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  became  the  editor  of  the  Western  Mercury , at  Columbia. 
From  that  time  until  the  war  he  was  too  thoroughly  engrossed  in  politics 
to  achieve  very  great  success  at  the  bar,  although  he  combined  in  a re- 
markable degree  the  application  and  acumen  of  the  jurist  and  the  sagacity 
of  the  politician.  He  was,  however,  too  retiring  in  his  disposition  and 
by  nature  too  prudent  and  timid  to  be  a great  leader;  yet  he  was  fre- 
quently elected  to  office,  serving  three  terms  in  the  lower  house  of  the 
General  Assembly  and  one  term  in  the  State  Senate.  In  1840  he  was 
appointed  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Felix  Grundy  in  the  United 
States  Senate,  and  was  elected  to  represent  the  State  in  that  body  for  the 
term  beginning  in  December,  1859.  Upon  the  secession  of  the  Southern 
States  he  resigned  his  seat,  and  was  not  again  in  office  until  elected  to 
the  bench  of  the  supreme  court.  Although  he  Avas  perhaps  not  the  peer 
of  Haywood  and  some  others  of  the  profession  in  the  depth  and  grasp  of 
his  intellect,  yet  he  possessed  the  power  of  concentration  to  a high  de- 
gree, and  had  the  faculty  of  elucidating  a subject  and  bringing  forth 
great  results  from  his  cool  and  deliberate  judgment.  Whether  at  the 
bar,  on  the  bench,  or  in  political  life,  he  always  gave  his  views  in  such 
plain  words  that  the  humblest  hearer  could  understand  them. 

William  Frierson  Cooper,  at  one  time  a partner  of  Judge  Nicholson, 
as  a chancery  laAvyer,  jurist  and  thorough  literary  scholar,  has  no  supe- 
rior in  the  State.  During  his  practice  of  the  law  he  devoted  himself  al- 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


409 


most  exclusively  to  the  chancery  department,  which,  with  his  experience 
of  nearly  seven  years  as  chancellor,  has  made  him  the  leading  authority 
in  the  State  in  that  branch  of  jurisprudence.  His  decisions  while  upon 
the  bench  of  the  chancery  court  have  been  published  in  three  volumes, 
and  are  exceedingly  valuable.  His  knowledge  of  law  in  other  depart- 
ments is  also  thorough  and  extensive.  With  Return  J.  Meigs  he  pre- 
pared the  present  “Code  of  Tennessee,”  and  afterward  edited  forty  volumes 
of  the  “ Tennessee  Reports  ” upon  their  republication.  He  has  also  re- 
edited  an  edition  of  “Daniels’  Chancery  Practice,”  bringing  down  the 
references  and  annotations  to  the  present  time.  January  1,  1879,  he  took 
his  seat  upon  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court,  and  has  since  discharged 
the  duties  of  the  office  with  that  fidelity  and  ability  which  has  character- 
ized him  in  all  his  official  and  professional  relations. 

Peter  Turney  received  his  knowledge  of  the  law  under  the  direction 
of  his  father,  the  late  Hopkins  L.  Turney,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1848,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years.  Por  the  first  two  or  three  years 
he  obtained  few  cases,  but  after  that  time  he  did  a good  practice  until 
the  beginning  of  the  civil  war.  He  then  entered  the  Confederate  Army 
as  colonel  of  the  First  Confederate  Tennessee  Regiment,  in  which  posi- 
tion and  elsewhere  he  made  a gallant  record  during  four  years1  service. 
At  the  close  of  hostilities  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
which  he  continued  with  success  until  1870,  when  he  took  his  seat  upon 
the  supreme  bench.  He  is  a man  of  great  native  ability  and  strong  in- 
dividuality, is  firm  and  positive  in  his  opinions,  and  as  a judge  is  not  at 
all  subject  to  the  influence  or  domination  of  any  other  member  of  the 
court.  He  is  perhaps  not  as  widely  read  in  his  profession,  nor  in  general 
literature,  as  some  of  his  colleagues,  yet  his  opinions  are  as  generally 
accurate  as  those  of  any  other  j udge. 

James  W.  Deaderick,  the  present  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Tennessee,  was  born  in  Jonesborough,  Washington  County,  in  1812. 
He  received  a thorough  education,  having  attended  East  Tennesse  Col- 
lege and  Central  College  at  Danville,.  Ky.  He  married  before  complet- 
ing his  course  at  the  latter  school,  and  soon  after,  in  1833,  began  mer- 
chandising in  what  is  now  Hamblen  County.  Not  being  very  successful 
in  that  business,  about  1842  he  took  up  the  study  of  law,  and  in  due  time 
Avas  admitted  to  the  bar  of  his  native  town.  He  there  opened  an  office 
and  continued  to  practice  with  reasonable  success  until  the  close  of  the 
civil  war.  In  1866  he  removed  to  Bristol,  and  the  following  year  to 
KnoxAnlle,  where  he  remained  until  his  election  to  the  supreme  bench  in 
1870.  Judge  Deaderick,  while  not  a learned  jurist,  is  a man  of  fine 
practical  sense,  of  sterling  probity  and  of  persistent  energy.  He  is  mod- 


410 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


est,  even  to  diffidence,  and  his  unobtrusive,  kindly  demeanor,  united  with 
bis  uniform  fairness,  has  won  for  him  a host  of  friends  among  the  mem- 
bers of  the  bar. 

Thomas  J.  Freeman  is  a native  of  West  Tennessee,  having  been  born 
in  Gibson  County,  in  1827.  His  early  education  was  limited  to  the 
country  schools  and  the  county  academy,  yet  at  the  age  of  seventeen  he 
had  completed  a course  of  medical  reading.  Not  finding  that  profession 
to  his  liking,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  law,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  at  once  opened  an  office  in  Trenton, 
where  he  practiced  until  1861,  when  he  removed  to  Haywood  County. 
After  the  close  of  the  war  he  removed  to  Brownsville,  where  he  contin- 
ued to  practice  his  profession  until  his  elevation  to  the  Supreme  Bench  in 
1870.  Judge  Freeman  has  always  been  a close  student  not  only  in  his 
profession  but  of  general  literature,  and  is  considered  one  of  the  most 
broadly  cultured  men  in  the  State.  He  possesses  what  may  be  denomi- 
nated a metaphysical  mind — reasons  logically  and,  in  general,  accurately. 
His  written  opinions  are  usually  quite  long,  but  are  clearly  stated.  As 
a lawyer  he  was  eminently  successful  in  practice.  He  was  critically 
careful  in  the  preparation  of  his  cases  and  was  a skillful  and  eloquent 
advocate  and  a thorough  master  of  technical  pleading. 

John  B.  Cooke,  the  successor  of  Judge  McFarland  upon  the  supreme 
bench,  was  appointed  in  1883  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  the  latter. 
Fie  is  a resident  of  Chattanooga,  and  is  a lawyer  and  jurist  of  excellent 
judgment  and  high  ability. 

Morgan  W.  Brown,  the  successor  of  John  McNairy  as  judge  of  the 
Federal  court  for  the  District  of  Tennessee,  was  a brother  of  William  L. 
Brown,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court.  He  was  a man  of  con- 
siderable reading  and  correct  literary  taste,  a fine  miscellaneous  writer, 
and  was  for  some  time  editor  of  a Nashville  paper.  He  was  appointed 
to  a seat  upon  the  bench  of  the  Federal  court  in  1834,  and  continued  to 
hold  that  position  until  his  death  in  1853. 

West  IF.  Humphreys,  the  successor  of  Judge  Brown,  was  born  in 
Montgomery  County,  in  1805.  Soon  after  preparing  himself  for  the  law, 
he  located  in  Somerville,  Fayette  County,  where  he  began  his  profes- 
sional career,  and  in  a very  short  time  rose  to  distinction.  So  great  was 
his  popularity  that  he  was  sent  as  a delegate  to  the  Constitutional  Con- 
vention of  1834,  and  the  following  year  was  elected  to  the  General  As- 
sembly, in  which  body  he  occupied  a prominent  position.  In  1839  he 
was  elected  attorney-general  and  reporter  of  the  supreme  court,  and  re- 
elected in  1844.  From  the  date  of  his  appointment  to  be  judge  of  the 
Federal  court,  he  held  the  position  until  the  opening  of  the  war,  when  he 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


411 


received  a commission  to  the  same  office  from  the  Confederate  Govern- 
ment. After  the  war  he  returned  to  his  practice  and  continued  until 
within  a few  years  of  his  death  which  occurred  in  October,  1882.  He 
was  a man  of  large  acquirements  not  only  in  his  profession,  but  in  gen- 
eral knowledge.  He  was  industrious  and  painstaking  in  the  preparation 
of  his  cases,  and  earnest  and  vehement  in  his  advocacy.  As  a judge  he 
was  just,  and  exceedingly  courteous  to  the  bar  and  to  all  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact. 

Connolly  F.  Trigg  was  appointed  United  States  District  Judge  for 
the  District  of  Tennessee  by  President  Lincoln,  in  July,  1862.  He  was 
a native  of  Virginia,  where  he  received  his  education  and  where  he  prac- 
ticed law  until  near  middle  life.  He  then  came  to  Tennessee  and  here 
spent  several  years  of  useful  and  successful  toil  in  his  profession,  before 
and  up  to  the  war.  During  that  trying  period,  although  a Southerner 
in  his  sentiments  and  dearest  relations,  he  clung  to  the  Union  with  un- 
swerving devotion,  and  at  the  close  of  hostilities  he  was  the  sole  Federal 
judge  in  Tennessee  to  administer  and  enforce  the  penal  laws  of  the 
United  States.  It  was  a time  to  test  the  courage  and  integrity  of  a judge 
to  the  utmost.  The  excitement  and  animosities  of  the  Avar  had  not  yet 
begun  to  subside,  and  the  courts  were  filled  with  proscription,  confisca- 
tion and  test-oath  cases.  It  now  lay  in  his  power  to  revenge  himself 
upon  his  former  enemies,  but  “Judge  Trigg,  with  the  same  undaunted 
courage  that  he  displayed  in  turning  his  back  on  secession,  now  calmly 
and  serenely  opposed  and  drove  from  the  temple  of  justice  the  spirit  of 
hate  and  revenge.  Indictments  for  treason,  libels  for  confiscation  and 
test-oaths  all  disappeared  at  his  rebuke,  and  the  people  resumed  their 
wonted  callings  with  a cheerful  confidence  in  the  ample  protection  of  the 
laws  of  the  United  States.”  It  has  been  truly  said  that  the  State  OAves 
to  Judge  Trigg  a debt  of  gratitude  greater  than  to  any  other  man  who 
has  exercised  judicial  functions  Avithin  her  boundaries.  He  was  not  a 
great  man,  nor  was  he  an  accomplished  jurist,  but  he  had  an  abiding 
faith  in  the  rudimental  truths  of  jurisprudence,  and  his  decisions  always 
bear  the  test  of  right  and  justice. 

John  Baxter,  a judge  of  the  Federal  Circuit  Court,  was  a native  of 
North  Carolina,  where  he  was  reared  upon  the  farm,  and  enjoyed  only  the 
educational  advantages  of  the  country  schools  of  that  sparsely  settled 
State.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  began  the  study  of  laAV,  and  in  due  time 
was  admitted  to  practice.  He  located  in  Avestern  North  Carolina,  where 
he  immediately  rose  to  prominence,  and  was  several  times  elected  to  the 
General  Assembly.  In  1856  he  removed  to  Knoxville,  where  he  ever 
after  made  his  home.  He  was  appointed  judge  of  the  United  States  Cir- 


412 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


cuit  Court  in  1877,  and  continued  upon  the  bench  until  his  death  in  1886. 
“Gifted  by  nature  with  an  intellect  of  extraordinary  vigor  and  compre- 
hension, of  untiring  energy  and  diligence,  he  rose  from  the  humblest  and 
most  adverse  condition  to  commanding  power  and  influence  as  an  advo- 
cate. When  he  came  upon  the  Federal  bench  the  massive  proportions  of 
his  mind,  the  force  and  sweep  of  his  faculties  developed  and  strengthened 
like  the  trunk  of  a giant  oak,  though  the  struggle  of  many  years  and  the 
buffeting  of  many  a storm  enabled  him  to  grapple  with  just  confidence 
with  the  many  new  and  difficult  questions  which  confronted  him.  Law- 
yers soon  found  throughout  the  circuit  that  they  had  before  them  one 
who  was  the  equal,  if  not  the  superior  in  many  respects,  of  the  greatest 
of  them,  and  one  who  was  determined  to  dispose  of  the  cases  in  court  with 
as  much  dispatch  as  possible.  He  elevated  the  tone  of  the  bar;  he  put 
new  life  and  energy  in  those  who  practiced  before  him ; he  infused  into 
them  something  of  his  own  spirit,  and  the  courts  in  his  circuit  became 
moving  and  active  in  the  performance  of  the  functions  belonging  to  them 
as  organs  of  the  Government.  Business  was  disposed  of,  the  rights  of 
litigants  settled  promptly  and  with  able  discrimination.”* 

Howell  E.  Jackson,  the  successor  of  Judge  Baxter,  is  a native  of  Paris, 
Tenn.,  born  in  1832.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the  country, 
after  which  he  attended  the  West  Tennessee  College  and  the  University 
of  Virginia.  He  then  read  law  for  two  years  with  Judges  Totten  and 
Brown,  of  Jackson,  and  finally  graduated  from  the  Lebanon  Law  School 
in  1855.  From  that  time  until  1859  he  practiced  the  profession  at  Jack- 
son,  after  which  removed  to  Memphis,  where  he  remained  until  1876. 
He  then  returned  to  Jackson.  He  took  his  seat  in  the  United  States 
Senate  in  1881,  where  he  remained  until  receiving  his  present  appoint- 
ment. He  is  a man  of  unquestioned  character  and  ability  as  a lawyer, 
ranking  with  the  best  in  the  State.  He  has  a thoroughly  judicial  mind, 
and  although  he  has  been  upon  the  Federal  bench  but  a short  time,  he 
has  heard  two  or  three  important  cases,  in  all  of  which  he  has  displayed 
conspicuous  ability. 

David  McKendree  Key,  judge  of  the  Federal  Court  for  the  Districts 
of  East  and  Middle  Tennessee,  was  born  in  Greene  County  in  1824.  He 
obtained  his  early  education  while  laboring  upon  the  farm,  and  afterward 
made  his  way  through  college.  He  came  to  the  bar  in  1853  at  Chatta- 
nooga where  he  has  since  resided.  In  1870  he  was  elected  chancellor  of 
his  district,  which  position  he  continued  to  hold  until  appointed  to  fill  the 
vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Andrew  Johnson.  Upon  the  formation 
of  a cabinet  by  President  Hayes,  in  1876,  he  was  made  Postmaster-General, 


^Memorial  resolution  adopted  by  the  Nashville  bar. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


413 


which  position  he  resigned  in  1880,  and  succeeded  Connolly  F.  Trigg  as 
judge  of  the  Federal  District  Court.  As  a lawyer  he  was  distinguished 
for  clear  insight  and  remarkable  comprehension  of  the  facts  of  the  case. 
Upon  the  bench  he  is  characterized  by  an  unerring  instinct  in  grasp- 
ing the  equities  of  the  cause  before  him,  and  in  presenting  a sound  de- 
cision. Although  not  especially  active  and  energetic,  he  disposes  of 
cases  rapidly,  and  the  docket  is  never  allowed  to  become  crowded. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Educational  History— Tile  University  of  North  Carolina— The  Estab- 
lishment of  Academies— Pioneer  Teachers— Early  Colleges  and  Uni- 
versities— Educational  Endowments — The  Foundation  of  the  County 
System  of  Academies— Private  or  Tuition  Schools — Comp arison  of  In- 
structive Systems— Congressional  School  Lands— The  Pauper  Schools 
—Renaissance  of  Learning— The  Founding  of  the  Common  Schools — 
Creation  of  the  Public  Educational  Funds — Their  Permanent  Invest- 
ment—Defalcation— The  Infancy  of  the  Common  Schools— Their  Im- 
provement— Specific  Taxation  for  Educational  Support— The  Public 
Graded  Schools — The  Conflict  of  the  Public  and  the  Private  Sys- 
tems—The  L AAV  OF  1867  AND  ITS  PRACTICAL  WORKING — THE  PEABODY  DONA- 
TION—EDUCATION  of  the  Colored  Race— The  Law  of  1870— The  State 
Teachers’  Association — The  Present  Comaion  School  System  and  Funds 
— Scholastic  Taxation— “■The  Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction- 
State  Acadeaiies,  Colleges,  Universities  and  TSTormal  Schools— Sta- 
tistics, etc. 

TENNESSEE  Avas  the  pioneer  in  the  dissemination  and  promotion  of 
learning  in  the  Southwest.  Considering  that  up  to  1790  she  formed 
a part  of  North  Carolina,  in  educational  matters  the  most  backward  of 
the  States,  this  is  a remarkable  fact.  From  the  earliest  settlement  of 
that  colony  down  to  the  Revolutionary  war  we  find  many  acts  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  an  orthodox  ministry  and  vestries ; provisions  for  court 
houses,  jails,  stocks,  prisons  and  pillories,  and  very  few  for  the  encour- 
agement of  institutions  of  learning,  not  above  ten  in  all.  About  the  be- 
ginning of  the  eighteenth  century  Avhen  there  was  not  a church  nor  more 
than  one,  if  there  was  one,  schoolhouse  in  the  province,  the  efforts  of 
Blair,  aided  by  Bishop  Compton,  of  London,  Avitli  an  offer  of  £20  to 
teachers  and  preachers  of  the  province  induced  a few  to  enter  the  field 
where  the  harvest  was  ripe  and  the  laborer^  few.*  But  at  the  end  of  the 
colonial  goi’ernment  literature  was  hardly  known.  There  were  within 
the  whole  province  but  two  schools — those  of  Newbern  and  Edenton.  f 

* Address  of  H.  M.  Doak.  -{Martin. 


26 


414 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Outside  of  the  Scotch  Presbyterian  the  great  mass  of  the  community  did 
not  possess  even  the  rudiments  of  an  education.  The  wealthier  members 
of  society,  howevei,  especially  among  the  Scotch,  must  have  made  con- 
siderable advances,  since  even  before  the  Revolution  they  were  sending 
their  sons  to  complete  their  education  at  Princeton. 

The  constitution  adopted  at  Halifax  December  18,  1876,  declared  that 
a school  or  schools  should  be  established,  and  “all  useful  learning  shall 
be  duly  encouraged  and  promoted  in  one  or  more  universities.”  The 
unsettled  condition  of  the  country,  however,  during  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  for  several  years  subsequent,  prevented  compliance,  and  it  was 
not  until  1789  that  the  act  establishing  the  University  of  North  Carolina 
was  passed.  It  was  still  six  years  later  before  the  university  was  opened 
to  receive  pupils.  This  college,  with  the  possible  exception  of  Princeton, 
has  exerted  a greater  influence  upon  the  culture  and  education  of  Tennes- 
see than  any  other  foreign  institution  of  learning.  It  has  educated 
many  of  her  most  illustrious  sons,  among  whom  were  James  K.  Polk, 
Aaron  Y.  Brown,  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson  and  many  others  of  scarcely  less 
distinction. 

That  the  ignorance  and  lack  of  educational  facilities  which  existed 
during  the  colonial  days  was  not  in  accord  with  the  wish  of  the  people  is 
manifest  in  the  vigorous  interest  in  educational  matters  which  immedi- 
ately sprang  up  after  the  overthrow  of  those  proprietary  and  royal  gov- 
ernments which  for  more  than  a century  had  rested  like  an  incubus  upon 
all  the  colonies.  From  the  formation  of  the  Federal  Union  to  the  close 
of  the  century  numerous  acts  establishing  academies  and  other  schools 
were  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  North  Carolina,  and  more  was  done 
for  the  encouragement  of  learning  than  had  been  accomplished  in  the 
last  hundred  years. 

In  the  matter  of  colleges  and  academies  Virginia  was  somewhat  more 
fortunate,  but  with  her  the  popular  diffusion  of  knowledge  by  schools 
previous  to  the  Revolution  was  almost  unknown,  although  domestic  in- 
struction among  those  capable  of  affording  it  was  almost  universal. 
“Every  man,”  said  Sir  William  Berkely,  in  1671,  “instructs  his  children 
according  to  his  ability,”  a method  which  left  the  children  of  the  ignor- 
ant in  helpless  ignorance.*  The  only  Virginian  school  which  seems  to 
have  exerted  much  influence  upon  Tennessee  was  Augusta  Academy,  which 
after  undergoing  many  changes  in  organization  and  name  is  now  known 
as  the  Washington  and  Lee  College.  At  that  school  two  of  the  educa- 
tional pioneers,  Garrick  and  Doak,  laid  the  foundation  of  their  careers. 
The  most  potent  of  all  the  influences  on  the  early  education  in  both 


* Bancroft. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


415 


North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  was  the  college  of  New  Jersey  at  Prince- 
ton, from  which  graduated  Doak,  Balch,  Craighead  and  many  other 
eminent  educators  and  divines. 

The  first  school  established  in  Tennessee,  and,  it  is  believed,  the  first 
west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  was  Martin  Academy,  founded  under 
an  act  “ for  the  promotion  of  learning  in  the  county  of  Washington,” 
passed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  in  1785.  Rev.  Sam- 
uel Doak,  mentioned  above  as  the  graduate  of  Princeton  College,  or  as  it 
was  then  known  Nassau  Hall,  was  the  founder  and  first  president.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Franklin  Assembly,  and,  it  is  said,  was  the  author 
of  the  clause  concerning  education  in  the  rejected  constitution.*  He  was 
a'  man  of  great  ability  and  force  of  character  and  of  great  learning, 
especially  in  the  classics.  His  schoolhouse,  a plain  log  building  erected 
on  his  farm,  stood  a little  west  of  the  site  afterward  selected  for  Wash- 
ington Academy.  For  many  years  it  was  the  only,  and  for  still  more  the 
principal,  seat  of  classical  education  for  the  western  country,  j- 

During  the  same  year  but  at  the  nest  session  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, through  the  influence  of  Gen.  Robertson,  “ an  act  for  the  promotion 
of  learning  in  Davidson  County”  was  passed.  Rev.  Thomas  Craighead. 
Hugh  Williamson,  Daniel  Smith,  William  Polk,  Anthony  Bledsoe,  Lard- 
ner  Clarke,  Ephraim  McLean,  Robert  Hays  and  James  Robertson  were 
appointed  trustees  and  constituted  a body  politic  under  the  name  of  the 
“ President  and  Trustees  of  Davidson  Academy.”  Two  hundred  and  forty 
acres  of  land  adjoining  the  town  of  Nashville,  on  the  Cumberland  River, 
were  granted  by  this  act,  which  also  encouraged  private  “bequests,  gifts 
and  purchases.”  It  was  further  provided  that  all  the  “lands,  tene- 
ments or  hereditaments  ” vested  in  the  trustees  of  the  academy  should  be 
exempt  from  taxation  for  a period  of  ninety-nine  years. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  trustees,  which  was  held  in  August,  1786, 
Rev.  Thomas  Craighead  was  elected  president,  and  at  the  next  meeting 
it  was  decided  that  the  school  should  be  taught  at  “ Spring  Hill  Meeting 
House,”  in  the  town  of  Haysborough,  six  miles  east  of  Nashville.  It  was 
also  ordered  “ that  five  pounds  hard  money,  or  the  value  thereof  in  other 
money,  be  paid  for  each  scholar  per  annum.”  The  lands  belonging  to 
the  institution  for  a number  of  years  were  rented  out,  and  the  proceeds 

*The  clause  referred  to  is  as  follows : 

Sttc.  32.  All  kinds  of  useful  learning  sliall  be  encouraged  by  the  commonwealth,  that  is  to  say , the 
future  Legislature  shall  erect  before  the  year  seventeen  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  one  university,  which 
shall  be  near  the  center  of  the  State,  and  not  in  any  city  or  town.  And  for  endowing  the  same,  there  shall  be. 
appropriated  such  lands  as  may  be  judged  necessary,  one-fourth  of  all  the  moneys  arising  from  the  surveys  of 
land  hereafter  to  be  made,  one  half-penny  upon  every  pound  of  inspected  tobacco,  forever ; and  if  the  fund 
thence  arising  shall  be  found  insufficient,  the  Legislature  shall  provide  for  such  additions  as  may  be  necessary, 
and  if  experience  shall  make  it  appear  to  be  useful  to  therinterest  ol  learning  in  this  State,  a grammar  school 
shall  be  erected  in  each  county,  and  such  sums  paid  by  the  public  as  shall  enable  the  trustees  to  employ  a 
master  or  masters  of  approved  morals  and  abilities. 

(Ramsey. 


410 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


used  in  tlieir  improvement  and  in  support  of  the  academy.  A ferry  was 
established,  which  in  time  yielded  an  income  of  from  $100  to  $650  per 
annum. 


One  of  the  acts  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  the  new  State  in  April, 
1796,  added  ten  new  trustees  to  the  old  board,  and  also  appointed  three 
persons  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  old  trustees,  with  directions  to  insti- 
tute suit  against  the  latter  if  they  failed  to  comply  with  the  law.  The 
act  provided  further  that  the  buildings  of  the  academy  should  be  erected 
“ on  the  most  convenient  situation  on  the  hill  immediately  above  Nash- 
ville, and  near  the  road  leading  to  Buchanan’s  Mill.”  This  act  was  not 
altogether  satisfactory  to  the  old  board,  and  they  refused  to  receive  the 
new  trustees  and  auditors ; but  the  difficulty  was  settled  after  some  delay, 
and  they  were  finally  admitted.  Although  some  steps  were  taken  toward 
the  erection  of  a building  as  provided  in  the  act,  it  was  nearly  ten  years 
before  it  was  completed.  On  October  25,  1803,  an  act  was  passed  reor- 
ganizing- the  institution,  and  constituting  it  a college.  Eighteen  trus- 
tees, of  whom  Thomas  Craighead  was  the  first  mentioned,  were  constitut- 
ed “ a body  politic  and  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of  David- 
son College.”  This  act  was  repealed,  however,  on  the  4th  of  the  fol- 
lowing March,  and  thus  ended  the  existence  of  Davidson  College. 

At  the  session  of  the  Territorial  Assembly  of  1794  two  new  colleges, 
Blount  and  Greeneville,  were  chartered.  The  bill  incorporating  the 
former  institution  was  introduced  on  the  4tli  of  September,  by  William 
Cocke,  of  Hawkins  County,  and  on  the  10tli  of  the  same  month  it  be- 
came a law.  The  act  begins  as  follows: 

Whereas,  The  Legislature  of  this  Territory  are  disposed  to  promote  the  happiness 
of  the  people  at  large,  and  especially  of  the  rising  generation,  by  instituting  seminaries  of 
education,  where  youth  may  be  habituated  to  an  amiable,  moral  and  virtuous  conduct, 
and  accurately  instructed  in  the  various  branches  of  useful  science,  and  in  the  principles 
of  ancient  and  modern  languages;  therefore 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Governor , Legislative  Council  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  of  America,  south  of  the  River  Ohio,  That 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Carrick,  president,  and  his  Excellency,  William  Blount,  the  Hon.  Dan- 
iel Smith,  secretary  of  the  Territory,  the  Hon.  David  Campbell,  the  Hon.  Joseph  Ander- 
son, Gen.  John  Sevier,  Col.  James  White,  Col.  Alexander  Kelley,  Col.  William  Cocke, 
Willie  Blount,  Joseph  Hamilton,  Archibald  Roane,  Francis  A.  Ramsey,  Charles  McClung, 
George  Roulstone,  George  McNutt,  John  Adair  and  Robert  Houston,  Esquires,  shall  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  a body  politic  and  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  presi- 
dent and  trustees  of  Blount  College,  in  the  vicinity  of  Knoxville. 


The  college  was  declared  opened  to  all  denominations  in  the  following 
words : 

And  the  trustees  shall  take  effectual  care  that  students  of  all  denominations  may  and 
shall  be  admitted  to  the  equal  advantages  of  a liberal  education,  and  to  the  emoluments 
and  honors  of  the  college,  and  that  they  shall  receive 
treatment  during  their  residence. 


like  fair,  generous  and  equal 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


417 


This  was  the  first  non-sectarian  college  chartered  in  the  United 
States.  Col.  James  White  donated  the  town  square  to  the  trustees  for 
the  use  of  the  college,  and  a two-story  fra, me  building  was  erected  by 
subscription  near  the  northwest  corner  of  the  square.* 

Rev.  Samuel  Carrick,  the  president,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  removed  in  early  life  to  Virginia,  where  he  received  his  education 
and  labored  for  many  years.  In  1787  he  came  to  Tennessee  and 
preached  from  the  artificial  mound,  near  the  confluence  of  the  Holston 
and  French  Broad  Rivers.  The  nest  year  he  returned,  and  henceforth 
encountered  all  the  hardships  and  dangers  of  pioneer  life. 

No  authentic  records  of  the  first  five  years  of  the  college  exercises 
are  in  existence,  but,  according,  to  tradition,  great  and  general  interest 
was  taken  in  the  institution,  especially  on  examination  occasions.  The 
written  records  of  the  college  begin  with  the  year  1804.  Among  the 
students  at  that  time  were  C.  C.  Clay,  William  Carter,  Thomas  Cocke, 
Lemuel  P.  Montgomery  and  William  E.  Parker.  The  last  named  grad- 
uated on  the  18th  of  October,  1806,  the  first  student  to  graduate  from 
the  college.  Females  were  admitted  to  the  college  at  this  time.  The 
first  named  are  those  of  Polly  McClung,  Barbara  Blount,  Jenny  Arm- 
strong, Matty  and  Kitty  Kain.  As  originally  organized  the  college  was 
dependent  for  its  support  solely  upon  the  patronage  of  the  public. 

Greeneville  College  was  founded  by  Hezekiah  Balch,  a native  of 
Maryland,  but  reared  from  early  childhood  in  Mechlenburg  County,  N. 
C.  He  graduated  at  Princeton  College  and  soon  after  located  in  Greene 
County,  where  he  served  as  a co-laborer  in  the  church  with  Dr.  Doak,  of 
the  adjoining  county  of  Washington.  But  during  nearly  his  entire  life 
in  the  State  he  was  harrassed  by  trials  before  presbyteries,  synods  and 
the  general  conference  for  some  alleged  heresies  in  the  doctrines  which 
lie  preached.  So  much  of  his  time  and  money  were  spent  in  attendance 
upon  these  trials  that  his  school  was  seriously  injured,  yet  he  patiently 
labored  on  until  his  death. 

The  first  female  academy  in  the  State  was  founded  by  Moses  Fisk,  at 
Hilham,  in  Overton  County,  and  was  known  as  Fisk’s  Female  Academy. 
It  was  chartered  in  1806,  and,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  charter, 
Moses  Fisk  and  Sampson  Williams  were  to  contribute  1,000  acres  of 
land  each  toward  the  endowment  of  the  institution.  Fisk  was  a native 
of  Massachusetts,  a graduate  of  Harvard  College  and  a man  of  great 
learning  and  of  singular  genius. 

In  1806  Congress  passed  an  act  of  great  importance  to  the  educa- 
tional interests  of  Tennessee.  It  was  entitled  “an  act  to  authorize  the 

of  Blount  College  and  the  University  of  Tennessee  this  chapter  is  indebted  to  the  address 
of  Col.  Mose  \\  hite,  delivered  in  ] 879. 


.418 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


State  of  Tennessee  to  issue  grants  and  perfect  titles  to  certain  lands 
therein  described;  and  to  settle  the  claims  to  the  vacant  and  unappropri- 
ated lands  within  the  same.”  This  act  provided  “that  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee shall  appropriate  one  hundred  thousand  acres,  which  shall  be  lo- 
cated in  one  entire  tract,  within  the  limits  of  the  lands  reserved  to  the 
Cherokee  Indians  by  an  act  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  entitled  ‘An 
act  for  opening  the  land  office  for  the  redemption  of  specie  and  other 
certificates,  and  discharging  the  arrears  due  to  the  army,’  passed  in  the 
year  one  thousand,  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  and  shall  be  for  the 
use  of  two  colleges,  one  in  East  and  one  in  West  Tennesee,  to  be  estab- 
lished by  the  Legislature  thereof.  And.  one  hundred  thousand  acres  in 
one  tract  within  the  limits  last  aforesaid  for  the  use  of  academies,  one  in 
each  county  in  said  State  to  be  established  by  the  Legislature  thereof; 
which  said  several  tracts  shall  be  located  on  lands  to  which  the  Indian 
title  has  been  extinguished,  and  subject  to  the  disposition  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  the  State;  but  shall  not  be  granted  nor  sold  for  less  than  two 
dollars  per  acre,  and  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  the  lands  aforesaid 
shall  be  vested  in  funds  for  the  respective  uses  aforesaid  forever,  and  the 
State  of  Tennessee  shall,  moreover,  in  issuing  grants  and  perfecting 
titles,  locate  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  to  every  six  miles  square  in  the 
territory  hereby  ceded,  where  existing  claims  will  allow  the  same,  which 
shall  be  appropriated  for  the  use  of  schools  for  the  instruction  of  children 
forever.” 

The  General  Assembly,  at  the  next  session  after  tne  passage  of  this 
act,  was  flooded  with  memorials  and  petitions  from  the  people  of  several 
counties,  and  from  the  president  and  trustees  of  each  of  the  colleges  in 
East  Tennessee,  praying  for  the  grant  and  setting  forth  the  advantages 
of  their  particular  localities  for  the  establishment  of  the  college.  Greene- 
ville  College  urged  the  numerous  advantages  peculiar  to  that  institution, 
“its  local  situation,  extensive  library,  philosophical  apparatus,  ample 
funds  and  other  circumstances.”  A resolution  was  received  from  the 
trustees  of  Blount  College,  expressing  a willingness  to  unite  their  funds 
with  those  of  the  college  to  be  established,  provided  it  should  be  situated 
within  two  miles  of  Knoxville.  The  people  of  Blount  County  wished  the 
college  located  at  Marysville,  while  Hawkins  County  recommended  Rog- 
erville.  The  question  of  locating  the  college,  however,  was  not  settled 
until  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature,  when  thirty  persons  were 
appointed  trustees  of  East  Tennessee  College,  “to  be  located  on  ten 
acres  of  land  within  two  miles  of  Knoxville,  conveyed  in  trust  for  the 
use  of  said  college  by  Moses  White  at  a place  called  the  Rocky  or  Poplar 
Spring.”  The  trustees,  with  the  exception  of  seven,  were  apportioned 


V 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


419 


among  tlie  several  counties  of  East  Tenessee  according  to  tlieir  popula- 
tion. The  seven  trustees  were  selected  from  among  men  living  in  the  , 
vicinity  of  the  college  that  they  might  have  a more  direct  oversight  of  the 
institution.  The  following  were  the  trustees  appointed:  For  Hawkins 
County,  Bichard  Mitchell  and  Andrew  Galbreatliy;  Sullivan,  John  Khea 
and  James  King;  Greene,  Augustus  P.  Fore  and  John  Gass;  Washing- 
ton, Mathew  Stephenson  and  John  Kennedy;  Carter,  George  Duffield; 
Jefferson,  James  Bice  and  Joseph  Hamilton;  Grainger,  John  Cocke  and 
Maj.  Lea;  Cocke,  Alexander  Smith;  Sevier,  Hopkins  Lacy;  Blount,  Jo- 
seph B.  Lapsly  and  Dr.  Bobert  Gant;  Claiborne,  William  Graham; 
Anderson,  Arthur  Crozier;  Boane,  Thomas  I.  Vandyke;  Knox,  George 
W.  Campbell,  John  Sevier  and  Thomas  Emmerson.  John  Crozier,  John 
Williams,  Archibald  Boane,  Francis  A.  Bamsey,  David  Deaderick, 
George  Doherty  and  John  Lowry  were  appointed  as  the  special  trustees. 
Until  buildings  could  be  erected  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  use  the 
buildings  of  Blount  College,  and  the  funds  of  that  institution  were 
declared  incorporated  with  those  of  East  Tennessee  College. 

In  1806,  after  the  passage  by  Congress  of  the  act  already  referred  to, 
the  trustees  of  Davidson  Academy  petitioned  the  General  Assembly  for 
the  endowment  provided  for  in  that  act,  and  the  academy  being  the  only 
institution  of  the  kind  in  West  Tennessee*  the  petition  was  granted,  and 
a body  of  nineteen  trustees  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the 
“Trustees  of  Cumberland  College.”  All  the  property,  both  personal  and 
real,  belonging  to  Davidson  Academy  was  transferred  to  the  college.  At 
a meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  held  in  July,  1807,  it  was  decided  to 
open  the  college  for  the  reception  of  students  on  the  1st  of  the  next  Sep- 
tember, and  books  and  apparatus  to  the  amount  of  $1,000  were  pur- 
chased. Bev.  Thomas  Craighead  was  continued  as  president  of  the 
institution  until  October  24,  1809,  when  Dr.  James  Priestly  was  elected. 
The  former  continued  one  of  the  trustees  till  the  autumn  of  1810,  when 
his  connection  with  the  college  finally  ceased. 

The  management  of  the  endowment  fund  proved  to  be  a source  of  con- 
siderable difficulty.  Various  acts  were  passed  providing  for  its  invest- 
ment, none  of  which  proved  satisfactory  in  its  results.  In  1807  John 
Bussell,  James  Park,  Josiah  Nichol,  Edward  Douglass,  John  Overton  and 
William  Tate  were  appointed  commissioners  to  manage  the  fund,  and 
were  authorized  “to  purchase  stock  in  some  reputable  bank  in  the  United 
States,  and  to  pay  over  the  dividends  arising  from  the  same  to  the  col- 
leges.” Two  years  later  Thomas  McCorry,  John  Crozier  and  Thomas 
Emmerson  were  appointed  tp  loan  out  the  money  in  the  treasury  belong- 


♦What  is  now  Middle  Tennessee  was  then  called  West  Tennessee. 


420 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ing  to  tli 9 college.  In  1813  an  act  was  passed  requiring  all  moneys  col- 
lected for  tlie  use  of  Cumberland  College  to  be  turned  over  to  the  trus- 
tees of  that  institution,  and  by  them  to  be  invested  either  in  Nashville 
bank  stock  or  stock  of  the  Bank  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  The  treasurer 
of  East  Tennessee  was  required  to  invest  the  money  belonging  to  East 
Tennessee  College  in  the  same  way.  All  the  moneys  loaned  out  to  in- 
dividuals were  called  in. 

In  1806  the  General  Assembly,  in  compliance  with  the  act  of  Con- 
gress, made  provisions  for  county  academies,  and  appointed  five  trustees 
for  each  county.  These  trustees  were  empowered  “to  fix  upon  and  pur- 
chase a site,  and  to  take  and  receive  subscriptions  for  the  same.  ” As  the 
amount  of  funds  available  for  each  county  was  quite  small,  it  was  neces- 
sary that  the  people  provide  the  buildings,  and,  also,  in  a great  measure 
support  the  schools  by  subscriptions  and  donations.  It  was,  conse- 
quently, several  years  before  academies  were  established  in  all  of  the 
counties. 

Thus  it  is  seen  that  after  more  than  thirty  years  of  dependent,  and 
twenty  years  of  independent,  State  government,  no  legislative  action  had 
been  taken  for  the  support  and  encouragement  of  common  schools  in  Ten- 
nessee. Acts  and  grants  for  the  benefit  of  academies  and  higher  institu- 
tions of  learning  are  numerous,  but  the  idea  of  a system  of  popular  edu- 
cation maintained  at  public  expense  does  not  seem  to  have  entered  the 
minds  of  legislators.  In  this  may  be  found  one  of  the  most  striking  con- 
trasts between  Virginia,  North  Carolina  and  other  Southern  colonies  and 
those  of  New  England — a contrast  which  is  yet  apparent.  So  early  as 
1637,  in  all  of  the  Puritan  colonies  it  was  ordered:  “To  the  end  that 
learning  may  not  be  buried  in  the  graves  of  our  forefathers,  that  every 
township  after  the  Lord  hath  increased  them  to  the  number  of  fifty  house- 
holders, shall  appoint  one  to  teach  all  children  to  write  and  read,  and 
when  any  town  shall  be  increased  to  the  number  of  one  hundred  families, 
they  shall  set  up  a grammar  school,  the  master  thereof  being  able  to  in- 
struct youth  so  far  as  they  may  be  fitted  for  the  university.”  The  estab- 
lishment of  Harvard  College  followed  soon  after. 

In  these  colonies  the  fundamental  idea  Avas  universal  education,  be- 
ginning with  the  common  school  and  ending  with  the  university.  In 
North  Carolina,  Tennessee  and  the  other  Southern  States,  the  system  was 
reversed.  The  college  Avas  first  provided  for,  leaving  the  individual  to 
prepare  himself  for  receiving  its  benefits.  The  idea  is  expressed  in  the 
preamble  to  the  act  establishing  the  University  of  North  Carolina: 
“Whereas  in  all  regulated  governments  it  is  the  duty  of  every  legisla- 
ture to  consult  the  happiness  of  the  rising  generation,  and  endeavor  to 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


421 


fit  them  for  an  honorable  discharge  of  the  social  duties  of  life  by  paying 
strict  attention  to  their  education,  and,  whereas,  an  university  supported 
by  permanent  funds  and  well  endowed  would  have  the  most  direct  tend- 
ency to  arrive  at  the  above  purpose;  Be  it  enacted,  etc."  The  cause  for 
this  difference  in  the  educational  systems  was  due  partly  to  the  dissimi- 
lar character  of  the  people  of  the  two  sections,  but  more  to  the  peculiar 
condition  of  society  in  each.  In  New  England  even  in  the  earlier  days 
there  were  but  comparatively  few  slaves,  and  it  was  found  that  the  laborer 
is  valuable  just  in  proportion  to  his  knowledge  and  skill,  and  therefore 
that  it  is  economy  to  educate  him.  This,  with  the  democratic  spirit  in- 
herent in  the  colonists,  produced  the  common  school,  the  great  preserver 
of  democracy.  In  the  Southern  colonies  the  educational  system  was 
based  upon  “the  theory  that  labor  should  be  absolutely  under  control,  and 
needed  no  intelligence ; that  culture,  that  knowledge  of  letters  on  the 
part  of  the  slaves  was  especially  dangerous  to  the  system,  that  the  only 
need  of  culture  Avas  on  the  part  of  the  master,  and  this  he  was  amply  able 
to  secure  for  himself.  The  intermediate  class  of  person^ — those  who 
did  not  own  slaves  and  who  were  not  owned  as  slaves — -occupied  a most 
unfortunate  position.  The  richer  class  had  not  the  property  interest  in 
them,  and  did  not  consider  them  part  of  the  same  classification,  because 
they  were  not  slave  owners.”*  These  general  ideas,  modified  by  local 
influences,  shaped  education  for  more  than  two  centuries.  It  is  true  that 
systems  of  common  schools  were  established  in  nearly  every  State,  but 
in  no  instance  did  such  a system  flourish  in  company  with  the  institution 
of  slavery.  The  Avealthy  expected  no  advantage  to  their  children  from 
it,  for  they  sent  them  to  pay-schools  or  provided  private  tutors.  This 
gave  the  public  schools  the  name  of  pauper  schools,  and  they  were 
looked  upon  in  that  light  alone.  The  public  sentiment  in  Yirginia  with 
regard  to  a State  school  system  supported  by  taxation — and  this  senti- 
ment was  common  to  the  other  Southern  States — is  clearly  stated  in  the 
following  extract  from  the  autobiography  of  Thomas  Jefferson.  He  was 
called  upon  to  formulate  a plan  of  general  education  for  that  State.  He 
says:  “I  accordingly  prepared  three  bills,  proposing  three  distinct  grades 
of  education,  reaching  all  classes:  First,  elementary  schools  for  all  cliil- 
ren  generally,  rich  and  poor;  Second,  colleges  for  a middle  degree  of 
instruction,  calculated  for  the  common  purposes  of  life,  and  such  as 
would  be  desirable  for  all  who  Avere  in  easy  circumstances ; and  third,  an 
ultimate  grade  for  teaching  sciences  generally,  and  in  their  highest  de- 
gree. The  first  bill  proposed  to  lay  off  every  county  in  hundreds,  or 
wards  of  a proper  size  and  population  for  a school,  in  which  reading, 


* Gen.  John  Eaton. 


422 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


writing  and  common  arithmetic  should  be  taught:  and  that  the  whole  State 
should  be  divided  into  twenty-four  districts,  in  each  of  which  should  be 
a school  for  classical  learning,  grammar,  geography  and  the  higher 
branches  of  numerical  arithmetic.  The  second  bill  proposed  to  amend 
the  constitution  of  William  and  Mary  College,  to  enlarge  its  sphere  of 
science,  and  to  make  it  in  fact  a university.  The  third  was  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  a library.  Into  the  elementary  bill  they  inserted  a pro- 
vision which  completely  defeated  it,  for  they  left  it  to  the  court  of  each 
county  to  determine  for  itself  Avhen  this  act  should  be  carried  into  execu- 
tion within  their  county.  One  provision  of  the  bill  was,  that  the  expense 
of  these  schools  was  to  be  borne  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  county,  every 
one  in  proportion  to  his  general  tax  rate.  This  would  throw  on  wealth 
the  education  of  the  poor,  and  the  justices,  being  generally  of  the  more 
wealthy  class,  were  unwilling  to  incur  the  burden,  and  I believe  it  was 
not  suffered  to  commence  in  a single  county.” 

From  this  treatment  of  Mr.  Jefferson’s  Arise  plan  it  is  seen  that  al- 
though the  popularity  of  a common  school  system  demanded  its  enact- 
ment, it  Avas,  so  far  as  possible,  rendered  inoperative.  This  may  be  said 
to  have  been  the  attitude  of  Tennessee  on  this  subject,  from  the  organi- 
zation of  the  State  to  the  civil  Avar.  But  while  the  common  schools  Avere 
thus  neglected  and  ignored,  these  other  great  agencies  in  the  dissemination 
of  knowledge  and  the  formation  of  character,  the  private  school  seminary 
and  university  in  a great  measure  supplied  their  place,  and  in  many  re- 
spects were  superior  to  the  best  public  schools.  In  fact,  among  the  edu- 
cated class  of  the  Sobt-h  there  Avas,  perhaps,  a larger  percentage  who 
were  thoroughly  Avell  educated,  than  in  the  North.  The  church  and  the 
hustings  also  were  potent  factors  in  education.  Through  their  influence 
intelligent  citizens  were  made  though  they  did  not,  and  many  of  them 
could  not,  read  the  newspapers. 

The  first  tax  for  educational  purposes  was  levied  under  an  act  passed 
in  1816  “to  provide  for  the  education  of  orphans  of  those  persons  who 
have  died  in  the  service  of  their  country.”  The  act  provided  “that  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  each  county  court  in  the  State  at  each  and  every 
court  after  the  first  day  of  January,  1816,  to  lay  such  a tax  upon  all  tax- 
able property  as  shall  be  sufficient  to  educate  the  poor  orphans  who  have 
no  property  to  support  and  educate  them  and  whose  fathers  were  killed 
or  have  died  in  the  service  of  their  country  in  the  late  war.”  The  county 
court  Avas  also  empowered  “to  make  such  contract  with  any  person  or  per- 
sons as  they  may  think  best  calculated  for  that  purpose,  to  board  and  ed- 
ucate such  children  as  far  as  to  attain  the  art  of  reading,  Avriting  and 
arithmetic  so  far  as  the  rule  of  three.” 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


423 


In  1817  an  act  was  passed  to  provide  for  the  leasing  of  the  school 
lands,  laid  off  under  the  act  of  Congress  in  1806.  It  was  made  the  duty 
of  each  county  court  of  the  State  to  appoint  as  many  commissioners  as 
they  might  think  necessary  whose  duty  it  was  to  lease  out  the  school 
lands  and  receive  and  pay  over  the  proceeds  to  the  county  trustee  for  the 
use  of  the  schools  in  the  respective  counties.  It  was  also  made  the  duty 
of  the  commissioners,  when  sufficient  funds  had  been  received,  “to  build 
a comfortable  house  for  a common  English  school  to  be  taught  in,  and  to 
employ  and  pay  a good  teacher  of  English  to  instruct  all  children  that 
may  be  sent  thereto.”  It  was  further  provided  that  when  $100  or  more, 
for  which  there  was  no  immediate  use,  had  accumulated  in  the  hands  of 
the  county  trustee,  that  officer  should  loan  the  money  out  upon  good  se- 
curity. Some  interest  in  popular  education  was  aroused  by  the  passage  of 
this  act,  but  it  was  of  short  duration,  and  only  a few  schools  were  estab- 
lished. Various  acts,  some  of  them  local  in  their  application,  were  passed 
during  the  next  ten  years,  but  no  changes  of  great  importance  were  made. 

By  provision  of  an  act  passed  in  1823,  five  commissioners  for  each 
county  were  appointed,  whose  duty  it  was  to  appropriate  “all  the  moneys 
received  by  them  to  the  education  of  the  poor,  either  by  establishing 
poor  schools,  or  by  paying  the  tuition  of  poor  children  in  schools  which 
are,  or  may  be  established  in  their  respective  counties.”  From  this  act, 
establishing  pauper  schools,  it  is  evident  that  no  material  advance  toward 
a system  of  popular  education  had  been  made.  The  common  school  fund, 
collected  from  the  lands  set  apart  by  the  act  of  1806,  amounted  to  little 
better  than  nothing.  In  fact,  from  the  report  of 'a  committee  of  which 
James  K.  Polk  was  chairman,  it  is  stated  that  only  22,705  acres  of  school 
land  had  been  laid  off,  while  according  to  the  provision  of  the  act,  grant- 
ing 610  acres  for  each  thirty-six  square  miles,  the  number  of  acres  loca- 
ted should  have  been  nearly  450,000.  In  1823  Congress  repealed  that 
portion  of  the  act  of  1806,  fixing  the  price  at  which  the  land  could  be 
sold,  and  the  General  Assembly  at  its  next  session  made  provision  to  dis- 
pose of  it  at  12-|  cents  per  acre.  The  title  to  the  Indian  lands  embracing 
what  is  now  West  Tennessee,  was  extinguished  in  1818,  but  no  provision 
was  made  for  the  support  of  schools. 

About  1830  there  began  what  has  been  termed  a revival  in  education 
which  in  spirit,  if  not  in  practice,  extended  throughout  the  United 
States.  It  was  found  that  the  schools  were  too  dependent  upon  the  teach- 
ers, or  the  presence  or  absence  of  a school  man  in  the  neighborhood;  that 
the  system  lacked  uniformity  and  effectiveness ; that  even  in  the  most  ad- 
vanced States,  it  was  insufficient  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  rapidily  in- 
creasing population  and  to  resist  the  influx  of  ignorance  from  the  Old 


424 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


W oriel.  Eminent  educators,  Horace  Mann,  Dr.  C.  E.  Stowe,  and  others, 
gave  the  subject  a thorough  study,  published  books,  and  delivered  ad- 
dresses until  a conviction  resulted  that  not  only  public  welfare  demanded 
a better  educational  machinery,  but  that  it  was  the  duty  of  the  State  to 
provide  it.  It  resulted  in  establishing  State  supervision,  graded  schools, 
city  and  county  supervision,  normal  schools  and  teacher’s  institutes,  ed- 
ucational journals  and  literature,  and  perhaps  the  most  important  of  all, 
the  abolition  of  all  rate  bills,  and  the  entire  support  of  the  schools  by 
tax.*  Many  States  adopted  the  new  system,  the  efficiency  of  ivhich  soon 
became  apparent. 

The  spirit  of  this  revival  extended  to  Tennessee,  and  the  popular- 
ity of  some  system  of  State  education  rendered  legislation  upon  it  imper- 
ative. But  although  many  of  the  best  men  in  the  State  labored  earnestly 
to  secure  an  efficient  system,  the  idea  that  free  schools  were  established 
only  for  the  benefit  of  the  indigent  portion  of  the  community  could  not 
be  eradicated,  and  failure  was  the  result.  As  has  been  stated,  the  idea 
of  a system  of  schools,  -as  a measure  of  economy,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
rich  as  well  as  the  poor,  could  not  under  the  then  existing  state  of  society 
become  general. 

In  1827  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  creating  a school  fund, 
to  be  composed  of  all  the  capital  and  interest  of  the  State  bank,  except 
one-half  of  the  principal  sum  already  received;  the  proceeds  of  the  sales 
of  the  Hiwassee  lands;  all  lands  in  the  State  which  had  been  appropria- 
ted to  the  use  of  schools;  all  the  vacant  and  unappropriated  lands  to 
which  the  State  had,  or  might  thereafter  obtain  title;  all  the  rents  and 
mesne  profits  of  all  the  school  lands  which  had  accrued  and  had  not  al- 
ready been  appropriated ; all  the  funds  denominated  school  or  common 
school  funds  which  had  accrued  from  the  sale  of  lands;  the  donations 
made  by  various  parties  to  the  State;  all  the  stock  owned  by  the  State  in 
the  old  bank  of  the  State  at  Knoxville,  amounting  to  400  shares,  and  the 
property  of  all  persons  dying  intestate  and  without  legal  heirs.  No  pro- 
vision was  then  made  for  applying  this  fund  to  its  intended  use.  Two 
years  later  an  act  was  passed  establishing  a system  of  public  schools. 
Under  this  system  the  counties  were  divided  into  school  districts  of  con- 
venient size,  in  each  of  which  five  trustees  were  elected,  whose  duty  it 
was  to  meet  at  the  court  house  on  the  first  Saturday  of  June  in  each 
year,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  not  less  than  five,  nor  more  than  seven 
“discreet  and  intelligent  citizens”  for  common  school  commissioners. 
The  trustees  were  also  given  full  power  to  employ  and  dismiss  teachers, 
and  to  judge  of  their  qualifications,  capacity  and  character.  The  com- 


*Jolm  Eaton. — Report  of  1869. 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


425 


missioners  were  given  control  of  all  moneys  for  the  use  of  schools.  They 
were  to  divide  the  county  into  five  districts,  over  each  of  which  one  com- 
missioner was  to  exercise  general  supervision.  The  interest  arising  from 
the  school  fund  was  to  be  distributed  among  the  school  districts  in  propor- 
tion to  the  number  of  children  in  each,  between  the  years  of  five  and  fif- 
teen, but  before  any  district  should  be  entitled  to  its  share  it  was  com- 
pelled to  provide  a comfortable  schoolhouse.  It  was  made  the  duty  of 
the  president  and  directors  of  the  State  bank  to  equalize  and  distribute 
the  fund.  The  commissioners  were  authorized  to  expend  a sum  not  ex- 
ceeding §20  annually  in  the  purchase  of  books,  to  be  distributed  to  chil- 
dren whose  parents  were  not  able  to  provide  them.  The  act  also  pro- 
vided that  “it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  induce  all  children 
under  the  age  of  fifteen  years  to  be  sent  to  school,  and  no  distinction 
shall  be  made  between  the  rich  and  poor,  but  said  school  shall  be  open 
and  free  to  all.” 

Although  the  system  as  presented  in  this  act  embraced  many  excellent 
features,  it  lacked  several  essentials.  The  funds  were  not  sufficient  to 
support  the  schools  without  resort  to  rate  bills,  and  the  houses  were  to  be 
provided  by  private  subscription.  There  were  also  too  many  executive 
officers  and  no  controlling  and  supervising  head,  either  for  the  counties 
or  for  the  State.  The  system  was  established  in  several  of  the  counties, 
and  in  a few  it  met  with  some  success.  The  commissioners  for  Maury 
County,  in  1832,  reported  twenty-two  teachers  employed  for  terms  rang- 
ing’ from  one  and  one-half  to  eleven  months  with  an  average  of  four 
months.  The  wages  ranged  from  §8  to  §49  dollars  per  month,  averaging 
$17.  The  total  number  of  pupils  enrolled  during  the  year  was  904.  As 
the  scholastic  population  of  Maury  County  at  that  time  exceeded  4,000, 
less  than  25  per  cent  were  enrolled  in  the  public  schools.  The  report 
from  this  county  was  one  of  the  most  satisfactory. 

The  total  funds  which  had  been  received  for  the  support  of  academies 
up  to  this  date  amounted  to  §70,665.12.  Thus  the  apparently  munificent 
grant  of  100,000  acres  of  land  had  yielded  an  aggregate  of  §1,139.76  to 
each  county  during  a period  of  twenty-five  years.  While  some  of  the 
counties  had  received  the  full  amount,  others  had  established  no  academy, 
and  their  portion  of  the  fund  remained  in  the  State  bank. 

In  1831  the  profits  arising  from  the  State’s  stock  in  the  Union  Bank 
was  set  apart  for  the  use  of  common  schools ; and  upon  the  chartering  of 
the  Planters  Bank  of  Tennessee  and  the  Farmers  & Merchants  Bank 
of  Memphis  in  1833,  the  bonus  of  one-half  of  1 per  cent  on  the  capital 
stock,  payable  annually  to  the  State,  was  appropriated  for  the  same  pur- 
pose. A similar  disposition  was  made  of  a bonus  of  5 per  cent  of  the  net 


426 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


profits  of  tlie  Tennessee  Fire  & Marine  Insurance  Company.  This  was 
the  condition  of  the  public  schools  and  the  school  fund  at  the  adoption 
of  the  constitution  of  1834.  That  instrument  contains  the  following  sec- 
tion concerning  education: 


ARTICLE  XI. 

Sec.  10.  Knowledge,  learning  and  virtue  being  essential  to  the  preservation  of  repub- 
lican institutions,  and  the  diffusion  of  the  opportunities  and  advantages  of  education 
throughout  the  different  portions  of  the  State  being  highly  conducive  to  the  promotion  of 
this  end,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly  in  all  future  periods  of  this  govern- 
ment to  cherish  literature  and  science.  And  the  fund  called  the  “ Common  School  Fund  ” 
and  all  the  lands  and  proceeds  thereof,  dividends,  stocks,  and  all  other  property  of  every 
description  whatever  heretofore  by  law  appropriated  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State 
for  the  use  of  common  schools,  and  all  such  as  shall  hereafter  be  appropriated,  shall 
remain  a perpetual  fund,  the  principal  of  which  shall  never  be  diminished  by  legislative 
appropriation,  and  the  interest  thereof  shall  be  inviolably  appropriated  to  the  support 
and  encouragement  of  common  schools  throughout  the  State,  and  for  the  equal  benefit  of 
the  people  thereof;  and  no  law  shall  be  made  authorizing  said  fund,  or  any  part  thereof, 
to  be  diverted  to  any  other  use  than  the  support  and  encouragement  of  common  schools; 
and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly  to  appoint  a board  of  commissioners,  for 
such  term  of  time  as  they  may  think  proper,  who  shall  have  the  general  superintendence 
of  said  fund,  and  who  shall  make  a report  of  the  condition  of  the  same  from  time  to  time 
under  such  rules,  regulations  and  restrictions  as  may  be  required  by  law;  Provided, that  if 
at  any  time  hereafter  a division  of  the  public  lands  of  the  United  States,  or  of  the  money 
arising  from  the  sale  of  such  lands,  shall  be  made  among  the  individual  States,  the  part 
of  such  land  or  money  coming  to  this  State  shall  be  devoted  to  the  purpose  of  education 
and  internal  improvements,  and  shall  never  be  applied  to  any  other  purpose. 


Tlie  following  section  affirms  “that  the  above  provisions  shall  not  be 
construed  to  prevent  the  Legislature  from  carrying  into  effect  any  laws 
that  have  been  passed  in  favor  of  the  colleges,  universities  or  academies.” 

At  the  following  session  of  the  Legislature  an  act  in  accordance  with 
the  provisions  of  the  constitution  was  passed,  appointing  a board  of  com- 
mon school  commissioners  consisting  of  the  treasurer,  comptroller  and  a 
superintendent  of  public  instruction.  The  last  named  officer  was  to  be 
elected  by  a joint  ballot  of  both  houses  of  the  General  Assembly  for  a 
term  of  two  years,  and  was  to  receive  a salary  of  $1,500  per  year, 
was  to  collect  the  moneys,  notes  and  other  securities  belonging  to  the 
common  school  fund,  and  in  conjunction  with  the  other  members  of  the 
board  he  was  to  appoint  an  agent  in  each  county.  These  agents  were  to 
perform  the  duties  of  the  former  bank  agents  and  county  school  commis- 
sioners. They  were  to  renew  the  securities  for  the  debts  due  to  the 
school  fund  every  six  months,  calling  in  a certain  per  cent  of  the  debt 
each  time  until  the  whole  should  be  collected.  It  Avas  then  to  be  invested 
in  bank  stock  by  the  superintendent. 

During  the  session  of  1839-40  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act 
to  establish  a system  of  public  schools.  The  report  of  a committee  ap- 
pointed to  inquire  into  the  condition  of  the  common  schools,  and  to  re- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


427 


port  a plan  for  tlie  reorganization  of  the  system,  contains  the  following : 
“The  subject  of  education  has  never  yet  received  in  Tennessee  that  at- 
tention which  it  so  richly  merits.  Appropriation  after  appropriation,  it 
is  time,  has  been  made  to  the  support  of  common  schools,  but  the  system 
adopted  under  that  name  has  heretofore  proved  inefficient  and  by  no 
means  equal  to  the  expectation  of  those  who  first  established  it.  While 
this  has  been  the  case  with  the  common  school  system,  a prejudice  has 
prevailed  against  the  higher  institutions  of  learning,  academies  and  col- 
leges, neither  of  which  consequently  has  received  much  from  the  munif- 
icence of  the  State.  ” 

The  committee  proposed  to  add  to  the  existing  school  fund,  amount- 
ing to  a little  more  than  $1,500,000,  about  $500,000  of  the  surplus  re- 
venue, the  interest  on  the  whole  of  which  it  was  thought  would  amount 
to  $100,000  per  annum.  To  the  academy  fund  amounting  to  $50,000 
it  was  proposed  to  add  $600,000  of  the  surplus  revenue,  and  to  divide 
$300,000  of  the  same  fund  among  three  universities,  one  for  each  division 
of  the  State.  The  system  as  adopted  did  not  differ  materially  from  that 
of  1829,  except  that  the  county  trustee  performed  the  duties  which  had 
previously  devolved  upon  the  county  commissioners,  and  the  superintend- 
ent of  public  instruction  had  control  of  the  distribution  of  the  annual 
fund.  The  apportionment  was  fixed  upon  a ratio  of  white  children  be- 
tween the  ages  of  six  and  sixteen  years,  instead  of  five  and  fifteen  as  be- 
fore. The  duties  of  the  district  trustees  remained  the  same  as  under  the 
old  system. 

The  school  fund  had  already  been  constituted  a portion  of  the  capi- 
tal of  the  newly  chartered  State  Bank,  and  of  its  dividends  the  faith  of 
the  State  was  pledged  to  the  annual  appropriation  of  $100,000  to  school 
purposes.  This  annual  revenue  was  increased  by  bonuses,  taxes,  fines 
and  penalties.  On  the  same  conditions  $18,000  was  appropriated  an- 
nually for  a period  of  thirty  years  for  the  use  of  county  academies,  pro- 
vided the  trustees  would  relinquish  all  claims  against  the  State  for  debts 
due  from  citizens  south  of  the  French  Broad  and  Holston  Rivers.  For  the 
benefit  of  East  Tennessee  College  and  Nashville  University,  two  half 
townships  of  land  in  the  Ocoee  District  were  granted  on  condition  that 
they  relinquish  their  claims,  as  had  been  provided  in  the  case  of  acade- 
mies. 

The  new  system  of  common  schools  went  into  effect  in  1838,  and  by 
the  close  of  the  following  year  911  of  the  987  districts  in  the  State  had 
chosen  trustees  and  the  majority  of  them  had  opened  schools.  The  first 
apportionment  of  school  funds  was  made  in  1839,  at  a rate  of  624  cents 
for  each  child  of  school  age,  the  scholastic  population  being  185,432. 


428' 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Upon  the  passage  of  the  act  creating  the  office  of  superintendent  of 
public  instruction,  Col.  Robert  H.  McEwen  was  elected  thereto,  and  con- 
tinued to  hold  the  office  until  1840.  He  was  extensively  engaged  in  bus- 
iness, being  the  principal  member  in  two  or  three  different  firms.  At  the 
session  of  the  Legislature  of  1839-40,  a joint  committee  of  both  houses 
was  appointed  to  investigate  the  affairs  of  his  office.  After  a careful  ex- 
amination they  reported  that  he  had  speculated  with  the  funds  and  mis- 
managed them,  and  that  he  was  a defaulter  to  the  amount  of  $121,169.05. 
His  term  of  office  expired  soon  after,  and  It.  P.  Currin  was  elected  to 
succeed  him.  At  the  following  April  term  of  the  Chancery  Court  of 
Eranklin,  a suit  was  instituted  against  McEwen  and  his  securities  to  re- 
cover the  amount  of  the  defalcation.  A decree  having  been  obtained 
against  the  defendants,  the  case  was  appealed  to  the  supreme  court 
where  the  decree  was  affirmed.  Upon  a petition  from  the  securities  for 
relief,  January  19,  1844,  the  General  Assembly  adopted  a resolution 
appointing  William  Carroll,  Nicholas  Hobson,  Willoughby  Williams  and 
John  Marshall,  commissioners,  to  compromise  and  settle  the  suit,  declar- 
ing that  their  decision  should  be  final.  The  last  two  declined  to  serve 
and  John  Waters  and  M.  W.  Brown  were  appointed  in  their  place.  The 
commissioners  decided  that  the  securities  should  pay  the  sum  of  $10,- 
797.86  as  a settlement  in  full  of  the  claims  against  them.  The  attorneys 
for  the  State  objected  to  this  settlement  on  the  grounds  that  the  resolu- 
tion of  the  General  Assembly  making  it  final  was  unconstitutional.  The 
objection  was  overruled  by  the  supreme  court,  Judge  Turley  delivering 
the  opinion. 

In  1844  the  office  of  superintendent  of  public  instruction  Avas  abol- 
ished, and  the  duties  of  the  superintendent  transferred  to  the  state  treas- 
urer. In  1848  the  president  and  directors  of  the  State  Bank  were  con- 
stituted the  board  of  common  school  commissioners. 

On  April  19,  1847,  a common  school  convention  was  held  at  Knox- 
ville at  Avhich  Avere  present  representatives  from  Greene,  Cocke,  Hawkins, 
Claiborne,  Jefferson,  Blount,  Knox,  Roane,  Marion  and  Anderson  Coun- 
ties. A memorial  to  the  Legislature  was  adopted,  recommending  the  ap- 
pointment of  a board  of  education  for  each  county,  whose  duty  it  should 
be  to  examine  applicants  and  to  grant  licenses  to  teachers;  the  publica- 
tion of  a monthly  state  journal  devoted  exclusively  to  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion throughout  the  State ; the  appointment  of  a superintendent  of  public 
instruction,  and  the  taxation  of  property  for  the  support  of  schools.  The 
memorial  closed  with  a reference  to  the  illiteracy  in  the  State  as  shown 
by  the  census  of  1840.  The  following  is  an  extract:  “At  no  period  per- 
haps in  the  existence  of  our  State,  and  by  no  means  Avas  the  pride  of  our 


STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL,.  NASTIVTT.I.K 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE 


429 


people  of  all  parties,  denominations  and  classes  more  deeply  wounded  tlian 
when  the  returns  of  the  census  of  1840  were  promulgated.  * * The 

humiliating  fact  that  there  were  in  the  State  58,531  white  persons  over 
frsflenty  years  of  age  who  could  neither  read  nor  write,  was  heralded  over 
this  broad  Union,  and  made  the  subject  of  sneering  remark  in  almost  every 
newspaper  in  the  country.  Our  State  stood  within  one  of  the  bottom  of 
the  list  in  point  of  universal  intelligence;  the  number  of  ignorant  in 
North  Carolina  being  a fraction  greater.”  The  number  of  white  persons 
over  twenty  years  of  age  in  the  State  at  that  time  was  249,008.  Conse- 
quently the  proportion  of  illiterates  was  a little  more  than  234  per  cent. 
The  census  of  1850  shows  no  improvement  in  the  educational  status  of  the 
State.  At  that  time  there  were  316,409  white  persons  over  twenty  years 
of  age,  and  of  that  number  77,522,  or  24|  per  cent  could  neither  read 
nor  w#te.  According  to  the  census  of  1860  the  proportion  of  illiterates 
was  19 -.4-  per  cent,  a gratifying  improvement  which  was  probably  due  in 
a great  measure  to  the  increased  efficiency  of  the  common  schools.  Dur- 
ing the  preceding  decade  two  laws  were  passed  both  of  which  did  much 
to  improve  the  school  system.  The  first,  passed  in  1854,  authorized  the 
county  court  of  each  county  to  levy  a tax  of  25  cents  on  each  poll,  and 
24  cents  on  each  $100  worth  of  proporty,  for  the  use  of  common  schools. 
If  two-tliirds  of  the  justices  of  any  county  were  not  in  favor  of  levying 
such  a tax,  it  was  made  the  duty  of  the  court  to  order  an  election  to  be 
held  to  ascertain  the  wishes  of  the  people.  Under  the  provision  of  this 
law  the  school  fund  was  nearly  doubled.  The  following  are  the  items 
which  made  up  the  fund  in  1856  as  reported  by  the  treasurer: 


From  the  State  treasury $100,000  00 

In  lieu  of  land  tax 2,000  00 

School  tax  on  property 60,427  71 

School  tax  on  polls 25,469  70 

Bonuses  from  hanks  and  insurance  companies 12,260  88 

Proceeds  of  escheated  lands 1,617  34 

Interest  on  school  bonds  in  Bank  of  Tennessee..  951  37 

Total $202,727  00 


The  scholastic  population  at  that  date  being  289,609,  the  allowance 
for  each  child  amounted  to  70  cents,  while  previous  to  the  passage  of  the 
act  of  1854  it  averaged  about  40  cents. 

In  1856  it  was  enacted  that  each  county  court  of  the  State,  on  the 
first  Monday  in  January  of  each  year,  should  appoint  one  or  more  com- 
missioners, whose  duty  it  was  “to  examine  all  applicants  to  teach  free 
schools.”  Another  law  of  some  importance  was  passed  in  1851,  author- 
izing commissioners  to  employ  female  teachers  in  any  school,  and  to  pay 
them  in  the  same  manner  as  was  provided  for  male  teachers. 


27 


430 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  first  public  graded  school  in  the  State  was  established  in  Nash- 
ville in  1855.  Three  years  previous  to  that  time  Alfred  Hume,  long  an 
eminent  teacher  in  Nashville,  was  engaged  by  the  city  council  to  visit 
various  cities  in  other  States  where  public  schools  were  in  operatiorPto 
investigate  their  practical  works.  From  the  information  thus  obtained 
he  made  a thorough  and  exhaustive  report,  which  was  favorably  received, 
and  preparations  for  the  erection  of  a school  building  were  soon  after 
begun.  Upon  its  completion  six  teachers,  all  gentlemen,  were  employed, 
and  the  schools  formally  opened  for  pupils  February  26,  1855.  The 
schools  were  popular  and  successful  from  the  •fi.^-  Other  buildings 
were  soon  after  provided  and  the  facilities  greatly  increased. 

March  20,  1858,  an  act  was  passed  incorporating  the  Memphis  city 
schools.  It  placed  them  under  the  control  of  a board  of  visitors  consist- 
ing of  one  member  from  each  ward  elected  on  the  first  Saturday  Pfc  June 
of  each  year.  They  were  authorized  to  levy  a tax  for  school  purposes 
not  to  exceed  a ratio  of  $10  for  every  youth  between  the  ages  of  eight 
and  sixteen  years.  The  act  was  amended  two  years  later,  and  the  limit 
of  the  tax  levy  increased  to  $15  for  each  white  youth  between  the  ages 
of  six  and  eighteen  years.  The  board  was  authorized  to  erect  buildings 
at  a cost  not  to  exceed  $75,000,  except  by  a vote  of  the  citizens.  Per- 
mission was  also  given  to  the  city  council  to  issue  bo^ids  for  the  whole  or 
a portion  of  the  amount  expended.  Thus  the  two  leading  cities  were 
supplied  with  efficient  public  schools,  whose  successand  popularity  did 
much  to  encourage  the  cause  of  education  throughout  the  State,  and  the 
period  from  1855  to  1861  was  the  most  prosperous  in  the  history  of  the 
common  schools  previous  to  the  civil,  war.  But,  taken  as  a whole,  the 
more  than  forty  years  of  experimenting,  altering,  abolishing,  amending 
and  repealing,  must  be  regarded  as  a stupendous  failure  when  it  is  re- 
membered that  in  1860  one  adult  white  person  out  of  every  five  had 
never  seen  the  inside  of  a school-room. 

The  same  causes,  however,  which  prevented  the  success  of  popular 
education  promoted  the  cause  of  the  private  schools,  academies  and  sem- 
inaries. These  institutions  sprang  up  all  over  the  State,  and  many  of 
them  obtained  a Avide  reputation  for  the  excellence  of  their  discipline 
and  instruction.  Indeed  it  is  doubtful  if  any  other  State  in  the  Union, 
according  to  its  population,  possessed  a greater  number  of  schools  of  high 
character.  The  result  was  that  those  persons  able  to  a\mil  themselves  of 
the  advantages  of  these  institutions  were  as  a rule  thoroughly  educated. 

During  the  Avar  education  was  almost  at  a stand-still.  The  public 
schools  were  suspended,  private  schools,  acadamies  and  seminaries  were 
closed,  many  of  them  never  to  be  reopened.  The  buildings,  too,  suffered 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


431 


in  the  general  devastation.  Many  were  entirely  destroyed,  while  others 
were  used  in  turn  by  the  opposing  armies  for  hospitals  and  camps. 

At  the  close  of  hostilities  the  educational  problem  confronting  the 
people  of  Tennessee  was  one  of  the  most  appalling  ever  presented  to  any 
people.  With  over  70,000  illiterate  adult  white  persons  at  the  beginning 
of  the  war,  augmented  by  thousands,  deprived  of  schools  during  the  suc- 
ceeding four  years,  in  addition  to  nearly  300,000  helplessly  illiterate 
freedmen;  the  situation  was  not  only  overwhelmingly  discouraging, 
but  positively  dangerous.  Under  the  most  favorable  circumstances  to 
educate  such  a population  and  fit  it  for  intelligent  citizenship,  was  an 
almost  hopeless  undertaking,  but  how  much  more  so  when  impoverished 
by  war  and  demoralized  by  a social  revolution.  The  first  step  toward  the 
reorganization  of  the  common  schools  was  taken  in  April,  1865,  when 
the  following  resolution  was  presented  to  the  Senate  by  John  Trimble: 

Resolved,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  on  comon  schools  and  education  to 
take  into  early  and  earnest  consideration  the  whole  matter  of  free  common  schools,  and 
at  as  early  a date  as  practicable,  report  a system  of  free  common  schools  to  be  put  into- 
operation  throughout  the  State.  That  it  also  report  what  tax  is  necessary,  and  how  the 
same  may  be  raised. 

This  resolution,  under  a suspension  of  the  rules,  was  referred  to  the 
designated  committee,  of  which  W.  Bosson  was  chairman.  The  committee 
asked  that  the  time  to  make  the  report  be  postponed  until  the  nest 
session,  which  was  granted.  The  summer  of  1865  was  employed  in  read- 
ing the  school  laws  of  other  States,  corresponding  with  state  superin- 
tendents, receiving  their  reports  and  suggestions,  and  perfecting  the 
original  bill.  It  was  then  sent  to  eminent  educators  in  various  States 
for  criticism.  On  October  25,  1865,  the  bill,  accompanied  by  a petition, 
was  presented  to  the  Senate.  After  undergoing  many  amendments,  rejec- 
tions and  reconsiderations  in  both  houses,  it  finally  became  a law  in 
March,  1867.  Under  its  provisions  the  territorial  divisions  remained 
the  same  as  under  the  old  law.  The  officers  provided  were  a state  super- 
intendent, county  superintendents,  a board  of  education  for  each  civil 
district,  and  three  directors  for  each  subdistrict.  The  money  appro- 
priated consisted  of  the  proceeds  of  the  school  fund,  a property  tax  of  2 
mills  upon  the  dollar,  a poll  tax  of  25  cents,  and  a railroad  tax,  one-fourth 
of  1 per  cent  a mile  for  each  passenger.  The  annual  income  from  all 
these  sources  was  paid  on  the  warrant  of  the  comptroller  to  the  state 
superintendent,  and  by  him  distributed  to  the  county  superintendents, 
who  acted  as  county  treasurers,  and  paid  all  orders  of  the  board  of  educa- 
tion both  for  the  civil  districts  and  subdistricts.  It  was  made  obligm- 
tory  upon  the  directors,  or  in  case  of  their  neglect,  upon  the  board  of 
directors,  to  maintain  a free  school  in  every  subdistrict  for  a period  of 


432 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


five  months  every  year.  If  the  school  fund  were  insufficient  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  such  school  the  subdistricts  were  required  to  levy  a tax 
sufficient  to  make  up  the  deficiency.  The  benefits  of  the  schools  were 
free  to  all  of  legal  age,  both  white  and  black  without  restriction,  except 
that  they  were  to  be  taught  separately. 

Although  the  law  was  to  go  into  effect  with  the  election  of  school 
directors,  on  the  first  Saturday  in  June,  1867,  so  great  was  the  opposition 
to  it,  and  so  many  the  obstacles  to  be  overcome  that  it  was  nearly  two 
years  before  it  became  generally  established.  The  state  superintendent’s 
office,  with  Gen.  John  Eaton,  Jr.,  at  its  head,  was  opened  in  October, 
1867,  at  which  time,  as  he  reported,  only  here  and  there  had  any  com- 
munity complied  with  any  of  the  requirements  of  the  law.  With  char- 
acteristic energy  and  devotion  to  the  cause  he  set  to  work  to  put  in 
motion  the  machinery  of  the  new  system.  County  superintendents  were 
appointed,  meetings  of  teachers  and  superintendents  held,  addresses  de- 
livered, and  all  possible  means  used  to  arouse  the  educational  sentiment 
of  the  people.  The  law,  however,  was  too  far  in  advance  of  public  opin- 
ion. The  support  of  the  schools,  by  a tax  upon  property,  met  with  little 
favor,  while  the  granting  of  equal  educational  advantages  to  the  colored 
children  met  with  the  most  violent  opposition.  The  following  extract 
from  county  superintendents’  report  for  1868  and  1869  illustrates  the 
popular  sentiment:  “Monroe  County  has  a strong  element  that  is  hos- 

tile to  popular  education,  and  sticks  at  nothing  to  embarrass  the  working 
of  free  schools.”  The  superintendent  of  Davidson  County  reported  that 
among  the  great  difficulties  to  be  overcome,  one  of  the  greatest,  was 
the  organization  of  colored  schools.  There  were  no  houses  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  there  was  a general  prejudice  against  negro  education,  so  that 
there  were  only  a few  white  people  who  would,  and  dared  assist,  the  col- 
ored people  in  building  schoolhouses.  “ Most  of  the  directors  in  this 
county  (Weakley)  shake  their  heads  when  I talk  to  them  about  colored 
schools,  and  say  this  is  not  the  time  for  such  schools.  Others  are  will- 
ing to  do  all  they  can  for  them,  but  are  afraid  of  public  opinion.”  The 
following  extract  is  from  the  report  of  the  state  superintendent:  “Super- 
intendents, directors  and  teachers  resigned  their  positions  on  account  of 
threats  of  personal  violence.  In  July,  1869,  sixty-three  counties  reported 
thirty-seven  schoolhouses  had  been  burned.  Teachers  were  mobbed  and 
whipped ; ropes  were  put  around  their  necks,  accompanied  with  threats  of 
haiminsr:  ladies  were  insulted.  Not  a few  teachers  were  dissuaded  from 

O O' 

teaching  out  their  schools,  after  they  had  commenced  them,  by  the  reports 
widely  circulated  and  emphatically  repeated,  that  the  State  would  not 
disburse  any  money  for  schools.  In  addition  to  these  difficulties  super- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


433 


intendents  and  directors  often  liad  to  employ  those  not  so  ■well  qualified 
as  they  desired;  instead  of  comfortable  schoolhouses  teachers  often  taught 
in  a mere  shell  of  a building;  indeed,  schools  in  the  summer  were  report- 
ed to  be  taught  under  the  shade  of  trees.  Colored  schools  found  most 
pupils  compelled  to  begin  with  the  alphabet.  White  schools  sometimes 
exhibited  a hardly  less  deplorable  lack  of  knowledge  of  letters.  One 
school  reported,  out  of  seventy-five  enrolled,  sixty-eight  beginning  the 
alphabet.” 

One  of  the  most  serious  difficulties  encountered  was  in  securing  a 
distribution  of  the  school  fund.  The  money  raised  for  school  purposes, 
in  1866,  was  employed  by  the  State  as  a loan  to  liquidate  the  interest 
claims  upon  the  railroad,  for  the  payment  of  which  the  faith  and  credit 
of  the  State  stood  pledged,  consequently  the  apportionment  and  distri- 
bution of  the  fund  for  that  year  did  not  take  place  until  the  fall  of  1868, 
the  amount  being  48  and  seven  one-hundredths  cents  for  each  child. 
The  distribution  of  the  fund  for  1867  was  made  in  February,  1869,  and 
amounted  to  about  $400,000,  or  $1.15  for  each  child.  Under  the  act  of 
1867  there  was  raised  for  that  year,  by  several  cities,  counties  and  civil 
districts,  by  voluntary  local  taxation,  and  paid  out  for  the  use  of  their  pub- 
lic schools  an  amount  aggregating  about  $130,000.  All  educational 
efforts,  in  the  State,  however,  were  soon  after  almost  paralyzed  by  a 
decision  of  the  supreme  court,  declaring  that  portion  of  the  act  providing 
for  civil  district  taxation  unconstitutional.  The  work  of  organization, 
however,  was  pushed  on,  and  taking  into  consideration  the  unsettled 
condition  of  the  country,  the  progress  was  exceedingly  rapid.  The  state 
superintendent’s  report  of  the  work  up  to  September,  1869,  gives  the 
following  results: 


White. 

Colored. 

Total. 

Number  of  schoolhouses  built 

456 

172 

628 

Number  of  schoolhouse  sites  procured 

226 

63 

289 

Number  of  schools  opened 

3,405 

498 

3,903 

Number  of  teachers  employed 

4,614 

Number  of  different  pupils  in  attendance 

160,027 

25,818 

185,845 

The  work  of  establishing  systems  of  public  schools  in  the  South  after 
the  war  was  greatly  aided  by  the  munificence  of  George  Peabody,  who, 
in  1867,  placed  in  the  hands  of  a board  of  trustees  over  $2,000,000,  in 
money  and  securities,  for  the  encouragement  of  education  in  the  Southern 
States.  This  sum  two  years  later  he  increased  by  nearly  $1,500,000. 
To  the  donation  of  Mr.  Peabody  was  added  a gift  of  130,000  volumes  of 
school  books  from  D.  Appleton  & Co.  and  A.  S.  Barnes  & Co.  These 
donations  were  made  for  the  benefit  of  both  races,  white  and  colored, 


434 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


■without  distinction.  In  November,  1867,  Rev.  Dr.  Sears,  the  general 
agent  of  the  trustees  of  the  fund,  visited  Tennessee,  and  made  arrange- 
ments to  assist  normal  school  instruction  and  to  aid  in  the  establishment 
of  public  schools  in  towns  and  cities  after  a certain  amount  had  been  done 
bj  the  citizens.  In  this  way  graded  schools  were  opened  in  Knoxville, 
Chattanooga,  Cleveland,  Clarksville,  and  other  localities  “where  schools 
of  that  quality  would  otherwise  have  been  impossible.” 

Some  mention  has  been  made  of  the  attempt  to  establish  colored 
schools.  It  was  one  of  the  most  difficult  tasks  in  the  reorganization  of 
the  educational  system.  It  was  impossible  that  it  should  be  otherwise. 
No  matter  what  system  or  what  set  of  men  attempted  it,  the  old  prejudices 
were  not  ready  to  witness  its  progress  in  quiet.  The  general  judgment 
that  it  must  be  done — that  it  was  better  that  it  should  be  done — for  the 
whites  as  well  as  the  blacks,  did  not  suffice  to  prevent  opposition,  although 
it  gradually  overcame  it.  The  first  attempt  toward  the  education  of  the 
colored  people  was  made  in  the  autumn  of  1862,  when  Miss  Lucinda 
Humphrey,  a hospital  nurse,  opened  an  evening  school  for  the  colored 
employes  of  the  hospital  at  Memphis.  Others  followed,  increasing  from 
year  to  year,  until  in  the  winter  of  1864-65  a method  was  provided  for 
the  colored  people  to  enter  actively  into  the  work  of  supporting  their  own 
schools,  and  after  which,  in  about  five  months,  they  paid  for  the  purpose 
some  $4,000,  and  the  attendance  was  reported  in  and  around  Memphis  as 
high  as  1,949  in  April,  1865,  before  the  organization  of  the  Freedmen’s 
Bureau. 

In  Clarksville  schools  were  established  for  them  in  1864,  and  by  the 
spring  of  1865  had  realized  an  attendance  of  some  300.  During  the  same 
period  Rev.  J.  G.  McKee  and  his  associates  opened  similarly  flourishing 
schools  in  Nashville,  and  others  did  the  same  in  Murfreesboro,  Chatta- 
nooga, Knoxville,  and  other  points.* 

In  the  spring  of  1865  the  Freedmen’s  Bureau  was  established,  and 
during  the  next  four  years  disbursed  over  $150,000  in  the  State,  the 
greater  part  of  which  was  bestowed  upon  colored  schools.  Indeed  a large 
part  of  the  colored  schoolhouses  would  not  have  been  built  without  the 
aid  thus  obtained.  In  connection  with  this  bureau  various  organizations 
operated  efficiently,  both  in  sustaining  schools  and  in  supplying  well 
qualified  and  competent  teachers.  Several  of  these  organizations  ex- 
pended large  amounts  of  money,  estimated  in  1869  at  an  aggregate  of 
$300,000.  At  the  close  of  the  seventh  decade  popular  education  in 
Tennessee  was  higher  than  at  any  previous  period  in  the  history  of 
the  State.  The  school  law  of  1867  was  the  first  legislative  attempt  to- 


^Report  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  1869. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


435 


-ward  a thoroughly  appointed  state  system  of  public  instruction  in  Ten- 
nessee, and  a great  -work  had  been  accomplished  under  it ; yet  in  a little 
more  than  two  years  after  its  enactment  it  was  repealed.  The  cause  of 
its  failure  to  sustain  itself  is  explained  in  the  following  extract  from  the 
report  of  the  state  superintendent  for  1874: 

‘•It  is  enough  to  say  that  the  experiment  was  inopportunely  made, 
and  the  projected  system  was  ill-adapted  to  the  prevailing  condition  of 
our  people.  The  echoes  of  the  war  had  not  died  away.  Political  and 
social  disorder  still  prevailed  throughout  the  State,  and  a people,  not  yet 
assured  of  their  civil  status,  were  not  in  a favorable  condition  to  be  very 
profitably  concerned  about  a costly  system  of  popular  education,  or  to  be 
cheerfully  taxed  for  its  support.  Thus,  lacking  popular  favor  and  confi- 
dence, the  experiment  failed,  and  may  be  now  advantageously  cited,  in 
contrast  with  the  ante  bellum  ‘system,’  as  demonstrating  that  in  public 
school  enterprises,  as  in  all  other  matters,  as  much  harm  may  often  result 
from  attempting  too  much  as  from  being  content  with  too  little;  and 
further,  that  an  active  popular  sympathy  is  essential  to  the  success  of  any 
system  of  public  instruction.” 

The  repeal  of  the  act  of  1867  took  place  December  14,  1869.  The 
state  superintendent  and  county  superintendents  were  ordered  to  turn 
over  all  the  funds  remaining  in  their  hands  to  the  comptroller  of  the 
State,  and  the  former  was  given  ninety  days  to  wind  up  the  affairs  of  his 
office.  During  the  ten  years  from  1860  to  1870  no  county  in  the  State  had 
more  than  three  sessions  of  public  schools,  while  many  had  no  more  than 
one.  The  private  schools  too  were  not  so  numerous,  and  many  who  had 
previously  been  able  to  pay  tuition  for  their  children  were  rendered  un- 
able to  do  so  by  the  misfortunes  of  the  war.  It  is  little  to  be  wondered 
at  that  illiteracy  increased  most  lamentably.  While  the  white  population 
increased  but  13  per  cent  during  the  decade  the  increase  in  the  number 
of  white  illiterates  was  50  per  cent.  Upon  the  adoption  of  the  constitu- 
tion of  1870  the  clause  in  the  old  constitution  concerning  education  was 
reaffirmed.  It  was  further  provided  that  “no  school  established  or  aided 
under  this  section  shall  allow  white  and  negro  children  to  be  received  as 
scholars  together  in  the  same  school.” 

In  July,  1870,  an  act  to  reorganize  the  public  schools  was  passed.  By 
this  law  the  whole  subject  of  popular  education  was  virtually  remitted  to 
the  counties,  without  imposing  any  obligations  upon  them  to  take  action 
in  the  premises.  No  State  levies  upon  property  for  school  purposes 
were  made,  and  a tax  of  50  cents  was  imposed  upon  polls.  The  only  offi- 
cers provided  for  were  three  commissioners  for  each  civil  district,  who 
collectively  constituted  a county  board  of  education,  and  into  whose 


486 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


hands  was  placed  the  entire  management  of  the  schools.  A subsequent 
act  made  the  state  treasurer  superintendent  of  public  instruction,  ex 
officio , but  no  special  duties  were  imposed  upon  him,  and  “he  was  a super- 
intendent without  a charge  and  without  authority.”  The  absolute  failure 
of  this  system,  if  it  can  be  called  a system,  induced  the  State  Teachers1 
Association  to  recommend  to  the  agent  of  the  Peabody  Fund  the  pro- 
priety of  appropriating  $1,500  during  the  year  1872  toward  the  support 
of  an  agent  to  co-operate  with  the  state  treasurer,  and  to  work  under 
the  immediate  supervision  of  the  association.  This  recommendation 
was  adopted,  and  J.  B.  Killebrew  appointed  agent.  He  was  soon  after 
made  assistant  superintendent  of  public  instruction,  and  in  March,  1872, 
made  a report  which  was  published.  It  was  found  that  less  than  thirty 
counties  had  levied  a tax  for  school  purposes,  and  in  the  remainder  no 
action  whatever  had  been  taken.  “In  many  of  the  counties  where  a 
school  tax  has  been  levied,  commissioners  have  been  elected  who  are  op- 
posed to  any  system  of  public  instruction  and  feel  a greater  desire  to 
make  public  schools  unpopular  by  making  them  inefficient  and  of  but 
little  value,  than  to  see  them  gaining  ground  and  winning  their  way  to 
public  favor  by  educating,  elevating  and  refining  the  public  heart  and 
mind.  In  neighborhoods  where  a high  order  of  intelligence  prevails, 
and  where  a decided  interest  has  been  manifested  by  the  best  citizens, 
good  schools  exist  under  the  county  system.  On  the  other  hand,  where 
these  conditions  do  not  exist,  free  schools  of  the  most  worthless  character 
are  kept  up  a few  weeks  in  the  year,  and  taught  by  men  whose  chief  dis- 
tinction or  fitness  for  the  position  lies  in  the  severity  and  cruelty  of 
their  discipline  and  their  adhesion  to  text-books  used  half  a century 
ago.  ”*  It  was  estimated  by  the  assistant  superintendent  that  during  the 
year  1872  not  one-fiftli  of  the  scholastic  population  of  the  State  had  any 
means  of  education.  In  some  counties  visited  by  him  there  was  not  a 
single  school,  public  or  private,  in  operation,  “nor  were  there  any  efforts 
being  made  by  the  citizens  to  remedy  the  deficiency.  ” He  justly  pro- 
nounced the  system  then  in  operation  “a  farce  and  utterly  devoid  of 
vitality.”  At  this  time  the  trustees  of  the  Peabody  Fund  rendered  valu- 
able assistance  to  many  cities,  towns  and  districts  in  maintaining  schools. 
In  1871  an  aggregate  of  $24,900  was  furnished  to  fifty-five  schools;  in 
1872  a similar  amount  was  granted. 

No  organization  has  done  more  to  promote  the  educational  interests 
of  Tennessee  than  the  State  Teachers’  Association,  which  was  organized 
in  July,  1865.  Aside  from  the  various  measures  of  practical  importance 
that  owe  their  projection  to  this  body,  its  meetings  have  awakened  the 

♦Report  of  J.  B.  Killebrew. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


437 


public  mind  to  tbe  great  need  of  better  educational  facilities.  To  this 
association  tbe  present  school  law  owes  its  existence.  At  their  meeting 
in  1872  a committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a draft  of  a school  law, 
and  present  it  to  the  Legislature  with  a memorial  asking  for  its  adoption. 
In  their  communication  to  the  Legislature  the  committee  said: 

“The  friends  of  popular  education  from  every  part  of  Tennessee 
united  together  under  the  name  of  ‘The  Tennessee  State  Teachers’  Asso- 
ciation’ have  been  laboring  for  years  past,  and  labor  without  money  and 
without  price,  to  procure  the  adoption  of  a system  of  public  free  schools 
to  which  the  sons  of  the  poor  and  the  rich  shall  come  with  feelings  of 
equality  and  independence ; schools  whose  excellence  shall  attract  all  the 
children  of  our  State,  and  which  shall  become  the  objects  of  pride  and 
affection  to  every  one  of  our  citizens.”  “The  system  recommended  by 
the  association  is  one  combining  the  State,  the  county  and  the  district 
systems,  retaining  the  valuable  features  of  all  and  thus  harmonizing  all 
conflicting  views  as  to  different  systems.” 

The  form  of  the  school  law  presented  with  the  memorial  was  amended 
in  a few  particulars,  and  finally  passed  both  houses  in  March,  1873. 
This  law  has  since  suffered  but  little  modification.  It  provides  for  the 
appointment  of  a state  superintendent,  county  superintendent  and  dis- 
trict school  directors.  The  state  superintendent  is  nominated  by  the 
governor  and  confirmed  by  the  Senate.  He  is  allowed  an  annual  salary 
of  $1,995,  and  is  required  to  devote  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  his 
duties.  His  duties  are  to  collect  and  disseminate  information  in  rela- 
tion to  public  schools ; to  make  tours  of  inspection  among  the  public 
schools  throughout  the  State ; to  see  that  the  school  laws  and  regulations 
are  faithfully  executed;  to  prepare  and  distribute  blanks,  blank  forms  for 
all  returns  required  by  law;  to  appoint  inspectors  of  schools;  to  require 
reports  from  county  superintendents,  or  some  one  appointed  in  his 
place ; to  prescribe  the  mode  of  examining  and  licensing  teachers ; to  re- 
port to  the  comptroller  on  the  1st  of  December  of  each  year  the  schol- 
astic population,  and  to  report  to  the  governor  annually  all  information 
regarding  the  schools. 

The  county  superintendents  are  elected  biennially  by  the  county 
courts  of  each  county,  which  also  fixes  their  salaries.  They  are  required 
to  visit  the  schools,  confer  with  teachers  and  directors,  to  examine  teach- 
ers and  issue  certificates,  to  report  to  the  county  trustee  the  scholastic 
population  of  their  respective  counties,  and  to  report  to  the  state  super- 
intendent whenever  required. 

The  law  provides  for  the  election  of  three  directors  for  each  school 
district  for  a term  of  three  vears,  one  going  out  each  year.  The  election 


438 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


is  held  on  the  first  Thursday  in  August  by  the  sheriff  of  eq,cli  county. 
The  directors  are  required  to  explain  and  enforce  the  school  law,  and  for 
this  purpose  to  visit  the  schools  within  the  district  from  time  to  time;  to 
employ  teachers  and,  if  necessary,  to  dismiss  them;  to  suspend  or 
dismiss  pupils  when  the  prosperity  of  the  school  makes  it  necessary; 
to  use  the  school  fund  in  such  manner  as  will  best  promote  the 
interest  of  public  schools  in  their  respective  districts;  to  hold  regu- 
lar meetings  and  call  meetings  of  the  people  of  the  districts  for  consulta- 
tion; to  keep  separate  and  apart  the  schools  for  white  and  colored  chil- 
dren; to  disburse  the  school  funds;  to  take  care  of  the  public  school 
property,  and  to  report  to  county  superintendents. 

The  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  district,  who  is  elected  from  the  board 
of  directors,  is  required  to  take  the  census  of  all  persons  between  six  and 
eighteen  years  of  age,  in  the  month  of  July,  to  gather  statistics  and  to 
keep  a report  of  proceedings.  He  is  allowed  2 cents  per  capita  for  tak- 
ing the  scholastic  population,  and  that  constitutes  his  compensation  for 
his  year’s  service  as  clerk.  Public  school  officers  and  teachers  are  en- 
joined, under  a penalty  of  not  less  than  $200  nor  more  than  $500  and 
removal,  for  having  any  pecuniary  interest  in  the  sale  of  school  books, 
furniture  or  apparatus,  or  from  acting  as  agent  for  the  sale  of  such,  or 
from  receiving  any  gift  for  their  influence  in  recommending  or  procuring 
the  use  in  the  school  of  any  of  the  articles  mentioned. 

A certificate  of  qualification  is  required  of  every  teacher.  Teachers 
are  required  to  keep  a daily  register  of  facts  pertaining  to  their  respect- 
ive schools.  Written  contracts  must  be  made  with  teachers,  and  for  like 
services  of  male  and  female  teachers  like  salaries  shall  be  paid.  The 
schools  are  open  to  all  persons  between  the  ages  of  six  and  twenty- 
one  years  residing  within  the  school  district,  and  in  special  cases  those 
residing  in  different  districts,  provided  that  white  and  colored  persons 
shall  not  be  taught  in  the  same  school.  Orthography,  reading,  writing, 
arithmetic,  grammar,  geography,  elementary  geology  of  Tennessee,  his- 
tory of  the  United  States  and  the  elementary  principles  of  agriculture 
are  the  prescribed  branches,  while  vocal  music  may  also  be  taught.  No 
other  branches  are  to  be  introduced  except  as  provided  for  by  local  tax- 
ation, or  allowed  by  special  regulations  upon  the  payment  of  such  rates 
of  tuition  as  may  be  prescribed. 

The  district  directors  are  given  power  to  make  contracts  of  consolidation 
with  the  trustees,  teachers  or  other  authorities  of  academies,  seminaries, 
colleges  or  private  schools,  by  which  the  public  schools  may  be  taught 
in  such  institutions,  provided  that  the  branches  of  study  designated  as 
the  studies  of  public  schools  shall  be  taught  free  of  any  charge  in  such 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


439 


consolidated  schools.  The  permanent  school  fund  of  the  State,  as  recog- 
nized by  the  constitution,  was  declared  to  be  $1,500,000,  to  which  was 
added  the  unpaid  interest  amounting,  January  1,  1873,  to  $1,012,500. 
For  the  entire  amount,  $2,512,500,  a certificate  of  indebtedness  was  is- 
sued, signed  by  the  governor,  under  the  great  seal  of  the  State,  and  de- 
posited with  the  comptroller  of  the  treasury.  Interest  is  paid  on  this 
amount  at  the  rate  of  6 per  cent,  the  payments  being  made  on  the  1st  of 
July  and  the  1st  of  January  each  year.  To  the  permanent  state  fund  is 
added  from  time  to  time  the  proceeds  of  all  escheated  property,  of  all 
property  accruing  to  the. State  by  forfeiture,  of  all  lands  sold  and  bought 
in  for  taxes,  of  the  personal  effects  of  intestates  having  no  kindred  en- 
titled thereto  by  the  laws  of  distribution,  and  donations  made  to  the 
State  for  the  support  of  public  schools,  unless  otherwise  directed  by  the 
donors. 

The  annual  school  fund  is  composed  of  the  annual  proceeds  of  the 
permanent  school  fund,  any  money  that  may  come  into  the  state  treasury 
for  that  purpose  from  any  source  whatever,  the  poll  tax  of  $1  on  every 
male  inhabitant  of  the  State  subject  thereto,  and  a tax  of  1 mill  on  the 
dollar’s  worth  of  property  subject  to  taxation.  This  last  tax,  together 
with  the  poll  tax,  is  paid  over  to  the  county  trustee  in  the  county  where 
collected,  and  distributed  to  each  school  district,  according  to  scholastic 
population.  When  the  money  derived  from  the  school  fund  and  taxes 
imposed  by  the  State  on  the  counties  is  not  sufficient  to  keep  up  a public 
school  for  five  months  in  the  year  in  the  school  districts  in  the  county, 
the  county  court  may  levy  an  additional  tax  sufficient  for  this  purpose,  or 
submit  the  proposition  to  a vote  of  the  people;  and  a tax  to  prolong  the 
schools  beyond  the  five  months  may  also  be  levied.  This  tax  must  be 
levied  on  all  property,  polls  and  privileges  liable  to  taxation,  but  shall 
not  exceed  the  entire  State  tax.  Taxes  so  levied  by  the  county  are  col- 
lected in  the  same  manner  as  other  county  taxes,  and  paid  over  to  the 
county  trustee  for  distribution.  The  State  treasurer  and  county  trustee 
are  required  to  keep  the  school  moneys  separate  from  State  and  county 
funds.  All  school  moneys  in  the  treasury  on  the  first  Monday  in  October 
and  April  of  every  year,  are  apportioned  by  the  comptroller  among  the 
several  counties  according  to  the  population.  The  warrant  for  the  amount 
due  each  county  is  drawn  in  the  favor  of  the  county  trustee.  The  money 
received  by  him  he  is  required  to  report  immediately  to  the  county 
i superintendent  and  to  the  directors  of  each  school  district. 

The  law  further  provides  for  schools  in  incorporated  cities  and  towns, 
the  boards  of  mayor  and  aldermen  of  which  are  authorized  to  levy  and 
collect  an  additional  tax  to  that  imposed  by  the  general  provisions  of  the 


440 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


school  law,  upon  all  taxable  polls,  privileges  and  property  within  the  cor- 
porate limits.  Where  such  schools  are  established  authority  is  given  for 
the  appointment  of  a board  of  education.  The  law  also  requires  the 
governor  to  appoint  a State  Board  of  Education  consisting  of  six  mem- 
bers, holding  their  office  for  a term  of  six  years,  two  retiring  each  year. 
The  governor  is  ex  officio  president  of  the  board.  The  principal  duty  of 
this  board  is  to  provide  for  and  manage  the  State  Normal  School. 

The  law  went  into  effect  immediately  after  its  passage,  and  extraordin- 
ary efforts  for  the  multiplication  and  elevation  of  the  public  schools 
were  made  during  the  succeeding  year.  John  M.  Fleming  was  appointed 
superintendent  of  public  instruction,  and  made  his  first  report  in  Decem- 
ber, 1874.  From  this  report  it  is  found  that  in  1873  there  were  thirty- 
six  counties  which  levied  no  property  tax,  and  thirty-two  which  levied  no. 
poll  tax.  The  remaining  counties  levied  a poll  tax  of  from  5 cents  to  $1, 
and  property  tax  from  21  to  30  cents.  Sixty-five  counties  levied  no  privi- 
lege tax.  The  tax  levies  for  1874  were  about  the  same  as  for  the  year 
before.  The  total  amount  of  school  money  received  by  the  counties  for 
the  year  ending  August  31,  1874,  was  $998,459.10,  of  which  $265,951.53 
was  from  the  State,  $522,453.17  from  the  counties,  $112,636.17  from  dis- 
tricts, and  $97,418.23  from  other  sources.  During  the  same  time  $34.- 
300  was  received  from  the  Peabody  Fund,  and  distributed  among  sixty- 
two  schools.  The  scholastic  population  in  1874  numbered  420,384,  of 
which  103,856  were  colored.  The  number  of  white  teachers  employed 
was  4,630,  colored  921.*  The  average  number  of  months  taught  during 
the  year  for  the  State  was  3.85.  The  average  pay  of  teachers  per  month 
was  $33.03. 

Thus  a State  school  system  was  once  more  inaugurated,  and  this  time 
with  better  prospects  of  success,  yet  many  difficulties  and  considerable 
opposition  were  yet  to  be  overcome.  The  financial  distress  of  the  State 
rendered  retrenchment  in  the  State  expenditures  a necessity,  and  many 
persons  friendly  to  the  cause  of  popular  education,  in  their  desire  ffi 
extricate  the  State  from  her  difficulties  favored  the  reduction  of  the 
appropriation  for  schools.  In  1877  the  Legislature  went  so  far  as  to 
pass  an  act  abolishing  the  office  of  county  superintendent  and  practi- 
cally abolished  that  of  the  state  superintendent  also.  This  false  step 
was  arrested  only  by  the  governor’s  veto. 

The  superintendent’s  repoi't  for  the  year  ending  August  31,  1880. 
shows  a marked  improvement  not  only  in  the  number  of  schools,  but  also 
in  the  character  of  the  instruction  afforded.  The  scholastic  population! 
at  that  time  numbered  544,862,  of  whom  290,141  were  enrolled  in  the 


*Marion  County  not  reporting. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


441 


public  schools,  and  41,068  in  private  schools.  The  number  of  teachers 
employed  was  white,  3,506,  and  colored  1,247.  The  aggregate  receipts 
from  all  sources  for  school  purposes  amounted  to  $930,734.33.  Out  of 
the  ninety-four  counties  in  the  State  only  ten  failed  to  levy  a school  tax. 

The  census  reports  of  1880  present  conclusive  evidence  of  increased 
efficiency  in  the  schools  of  the  State.  During  the  preceding  decade  the 
increase  in  the  number  of  white  illiterates  was  only  eleven  and  four- 
tenths  per  cent,  while  the  increase  in  white  population  was  twenty-one 
and  seven-tenths  per  cent.  This  in  contrast  with  the  report  of  1870  is 
a gratifying  improvement.  The  following  statistics  for  the  year  ending 
August  31,  1885,  afford  still  further  proof  that  the  public  schools 
throughout  the  State  are  steadily  advancing.  The  scholastic  population 
numbered  609,028,  of  whom  156,143  were  colored;  7,214  teachers 
taught  in  6,605  schools,  with  an  aggregate  enrollment  of  373,877,  and 
an  average  daily  attendance  of  150,502  white,  and  41,901  colored  pupils. 
Total  amount  of  school  money  received,  including  the  balance  on  hand 
at  the  beginning  of  the  year,  was  $1,308,839.17.  The  number  of  school- 
houses  in  the  State  was  5,066,  of  which  289  were  erected  during  the 
year.  A great  improvement  in  the  character  of  the  houses  is  noticed. 
While  ten  years  before  a large  part  of  the  houses  built  were  logs,  out  of 
289  built  in  1880  only  fifty-nine  were  of  that  kind.  The  estimated  value 
of  school  property  at  that  time  was  $1,375,780.86.  The  following  table 
shows  the  average  number  of  days  in  which  the  schools  were  in  session 
for  each  year  since  the  establishment  of  the  present  system: 


1874  77  1 880 

1875  67  1881 

1876  71.9  1882, 

1877  70  1883 

1878  77  1884. 

1879  69  1885. 


68 

.86 

73 

78 

.78 

.80 


For  the  past  three  years  the  office  of  superintendent  of  public  in- 
struction has  been  filled  with  marked  ability  by  Thomas  H.  Paine,  who 
is  doing  much  to  sustain  and  advance  the  educational  interests  of  the 
State.  Although  the  condition  of^the  public  schools  is  not  entirely  sat- 
isfactory, the  progress  that  has  been  made  during  the  past  ten  years  has 
assured  their  permanency.  Heretofore  one  of  the  greatest  impediments 
to  efficient  schools  has  been  the  lack  of  competent  teachers,  but  this  ob- 
stacle is  gradually  being  removed.  The  normal  schools  are  annually 
sending  out  increased  numbers  of  trained  teachers,  while  institutes  and 
associations  are  doing  much  to  improve  those  already  in  the  work.  It 
can  hardly  be  expected,  however,  that  the  best  results  will  be  attained 
until  the  school  revenue  is  in  some  way  sufficiently  increased  to  furnish 


442 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  youth  of  the  State  an  average  of  more  than  seventy-five  days  of 
school  in  a year.  During  the  winter  of  1884-85  an  educational  exhibit 
was  made  at  the  World’s  Industrial  and  Cotton  Centennial  Exposition  at 
New  Orleans.  This  department  was  placed  under  the  direction  of  Prof. 
Frank  Goodman,  of  Nashville,  who  by  energy  and  persistency  succeeded 
in  presenting  an  exhibit  which  did  not  suffer  in  comparison  with  any 
other  State.  All  the  leading  colleges,  seminaries  and  high  schools  in 
the  State  were  represented. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  chapter  the  history  of  Cumberland  College 
was  traced  to  the  election  of  Dr.  Priestly  as  president  of  the  board  of 
trustees  in  1810.  The  exercises  of  the  institution  were  conducted  by 
him  until  1816,  when  they  were  suspended  and  so  continued  until  his  re- 
election  for  a second  term  in  1820.  The  college  was  then  re-opened,  but 
was  soon  compelled  to  suspend  again  on  account  of  the  death  of  Dr. 
Priestly,  which  occurred  in  February,  1821.  The  institution  then  re- 
mained closed  until  the  autumn  of  1824,  Avlien  Dr.  Phillip  Lindsley,  who 
had  just  refused  the  presidency  of  Princeton  College,  was  prevailed  up- 
on to  take  charge  of  it.  At  that  time,  of  the  240  acres  originally  granted 
to  the  college,  only  about  six  remained.  This  formed  the  old  college 
campus  and  included  the  site  of  the  present  medical  college.  In  1825 
a farm  of  120  acres  near  the  college  was  purchased  at  $60  per  acre.  Por- 
tions of  this  land  were  soon  after  sold  for  about  $17,000,  leaving  thirty 
acres.  Dr.  Lindsley  reorganized  the  institution,  and  it  was  opened  for 
the  winter  session  of  1824-25  with  thirty-five  students.  It  was  his  aim 
and  desire  to  make  Nashville  the  great  educational  center  of  the  South- 
west. He  planned  the  building  of  a university  to  consist  of  several 
colleges,  like  those  of  Oxford  and  Cambridge.  Accordingly  on  November 
27,  1826,  the  Legislature  passed  an  act  to  incorporate  the  trustees  and  offi- 
cers of  Cumberland  College  under  the  name  of  the  University  of  Nash 
ville.  The  following  is  the  preamble  to  the  act: 

Whereas,  it  is  represented  to  be  the  wish  of  the  trustees  of  Cumberland  College  to 
erect  several  additional  halls  and  colleges  besides  that  heretofore  known  and  still  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Cumberland  College  on  their  grounds  near  Nashville,  and  to  estab- 
lish additional  schools  thereon,  and  by  a union  of  the  whole  to  build  up  a university  and 
thereby  to  enlarge  their  sphere  of  operations  and  increase  their  means  of  usefulness. 

This  change,  however,  proved  to  be  only  in  name,  as  the  university 
continued  with  the  same  departments  and  under  the  same  organization 
as  the  college.  The  number  of  students  gradually  increased  until  the 
summer  of  1836,  when  the  attendance  reached  126.  From  that  time 
until  1850,  when  the  institution  was  suspended,  the  attendance  decreased. 
This  was  owing  in  a great  measure  to  the  large  number  of  similar  insti- 
tutions which  had  been  established  in  the  State.  In  an  address  delivered 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


443 


in  1847,  Dr.  Linclsley  says:  “When  this  college  was  revived  and  reor- 

o-anized  at  the  close  of  1824,  there  were  no  similar  institutions  in  actual 
& 

operation  within  200  miles  of  Nashville.  There  were  none  in  Alabama, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana,  Arkansas,  Middle  or  West  Tennessee.  There  are 
now  some  thirty  or  more  within  that  distance,  and  nine  within  fifty 
miles  of  our  city.” 

A report  on  the  university  made  in  1850  by  a committee  consisting 
of  L.  P.  Cheatham,  F.  B.  Fogg,  E.  H.  Ewing,  John  M.  Bass  and  R.  J. 
Meigs,  has  the  following  concerning  the  attendance:  “During  the  whole 
of  this  time  (1824-50)  the  number  of  students  has  been  larger  than  that 
of  any  other  institution  in  Tennessee,  when  the  following  facts  are  taken 
into  consideration.  There  is  no  preparatory  school  attached  to  the  uni- 
versity, and  the  students  have  usually  been  members  of  the  college 
classes  proper.  Most  students  when  they  come  to  enter  the  University 
of  Nashville,  come  to  enter  the  junior  class,  and  usually  two-thirds  of  the 
whole  number  of  students  are  members  of  the  junior  and  senior  classes.” 

The  whole  number  of  regular  graduates  with  the  degree  of  Bachelor 
of  Arts  from  1813  to  1824  were  18;  from  1824  to  1850,  414.  The  total 
number  of  students  matriculated  in  the  regular  college  classes  during  the 
latter  period  was  1,059. 

Dr.  Lindsley  was  a thorough  scholar,  and  under  his  management  the 
college  maintained  a high  standard.  “Under  its  influence  grew  up  a 
cultivated,  liberal  community ; through  its  influence  and  by  the  efforts 
of  the  young  men  sent  forth  to  engage  in  and  to  encourage  education, 
sprang  up  twenty  colleges  within  fifty  miles  of  Nashville,  to  divide,  dis- 
tract and  compete  with  the  university,  and  at  the  same  time  to  accom- 
plish much  good.  It  was  the  inevitable  conflict  of  localities  which  had 
to  demonstrate  that  every  village  cannot  be  a seat  of  learning.  It  pre- 
pared the  soil  in  which  great  institutions  take  deep  root  and  flourish — 
the  soil  which  has  developed  the  public  school  system  and  attracted 
hither  Vanderbilt  University,  the  Normal  School,  and  brought  here  the 
Fisk,  Tennessee  Central  and  Baptist  Normal  and  Theological  Colleges  to 
engage  in  the  great  work  of  the  elevation  of  the  African  race  of 
America.”* 

The  university  exercises  were  suspended  in  1850,  the  old  college 
building  being  transferred  to  the  medical  department,  which  was  then 
organized.  For  several  years  previous  the  organization  of  a medical 
department  of  the  university  had  been  under  contemplation.  So  early 
as  1843  a committee  of  the  board  of  trustees  reported  it  advisable  to 
at  once  establish  a medical  school.  The  subject  continued  to  be  agitated 


*H.  M.  Doak. 


444 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


by  medical  men,  but  nothing  definite  was  accomplished  until  the  latter 
part  of  1850,  when  an  address  was  presented  to  the  trustees  of  the  uni- 
versity by  prominent  physicians  of  Nashville  asking  privilege  to  establish 
a medical  department  with  entire  independence  of  management.  This 
was  granted.  The  board  then  elected  the  following  corps  of  instructors: 
John  M.  Watson,  M.  D.,  obstetrics  and  diseases  of  women  and  children; 
A.  H.  Buchanan,  M.  I).,  surgery;  W.  K.  Bowling,  M.  D.,  institutes  and 
practice  of  medicine;  G.  K.  Winston,  M.  D.,  materia  medica  and  phar- 
macy; Robert  M.  Porter,  M.  D.,  anatomy  and  physiology;  J.  Berrien 
Lindsley,  M.  4).,  chemistry  and  pharmacy.  Winston  was  chosen  presi- 
dent of  the  faculty,  and  Lindsley,  dean.  A lease  of  the  university  build- 
ing was  made  for  a term  of  twenty-two  years,  which  has  since  been  twice 
extended,  the  last  time  in  1875,  making  the  lease  expire  in  October, 
1905. 

The  first  class,  numbering  thirty-three,  was  graduated  in  February, 
1852.  The  institution  immediately  took  rank  with  the  first  medical  schools 
in  the  United  States,  both  as  to  the  excellence  of  its  training,  and  the 
number  of  students.  In  1857  there  Avere  137  graduates,  and  in  1861, 
141.  Its  alumni  in  1880  numbered  2,200.  In  1874  the  Vanderbilt 
University  adopted  the  faculty  of  the  medical  department  of  Nashville 
University  with  the  agreement  that  students  matriculating  in  the  former 
institution  shall  be  graduated  under  its  auspices,  and  receive  its  diploma, 
while  the  matriculates  of  the  latter  shall  be  graduated  as  before. 

In  1853-54  a portion  of  the  land  still  remaining  was  sold  and  new 
buildings  Avere  erected  a short  distance  from  the  old  college.  In  the  fall 
of  the  latter  year  the  literary  department  Avas  re-opened  with  an  attend- 
ance of  forty  pupils,  and  three  graduates  at  the  end  of  the  year.  In  1855 
it  Avas  united  Avitli  the  Western  Military  Institute,  of  which  Gen.  Buslirod 
R.  Johnson  Avas  superintendent.  It  Avas  conducted  on  the  military  plan 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  Avar,  when  the  buildings  were  used  as 
a hospital. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  the  trustees  of  the  university  located  the 
Montgomery  Bell  Academy  in  the  buildings  of  the  literary  department 
of  the  university.  This  school  was  founded  by  the  bequest  of  Montgom- 
ery Bell,  a prominent  iron  manufacturer,  who  left  $20,000  for  that  pur- 
pose. “ By  the  will  of  the  founder,  gratuitous  instruction  is  given  to 
twenty-five  boys,  not  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  fourteen  years  of  age, 
‘who  are  unable  to  support  and  educate  themselves,  and  whose  parents 
are  unable  to  do  so,’  from  the  counties  of  Davidson,  Dickson,  Montgomery 
and  Williamson,  Tennessee.”  The  academy  continued  to  occupy  a portion 
of  the  university  building  until  1881,  Avlien  a separate  building  Avas 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


445 


erected  for  it,  to  make  room  for  the  increasing  attendance  of  the  normal 
college. 

This  latter  institution  was  the  re-habilitation  in  a more  vital  form  of 
the  literary  and  scientific  departments  of  the  university,  giving  them  a 
larger  and  more  comprehensive  sphere  in  the  direction  of  popular  educa- 
tion in  the  South.  Its  establishment  was  accomplished  through  the  aid 
granted  by  the  trustees  of  the  Peabody  Fund,  whose  aim  it  had  been  from 
the  first  to  assist  the  cause  of  education  in  the  South  by  providing 
trained  teachers  rather  than  by  direct  support  of  schools.  It  was  there- 
fore determined  to  establish  one  or  more  thoroughly  equipped  normal 
colleges.  In  1867  Dr.  Lewis  proposed  to  give  32,000  to  aid  a normal 
school  in  Tennessee,  if  one  should  be  established.  For  various  reasons 
this  could  not  then  be  accomplished,  but  $800  and  31,000  was  granted  to 
Fisk  University  and  the  Lookout  Mountain  school,  respectively,  both  of 
which  organized  normal  departments. 

In  1873  a bill  for  the  establishment  of  a State  normal  school  was 
presented  to  the  Legislature,  and  passed  three  readings  in  the  Senate  and 
two  in  the  House,  but  was  defeated  for  want  of  time  at  the  close  of  the 
session.  This  bill  made  provision  for  supplementing  36,000  annually 
from  the  Peabody  Fund  by  an  appopriation  of  an  equal  amount  from  the 
treasury  of  the  State.  At  the  next  session  of  the  General  Assembly  a 
similar  bill  was  introduced,  but  it  failed  in  the  Senate.  A bill  without  an 
appropriation  clause  was  then  prepared;  this  became  a law  in  March,  1875. 
It  merely  provided  for  the  appointment  of  a State  board  of  education 
with  authority  to  establish  a normal  school  or  schools,  but  without  any 
means  of  accomplishing  it.  The  University  of  Nashville,  however, 
promptly  tendered  to  the  board  its  buildings,  grounds  and  funds,  with 
the  exception  of  those  appropriated  to  the  medical  college;  which  propo- 
sition the  trustees  of  the  Peabody  Fund  supplemented  by  an  offer  of 
$6,000  a year  for  two  years.  These  offers  were  accepted. 

With  a temporary  fund  of  $1,200  thus  secured  the  normal  college  was 
formally  opened  by  the  State  board  of  education  at  the  capital  Decem- 
ber 1,  1875,  with  Eben  S.  Stearns,  LL.D.,  as  president,  assisted  by  a 
corps  of  teachers  of  the  highest  qualification.  Although  the  school 
opened  late  in  the  season  and  the  project  was  wholly  new  to  most  of  the 
people,  no  less  than  fifteen  candidates  presented  themselves  for  examina- 
tion, and  before  the  first  term  of  ten  weeks  had  closed  forty-seven  had 
been  admitted.  At  the  end  of  the  school  year  the  number  had  increased 
to  sixty.  It  continued  to  grow  in  popularity  and  flourished  beyond  ex- 
pectation. The  State,  however,  failed  to  make  any  appropriation  for  its 
support. 


28 


446 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


In  his  report  in  1879  Dr.  Sears  says  of  tlie  institution:  “ The 

funds  on  which  we  relied  for  its  support  from  the  State,  and  in  part,  also, 
from  the  university,  have  failed  us.  Besides,  as  a part  of  the  college 
building  is  still  occupied  by  the  Montgomery  Bell  Academy,  which  is  in 
charge  of  the  university  trustees,  the  normal  college  has  already  out- 
grown its  narrow  accommodations,  and  its  numbers  are  rapidly  increasing. 
Representations  of  our  necessities  were  made  during  a visit  of  three 
weeks  last  year,  both  to  the  same  board  of  education  and  to  the  trustees 
of  the  university,  neither  of  which  felt  authorized  to  give  any  hope  of 
relief.  Since  that  time  the  Legislature  has  met  and  declined  to  make 
any  appropriation.  It  has,  therefore,  become  a serious  question  whether 
some  change,  possibly  involving  a removal,  shall  not  be  made,  to  secure 
ample  accommodations  and  better  support  for  the  future.” 

The  State  of  Georgia  was  desirous  of  securing  the  normal  college,  and 
made  liberal  offers  to  the  trustees  of  the  Peabody  Fund.  Arrangements 
for  the  transfer  of  the  institution  had  been  nearly  completed,  when  the 
trustees  of  the  University  of  Nashville  made  the  following  proposition: 
To  remove  the  Montgomery  Bell  Academy  and  turn  over  the  buildings 
occupied  by  it  to  the  normal  school ; to  appropriate  $10,000,  to  be  raised 
by  mortgage  on  the  property,  or  otherwise,  and  to  be  expended  in  im- 
provements or  the  purchase  of  apparatus;  and  to  appropriate  the  interest 
on  $50,000  of  Tennessee  bonds  held  by  the  university,  provided  enough 
be, reserved  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  $10,000  borrowed.  The  citizens 
of  Nashville  also  raised  by  subscription  a fund  of  $4,000  as  a guarantee 
that  the  Legislature  of  1881  should  make  an  appropriation  for  the  benefit 
of  the  college.  These  efforts  prevented  the  removal  of  the  institution 
and  secured  its  permanent  location  at  Nashville. 

On  April  6,  1881,  $10,000  was  appropriated  for  its  support  by  the 
General  Assembly.  It  yras  provided  that  one  pupil  for  each  senatorial 
district  in  the  State  should  be  admitted  upon  proper  recommendation, 
and  that  such  pupil  shall  receive  at  least  $100  per  annum  for  two  years 
out  of  the  funds  of  the  school;  $2,500  was  at  the  same  time  appropri- 
ated for  scholarships  for  colored  students.  Two  years  later  this  amount 
was  increased  to  $3,300,  and  that  part  of  the  former  act  requiring  a 
portion  of  the  annual  appropriation  to  be  used  in  paying  scholarships 
was  repealed.  The  colored  students  are  educated  in  the  normal  depart- 
ments of  Fisk  University,  Roger  Williams  University,  Knoxville  College 
and  the  Central  Tennessee  College.  The  normal  school  is  now  known  as 
the  Tennessee  State  Normal  College  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  the 
chancellor  of  the  university  being  tlie  president  of  the  college.  The 
college  buildings,  situated  in  the  center  of  the  campus  sixteen  acres 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


447 


in  extent,  are  among  the  finest  and  best  appointed  in  the  South.  The 
college  proper  is  a stone  structure,  having  a center  building  and  two 
wings  about  225  feet  front  and  110  feet  depth  in  the  center,  and  60  feet 
depth  in  each  of  the  wings.  The  building  is  two  stories  high.  An  ele- 
gant chancellor’s  residence  was  added  a few  years  ago. 

Since  its  organization  the  institution  has  been  under  the  direction 
of  Dr.  Stearns,  who  has  conducted  it  with  signal  ability,  and  has  retained 
the  implicit  confidence  of  all  interested  in  its  success.  The  following  is 
the  present  faculty : Eben  S.  Stearns,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  president;  Julia  A. 
Sears,  L.I. ; Lizzie  Bloomstein,  L.I. ; Benjamin  B.  Penfield,  A.M. ; Mary 
L.  Cook,  L.I.,  B.A. ; Julia  A.  Doak,  John  L.  Lampson,  A.  M. ; William 
C.  Day,  Ph.  D. ; John  E.  Bailey,  teacher  of  vocal  music;  Mary  E.W. 
Jones,  lady  director  of  gymnasium;  George  H.  Hammersley,  gentleman 
director  of  gymnasium;  Hon.  William  B.  Reese,  lecturer  on  common  and 
civil  law;  Julia  A.  Sears,  librarian. 

The  first  State  board  of  education  consisted  of  Gov.  Porter,  ex  officio 
president;  J.  B.  Lindsley,  secretary:  Edwin  H.  Ewing,  Samuel  Watson, 
R.  W.  Mitchell,  L.  G.  Tarbox  and  J.  J.  Reese.  The  present  board  is  as 
follows:  Gov.  William  B.  Bate,  ex  officio  president;  Dr.  J.  Berrien 

Lindsley,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Hon.  W.  P.  Jones,  M.  D.,  Supt.  F.  M. 
Smith,  Prof.  Frank  Goodman,  Hon.  Leon  Trousdale,  Hon.  Thomas  H. 
Paine. 

The  establishment  of  East  Tennessee  College*  in  the  place  of  Blount 
College  has  already  been  noticed.  The  trustees  of  the  new  institution 
met  in  1808  and  organized,  retaining  Carrick  as  president.  His  term  of 
service,  however,  was  short,  as  he  died  the  following  year.  No  immediate 
steps  were  taken  to  supply  his  place,  nor  was  anything  done  toward  the 
erection  of  a new  college  building,  from  the  fact,  doubtless,  that  the 
trustees  had  no  available  funds  and  that  there  was  no  immediate  prospect 
of  realizing  a revenue  from  the  land  grants.  Lotteries  were  popular 
institutions  in  Tennessee  at  that  time,  and  the  Legislature  of  1810  author- 
ized a lottery  scheme  for  the  benefit  of  East  Tennessee  College,  appoint- 
ing Hugh  L.  White,  Thomas  McCorry,  James  Campbell,  Robert  Craig- 
head and  John  N.  Gamble  trustees  for  the  purpose.  The  trustees  put 
forth  an  advertisement  in  which  they  “flatter  themselves  that  the 
scheme  will  be  satisfactory  to  all  who  wish  to  become  adventurers  with 
a view  to  better  their  circumstances.  When  the  object  to  be  attained 
by  the  lottery  is  considered,  it  is  believed  every  individual  will  be  anxious 
to  become  an  adventurer.  It  is  not  designed  to  retrieve  a shattered 
fortune,  nor  to  convert  into  cash  at  an  extravagant  price  property  that  is 


*Condensed  from  the  historical  sketch  by  Col.  Moses  White. 


448 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


of  no  use,  but  it  is  intended  to  aid  tlie  funds  of  a seminary  of  education, 
wliere  youth  of  the  present  and  succeeding  generations  may  have  their 
minds  prepared  in  such  a manner  as  to  make  them  ornaments  to  their 
families  and  useful  to  their  country  as  will  enable  them  to  understand 
their  rights  as  citizens,  and  duties  as  servants  of  the  people.” 

This  scheme  proved  a failure.  A sufficient  number  of  tickets  were 
not  sold,  and  no  drawing  occurred.  Meanwhile,  Hampden  Sidney 
Academy  had  been  established  for  Knox  County,  and  its  trustees,  by 
private  subscription,  had  succeeded  in  raising  sufficient  funds  to  justify 
effecting  an  organization.  However,  it  was  not  until  January  1,  1817, 
that  the  academy  opened  its  doors  for  the  reception  of  pupils.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1820,  the  trustees  of  East  Tennessee  College  decided  to  put  that 
institution  into  operation  again,  and  an  agreement  was  entered  into 
whereby  the  academy  and  college  were  united,  D.  A.  Sherman,  the 
principal  of  the  academy,  becoming  president  of  the  college.  He  was  a 
graduate  of  Yale,  of  the  class  of  1802,  and  for  several  years  afterward  a 
tutor  in  that  institution.  During  his  presidency  of  the  college,  he  was 
assisted  by  Daniel  E.  Watrous,  James  McBath  and  David  S.  Hart,  the 
last  named,  the  first  graduate  of  East  Tennessee  College,  taking  his  de- 
gree in  1821.  Mr.  Sherman,  on  account  of  failing  health,  withdrew  from 
the  college  in  1825,  and  Samuel  R.  Rodgers  and  James  McBath  contin- 
ued the  exercises  as  tutors  in  charge  for  one  year. 

In  1826  the  trustees,  having  obtained  permission  to  select  another 
and  more  eligible  site  than  the  Poplar  Spring,  purchased  of  Pleasant 
M.  Miller,  for  the  sum  of  $600,  Barbara  Hill,  so  named,  in  honor  of 
Barbara  Blount,  the  daughter  of  William  Blount.  They  proceeded  to 
erect  the  center  college  building  and  three  one-story  dormitories  back  of 
the  college,  so  arranged  as  to  make  a square  of  the  campus.  The  trus- 
tees then  succeeded  in  securing  as  president  the  Rev.  Charles  Coffin,  of 
Greeneville  College,  a man  of  great  worth  and  elegant  classical  attainments. 
About  this  time  considerable  popular  opposition  toward  colleges  was 
manifested,  and  those  institutions  suffered  accordingly.  Dr.  Coffin,  how- 
ever, prosecuted  his  labors  for  several  years  in  the  face  of  the  greatest 
difficulties  and  embarrassments,  with  unremitting  energy  and  assiduity,  but 
popular  prejudice  increased.  In  1882,  worn  down  with  excessive  labor 
and  anxious  care,  he  was  compelled  to  resign  the  presidency,  and  the  next 
year  was  succeeded  by  James  H.  Piper,  of  Virginia,  an  alumnus  of  the 
college  of  the  class  of  1830.  At  the  end  of  one  year  he  resigned  the  presi- 
dency in  despair.  It  is  said  that  he  was  the  ambitious  youth  who  aspired 
to  carve  his  name  above  that  of  the  father  of  his  country,  on  the 
natural  bridge. 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


449 


He  was  immediately  succeeded  by  Joseph  Estabrook,  a graduate  of 
Dartmouth.  He  at  once  secured  a corps  of  able  assistants,  and  soon  suc- 
ceeded in  raising  the  college  from  almost  total  prostration  to  a respecta- 
ble rank  among  the  educational  institutions  of  the  country.  In  1837 
the  college  was  organized  into  regular  classes,  and  the  first  catalogue  was 
published.  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  in  1840,  the  name  of  East  Ten- 
nessee College  was  changed  to  that  of  East  Tennessee  University,  and 
greater  power  and  more  extended  privileges  were  granted.  Soon  after 
the  sale  of  a part  of  the  land  belonging  to  the  institution  enabled  the 
trustees  to  make  some  important  and  long  needed  improvements.  They 
contracted  with  Thomas  Crutchfield,  Esq.,  of  Athens,  who  had  built  the 
main  edifice,  to  erect  the  two  three-story  dormitories,  and  the  two  houses 
and  appurtenances  on  the  right  and  left  slopes,  originally  intended  to  be 
used  as  dwellings  by  the  professors,  but  which  an  increasing  demand  for 
room  has  required  to  be  appropriated  to  other  purposes.  The  final  set- 
tlement of  the  commissioners,  James  H.  Cowan  and  Drury  P.  Armstrong, 
with  the  contractor,  July,  1848,  exhibits  as  the  total  cost  of  the  improve- 
ment the  sum  of  $20,965.18. 

At  this  time  the  college  was  just  entering  upon  a decline,  which  was 
hastened  by  the  resignation  of  President  Estabrook,  in  1850.  This  de- 
cline was  due  to  the  same  causes  that  compelled  the  suspension  of  the 
University  of  Nashville — the  multiplication  of  colleges  and  denom- 
inational schools  throughout  Tennessee  and  the  entire  South.  The 
trustees,  appreciating  the  necessity,  called  into  requisition  the  great  name 
and  extensive  personal  popularity  of  the  Hon.  B.  Reese,  who  had  a 
short  time  before  resigned  his  seat  upon  the  supreme  bench.  Judge 
Reese  assumed  the  presidency  in  the  fall  of  1850,  but  even  his  great 
learning,  industry,  and  influence  were  not  sufficient  to  stay  the  decline ; 
and  after  having  graduated  an  even  dozen  students,  he  resigned  at  the 
end  of  the  third  year  of  his  presidency.  The  trustees  experienced  con- 
siderable difficulty  in  securing  a satisfactory  successor.  Rev.  George 
Cook  was  finally  elected  and  accepted.  He  was  a native  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, a graduate  of  Dartmouth,  and  had  been  for  several  years  the  prin- 
cipal of  a flourishing  female  seminary  in  Knoxville.  As  a majority  of 
the  professors  had  resigned  with  the  president,  the  vacancies  had  to  be 
filled,  and  the  formal  opening  of  the  university  was  postponed  from  the 
fall  of  1853  until  the  beginning  of  the  summer  session  of  1854.  The 
cholera  prevailed  with  considerable  violence  and  fatality  in  Knoxville  in 
the  following  September,  and  the  fear  of  its  recurrence  deterred  the  stu- 
dents from  returning  at  the  opening  of  the  winter  session. 

An  attempt  was  then  made  to  organize  a medical  department,  but  a 


450 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


sufficient  number  of  competent  physicians  could  not  be  obtained  to  fill 
the  chairs.  After  this  failure  an  agreement  was  entered  into  with  the 
Western  Military  Institute  to  consolidate  that  institution  with  the  uni- 
versity, but  Nashville  offered  greater  inducements,  and  it  went  there. 
President  Cook  next  recommended  the  establishment  of  an  agricultural 
department,  but  before  the  result  of  his  last  proposition  was  learned,  he 
resigned  in  despair  in  1857.  During  the  following  year  the  exercises  of 
the  university  were  suspended,  and  another  unsuccessful  attempt  was 
made  to  establish  a medical  department. 

On  the  20th  of  March,  1858,  the  head  of  Burritt  College,  Van  Buren 
County,  Tenn.,  was  elected,  president  of  the  university,  and  under  his 
charge  the  university  was  formally  reopened  in  September  following. 
At  the  close  of  his  second  year  he  resigned,  and  the  vacancy  thus  caused 
was  filled  by  the  election  of  Bev.  J.  J.  Bidley,  of  Clarksville.  Owing  to 
the  untiring  efforts  of  the  retiring  president  the  next  session  opened  with 
a largely  increased  attendance.  The  first  important  action  taken  by  the 
new  president  was  to  secure  the  adoption  of  a resolution  extending  gra- 
tuitous education  tc>  candidates  for  the  ministry  of  all  religious  denom- 
inations. 

A military  department  was  again  organized  and  rigid  discipline 
adopted  in  the  management  of  the  university.  But  just  as  the  institu- 
tion was  again  in  successful  operation  the  civil  war  came  on.  Students' 
enlisted  and  instructors  resigned.  In  a short  time  general  demoraliza- 
tion pervaded  the  whole  institution.  A portion  of  the  university  build- 
ings was  soon  demanded  by  the  military.  On  February  7,  1862,  the 
president  unconditionally  resigned..  The  buildings  and  grounds  were 
used  by  the  Confederates  andFederals  in  turn;  and  after  the  close  of  the 
war  the  United  States  Government  paid  to  the  trustees,  in  the  way  of 
rents  and  damages,  the  sum  of  $15,000. 

July  10,  1865,  the  board  of  trustees,  as  a preparatory  step  toward 
reorganizing  the  university  and  resuming  exercises  therein,  unanimously 
elected  the  Bev.  Thomas  Humes  president,  who  at  once  addressed  him- 
self to  the  task  before  him.  The  university  buildings,  in  consequence  of 
flieir  having  been  occupied  for  several  years  by  the  army,  were  not  in  a 
condition  to  be  used  for  college  purposes.  Without  waiting  for  the  nec- 
essary repairs  to  be  made,  in  the  spring  of  1866  President  Humes 
resumed  exercises  in  the  buildings  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum.  In 
September,  1867,  the  work  of  instruction  was  resumed  in  the  college 
buildings. 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  Congress,  approved 
July  2,  1862,  making  endowments  for  industrial  colleges  to  the  several 


HISTORY  OS’  TENNESSEE. 


451 


States,  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  January,  1869,  appropriated, 
upon  certain  conditions,  the  agricultural  fund  to  East  Tennessee  Univer- 
sity. In  June,  1869,  the  trustees  organized  the  Tennessee  Industrial 
College,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year  it  went  into  operation.  Its 
endowment  from  the  United  States  was  invested  in  396  State  of  Tennes- 
see bonds  of  $1,000  each,  bearing  6 per  cent  interest,  the  payment  of 
which  for  several  years  was  much  delayed.  Notwithstanding  this  serious 
obstacle,  the  success  of  the  institution  was  very  gratifying.  A fine  farm 
situated  about  three-fourths  of  a mile  from  the  university  was  purchased 
for  its  use;  new  buildings  were  erected,  and  an  excellent  chemical  labor- 
atory was  provided  and  equipped.  In  1879  the  name  of  East  Tennessee 
University  was  changed,  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  to  the  University 
of  Tennessee.  At  the  same  time  the  governor  was  authorized  to  appoint 
a board  of  visitors  to  the  university,  three  from  each  grand  division  of 
the  State,  and  other  legislation  connecting  the  university  intimately  with 
the  public  school  system  of  the  State.  Since  that  time  a full  university 
organization  has  been  adopted.  The  courses  of  instruction  have  been 
enlarged  and  multiplied,  and  the  university  now  offers  excellent  advan- 
tages for  both  general  and  special  study. 

The  medical  department  was  organized  as  the  Nashville  Medical  Col- 
lege in  the  summer  of  1876.  It  was  founded  by  Drs.  Duncan  Eve  and 
W.  F.  Glenn,  who  drew  from  the  faculty  of  the  medical  department  of  the 
University  of  Nashville  and  Vanderbilt  University  Drs.  Paul  E.  Eve,  T. 
B.  Buchanan,  George  S.  Blackie,  W.  P.  Jones  and  J.  J.  Abernetliy.  The 
first  session  of  this  institution  commenced  on  March  5,  1877,  and  was 
attended  with  brilliant  success  from  the  first.  In  the  spring  of  1879  a 
dental  department  was  established,  being  the  first  dental  school  in  the 
South.  During  the  same  year  an  overture  was  received  from  the  trust- 
ees of  the  University  of  Tennessee  to  become  their  medical  department, 
and  such  an  agreement  was  effected. 

The  following  is  the  present  faculty:  Hon.  William  P.  Jones,  M. 

D.,  president  of  faculty,  professor  of  mental  diseases  and  public 
hygiene;  Duncan  Eve,  M.  D.,  dean  of  the  faculty,  professor  of  sur- 
gery and  clinical  surgery;  William  F.  Glenn,  M.  D.,  professor  of  pliysi- 
°l°gy,  genito-urinary  and  venereal  diseases;  J.  Bunyan  Stephens,  M.  D., 
professor  of  obstetrics  and  clinical  midwifery;  Deering  J.  Boberts,  M. 
D.,  professor  of  theory  and  practice  of  medicine  and  clinical  medicine; 
Paul  F.  Eve,  M.  D.,  professor  of  general,  descriptive  and  surgical  anat- 
omy; William  D.  Haggard,  M.  D.,  professor  of  gynecology  and  diseases 
of  children;  Woodford  M.  Vertrees,  M.  D.,  professor  of  materia  medica 
and  therapeutics1  William  E.  McCampbell,  M.  D.,  professor  of  medical 


452 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


chemistry  and  toxicology;  William  G.  Brien,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  professor  of 
medical  jurisprudence;  John  G.  Sinclair,  M.  D.,  professor  of  diseases  of 
the  eye,  ear  and  throat;  James  Y.  Crawford,  M.  D.,  D.  D.  S.,  professor 
of  prophylactic  dentistry  and  oral  surgery;  Paul  F.  Eve,  M.  I).,  William 
E.  McCampbell,  M.  D.,  demonstrators  of  anatomy. 

At  the  close  of  the  session  of  1882-83  Dr.  Humes  resigned  the  pres- 
idency of  the  university.  The  trustees  thereupon  determined  to  leave  the 
presidency  unfilled  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  gave  power  to  the  faculty 
to  elect  from  their  body  a chairman  clothed  with  the  authority  and 
charged  with  the  duties  of  a president.  So  satisfactory  was  this  arrange- 
ment that  it  has  since  been  continued.  The  following  are  the  faculty 
and  officers  of  the  university:  Eben  Alexander,  B.  A.,  chairman  of  - the 
faculty;  Hunter  Nicholson,  A.  M.,  professor  of  natural  history  and  ge- 
ology; Eben  Alexander,  B.  A.,  professor  of  ancient  languages  and  litera- 
ture; Samuel  B.  Crawford,  M.  A.,  professor  of  military  science  and  com- 
mandant of  cadets;  Bodes  Massie,  A.  M. , D.  L.,  professor  of  English  and 
modern  languages;  John  W.  Glenn,  A.  M.,  professor  of  agriculture, 
horticulture  and  botany;  William  Albert  Noys,  Ph.  D.,  professor  of 
chemistry  and  mineralogy;  William  W.  Carson,  C.  E.,  M.  E.,  professor 
of  mathematics;  William  Everett  Moses,  B.  S.,  adjunct  professor  of  chem- 
istry; Samuel  B.  Crawford,  M.  A.,  adjunct  professor  of  mathematics; 
Thomas  Oakley  Deaderick,  M.  A.,  adjunct  professor  of  ancient  lan- 
guages; William  Gibbs  McAdoo,  M.  A.,  adjunct  professor  of  English 
and  history;  Lewis  Conner  Carter,  C.  E.,  instructor  in  applied  mathe- 
matics; John  Newton  Bogart,  M.  A.,  instructor  in  sub-collegiate  classes; 
William  Isaac  Thomas,  M.  A.,  instructor  in  modern  languages  and  nat- 
ural history;  Gustav  Bobert  Knabe,  Mus.  D.,  instructor  in  vocal  and 
instrumental  music;  Hunter  Nicholson,  A.  M.,  librarian;  Bobert  James 
Cummings,  farm  superintendent;  Hon.  John  L.  Moses,  president  of  the 
board  of  trustees;  Bobert  Craighead,  secretary  and  treasurer.  Trustees: 
Hon.  William  B.  Bate,  governor  of  Tennessee,  ex  officio ; Hon.  John  Alli- 
son, secretary  of  State,  ex  officio j Hon.  Thomas  H.  Paine,  superintend- 
ent of  public  instruction,  ex  officio  j Bev.  Thomas  W.  Humes,  S.  T.  I)., 
Hugh  L.  McClung,  William  K.  Eckle,  Hon.  0.  P.  Temple,  Frank  A.  B. 
Scott,  Bobert  H.  Armstrong,  Hon.  John  Baxter*,  B.  Frazier,  M.  D., 
William  B>ule,  S.  H.  Smith,  M.  D.,  B.  P.  Eaton,  M.  D.,  H.  L.  W.  Mynatt, 
Charles  M.  McGhee,  Hon.  D.  A.  Nunn,  Edward  J.  Sanford,  W.  A.  Hen- 
derson, Esq.,  Hon.  J.  M.  Coulter,  Bev.  James  Park,  D.  D.,  James  D. 
Cowan,  C.  Deaderick,  M.  D.,  John  M.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Hon.  John  L.  Moses, 
Hon.  George  Brown,  A.  Caldwell,  Esq.,  John  M.  Fleming,  Esq.,  J.  W. 


♦Deceased. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


453 


Gant,  Samuel  J.  McKinney,  William  Morrow,  M.  D.,  William  B.  Reese, 
Esq.,  Moses  White,  Esq.,  Hon.  W.  C.  Whitthorne,  Samuel  B.  Luttrell, 
Robert  Craighead,  James  Comfort,  Esq.,  J.  B.  Killebrew. 

By  an  act  of  Congress,  passed  in  1846,  extinguishing  the  title  to  the 
unappropriated  lands  south  and  west  of  the  congressional  reservation  line, 
it  was  required  that  $40,000  arising  from  the  sale  of  said  lands  be  set 
apart  for  the  endowment  of  a college  to  be  located  at  Jackson.  According- 
ly, the  institution  known  as  West  Tennessee  College  was  chartered  in . 

Before  the  war  it  was  a prosperous  and  successful  institution,  under  the 
administration  of  able  and  accomplished  presidents  and  professors,  and 
many  of  the  most  distinguished  citizens  of  the  State  claim  West  Tennes- 
see College  as  their  alma  mater.  In  1865,  immediately  after  the  close 
of  the  war,  Dr.  William  Shelton  was  elected  president  of  the  college, 
with  B.  W.  Arnold  as  professor  of  ancient  languages,  and  B.  L.  Arnold 
as  professor  of  mathematics  and  natural  science.  Under  the  administra- 
tion of  Dr.  Shelton  and  his  faculty  of  instruction,  West  Tennessee  Col- 
lege was  built  up  to  a high  degree  of  prosperity,  so  that  it  had  a larger 
number  of  students  than  at  any  previous  period  in  its  history.  In  1869 
the  entire  faculty  resigned,  and  a new  faculty  was  employed,  with  Rev. 
E.  L.  Patton  as  president.  In  August,  1874,  the  buildings,  grounds, 
and  endowments  of  West  Tennessee  College,  estimated  at  $90,000,  were 
donated  to  the  trustees  of  the  Southwestern  Baptist  University,  on  con- 
dition that  an  interest  bearing  endowment  of  $300,000  be  raised  for 
the  university  within  a period  of  ten  years  from  the  time  of  transfer. 
A meeting  of  the  Tennessee  Baptist  Convention  was  immediately  called, 
the  plan  accepted,  and  preliminary  steps  were  taken  toward  obtaining  a 
charter  under  the  name  of  the  Southwestern  Baptist  University.  On 
September  14,  1874,  the  academic  department  of  the  new  institution  was 
opened,  and  at  the  beginning  of  the  next  school  year  the  collegiate  de- 
partment was  organized.  Under  the  new  name  and  management  the 
university  has  been  eminently  prosperous,  and  now  ranks  as  one  of  the 
best  institutions  in  the  State. 


454 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

History  of  the  Early  Wars— The  Military  Training  of  the  “ Volunteer 
State  ” — The  Tories  of  East  Tennessee— The  Part  Borne  by  the  State 
in  the  Revolution — The  Brilliant  Strategy  and  Proavess  of  Sevier 
and  Shelby— xYctions  at  King’s  Mountain  and  Elsewhere— The  War  of 
1812— Jackson’s  Campaigns  against  the  Creeks— The  Memorable  Battle 
at  New  Orleans — The  Seminole  War — Its  Hardships  and  Long  Contin- 
uance—Tennesseeans  Concerned  in  the  Achievement  of  the  Independ- 
ence of  Texas— The  War  with  Mexico— The  Volunteers — Sketch  of 
the  Campaigns. 

ALTHOUGH  a peace-loving  and  law-abiding  people,  Tennessee  lias 
achieved  a record  in  all  the  wars  of  the  Government  or  State  that  is 
the  pride  of  descendants  and  the  admiration  of  all  beholders.  What  with 
the  Indian  wars,  and  what  with  the  Revolution,  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century  finds  the  inhabitants  of  the  State  comparatively  a war- 
like people.  The  settlers  of  the  mountain  region  of  East  Tennessee 
found  it  necessary  to  defend  themselves  against  the  Indians  at  a very 
early  date.  Fort  Loudon  Avas  built  by  the  British,  one  mile  above  the 
mouth  of  the  Tellico  River,  in  1756.  Stimulated  by  French  influence,  the 
Cherokees  attacked  this  fort  in  1760,  and  starved  it  into  surrender  on 
August  8th  of  that  year.  The  garrison  consisted  of  betAveen  200  and 
300  Scotch  Highlanders,  who  surrendered  on  the  promise  of  Oconos- 
tota  that  they  should  be  alloAved  a safe  return  to  the  Carolinas.  They 
Avere  folloAved,  and  on  the  second  day  were  overtaken  and  cut  to  pieces, 
except  a few,  and  a fence  built  of  their  bones.  Other  forts  were  built, 
which  served  the  colonists  a good  purpose  during  the  troublous 
times  of  the  Revolution,  not  only  against  the  British  Tories,  but 
against  the  Indians,  Avhom  British  intrigue  stirred  up  to  revolt.  The 
hardy  mountaineers  of  East  Tennessee  were  not  numerous,  but  Avere  in- 
tensely loyal  to  the  cause  of  independence,  and  were  the  terror  of  Tories 
and  British.  Chving  to  danger  from  the  Indians  the  mountaineers  dared 
not  leave  home  but  for  a short  time.  In  1777  a party  of  forty  men  went 
to  Boonesborougli,  Ky.,  for  the  relief  of  the  settlement  then  besieged 
by  the  Indians.  The  condition  of  the  people  became  so  desperate  that 
Capt.  Logan  and  a select  party  undertook  the  perilous  journey  of  200 
miles  through  an  enemy’s  country  to  ask  relief  of  the  pioneers  of  Tennes- 
see. The  appeal  was  not  in  vain,  for  in  a short  time  100  riflemen*  were 
on  their  Avay  Avith  supplies  to  relieve  the  beleaguered  garrison.  The  fall 


*Monette. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE.  455 

of  Charleston  on  May  12,  1780,  exposed  the  whole  of  the  Carolinas  and 
Tennessee  to  the  attacks  of  the  British  and  the  Indians. 

On  March  19,  1780,  John  Sevier,  colonel  of  Washington  County  mil- 
itia, under  a call  of  Samuel  Rutherford,  united  with  John  Willson,  Will- 
iam Trimble,  James  Stinson,  John  McNabb,  Jonathan  Tipton  and 
Godfrey  Isbell  in  raising  100  men.  The  captains  of  Col.  Sevier’s  regi- 
ment were  McNabb.  Sevier,  Hoskins,  Bean,  Brown,  Isbell,  Trimble, 
Willson,  Gist,  Stinson,  Davis,  Patterson  and  Williams.  A similar  call 
was  made  upon  Isaac  Shelby,  ‘colonel  of  Sullivan  County,  who  was  then 
absent  surveying  lands  in  Kentucky,  but  a message  brought  him  hur- 
riedly home.  Fortunately  for  these  commanders  their  forces  were  not 
ready  soon  enough,  in  consequence  of  which  they  were  not  in  the  disastrous 
defeat  at  Camden.  Many  who  before  this  time  were  pretended  friends 
now  became  open  enemies  to  the  country.  It  was  determined  by  the 
British  commander,  Cornwallis,  to  carry  the  war  into  the  Whig  settle- 
ments beyond  the  Alleghanies  and  thence  conquer  and  lay  waste  North 
Carolina  as  he  had  South  Carolina,  and  advance  into  Virginia. 

Col.  Sevier  soon  issued  another  call  for  volunteers,  and  in  a few  days 
found  himself  at  the  head  of  200  men.  Col.  Shelby,  who  received  word 
of  the  impending  danger  on  the  16th  of  June,  was  in  command  of  200 
men  in  the  first  part  of  July.  The  forces  of  Sevier  and  Shelby  arrived 
at  Col.  McDowell’s  camp  at  Cherokee  Ford  on  Broad  River,  about  the 
same  time.  Col.  Moore,  who  was  assembling  a large  body  of  Tories,  took 
post  at  a strong  fort  built  by  Gen.  Williamson  on  the  Pacolet  River. 
The  successes  of  the  British  led  many  disaffected  to  his  standard.  The 
rapid  advance  of  the  main  force  of  the  British  led  Col.  McDowell  to 
strike  a blow  at  once.  Cols.  Sevier,  Shelby  and  Clarke  were  detached 
with  600  men  to  attack  Moore  forthwith.  These  riflemen  took  up  their 
line  of  march  at  sunset  and  by  daylight  had  marched  twenty  miles  and 
had  surrounded  the  fort.  Lines  were  deployed  and  ready  to  assault; 
Col.  Shelby  sent  William  Cocke  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fort. 
Moore  refused  and  declared  he  would  defend  the  place  to  the  last  ex- 
tremity. The  American  lines  were  drawn  closely  around  the  fort  and 
anxiously  awaited  the  order  for  assault,  when  a second  demand  was  made, 
intimating  that  if  they  were  compelled  to  assault  it  might  be  difficult  to 
restrain  the  mountaineers  from  acts  of  violence.  Moore  acceded  to  the 
terms  of  surrender  on  condition  that  the  garrison  should  be  paroled  not 
to  serve  again  during  the  war.  The  forces  surrendered,  consisting  of 
ninety-three  Loyalists  and  a British  sergeant-major,  who  was  the  drill- 
master.  Besides  the  men,  there  was  a large  supply  of  arms  and  other 
supplies.  Col.  Ferguson,  who  commanded  the  British,  determined  to 


456 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


crush  the  forces  of  McDowell.  The  only  hope  of  the  latter  was  to  annoy 
and  cut  off  straggling  forces  of  the  enemy,  now  amounting  to  about  6,000 
men.  Ferguson’s  plan  was  to  surprise  McDowell.  Cols.  Shelby  and 
Clarke,  with  600  men,  were  attacked  at  Cedar  Springs  in  August  by  a 
large  British  force.  They  maintained  the  fight  for  half  an  hour,  when 
Ferguson’s  whole  force  arrived  and  compelled  the  Americans  to  with- 
draw, taking  with  them  twenty  prisoners,  including  two  British  officers. 
The  American  loss  Avas  ten  or  tAvel\re  killed  and  wounded,  including  Col. 
Clarke,  who  received  a sabre  cut  in  the  neck. 

The  next  stroke  of  the  Americans  was  at  a band  of  400  or  500  Tories  en- 
camped on  the  south  side  of  the  Enoree  Biver  at  Musgrove’s  mill,  about 
forty  miles  distant  from  the  Americans.  Ferguson’s  main  force  lay  be- 
tween the  Americans  and  their  prize.  Col.  McDowell,  the  American  com- 
mander, detached  Cols.  Shelby,  Clarke  and  Williams,  of  South  Carolina, 
to  surprise  and  capture  these  Tories.  They  started  on  the  18th  of  August, 
and  after  a hard  night’s  ride  reached  the  object  of  their  search.  In  the 
march  they  had  been  compelled  to  make  a detour  of  seA^eral  miles  to 
avoid  Ferguson’s  men.  About  a half  mile  from  the  enemy’s  camp  they 
met  a patrol  and  a skirmish  ensued  and  the  enemy  gave  way.  It  Avas 
now  learned  that  the  enemy  had  received  a re-enforcement  of  600  regu- 
lars. The  Americans  were  in  a dilemma.  To  fight  these  seemed  des- 
perate ; to  retreat  was  impossible,  being  worn  as  they  were.  The  sound 
of  drums  and  bugles  indicated  the  advance  of  the  British.  Capt.  Inman 
Avas  sent  forward  to  fight  the  advancing  line  and  retreat  at  discretion. 
He  met  the  British  gallantly  and  retreated  slowly  to  AAnthin  range  of  the 
main  forces.  These  maintained  their  ground  for  more  than  an  hour;  just 
as  the  Americans  were  about  to  give  way  Col.  Ennes,  the  British  com- 
mander, was  Avounded;  nearly  all  of  his  subalterns  had  already  been 
killed  or  wounded.  The  British  gave  way.  Capt.  Inman  was  killed 
while  gallantly  leading  his  men ; only  six  or  seven  others  Avere  lost.  The 
British  regulars  fought  bravely,  but  over  200  Avere  captured. 

The  next  point  the  Americans  aimed  at  was  Ninety-Six,  thirty  miles 
away.  At  the  moment  of  starting  a message  was  received  from  Col. 
McDowell,  stating  that  Gen.  Gates  had  been  overwhelmed  at  Camden, 
and  advising  the  Americans  to  save  themselves  as  best  they  could.  The 
200  prisoners,  the  spoils  of  the  victory,  were  divided  among  the  men, 
giving  one  to  each  of  the  three  Americans.  Thus  encumbered  they 
started  for  their  mountain  fastnesses,  and  by  a ride  of  all  that  day,  the 
following  night  and  the  next  day,  arrived  at  a place  of  safety,  not,  how- 
ever, without  having  been  pursued  by  a strong  force  under  Maj.  Dupois- 
ter,  sent  by  Ferguson.  Their  forces  were  for  a time  scattered.  The 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


457 


near  approach  of  the  British  and  threatening  of  Ferguson  to  cross  the 
mountains  to  attack  the  Tennesseeans  in  their  homes,  called  them 
together  again.  News  reached  Col.  Shelby  of  the  danger  in  August,  and 
he  immediately  rode  fifty  or  sixty  miles  to  consult  with  Sevier.  In  two 
days  they  determined  to  raise  all  the  forces  they  could,  and  if  possible 
surprise  Ferguson  in  his  camp.  They  appointed  September  25  as  the 
day  of  meeting,  and  Sycamore  Shoals  on  the  Watauga  as  the  place. 
The  whole  fighting  population  of  the  district  was  considerably  less  than 
1,000,  and  at  least  half  of  these  were  deemed  necessary  to  guard  the 
forts  and  the  frontier.  Only  the  strong  and  vigorous  were  allowed  to  go. 
The  whole  population  met  at  the  camp  on  the  W atauga.  Here  they  were 
met  by  Col.  Campbell,  of  Virginia,  with  400  men.  Col.  Sevier  took  240 
from  Washington  County,  Col.  Shelby  the  same  number  from  Sullivan 
County;  also  a great  many  Whig  refugees  were  assembled  under  Col. 
McDowell.  Steadman,  who  served  under  Cornwallis,  says:  “The  enemy 
was  composed  of  the  wild  and  fierce  inhabitants  of  Kentucky  and  other 
settlements  beyond  the  Alleghanies,  who  had  assembled  from  different 
places  and  wdth  different  objects.  They  were  under  such  leaders  as 
Cleveland,  Shelby,  Sevier,  Branden  and  Lacey;  the  men  were  well 
mounted  on  horseback  and  armed  with  rifles,  and  each  carried  his  own 
provisions  in  a wallet,  and  were  not  encumbered  by  wagons.”  Each 
man,  each  officer  set  out  with  his  trusty  Deckhard  on  his  shoulder.  A 
shot-pouch,  a tomahawk,  a knife,  a knapsack  and  a blanket  completed  his 
outfit.  The  earth  was  his  bed,  the  heavens  his  covering,  the  moun- 
tain stream  gave  him  drink  and  the  forests  yielded  him  food.  These 
men  started  in  rapid  movement  along  mountain  paths  toward  Gilbert 
Town  where  Ferguson  was  encamped.  The  desertion  of  two  men  caused 
them  to  change  their  course  a little.  When  nearing  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tains they  fell  in  with  others  bent  on  doing  the  British  mischief.  Some 
of  these  men  were  well  armed,  some  not;  some  were  on  foot  and  some 
mounted.  This  motley  crew  chose  a leader  of  their  own  and  determined 
to  attack  the  British. 

Ferguson  became  alarmed  at  this  “ inundation  of  barbarians  and  dogs 
of  mankind,”  and  called  loudly  for  the  loyalists  to  rally  to  his  standard. 
On  October  4 the  Americans  reached  Gilbert  Town  to  find  that  Fer- 
guson had  decamped  and  was  earnestly  soliciting  Cornwallis  for  re-en- 
forcements. It  was  soon  agreed  among  the  American  commanders  to 
select  the  best  men,  horses  and  arms  and  follow  F erguson  with  all  speed. 
Nine  hundred  and  ten  men  out  of  nearly  3,000  were  chosen  to  lead  the 
pursuit,  the  others  to  follow  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Several  bands  of 
Tories  offered  tempting  baits  for  these  brave  mountaineers,  but  these  they 


458 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


did  not  care  to  disturb,  well  knowing  if  the  British  regulars  were  dis- 
posed of  the  Tories  would  be  an  easy  prey.  For  thirty-six  hours  these 
men  rode  with  but  one  hour’s  rest,  and  the  day  of  battle  was  hot  and  so 
wet  that  the  men  were  compelled  to  wrap  their  guns  with  their  blankets 
or  liunting-sliirts  to  keep  them  dry.  The  men  were  now  within  three 
miles  of  the  British  camp.  It  was  learned  the  British  intended  to  join 
Cornwallis  next  day,  and  the  Americans  determined  not  to  allow  the 
chance  for  victory  to  slip,  so  without  food  or  rest  they  prepared  for  the 
onset.  The  touch-holes  of  their  guns  were  cleaned  and  fresh  priming 
was  put  in,  bullets  were  examined  and  a plan  of  the  battle  was  hastily 
formed.  Ferguson  had  taken  post  on  an  eminence,  which  in  loyalty  to 
his  sovereign  he  called  King’s  Mountain.  The  Americans  dismounted 
and  began  the  attack.  Their  plan  was  to  surround  the  mountain.  Cols. 
McDowell,  Shelby,  Sevier  and  Campbell  passed  to  the  right,  and  Ham- 
bright,  Chronicle,  Cleveland  and  Williams  to  the  left,  so  as  to  join  the 
wings  in  the  rear  of  the  mountain.  All  things  being  ready,  they  raised 
the  Indian  war-whoop  and  advanced  upon  the  enemy.  The  battle  was  of 
the  most  desperate  character.  As  the  British  regulars  charged  bayonets, 
the  Americans,  by  an  understanding,  slowly  yielded  on  that  side,  but  ad- 
vanced on  the  other,  and  then  the  British  were  called  to  resist  the  great 
pressure  elsewhere,  when  the  Americans  again  advanced  their  lines. 
The  Americans  fought  as  only  American  mountaineers  could  fight,  the 
British  regulars  with  the  desperation  of  despair.  Prodigies  of  valor 
were  performed  by  Sevier,  Shelby  and,  in  fact,  all  the  officers  and  men. 
No  less  valorous  was  Ferguson  of  the  British.  Courting  danger  and 
disdaining  death,  he  seemed  everywhere  present.  Twice  was  the  white 
flag  raised  and  twice  pulled  down  or  cut  down  by  his  own  hands.  He 

had  sworn  that  all  the  rebels  out  of  could  not  drive  him  from  his 

position,  and  no band  of  banditti  could  intimidate  him  or  the  Brit- 

ish regulars.  The  fight  continued  hot  and  desperate.  At  last  Ferguson 
fell,  and  the  animating  spirit  of  the  British  was  gone.  Dupoister,  second 
in  command,  seeing  resistance  useless,  raised  the  white  flag. 

In  the  hour’s  engagement  the  enemy  lost  225  killed  and  180 
wounded,  and  700  prisoners  and  all  their  stores.  Not  one  of  the  Brit- 
ish escaped.  The  prisoners  were  more  numerous  than  the  whole  force 
to  guard  them.  The  loss  to  the  Americans  was  1 colonel,  1 major, 
1 captain,  2 lieutenants,  4 ensigns  and  19  privates  killed ; and  1 major, 
3 captains,  3 lieutenants  and  53  privates  wounded.  In  Col.  Shelby’s 
regiment  from  Sullivan  County  his  brother  Moses  was  wounded  in  a 
bold  attempt  to  storm  the  enemy.  The  captains  of  his  regiment  were 
Elliott,  Maxwell  and  Webb.  The  Washington  County  troops  were 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


459 


commanded  by  Col.  Sevier,  whose  captains  were  his  brothers  Valen- 
tine and  Robert  Sevier,  Joel  Callahan,  George  Doherty  and  George  Rus- 
sell ; lieutenant,  Isaac  Lane.  Capt.  Robert  Sevier  was  mortally  wounded 
in  the  engagement.  There  were  four  privates  of  the  Sevier  family- 
present,  Abraham  and  Joseph  Sevier;  also  James  and  Joseph  Sevier, 
sons  of  Col.  Sevier.  Swords  were  voted  to  Cols.  Sevier  and  Shelby  by  the 
State  of  North  Carolina  in  honor  of  the  signal  victory.  Steadman  quotes 
Gen.  Bernard,  an  officer  under  Napoleon,  as  saying:  “The  Americans, 
by  their  victory  in  that  engagement,  erected  a monument  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  the  brave  men,  who  had  fallen  there;  and  the  shape  of 
the  hill  itself  would  be  an  eternal  monument  of  the  military  genius  and 
skill  of  Col.  Ferguson  in  selecting  a position  so  well  adapted  for  defense ; 
and  that  no  other  plan  of  assault  but  that  pursued  by  the  mountain  men, 
could  have  succeeded  against  him.”  The  effect  of  this  victory  could  not 
be  over-estimated.  The  Sabbath  following  the  battle  was  employed  in 
the  solemn  burial  of  the  dead  and  rapid  retreat  to  the  remaining  forces 
of  the  army.  The  wagons  of  the  enemy  were  burned,  the  badly  wounded 
were  left  on  the  ground  and  the  able  bodied  were  compelled  to  carry  the 
arms  they  had  surrendered.  The  prisoners  were  turned  over  to  Gen. 
Greene  at  Hillsboro  and  Col.  Sevier  and  most  of  the  militia  returned  to 
defend  their  homes  against  the  Indians.  Soon  after  followed  the  victory 
of:  Gen.  Morgan  over  Tarleton  at  Cowpens,  scarcely  less  decisive  then  the 
one  at  King’s  Mountain. 

The  Legislature  of  North  Carolina,  Gov.  Caswell  of  the  same  State 
and  Gen.  Greene,  all  besought  Cols.  Shelby  and  Sevier  to  come  to  the 
relief  of  the  State,  that  was  now  (1781)  invaded  by  the  British  under 
Cornwallis,  and  the  country  laid  waste  by  the  tories.  Neither  of  the 
leaders,  Shelby  or  Sevier,  could  go,  as  it  took  them  and  the  militia  to  de- 
fend the  settlements  of  Watauga  and  Nollichucky  against  the  Cherokees. 
A few  only  were  engaged  at  Guilford  Court  House  on  March  15,  1781. 
It  is  thought  if  these  men  could  have  gone  in  force  the  same  fate  would 
have  befallen  Cornwallis  at  that  place  that  awaited  him  at  Yorktown. 
On  the  advance  of  Gen.  Greene  into  South  Carolina  the  forces  of  Shelby 
and  Sevier  were  again  called  upon,  and  they  assembled  at  Fort  Granby 
in  the  last  of  August,  1781.  They  were  well  on  their  way  when  it  was 
learned  that  Cornwallis  and  the  main  British  forces  had  left  North  Car- 
olina and  taken  post  at  Yorktown,  Ya.  The  various  successes  led  the 
Americans — Shelby  and  Sevier — to  believe  their  services  would  no  longer 
be  needed,  in  consequence  of  which  they  again  returned  home.  The 
battle  of  Eutaw  Spring  was  fought  in  the  absence  of  the  gallant  Tennes- 
see mountaineers,  and  they  were  not  permitted  to  gain  new  laurels.  The 


460 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


straits  to  which  Cornwallis  hacl  been  reduced  by  the  allied  armies  led 
Gen.  Greene  to  believe  that  he  contemplated  a retreat  through  the  Caro- 
linas.  Gen.  Greene,  on  September  16,  again  called  upon  Col.  Sevier  for 
assistance.  Shelby  was  also  called  upon  and  responded  with  his  regi- 
ment. Sevier  raised  200  men  from  Washington  County.  On  October 
19  Cornwallis  surrendered  his  whole  force,  and  thus  danger  from  that 
quarter  was  no  longer  apprehended. 

At  the  request  of  Gen.  Greene  the  forces  of  Shelby  and  Sevier  joined 
the  forces  under  Gen.  Marion.  Notwithstanding  these  men  had  been 
enrolled  for  only  sixty  days  they  proceeded  into  South  Carolina.  It  was 
learned  that  a force  of  several  hundred  Hessians  stationed  at  Monk’s 
Corner  was  in  a state  of  mutiny.  The  main  force  of  the  British  was  at 
Ferguson’s  Swamp,  eight  or  ten  miles  away  on  the  main  road  leading  to 
Charleston.  It  was  determined  to  surprise  the  British  force.  Cols. 
Shelby  and  Sevier  asked  to  be  a part  of  the  detachment  of  500  or  600 
men  to  be  sent  against  it.  Col.  Mayhem  commanded  the  forces,  consist- 
ing of  180  of  his  own  dragoons,  a few  militia  and  the  men  under  Shelby 
and  Sevier.  The  march  began  in  the  morning  and  a long  march  brought 
them  two  miles  below  the  post  they  intended  to  attack,  on  the  evening 
of  the  second  day.  In  gaining  this  post  they  had  avoided  the  main 
British  force  and  were  now  between  the  Hessians  and  Charleston.  The 
men  rested  on  their  arms  till  daylight  the  next  morning,  when  they  ap- 
peared before  the  British  post  and  Col.  Mayhem  sent  a messenger 
demanding  the  immediate  surrender  of  the  place.  Answer  was  returned 
in  a few  minutes  that  the  post  would  be  defended  to  the  last  extremity. 
Shelby  then  asked  permission  to  go  himself  and  demand  the  surrender. 
He  told  the  British  commander  that  if  they  were  compelled  to  storm  the 
post,  every  soul  within  would  be  killed,  as  the  mountaineers  would  soon 
be  upon  them  with  their  tomahawks.  The  British  officer  inquired  of 
Shelby  if  he  had  any  artillery,  to  which  he  replied  that  he  had 
guns  that  would  blow  them  to  atoms  in  a minute.  The  British  offi- 
cer  then  gracefully  yielded  and  threw  open  the  gates,  and  the  Ameri- 
cans marched  up  and  took  possession.  At  this  moment  another  strong 
post  was  discovered  500  or  600  yards  distant.  It  was  a brick  house  sur- 
rounded by  a strong  abatis  and  defended  by  100  soldiers  and  from  40  to 
50  dragoons.  These  made  a demonstration  as  if  to  attack  the  Americans, 
who  deployed  and  boldly  advanced  toward  the  British  and  demanded  a 
surrender.  This  post  also  surrendered  without  resistance.  Although 
well  fortified,  150  men  capitulated.  Ninety  of  the  prisoners  were 
mounted  behind  their  captors  and  were  taken  to  Marion’s  camp  sixty 
miles  distant;  the  remainder  were  paroled  and  the  post  and  supplies  de- 


Andrew  Jackson 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


461 


stroyed.  The  Americans  reached  camp  next  morning  at  3 o’clock. 
Before  day  it  was  reported  that  Stewart  with  the  whole  British  force  was 
in  a few  miles  of  camp.  Shelby  and  Sevier’s  men  were  to  interfere  and 
retreat  at  discretion.  A report  spread  that  Marion  had  received  a large 
re-enforcement  of  riflemen.  The  British  became  alarmed  and  fled  in  dis- 
order almost  to  Charleston.  About  the  28th  of  November  Shelby  left 
the  army  to  take  a seat  in  the  Legislature  of  North  Carolina,  of  which  he 
was  a member.  Col.  Sevier  remained  with  the  mountain  men.  Little 
more  was  done  until  peace  ended  the  strife.  The  troops  of  Shelby  and 
Sevier  “came  home  enriched  with  no  spoils,  stained  with  no  dishonor, 
enriched  only  by  an  imperishable  fame,  an  undying  renown  and  an  un- 
questionable claim  to  the  admiration  and  gratitude  of  their  countrymen 
and  of  posterity.” 

Hard  upon  the  war  with  the  British  and  Tories  came  the  war  with  the 
Cherokees.  The  second  struggle  for  independence,  that  of  1812,  was  the 
occasion  of  the  Creek  war.  As  soon  as  there  was  a prospect  for  hostilities, 
Great  Britain  sent  her  emissaries  among  the  Indians  to  induce  them  to 
“dig  up  the  hatchet.”  Tecumseli,  the  great  Shawanee  chieftain,  with  about 
thirty  of  his  warriors  visited  the  Southern  Indians  in  his  efforts  to  unite 
all  the  various  tribes  in  one  grand  union  against  the  whites.  He  estab- 
lished among  the  Southern  Indians  the  custom  of  celebrating  the  scalp 
and  war  dance  before  battle.  The  speech  of  Tecumseli,  his  power  of 
organization,  and  the  message  of  the  prophet,  Tecumseh’s  brother,  stirred 
the  Creeks  to  a frenzy,  and  caused  them  to  plunge  into  a religious  war, 
neither  asking  nor  giving  quarter.  Numerous  outrages  had  been  commit- 
ted, and  the  massacre  of  Fort  Mimms,  on  August  30,  1813,  spread  alarm 
throughout  Tennessee.  A meeting  was  called  in  Nashville  of  which  Rev. 
Mr.  Craighead  was  made  chairman  and  Gen.  Coffee  was  a member. 
This  meeting  urged  the  Legislature  to  call  out  the  militia  to  take  ven- 
geance upon  the  Creeks.  That  body  responded  at  once,  and  on  September 
13,  1813,  a call  was  made  for  3,500  volunteers  in  addition  to  1,500,  who 
had  already  hastily  entered  the  field  and  appropriated  $300,000  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  war.  Gov.  Blount  commissioned  Gen.  Cocke 
to  command  the  troops  from  East  Tennessee,  and  Gen.  Jackson  those 
from  West  Tennessee  (now  called  Middle  Tennessee).  Although  suffer- 
ing from  the  wounds  received  in  the  encounter  with  the  Bentons,  Gen. 
Jackson  issued  one  of  his  characteristic  addresses  to  the  people  on  Sep- 
tember 25,  ordering  the  men  to  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville  on  October  4. 
On  September  26  Gen.  Coffee  was  sent  to  Huntsville  in  advance  of  the 
main  body  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  citizens  of  the  valley  of  the 
Tennessee  against  the  threatened  attack  by  the  Indians.  Gen.  Jackson 

29 


462 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


himself  did  not  arrive  at  Fayetteville  till  the  7th,  owing  to  his  disability. 
He,  however,  sent  his  aid,  Maj.  Reid,  in  advance  to  read  his  orders  and 
to  put  the  men  under  discipline.  On  the  11th  a dispatch  was  received 
by  Jackson  that  1,000  Creek  warriors  were  approaching  to  attack 
Huntsville.  News  was  received  at  1 o’clock,  and  at  3 the  army  was  in 
motion.  By  a forced  march  the  army  reached  Huntsville,  a distance 
of  thirty -two  miles,  in  about  five  hours.  On  their  arrival  the  rumor  was 
found  to  be  untrue,  but  the  army  continued  its  march,  but  more  leisurely 
to  Ditto’s  Landing,  on  the  Tennessee.  Jackson’s  forces  consisted  of  two 
brigades;  one  of  volunteers  under  Gen.  William  Hall,  and  the  other  of 
militia  under  Gen.  Isaac  Roberts.  Jackson  marched  up  the  river  to 
Thompson’s  Creek,  cutting  out  roads  as  he  went.  He  v/as  greatly  dis- 
appointed at  not  receiving  supplies  that  were  to  be  sent  from  East  Ten- 
nessee. The  low  stage  of  the  water  above  prevented,  but  this  was  not 
indicated  below  and  led  to  some  bitterness. 

Jackson  built  and  entrenched  a camp,  and  called  it  Fort  Deposit. 
While  awaiting  supplies  he  drilled  his  men.  and  wrote  letters  to  Gov. 
Blount,  Judge  Hugh  L.  White,  and  other  prominent  men  urging  the 
necessity  of  rapid  movements.  The  army  was  reduced  to  the  greatest 
straits,  and  it  was  with  great  difficulty  that  discipline  was  maintained. 
Col.  Coffee  was  sent  to  scour  the  country  for  supplies,  and  returned  in  a 
short  time  with  a quantity  of  corn.  Gen.  Jackson  broke  camp  at  Fort 
Deposit  October  25,  and  advanced  into  the  country  and  built  Fort  Strother. 
He  learned  that  the  friendly  Indians  at  Two  Islands  of  the  Coosa  were  in 
danger,  and  went  to  their  rescue.  He  learned  there  was  a large  body  of 
Indians  at  Tallushatches,  thirteen  miles  distant,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Coosa;  thither  he  sent  Col.  Coffee  with  1,000  mounted  men  to  attack 
them.  They  were  piloted  by  friendly  Indians.  The  Indians  were  sur- 
prised and  defeated  with  great  slaughter.  The  attack  began  on  the 
morning  of  the  3d.  Col.  Allen,  who  commanded  the  right  wing,  managed 
to  get  to  the  rear  of  the  Indians.  They  fought  with  the  desperation  of 
despair,  and  not  a warrior  was  captured.  They  left  186  warriors  upon  the 
field,  and  doubtless  more  were  killed.  A number  of  women  and  children 
were  killed  and  84  were  captured.  The  Indians  fired  their  guns  and  then 
used  bows  and  arrows.  Jackson’s  loss  was  5 killed  and  41  wounded: 
among  whom  were  Capts.  Smith,  Bradley  and  Winston.  An  Indian  infant 
was  found  upon  its  dead  mother’s  breast.  The  other  women  refused  to 
nourish  it.  Gen.  Jackson  had  the  child  cared  for  and  took  it  into  his  own 
family.  Young  Lincolyer  was  given  a practical  education,  and  found  a 
warm  friend  in  the  General  and  his  family.  He  was  taken  away  by  con- 
sumption at  the  age  of  seventeen. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


463 


Gen.  Jackson  began  again  with  great  energy  and  nest  struck  the  In- 
dians at  Talladega,  about  thirty  miles  from  his  camp,  at  Fort  Strother. 
Here  he  left  his  sick  and  wounded  with  a small  guard,  having  made  the 
place  as  secure  as  possible.  He  expected  a junction  of  a part  of  the  force 
of  Gen.  Cocke,  who  was  operating  in  concert  with  him  with  the  East 
Tennessee  troops.  Gen.  White,  with  a brigade  of  these  troops,  had  arrived 
at  Turkey  Town,  twenty-five  miles  from  Jackson’s  camp.  These  were  or- 
dered by  Gen.  Jackson  to  join  him  in  the  advance  upon  Talladega.  When 
near  Fort  Strother  White  received  an  order  from  Gen.  Cocke  to  join  him. 
Jackson  advanced  upon  Talladega  on  December  8,  and  when  within  six 
miles  of  the  place  he  learned  that  White  had  been  ordered  to  join  Gen. 
Cocke.  His  sick  and  wounded  men  being  in  danger,  he  determined  to 
fight  alone  the  next  morning.  Talladega  was  a fortified  place,  and  was 
filled  with  friendly  Indians  who  were  being  besieged  by  the  hostile  Creeks. 
It  was  for  their  relief  that  the  battle  was  fought.  The  Indians  were  on 
the  point  of  starvation.  One  disguised  as  a hog  crept  through  the  hostile 
lines,  and  brought  Jackson  word  as  to  their  condition.  Scouts  brought 
him  information  as  to  the  number  and  position  of  the  enemy.  The  march 
was  resumed  at  4 o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  9th ; when  within  a mile 
of  the  enemy  the  line  of  battle  was  formed.  Hall’s  brigade  was  on  the 
right  and  Roberts’  on  the  left,  and  Coffee’s  cavalry  covered  the  wings, 
with  a portion  in  the  rear  for  reserve.  When  Capt.  Deaderick’s  men 
arrived  within  eighty  yards  of  the  enemy  they  rose  and  with  a yell 
opened  fire  and  began  an  advance.  Some  of  the  militia  under  Gen.  Rob- 
erts began  to  give  way,  frightened  by  the  terrible  yells  of  the  Indians. 
The  reserve  under  Col.  Dyer  boldly  advanced  and  restored  the  line,  when 
the  militia  again  returned  to  the  fight.  A general  advance  along  the 
whole  line  was  now  made.  The  Indians  were  slaughtered  unmercifully ; 
a gap  in  the  lines  alone  allowed  any  to  escape.  They  lost  280  killed ; 
Gen.  Coffee  says  299.  The  loss  of  the  whites  was  15  killed  and  85 
wounded.  The  Indians  numbered  1,000;  Jackson’s  forces  numbered 
about  2,000,  not  more  than  half  of  whom  were  engaged.  Great  was  the 
joy  of  the  besieged  Indians  when  they  were  relieved. 

Jackson  now  returned  to  Fort  Strother,  but  to  find  no  supplies.  A 
week’s  starvation  brought  the  army  to  a state  of  mutiny.  The  troops 
threatened  to  march  home  in  a body,  but  Jackson  persuaded  them  to  de- 
lay two  days  longer,  in  which  case,  if  there  were  no  supplies,  he  would 
allow  them  to  go.  The  time  came  but  no  supplies.  The  men  started 
home  but  Jackson  went  with  them.  On  the  way  provisions  were  met 
with,  but  it  required  the  utmost  firmness  to  force  them  to  return.  There 
was  a difference  of  opinion  as  to  when  the  term  of  enlistment  expired. 


4G4 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  10th  of  December  was  set  as  the  time  for  their  departure  for  home. 
Col.  William  Martin  Avas  commander  of  one  of  the  mutinous  regiments. 
Gen.  Jackson  had  the  men  brought  out  in  front  of  the  army,  with  men 
on  either  flank  and  the  artillery  in  front,  ready  to  fire  in  case  the  men 
moved.  After  a sharp  dispute  between  Gen.  Jackson  and  Col.  Martin 
the  matter  was  dropped  for  the  time  being.  Gen.  Cocke  joined  Gen. 
Jackson’s  forces  at  Fort  Strother  Avitli  2,000  East  Tennessee  troops  on 
December  13,  1813.  The  time  of  the  men  having  expired,  all  except 
about  800  were  discharged.  In  the  meantime  Gen.  Coffee,  Col.  Carroll 
and  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn  had  been  very  active  in  raising  recruits  for 
the  army  to  support  Gen.  Jackson  at  Fort  Strother.  The  new  troops 
Avere  under  Cols.  Higgins  and  Perkins  and  amounted  to  about  900  men; 
there  were  two  spy  companies  under  Capts.  Russell  and  Gordon  and  one 
artillery  company  under  Lieut.  Robert  Armstrong.  Besides  these  there 
Avas  a body  of  the  old  riflemen  under  Gen.  Coffee.  A large  force  of 
friendly  Indians  accompanied  the  expedition.  The  force  started  on  tlie 
13th  of  January.  The  object  was  not  only  to  defeat  the  Indians,  but 
particularly  to  keep  up  the  spirits  of  the  men.  On  the  20th  they  en- 
camped at  Enotocliopco,  twelve  miles  from  Emuckfau  Creek,  near  a bend 
in  the  Tallapoosa.  On  the  21st  Jackson  found  himself  in  the  vicinity  of 
a large  force  of  Indians.  The  army  encamped  in  a hollow  square,  ready 
to  receive  a night  attack  which  Avas  made  upon  them.  The  expected  at- 
tack fell  upon  Jackson’s  left  before  day,  but  the  line  Avas  maintained  till 
sunrise,  when  re-enforcements  were  sent  to  their  relief.  A charge  along 
the  Avhole  line  drove  the  Indians  two  miles.  The  friendly  Indians  joined 
vigorously  in  the  pursuit.  An  effort  was  made  by  Gen.  Coffee  to  burn 
their  fortifications,  but  did  not  succeed.  An  attack  was  made  upon 
Jackson’s  right,  which  was  sustained  by  Gen.  Coffee  and  some  friendly 
Indians.  This  Avas  only  a preliminary  to  a lieaA^y  assault  upon  the  left 
which  Jackson  had  anticipated  and  for  Avhich  he  was  prepared.  After  a 
vigorous  fight  the  Americans  were  able  to  sustain  ■ their  lines,  when  a 
charge  was  made  and  the  Indians  were  driven  a mile,  with  a loss  of  for- 
ty-three killed.  The  loss  of  the  whites  Avas  four  killed,  including  Maj. 
Alexander  Donelson.  Gen.  Coffee  was  Avounded  in  the  last  charge. 

Fearing  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  Gen.  Jackson  began  his  movement 
for  his  return  to  Fort  Strother.  On  the  23d  he  arrived  again  at  Enotochop- 
co  Creek,  where  it  was  evident  that  the  Indians  Avere  meditating  a night 
attack.  He  crossed  the  stream  a short  distance  below  the  intended  ford 
to  avoid  an  ambuscade  that  had  been  laid  for  him.  While  the  artillery 
was  crossing  the  Enotocliopco  the  Indians  suddenly  fell  upon  the  rear 
guard,  they  having  detected  Jackson’s  movement.  Nearly  the  whole  line 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


465 

was  thrown  into  confusion;  a part,  however,  remained  firm,  and  Capt. 
Russell’s  spy  company  was  sent  to  assist  till  the  artillery  could  be  placed 
in  position,  when  it  opened  upon  the  Indians  with  grape,  which  held 
them  in  check.  Col.  Higgins  soon  led  his  regiment  across  the  stream. 
A charge  aimin'  the  whole  line  drove  the  enemy  two  miles.  The  Indians 
left  twenty-sis  dead  upon  the  field.  Among  the  American  killed  were 
Capts.  Hamilton  and  Quarles.  Jackson  now  returned  to  Fort  Strother, 
where  the  men  whose  time  had  expired  were  discharged  with  flattering 
encomiums  by  the  General. 

A dispute  arose  between  Gen.  Jackson  and  Gen.  Cocke  as  to  the 
latter’s  action  in  the  campaign.  Crimination  and  recrimination  followed. 
Gen.  Cocke  was  arrested  and  brought  to  Nashville  for  trial,  but  was  tri- 
umphantly acquitted.  In  March  Gen.  Jackson  was  made  major-general. 
He  was  now  re-enforced  by  2,000  men  from  East  Tennessee,  under  Gen. 
George  Doherty.  Seventeen  hundred  men  joined  him  from  West  Ten- 
nessee (Middle  Tennessee),  under  Gen.  Thomas  Johnson;  another  regi- 
ment of  East  Tennesseeans,  under  Col.  John  Brown;  Gen  Coffee’s  caval- 
ry, under  Col.  Dyer,  and  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry,  under  Col.  John 
Williams.  The  whole  force  amounted  to  nearly  4,000  men,  about  1,000 
of  which  were  friendly  Indians,  under  Maj.  McIntosh,  a half-breed.  The 
supplies  for  the  expedition  were  collected  at  Fort  Deposit  and  hauled  to 
Fort  Strother.  Most  rigid  discipline  was  enforced  by  Jackson.  The 
execution  of  John  Woods,  a lad  of  eighteen,  who  had  belonged  to  the 
army  but  a few  weeks,  was  considered  harsh.  His  offense  was  a refusal 
to  obey  an  order  from  a superior,  and  his  execution  took  place  March 
14,  the  day  the  army  started.  On  the  26th  Jackson  reached  Cedar 
Creek,  where  Fort  William  was  built. 

The  Indians  had  concentrated  their  forces  at  a bend  in  the  Talla- 
poosa, from  its  shape  called  Tohopeka — horseshoe.  Here  they  had  col- 
lected about  900  of  their  warriors  and  about  300  women  and  children. 
They  had  been  well  supplied  with  weapons  by  the  British.  They  had 
been  taught  that  this  was  holy  ground,  and  to  tread  upon  it  would  be 
death  to  the  whites.  The  space  enclosed  about  100  acres,  and  the  dis- 
tance across  the  neck  was  only  about  350  yards,  which  had  been  pretty 
well  fortified  by  logs  and  brush.  The  place  was  fifty-five  miles  south  of 
Jackson’s  camp.  Toward  this  Jackson  put  his  column  in  motion,  and 
after  eleven  days  arrived  on  March  27.  The  cavalry  under  Coffee  and 
some  of  the  friendly  Indians  surrounded  the  place  from  the  river,  and 
the  mam  force  attacked  from  the  peninsula,  first  by  artillery,  but  were 
compelled  to  charge.  Col.  L.  P.  Montgomery  was  first  to  leap  upon  the 
works,  but  was  killed;  Ensign  Houston  (Gen.  Sam  Houston)  was  shot 


466 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


with,  an  arrow  in  the  thigh,  but  after  several  attempts  tore  it  out  and 
continued  to  fight.  The  friendly  Indians  slipped  across  and  cut  loose 
the  boats  of  the  enemy,  which  were  tied  next  to  the  town.  No  Indian 
asked  for  quarter;  557  dead  were  left  upon  the  peninsula,  and  about 
200  more  were  killed  by  Gen.  Coffees’  men  and  Indians  at  the  river  and 
in  the  woods.  Only  a few  escaped  under  cover  of  the  night.  An  Indian 
chief  lay  under  the  water  and  breathed  through  a long  reed  till  darkness 
gave  him  a favorable  opportunity  to  escape ; 4 warriors  only  surrendered 
besides  400  women  and  children.  Jackson  lost  25  killed,  among  whom 
wereMaj.  Montgomery,  who  was  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Regulars,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Somerville;  the  wounded  amounted  to  105.  The  loss  to  the 
the  friendly  Indians  was  29  killed  and  54  wounded.  Jackson  sunk  his 
killed  in  the  river  to  prevent  their  being  scalped  by  the  Indians,  and  re- 
turned to  Fort  Williams  with  his  sick  and  wounded.  On  April  7 he 
started  for  the  junction  of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa,  their  “Holy  of 
Holies.”  Most  of  the  Indians  were  destroyed  and  their  power  was  for- 
ever broken.  Among  the  chiefs  who  came  in  to  surrender  was  William 
Weatherford,  an  intelligent  half-breed,  who  had  planned  the  attack  upon 
Fort  Mimms.  He  rode  boldly  into  the  American  lines  and  up  to  Gen. 
Jackson’s  quarters.  He  was  mounted  upon  a magnificent  charger,  and 
carried  with  him  a large  buck,  which  he  presented  to  the  General.  With 
the  bearing  of  a king  he  said:  “I  am  in  your  power;  do  with  me  as  you 
please.  I am  a soldier.  I have  done  the  white  people  all  the  harm  I 
could;  I have  fought  them,  and  I have  fought  them  bravely.  If  I had 
an  army  I would  fight  you  longer  and  contend  to  the  last,  but  I have 
none ; my  people  are  all  gone.  I can  now  do  no  more  than  weep  over  the 
misfortunes  of  my  nation.  All  I ask  is  for  the  women  and  children.” 
He  was  treated  with  great  civility,  and  lived  to  show  his  good  faith  after- 
ward. Fort  Jackson,  in  addition  to  Fort  William,  was  built  to  protect 
the  conquered  country,  the  former  near  the  junction  of  Coosa  and  Talla- 
poosa. A treaty  was  signed  at  Fort  Jackson  on  August  9,  1814,  by 
which  the  Indians  ceded  all  the  lands  east  of  the  Tombigbee  and  west 
of  the  Coosa  to  the  United  States.  The  time  of  enlistment  of  the  men 
having  expired,  they  were  discharged.  Many  of  the  Creeks  never  joined 
in  the  treaty,  but  their  power  being  broken  they  joined  the  Seminoles, 
with  whom  a war  was  waged  later.  The  burning  of  the  Hillibee  towns 
by  Gen.  Cocke  made  that  tribe  the  most  furious  and  implacable  of  foes. 
They  were  thought  to  be  kindly  disposed  but  for  this  unfortunate  act. 
The  Creeks  or  Muscogees  were  the  most  powerful  of  the  Southern  In- 
dians, and  before  the  war  their  limits  extended  from  the  Chattahoochee 
on  the  east  to  the  Tombigbee  on  the  west;  from  the  Tennessee  on  the 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


467 


north  to  Florida  on  the  south.  Among  them  was  a tradition  that  they 
“came  out  of  the  ground.” 

Gen.  Jackson  determined  to  reach  the  cause  of  the  war,  and  strike  at 
both  the  Spanish  and  the  British.  The  threatened  condition  of  the  gulf 
coast  led  him  to  urge  forward  new  lines  from  the  States.  On  September 
10  a British  fleet  of  ninety  guns  and  a large  land  force  of  Spanish  and 
Indians  made  an  attack  upon  Fort  Boyer  at  Mobile  Harbor,  but  met 
with  a bloody  repulse.  The  levies  under  Gen.  Coffee  left  New  Orleans 
October  1 to  join  Jackson  at  Mobile.  Jackson  determined  to  reduce 
Pensacola,  and  determined  to  take  possession  of  the  forts  there.  The 
march  for  the  place  began  on  November  2,  and  the  vicinity  of  Pensacola 
was  reached  on  the  6th.  A flag  of  truce  was  sent  to  the  Spanish  gover- 
nor demanding  the  surrender  of  the  forts  to  the  Americans,  to  prevent 
the  British  from  using  them  to  the  detriment  of  the  Americans.  The 
flag  was  fired  on  and  compelled  to  return.  Another  effort  was  made  the 
next  day  by  sending  a Spanish  corporal  to  the  governor  with  a letter 
demanding  possession  of  the  forts.  A very  polite  note  was  sent  to  Jack- 
son,  stating  that  the  firing  upon  the  flag  had  been  done  by  the  British. 
Jackson  then  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  forts  within  an  hour.  This 
was  refused.  Jackson  then  sent  a force  of  500  men  to  draw  the  fire  of 
the  British  fleet,  while  with  the  remaining  force  he  attacked  the  Spanish 
in  the  streets  and  forts.  The  white  flag  was  soon  displayed,  and  the 
British  fleet  was  driven  off.  Fort  Barrancos,  fourteen  miles  west,  was 
abandoned  and  blown  up  by  the  British  the  next  day  to  prevent  its  cap- 
ture. Jackson  then  hastened  to  Mobile  to  ward  off  a threatened  attack 
on  that  place,  but  the  place  being  relieved,  he  hurried  on  to  the  defense 
of  New  Orleans  on  November  22,  where  he  arrived  on  December  1. 
Gen.  Coffee  moved  with  the  cavalry  toward  the  Mississippi,  striking  that 
at  Baton  Rouge.  After  suffering  almost  untold  hardships  from  rains, 
cypress  swamps  and  other  difficulties  from  traveling  through  an  unin- 
habited country  of  pine  forests,  he  reached  there  with  his  men  and  horses 
in  a sad  plight.  Jackson  himself  turned  to  New  Orleans  on  horseback, 
which  he  reached  after  an  eight  days’  ride.  Sickness  and  the  hardships 
of  the  campaign  had  almost  reduced  him  to  the  grave.  He  was  agree- 
ably entertained  at  breakfast  at  Mr.  J.  K.  Smith’s  on  the  morning  of  his 
arrival. 

The  accomplished  Mrs.  Smith  was  greatly  disappointed  in  his  appear- 
ance. She  saw  nothing  in  him  but  “an  ugly  old  Kentucky  flat-boat 
man,”  instead  of  “your  grand  general  with  his  plumes,  epaulettes  and 
long  handsome  mustache.”  To  oppose  the  British  forces,  consisting  of 
over  10,000  soldiers  and  50  heavy  war  vessels  of  1,000  guns  and  10,000 


468 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


sailors,  their  officers  being  in  gay  uniform  and  fresh  from  the  war  with 
Napoleon,  Jackson  had  only  about  2,000  men  dispirited  and  poorly  clad. 
Re-enforcements  were  hurried  forward  from  every  quarter.  The  new 
levies  from  Tennessee,  under  Gen.  Carroll,  were  sent  down  the  river ; not 
more  than  one  in  ten  were  armed  when  they  started.  The  high  stage 
of  the  river  enabled  them  to  make  rapid  progress.  Fortunately  they  fell 
in  with  a vessel  that  was  loaded  with  arms,  and  they  were  thus  supplied. 

So  many  went  for  the  defense  of  New  Orleans  that  the  venerable 
Peter  Cartwright  said  his  congregation  was  small,  but  he  deemed  it  best 
that  they  should  go  with  Gen.  Jackson.  The  danger  being  so  imminent 
Jackson  sent  a message  to  Gen.  Coffee,  who  was  now  at  Baton  Rouge, 
129  miles  away,  to  hurry  with  all  speed  with  his  riflemen,  who  now  num- 
bered 1,250.  Leaving  about  300,  who  could  not  travel  so  rapidly,  he 
started  with  the  remainder  and  marched  fifty  miles  the  first  day.  Here  he 
left  400  or  500,  but  with  the  remainder  he  marched  seventy  miles,  which 
brought  him  within  four  miles  of  headquarters.  He  himself  rode  on 
and  reported  orders.  The  others  came  on  in  due  time.  These  were 
dressed  in  hunting  shirts,  copperas-dyed  pantaloons  made  by  wife, 
mother  or  sister.  They  wore  slouched  woolen  hats  or  coon-skin  caps, 
adorned  with  a fox  tail.  They  carried  a knife  and  a tomahawk  in  a leather 
belt.  Their  hair  and  whiskers  were  long  and  unkempt. 

Such  was  their  appearance  that  the  British  declared  them  to  be  a 
posse  comitatus.  Gen.  Carroll’s  men  arrived  in  season.  A night 
attack  was  planned  by  Jackson  upon  the  British,  on  December  23,  at 
Gen.  Villere’s  plantation.  The  cavalry  was  led  by  Gen.  Coffee  and  the 
infantry  by  Jackson.  It  was  only  a partial  success;  Coffee  and  Col. 
Lauderdale  both  distinguished  themselves.  The  American  loss  was  24 
killed,  115  wounded  and  74  prisoners.  The  British  loss  was  estimated 
at  400.  The  British  attacked  the  Americans  on  December  28,  and  after  a 
seven  hours’  bombardment  drew  off.  In  this  engagement  the  Americans 
lost  7 men  killed  and  10  wounded;  among  the  killed  was  Col.  Henderson, 
of  Tennessee.  On  January  1 there  was  an  engagement  between  the 
British  and  the  Tennessee  troops,  in  'which  there  were  11  killed  and  23 
of  the  latter  wounded.  On  the  8th  of  January,  1815,  was  fought  the 
battle  that  will  ever  be  memorable  for  the  great  disparity  of  losses  if 
nothing  more.  The  British  attacked  in  heavy  columns  and  with  great 
determination,  and  were  met  by  the  Americans  with  great  spirit.  Gens. 
Packenham  and  Gibbs,  of  the  British,  were  both  mortally  wounded.  A 
regiment  of  Scotch  Highlanders  charged  in  front  of  Gen.  Carroll’s  Ten- 
nesseeans and  left  544  of  their  number  on  the  field.  Maj.  Wilkinson 
mounted  the  American  works  and  fell  mortally  wounded.  His  admiring 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


469 


enemies  bore  him  tenderly  within  the  works  and  said:  “Bear  up,  dear 
fellow,  you  are  too  brave  to  die.”  In  twenty-five  minutes1  time  the  Brit- 
ish lost  TOO  killed,  1,400  wounded  and  500  prisoners.  The  American  loss 
was  but  8 killed  and  7 wounded.  The  British,  disconcerted,  returned  to 
their  ships  and  in  a few  days  sailed  away.  Peace  came  and  Jackson 
and  his  men  received  the  plaudits  of  the  nation  for  a victory  that  was 
useless,  yet  none  the  less  brilliant.  On  March  15  he  dismissed  his  men 
with:  “Go,  then,  my  brave  companions,  to  your  homes;  to  those  tender 
connections  and  those  blissful  scenes  which  render  life  so  dear,  full  of 
honor  and  crowned  with  laurels  which  shall  never  fade.”  Whether  the 
British  had  promised  their  soldiers,  as  is  generally  believed,  the  license 
of  “ beauty  and  booty  ” or  not,  the  Americans  believed  it  and  so  fought. 

Trouble  begmn  with  the  Seminole  Indians  in  1817.  The  name  Sem- 
inole  is  said  to  mean  vagrant,  reckless,  and  they  are  supposed  to  have 
sprung  from  the  Creeks.  The  Seminoles,  Creeks  and  escaped  negroes 
began  ravages  in  Georgia.  The  difficulty  grew  out  of  the  treaty  of 
Ghent  made  with  Great  Britain  at  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812.  By 
that  treaty  it  was  stipulated  that  the  previous  boundaries  should  be  con- 
firmed, and  the  Creeks  being  allies  of  Great  Britain  claimed  their  old 
boundaries,  thus  not  recognizing  the  treaty  made  between  them  and 
Gen.  Jackson.  This  the  American  G-overnment  refused  to  grant.  Gen. 
Gaines  sent  Col.  Twiggs  from  Fort  Scott  to  Fowltown,  thirteen  miles 
distant,  to  demand  of  the  chief  some  Indians  who  had  been  committing: 
depredations.  The  party  was  fired  upon,  when  the  fire  was  returned  and 
a woman  and  two  warriors  were  killed  and  the  town  burned  by  order  of 
Gen.  Gaines.  Supplies  were  brought  up  the  Appalachicola,  by  permis- 
sion from  the  Spanish,  to  forts  in  the  Creek  country.  On  November  30, 
as  Lieut.  Scott  was  proceeding  up  the  river  with  a boat  of  supplies,  forty 
soldiers,  seven  women  and  four  children,  he  was  fired  on  by  a party  cf 
concealed  Indians,  and  every  one  (except  four  who  leaped  out  and  swam 
ashore)  was  killed  and  one  woman  was  carried  off.  Gen.  Jackson 
was  sent  to  conduct  the  war.  He  was  instructed  by  the  Secretary  of 
War,  Mr.  Calhoun,  to  call  on  the  adjacent  States  for  such  additional 
troops  as  he  might  need.  He  was  not  long  in  construing  this  order  to 
mean  Tennessee.  He  issued  a call  and  set  January  11,  1818,  as  the  day 
of  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville.  Two  regiments  of  1,000  men  assembled 
under  Cols.  Dyer  and  Williamson,  and  a body  of  100  men  under  Capt. 
Dunlap;  the  whole  were  under  Inspector-Gen.  Hayne.  Jackson  himself 
left  Nashville  on  January  22  and  joined  his  forces.  He  started  with 
twenty  clays’  rations.  He  experienced  the  same  difficulties  as  in  1813-14. 
Supplies  were  ordered  to  be  shipped  from  New  Orleans  to  Fort  Scott, 


470 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


where  he  arrived  on  March  9,  a distance  of  450  miles,  with  1,100  hungry 
men.  This  was  accomplished  in  forty-six  days.  Before  arriving  at  Fort 
Scott  he  was  joined  by  McIntosh,  now  a brigadier-general  in  the  United 
States  Army,  with  2,000  Indians. 

Perceiving  the  Spanish  were  giving  aid  to  the  Indians,  Jackson  de- 
termined to  capture  Fort  St.  Mark’s,  a Spanish  fort.  He  left  Negro  Fort, 
now  rebuilt  and  called  Fort  Gadsden,  on  March  26,  and  arrived  before 
St.  Mark’s  April  7.  On  his  way  he  destroyed  several  Indian  towns.  On 
the  8th  Jackson  entered  St.  Mark’s,  and  hauled  down  the  Spanish  flag 
and  ran  up  the  American  flag,  notwithstanding  the  protest  of  the  Spanish 
governor.  Here  was  captured  Alexander  Arbuthnot,  a Scotch  trader, 
who  was  aiding  the  Indians.  On  his  way  to  St.  Mark’s  Capt.  McKeever, 
of  the  navy,  who  was  going  to  the  assistance  of  Jackson,  lured  the 
prophet  Francis  and  his  head  chief  on  board  his  vessel  by  displaying  an 
English  flag,  and  held  them  as  prisoners.  They  were  executed  by  Gen. 
Jackson  for  being  at  the  massacre  at  Fort  Minims.  On  the  11th  he 
started  for  the  Suwanee  Old  Towns,  107  miles  distant.  After  a tiresome 
march  through  snows  and  bogs  he  arrived  to  find  the  towns  deserted, 
the  Indian  chief,  Bowlegs,  and  his  warriors  having  fled.  Here  was  cap- 
tured Pt.  C.  Ambrister,  an  Englishman  of  rank,  who  had  been  suspended 
from  the  army  for  sending  a challenge  for  a duel.  He  was  assisting  the 
Indians  against  the  Americans.  Jackson  returned  to  St.  Mark’s  on  the 
26th.  A court  martial  was  called  to  try  Arbuthnot  and  Ambrister,  which 
ended  in  two  days  in  their  conviction.  The  sentence  was  approved  by 
Jackson  and  they  were  executed,  the  former  having  been  hung  and  the 
latter  shot.  Jackson  returned  to  Fort  Gadsden,  where  he  remained  a few 
days,  when  he  started  for  Pensacola.  The  Indians  were  committing 
depredations  in  that  vicinity,  and  were  receiving  protection  from  the 
Spaniards.  Jackson  seized  the  place  in  spite  of  the  governor’s  protest, 
and  placed  thereon  an  American  garrison.  The  execution  of  Ambrister 
and  Arbuthnot  and  the  invasion  of  Spanish  territory  came  near  involving 
the  United  States  in  war  with  England  and  Spain.  Fort  Gadsden,  form- 
erly called  Negro  Fort,  was  built  about  seventeen  miles  above  the  coast, 
on  the  Appalachicola,  by  Col.  Nichols  during  the  war  of  1812,  and  was 
a store-house  for  the  Indians.  After  the  war  the  Indians  neglected  it 
and  Garmon  took  possession  of  it  with  several  hundred  runaway  negroes. 
They  refused  to  allow  supplies  to  go  up  the  river,  when  it  was  de- 
termined to  destroy  the  fort.  It  was  surrounded  by  settlers  and  friendly 
Indians,  but  they  were  unable  to  make  any  impression  on  it.  A gun- 
boat was  ordered  up  the  river  to  assist  in  its  destruction.  This  was  in 
1816.  The  fort  was  defended  by  ten  or  twelve  cannon,  and  had  stored 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


471 


in  the  magazine  700  barrels  of  powder.  A red-hot  shell  fired  from  the 
gun-boat  lodged  in  the  magazine  and  a terrific  explosion  followed.  Of 
334  inmates  only  three  were  unhurt.  The  explosion  is  said  to  have 
been  felt  for  100  miles.  A treaty  was  signed  at  Moultrie  Creek  Septem- 
ber 18,  1823,  by  which  the  Seminoles  were  to  be  kept  in  the  interior, 
and  were  paid  the  sum  of  $5,000  a year  for  twenty  years. 

The  pressure  of  the  whites  upon  the  Indians  to  take  possession  of 
their  rich  lands  led  to  frequent  difficulties,  and  not  unfrequently  were 
persons  killed  by  the  Indians.  To  avoid  these  growing  evils  it  was  de- 
termined by  the  Government  if  possible  to  send  the  Seminoles  to  a reser- 
vation west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  Indian  chiefs  were  sent  to 
the  Indian  Nation  to  examine  the  situation  and  report.  Arriving  there 
in  the  winter  they  were  not  favorably  impressed,  but  were  at  last  induced 
to  sign  a treaty.  Through  the  influence  of  Col.  Gadsden  this  treaty  was 
made  at  Payne’s  Landing,  May  9,  1832,  by  which  it  was  stipulated  that 
the  Indians,  for  a small  consideration,  should  within  three  years  move  to 
a new  reservation  west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  Osceola  and  other 
chiefs  bitterly  opposed  this.  Gen.  Thompson,  who  had  wronged  Osceola, 
was  killed  December  23,  1835,  and  on  the  same  day  Maj.  Dade  and  110 
men  were  waylaid  and  massacred  in  Wahoo  Swamp.  Volunteers  were 
called  for  in  June,  1836,  the  apportionment  of  Tennessee  being  2,000, 
more  than  double  the  number  offered.  The  East  Tennessee  troups  ren- 
dezvoused at  Athens  and  elected  R.  G.  Dunlap  brigadier-general  over 
their  brigade.  Troops  of  Middle  Tennessee  assembled  at  Fayetteville,  the 
old  place  of  rendezvous.  Here  met  the  companies  of  Capt.  Rodgers,  of 
Warren  County;  Capts.  Jetton  and  Yoakum,  of  Rutherford;  Turney  and 
Roberts,  of  Franklin;  Terry,  of  Bledsoe;  Cronck,  of  Williamson;  Henry, 
of  Robertson;  Grundy,  Washington  and  Battles,  of  Davidson;  and 
Trousdale  and  Guilt,  of  Sumner.  These  were  organized  into  a brigade, 
of  which  Robert  Armstrong  was  elected  general;  Washington  Barron, 
adjutant;  A.  M.  Upsham,  inspector-general,  and  W.  G.  Dickson,  sur- 
geon. Of  the  First  Regiment  A.  M.  Bradford  was  colonel ; T.  H.  Cahal, 

lieutenant-colonel;  Goff,  first  major;  Powhatan  Gordon,  second 

major.  Of  the  Second  Regiment  W.  Trousdale  was  colonel;  J.  C.  Guilt, 
lieutenant-colonel ; Meddow,  first  major;  W.  L.  Washington,  sec- 

ond major,  and  J.  P.  Grundy,  adjutant. 

The  force  moved  in  due  time  following  near  Jackson’s  old  route  to  the 
Creek  Nation.  The  army  was  little  encumbered  by  baggage,  as  what 
little  was  carried  was  placed  upon  Sumter  mules  and  the  necessity  of 
wheeled  vehicles  was  in  a great  measure  avoided.  The  army  moved 
from  Huntsville  by  way  of  Elyton,  Montgomery,  to  Watumpka  or  Camp 


472 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Jordan,  where  it  remained  till  the  1st  of  September.  It  then  crossed 
the  Coosa  at  Fort  Meigs,  the  Appalachicola  at  the  confluence  of  the  Flint 
and  Chattahoochee,  thence  by  way  of  Quincy,  Marietta  to  Tallahassee. 
From  Tallahassee  the  army  moved  through  the  wilderness  to  the  Suwa- 
nee  Old  Towns,  thence  to  Fort  Drane.  On  October  13,  a battle  was 
fought  on  the  Withlacooch.ee  with  no  great  loss  on  either  side.  The 
forces  were  compelled  to  withdraw  for  supplies  but  returned,  and  another 
engagement  was  fought  on  November  13  near  the  same  place.  Bat- 
tles were  fought  at  the  Wahoo  Swamp  on  the  18th  and  21st  of  Novem- 
ber. Osceola,  Sam  Jones,  and  Alligator  are  said  to  have  been  present  on 
the  side  of  the  Indians.  After  a stubbornly  contested  engagement,  the 
Indians  retreated  into  their  fastnesses.  This  was  the  last  fighting  done 
by  the  Tennesseans.  The  army  marched  to  Tampa  Bay,  thence  by  ship 
to  New  Orleans,  and  from  there  went  home.  The  war  was  finally  brought 
to  a close  by  Gen.  Taylor.  With  600  regulars  he  left  Fort  Gardner,  and 
on  December  19  gained  the  most  decisive  victory  of  the  Avar  at  Lake 
Okechobee.  He  Avas  made  a brigadier-general  for  his  success  at  Oke- 
chobee,  and  on  the  resignation  of  Gen.  Jessup  the  Avhole  conduct  of  the 
Avar  Avas  entrusted  to  him.  His  policy  Avas  to  carry  out  the  stipulations 
of  the  existing  treaty.  As  fast  as  a sufficient  number  of  Indians  were 
captured  or  gave  themselves  up,  they  Avere  sent  to  the  reservation.  By 
1839  he  had  sent  1,900  to  their  future  homes.  The  Avar  could  not  be 
said  to  be  closed  till  1842,  with  a loss  of  1,466  lives  by  disease,  such  as 
yellow  fever  and  other  diseases  pecular  to  that  climate,  and  by  Indian 
bullets  and  scalping  knives,  and  an  expense  of  $10,000,000. 

Texas  Avas  early  an  inviting  field  for  adventurous  speculators  and  per- 
sons seeking  homes.  Many,  after  the  Creek  and  Seminole  wars,  went 
there  from  a spirit  of  adventure  alone.  The  disturbed  condition  of  that 
unfortunate  republic,  with  its  periodical  revolutions,  compelled  those 
living  in  Texas  to  protect  themselves  against  the  aggressions  of  the  Mex- 
ican Government.  Among  the  most  distinguished  men  living  in  Texas 
was  Gen.  Sam  Houston,  of  Tennessee,  avIio  had  won  renown  in  the  Creek 
Avar,  also  had  been  distinguished  as  a political  leader.  The  settlers  of 
Texas  Avere  largely  American,  and  the  tyranny  of  Mexico  led  them  to  rev- 
olution. Many  old  friends  and  companions  in  arms  of  Houston  flocked 
to  his  standard,  he  at  this  time  being  at  the  head  of  the  revolution.  Af- 
ter varying  turns  of  fortune,  a decisive  victory  Avas  gained  at  San  Jacinto 
on  April  21,  1836,  which  resulted  in  the  complete  discomfiture  of  the 
Mexican  forces  and  the  capture  of  Santa  Anna,  .the  Mexican  president. 
While  a prisoner,  he  signed  with  the  Texans  their  treaty  of  independ- 
ence. The  State  maintained  its  independence  for  ten  years,  though  after 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


473 


tlie  release  of  Santa  Anna,  lie  disavowed  the  act  done  by  himself,  on  the 
ground  of  its  being  done  while  a prisoner  of  war.  Texas  made  applica- 
tion for  admission  into  the  American  Union.  This  was  bitterly  opposed 
by  the  Mexican  authorities  on  the  ground  that  she  had  never  acknowl- 
edged the  independence  of  Texas,  and  that  Texas  was  still  a part  of  the 
Mexican  Government.  This  became  a question  in  American  politics. 
The  elections  of  1844  were  favorable  to  the  issue  of  the  Texan  admission. 
Mexico  claimed  sovereignty  not  only  over  all  Texas,  but  particularly  that 
part  lying  between  the  Nueces  and  the  Rio  Grande  Rivers.  A threatened 
invasion  of  this  territory  on  the.  part  of  the  Mexican  authorities,  led  the 
American  Government  to  send  Gen.  Taylor  with  a large  force  of  United 
States  troops  into  the  disputed  territory  to  take  post  at  Corpus  Christi, 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Nueces.  After  some  negotiations  for  peace,  on  March 
8,  1846,  Gen.  Taylor  advanced  to  Point  Isabel,  thence  in  a few  days  to 
the  point  on  the  Rio  Grande  opposite  Matamoras.  On  his  arrival  there 
Ampudia  notified  Gen.  Taylor  that  his  forces  must  quit  the  territory  be- 
tween the  Rio  Grande  and  the  Nueces  within  twenty-four  hours,  or  risk 
the  consequences.  Taylor’s  communications  with  Point  Isabel,  his  base 
of  supplies,  were  threatened  by  Mexican  cavalry.  He  went  with  his 
main  force  to  open  communications,  and  in  his  absence,  his  works  at 
Matamoras  were  attacked  and  Maj.  Brown  was  killed.  In  honor  of  him 
the  American  work  was  called  Port  Brown. 

On  May  8 Gen.  Taylor  in  his  return  to  Matamoras  encountered  Gen. 
Ampudia  at  Palo  Alto.  An  engagement  ensued  and  the  Mexicans  were 
forced  to  retreat  with  a loss  of  600  men.  The  American  loss  was  6 killed 
and  44  wounded.  Another  battle  was  fought  on  the  9th  at  Resaca  de  la 
Palma,  in  which  the  Mexicans  were  again  defeated,  with  a loss  of  1,000 
men,  the  American  loss  being  only  110.  On  the  announcement  of  these 
engagements,  it  was  stated  that  American  blood  had  been  shed  on  Arner- 
can  soil. 

The  President  declared  that  war  existed  between  the  United  States 
and  Mexico,  and  called  for  50,000  volunteers.  Congress  immediately 
appropriated  $10, 000, 000  for  carrying  on  the  war.  The  apportionment 
of  volunteers  for  Tennessee  was  2,000,  and  Gov.  A.  V.  Brown  called  for 
that  number.  It  was  finally  agreed  to  accept  2,400  men,  1,600  infantry, 
and  800  cavalry.  Such  was  the  spirit  for  volunteering,  that  it  became  a 
question,  not  as  to  who  must  go,  but  who  may  go.  It  was  remarked  that 
a draft  would  be  necessary  to  compel  men  to  stay  at  home.  The  State 
was  divided  into  four  military  districts:  one  in  East,  two  in  Middle  and  one 
in  West  Tennessee.  The  volunteers  of  the  middle  division  consisted  of 
the  Harrison  Guards — Captain  R.  C.  Poster ; Lieutenants  A.  Heiman  and 


474 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


George  Maney;  the  Nashville  Blues — Captain  B.  F.  Cheatham;  Lieuten- 
ants William  R.  Bradfute,  and  E.  Eastman;  Shelbyville  Guards — Captain 
Edward  Frierson ; Lieutenants  J.  L.  Scudder  and  G.  W.  Buchanan ; the 
Polk  Guards — Captain  R.  A..  Bennett;  Lieutenants  J.  M.  Shaver  and 
Patrick  Duffey ; Tenth  Legion— Captain  S.  R.  Anderson;  Lieutenants 
William  M.  Blackmore  and  P.  L.  Solmon;  Union  Boys — Captain  W.  B. 
Walton;  Lieutenants  Samuel  High  and  C.W.  Dixon;  Dixon  Spring  Guards 
— Captain  L.  P.  McMurray;  Lieutenants  W.  Bradley  and  James  Lanahan;. 
Lincoln  Guards— Captain  Pryor  Buchanan ; Lieutenants  A.  L.  Fulton  and 
J.Y.  Myers.  Lawrenceville  Blues — Captain  A.  S.  Alexander;  Lieutenants 
James  Burkitt  and  G.  H.  Nixon.  Hickory  Guards — Captain  J.  Whit- 
field; Lieutenants  J.  B.  Easley  and  L.  P.  Totty.  Richland  Guards — 
Captain  H.  Mauldin;  Lieutenants  W.  P.  Davis  and  W.  H.  McCrory. 
Mountain  Blues — Captain  A.  Nortlicutt ; Lieutenants  E.  M.  Mercer  and  J. 
J.  Hill.  These  men  rendezvoused  at  the  race  course  near  Nashville.  The 
regiment  was  oi’ganized  June  3,  1846;  William  B.  Campbell,  of  Smith 
County,  colonel;  Samuel  R.  Anderson,  of  Sumner  County,  lieutenant-col- 
onel ; Richard  Alexander,  of  Smith  County,  first  major,  and  Robert  Far- 
quliarson,  of  Lincoln  County,  second  major;  Adolphus  Heiinan  was 
made  adjutant;  Dr.  McPhail,  surgeon,  and  W.  D.  Morris,  assistant  sur- 
geon. These  companies  were  constituted  the  First  Regiment.  Before 
leaving  for  the  seat  of  war  a beautiful  flag  was  presented  to  the  regi- 
ment by  Miss  Irene  C.  Taylor,  in  behalf  of  the  young  ladies  of  the  Nash- 
ville Female  Academy.  On  the  4tli  and  5tli  of  June  they  left  Nashville 
for  New  Orleans.  The  Second  Regiment  was  ordered  to  assemble  at 
Camp  Carroll,  near  Memphis,  on  June  15,  1846.  These  men  were  sworn 
into  the  service  by  Gen.  Hay.  The  forces  consisted  .of  the  Tennessee 
Guards,  Capt.  H.  P.  Maney;  Avengers,  Capt.  T.  P.  Jones;  Memphis 
Rifle  Guards,  Capt.  E.  F.  Ruth;  Gaines  Guards,  Capt.  M.  B.  Cook.  In 
addition  to  these  were  the  following  cavalry  companies : Fayette  Cavalry, 
Capt.  J.  Lenow,  and  the  Eagle  Guards,  Capt.  W.  N,  Porter.  From  East 
Tennessee  came  the  Knoxville  Dragoons,  under  Capt.  Caswell ; Claiborne 
Blues,  Capt.  Evans,  and  the  Rhea  County  Cavalry,  Capt.  Waterhouse. 
The  infantry  companies  from  this  section  were  Capt.  Standifer,  from 
Hamilton ; Capt.  Lowery,  from  McMinn ; Capt.  McCown,  from  Sevier,  and 
Capt.  R.  L.  Kilpatrick,  from  Anderson,  instead  of  Capt.  Barnett,  of  Sul- 
livan. The  officers  of  the  Second  Tennesse  were  J.  E.  Thomas,  colonel; 
R.  D.  Allison,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  Richard  Waterhouse,  major. 

The  cavalry  of  this  division  moved  by  way  of  Little  Rock,  Fulton, 
San  Antonio  and  joined  Gen.  Taylor  at  Matamoras.  Each  regiment  and 
company  was  given  an  ovation  on  their  departure.  The  First  Regiment, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


475 


consisting  of  twelve  companies,  embarked  at  New  Orleans  on  June  17, 
and  arrived  on  the  Brazos  early  in  July,  and  were  stationed  at  Camargo 
till  August  29,  when  the  rest  of  the  men  were  called  to  assist  in  the  capt- 
ure of  Monterey.  The  hot  weather  and  climatic  causes  made  a worse 
havoc  in  the  ranks  than  Mexican  bullets.  The  regiments  were  soon 
sadly  depleted  before  seeing  any  active  service.  The  First  Regiment  was 
attached  to  Gen.  Quitman’s  brigade  and  the  Second  to  Gen.  Gideon  J. 
Pillow’s  brigade.  The  line  of  march  for  Monterey  was  taken  up  on  Sep- 
tember 7,  and  on  the  19th  the  army  was  within  five  miles  of  the  city. 
The  20th  was  employed  in  preparing  for  battle.  The  American  forces 
consisted  of  about  6,000  troops,  the  city  was  defended  by  about  10,000 
Mexicans.  The  battle  was  fouhgt  on  the  21st.  The  city  was  strongly 
fortified  and  stood  at  the  foot  of  the  Sierra  Nevada.  The  points  of  defense 
were  Taneria  and  the  Black  Fort  on  the  east  and  Bishop’s  Palace  on  the 
west.  The  Tennessee  troops  were  to  the  left  on  the  east.  Their  eager- 
ness to  measure  strength  with  their  enemies  was  intense.  The  guns 
from  Fort  Taneria  greeted  them  with  both  musketry  and  artillery  fire  and 
the  bloody  work  began.  They  were  within  eighty  yards  of  the  works 
before  they  fired  on  the  Mexicans,  although  they  were  suffering  terribly. 
As  the  fire  of  the  Americans  opened  the  fire  of  the  Mexicans  slackened. 
A rush  was  made  for  the  parapets  and  the  flag  of  the  First  was  the  first 
planted  on  the  battlements  of  Monterey.  Of  350  men  in  the  charge  105 
were  lost.  Among  these  26  were  killed,  77  were  wounded  and  2 were 
missing.  From  private  to  colonel  every  man  acted  gallantly.  The  city 
of  Monterey  capitulated  on  the  25th.  After  the  surrender  of  the  city  an 
armistice  of  four  months  followed,  during  which  time  efforts  for  peace 
were  made.  The  truce  having  ended  a large  portion  of  Taylor’s  men 
were  withdrawn  and  given  to  Gen.  Scott,  who  was  meditating  a descent 
upon  Vera  Cruz.  The  movement  began  December  14. 

In  the  meantime  the  two  Tennessee  regiments  had  been  placed  in  the 
brigade  of  Gen.  Pillow.  On  December  14  the  troops  started  for  Tampico, 
the  place  of  embarkation.  They  were  finally  landed  at  Vera  Cruz  on 
March  9,  1847,  and  approaches  were  begun.  The  siege  guns  opened  on 
the  city  on  the  22d,  and  continued  till  the  27th.  On  the  26th  a detachment 
of  six  companies  of  the  First  and  Second  Tennessee  Regiments  was  as- 
signed the  duty  of  assaulting  a barricade  defending  Madeline  Bridge. 
The  battalion  was  led  by  Col.  Haskell.  Capt.  Foster  was  the  first  to 
leap  upon  the  work.  The  place  was  carried  with  little  loss.  The  city  of 
Vera  Cruz  and  the  strong  castle  of  San  Juande  Ulloa  surrendered  on  the 
29th.  Gen.  Scott’s  army  began  its  march  toward  the  City  of  Mexico 
April  9,  and  on  the  18th,  his  progress  was  disputed  at  Cerro  Gordo.  In 


476 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  assault  that  followed  the  Tennesseeans  Avere  on  the  left  of  the  line. 
The  assault  was  vigorous  hut  the  Second,  entangled  in  the  chapparal  in 
front  of  the  works,  suffered  terribly.  The  loss  in  the  two  regiments  was 
79,  8 being  from  the  First  and  the  remainder  being  from  the  Second. 
Gen.  Pillow  was  among  the  wounded.  The  army  then  moved  forward  to 
Jalapa.  The  time  of  service  of  the  Tennesseeans  having  expired  the 
remaining  portion  of  the  regiments  were  sent  to  New  Orleans,  where  they 
were  mustered  out.  Gen.  Scott  moved  his  army  on  to  Pueblo,  where  he 
was  compelled  to  await  re-enforcements  to  fill  his  much  depleted  ranks. 
A call  was  made  on  Tennessee  for  two  additional  regiments,  the  Third 
and  the  Fourth,  and  a battalion  of  six  companies  called  the  Fourteenth. 
Capt.  B.  F.  Cheatham  was  largely  instrumental  in  raising  the  Third.  It 
was  composed  of  the  companies  of  Capt.  Chambliss,  from  Giles  and  Mar- 
shal Counties,  Capt.  Solomon,  of  Sumner;  Capt.  Whitfield,  of  Hickman; 
Capts.  Trigg  and  Bradfute,  of  Davidson ; Capt.  Collyer,  of  Franklin ; Capt. 

Douley,  of  Rutherford  and  Coffee ; Capt. ,of  De  Kalb ; Capt.  Anderson,  of 

Coffee,  and  Capt.  Leftnick  of  Maury  and  Lewis  Counties.  Capt.  Cheatham 
was  elected  colonel  of  the  Third  and  it  was  mustered  into  the  service  on 
October  8,  1847.  Their  place  of  rendezvous  was  about  two  and  a half 
miles  from  Nashville  on  the  Nolensville  pike.  The  Fourth  Regiment 
was  composed  of  the  companies  of  Capt.  H.  Dill,  of  McMinn ; Capt.  C.  J. 
Flagg,  of  Blount;  Capt.  R.  Oliver,  of  Anderson;  Capt.  J.  B.  Collins,  of 
Bradley;  Capt.  E.  Thomason,  of  Grainger;  Capt.  J.  C.  Yauglin,  of  Mon- 
roe; Capt.  J.  J.  Reese,  of  Jefferson;  Capt.  G.  W.  Bounds,  of  Hawkins; 
Capt.  G.  W.  Kenzie,  of  Meigs;  Capt.  McClellan,  of  Sullivan;  Capt. 
Waterhouse,  of  Rhea,  and  Capts;  Parson  and  Council,  of  Knox.  Capt. 
Waterhouse,  of  Rhea,  was  elected  colonel.  The  remaining  forces  of 
the  State  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Carroll  or  Carrollton  under  Col. 
Trousdale. 

These  forces  were  all  taken  to  New  Orleans  by  boat,  thence  by  vessel 
to  Vera  Cruz.  Here  they  were  formed  into  a brigade,  but  did  not  arrive  at 
the  City  of  Mexico  until  the  work  of  capture  was  done.  However,  Gen. 
Pillow  paid  a visit  to  Tennessee  in  the  summer  of  1847,  and  returned  in 
July  and  joined  Scott’s  army  at  Pueblo.  He  was  in  the  advance  upon 
the  City  of  Mexico  and  engaged  in  the  battles  of  Churubusco,  Cliapulte- 
pec,  Molino  del  Ray  and  the  seige  of  the  city.  He  was  one  of  the  com- 
missioners to  negotiate  the  surrender.  Some  very  distinguished  men 
were  developed  by  this  war ; among  them  may  be  mentioned  Govs.  Trous- 
dale and  Campbell,  and  Gens.  B.  F.  Cheatham  and  Pillow.  On  settle- 
ment of  the  Mexican  question  the  soldiers  of  Tennessee  returned  to  their 
homes  to  enjoy  the  full  measure  of  praise  their  valor  upon  the  field  had  won. 


■Landing  i 


BATTLE  OF 


FORT  DONELSON, 


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'Jjansport 


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S EAQ>Q’  R% 


Jirulae*  '“m 
~Hic kman\^ 


Gunboats) 


^ FORT 
DONELSON 


r 


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,►»  JIVpbVERM. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


477 


CHAPTER  XY. 


Federal  Military  History— Cause  of  the  Loyalty  of  East  Tennessee— Ar- 
raignment of  the  General  Assembly  and  of  the  Executive  by  the 
Union  Conventions— Tiie  Concentration  of  the  Confederate  Forces  at 
Knoxville— Organization  of  the  Unionists— The  Helpless  Situation  of 
Loyal  Citizens — Active  Military  Operations— Selected  Illustrative 
Correspondence— The  Execution  of  the  Bridge  Burners— Arrest  of 
the  Union  Leaders— An  Outline  of  the  Principal  Military  Move- 
ments—Burnsides’  Occupation— Siege  of  Knoxville— The  Concluding 
Skirmishes— Sketches  of  the  Regiments. 

O fact  connected  with  the  late  civil  war,  abounding  in  striking 


events  and  gigantic  achievements,  is  more  remarkable  than  the 
number  of  troops  furnished  by  Tennessee  to  the  Federal  Army.  It  is 
scarcely  credible  that  a State  with  a voting  population  of  only  about 
140,000,  raising  nearly  100,000  troops  for  the  Confederate  Army,  should 
also  have  furnished  30,000  men  to  fight  for  the  Union.  It  becomes  still 
more  remarkable  to  consider  that  a very  large  proportion  of  this  30,000 
•came  from  a division  of  the  State,  having  a male  population  between  the 
ages  of  twenty  and  fifty,  of  only  45,000;  and  that  unlike  the  volunteer 
from  the  Northern  States,  the  Union  soldier  from  Tennessee  was  not 
tempted  to  enlist  by  a munificent  State  bounty,  nor  impelled  by  the  force 
of  public  opinion,  but  on  the  contrary,  to  do  so,  he  was  forced  to  escape 
from  an  enemy’s  watchful  guard  at  night  and,  leaving  his  home  and  all 
he  held  dear  to  the  mercy  of  a hostile  foe,  make  his  way  across  the  bleak 
and  cheerless  mountains,  to  the  Union  camps  in  Kentucky. 

For  an  explanation  of  this  remarkable  adherence  to  the  Union  on  the 
part  of  the  people  of  East  Tennessee,  it  is  necessary  to  look  to  the  origin 
of  the  war.  As  many  as  have  been  its  alleged  causes,  all  may  be 
traced  to  the  one  prime  cause,  slavery ; all  others  were  the  result  of  or 
incident  to  slavery,  as  has  been  shown  by  Dr.  Draper,  in  his  history  of 
the  Avar.  The  difference  in  climate,  soil  and  physical  features  betAAreen 
the  North  and  the  South,  through  its  effect  upon  the  growth  of  slavery, 
was  a remote  agency  in  producing  strife  between  the  tivo  sections.  On 
the  other  hand,  the  dissimilarity  in  character,  occupation  and  political 
sentiments  of  the  people  was  largely  the  result  of  their  different  systems 
of  labor.  It  is  true,  the  difference  in  character  of  the  original  colonists 
was  a more  or  less  important  factor,  but  its  effect  was  not  great. 

East  Tennessee  was  settled  by  the  same  class  of  people  as  that  part  of 
the  State  Avest  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and  at  one  time  the  people 


30 


478 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


of  tlie  two  sections  were  homogeneous ; but  owing  to  the  peculiar  topogra- 
phy of  the  former,  however,  slave  labor  was  not  very  profitable,  and  com- 
paratively few  slaves  were  owned— the  proportion  of  the  free  men  be- 
ing about  as  one  to  twenty.  The  same  divergence  of  interest  grew  up  be- 
tween East  Tennessee  and  the  middle  and  western  divisions  of  the  State, 
as  between  the  North  and  South  as  a whole.  Consequently  upon  all  ques- 
tions of  political  and  domestic  economy,  East  Tennessee  was  usually 
identified  with  the  Northern  States.  Since  1836,  as  a whole,  it  had 
been  strongly  Whig,  and  in  some  sections  for  many  years,  a strong  aboli- 
tion sentiment  had  existed;  when  therefore,  it  was  proposed  to  sacrifice 
the  Union  to  perpetuate  slavery,  the  majority  of  the  people  of  East 
Tennessee  joined  with  the  freemen  of  the  North,  to  prevent  its  consum- 
mation. They  foresaw  that  should  a Confederacy  of  the  slave  States  be- 
come established,  the  person  who  owned  no  slaves,  as  a factor  in  politics 
and  in  society,  would  be  a cipher.  It  is  undoubtedly  true  that  the  great 
body  of  the  people  did  not  see  this  result,  but  their  leaders  did,  and  per- 
haps in  no  State  were  the  masses  more  submissive  to  leadership  than  in 
Tennessee. 

In  addition  to  this  the  State,  as  a whole,  had  always  been  intensely 
patriotic.  The  readiness  with  which  she  had  come  to  the  defense  of  the 
country,  when  threatened  by  an  alien  or  a savage  foe,  had  won  for  her 
the  name  of  “The  Volunteer  State.”  It  Avas  the  greatest  of  Tennesseeans 
who  said:  “ The  Union!  It  must  and  shall  be  preserved.”  Even  the  ma- 
jority of  those  aaIio  joined  in  the  support  of  the  Confederacy,  did  so,  only 
when  they  felt  it  to  be  their  highest  duty,  and  it  was  with  no  feigned  grief 
that  they  left  the  old  “ stars  and  stripes,”  to  rally  around  a new  and 
strange  flag.  As  has  been  stated,  the  preponderance  of  Union  sentiment 
in  Tennessee  was  in  the  eastern  division  of  tlie  State,  yet  at  the  election 
in  1860  the  majority  for  the  “Union”  electors  was  quite  large  throughout 
the  State.  Even  after  the  secession  of  South  Carolina  and  other  more 
Southern  States,  the  entire  State  remained  firmly  for  the  Union,  as  was 
shown  by  a vote  of  24,749  for,  to  91,803  against  calling  a convention. 
But  after  the  attack  upon  Fort  Sumter,  and  the  call  for  troops  by  Presi- 
dent Lincoln,  Avhich  worked  such  a change  in  the  sentiment  of  the  people 
of  this  State,  the  stronghold  of  the  Unionists  was  in  East  Tennessee.  At 
the  election  held  in  June,  to  vote  on  the  question  of  separation  or  no 
separation,  while  the  total  number  of  Azotes  in  the  State  against  that  meas- 
ure Avas  47,274,  32,962  of  them  were  cast  in  East  Tennessee.* 

This  result  was  due  in  a great  measure  to  the  position  taken  by 
the  political  leaders  Andrew  Johnson,  T.  A.  It.  Nelson,  William  G. 


*See  elsewhere  for  the  full  returns  of  these  elections. 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


479 


Brownlow,  Horace  Maynard,  Connolly  F.  Trigg,  "William  B.  Carter  and 
others,  who  took  a determined  stand  against  secession  and  did  all  in  their 
power  to  prevent  Tenpessee  from  going  out  of  the  Union.  To  determine 
the  relative  amount  of  influence  exerted  by  each  individual  would  be  an 
impossibility.  Mr.  Johnson  has  by  many  been  accorded  the  credit  for 
the  loyalty  of  East  Tennessee,  and  it  was  in  part  due  to  his  influence. 
He  was  very  popular  with  the  Democracy  of  the  State,  and  especially  of 
his  cougressional  district,  and  his  powerful  pleas  for  the  Union  carried 
many  of  his  party  with  him.  But  with  the  Whig  element  he  could  have 
had  but  little  influence,  since  he  had  advocated  the  election  of  Breckin- 
ridge at  the  preceding  presidential  election,  and  had  otherwise  rendered 
himself  obnoxious  to  them.  In  fact,  as  has  been  stated,  the  Whigs  of 
East  Tennessee  were  naturally  attached  to  the  Union,  and  diametrically 
opposed  to  the  principles  or  the  extreme  Democracy,  which  had  inaug- 
urated the  Rebellion.  It,  therefore,  required  only  the  eloquence  and  zeal 
of  the  old  leaders  Nelson,  Maynard,  Brownlow  and  others  to  fire  them 
with  an  enthusiasm  for  the  Union  and  the  “ old  flag,”  which  not  even  the 
hardships  of  four  years  of  war  served  to  abate.  On  the  30th  of  May 
preceding  that  election,  about  500  delegates,  representing  nearly  every 
county  in  East  Tennessee,  assembled  at  Knoxville  in  pursuance  of  the 


following  call: 

The  undersigned,  a portion  of  the  people  of  East  Tennessee,  disapproving  the  hasty 
and  inconsiderate  action  of  our  General  Assembly,  and  sincerely  desirous  to  do,  in  the 
midst  of  the  trouble  which  surrounds  us,  what  will  be  best  for  our  country,  and  for  all 
classes  of  our  citizens,  respectfully  appoint  a convention  to  be  held  in  Knoxville  on 
Thursday,  the  30th  of  May  inst.;  and  we  urge  every  county  in  East  Tennessee  to  send  dele- 
gates to  this  convention,  that  the  conservative  element  of  our  whole  section  may  be  repre- 
sented, and  that  wise  and  judicious  counsels  may  prevail— looking  to  peace  and  harmony 
among  ourselves. 

F.  S.  Heiskell,  John  Williams,  W.  H.  Rogers, 

John  J.  Craig,  S.  R.  Rogers,  John  Baxter, 

Dr.  W.  Rogers,  O.  P.  Temple,  W.G.  Brownlow, 

Joan  Tunnell,  C.  F.  Trigg,  [and  others.] 

C.  H.  Baker,  David  Burnett, 


The  convention  met  at  Temperance  Hall,  and  was  called  to  order  by 
Connolly  F.  Trigg,  upon  whose  motion  John  Baxter  ivas  chosen  tempo- 
rary president,  and  John  M.  Fleming,  temporary  secretary.  Prayer  was 
offered  by  Rev.  Thomas  W.  Humes,  after  which  Thomas  A.  R.  Nelson 
was  chosen  president,  and  John  M.  Fleming,  secretary.  After  addresses 
by  the  president  and  Gen.  Thomas  D.  Arnold,  and  the  appointment  of  a 
general  committee  representing  the  various  counties,  the  convention 
adjourned  to  meet  the  next  morning.  On  the  next  day  the  committee, 
through  their  chairman,  Col.  Trigg,  submitted  their  report  which,  after 
considerable  debate,  was  amended  and  finally  adopted.  The  following 


480 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


are  some  of  tlie  resolutions,  which,  were  preceded  by  a preamble  of  con- 
siderable length: 

We,  therefore,  the  delegates  here  assembled,  representing  and  reflecting,  as  we  verily 
believe,  the  opinions  and  wishes  of  a large  majority  of  the  people  of  East  Tennessee,  do 
resolve  and  declare: 

First.  That  the  evil  which  now  afflicts  our  beloved  country  in  our  opinion  is  the 
legitimate  result  of  the  ruinous  and  heretical  doctrine  of  secession;  that  the  people  of  East 
Tennessee  have  ever  been,  and  we  believe  still  are  opposed  to  it  by  a very  large  majority. 

Second.  That  while  the  country  is  upon  the  very  threshold  of  a most  ruinous  and 
desolating  civil  war,  it  may  with  truth  be  said,  and  we  protest  before  God,  that  the  people 
{so  far  as  we  can  see)  have  done  nothing  to  produce  it. 

* -X-  -x-  -x-  * -x-  •*  * -x- 

Sixth.  That  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  without  having  first  obtained  the  consent 
of  the  people,  had  no  authority  to  enter  into  a “ military  league”  with  the  “ Confederate 
States”  against  the  General  Government,  and  by  so  doing  to  put  the  State  of  Tennessee 
an  hostile  array  against  the  government  of  which  it  then  was  and  still  is  a member.  Such 
legislation  in  advance  of  the  expressed  will  of  the  people  to  change  their  governmental 
relations  was  an  act  of  usurpation,  and  should  be  visited  with  the  severest  condemnation 
of  the  people. 

.Seventh.  That  the  forming  of  such  ‘‘military  league,”  and  thus  practically  assum- 
ing the  attitude  of  an  enemy  towards  the  General  Government  (this,  too,  in  the  absence 
of  any  hostile  demonstration  against  the  State)  has  afforded  the  pretext  for  raising,  arm- 
ing and  equipping  a large  military  force,  the  expense  of  which  must  be  enormous,  and 
will  have  to  be  paid  by  the  people.  And  to  do  this,  the  taxes,  already  onerous  enough, 
will  necessarily  have  to  be  very  greatly  increased,  and  probably  to  an  extent  beyond  the 
ability  to  pay. 

Eighth.  That  the  General  Assembly  by  passing  a law  authorizing  the  volunteers  to  vote 
wherever  they  may  be  on  the  day  of  election,  whether  in  or  out  of  the  State,  and  in  offer- 
ing to  the  “Confederate  States”  the  capitol  of  Tennessee,  together  with  other  acts,  have 
exercised  powers  and  stretched  their  authority  to  an  extent  not  within  their  constitutional 
limits,  and  not  justified  by  the  usages  of  the  country. 

Ninth.  That  government  being  instituted  for  the  common  benefit,  the  doctrine  of 
■non-resistance  against  arbitrary  power  and  oppression  is  absurd,  slavish  and  destructive 
of  the  good  and  happiness  of  mankind. 

Tenth.  That  the  position  which  the  people  of  our  sister  State  of  Kentucky  have 
assumed  in  this  momentous  crisis,  commands  our  highest  admiration.  Their  interests  are 
our  interests.  Their  policy  is  the  true  policy,  as  we  believe,  of  Tennessee  and  all  the  bor- 
der States.  And  in  the  spirit  of  freemen,  with  an  anxious  desire  to  avoid  the  waste  of 
the  blood  and  the  treasure  of  our  State,  we  appeal  to  the  people  of  Tennessee,  while  it  is 
yet  in  their  power,  to  come  up  in  the  majesty  of  their  strength  and  restore  Tennessee  to 
her  true  position. 

Eleventh.  We  shall  await  with  the  utmost  anxiety  the  decision  of  the  people  of  Ten- 
nessee on  the  8tli  day  of  next  month*  and  sincerely  trust  that  wiser  counsels  will  pervade 
the  great  fountain  of  freedom  (the  people)  than  seem  to  have  actuated  their  constituted 
agent. 

Twelfth.  For  the  promotion  of  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  people  of  East  Ten- 
nessee, it  is  deemed  expedient  that  this  convention  should  again  assemble,  therefore: 
Resolved , That  when  this  convention  adjourns,  it  adjourns  to  meet  again  at  such  time  and 
place  as  the  president  or  vice-president  in  his  absence  may  determine  and  publish. 

After  tlie  adoption  of  tlie  above  resolution  an  eloquent  and  effective 
address  was  delivered  by  Andrew  Johnson.  This  convention  was  com- 


*Beference  made  to  tlie  election  to  be  held  June  8, 1861. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


481 


posed  of  representative  men  of  East  Tennessee,  men  of  influence  and 
ability.  They  foresaw  the  result  of  the  coming  election,  but  not  wishing 
to  anticipate  it  by  any  act,  made  provision  for  a future  meeting.  The 
number  of  delegates  in  attendance  is  evidence  of  the  intense  interest  in 
the  question  before  the  people;  5,000  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
convention  were  printed  and  distributed  over  the  State,  but  it  was  of  lit- 
tle avail  in  stemming  the  tide  of  secession  which  swept  over  Middle  and 
West  Tennessee.  The  leaders  in  those  divisions,  with  few  exceptions, 
notably  among  whom  was  Emerson  Etheridge,  had  been  carried  away 
by  it.  So  strong  was  the  influence  that  such  men  as  Niell  S.  Brown, 
Judge  Pi.  L.  Caruthers,  Felix  K.  Zollicoffer  and  many  others,  who  at  the 
previous  election  had  voted  against  a convention,  were  now  among  the 
strongest  advocates  of  disunion.  The  election  on  the  8 th  of  June  re- 
suited  as  shown  elsewhere,  and  three  days  later  Judge  Nelson  issued  a call 
for  the  East  Tennessee  Convention  to  meet  on  the  17th  of  that  month  at 
Greeneville.  Delegates  from  all  of  the  counties  except  Rhea  assembled 
at  the  appointed  time,  and  continued  in  session  four  days.  Their  labors 
resulted  in  the  preparation  of  the  declaration  of  grievances,  of  which  the 
following  is  an  extract,  and  the  adoption  of  the  resolutions  succeeding: 

We,  the  people  of  East  Tennessee,  again  assembled  in  a convention  of  our  delegates, 
make  the  following  declaration  in  addition  to  that  heretofore  promulgated  by  us  at  Knox- 
ville on  the  30th  and  31st  of  May  last.  So  far  as  we  can  learn,  the  election  held  in  this 
State  on  the  8th  day  of  the  present  month  was  free,  with  but  few  exceptions,  in  no  other 
part  of  the  State  than  East  Tennessee.  In  the  larger  part  of  Middle  and  West  Tennessee 
no  speeches  or  discussion  in  favor  of  the  Union  were  permitted.  Union  papers  were  not 
allowed  to  circulate.  Measures  were  taken  in  some  parts  of  West  Tennessee  in  defiance 
of  the  constitution  and  laws  which  allow  folded  tickets,  to  have  the  ballots  numbered  in 
sndh  a manner  as  to  mark  and  expose  the  Union  voter. 

A disunion  paper,  The  Nashville  Gazette,  in  urging  the  people  to  vote  an  open  ticket, 
declared  that  “ a thief  takes  a pocket-book  or  effects  an  entrance  into  forbidden  places  by 
stealthy  means;  a Tory,  in  voting,  usually  adopts  pretty  much  the  same  mode  of  pro- 
cedure.” Disunionists  in  many  places  had  charge  of  the  polls,  and  Union  men  when  vot- 
ing were  denounced  as  Lincolnites  and  abolitionists.  The  unanimity  of  the  votes  in  many 
large  counties  where  but  a few  weeks  ago  the  Union  sentiment  was  so  strong,  proves  be- 
yond a doubt  that  Union  men  were  overawed  by  the  tyranny  of  the  military  law,  and  the 
still  greater  tyranny  of  a corrupt  and  subsidized  press.  Volunteers  were  allowed  to  vote 
in  and  out  of  the  State  in  flagrant  violation  of  the  constitution.  From  the  moment  the 
election  was  over,  and  before  any  detailed  statement  of  the  vote  in  the  different  counties 
had  been  published,  and  before  it  was  possible  to  ascertain  the  result,  it  wTas  exultingly 
proclaimed  that  separation  had  been  carried  by  from  fifty  to  seventy -five  thousand  votes. 
This  was  to  prepare  the  public  mind  to  enable  the  secessionists  to  hold  possession  of  the 
State,  though  they  should  be  in  the  minority.  The  final  result  is  to  be  announced  by  a 
disunion  governor, whose  existence  depends  upon  the  success  of  secession,  and  no  provis- 
ion is  made  by  law  for  an  examination  of  the  votes  by  disinterested  persons,  or  even  for 
contesting  the  election.  For  these  and  other  causes  we  do  not  regard  the  result  of  the 
election  expressive  of  the  will  of  the  majority  of  the  people  of  Tennessee. 

No  effort  has  been  spared  to  deter  the  Union  men  of  East  Tennessee  from  the  expres- 
sion of  their  free  thoughts.  The  penalties  of  treason  have  been  threatened  against  them, 


482 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  murder  and  assassination  have  been  openly  encouraged  by  leading  secession  journals. 
As  secession  has  thus  been  overbearing  and  intolerant  while  in  the  minority  in  East  Ten- 
nessee, nothing  better  can  be  expected  of  the  pretended  majority  than  wild,  unconstitu- 
tional and  oppressive  legislation,  an  utter  contempt  and  disregard  of  law,  a determination 
to  force  every  Union  man  in  the  State  to  swear  to  the  support  of  a constitution  be  abhors, 
to  yield  bis  money  and  property  to  aid  a cause  be  detests,  and  to  become  the  object  of 
scorn  and  derision  as  well  as  the  victim  of  intolerable  and  relentless  oppression. 

In  view  of  these  considerations,  and  of  the  fact  that  the  people  of  East  Tennessee 
have  declared  their  fidelity  to  the  Union  by  a majority  of  about  20,000  votes,  therefore 
we  do  resolve  and  declare 

First.  That  we  do  earnestly  desire  the  restoration  of  peace  to  our  whole  country,  and 
most  especially  that  our  own  section  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  should  not  be  involved  in 
civil  war. 

Second.  That  the  action  of  our  State  Legislature  in  passing  the  so-called  “Declaration 
of  Independence,”  and  in  forming  the  “Military  League”  with  the  Confederate  States, 
and  iu  adopting  other  acts  looking  to  a separation  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  from  the 
Government  of  the  United  States,  is  unconstitutional  and  illegal,  and,  therefore,  not  bind- 
ing upon  us  as  loyal  citizens. 

Third.  That  iu  order  to  avert  a conflict  with  our  brethren  in  other  parts  of  the  State, 
and  desiring  that  every  constitutional  means  shall  be  resorted  to  for  the  preservation  of 
peace,  we  do,  therefore,  constitute  and  appoint  0.  P.  Temple,  of  Knox;  John  Netherland, 
of  Hawkins,  and  James  P.  McDowell,  of  Greene,  commissioners,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
prepare  a memorial  and  cause  the  same  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Assembly  of  Ten- 
nessee, now  in  session,  asking  its  consent  that  the  counties  composing  East  Tennessee 
and  such  counties  in  Middle  Tennessee  as  desire  to  coperate  with  them,  may  form  and 
erect  a separate  State. 

Fourth.  Desiring  in  good  faith  that  the  General  Assembly  will  grant  this  our  reason- 
able request,  and  still  claiming  the  right  to  determine  our  own  destiny,  we  do  further  re- 
solve that  an  election  be  held  in  all  the  counties  of  East  Tennessee,  and'  such  other  coun- 
ties in  Middle  Tennessee  adjacent  thereto  as  may  desire  to  co-operate  with  us,  for  the 
choice  of  delegates  to  represent  them  iu  a general  convention  to  be  held  in  the  town  of 
Kingston,  at  such  time  as  the  president  of  this  convention,  or  in  case  of  his  absence  or  in- 
ability, any  one  of  the  vice-presidents,  or  in  like  case  with  them  the  secretary  of  this  con- 
vention may  designate,  and  the  officer  so  designating  the  day  for  the  assembling  of  said 
convention  shall  also  fix  the  time  for  holding  the  election  herein  provided  for,  and  give 
reasonable  notice  thereof. 

Fifth.  In  order  to  carry  out  the  foregoing  resolution  the  sheriffs  of  the  different  . 
counties  are  hereby  requested  to  open  and  hold  said  election  or  cause  the  same  to  be  done, 
the  coroner  of  such  county  is  requested  to  do  so,  and  should  such  coroner  fail  or  refuse, 
then  any  constable  of  such  county  is  hereby  authorized  to  open  and  hold  said  election  or 
cause  the  same  to  be  done,  and  if  in  any  county  none  of  the  above  named  officers  will 
hold  said  election,  then  any  justice  of  the  peace  or  freeholder  in  such  county  is  author- 
ized to  hold  the  same  or  cause  it  to  be  done.  The  officer  or  other  person  holding  said 
election  shall  certify  the  result  to  the  president  of  this  convention  or  to  such  officer  as 
may  have  directed  the  same  to  be  holden,  at  as  early  a clay  thereafter  as  practicable,  and 
the  officer  to  whom  said  returns  may  he  made  shall  open  and  compare  the  polls,  and  issue 
certificates  to  the  delegates  elected. 

Sixth.  That  in  said  convention,  the  several  counties  shall  be  represented  as  follows: 
The  county  of  Knox  shall  elect  three  delegates;  the  counties  of  Washington,  Greene  and 
Jefferson  two  delegates  each,  and  the  remaining  counties  shall  each  elect  one  delegate. 

Twenty  thousand  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  this  convention,  to- 
gether with  the  proceedings  of  the  session  at  Knoxville,  were  ordered 
to  be  published  in  pamphlet  form  for  general  distribution.  The  excite- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


483 


i 

ment  in  East  Tennessee  soon  became  intense.  The  proceedings  of  this 
convention,  together  with  speeches  denunciatory  of  the  new  government, 
fanned  the  already  glowing  fires  of  insurrection  among  the  Unionists. 
Brownlow’s  Knoxville  Whig,  a paper  which  had  a very  large  circulation 
in  this  part  of  tne  State,  did  much  to  arouse  the  people.  Every  number 
contained  articles  filled  with  the  bitterest  invective  against  the  “bogus 
Confederacy.”  Landon  C.  Haynes,  a Confederate  leader,  in  writing  to 
L.  P.  Walker,  Confederate  Secretary  of  War,  concerning  the  condition 
of  affairs  in  East  Tennessee,  on  July  6,  1861,  said:  “Thomas  A.  B. 
Nelson,  William  G.  Brownlow,  Connolly  F.  Trigg  and  William  B.  Carter 
are  the  leaders.  Moral  power  cannot  longer  be  relied  on  to  crush  the 
rebellion.  No  man  possesses  that  power.  Bell  had  more  than  any 
other  man,  but  he  is  as  helpless  as  a child.”  Three  days  later  Secretary 
Walker  requested  Gov.  Harris  to  send  immediately  two  regiments  to  East 
Tennessee,  which  was  accordingly  done,  and  on  July  26,  “Gen.  Zolli- 
coffer  was  ordered  to  assume  command  of  that  district,  to  preserve  peace, 
protect  the  railroad  and  repel  invasion.”  On  August  26  he  issued  Gen- 
eral Order  No.  11,  in  which  he  states:  “The  following  are  the  names  of 
the  Lincoln  leaders  in  Johnson  County:  Lewis  Venable,  of  Laurel  Creek; 
Northington,  hotel-keeper  at  Taylorsville;  R.  E.  Butler,  of  Taylorsville, 
representative  of  the  county;  John  G.  Johnson  and  J.  W.  Merrick,  cap- 
tains of  Lincoln  companies.  Joseph  P.  Edoms,  of  Elizabethton,  Carter 
County,  and  A.  Evans,  of  Washington  County,  are  also  among  the  ring- 
leaders of  them.”  On  July  10,  1861,  Judge  Nelson  issued  a proclama- 
tion for  an  election  to  be  held  on  the  31st  of  August,  to  choose  delegates 
as  provided  in  the  resolutions  of  the  Greeneville  Convention.  Owing  to 
succeeding  events,  however,  this  election  did  not  take  place.  At  the 
election  held  the  first  week  in  August,  Horace  Maynard,  Thomas  A.  R. 
Nelson  and  G.  W.  Bridges  were  elected  representatives  to  the  United 
States  Congress  by  the  Unionists,  who  refused  to  vote  for  representatives 
to  the  Confederate  Congress.  A day  or  two  later  Judge  Nelson  started 
for  Washington,  by  the  way  of  Cumberland  Gap,  but  w'as  arrested  in  Lee 
County,  Va.,  and  taken  to  Richmond.  He  was  soon  after  paroled  and 
returned  to  his  home.  At  about  the  same  time  Bridges  was  arrested  in 
Morgan  County,  and  was  also  released  upon  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  Confederacy. 

During  the  summer  and  early  fall  LTnion  men  were  quietly  organiz- 
ing and  chilling.  In  most  places  this  was  done  secretly,  but  in  some 
localities  the  Union  sentiment  was  so  unanimous  that  there  was  no  need 
of  concealment.  Singly  and  in  squads  they  began  crossing  the  moun- 
tains into  Kentucky,  where  they  were  organized  into  companies  and  regi- 


484 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ments.  Those  avIio  remained  behind  were  constantly  urging  and  expect- 
ing an  advance  upon  East  Tennessee  by  the  Federal  troops,  and  they 
held  themselves  in  readiness  for  a general  uprising  when  that  should 
take  place.  John  F.  Fisk,  in  writing  to  K.  Buckner,  on  September  22, 
1861,  says:  “The  mountaineers  will  whip  Zollicoffer  as  soon  as  they 

get  ammunition.  By  all  means  send  them  lead , lead , lead!  ” William 
B.  Carter  wrote  to  Gen.  Thomas  on  October  27  and  earnestly  called 
for  an  advance  upon  East  Tennessee.  In  speaking  of  Zollicoffer’ s forces 
he  said:  “Zollicoffer  has  6,000  men  all  told;  1,000  of  them  are  sick, 

600  or  800  are  not  arrived;  1,600  of  the  6,000  are  at  Cumberland  Gap, 
the  balance  beyond  the  Gap.”  This  force  proved  to  be  too  small  to  sup- 
press the  constantly  growing  power  of  the  Unionists  and  the  leading 
Confederates  in  East  Tennessee  began  to  call  for  re-enforcements.  Gen. 
A.  S.  Johnston,  on  November  4,  1861,  sent  a despatch  to  Secretary  Ben- 
jamin, in  which  he  said:  “ Herewith  I transmit  for  your  information  a 

letter  from  Gov.  Harris,  inclosing  one  from  Mr.  C.  Wallace,  imparting 
information  in  regard  to  the  political  sentiments  of  the  people  of  East 
Tennessee,  which  he  represents  as  extremely  hostile  to  the  Confederate 
Government,  and  that  there  is  among  them  a large  and  well-armed  force 
ready  to  act  at  an  opportune  moment.  I have  already  ordered  Stanton’s 
and  Murray’s  regiments  and  some  cavalry  companies  from  their  Stations 
in  Fentress,  Overton  and  Jackson  Counties  to  Jamestown  to  join  some 
cavalry  companies  at  that  place,  thence  to  report  and  await  the  orders  of 
Gen.  Zollicoffer,  who  has  been  notified.”  The  letter  referred  to  above  was 
written  at  Knoxville,  October  29,  and  is  as  follows: 

Dear  Governor:  I don’t  like  to  meddle  in  things  that  are  in  keeping  of  men  so  much 
more  vigilant  and  wise  than  I,  but  I am  constrained  by  the  circumstances  about  me  to  be- 
lieve that  Zollicoffer  and  the  railroads  of  East  Tennessee  are  in  a dangerous  condition  at 
present.  I am  well  aware  that  the  views  of  the  “original  panel’’  in  East  Tennessee  are  not 
much  heeded  abroad,  but  I am  well  satisfied  that  there  is  to-day  a larger  Lincoln  force, 
well  armed  in  East  Tennessee,  than  Zollicoffer  has  of  Southern  men  under  his  command. 
* * There  is  no  giving  way  in  the  hostile  feeling  in  East  Tennessee.  This  you  may 

rely  on,  and  time  will  convince  you.  Truly  your  friend, 

C.  Wallace. 

On  November  1 Col.  W.  B.  Wood,  commanding  the  post  at  Knox- 
ville, wrote  to  Secretary  Benjamin:  “ There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  fact 

that  large  parties,  numbering  from  twenty  to  a hundred,  are  every  day- 
passing  through  the  narrow  and  unfrequented  gaps  of  the  mountains  into 
Kentucky.  I do  not  believe  that  the  Unionists  are  in  the  least  recon- 
ciled to  the  Government,  but,  on  the  contrary,  are  as  hostile  to  it  as  the 
people  of  Ohio,  and  will  be  ready  to  take  up  arms  as  soon  as  they  be- 
lieve the  Lincoln  forces  are  near  enough  to  sustain  them.”  These 
opinions  proved  to  be  well  founded,  and  on  the  night  of  the  8th  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


485 


November  the  excitement  culminated  in  the  burning  o£  three  or  foul- 
railroad  bridges  on  the  road  between  Bristol  and  Chattanooga.  This 
created  great  alarm,  and  more  vigorous  measures  were  adopted  to  subdue 
the  Unionists,  and  crush  out  the  insurrection  against  the  Confederate 
Government.  Many  arrests  were  made,  not  only  upon  charges  of  com- 
plicity in  the  bridge  burning,  but  for  encouraging  the  Unionist  move- 
ment. 

Col.  D.  Leadbetter  was  immediately  ordered  to  East  Tennessee  with 
an  engineer  corps  to  repair  and  protect  the  railroads.  Letters  and 
despatches  from  all  points  in  East  Tennessee  were  poured  in  upon  the 
Confederate  authorities,  all  telling  of  the  imminent  danger  from  a gen- 
eral uprising  of  the  Unionists.  Maj.  T.  J.  Cannon,  stationed  at  Loudon, 
wrote:  “The  Union  feeling  of  this  country  is  very  bitter,  and  all  they 

want,  in  my  opinion,  to  induce  a general  uprising,  is  encouragement  from 
the  Federal  authorities  by  the  introduction  or  advance  of  Lincoln  armies. 
They  have  a great  many  arms,  and  are  actually  manufacturing  Union 
flags  to  receive  the  refugee  Tennesseeans  when  they  return.  They  are 
getting  bold  enough  to  avow  their  purpose.”  Col.  Wood  wrote  from 
Knoxville  to  Adjt.-Gen.  Cooper:  “Five  hundred  Union  men  are  now 

threatening  Strawberry  Plains,  fifteen  hundred  are  assembling  in  Ham- 
ilton County,  and  there  is  a general  uprising  in  all  the  counties.  The 
whole  country  is  now  in  a state  of  rebellion.  I learn  from  two  gentle- 
men just  arrived  that  another  camp  is  being  formed  about  ten  miles 
from  here,  in  Sevier  County,  and  already  three  hundred  are  in  camp. 
They  are  being  re-enforced  from  Blount,  Roane,  J ohnson,  Greene,  Carter 
and  other  counties.”  The  writer  of  the  letter  of  which  the  following  is 
an  extract,  advised  the  removal  of  the  Union  sympathizers  from  East 
Tennessee : 

Jonesboro.  Tenn.,  November  12,  1861. 

His  Excellency  Jefferson  Davis: 

Sir:  Civil  war  has  broken  out  at  length  in  East  Tennessee.  In  the  late  election 
scarcely  a so-called  Union  man  voted.  Neither  Mr.  Nelson  nor  any  of  the  released  men 
who  had  been  sworn  to  be  faithful  to  the  Southern  Confederacy  voted  upon  the  occasion, 
and  there  appeared  a simultaneous  assault  upon  our  line  of  railroads  from  Virginia  to  the 
Georgia  line.  In  this  county  the  secession  strength  is  about  equal  to  the  Union  force,  but 
our  force  is  much  weakened  by  five  volunteer  companies  now  in  the  service.  In  Carter  and 
Johnson  Counties,  northeast  of  this,  the  Union  strength  is  not  only  as  formidable  but  it  is 
as  violent  as  that  of  any  of  the  northwestern  counties  of  Virginia.  Had  they  the  power 
not  a sessionist  would  live  in  this  region.  The  hostile  element  in  those  counties,  and  also 
in  Greene,  is  so  strong  that  I give  it  as  my  firm  conviction  that  it  will  neither  abate  nor 
be  conciliated.  They  look  for  the  re-establishment  of  the  Federal  authority  with  as  much 
confidence  as  the  Jews  look  for  the  coming  of  Messiah,  and  I feel  quite  sure  when  I assert 
it  that  no  event  or  circumstance  can  change  or  modify  their  hope.  * * We  will 

crush  out  the  rebellion  here  in  aweek  or  ten  days,  but  to  prevent  its  recurrence  should  be  a 
matter  of  anxious  consideration.  * * There  are  now  camped  in  and  about  Elizabeth- 


486 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ton,  iu  Carter  County,  some  twelve  or  fifteen  hundred  men  armed  with  a motley  assort- 
mentof  guns,  in  open  defiance  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  and  who  are  awaiting 
a movement  of  the  Federal  t roops  from  Kentucky  to  march  forward  and  take  possession  of 
the  railroad.  These  men  are  gathered  up  from  three  or  five  counties  in  this  region,  and  com- 
prise the  hostile  Union  element  of  this  section,  and  never  will  be  appeased,  conciliated  or 
quieted  in  a Southern  Confederacy.  I make  this  assertion  positively,  and  you  may  take  it 
for  what  it  is  worth.  We  can  and  will  in  a few  days  disperse  them,  but  when  will  they 
break  out  again?  I am  satisfied  the  only  hope  for  our  quiet  and  repose,  and  our  co-opera- 
tion without  hindrance  in  the  present  revolution,  is  the  expatriation,  voluntarily  or  by 
force,  of  this  hostile  element. 

I am  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  G.  Graham. 

Gov.  Harris  telegraphed  President  Davis  that  he  should  send  immedi- 
ately about  10,000  men  into  East  Tennessee.  November  20,  1861,  Col, 
Wood  wrote  to  Secretary  Benjamin:  “The  rebellion  in  East  Tennessee 
has  been  put  down  in  some  of  the  counties,  and  will  be  effectually  sup- 
pressed in  less  than  two  weeks  in  all  the  counties.  The  camps  in  Sevier 
and  Hamilton  Counties  have  been  broken  and  a large  number  of  them 
made  prisoners.  Some  are  confined  in  jail  at  this  place  and  others  sent 
to  Nashville.  In  a former  communication  I inquired  what  I shall  do 
with  them.  It  is  a mere  farce  to  arrest  them  and  turn  them  over  to  the 
courts.  Instead  of  having  the  effect  to  intimidate,  it  really  emboldens 
them  in  their  traitorous  conduct.  AVe  have  now  in  custody  some  of  their 
leaders,  Judge  Patterson,  the  son-in-law  of  Andrew  Johnson,  Col.  Pick- 
ens, the  senator  from  Sevier,  and  others  of  influence  and  some  distinc- 
tion in  their  counties.  These  men  have  encouraged  this  rebellion,  but 
have  so  managed  as  not  to  be  found  in  arms.  Nevertheless,  their  actions 
and  words  have  been  unfriendly  to  the  Government  of  the  Confederate 
States.  The  influence  of  their  wealth,  position  and  connection  has  been 
exerted  in  favor  of  the  Lincoln  government,  and  they  are  the  persons 
most  to  blame  for  the  trouble  in  East  Tennessee.  They  really  deserve 
the  gallows,  and,  if  consistent  with  the  laws,  ought  speedily  to  receive 
their  deserts ; but  there  is  such  a gentle  spirit  of  reconcilation  in  the 
South,  and  especially  here,  that  I have  no  idea  that  one  of  them  will  re- 
ceive such  a sentence  at  the  hands  of  any  jury  impaneled  to  try  them. 
* * I have  to  request  at  least  that  the  prisoners  I have  taken  be 

held,  if  not  as  traitors,  as  prisoners  of  war.  To  release  them  is  ruinous; 
to  convict  them  before  a court  at  this  time  next  to  an  impossibility ; but 
if  they  are  kept  in  prison  for  six  months  it  will  have  a good  effect.  The 
bridge-burners  and  spies  ought  to  be  tried  at  once,  and  I respectfully  re- 
( piest  that  instruction  be  forwarded  at  as  early  a day  as  practicable,  as  it 
needs  prompt  action  to  dispose  of  the  cases.”  The  following  reply  was 
received: 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


487 


War  Department,  Richmond,  November  25,  1861. 

Colonel  W.  B.  Wood: 

Sir:  Your  report  of  tbe  20th  instant  is  received,  and  I now  proceed  to  give  you  the 
desired  instruction  in  relation  to  the  prisoners  of  war  taken  by  you  among  the  traitors  of 
East  Tennessee. 

First.  All  such  as  can  be  identified  in  having  been  engaged  in  bridge-burning  are  to 
be  tried  summarily  by  drum-head  court-martial,  and,  if  found  guilty,  executed  on  the  spot 
by  hanging  in  the  vicinity  of  the  burned  bridges. 

Second.  All  such  as  have  not  been  so  engaged  are  to  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war, 
and  sent  with  an  armed  guard  to  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama,  there  to  be  kept  imprisoned  at 
the  depot  selected  by  the  Government  for  prisoners  of  war. 

Whenever  you  can  discover  that  arms  are  concentrated  by  these  traitors,  you  will  send 
out  detatchments  to  search  for  and  seize  the  arms.  In  no  case  is  one  of  the  men  known  to 
have  been  up  in  arms  against  the  Government  to  be  released  on  any  pledge  Or  oath  of  alle- 
giance. The  time  for  such  measures  is  past.  They  are  all  to  be  held  as  prisoners  of  war. 
Such  as  come  in  voluntarily,  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  and  surrender  their  arms,  are 
alone  to  be  treated  with  leniency.  Very  vigilant  execution  of  these  orders  is  earnestly 
urged  by  the  Government. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  P.  Benjamin, 

Secretary  of  War. 

P.  S.  Judge  Patterson  (Andy  Johnson’s  son-in-law),  Colonel  Pickens  and  other  ring- 
leaders of  the  same  class,  must  be  sent  at  once  to  Tusqaloosa  to  jail  as  prisoners  of  war. 

At  this  time  Johnson,  Maynard,  Etheridge,  Meigs,  and  most  other 
Union  leaders  throughout  Tennessee  had  left  the  State.  William  G. 
Brownlow,  whose  newspaper  had  been  suppressed  about  tbe  1st  of  No- 
vember, had  sought  personal  safety  by  retiring  to  the  mountains.  On 
December  4,  he  received  notice  from  the  commander  of  the  department, 
that  should  he  return  and  deliver  himself  up,  he  would  be  given  a pass- 
port to  go  into  Kentucky  accompanied  by  a military  escort.  He  accord- 
ingly returned,  but  was  immediately  arrested  and  placed  in  jail  upon  the 
charge  of  treason.  He  was  kept  in  confinement  at  the  jail  until  January 
1, 1862,  when  he  became  sick,  and  afterward  at  his  home  under  guard  until 
March  3,  when  he  was  sent  with  a military  escort  to  Nashville.  On  No-, 
vember  30,  1862,  three  men:  Henry  Frey,  Jacob  M.  Henshatv  and  Hugh 
A.  Self,  were  tried  at  Greeneville  by  drum-head  court-martial,  for  bridge 
burning,  and  sentenced  to  be  hung.  The  sentence  with  respect  to  the 
first  two,  was  executed  on  the  same  day ; that  of  Self  was  commuted  to 
imprisonment.  On  the  same  day  Col.  Leadbetter  issued  the  following 
conciliatory  proclamation : 

Greenevlllb,  East  Tenn.,  November  30,  1861. 

To  the  Citizens  of  East  Tennessee: 

So  long  as  the  question  of  Union  or  Disunion  was  debatable,  so  long  you  did  well 
to  debate  it  and  vote  on  it.  You  had  a clear  right  to  vote  for  Union,  but  when  seces- 
sion was  established  "by  the  voice  of  the  people,  you  did  ill  to  disturb  the  country  by 
angry  words  and  insurrectionary  tumult.  In  doing  this  you  commit  the  highest  crime 
known  to  the  laws.  Out  of  the  Southern  Confederacy  no  people  possesses  such  elements 
of  prosperity  and  happiness  as  those  of  Tennessee.  The  Southern  market  which  you  have 
hitherto  enjoyed,  only  in  competition  with  a host  of  eager  Northern  rivals,  will  now  be 


488 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


shared  with  a few  States  of  the  Confederacy  equally  fortunate  politically  and  geographi- 
cally. Every  product  of  your  agriculture  and  workshops  will  now  find  a prompt  sale  at 
high  prices,  and  so  long  as  cotton  grows  on  Confederate  soil,  so  long  will  the  money  which 
it  brings  flow  from  the  South  through  all  your  channels  of  trade.  At  this  moment  you 
might  be  at  war  with  the  United  States,  or  any  foreign  nation,  and  yet  not  suffer  one- 
tenth  part  of  the  evil  which  pursues  you  in  this  domestic  strife.  No  man’s  life  or  property 
is  safe;  no  woman  or  child  can  sleep  in  quie't.  You  are  deluded  by  selfish  demagogues, 
who  care  for  their  own  personal  safety.  You  are  citizens  of  Tennessee,  and  your  State 
one  of  the  Confederate  States.  So  long  as  you  are  up  in  arms  against  these  States  can 
you  look  for  any  thing  but  the  invasion  of  your  homes  and  the  wasting  of  your  substance? 
This  condition  of  things  must  be  ended.  The  Government  demands  peace  and  sends 
troops  to  enforce  order.  I proclaim  that  any  man  who  comes  in  promptly,  and  gives  up 
his  arms  will  be  pardoned  on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance.  All  men  taken  in  arms 
against  the  Government  will  be  transported  to  the  military  prison  at  Tuscaloosa,  and  be 
confined  there  during  the  war.  Bridge  burners  and  destroyers  of  railroad  tracks  arc  ex- 
cepted from  among  the  pardonable.  They  will  be  tried  by  drum-head  court-martial  and 
hung  on  the  spot.  D.  Leadbetter, 

Colonel  Commanding 

Col.  LeacVbetter  evidently  did  not  understand  the  steadfast  loyalty  of 
the  Unionists  of  East  Tennessee,  or  he  would  have  saved  himself  the 
trouble  of  issuing  this  proclamation.  Very  few  took  advantage  of  the 
proffered  clemency.  Meanwhile  Brig. -Gen.  W.  H.  Carroll  had  been 
placed  in  command  at  Knoxville,  and  on  December  11,  he  issued  a proc- 
lamation declaring  martial  law,  and  suspending  the  writ  of  habeas 
corpus.  On  the  same  day  C.  A.  Haun,  who  had  been  confined  in  the 
jail  at  that  place,  was  hanged  on  the  charge  of  bridge  burning.  About  a 
week  later  Jacob  Harmon  and  his  son,  Henry  Harmon,  were  hanged  on  a 
similar  charge.  These  vigorous  measures  had  the  effect  of  driving  many 
of  the  Unionists  to  Kentucky,  and  of  silencing  the  most  of  the  remainder 
for  the  time  being. 

In  December,  1861,  Gen.  George  B.  Crittenden  was  assigned  to  the 
command  of  the  Confederate  forces  in  a portion  of  East  Tennessee,  and 
southeastern  Kentucky,  which  included  the  troops  then  at  Mill  Springs 
under  Gen.  Zollicoffer,  who  had  been  stationed  at  that  point  to  prevent 
Gen.  Schoepf  from  penetrating  Tennessee.  The  latter  was  stationed  at 
Somerset  on  Fishing  Creek,  a small  tributary  of  the  Cumberland.  Jan- 
uary 18,  1863,  Gen.  Thomas,  with  the  remainder  of  his  forces  came  up, 
and  in  the  battle  which  ensued  on  the  following  day  Gen.  Zollicoffer  was 
killed,  and  his  force  driven  back  in  great  confusion.  In  this  action  the 
First  and  Second  Union  Regiments  of  Tennessee  Infantry,  under  Gem 
S.  P.  Carter,  took  a conspicuous  part,  fighting  with  great  spirit  against, 
among  others,  several  Tennessee  regiments  on  the  Confederate  side. 

By  the  death  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer  the  forces  in  East  Tennessee  lost 
a valuable  officer,  and  on  February  25,  1862,  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith 
was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  troops  in  that  district.  He  arrived 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


489 


at  Knoxville  on  March  9,  and  on  the  following  day  reported  to  the  War 
Department  that  the  troops  then  in  East  Tennessee  numbered  less  than 
8,000  effective  men,  4,000  of  whom  were  at  Cumberland  Gap,  2,000  at 
Knoxville,  and  the  remainder  distributed  over  neighboring  counties. 
In  a report  a few  days  later  he  refers  to  the  capture,  without  the  fire  of 
a gun,  of  a large  number  of  two  companies  of  the  First  East  Tennessee 
Confederate  Cavalry,  near  Jacksboro,  and  states  that,  in  his  opinion, 
“East  Tennessee  troops  can  not  be  trusted,  and  should  be  removed  to  some 
other  field.”  On  March  28,  1862,  an  expedition  was  sent  into  Morgan 
and  Scott  Counties  to  chastise  the  Unionists,  who  had  been  gathering 
there  in  considerable  force.  A skirmish  took  place  near  Montgomery, 
lasting  about  thirty  minutes,  in  which  the  Unionists  were  dispersed  with 
a loss  of  fifteen  killed  and  a large  number  of  wounded.  During  the 
latter  part  of  the  same  month,  Gen.  George  W.  Morgan  was  assigned  to 
the  command  of  an  expedition  against  Cumberland  Gap.  His  force  con- 
sisted of  four  brigades,  under  the  command  of  Gens.  Carter,  Spears, 
and  Baird,  and  Col.  DeCourcy.  Carter’s  brigade  consisted  of  the  First, 
Second  and  Fourth  (Union)  Tennessee,*  Third  and  Nineteenth  Kentucky, 
and  the  Forty-ninth  Indiana,  all  infantry.  Spear’s  brigade  consisted  of 
the  Third,  Fifth,  and  Sixth  (Union)  Tennessee  Infantry.  The  two  other 
brigades  contained  no  Tennessee  regiments.  After  considerable  pre- 
liminary skirmishing  a general  advance  was  made  about  the  10th  of 
June,  and  on  the  18tli  the  post  was  evacuated  by  the  Confederates  with- 
out filing  a gun.  Gen.  Morgan  remained  at  Cumberland  Gap  until 
the  17tli  of  the  September  following,  when  he  was  forced  to  retreat 
or  be  cut  off  from  his  line  of  supplies,  as  Gen.  Stevenson  with  a force 
estimated  at  20,000  had  taken  position  in  front  of  the  Gap,  and  Gen. 
Smith  with  a still  larger  force  was  at  Barboursville,  Ky.  After  an 
arduous  march  of  several  days  he  reached  the  Ohio  River  at  Wheelers- 
burg.  In  his  report  of  the  evacuation  and  retreat  Gen.  Morgan  compli- 
mented the  gallantry  of  the  Sixth  Tennessee.  He  says:  “We  resumed 

the  march  from  Manchester,  Ky.,  on  the  21st.  The  enemy’s  cavalry  ap- 
peared on  our  rear  and  endeavored  to  cut  off  one  of  our  trains,  but  Avas 
gallantly  repulsed  by  the  Sixth  Tennessee  under  Col.  Cooper,  who  had 
before  rendered  good  service  in  attacking'  the  enemy’s  force  near  Big 
Creek  Gap.” 

Several  of  the  regiments  had  been  poorly  ecpuipped,  especially  the 
Second  and  Fourth  CaAralry,  both  of  which  regiments  had  been  organized 
at  Cumberland  Gap.  Consequently,  several  Aveeks  Avere  spent  in  equip- 
ping and  refitting,  and  in  recoAmring  from  the  demoralization  incident 

*Col.  Robert  Johnson  afterward  re-enlisted,  and  the  Fourth  was  organized  as  First  Tennessee  Cavalry. 

H'SSS  W1':. 


, 


490 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


to  so  long  and  difficult  a retreat.  As  soon  as  this  had  been  accomplished, 
they  were  ordered  to  report  to  Eosecrans  at  Nashville.  The  battle  of 
Stone’s  Eiver  was  fought  almost  immediately  after  their  arrival  at  that 
place,  and  was  participated  in  by  Gen.  Spear’s  brigade,  including  the 
Third,  Fifth,  and  Sixth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  a portion  of  the  Third 
Cavalry,  then  not  fully  organized;  also  by  Carter’s  brigade,  including 
the  First  and  Second  Tennessee  Infantry.  The  Second  and  Fifth  Ten- 
nessee Cavalry  were  also  actively  engaged,  with  the  exception  of  the 
First  and  Fourth  Eegiments  of  cavalry,  which  did  not  arrive  until  after 
the  battle ; these  included  all  the  Tennessee  regiments  which  had  then 
been  mustered  into  service. 

But  to  trace  the  movements  and  record  the  achievements  of  Tennessee 
troops  in  all  the  numerous  campaigns,  raids  and  battles  in  which  tb e v 
participated  would  require  a volume ; therefore  only  a few  of  the  most 
important,  and  especially  those  of  East  Tennessee,  will  be  noted.  The 
troops  of  no  other  State  were  more  active,  untiring  and  intrepid.  Their 
service  was  chiefly  performed  within  their  own  State  and  the  territory 
immediately  surrounding  it.  As  this  was  disputed  ground  from  first  to 
last  “eternal  vigilance”  was  required  of  the  troops  wi  thi  n its  borders,  and 
it  seems  to  have  fallen  to  the  lot  of  the  Tennessee  regiments  to  do  mote 
than  their  share  of  the  arduous  work  of  scouting,  raiding  and  skirmishing. 
Indeed  the  mounted  infantry  regiments,  all  of  which  were  organized  dur- 
ing the  last  eighteen  months  of  the  Avar,  saAV  no  other  kind  of  service. 

The  campaign  for  the  deliverance  of  East  Tennessee  was  entered  upon 
in  August,  1863,  simultaneously  with  the  advance  of  Eosecrans  upon 
Chattanooga.  Gen.  Burnside’s  army,  numbering  about  18,000  men, 
consisted  of  the  Twenty-third  and  Ninth  Army  Corps,  together  Avith  new 
troops  raised  in  Kentucky.  The  Tennessee  troops  Avere  attached  to  the 
Twenty-third  Corps,  and  included  the  First,  Second  and  Eighth  Eegi- 
ments of  Infantry,  the  Ninth  Cavalry,  and  the  Eighth  and  Tenth  East 
Tennessee  Cavalry,  afterward  consolidated  and  known  as  the  Eighth 
Tennessee  Cavalry. 

By  the  use  of  pack  mules  Gen.  Burnside  succeeded  in  pushing  his 
army  across  the  mountains  west  of  Cumberland  Gap,  and  after  a tedious 
and  difficult  march  approached  Knoxville.  The  first  regiment,  the  j 
Sixty-fifth  Indiana,  entered  the  toAvn  on  the  3d  of  September.  The  small 
Confederate  force  which  had  previously  occupied  the  post  had  been  quietly 
evacuating  it  for  several  days,  moving  supplies  and  railroad  equipments  to 
the  South.  About  three  days  later  Gen.  Burnside  with  the  main  part  ffi 
the  army  arrived,  and  soon  after  detachments  Avere  stationed  at  various 
places  along  the  railroad. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


491 


Col.  DeCourcy  with  his  brigade  had  already  been  ordered  to  Cum- 
berland Gap,  which  place  he  reached  on  September  8,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing day  received  its  surrender. 

About  the  1st  of  October  a considerable  force  of  Confederates  from 
Virginia  entered  upper  East  Tennessee  and  threatened  the  left  wing  of 
Burnside’s  army.  Nothing  was  done  by  the  latter,  however,  until  Oc- 
tober 10,  when  an  advance  in  force  was  made.  The  enemy  were  encoun- 
tered at  the  village  of  Blue  Springs,  and  after  a spirited  skirmish  were 
driven  back.  During  the  succeeding  night  they  retreated,  and  the  nest 
day  were  pursued  by  Gen.  Shackleford  and  driven  back  into  Virginia. 

On  the  22d  of  October  Gen.  Burnside  began  concentrating  his  force  at 
Loudon  to  meet  Longstreet,  who  with  a force  of  20,000  men  was 
approaching  from  Chattanooga.  Sis  days  later  the  Union  troops  were 
withdrawn  from  till;  south  side  of  the  river  at  Loudon,  and  the  nest 
morning  marched  to  Lenoirs,  where  they  went  into  camp.  There  they 
remained  until  the  morning  of  November  14,  when  the  entire  force  was 
ordered  under  arms,  as  Longstreet  was  at  last  coming,  and  had  thrown 
his  advance  across  the  Tennessee  sis  miles  west  of  Loudon.  No  fighting, 
however,  was  done,  escept  by  the  cavalry,  until  two  days  later.  Mean- 
while Burnside  had  fallen  back  to  Campbell’s  Station,  closely  followed  by 
Longstreet’s  infantry,  who  were  hastening  up  to  cut  his  line  of  retreat. 
Here  he  resolved  to  make  a stand  in  order  to  protect  his  wagon  trains, 
which  were  straggling  in  toward  Knoxville.  A battle  ensued  which 
lasted  nearly  all  day,  and  which  has  been  rated  as  the  decisive  battle  of 
the  campaign.  Longstreet’s  veterans  made  two  furious  assaults,  but  were 
repulsed  each  time  by  Burnside’s  infantry  and  artillery.  About  5 o’clock 
the  former  withdrew,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  dark  the  Union  Army  resumed 
its  retreat  to  Knoxville  unmolested.  Capt.  O.  M.  Poe,  chief  engineer  of 
the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  had  already  selected  the  lines  of  defense,  and  the 
next  day  the  work  of  fortification  was  carried  forward  with  the  utmost 
rapidity  not  only  by  the  troops,  but  by  citizens  impressed  into  service,  so 
that  by  the  morning  of  the  18th  the  city  was  strongly  fortified. 

Had  Longstreet  pushed  on  his  forces  to  Knoxville  during  the  night 
of  November  17,  and  been  ready  to  make  an  attack  the  next  morning, 
while  the  retreating  troops  were  demoralized,  and  the  town  without  the 
protection  of  a single  rifle  pit,  he  could  have  captured  the  entire  force 
without  so  much  as  a skirmish.  During  the  next  day  his  advance  was 
considerably  impeded  by  the  Federal  cavalry  under  Gen.  William  P. 
Sanders,  who  was  unfortunately  killed  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day 
just  outside  of  the  earthworks,  afterward  named  Fort  Sanders  in  honor 
of  his  memory.  Longstreet  immediately  invested  the  town,  but  made 


492 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


no  attack  until  Sunday,  November  29,  eleven  days  after  the  beginning 
of  the  siege.  He  had  evidently  intended  to  starve  Burnside  into  a sur- 
render, but  learning  that  Sherman  was  coming  from  Chattanooga,  decid- 
ed to  make  an  assault.  His  delay  had  given  the  besieged  time  to 
strengthen  their  defenses,  and  proved  fatal  to  his  hopes  of  success. 

At  daylight  on  the  29th  the  famous  “Barksdale  Brigade,”  composed 
of  Mississippi  troops,  made  an  attack  upon  Fort  Sanders,  then  under 
command  of  Gen.  Ferrero,  but  was  repulsed  with  a loss  of  about  1, 100  killed 
and  300  taken  prisoners,  while  the  Union  loss  was  only  8 killed,  5 
wounded  and  30  prisoners.  Fort  Sanders,  on  the  southwest  part  of 
town,  was  the  strongest  point  in  the  fortifications.  A deep  ditch  had 
been  dug  all  around  it,  and  in  front  of  this  trees  had  been  cut  down, 
and  telegraph  wires  stretched  from  stump  to  stump  about  eight  inches 
from  the  ground,  in  order  to  trip  the  men  and  break  the  lines.*  These 
served  their  intended  purpose,  but  the  charge  was  made  by  veterans,  and 
they  pushed  on,  filled  the  ditch,  climbed  up  the  parapet  and  planted 
three  Confederate  flags  on  the  top.  The  fort  would  then,  undoubtedly, 
have  been  taken  had  it  not  been  for  the  action  of  Lieut.  Benjamin, 
commander  of  the  battery.  The  guns  could  not  reach  those  in  the  ditch, 
and  he,  taking  the  shells  in  his  hand,  cut  the  fuse,  and  lighting  them 
with  his  cigar  threw  them  over  the  parapet,  when  they  exploded,  doing 
terrible  execution.'! 

The  assault  was  not  renewed,  and  on  the  following  Friday,  December 
4,  the  last  of  Longstreet’ s troops  withdrew  from  in  front  of  the  city. 
The  next  day  Sherman  sent  a.  despatch  to  Burnside  from  Maryville,  say- 
ing that  he  was  at  that  point  with  25,000  men,  and  would  leave  them 
there  unless  needed  at  Knoxville.  In  a short  time  he  returned  with  his 
forces  to  Chattanooga,  leaving  the  Fourth  Army  Corps  under  Gen.  Gran- 
ger to  re-enforce  the  garrison  at  Knoxville. 

Gen.  Longstreet  retreated  slowly  up  the  north  bank  of  the  Holstor, 
Fiver,  followed  by  the  Ninth  and  Twenty-third  Corps,  under  Gen.  Parke, 
and  about  4,000  cavalry.  As  soon  as  the  former  had  learned  that  Sher- 
man had  returned  to  Chattanooga  with  the  main  part  of  his  command, 
he  turned  upon  his  pursuers,  then  at  Bean’s  Station,  and  administered 
to  them  a decided  defeat.  Owing  to  the  inclemency  of  the  weather, 
however,  and  the  bad  condition  of  both  armies,  active  operations  were  soon 
after  suspended.  Longstreet  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Morristown 
and  Piussellville,  and  Gen.  Foster,  Avho  had  succeeded  Gen.  Burnside  in 

*This  plan  was  suggested  to  the  engineer  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Hoxie,  ofKuoxville,  who  had  been  master  mechanic 
on  the  East  Tennessee  & Virginia  Railroad.  Upon  the  occupation  of  Knoxville  Burnside  made  him  a mem- 
ber of  his  staff,  and  placed  him  in  charge  of  transportation,  in  which  position  he  rendered  valuable  assistance. 

f History  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 


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ROSS VI LLE 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


493 


■command  of  tlie  Army  of  the  Ohio,  withdrew  the  greater  part  of  his 
forces  to  Knoxville. 

When  Burnside  retreated  to  Knoxville  a portion  of  his  command  was 
stationed  in  detachments  at  various  points  above  that  city  and  were  con- 
sequently shut  out  during  the  siege.  Among  these  detachments  were 
several  Tennessee  regiments.  The  Tennessee  troops  that  participated  in 
the  defense  of  Knoxville  were  the  Eighth  Infantry  and  the  Eighth 
and  Ninth  Cavalry,  and  others. 

During  the  June  previous  to  the  siege  Gen.  Sanders,  with  about 
2,000  men,  including  the  First  Tennessee  Infantry,  made  a successful 
raid  into  East  Tennessee  from  Kentucky.  He  reached  Knoxville  on  the 
evening  of  June  20,  1863.  The  next  day  he  planted  a battery  on  the 
north  side  of  the  town  and  began  an  artillery  duel  with  the  Confederates 
on  the  opposite  ridge,  during  which  only  one  person  was  injured. 
Pleasant  M.  McClung  was  shot,  it  is  said,  by  the  last  gun  fired  by  San- 
ders’ men.  Gen.  Buckner,  in  command  of  the  post,  was  absent  with  his 
life  guard,  leaving  only  Kain’s  artillery  and  parts  of  two  Florida  regi- 
ments to  defend  it.  Had  Gen.  Sanders  made  an  immediate  assault  he 
could  probably  have  captured  the  town.  During  the  day,  however,  a 
Virginia  regiment  arrived  and  Sanders  retreated  to  Strawberrv  Plains 
and  Mossy  Creek  and  thence  back  into  Kentucky. 

February  9,  1864,  Gen.  J.  M.  Schofield  superseded  Gen.  Foster  in 
command  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio.  No  movement  of  importance  was 
made  until  April,  when,  Gen.  Longstreet  having  gone  to  rejoin  Lee  in 
Virginia,  preparations  were  made  for  the  Georgia  campaign.  The 
Ninth  Corps  having  been  returned  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Gen. 
Schofield  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  Twenty-third  Corps,  and 
0.  O.  Howard  succeeded  Gen.  Granger  in  command  of  the  Fourth  Corps. 
About  the  last  of  April,  1864,  after  tearing  up  the  railroad  for  a consid- 
erable distance  above  Bull’s  Gap,  the  entire  force,  with  the  exception  of 
small  garrisons  at  Knoxville  and  Loudon,  moved  to  join  Sherman.  The 
Tennessee  Infantry,  which  participated  in  this  campaign,  formed  a part 
of  the  Twenty -third  Corps,  and  included  the  Third  and  Sixth  Regiments, 
Cooper’s  brigade;  Fifth  Regiment,  Manson’s  brigade,  and  the  First  and 

Eighth  Regiments,  brigade.  The  history  of  the  Georgia 

campaign  and  the  part  performed  by  the  Twenty-third  Corps  is  too  well 
known  to  require  mention  here.  October  31,  1864,  Gen.  Schofield,  who 
was  at  Resaca  with  the  Twenty-third  Corps,  was  ordered  by  Gen.  Thomas 
to  Pulaski.  He  arrived  at  Nashville  November  5,  and  was  immediately 
1 sent  to  Johnsonville.  Finding  that  the  enemy  had  already  retreated  he 
1 left  a force  for  the  defense  of  that  part  and  moved  to  join  the  Fourth 

31 


494 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Corps  at  Atlanta.  Among  tire  troops  left  at  Jolmsonville  were  the  Third 
and  Sixth  Tennessee  Infantry,  Cooper’s  brigade.  Several  regiments  of 
Tennessee  cavalry  were  also  employed  in  that  vicinity.  When  Hood 
reached  Columbia  Gen.  Cooper  was  ordered  to  join  Gen.  Schofield  at 
Franklin,  for  which  place  he  immediately  started.  “Owing  to  delays  in 
receiving  his  orders,  however,  he  could  not  reach  Franklin  before  its  oc- 
cupation by  the  enemy,  and  turned  his  column  direct  for  Nashville,  and 
arrived  at  the  Brentwood  Hill,  by  the  Charlotte  pike,  on  the  night  of 
December  2,  and  again  found  the  enemy  between  him  and  the  army. 
He  then  marched  to  Clarksville,  where  he  arrived  in  safety  on  the  5th, 
and  rejoined  his  command  on  the  8th  of  December.  Gen.  Cooper  de- 
serves great  credit  for  the  skill  and  judgment  displayed  in  conducting 
his  retreat.”* 

The  fight  which  took  place  before  Nashville  was  participated  in  by 
more  Tennessee  troops  than  any  other  one  battle  of  the  war.  All  the 
infantry  regiments  then  in  the  field,  with  the  exception  of  the  Fourth, 
and  all  the  cavalry,  except  three  regiments  under  Gen.  Gillem,  were 
present.  All  conducted  themselves  gallantly,  and  several  received  es- 
pecial mention  from  the  commanding  officer  in  his  report  of  the  battle. 

August  4,  1864,  what  was  known  as  the  “Brigade  of  Governor’s 
Guards”  was  organized  in  accordance  with  the  following  order: 

State  of  Tennessee,  Executive  Department, 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  August  1,  1864. 

Ordered  1.  That  Gen.  A.  C.  Gillem,  adjutant-general  of  Tennessee,  be  assigned  to 
the  command  of  the  troops  known  as  the  “Governor’s  Guards.” 

2.  That  First  Lieut.  Ed  S.  Richards  is  announced  as  assistant  adjutant-general  of 
the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  must  be  obeyed  and  respected  accordingly.  Lieut.  Richards 
will  establish  his  office  in  this  city. 

3.  It  is  further  ordered  that  Gen.  Alvan  C.  Gillem  proceed  with  the  Ninth  and  Thir- 
teenth Regiments  of  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  Batteries  E and  G,  First  Tennessee  Light 
Artillery,  to  East  Tennessee,  and,  under  such  orders  as  he  shall  from  time  to  time  receive 
from  this  office,  kill  or  drive  out  all  bands  of  lawless  persons  or  bands  which  now  infest 
that  portion  of  the  State.  It  is  not  to  be  understood  that  this  order  shall  prevent  Geu. 
Gillem,  whenever  he  shall  deem  it  feasible  or  expedient,  from  pursuing  said  bands  of  out- 
laws beyond  the  limits  of  the  State.  Gen.  Gillem  is  further  authorized,  under  such  in- 
struction as  he  shall  receive  from  this  office,  to  take  such  measures  as  are  deemed  expedi- 
ent to  re-establish  order  and  enforce  civil  law,  to  which  end  Gen.  Gillem  will  lend  every 
assistance  in  his  power  to  the  regularly  constituted  civil  authorities.  All  the  organized 
regiments  of  Tennessee  troops  being  raised  in  East  Tennessee  to  serve  one  year  or  longer 
will  obey  the  orders  of  Gen.  Gillem,  who  is  authorized  to  organize  such  new  regi- 
ments as  may  be  deemed  expedient.  Officers  of  the  commissary  and  quartermaster  de- 
partments will  furnish  the  necessary  supplies  upon  the  requisition  of  Gen.  Gillem. 

Andrew  Johnson, 

Brigadier- General  and  Military  Governor  of  Tennessee. 

Immediately  after  its  organization  the  brigade  began  its  march  to 

*Report  of  Gen.  Schofield. 


/ 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


495 


East  Tennessee,  where  it  arrived  about  the  middle  of  the  same  month. 
August  22  a skirmish  occurred  at  Rogersville,  soon  after  which  the  com- 
mand took  position  at  Bull’s  Gap.  While  there  it  was  learned  that  Gen. 
Morgan  with  his  command  were  at  Greeneville,  and  an  immediate  ad- 
vance was  made  upon  that  place. 

“ On  the  evening*  of  September  3,  at  6 o’clock  a courier  reported  to 
Col.  Miller,  then  in  command  of  the  brigade,  that  the  enemy,  in  heavy 
force,  were  advancing  and  were  in  camp  about  two  miles  west  of  Greene- 
ville. After  a short  consultation  of  the  commanding  officers  it  was 
decided  to  move  at  once,  and  at  11  o’clock  the  Thirteenth  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Greeneville,  passing  around  the  enemy’s 
flank.  At  12  o’clock  the  remainder  of  the  command  moved  out.  The 
night  was  very  dark  and  the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  but  the  troops  pushed 
on  and  at  6 o’clock  in  the  morning  they  came  upon  the  pickets  of  the 
enemy,  who  were  attacked  by  the  Tenth  Michigan  Cavalry,  then  in 
advance,  and  with  the  whole  force  driven  back  about  three  miles.  By 
that  time  the  Thirteenth  had  joined  the  rear  and  began  an  attack,  which, 
with  a charge  made  by  the  Ninth,  scattered  them  in  all  directions;  some 
forty  being  taken  prisoners.  Meanwhile  two  companies,  I and  G,  of  the 
Thirteenth,  had  been  sent  into  the  town ; there  they  surprised  Gen.  Mor- 
gan and  his  staff,  who  were  at  a Mrs.  Williams’.  Morgan  ran  out  and 
attempted  to  escape,  but  was  shot  and  instantly  killed  by  Andrew  Carnp- 
bel,  a private  of  Company  G.  The  two  companies  captured  the  staff,  and 
taking  the  body  of  Morgan  upon  a horse,  returned  to  their  command  with- 
out having  lost  a man.  The  entire  column  then  moved  into  the  town, 
where  they  found  the  enemy’s  artillery  planted  upon  College  Hill.  A 
flank  movement  by  the  Ninth  and  Thirteenth  Regiments  soon  dislodged 
it,  and  the  entire  command  fled  in  confusion,  leaving  two  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, several  wagons,  and  other  equipments.  They  were  driven  about 
four  miles,  when  the  pursuit  was  abandoned.  On  September  27  a sharp 
fight  occurred  at  Watauga,  in  which  the  command  lost  15,  killed  and 
wounded.  Another  skirmish  took  place  at  Greeneville,  on  October  12. 
On  October  27,  the  brigade  left  New  Market,  and  during  the  day  met 
the  enemy  and  drove  them  back.  On  the  next  day  the  command  moved 
forward  until  within  one  mile  of  Morristown,  where  they  found  the  enemy 
in  line  ready  to  receive  them,  with  the  Ninth  and  Thirteenth  Regiment  in 
front  and  the  Eighth  in  the  rear  to  support  the  artillery;  a charge  was 
made,  but  it  failed  to  break  the  Confederate  line,  a sabre  charge  was 
then  ordered.  This  proved  more  successful;  the  line  was  broken,  and 

*This  description  of  the  battle  at  Greeneville  is  taken  from  an  account  of  it  written  at  the  time  by  a Ten- 
nessee officer. 


496 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


McClung’s  battery  captured  witli  a loss  to  tlie  enemy  of  about  300  killed, 
wounded  and  captured.” 

From  tliis  time  nothing  but  scout  and  guard  duty  was  done  until 
November  9,  when  tlie  brigade  assembled  at  Bull’s  Gap,  where  two  days 
later  it  was  confronted  by  the  Confederates  under  Gen.  Breckinridge,  by 
whom,  on  the  12tli,  an  unsuccessful  assault  was  made.  At  nightfall  on  the 
following  day  the  brigade  withdrew  from  the  Gap.  After  having  pro- 
ceeded about  ten  miles  an  attack  was  made  upon  the  rear,  causing  a 
stampede  among  the  pack-mules  and  wagon-trains,  and  producing  the 
greatest  confusion.  The  artillery  and  several  hundred  men  were  captured, 
and  the  remainder  of  the  force  driven  back  to  Strawberry  Plains  and 
thence  to  Knoxville.  As  soon  as  the  report  of  Gillem’s  defeat  reached 
Gen.  Thomas  he  ordered  Gen.  Stoneman  from  Louisville,  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  forces  in  East  Tennessee.  The  latter  immediately  ordered 
Gen.  Burbridge  to  march  with  all  his  available  force  in  Kentucky,  by  the 
way  of  the  Cumbei’land  Gap,  to  join  Gillem.  At  the  same  time  Gen. 
Ammon,  who  had  been  co-operating  with  Gen.  Gillem,  received  a re-en- 
forcement of  1,500  men  from  Chattanooga,  and  at  once  occupied  Straw- 
berry Plains. 

Having  quickly  concentrated  the  commands  of  Gens.  Burbridge  and 
Gilem  at  Bean’s  Station,  on  the  12th  of  December  Gen.  Stoneman  started 
for  Bristol,  his  advance  under  Gillem  striking  the  enemy  under  Duke 
at  Kingsport,  killing,  capturing,  or  dispersing  the  whole  command.  The 
entire  force  then  pushed  on  to  Wytheville,  meeting  and  completely  rout- 
ing the  enemy  under  Vaughn,  at  Marion,  Va.  Having  destroyed  a large 
amount  of  supplies  of  all  kinds  at  Wytheville,  Gen.  Stoneman  turned  his 
attention  to  Saltville  and  its  important  salt  works,  which  were  captured 
and  destroyed.*  The  command  then  returned  to  Knoxville,  where  it 
arrived  on  December  29,  having  marched  an  average  of  forty-two  miles 
every  twenty-four  hours  since  its  departure.  It  remained  in  camp  until 
March  21,  when  such  portion  as  was  mounted  joined  Gen.  Stoneman 
upon  his  great  raid.  The  vote  for  governor,  at  the  election  March  4,  1865, 
indicates  the  relative  strength  of  the  regiments  at  that  time.  It  was  as 
follows:  Eighth,  384;  Ninth,  606;  Thirteenth,  259;  Battery  E,  79. 

After  the  close  of  hostilities  many  Confederates  who  returned  to  their 
homes  in  East  Tennessee  suffered  violence  at  the  hands  of  Union  men  iu 
retaliation  for  outrages  committed  at  the  beginning  of  the  war.  This 
soon  ceased,  however;  and  at  the  present  time  there  is  no  place  perhaps 
in  the  United  States  wdiere  there  is  a more  fraternal  spirit  existing  be- 
tween the  Unionist  and  the  ex-Confederate  than  in  East  Tennessee.  Ten- 

*In  bis  report  of  the  expedition,  Gen  Stoneman  gives  the  Thirteenth  Tennessee  Cavalry  the  honor  ol 
having  acted  the  most  conspicuous  part  in  the  capture  of  Saltville. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


497 


liessee  furnished  about  30,000  troops  to  the  Federal  Army.  They  were 
mustered  as  follows:  Eight  regiments  of  infantry,  eight  regiments  of 
mounted  infantry,  thirteen  regiments  of  cavalry  and  five  battalions  of 
light  artillery.  But  in  addition  to  these  regiments  there  were  also  en- 
listed, within  the  limits  of  the  State,  about  17,000  colored  troops,  the 
precise  number  of  which  cannot  be  ascertained,  as  they  were  enrolled  as 
United  States  troops  without  regard  to  State  boundaries. 

The  State  also  contributed  to  the  Federal  Army  a large  number  of 
efficient  officers.  In  addition  to  those  colonels  and  lieutenant-colonels 
who  from  time  to  time  commanded  brigades,  Tennessee  furnished  the 
following  brigadier-generals : Samuel  P.  Carter,  Joseph  A.  Cooper,  Al- 
van  C.  Gillem,  James  G.  Spears,  William  B.  Campbell  and  Andrew 
Johnson,  the  military  governor,  the  first  three  of  whom  were  also  major- 
generals  by  brevet.  The  colonels  who  were  brevetted  brigadier-gener- 
als were  William  J.  Smith,  George  Spalding  and  James  P.  Brownlow. 
Gov.  Johnson,  upon  the  organization  of  the  State  government  in  1862, 
appointed  Alvan  C.  Gillem  adjutant-general,  a position  which  he  contin- 
ued to  hold  until  the  election  of  Gov.  Brownlow,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  James  P.  Brownlow.  On  August  1,  1864,  Lieut.  Edward  S.  Rich- 
ards was  appointed  assistant  adjutant-general. 

The  first  Union  regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  organized  by 
Col.  R.  K.  Byrd,  at  Camp  Dick  Robinson,  Ivy.,  in  August,  1861.  The 
other  regimental  officers  at  that  time  were  James  G.  Spears,  lieutenant- 
colonel;  James  T.  Shelley,  major;  Leonard  C.  Houk,  quartermaster ; Ed- 
ward Maynard,  adjutant;  Robert  L.  Stanford,  surgeon;  William  A.  Rog- 
ers, assistant  surgeon,  and  Samuel  L.  Williams,  chaplain.  This  regi- 
ment was  first  under  fire  in  the  engagement  at  Wild  Cat,  and  was  after- 
ward present  at  the  battle  of  Mill  Springs.  It  also  assisted  in  the  capt- 
ure of  Cumberland  Gap,  where  it  remained  until  the  evacuation  of  that 
post  by  Gen.  Morgan.  It  then  retreated  with  the  remainder  of  the  com- 
mand to  Ohio,  and  thence  went  on  an  expedition  up  the  Kanawha  Valley. 
Returning,  it  went  by  the  way  of  Louisville  to  Nashville,  arriving  in 
time  to  participate  in  the  battle  at  Stone  River,  after  which  it  returned 
to  Lexington,  Ivy.  It  then  entered  East  Tennessee  under  Burnside’s 
command  and  was  present  at  the  siege  of  Knoxville.  During  the  winter 
of  1864  it  was  stationed  at  Kingston,  and  in  the  spring  entered  upon  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  participating  in  all  of  the  engagements  until  just  pre- 
vious to  the  surrender  of  the  city,  when  the  greater  portion  of  the  regi- 
ment was  discharged  on  account  of  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  service. 

While  at  Cumberland  Gap  a detachment  of  this  and  the  Second  Reg- 
iment, consisting  of  sixty-nine  men,  led  by  Capt.  Meyers  and  Lieut. 


498 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Rogers,  captured  an  important  outpost  ot  the  Confederates  without  the 
loss  of  a man.  For  this  exploit  a complimentary  notice  was  read  on  dress 
parade,  by  order  of  Gen.  Morgan. 

The  Second  Union  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry  was  recruited  and 
organized  at  Camp  Dick  Robinson,  Ky.,  with  James  P.  Carter*  as  colo- 
nel; D.  C.  Trewliitt,  lieutenant-colonel;  M.  Cleaveland,  major;  A.  Neat, 
surgeon;  D.  A.  Carpenter,  lieutenant  and  adjutant;  George  W.  Keith, 
quartermaster,  and  IV.  J.  Keith,  commissary  sergeant.  The  regiment 
Avas  mustered  into  service  to  date  from  the  28th  of  September,  1861,  and 
on  the  18th  of  October  following  marched  to  meet  the  Confederate  forces 
under  Gen.  Zollicoffei.  From  that  time  until  the  evacuation  of  Cum- 
berland Gap  by  the  Federal  forces  under  Gen.  George  W.  Morgan  in  Sep- 
tember, 1862,  the  regiment  Avas  employed  in  eastern  Kentucky,  partici- 
pating in  the  battles  of  Mill  Springs  and  many  lesser  engagements.  It 
then  marched  through  northeastern  Kentucky,  crossed  into  Ohio  and 
thence  entered  the  Kanawha  Valley,  IV.  Va.  Returning  by  the  way  of 
Point  Pleasant,  Ohio,  it  went  from  there  to  Louisville  by  river,  thence  by 
land  to  Murfreesboro,  Avliere  it  Avas  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Stone’s  Riv- 
er. It  remained  there  until  March  10,  1863,  when  it  returned  to  Ken- 
tucky for  the  purpose  of  being  mounted,  which  was  done  about  June  1, 
1863.  It  remained  in  Kentucky,  participating  in  various^  minor  engage- 
ments with  the  Confederate  forces  under  Pegram  and  Scott,  until  July  4, 
when  it  started  in  pursuit  of  Gen.  Morgan  in  his  raid  through  Kentucky, 
Indiana  and  Ohio,  and  was  present  at  his  capture.  It  then  returned  to 
Stanford,  Ky.,  and  joined  the  force  under  Gen.  Burnside  for  the  cam- 
paign in  East  Tennessee.  In  Avas  in  the  advance  of  Burnside’s  forces  at 
Wolf  Creek  and  Loudon,  Tenn.,  and  Avas  present  at  the  surrender  of 
Cumberland  Gap  by  the  Confederate  Gen.  Frazier.  It  also  took  the  ad- 
vance of  the  column  which  moved  into  upper  East  Tennessee  from  Knox- 
ville, and  brought  on  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Blue  Springs. 
After  pursuing  the  retreating  forces  to  Abingdon,  Va.,  and  destroying  a 
large  amount  of  stores,  it  returned  to  Rogersville,  Tenn.,  where,  on  No- 
vember 6,  1863,  the  regiment  Avas  captured  by  Gen.  Jones.  One  hun- 
dred and  seventeen  men,  most  of  whom  had  been  captured,  but  soon  af- 
ter made  their  escape,  reported  at  Knoxville  and  were  on  duty  there 
during  the  siege  up  to  the  31st  of  November.  Soon  after  the  remnants 
of  the  regiment  were  gathered  up  and  were  detailed,  as  provost  guards, 
to  duty  at  Sevierville,  Maryville,  Clinton  and  Maynardsville.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1864,  the  garrison  at  Maryville,  consisting  of  twenty-eight  men, 
was  captured.  The  remaining  detachments  Avere  then  ordered  immedi- 


* Resigned  March  2,  1864 ; succeeded  by  J.  M.  Melton. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


499 


\ 


ately  to  Lee’s  Ferry,  on  tlie  Clinch  River,  to  harrass  Wheeler’s  forces, 
who  were  then  on  a raid  through  East  Tennessee.  After  this  expedition 
the  regiment  returned  to  Knoxville,  where,  on  October  6,  1864,  it  was 
mustered  out  of  service,  there  being  at  that  time  only  106  of  the  orig- 
inal number. 

The  Third  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  organized  at 
Flat  Lick,  Ky.,  by  Col.  Leonidas  C.  Houk  and  Lieut.  John  C.  Childs  in 
March,  1862.  The  other  field  and  staff  officers  were  William  Cross, 
major;  Daniel  M.  Ray,  adjutant;  John  D.  Lewis,  quartermaster;  Will- 
iam A.  Rodgers,  surgeon;  John  P.  Blankinsliip,  assistant  surgeon;  Will- 
iam F.  Dowell,  chaplain;  John  L.  Shipe,  sergeant-major;  Elijah  W. 
Adkins,  quartermaster-sergeant.  It  remained  near  Flat  Lick  until  June, 
then,  with  Spear’s  Brigade,  went  to  Cumberland  Gap,  but  was  subse- 
quently ordered  to  London,  Ky.  Here  the  regiment  was  divided,  five 
companies  under  Col.  Houk  remaining  at  that  place,  and  the  other  five 
companies  under  Lieut. -Col.  Childs  going  to  Richmond.  Houk  having 
been  attacked  by  a superior  force  under  Gen.  Scott  retreated  to  Cumber- 
land Gap,  and  subsequently,  with  Morgan,  to  Ohio.  The  five  companies 
under  Childs  while  on  their  way  to  rejoin  Houk  at  Loudon,  were  attacked 
by  Scott’s  cavalry  at  Big  Hill,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  command 
captured.  The  remainder  made  their  way  to  Richmond,  Ky.,  where,  on 
August  23,  1862,  all  but  about  100  were  taken  prisoners  and  paroled. 
The  few  who  escaped  retreated  to  Louisville,  and  were  temporarily 
attached  to  the  Third  Kentucky  Infantry,  with  'which  command  they  took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Perryville.  They  were  then  ordered  to  Gallipolis, 
Ohio,  where  the  regiment  was  reunited.  It  then  went  to  Nashville,  and 
thence  to  Murfreesboro.  In  April,  1863,  Col.  Houk  and  Lieut. -Col. 
Childs  resigned,  and  the  regiment  then  stationed  at  Carthage  was  placed 
under  the  command  of  Maj.  William  Cross,  who,  a short  time  after,  was 
commissioned  colonel.  In  August  the  regiment  left  Carthage,  and 
marched  by  the  way  of  Alexandria  and  McMinnville  to  a point  on  the 
Tennessee  River  below  Chattanooga.  It  remained  in  the  vicinity  of 
Chattanooga  until  November,  when  it  proceeded  to  Knoxville  to  the  relief 
of  Burnside.  April  26,  1864,  it  left  Strawberry  Plains  to  enter  upon  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  in  which  it  took  an  active  part.  After  the  surrender 
of  Atlanta  it  was  ordered  to  Johnsonville,  thence  to  Duck  River,  and 
finally  to  Columbia.  Before  reaching  the  latter  place,  however,  the 
approach  of  Hood  forced  it  back  to  Nashville,  which  it  reached  by  the 
way  of  Charlotte  and  Clarksville,  arriving  in  time  to  participate  in  the 
battles  before  that  city.  After  pursuing  the  enemy  to  Clifton,  Tenn., 
it  returned  to  Nashville,  and  was  there  mustered  out  February  23,  1865, 


500 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  regiment  at  that  time  numbering  about  340  of  the  original  com- 
mand. During  its  existence  it  numbered  990  enlisted  men. 

The  Fourth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  recruited 
under  the  direction  of  Col.  Daniel  Stover,  of  Carter  County,  Tenn.,  at 
Louisville,  in  the  spring  of  1863.  It  was  composed  wholly  of  exiles  from 
East  Tennessee,  who  were  brought  out  of  the  Confederate  lines  by  officers 
and  pilots  sent  in  for  that  purpose.  May  29  the  regiment  left  Louis- 
ville, and  was  mustered  into  service  in  the  following  June.  September 
9,  1863,  under  the  command  of  Maj.  M.  L.  Patterson,  it  marched  to 
McMinnville,  Tenn.,  where,  on  the  3d  of  October,  after  two  hours’  hard 
fighting  against  a greatly  superior  force  under  Gen.  Wheeler,  it  was 
captured  and  paroled.  Maj.  Patterson,  with  forty  men,  returned  to 
Nashville,  and  the  remainder  of  the  regiment,  with  few  exceptions, 
returned  to  their  homes  in  East  Tennessee.  Upon  the  arrival  of  Maj. 
Patterson  in  Nashville  a court  of  inquiry  was  appointed  to  examine  into 
the  circumstances  connected  with  the  surrender  of  the  post  at  McMinn- 
ville, which  resulted  in  his  complete  exoneration  from  all  charges.  He 
then  proceeded  to  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  to  reorganize  the  regiment,  where 
many  of  the  soldiers  reported  immediately  for  duty,  the  paroles  being 
invalid,  having  been  given  in  violation  of  the  cartel.  January  20,  1861, 
the  regiment  was  assigned  to  the  First  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Twenty- 
third  Army  Corps.  On  the  withdrawal  of  Gen.  Schofield’s  army  from 
upper  East  Tennessee,  the  regiment  was  sent  to  Loudon,  and  three  com- 
panies, under  Maj.  Reeves,  to  Kingston,  Maj.  Patterson  having  been 
promoted  to  the  lieutenant-colonelcy,  was  detached  to  command  the  bri- 
gade with  headquarters  at  Loudon.  The  regiment  remained  there  until 
November,  1861,  when  the  troops  were  ordered  to  Knoxville.  Lieut.- 
Col.  Patterson  was  then  put  in  command  of  a brigade  consisting  of  the 
Fourth  Tennessee  and  Third  North  Carolina  Infantry  for  an  expedition 
to  Paint  Rock,  N.  C.,  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  Confederates  from  Gen. 
Stoneman.  This  expedition  ended  about  January  10,  1865.  The  reg- 
iment remained  in  upper  East  Tennessee  and  vicinity  until  July,  when 
it  was  ordered  to  Nashville  to  be  mustered  out.  Col.  Stover,  who  organ- 
ized the  regiment,  was  early  attacked  by  consumption  and  saw  no  serv- 
ice in  the  field. 

The  Fifth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  organized  at 
Barboursville,  Ky.,  by  Col.  James  T.  Shelley,  of  Roane  County,  in  March, 
1862.  As  a part  of  Spear’s  brigade  it  participated  in  the  operations 
around  Cumberland  Gap  during  the  summer  of  1862,  also  in  the  retreat 
from  that  place,  and  subsequently  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River.  It  wras 
present  at  Chickamauga,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  battle  of  Mission 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


501 


Ridge.  In  the  Georgia  campaign  it  formed  a part  of  Manson’s  brigade, 
and  with  the  remainder  of  the  Twenty-third  Corps  returned  to  fight 
Hood  before  Nashville. 

The  organization  of  the  Sixth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infant- 
ry was  begun  in  the  early  part  of  March,  1862,  by  Col.  Joseph  A. 
Cooper,  at  Barboursville,  Ivy.,  and,  like  most  of  the  other  regiments  from 
Tennessee,  was  composed  mainly  of  Unionist  refugees.  On  April  23, 
four  companies  being  completed,  a lieutenant-colonel,  Edward  May- 
nard, was  appointed.  By  May  1 three  other  companies  were  completed 
and  the  following  field  and  staff  officers  had  been  appointed:  William  C. 
Pickens,  major;  Henry  H.  Wiley,  quartermaster;  William  Cary,  quar- 
termaster-sergeant; Ayres  Maupin,  surgeon,  and  Henry  W.  Parker, 
adjutant.  The  regiment  actively  participated  in  the  opening  movements 
of  the  Seventh  Division  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  under  Gen.  G.  W. 
Morgan,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cumberland  Gap,  where  it  remained  until 
September  17,  1862,  when  it  took  up  the  line  of  march  in  Morgan’s  fa- 
mous retreat  to  the  Ohio  River.  After  being  refitted  it  remained  at  Gal- 
lipolis,  Ohio,  until  November  11,  when  the  brigade  to  which  it  was 
attached  was  ordered  to  Nashville.  During  the  battle  of  Stone  River  it 
was  detailed  as  an  escort  for  an  ammunition  train  for  Rosecrans’  army. 
A short  distance  from  Nashville  it  was  attacked  by  the  Confederate  cav- 
alry under  Wheeler,  who  was  immediately  repulsed  with  considerable 
loss.  It  remained  at  Murfreesboro  until  April,  1863,  when  it  was  at- 
tached to  the  First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Fourteenth  Army  Corps, 
and  from  that  time  until  September,  was  employed  in  drilling  and  scout- 
ing in  the  vicinities  of  Carthage,  Alexandria  and  McMinnville.  About 
September  10,  it  crossed  the  mountains  and  moved  toward  Chattanoo- 
ga, arriving  in  time  to  participate  in  the  close  of  the  battle  of  Chicka- 
mauga,  as  a part  of  Granger’s  reserve  corps.  The  regiment  wms  then 
stationed  on  the  river  above  Chattanooga  until  it  joined  the  forces  that 
moved  to  the  relief  of  Burnside  at  Knoxville.  It  was  engaged  in  the 
campaign  of  East  Tennessee  during  the  following  winter.  In  April, 
1864,  having  been  transferred  to  the  Second  Division,  Twenty-Third 
Army  Corps,  Department  of  the  Ohio,  it  moved  to  join  Sherman  in  his 
campaign  to  Atlanta.  In  this  it  took  an  active  part,  losing  heavily  at 
Resaca.  After  the  capture  of  Atlanta  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  report 
to  Gen.  Thomas  at  Nashville,  and  was  located  at  Johnsonville  and  Duck 
River  until  the  advance  of  Hood  compelled  a retreat.  The  regiment 
reached  Nashville  by  the  way  of  Charlotte  and  Clarksville,  and  partici- 
pated in  the  battles  around  that  city  on  the  loth  and  16th  of  December. 
It  was  then  transferred  to  North  Carolina  and  joined  Sherman’s  forces 


502 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


at  Goldsboro,  where  it  remained  until  March  3,  1865.  The  regiment 
was  then  returned  to  Nashville  and  was  mustered  out  on  April  27,  1865, 
having  served  a few  days  over  three  years. 

The  Seventh  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  never  or- 
ganized, and  the  companies  raised  for  it  were  transferred  to  other  reg- 
iments. 

The  Eighth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  recruited 
from  East  Tennessee  exiles  and  refugees  at  Nicliolsville,  Lexington, 
Camp  Dick  Robinson  and  other  points  in  Kentucky,  by  Col.  Felix  A. 
Reeve,  assisted  by  John  B.  Brownlow  and  H.  II.  Thomas.  The  work  of 
recruiting  was  begun  in  the  fall  of  1862,  but  owing  to  the  fact  that  sev- 
eral cavalry  regiments,  which  were  more  popular  with  the  foot-sore  refu- 
gees, were  proposed  at  the  same  time,  volunteers  for  infantry  service 
were  not  numerous,  and  it  was  not  until  August  1863,  that  the  regiment 
numbering  about  700  men  was  organized.  It  Avas  then  assigned  to  the 
Second  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Twenty-Third  Army  Corps,  Depart- 
ment of  the  Ohio,  and  Avas  present  at  Knoxville  during  the  siege  of  that 
place.  In  April,  1864,  it  marched  to  join  Sherman  on  his  Atlanta  cam- 
paign, in  which  it  took  a very  active  part,  participating  in  every  engage- 
ment. At  Utowah  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  it  was  in  the  advance,  and  about 
100  men  of  the  regiment  Avere  killed  and  Avounded  in  less  than  fifteen 
minutes.  The  Eight  Regiment  also  bore  an  honorable  part  in  the  bat- 
tles of  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  and  Columbia,  Franklin  and  Nashville,  Tenn. 
In  January,  1865,  Avith  the  remainder  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  it  was 
transferred  to  North  Carolina,  Avliere  it  participated  in  the  actions  at 
Fort  Anderson,  Town  Creek  and  Wilmington.  Col.  Reeve  resigned 
command  of  the  regiment  in  July,  1864.  The  major  of  the  regiment 
when  organized  was  George  D.  LaVergne,  who  was  promoted  to  lieu- 
tenant-colonel in  October,  1863,  in  place  of  Isham  Young,  resigned. 

The  Ninth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  never  mus- 
tered into  service,  it  being  transferred  and  merged  into  other  regiments 
before  it  was  completely  organized. 

The  Tenth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  organized  at 
Nashville,  about  July,  1862,  and  was  at  first  known  as  the  First  Tennes- 
see Governor’s  Guards.  It  Avas  recruited  partly  in  Nashville,  and  partly 
in  Rutherford,  Wayne,  Hardin  and  Lawrence  Counties,  and  was  com- 
posed of  a mixture  of  Americans,  Irish  and  Germans.  Until  the  sum- 
mer of  1863  the  regiment  did  provost  guard  duty  at  Nashville,  being 
encamped  first  at  Fort  Gillem,  and  afterward  upon  the  Capitol  grounds. 
It  was  then  ordered  out  to  guard  the  Nashville  & North-western  Rail- 
road, Avhere  it  remained  until  the  spring  of  1864.  During  the  folloAving 

• 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


503 


year  the  regiment  was  divided  up  considerably,  detachments  being  de- 
tailed for  various  purposes.  In  the  spring  of  1865  it  was  ordered  to 
Knoxville,  at  wdiich  place  and  at  Greeneville,  it  remained  until  about  J uly, 
when  it  was  returned  to  Nashville  and  mustered  out.  It  was  commanded 
at  first  by  Col.  A.  C.  Gillem,  and  afterward  by  Col.  James  W.  Scully. 

The  First  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized  at 
Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  November  1,  1862,  with  Robert  Johnson  as  col- 
onel; James  P.  Brownloy,  lieutenant-colonel;  James  O.  Berry  and  Will- 
iam R.  Tracy,  majors;  Pleasant  M.  Logan,  surgeon;  James  H.  Jones, 
assistant  surgeon;  John  P.  Hotsinger,  chaplain;  Charles  H.  Bentley  adju- 
tant; John  H.  James,  quartermaster:  McK.  C.  Williams  and  Franklin 

Highbarger,  sergeant-majors.  The  regiment  was  then  ordered  to  Ten- 
nessee, and  in  the  organization  of  the  cavalry,  Department  of  the  Cumber- 
land wTas  united  with  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division.  The  ensuing  sum- 
mer, with  the  forces  of  Gen.  Rosecrans,  it  entered  on  the  campaign  which 
resulted  in  the  occupation  of  Tullahoma  and  Chattanooga,  participating 
in  engagements  at  Rover,  Middleton,  Guyer’s  Gap,  Shelby ville  and  Cow- 
an’s Station.  After  an  expedition  through  northern  Alabama  and  Geor- 
gia under  Lieut. -Col.  Brownlow,  it  2’eached  Chickamauga,  and  participated 
in  the  three  days’  battle  of  September  18-20,  1863.  It  was  then  sent 
in  pursuit  of  Gen.  Wheeler,  going  by  the  way  of  McMinnville,  Shelby- 
ville  and  Murfreesboro,  a detachment  being  sent  to  Sparta.  The  regi- 
ment afterward  proceeded  to  Kingston,  Knoxville,  Strawberry  Plains, New 
Market,  Dandridge  and  Mossy  Creek.  At  the  last  two  places  engage- 
ments with  the  Confederate  cavalry,  in  greatly  superior  force,  were  had, 
but  by  gallant  charges  under  skillful  leadership  the  regiment  succeeded 
in  escaping  with  little  injury.  It  then  remained  in  that  vicinity  until 
April,  1864,  when  it  began  a march  to  Resaca,  Cassville,  Dallas  and  Pine 
Mountain,  Ga.,  and  thence  to  a raid  on  the  Macon  Railroad,  where  an 
engagement  occurred.  After  some  hard  fighting  it  reached  the  Chatta- 
hoochee River  on  August  1,  and  while  crossing  the  stream  was  attacked 
by  the  enemy,  who  succeeded  in  taking  a large  number  of  prisoners. 
Col.  Brownlow  reached  Marietta  two  days  later  with  a few  men  and  there 
was  joined  by  the  more  fortunate  fugitives.  During  Gen.  Wheeler’s  raid 
through  Middle  Tennessee  the  regiment  was  in  engagements  with  him 
at  La  Yergne,  Franklin  and  Campbellsville,  and  followed  him  upon  his  re- 
treat to  Florence.  It  then  returned  to  Pulaski  and  had  a skirmish  with 
Gen.  Forrest,  after  which  it  continued  to  scout  along  the  Tennessee  until 
after  the  defeat  of  Hood,  when  it  went  in  pursuit  of  his  forces.  After  a 
reconnoissance  as  far  as  Corinth,  in  January,  1865,  the  regiment  returned 
to  Nashville,  where  it  was  mustered  out  June  14,  1865. 


504 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  Second  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized  at 
Cumberland  Gap  in  tlie  months  of  August  and  September,  1862,  under 
Col.  D.  M.  Ray  and  Lieut. -Col.  W.  R.  Cook,  and  was  composed  of  loyal 
citizens  of  Knox,  Blount,  Sevier  and  surrounding  counties,  numbering  in 
the  aggregate  about  1,175  men.  Shortly  after  the  organization  of  the 
regiment  Gen.  Morgan  began  his  retreat  to  the  Ohio  River,  and  the  Sec- 
ond Cavalry,  although  dismounted,  rendered  efficient  service  in  protect- 
ing the  flank  and  rear  of  the  retreating  column.  Not  long  after  its  ar- 
rival at  Gallipolis,  Ohio,  it  was  ordered  to  Louisville  where  it  was 
mounted  and  armed,  and  pushed  on  to  join  Rosecrans  at  Nashville.  It 
arrived  in  time  to  participate  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  where  it  lost 
several  officers  and  men.  From  that  time  until  the  23d  of  June,  1863, 
with  the  remainder  of  the  Federal  cavalry  under  Gen.  Stanley,  it  was  em- 
ployed on  the  front  and  flanks  of  Rosecrans  army,  doing  severe  duty.  At 
the  latter  date  it  moved  with  the  army  from  Murfreesboro  to  Tullahoma 
pursuing  Bragg  across  the  Cumberland  Mountains.  About  July  10  it 
was  ordered  to  report  to  Gen.  Sheridan  for  special  duty,  and  was  em- 
ployed in  the  vicinity  of  Bridgeport,  Alabama,  and  Chattanooga  until  the 
early  part  of  September,  when  it  rejoined  the  cavalry  command  under 
Gen.  Stanley  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  After  do- 
ing some  escort  duty  it  was  ordered  to  Washington  and  Kingston,  and 
assisted  in  the  defense  of  the  latter  place  against  Gen.  Wheeler.  It  was 
then  ordered  to  Nashville,  hastily  refitted,  and  forwarded  to  Gen.  Will- 
iam S.  Smith  at  Memphis  for  an  expedition  into  Mississippi,  in  the 
course  of  which  it  participated  with  credit  in  engagements  at  Okolona, 
West  Point,  Tallahatchie  River  and  elsewhere.  On  its  return  to  Nash- 
ville in  March,  1864,  Col.  Ray  having  resigned,  Maj.  W.  F.  Prosser  was 
commissioned  lieuteuant-colonel  and  placed  in  command.  In  the  June 
following  the  Second,  Third  and  Fourth  Regiments  of  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
with  Battery  A of  the  First  Tennessee  Light  Artilery,  were  ordered  to 
North  Alabama  and  remained  on  duty  in  that  district  until  the  end  of  the 
y ear.  In  the  numerous  engagements  with  the  Confederate  cavalry  dur- 
ing that  time  the  Second  Cavalry  displayed  great  gallantry,  and  received 
the  commendation  of  all  the  general  officers  under  whom  it  served.  In 
the  pursuit  of  Hood’s  retreating  army  the  command  to  which  it  was  at- 
tached marched  280  miles  in  seven  days  and  nights  of  unusually  severe 
weather,  and  during  that  time  were  engaged  in  six  different  actions,  capt- 
uring a large  number  of  prisoners  and  material  of  every  description. 
From  January  to  July,  1865,  when  it  was  mustered  out,  the  regiment  was 
on  duty  at  Vicksburg  and  New  Orleans. 

The  organization  of  the  Third  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Volun- 

O o 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


505 


teer  Cavalry  was  commenced  at  Cumberland  Gap,  by  Maj.  William  C. 
Pickens,  of  Sevier  County,  acting  under  authority  from  Gov.  Johnson. 
The  first  recruits  were  received  August  10,  1802,  and  at  the  evacuation 
of  that  post  by  Gen.  Morgan,  only  one  company  had  been  completed. 
This  company  shared  in  the  retreat  to  Ohio  and  thence  went  to  Louis- 
ville, where  it  was  joined  by  the  recruits  of  Companies  B,  C,  D and  E. 
These  companies  were  ordered  to  Nashville  as  guards  for  government 
stores,  arriving  December  24,  1862,  when  they  were  temporarily  attached 
to  Gen.  Spears’  brigade.  They  were  then  ordered  to  the  front  and  parti- 
cipated in  the  battle  of  Stone  River.  On  January  27,  1863,  the  five 
companies  were  mustered  into  service  at  Murfreesboro,  and  the  remain- 
der of  that  year  was  spent  in  scouting  and  skirmishing  with  the  enemy 
through  various  parts  of  Middle  Tennessee.  During  that  time  four 
more  companies  were  recruited  and  mustered  into  service.  About  De- 
cember 25,  1863,  the  regiment  under  the  command  of  Lieut. -Col.  Duff 
G.  Thornburgh  was  attached  to  a brigade  of  cavalry  under  Col.  D.  M. 
Ray,  of  the  Second  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  marched  upon  the  expedi- 
tion into  Mississippi,  participating  in  all  the  engagements  of  that  cam- 
paign. While  at  Colliersville,  Tenn.,  in  February,  1864,  Lieut-Col. 
Thornburgh  turned  over  the  command  of  the  regiment  to  Maj.  John  B. 
Minnis,  and  soon  after  tendered  the  resignation  of  his  command,  which 
was  reluctantly  accepted.  The  regiment  returned  to  Nashville  in  March 
and  remained  there  until  April  10.  From  that  time  until  September,  as 
a Avhole  or  in  detachments,  it  was  engaged  in  scouting  or  skirmishing. 
On  September  24  and  25,  1864.  the  entire  regiment  with  the  exception 
of  15  officers  and  some  200  men,  were  captured  at  Athens  and  Sulphur 
Brook  Trestle,  by  the  Confederates  under  Gen.  Forrest.  The  captured 
officers  were  exchanged  December  15.  The  privates  were  exchanged  at 
Jackson,  Miss.,  and  on  April  27,  following,  the  steamer  ‘‘Sultana,”  having 
them  with  a large  number  of  other  troops  on  board,  blew  up  near  Mem- 
phis, killing  instantly  174  members  of  the  regiment  and  mortally  wound- 
ing a number  of  others.  The  remainder  of  the  regiment  was  mustered 
out  June  10,  1865. 

The  Fourth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized 
from  East  Tennessee  refugees,  at  Cumberland  Gap,  in  July,  1862.  and 
entered  the  field  under  the  command  of  Lieut. -Col.  J.  M.  Thornburgh. 
After  leaving  that  place  it  followed  the  course  of  the  other  regiments  of 
Gen.  Morgan’s  command,  and  reached  Nashville  January  26,  1863.  At 
that  place  and  Murfreesboro,  it  did  post  and  scout  service  during  the 
' remainder  of  the  year.  It  then  went  with  Gen.  Smith  on  his  expedition 
into  Mississippi,  returning  to  Nashville  March  18,  1864.  On  June  19 


50G 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


it  was  ordered  to  Decatur,  Ala.,  and  in  July  marched  with  Gen.  Bousseau 
on  his  raid  through  Alabama,  reaching  Marietta,  Ga.,  on  the  23d  of  that 
month.  It  then  accompanied  Gen.  McCook  on  a raid  south  and  west  of 
Atlanta,  in  which  it  lost  nearly  all  its  horses  and  arms  in  crossing  the 
Chattahoochie  Biver.  On  the  10th  of  August  it  returned  to  Decatur, 
Ala.,  and  was  assigned  to  post  and  scout  duty  under  Gen.  Granger  until 
the  19th  of  that  month,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Nashville.  On  Novem- 
ber 27,  it  advanced  to  meet  Gen.  Hood,  and  participated  in  nearly  all  the 
battles  of  that  campaign.  It  was  then  ordered  to  the  Gulf  Department 
and  accompanied  Gen.  Canby  through  the  Mobile  campaign,  after  which 
it  went  to  Baton  Bouge.  It  arrived  at  Nashville  June  12,  1865.  Com- 
pany C,  was  detached  from  December,  1863,  to  April,  1864,  for  duty  at 
the  headquarters  of  the  Twelfth  Army  Corps  at  Tullahoma.  The  other 
companies  served  without  intermission  with  the  regiment. 

The  Fifth  Union  Begiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  recruited  and 
organized  in  Middle  Tennessee  by  Col.  William  B.  Stokes  acting  under 
authority  from  Gov.  Johnson,  in  July,  1862.  It  was  made  up  at  Nash- 
ville principally,  the  recruits  coming  in  from  various  counties  in  squads. 

It  was  first  known  as  the  First  Middle  Tennessee  Cavalry,  but  was  sub- 
sequent^ changed  to  the  Fifth  Tennessee.  The  regiment  was  in  various 
battles  and  skirmishes  during  the  latter  part  of  1862,  actively  partici- 
pating in  the  battle  of  Stone  Biver  from  first  to  last,  closing  the  fight 
on  the  Manchester  pike  on  Monday  evening,  January  5,  1863.  From 
that  time  until  the  close  of  the  war  the  regiment  was  employed  mainly 
in  detachments,  in  the  eastern  part  of  Middle  Tennessee.  One  battalion 
was  stationed  at  Shelbyville  for  some  time,  and  did  good  service  in  a 
number  of  battles  and  skirmishes,  for  which  it  received  high  compliments 
from  its  superior  officers.  The  other  portion  of  the  regiment  under  Col. 
Stokes  was  stationed  at  Carthage,  and  had  frequent  skirmishes;  since, 
among  other  duties,  it  was  required  to  carry  the  mail  from  that  point 
to  Gallatin.  A portion  of  the  regiment  was  in  the  battle  of  Lookout 
Mountain  under  command  of  Capt.  Cain  and  Lieut.  Carter.  A post,  also, 
was  at  Chickamauga  and  Chattanooga  under  Lieuts.  Bobinson  and  Nel- 
son. The  regiment  was  subsequently  ordered  to  Sparta,  Tenn.,  to  break 
up  the  guerrilla  bands  which  infested  that  region.  The  guerrilla  chiefs,  J 
Hughes,  Bledsoe  and  Ferguson  declared  a war  of  extermination  against 
Col.  Stokes’  command,  and  then  began  a series  of  skirmishes  and  battles 
in  which  no  quarter  was  given  on  either  side.  After  completely  subdu- 
ing the  guerrillas  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  Nashville,  where,  under 
the  command  of  Lieut. -Col.  William  ;*J.  Clift,  it  participated  in  the  bat- 
tles in  front  of  that  city.  Upon  the  removal  of  the  regiment  to  Nashville 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


507 


Col.  Stokes  was  assigned  to  tlie  command  of  tlie  forces  at  Carthage, 
where  he  remained  until  honorably  discharged  in  April,  1865. 

The  Sixth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  partially 
recruited  and  organized  at  Bethel,  W.  Ya.,  and  was  mustered  into  service 
November  13,  1862,  under  the  command  of  Fielding  Hurst.  It  entered 
upon  arduous  scouting  duty  in  that  region,  and  did  valuable  service  in 
destroying  guerrilla  bands.  It  was  subsequently  ordered  West,  and, 
upon  the  retreat  of  Gen.  Price  from  Corinth,  it  went  in  pursuit,  captur- 
ing 250  prisoners  without  the  loss  of  a man.  While  on  this  campaign  it 
was  also  engaged  with  the  enemy  at  Salem  and  Wyatt,  Miss.  It 
returned  to  West  Tennessee  in  June,  1863,  and  was  there  employed  in 
scouting  and  skirmishing  until  thd  following  spring,  when  it  entered 
upon  a campaign  in  north  Mississippi  and  Arkansas.  November  26  it 
went  to  Nashville  to  participate  in  the  memorable  battle  in  front  of  that 
place,  where  it  acquitted  itself  with  credit.  During  its  existence  it  mus- 
tered nearly  1,600  enlisted  men. 

The  Seventh  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  recruited  in 
Carroll  County  and  vicinity,  and  was  mustered  into  service  November  14, 
1862,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.-Col.  I.  R.  Hawkins,  of  Huntingdon. 
Nothing  could  be  obtained  of  the  movements  of  this  regiment  except  that 
it  was  captured  March  24,  1864. 

The  Eighth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  raised  and 
commanded  by  Col.  S.  K.  N.  Patton,  of  Washington  County,  Tenn.  It 
was  composed  of  two  fractions  of  regiments  known  as  the  Eighth  and 
Tenth  East  Tennessee  Cavalry.  The  Eighth  Regiment  was  begun  in 
Kentucky  in  June,  1863,  under  Lieut.-Col.  Thomas  J.  Capps,  and  was 
first  known  as  the  Fifth  Regiment  East  Tennessee  Cavalry.  It  saw  some 
active  service  in  the  field  in  both  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  under  Gen. 
Burnside ; was  at  the  surrender  of  Cumberland  Gap ; took  an  active  part 
in  the  fights  at  Blountsville  and  Rheatown ; was  beseiged  in  Knoxville, 
and  rendered  material  aid  in  defending  that  post.  The  Tenth  Regiment 
had  its  origin  in  East  Tennessee  in  September,  1863,  by  authority 
granted  to  Col.  S.  K.  N.  Patton  by  Gen.  Burnsides.  It  saw  some  active 
service  in  East  Tennessee  under  Gens.  Shackleford  and  Wilcox,  Cols. 
Casement  and  Harney  during  the  fall  of  that  year.  In  December,  1863, 
it  was  sent  to  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  in  charge  of  prisoners.  February  6, 
1864,  these  two  fractions  were  consolidated  by  order  of  Gov.  Johnson. 
Col.  Patton  completed  the  regiment,  and  assumed  command  of  it  at 
Columbia  in  the  April  following.  It  remained  there  and  at  Franklin 
guarding  the  railroad  Until  June  19,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Gallatin, 
where  it  remained  doing  similar  duty  until  September.  It  was  then  or- 


508 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


dered  to  East  Tennessee,  where  it  joined  command  with  the  Ninth  and 
Thirteenth  Regiments,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the  year  was  almost 
continuously  engaged  in  marching  and  fighting.  On  March  21,  1865, 
such  portions  of  the  command  as  were  mounted,  joined  Gen.  Stoneman  on 
his  raid  into  Virginia,  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia.  The  command  was 
finally  reunited,  and  went  into  camp  at  Lenoir’s  Station  in  June,  1865. 
It  was  mustered  out  of  service  at  Knoxville,  September  11,  1865. 

The  Ninth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized  at 
Camp  Nelson  from  East  Tennessee  refugees  in  the  early  part  of  1863, 
with  Joseph  H.  Parsons,  of  Knox  County,  as  colonel.  It  assisted  in  the 
capture  of  Cumberland  Gap,  after  which  it  escorted  the  prisoners  to 
Lexington,  Ky.  Returning  to  Knoxville,  it  remained  there  until  after 
the  siege  of  that  place.  It  was  then  detailed  to  escort  prisoners  to  Camp 
Nelson,  from  which  place  it  was  ordered  to  Nashville,  where  it  arrived  in 
January  and  remained  until  about  May  1.  It  was  stationed  at  Gallatin 
from  that  time  until  August,  when  it  was  constituted  a portion  of  the 
brigade  known  as  the  “Governor’s  Guards,”  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Gillem,  which  then  entered  upon  a campaign  in  East  Tennessee.  It  par- 
ticipated with  great  gallantry  in  all  the  battles  of  that  campaign,  and  at 
Bull’s  Gap  a large  portion  of  the  regiment  was  taken  prisoners.  A large 
part  of  the  Eleventh  Cavalry  having  also  been  captured  it  was  consoli- 
dated with  the  remainder  of  the  Ninth.  On  March  21,  1865,  it  entered 
upon  the  raid  through  Virginia,  North  and  South  Carolina  and  Georgia 
under  Gen.  Stoneman.  It  returned  to  Tennessee  in  May,  and  was  mus- 
tered out  at  Knoxville  in  September,  1865. 

The  organization  of  the  Tenth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cav- 
airy  was  begun  at  Nashville  under  the  supervision  of  Col.  G.  IV.  Bridges. 
Companies  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  H and  I were  organized  during  the  fall  of 
1863  and  in  the  winter  of  1864,  and  after  having  been  organized  into  a 
regiment,  were  attached  to  the  command  of  Col.  George  Spalding,  Sec 
ond  Brigade,  Eourth  Division  of  Cavalry.  During  the  summer  and  fall 
of  1864  it  was  engaged  in  arduous  duty  in  Tennessee.  About  the  close 
of  the  year  it  was  sent  to  northern  Alabama  to  watch  the  movements  of 
Hood’s  army,  and  had  an  engagement  with  a largely  superior  force  at 
Elorence.  Overpowered  by  numbers  it  was  compelled  to  fall  back  to 
Nashville,  where  it  was  transferred  to  Gen.  Hatch’s  command,  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  numerous  engagements  attending  Hood’s  raid  into  Ten- 
nessee. On  the  first  day’s  battle  before  Nashville  it  lost  seventy  in  offi- 
cers and  men.  The  leader,  Maj.  William  P.  Story,  was  badly  wounded, 
and  the  command  devolved  upon  Maj.  James  T.  Abernathy.  At  the  closs 
of  the  campaign  the  regiment  was  sent  to  New  Orleans,  where  it  remained 


: 


mm  mom  Br  muss,  mum  saws,  mmnit 


William  G.  Brownldw 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


509 


until  June  10,  1865.  Companies  F and  G of  this  regiment  were  not  or- 
ganized until  February,  1865.  Company  Kwas  organized  in  June,  1865. 
Company  L was  never  fully  organized.  It  numbered  fifty-one  men,  and 
was  stationed  as  a guard  on  the  Nashville  & Northwestern  Railroad. 
Sixty-three  men  comprising  Company  M were  mustered  into  service  in 
October,  1864,  under  William  H.  Hampton  as  first  lieutenant.  They 
served  during  the  campaign  against  Hood  as  provost  guard  and  escort 
company.  Company  A was  detached  from  its  regiment  on  April  26, 
1864,  and  assigned  to  duty  at  Springfield,  Tenn.,  where  it  remained  until 
August,  after  which  it  was  with  Gen.  Gillem  in  his  campaign  in  East 
Tennessee. 

The  recruiting  for  the  Eleventh  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry was  begun  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  where  the  greater  part  of  five 
companies  was  raised.  August  16,  1863,  Isham  Young,  Reuben  Davis 
and  J.  H.  Johnson,  the  last  two  of  whom  had  already  organized  the  above 
companies,  were  commissioned  by  Gov.  Johnson  to  raise  a regiment  of 
cavalry  to  be  designated  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  by  Oc- 
tober 21  all  the  companies  except  Company  M,  which  numbered  onty 
forty-six  men,  had  been  filled  and  organized.  On  that  date  Col.  Young 
received  his  commission,  and  the  organization  of  the  regiment,  then  at 
Knoxville,  was  completed,  with  R.  A.  Davis,  lieutenant-colonel;  James 
H.  Johnson,  first  major;  Alexander  D.  Rhea,  second  major,  and  Edward 
Black,  third  major.  The  regiment  remained  at  Knoxville  .until  after  the 
siege,  when  it  was  ordered  to  upper  East  Tennessee.  There  five  compan- 
ies, under  Maj.  Black,  were  sent  to  Morristown,  and  the  remaining  five 
companies,  under  the  command  of  Lieut. -Col.  Davis,  were  stationed  at 
Cumberland  Gap.  They  did  scout  duty  along  the  Virginia  line  until 
February,  1864,  when  nearly  the  entire  command  was  captured.  The 
remainder  of  the  regiment  remained  in  East  Tennessee  until  consolidated 
with  the  Ninth  Regiment. 

The  Twelfth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized 
by  companies,  the  first  of  which  was  mustered  into  service  August  24, 
1863.  February  22,  1864,  six  companies  had  been  mustered,  and  George 
Spalding  was  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel.  The  regiment  was  then 
assigned  to  Gen.  Gillem’ s division,  and  was  placed  on  guard  duty  on  the 
.Nashville  & Northwestern  Railroad,  where  it  remained  until  April,  1864. 
During  the  remainder  of  the  year  the  regiment  was  in  active  service  al- 
most continuously.  It  was  one  of  the  most  efficient  regiments  in  oppos- 
ing  Wheeler  on  his  raid  through  Middle  Tennessee,  and  had  several  se- 
vere engagements  with  portions  of  his  command.  In  the  latter  part  of 
September  it  marched  to  contest  the  approach  of  Gen.  Forrest,  with 

32 


510 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


whom  it  was  several  times  engaged  with  considerable  loss.  It  was  also 
active  in  the  campaign  against  Hood,  participating  in  the  battles  at  Law- 
renceburg,  Campbellsville,  Spring  Hill,  Franklin  and  Nashville.  From 
Nashville  the  regiment  was  in  the  advance  in  pursuit  of  Hood,  and  fired 
the  last  shot  at  the  enemy  as  he  crossed  the  Tennessee  River  at  Bain- 
bridge.  February  8,  1865,  the  regiment  went  into  camp  at  Eastport,  Miss., 
where  it  remained  until  May  11.  It  was  then  transferred  from  the  Second 
to  the  First  Brigade  under  the  command  of  Bvt.  Brig. -Gen.  George  Spald- 
ing, who  had  been  commissioned  colonel  upon  the  completion  of  the 
regiment,  August  16,  1864,  and  ordered  to  St.  Louis.  It  was  there  re- 
mounted and  refitted  and  sent  to  Fort  Leavenworth,  at  which  place,  after 
having  performed  some  escort  and  scout  duty  through  northern  Kansas 
and  southern  Nebraska,  it  was  mustered  out  October  7.  It  returned  to 
Nashville,  and  was  there  finally  paid  and  discharged  October  24,  1865. 

The  Thirteenth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  organized 
by  Col.  John  K.  Miller,  of  Carter  County,  at  Strawberry  Plains,  Tenn., 
in  September,  1863.  It  was  not  fully  equipped,  however,  until  it  reached 
Camp  Nelson,  Kentucky,  in  the  month  of  December.  It  was  there 
mounted,  and  soon  after  ordered  to  Nashville,  where  it  remained  until 
the  spring  of  1864.  It  was  then  ordered  to  Gallatin,  where  it  did  post 
duty  until  August  4,  when  it  was  attached  to  what  was  known  as  the 
“Brigade  of  Governor  Guards,”  commanded  by  Gen.  Gillem.  With  this 
command  it  operated  in  East  Tennessee  against 'the  Confederate  cavalry 
under  Gens.  Morgan,  Vaughn  and  Breckinridge;  and  under  Lieut-Col. 
William  H.  Ingerton  acted  a conspicuous  part  in  the  killing  of  Morgan 
and  the  rout  and  capture  of  his  force  at  Greeneville,  Tenn.  Morgan  was 
killed  by  Andrew  Campbell,  of  Company  G,  of  this  regiment.  This 
regiment  formed  a part  of  the  command  under  Gens.  Stoneman  and  Gil- 
lem, which  did  such  signal  service  in  southwestern  Virginia  in  Decem- 
ber, 1864,  and  was  also  with  the  former  general  on  his  raid  in  the  spring 
of  1865,  participating  with  credit  in  the  engagement  at  Salisbury,  N.  C. 
In  June,  1865,  it  returned  to  Knoxville,  moved  from  there  to  Lenoir's 
Station,  then  to  Sweetwater,  and  finally  back  to  Knoxville,  where  it  was 
mustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

Bradford’s  battalion  of  Union  Tennessee  Cavalry  was  raised  by  Mai. 
W.  F.  Bradford  in  December,  1863,  and  January,  1864.  It  consisted 
of  four  companies  organized  at  Union  City,  Tenn.,  and  was  at  first  incor- 
rectly designated  the  Thirteenth  Cavalry.  It  remained  at  Union  City 
until  February  3,  1864,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Fort  Pillow,  where  it 
arrived  on  the  8th.  Recruiting  at  that  point  did  not  progress  very  rap- 
idly, and  it  was  not  until  April  1 that  the  fifth  company  was  ready  for 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


511 


muster  into  tlie  United  States  service.  Before  this  was  done,  however, 
the  fort  was  captured,  and  it  together  with  the  other  four  companies  was 
nearly  annihilated.  With  the  capture  of  Fort  Pillow  the  history  of  this 
battalion  terminates.  Hardly  a nucleus  of  the  command  remained  after 
the  massacre.  Only  three  commissioned  officers  were  left,  and  two  of 
them  died  soon  after.  A little  detachment  of  men,  who  at  the  time  of 
the  fight  were  absent  from  the  several  companies  on  duty,  were  on 
August  18,  1864,  consolidated  in  one  company  designated  as  Company  A 
of  the  Fourteenth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  This  company  on  February  14, 
1865,  was  consolidated  with  the  Sixth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  known 
as  Company  E. 

The  First  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was  organ- 
ized by  Lieut.-Col.  Abraham  E.  Garrett  in  the  early  part  of  1864, 
although  a portion  of  the  companies  were  not  completed  until  the  end  of 
the  year.  The  regiment  served  principally  in  the  northeastern  part  of 
Middle  Tennessee,  where  it  had  frequent  and  severe  encounters  with 
guerrillas. 

The  Second  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was 
recruited  principally  in  the  vicinity  of  Wayne,  Hardin,  and  Perry  Coun- 
ties. Company  A was  mustered  October  2,  1863,  and  by  February  1, 
1864,  the  date  of  the  organization  of  the  regiment,  seven  companies  had 
been  completed.  Two  more  companies  were  added  in  April,  and  Com- 
pany K in  June.  John  Murphy  was  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel  in 
February,  and  promoted  to  colonel  upon  the  completion  of  the  regiment. 

The  Third  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was 
a three  months’  regiment,  and  was  never  fully  organized. 

The  recruiting  of  the  Fourth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted 
Infantry  was  begun  in  August,  1864,  and  the  last  company  was  mustered 
into  service  the  February  following.  Its  members  were  principally  from 
the  eastern  portion  of  Middle  Tennessee.  It  was  placed  under  the  com- 
mand of  Joseph  H.  Blackburn,  who  was  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel 
November  26,  1864.  $ 

The  Fifth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was 
recruited  and  organized  in  the  fall  of  1864,  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  by 
Col.  Spencer  B.  Boyd,  and  Lieut.-Col.  Stephen  Beard.  He  was  chiefly 
engaged  in  scouting  through  lower  East  Tennessee,  northern  Georgia, 
western  North  Carolina  and  northern  Alabama.  It  had  frequent  encoun- 
ters with  Gatewood’s  and  other  guerrillas,  one  of  which  occurred  at 
Spring  Place,  Ga.,  and  another  at  Ducktown,  Polk  Co.,  Tenn.  The  regi- 
ment was  mustered  out  at  Nashville  in  July,  1865. 

The  Sixth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was  or- 


512 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


ganized  in  Hamilton  County,  October  24,  1864,  with.  George  A.  Gowin 
as  lieutenant-colonel;  William  H.  Bean,  major;  Eli  T.  Sawyers,  adjutant, 
and  William  Rogers,  quartermaster.  It  was  employed  for  some  time  by 
Gen.  Steadman,  in  scouting  the  Cumberland  Mountains  in  Tennessee 
and  northern  Georgia,  after  the  guerrilla  bands  which  infested  that  re- 
gion, and  had  several  severe  engagements  with  the  bushwhackers.  In 
March,  1865,  the  regiment  was  turned  over  to  the  commander  of  the  de- 
partment, and  was  soon  after  placed  under  Gen.  Judah,  commanding  at 
Decatur,  Ga.,  where  it  continued  its  scouting  until  the  surrender  of 
the  Confederate  Army.  It  was  then  ordered  to  Resaca.  On  June  18, 
1865,  it  was  ordered  to  Nashville,  and  on  the  30tli  of  that  month  was 
mustered  out. 

The  Seventh  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was 
recruited  during  the  latter  part  of  1864  in  Anderson,  Knox,  Campbell, 
McMinn,  Meigs  and  Monroe  Counties.  It  was  organized  at  Athens, 
Tenn.,  in  the  spring  of  1865,  with  the  following  field  and  staff  officers: 
James  T.  Shelley,  colonel;  James  J.  Dail,  lieutenant-colonel;  Oliver  M. 
Dodson,  major;  George  W.  Ross,  quartermaster;  James  R.  Gettys,  ad- 
jutant; Enoch  Collins,  assistant  surgeon;  Rufus  Thompson,  sergeant- 
major;  John  T.  Rider,  quartermaster-sergeant;  James  H.  Baker,  com- 
missary-sergeant; T.  L.  Farrell,  hospital  steward.  During  the  greater 
portion  of  its  service  it  was  stationed  at  Athens,  and  was  actively  em- 
ployed in  hunting  guerillas,  with  whom  it  had  frequent  engagements. 

The  Eighth  Union  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry  was  not 
organized  until  April,  1865.  It  was  recruited  in  the  vicinity  of  Macon 
and  Smith  Counties,  and  was  under  the  command  of  Lieut-Col.  William 
J.  Cleveland.  Having  been  organized  so  late  the  regiment  saw  but 
little  service. 

Five  Batteries  of  Light  Artillery  were  also  organized,  but  after  the 
most  persistent  effort  little  could  be  learned  concerning  their  movements. 
All  were  recruited  and  organized  during  1863  and  the  early  part  of 
1864.  A few  men"  were  also  recruited  for  Battery  F,  but  the  company 
was  not  completed,  and  they  were  transferred  to  Battery  A,  in  April, 
1864. 

/ 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


513 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

4 

Confederate  Military  History— Views  on  the  Questions  of  State  Sov- 
ereignty and  Secession — The  Refusal  to  Hold  a State  Convention— 
The  Great  Lack  of  Munitions  of  War — The  Consideration  of  the 
Question  of  Coercion — The  Excitement  Attending  the  Surrender  of 
Fort  Sumter— The  Refusal  to  Furnish  Federal  Troops— The  Extra- 
ordinary Celerity  of  Defensive  Measures— Gov.  Harris  and  the 
General  Assembly — The  Organization  of  the  Militia — The  Act  of 
Secession — The  Provisional  Army  Bill— The  Military  League— The 
Adoption  of  the  Confederate  Provisional  Constitution — Military 
Appointments— The  June  Election — The  Manufacture  of  Ordnance, 
etc— Soldiers’  Aid  Societies — The  Transfer  of  the  State  Forces  to 
the  Confederate  Service — Sketch  of  the  Field  Campaigns — The  Neu- 
trality Question— Federal  Invasion  of  the  State — Compulsory  Evac- 
uation-Official Army  Muster  Rolls— The  Horrors  and  Hardships 
of  Internecine  War— General  Movements  of  the  Great  Armies  — 
Sketch  of  the  Principal  Engagements — Outline  of  Regimental  Serv- 
ice-Close of  the  War. 

A MAJORITY  of  tlie  people  of  Tennessee,  prior  to  the  fall  of  Fort 
Sumter  and  the  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  75,000  volunteers,  was 
warmly  in  favor  of  maintaining  the  Union  of  the  States  so  long  as  it  could 
be  done  without  infringing  the  sovereign  rights  of  any  State.  It  had  for 
years  been  the  settled  conviction  of  many  Tennesseeans  that  the  individual 
States  of  the  Union  were  sovereign  under  the  constitution  and  would  not, 
so  long  as  their  rights  were  not  invaded,  take  any  steps  to  sever  their 
connection  with  their  sister  States ; but  they  claimed  the  right,  as  a nec- 
essary consequence  of  the  doctrine  of  State  sovereignty,*  to  withdraw 
peaceably  and  establish  a separate  and  independent  government,  when- 
ever it  was  demonstrated  that  their  rights,  liberties  or  institutions  were 
in  danger  of  limitation  or  abrogation.  But  notwithstanding  these  views, 
and  notwithstanding  the  bitter  hostility  of  the  abolitionists  of  the  North 
to  the  institution  of  slavery,  the  citizens  of  Tennessee  looked  with  moist- 
ened eyes  at  the  “Stars  and  Stripes,”  and  remembered  the  ties  of  many 
bloody  battles  of  the  past  in  a common  cause  which  bound  the  “Volun- 
teer State  1 to  the  Federal  Government.  The  utterances  for  maintaining 
the  Union  were  widespread  and  sincere.  As  soon,  however,  as  the  South- 
ern States  began  to  enact  ordinances  of  secession,  and  the  severe  views 
of  the  North  in  newspapers  and  public  assemblies  on  the  subject  of  coer- 
cion became  known,  many  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  only  course  for 

a ^ kave  for  many  years  advocated,  as  an  essential  attribute  of  State  Sovereignty,  the  right  of  a State  to 
secede  lrom  the  Union.” — Speech  of  Jefferson  Davis  upon  leaving  the  United  Stales  Senate. 


514 


HISTOKY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Tennessee  to  pursue  was  to  sever  lier  relations  with  the  Union,  and,  as  a 
means  of  security,  enter  into  a league  with  the  Confederate  Government. 
Others  opposed  this  course  except  as  a last  resort,  while  still  others, 
particularly  in  East  Tennessee,  discountenanced  every  movement  toward 
secession.  Tennessee  thus  became  a sea  over  which  surged  the  wild 
waves  of  tumultuous  emotions  and  conflicting  opinions. 

As  early  as  February  27,  1860,  the  governor  of  Tennessee  transmitted 
to  the  Legislature  a special  message,  enclosing  resolutions  from  the  States 
of  South  Carolina  and  Mississippi,  proposing  a conference  among  the 
Southern  States  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  consideration  the  relation 
of  these  States  to  the  Federal  Government.  In  the  discussion  of  this 
proposal,  the  greatest  divergence  of  opinion  was  developed  in  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly.  The  ideas  of  the  times  on  State  relations  were  under- 
going a revolution.  In  November,  1860,  Tennessee  gave  John  Bell,  the 
constitutional  Union  candidate  for  the  Presidency,  a plurality  of  4,657 
votes,  which  result  was  regarded  as  showing  in  a measure,  the  strength 
of  the  party  which  favored  the  Union.  In  December,  1860,  Gov.  Harris 
called  a special  session  of  the  General  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Nashville, 
commencing  January  7,  1861.  In  his  message,  among  other  important 
statements,  the  Governor  said:  “Previous  to  the  adoption  of  the  Federal 

Constitution,  each  State  was  a separate  and  independent  Government — a 
complete  sovereignty  within  itself— and  in  the  compact  of  union,  each  re-’ 
served  all  the  rights  and  powers  incident  to  sovereignty,  except  such  as 
were  expressly  delegated  by  the  constitution  to  the  General  Government, 
or  such  as  were  clearly  incident  and  necessary  to  the  exercise  of  some  ex- 
pressly delegated  power.”  After  reciting  at  length  the  grievances  of  the 
South  over  the  questions  of  slavery,  state  sovereignty,  etc.,  he  recom- 
mended the  passage  of  an  act  calling  for  an  election  to  determine  whether 
delegates  chosen  at  such  election  should  meet  in  convention  at  the  State 
capital,  to  ascertain  the  attitude  of  the  State  toward  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment. As  it  was  instinctively  felt,  if  not  positively  understood,  that  the 
convention  might  follow  the  example  of  South  Carolina  and  enact  an  ordi- 
nance of  secession,  it  came  to  be  recognized  by  tacit  admission  that  those 
who  should  vote  “convention,”  would  favor  disunion  and  vice  versa,  and, 
therefore,  intense  interest  was  felt  in  the  result.  The  discussion  of  the 
question  whether  such  a convention  should  be  held,  was  conducted  with 
fiery  energy  in  the  Legislature.  On  the  9th  of  January  a resolution 
introduced  against  holding  such  a convention  was  lost  by  a vote  ol 
sixty-six  to  five.  On  the  19th  of  January,  a bill  was  passed  calling 
for  an  election  to^  be  held  February  9,  1861,  to  determine  whether 
such  a convention  should  be  held,  and  to  select  the  necessary  dele- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


515 


gates.  It  was  also  provided  that  the  convention,  i£  decided  upon, 
should  meet  on  the  25th  of  February  “to  adopt  such  measures  for  vindi 
catino-  the  sovereignty  of  the  State  and  the  protection  of  its  institutions 
as  shall  appear  to  them  to  be  demanded;”  and  it  Avas  further  provided 
that  no  act  of  the  convention,  severing  the  State  from  the  Federal  Union, 
should  have  any  binding  force  until  ratified  by  a majority  of  the  qualified 
voters  of  the  State.  The  election  Avas  duly  held,  but  the  result  was 
against  holding  the  convention  by  a majority,  according  to  the  best  ac- 
counts, of  over  60,000.*  This  Avas  considered  a strong  victory  for  the 
Unionists. 

The  General  Assembly  at  this  session,  pursuant  to  the  recommenda- 
tion of  Gov.  Harris  to  reorganize  the  militia  of  the  State,  passed  an  act 
for  the  formation  of  all  Avhite  male  inhabitants  betAveen  the  ages  of 
eighteen  and  forty-fUe  into  companies,  regiments,  brigades  and  divisions ; 
assigned  numbers  to  the  regiments  of  all  the  counties  of  the  State,  and 
made  ample  provision  for  musters,  etc.  This  was  thought  necessary  “in 
view  of  the  present  excited  state  of  the  public  mind  and  unsettled  condi- 
tion of  the  country.”  The  militia  of  the  State,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  volunteer  companies  in  the  thickly  settled  localities,  had  been  disor- 
ganized by  the  recent  repeal  of  the  Irav  requiring  drills  and  public 
parades,  so  that  the  State  was  practically  Avithout  military  organization 
or  equipment.  There  was  not  an  arsenal  or  piece  of  ordnance  in  the 
State,  and  the  poverty  of  the  quantity  of  public  arms  was  shown  in  the 
following  report: 

Nashville,  January  4,  1861. 

His  Excellency,  Isham  G.  Harris,  Governor  op  Tennessee. 

Sir : In  obedience  to  your  order  I have  the  honor  of  submitting  the  following  report 
of  the  number,  character  and  condition  of  the  public  arms  of  the  State.  There  are  now  on 
hand  in  the  arsenal  4,152  flint-lock  muskets,  in  good  order;  2,100  flint-lock  muskets,  par- 
tially damaged;  2,228  flint-lock  muskets,  badly  damaged;  185  percussion  muskets,  in  good 
order;  96  percussion  rifles,  in  good  order;  54  percussion  pistols,  in  good  order;  350  Hall’s 
carbines,  flint-lock,  badly  damaged;  20  cavalry  sabres,  with  damaged  scabbards;  132 
cavalry  sabres,  old  patterns,  badly  damaged;  50  horse  artillery  sabres,  in  good  order;  1 
twelve-pound  bronze  gun,  partially  damaged;  2 six-pound  bronze  guns,  in  good  order;  1 
six-pound  iron  gun,  unserviceable,  and  a large  lot  of  old  accoutrements  mostly  in  bad  or- 
der. Since  having  charge  of  the  arms  I have  issued  to  volunteer  companies,  as  per  order, 
80  flint-lock  muskets;  664  percussion  muskets;  230  rifle  muskets,  cadet;  841  percussion 
rifles;  228  percussion  pistols;  170 cavalry  sabres;  50  horse  artillery  sabres.  The  above  arms 
were  issued  with  the  necessary  accoutrements,  with  but  small  exceptions,  and  of  them  the 
80  flint-lock  muskets,  50  horse  artillery  sabres  and  14  cavalry  sabres  have  been  returned  to 
the  arsenal.  Respectfully, 

John  Heriges, 

Keeper  of  Public  Arms. 

*The  newspapers  published  in  Nashville  at  the  time  gave  the  majority  at  nearly  14,000 ; Greeley  in  The 
African  Conflict,  gave  it  at  67,054 ; the  returns  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  give  it  at  nearly  9,000; 
while  in  the  new  _and  excellent  work  entitled  Military  A nnals  of  Tennessee  it  is  given  at  “nearly  or  quite 
hu, 000.  ’ The  majority  is  as  various  as  the  different  accounts. 


516 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Tlie  Assembly  also  passed  a joint  resolution  asking  the  President  of 
the  United  States  and  the  authorities  of  each  of  the  Southern  States  to 
“reciprocally  communicate  assurances”  to  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee 
of  their  peaceable  designs;  and  also  passed  a resolution  expressing  pro- 
found regret  as  to  the  action  of  the  Legislature  of  New  York  in  tendering 
men  and  money  “to  be  used  in  coercing  certain  sovereign  States  of  the 
South  into  obedience  to  the  Federal  Government,”  and  directing  the 
Governor  of  Tennessee  to  inform  the  executive  of  New  York  “that  it  is 
the  opinion  of  this  General  Assembly  that  whenever  the  authorities  of 
that  State  shall  send  armed  forces  to  the  South  for  the  purpose  indicated 
in  said  resolutions  (passed  by  the  New  York  Legislature)  the  people  of 
Tennessee,  uniting  with  their  brethren  of  the  South,  will,  as  one  man, 
resist  such  invasion  of  the  soil  of  the  South  at  any  hazard  and  to  the  last 
extremity.”  The  expression  of  these  resolutions  was  tantamount  to  the 
sentiment  of  secession,  and  illustrates  the  position  of  the  Legislature  and 
of  the  Executive. 

Time  passed  and  the  Southern  States  one  after  another  adopted  or- 
dinances of  secession.*  Finally,  early  in  February,  1861,  seven  of  them, 
represented  by  delegates,  met  in  convention  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  and 
established  a Confederate  States  Government.  This  action  was  not  lost 
upon  those  in  Tennessee  who  favored  a separation  from  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment, and  who  redoubled  their  efforts  to  induce  Tennessee  to  follow 
the  example  of  those  States  which  had  seceded  from  the  Union.  All  felt 
that  momentous  events  were  transpiring,  though  few  who  knew  the  wis- 
dom of  calmness  and  moderation  could  successfully  resist  the  wild  and 
impetuous  spirit  of  the  hour.  Jn  the  inaugural  address  of  President 
Lincoln  many  saw  coercion,  an  invasion  of  the  sacred  rights  of  state  sover- 
eignity, and  a direct  menace  to  slavery  foreshadowed,  and  advocated  the 
immediate  passage  of  an  ordinance  of  separation.  Others  sought  dili- 
gently and  vainly  for  a compromise  that  would  preserve  both  the  Union 
and  the  rights  and  established  institutions  of  the  South.  The  masses  in 
the  State  were  loth  to  dissolve  the  Union  under  which  they  had  lived  and 
loved  so  long,  and  were,  in  a great  measure,  in  darkness  as  to  the  real  is- 
sues pending  and  the  real  course  to  pursue.  In  this  bewildering  and 
doubtful  maze  of  governmental  relations,  wherein  a clear  head  and  strong 
will  could  direct  public  action,  Isham  G.  Harris,  governor  of  Tennessee, 
proved  to  be  the  right  man  in  the  right  place.  This  was  the  state  of  pub- 
lic affairs  when  the  startling  news  came  that  Fort  Sumter  had  surren- 

*Ordinances  of  secession  were  adopted  as  follows:  South  Carolina,  December  20,  1860,  without  dissent;  Mis- 
sissippi, January  9,  1861,  yeas  84,  nays  15;  Florida,  January  10,  1861,  yeas  62,  nays  7;  Alabama,  January  I K 
1861,  yeas  01,  nays  39;  Georgiy,  January  18, 1861,  yeas  208,  nays  89;  Louisiana,  January  20,  1861,  yeas  103,  nays 
17;  Texas,  February  1,  1861,  yeas  166,  nays  7;  Arkansas,  March  22,  1861,  yeas  69,  nays  1;  Virginia,  April  21, 
1861;  North  Carolina,  May  20,'l861;  Tennessee,  June  8, 1861.  Confederate  Government  formed  February  9, 1861- 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


517 


derecl  and.  civil  Avar  commenced.  Immediately  succeeding  this,  while  the 
public  pulse  was  surging  and  public  brain  reeling,  came  the  call  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  for  75,000  volunteers  and  the  folloAving  telegram  for  Gov. 
Harris  from  the  'War  Department: 

Was  Department,  Washington,  April  15, 1861. 

To  his  Excellency  Isham:  G.  Harris,  Governor  of  Tennessee  : 

Call  made  on  you  by  to-night’s  mail  for  two  regiments  of  militia  for  immediate  service. 

Simon  Cameron, 

Secretary  of  War 

Goat.  Harris  Avas  absent  from  the  city  upon  the  receipt  of  this  dis- 
patch, but  upon  his  return  on  the  17tli  he  promptly  wired  the  following- 
reply: 

Executive  Department,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  April  17,  1861. 
Hon.  Simon  Cameron,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir : Your  dispatch  of  the  15th  inst.  informing  me  that  Tennessee  is  called  upon  for 
two  regiments  of  militia  for  immediate  service  is  received.  Tennessee  will  not  furnish  a 
single  man  for  purposes  of  coercion,  hut  50,000,  if  necessary,  for  the  defense  of  our  rights 
and  those  of  our  Southern  brothers. 

Isham  G.  Harris, 

Governor  of  Tennessee. 

Immediately  succeeding  the  fall  of  Sumter  and  the  curt  refusal  of  the 
Governor  to  furnish  volunteers  for  the  Federal  Army,  intense  and  long- 
continued  excitement  swept  over  the  State.  In  almost  every  county  the 
people  assembled  and,  in  mass-meetings  and  conventions,  denounced  the 
course  of  the  administration  in  levying  war  upon  the  South  and  imrading 
her  sacred  and  sovereign  rights.  Many,  who  had  previously  expressed 
strong  Union  sentiments,  were  easily  led  to  espouse  the  doctrine  of  seces- 
sion, now  that  the  policy  of  the  Federal  Administration  was  seen  to  be 
coercion.  It  became  so  evident  at  this  period  that  the  advocates  of  seces- 
sion were  in  the  ascendency,  that  the  Governor  and  his  supporters  re- 
solved to  adopt  heroic  measures  to  separate  the  State  from  the  Union, 
set  up  an  independent  government,  unite  for  greater  security  with  the 
Confederate  States,  and  place  Tennessee  in  the  best  possible  condition  of 
defense,  or  to  resist  the  encroachments  of  the  Federal  Army  vvithin  her 
borders,  thus  anticipating  the  eventual  adoption  of  the  ordinance  of  se- 
cession. It  had  been  hoped  that,  in  case  of  a war  between  the  Federal 
and  the  Confederate  Governments,  Tennessee  might  be  permitted  to 
maintain  a neutral  position,  either  as  a member  of  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment or  as  an  independent  State  in  case  of  separation ; and  a correspon- 
dence, Avith  that  object  in  view,  had  been  held  betAveen  Gov.  Magoffin  of 
Kentucky  and  Gov.  Harris ; but  the  gigantic  preparations  for  war  by  both 
the  North  and  the  South  immediately  succeeding  the  bombardment  of 
Fort  Sumter,  unmasked  the  fact  that  the  State  would  in  all  probability 
ibe  overrun  by  the  armies  of  both  sections,  would  become  a battle-ground 


518 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


with  all  its  accompanying  horrors,  and,  therefore,  could  not  remain  neu- 
tral, engaged  in  the  arts  of  peace.  In  this  emergency  Gov.  Harris  de- 
termined to  convene  the  Legislature,  and  accordingly  issued  the  following 
proclamation : 

Whereas,  An  alarming  and  dangerous  usurpation  of  power  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  has  precipitated  a state  of  war  between  the  sovereign  States  of  America, 

Therefore,  I,  Isham  G.  Harris,  governor  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  by  virtue  of  the 
power  and  authority  in  me  vested  by  the  constitution,  do  hereby  require  the  senators  and 
representatives  of  the  two  houses  of  the  General  Assembly  of  said  State  to  convene  at.  the 
Capitol  in  Nashville  on  the  25th  of  April,  inst.,  1861,  at  12  o’clock,  M.,  to  legislate  upon 
such  subjects  as  may  then  be  submitted  to  them. 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  the  great  seal  of  the 
State  to  be  affixed  at  the  department  at  Nashville  on  this  the  18th  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1861. 

Isham  G.  Harris. 

On  the  16th  of  April  Gen.  Cheatham,  of  the  Second  Division  of  Ten- 
nessee Militia,  called  for  reports  from  all  the  organizations  under  liis 
command  to  he  made  instanler.  On  the  18th  Gideon  J.  Pillow  issued 
an  address  to  the  “ Preemen  of  Tennessee  to  organize  rapidly  to  pro- 
tect the  State,  its  ‘beauty  and  booty’  from  Northern  vandalism,  and  the 
depopulating  ravages  of  war,”  and  asked  such  organizations  to  report 
promptly  to  Gen.  Cheatham.  A similar  call  Avas  made  at  Memphis  and 
in  other  portions  of  the  State.  At  this  time  a majority  of  the  people  of 
Tennessee  needed  no  encouragement  to  continue  the  formation  of  militia 
companies  and  regiments,  to  arm  and  otherwise  equip  themselves  to  re- 
pel an  invasion  of  the  State,  and  to  thoroughly  fit  themselves  for  the  art 
of  war.  In  this  course  they  were  enthusiastically  and  loyally  supported 
by  the  press,  the  church,  the  leading  citizens  and  the  Executive.  The 
most  serious  drawback  was  the  want  of  serviceable  arms.  It  is  singular, 
but  true,  that  from  private  sources  the  State  drew  the  greater  portion  of 
her  first  supplies  of  arms.  Under  the  stern  pressure  of  the  times  the 
volunteer  militia  were  required  to  bring  from  their  homes  their  flint-lock 
muskets,  their  squirrel  rifles,  their  percussion  guns,  their  shot-guns,  their 
pistols,  or  any  other  firearms  that  could  be  used  with  effect  in  dealing 
death  unsparingly  to  an  invading  foe.  By  the  26th  of  April  sixteen 
companies  were  stationed  at  Nashville,  engaged  in  drilling  and  other 
military  preparations,  and  nearly  as  many  more  were  assembled  at  Mem- 
phis. East  Tennessee,  through  the  influence  of  William  G.  Brownlow. 
Andrew  Johnson,  Thomas  A.  K.  Nelson,  Horace  Maynard  and  others,  and 
by  reason  of  its  lack  of  slave  population,  supported  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment by  a large  majority,  though  even  there  volunteers  for  the  Southern 
cause  were  not  wanting.  Late  in  April  there  was  established  at  Nash- 
ville, Memphis,  Jackson,  Columbia  and  other  cities,  mainly  through  the 
loyalty  of  the  ladies  to  the  Southern  cause,  “ Bureaus  of  Military  Sup- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


519 


plies,”  where  contributions  of  money,  blankets,  clothing,  provisions  and 
any  necessary  supplies  for  field  or  hospital  were  received.  In  all  direc- 
tions the  stern  and  stirring  preparations  of  a nation  at  war  were  steadily 
and  rapidly  advanced. 

The  Legislature  convened  on  the  25th  of  April  and  determined  to 
hold  a secret  session.  The  Governor  in  his  message  said  that  as  the 
President  of  the  United  States  had  “wantonly  inaugurated  an  internecine 
war  upon  the  people  of  the  slave  and  non-slave-holding  States,  ’’etc.,  he 
would  therefore  “respectfully  recommend  the  perfecting  of  an  ordinance 
by  the  General  Assembly  formally  declaring  the  independence  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee  of  the  Federal  Union,  renouncing  its  authority  and 
reassuming  each  and  every  function  belonging  to  a separate  sovereignty; 
and  that  said  ordinance,  when  it  shall  have  been  thus  perfected  by  the 
Legislature,  shall  at  the  earliest  practicable  time  be  submitted  to  a vote 
of  the  people  to  be  by  them  adopted  or  rejected.”  He  also  advised  such 
legislation  as  would  put  the  State  on  a war  footing — the  raising  of  a vol- 
unteer force  for  immediate  service  and  the  perfect  organization  of  the 
militia,  the  appropriation  of  a sufficient  amount  to  provision  and  main- 
tain such  force,  and  the  establishment  of  a military  board.  He  also 
announced  that  since  the  last  session  of  the  Legislature  1,400  rifled  mus- 
kets had  been  received  by  the  keeper  of  public  arms.  By  act  of  the 
Legislature,  April  27,  the  Governor  was  authorized  to  have  organized  all 
the  regiments  that  were  tendered  him ; and  his  refusal  to  furnish  volun- 
teers under  the  call  of  the  Federal  Government  was  cordially  approved. 
On  the  1st  of  May  the  Legislature  passed  a joint  resolution  authorizing 
the  Governor  to  appoint  three  commissioners  - to  meet  representatives  of 
the  Confederate  Government  in  convention  at  Nashville,  May  7,  1861,  to 
enter  into  a league,  military  and  otherwise,  between  the  State  and  such 
Government;  whereupon  Gov.  Harris  appointed  Gustavus  A Henry,  of 
Montgomery  County;  Archibald  O.  W.  Totten,  of  Madison  County,  and 
Washington  Barrow,  of  Davidson  County  such  commissioners.  On  the 
30th  of  April  the  Confederate  commissioner,  Henry  W.  Hilliard,  addressed 
the  General  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  the  league  between  the  two  gov- 
ernments and  his  address  was  ordered  printed.  May  1 the  Governor  was 
directed  to  open  a correspondence  with  the  governor  of  Illinois  to  demand 
of  him  the  restitution  of  the  cargo  of  the  steamer  “C.  E.  Hillman,” 
which  had  been  seized  by  the  Federal  troops  at  Cairo.  He  was  also 
directed  to  station  suitable  guards  at  all  the  leading  railroad  depots  and 
bridges  of  the  State.  April  26  there  "were  appointed  a joint  select  com- 
mittee on  Federal  relations,  a joint  select  committee  on  military  affairs 
and  a committee  on  ways  and  means.  There  were  also  incorporated  at 


520 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


this  session  the  Powell  Biver  Lead  Mining  Company,  the  Bumpass  Cove 
Lead  Mining  Company,  the  Hickman  County  Saltpeter  Company,  the 
Confederate  Paper-Mill  Company  in  Shelby  County,  the  Nashville  Gun 
Factory  and  the  Memphis  Arms  Company.  By  the  dtli  of  May  there  were 
stationed  in  West  Tennessee,  mainly  at  Memphis  and  Jackson,  thirty-nine 
companies  of  infantry,  two  companies  of  cavalry,  two  companies  of  artil- 
lery and  one  company  of  sappers  and  miners.*  On  the  6th  of  May  the 
following  bill  was  passed: 

An  Act  to  Submit  to  a V ote  of  the  People  a Declaration  of  Independence  and 

for  Other  Purposes. 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee , That  im- 
mediately after  the  passage  of  this  act  the  governor  of  this  State  shall,  by  proclamation, 
direct  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties  in  this  State  to  open  and  hold  an  election  at  the 
various  voting  precincts  in  their  respective  counties,  on  the  8th  day  of  June,  1861.  That 
said  sheriffs,  or  in  the  absence  of  the  sheriffs,  the  coroner  of  the  county  shall  immediately 
advertise  the  election  contemplated  by  this  act.  That  said  sheriffs  appoint  a deputy  to 
hold  said  election  for  each  voting  precinct.  And  that  said  deputjr  appoint  three  judges 
and  two  clerks  for  each  precinct,  and  if  no  officer  shall  from  any  cause,'  attend  any  voting 
precinct  to  open  and  hold  said  election,  then  any  justice  of  the  peace,  or  in  the  absence  of 
a justice  of  the  peace,  any  respectable  freeholder  may  appoint  an  officer,  judges  and 
clerks  to  open  and  hold  said  election;  said  officers,  judges  and  clerks  shall  be  sworn  as  now 
required  by  law,  and  who,  after  being  so  sworn,  shall  open  and  hold  an  election,  open  and 
close  at  the  time  of  day,  and  in  the  manner  now  required  by  law  in  elections  for  members 
to  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  2.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  at  said  election  the  following  declaration  shall  be 
submitted  to  a vote  of  the  qualified  voters  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  for  their  ratification 
or  rejection: 

Declaration  of  Independence  and  Ordinance  Dissolving  the  Federal  Relations 

BETAVEEN  THE  STATE  OF  TENNESSEE  AND  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

First,  We,  the  people  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  waiving  any  expression  of  opinion  as  to 
the  abstract  doctrine  of  secession,  but  asserting  the  right  as  a free  and  independent  people, 
to  alter,  reform  or  abolish  our  form  of  government  in  such  manner  as  we  think  proper,  do 
ordain  and  declare  that  all  the  laws  and  ordinances  by  which  the  State  of  Tennessee  became 
a member  of  the  Federal  Union  of  the  United  States  of  America  are  hereby  abrogated  and 
annulled,  and  that  all  obligations  on  our  part  be  withdrawn  therefrom;  and  we  do  hereby 
resume  all  the  rights,  functions  and  powers  which  by  any  of  said  laws  and  ordinances, 
were  conveyed  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  and  absolve  ourselves  from  a1..' 
the  obligations,  restraints  and  duties  incurred  thereto;  and  do  hereby  henceforth  become 
a free,  sovereign  and  independent  State. 

Second,  We  furthermore  declare  and  ordain  that  Article  X,  Sections  1 and  2 of  tiie 
constitution  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  which  requires  members  of  the  General  Assembly, 
and  all  officers,  civil  and  military,  to  take  an  oath  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States  (be  and  the  same  are  hereby  abrogated  and  annulled,  and  all  parts  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  making  citizenship  of  the  United  States  a quakfi 
cation  for  office,  and  recognizing  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States)  as  the  supreme 
law  of  the  State,  are  in  like  manner  abrogated  and  annulled. 

Third,  We  furthermore  ordain  and  declare  that  all  rights  acquired  and  vested  under 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  or  under  any  act  of  Congress  passed  in  pursuance 
thereof,  or  under  any  laws  of  this  State  and  not  incompatible  with  this  ordinance,  shall 
remain  in  force  and  have  the  same  effect  as  if  this  ordinance  had  not  been  passed. 

^Report  of  Gen.  S.  R.  Anderson,  who,  April  26, 1861,  had  been  appointed  by  Gov.  Harris  to  oversee  the 
organization  of  the  volunteer  militia  forces  of  West  Tennessee. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


521 


Sec.  3.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  said  election  shall  be  by  ballot;  that  those  voting 
for  the  declaration  and  ordinance  shall  have  written  or  printed  on  their  ballots  “Separa- 
tion,” and  those  voting  against  it  shall  have  written  or  printed  on  their  ballots  “No  Sepa- 
ration.” That  the  clerks  holding  said  election  shall  keep  regular  scrolls  of  the  voters, 
as  now  required  by  law  in  the  election  of  members  to  the  General  Assembly;  that  the 
clerks  and  judges  shall  certify  the  same  with  the  number  of  votes  for  “Separation”  and 
the  number  of  votes  “No  Separation.”  The  officer  holding  the  election  shall  return  the 
same  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county,  at  the  county  seat,  on  the  Monday  next  after  the  elec- 
tion. The  sheriff  shall  immediately  make  out,  certify  and  send  to  the  governor  the  num- 
ber of  votes  polled,  and  the  number  of  votes  for  “Separation”  and  the  number  “No  Sep- 
aration,” and  file  one  of  the  original  scrolls  with  the  clerk  of  the  county  court;  that  upon 
comparing  the  vote  by  the  governer  in  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  State,  which  shall  be 
at  least  by  the  24th  day  of  June,  1861 — and  may  be  sooner  if  the  returns  are  all  received 
by  the  governor — if  a majority  of  the  votes  polled  shall  be  for  “Separation”  the  governor 
shall  by  his  proclamation  make  it  known  and  declare  all  connection  by  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee with  the  Federal  Union  dissolved,  and  that  Tennessee  is  a free,  independent  gov- 
ernment, free  from  all  obligations  to  or  connection  with  the  Federal  Government;  and 
that  the  governor  shall  cause  the  vote  by  counties  to  be  published,  the  number  for  “Sepa- 
ration” and  the  number  “No  Separation,”  whether  a majority  votes  for  “Separation”  or 
“No  Separation.” 

Sec.  4.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  the  election  to  be  held  under  the  provisions  of 
this  act  upon  the  declaration  submitted  to  the  people,  all  volunteers  and  other  persons 
connected  with  the  service  of  the  State,  qualified  to  vote  for  members  of  the  Legislature 
in  the  counties  where  they  reside,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  in  any  county  in  the  State 
where  they  may  be  in  active  service,  or  under  orders,  or  on  parole  at  the  time  of  said 
election;  and  all  other  voters  shall  vote  in  the  county  where  they  reside,  as  now  required 
by  law  in  voting  for  members  to  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  5.  Be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  at  the  same  time  and  under  the  rules  and  regula- 
tions prescribed  for  the  election  herein  before  ordered,  the  following  ordinance  shall  be 
submitted  to  the  popular  vote,  to  wit: 

An  Ordinance  for  the  Adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Provisional  Govern- 
ment of  the  Confederate  States  of  America. 

We,  the  people  of  Tennessee,  solemnly  impressed  by  the  perils  which  surround  us, 
do  hereby  adopt  and  ratify  the  constitution  of  the  provisional  government  of  the  Confed- 
erate States  of  America,  ordained  and  established  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  on  the  8th  day  of 
February,  1861,  to  be  in  force  during  the  existence  thereof,  or  until  such  time  as  we  may 
supersede  it  by  the  adoption  of  a permanent  constitution. 

Sec.  6.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  those  in  favor  of  the  adoption  of  said  provisional 
constitution  and  thereby  securing  to  Tennessee  equal  representation  in  the  deliberations 
and  councils  of  the  Confederate  States  shall  have  written  or  printed  on  their  ballots  the 
word  “Representation,”  those  opposed  the  words  “No  Representation.” 

Sec.  7.  Be  it  further  enacted , That  in  the  event  the  people  shall  adopt  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  provisional  government  of  the  Confederate  States  at  the  election  herein  or- 
dered, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  governor  forthwith  to  issue  writs  of  election  for  dele- 
gates to  represent  the  State  of  Tennessee  in  the  said  provisional  government.  That  the 
; State  shall  be  represented  by  as  many  delegates  as  it  was  entitled  to  members  of  Congress 
.to  the  recent  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  who  shall  be  elected  from  the 
^several  congressional  districts  as  now  established  bjr  law,  in  the  mode  and  manner  now 
prescribed  for  the  election  of  members  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  8.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  this  act  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

W.  C.  Whitthorne, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

B.  L.  Stovall, 
Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

Passed  May  6,  1861. 


522 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  following  military  hill  was  also  passed: 

An  Act  to  Raise,  Organize  and  Equip  a Provisional  Force  and  for  Other  Purposes. 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  That  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  governor  of  the  State  to  raise,  organize  and  equip  a provisional  force  of  vol- 
unteers for  the  defense  of  the  State,  to  consist  of  55,000  volunteers,  25,000  of  whom,  or  anv 
less  number  which  the  wants  of  the  service  may  demand,  shall  be  fitted  for  the  field  at  the 
earliest  practicable  moment,  and  the  remainder  of  which  shall  be  held  in  reserve,  ready 
to  march  at  short  notice.  And  should  it  become  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  State,  the 
governor  may  call  out  the  whole  available  military  strength  of  the  State. 

Sec.  2.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  the  performance  of  this  duty,  the  governor  shall 
take  charge  of  the  military,  direct  the  military  defense  of  the  State,  organize  the  different 
arms,  and  witli  the  concurrence  of  the  military  and  financial  board,  hereinafter  provided 
for,  control  the  military  fund,  make  contracts  for  arms,  ordnance,  ordnance  stores,  pro 
cure  material  for  the  construction  of  arms,  employ  artificers,  organize  one  or  more  armor- 
ies for  the  construction  of  arms,  and  do  all  other  things  necessary  for  the  speedy  and  effi- 
cient organization  of  a force  adequate  for  the  public  safety.  And  he  shall  organize  a 
military  and  financial  board,  to  consist  of  three  persons  of  which  he  shall  be  ex  officio 
president,  and  who  shall  discharge  such  duties  as  he  may  assign  them  in  effecting  the  ob- 
jects and  purposes  of  this  act,  and  appoint  such  number  of  clerks  as  may  be  necessary 
under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  they  may  adopt. 

Sec.  3.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  force  provided  for  by  this  act,  shall  be  organ- 
ized into  regiments,  brigades  and  divisions,  and  the  whole  to  be  commanded  by  the  senior 
major-general,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duty  of  organizing  the  entire  force 
for  the  field,  the  force  authorized  by  this  act,  shall  be  mustered  into  service  for  the  pe 
riod  of  twelve  months,  unless  sooner  discharged. 

Sec.  4.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  staff  of  said  force  shall  consist  of  one  adju 
tant- general,  one  inspector-general,  one  paymaster-general,  one  commissary-general,  one 
quartermaster-general  and  one  surgeon-general  with  such  number  of  assistants  of  each  as 
the  wants  of  the  service  may  require;  and  that  the  rank  of  quartermaster-general,  inspec- 
tor-general, adjutant-general  and  commissary-general  shall  be  that  of  colonel  of  cavalry, 
and  the  rank  of  their  assistants  shall  be  that  of  lieutenant-colonel  and  major  of  infantry 
and  captain  of  cavalry,  all  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  by  the  governor,  subject  to  the 
confirmation  of  the  General  Assembly  in  joint  session;  Provided,  That  the  governor  may 
fill  vacancies  in  said  offices,  occurring  when  the  Legislature  may  not  be  in  session,  and 
the  appointees  shall  at  once  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  subject  to  the  con- 
firmation of  the  Legislature  when  thereafter  in  session.  There  shall  likewise  be  appointed 
by  the  governor,  subject  to  like  confirmation,  one  ordnance  officer,  with  the  rank  of  col- 
onel of  infantry,  who  shall  take  charge  of  the  ordnance  bureau  of  the  State,  direct  the 
construction  of  arms,  under  the  governor  andmilitary  and  finance  board,  receive  or  reject 
the  same,  certify  the  fulfillment  of  contracts,  and  have  the  general  supervision  of  the  arm- 
ory of  the  State,  with  such  assistants  as  the  service  may  require,  not  exceeding  three,  who 
shall  have  the  rank  and  pay  of  captain  of  infantry.  The  members  of  the  military  and 
financial  board  shall  be  nominated  by  the  governor  and  confirmed  bythe  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  5.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  there  shall  be  organized  by  the  governor,  a med 
ical  department,  consisting  of  the  surgeon-general,  and  two  other  surgeons,  the  members 
of  which  department  shall  be  nominated  by  the  governor  and  confirmed  by  the  Genera!  j 
Assembly,  who  shall  examine  all  applicants  for  surgeon  and  assistant  surgeon,  and  certify 
their  qualifications  to  the  governor  for  commission  in  said  service,  and  which  department 
shall  be  subject  to  field  service  as  other  surgeons  of  the  army.  And  the  said  department  |i 
are  hereby  directed,  other  things  being  equal,  to  recommend  from  volunteer  forces  such 
regimental  surgeons  and  assistants  as  the  service  may  require. 

Sec.  6.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  there  shall  be  two  major-generals,  and  such 
number  of  brigadier-generals  as  the  proper  and  efficient  command  of  said  force  may  re- 
quire, who  shall  be  nominated  by  the  governor  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Assembly, 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


523 


with  power  to  appoint  their  own  staff;  and  a chief  of  engineers  with  such  assistants  as  the 
service  may  require,  to  be  nominated  and  confirmed  in  the  same  manner. 

Sec.  7.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  senior  major-general  shall  immediately  enter 
upon  the  duty  of  organizing  the  whole  force  for  the  field. 

Sec.  8.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  governor  be  authorized  to  determine  the 
field  of  duty  which  the  safety  of  the  State  may  require,  and  direct  said  forces  accordingly. 

Sec.  9.  Beit  further  enacted.  That  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  provisions  of 
this  act,  the  governor  of  the  State  is  hereby  authorized  to  issue  and  dispose  of  five  million 
dollars  of  the  bonds  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  similar  in  all  respects  to  the  bonds  of  the  State 
heretofore  issued,  except  that  they  shall  not  have  more  than  ten  years  to  run  for  maturity, 
and  bear  interest  at  the  rate  of  eight  per  cent  per  annum,  payable  semi-annually  at  such 
point  as  may  be  therein  designated;  Provided,  That  three  millions  of  said  bonds  shall  be  held 
as  a contingent  reserve  fund,  and  not  used  unless  in  the  opinion  of  the  governor,  by  and 
with  the  concurrence  and  advice  of  the  military  and  financial  board,  the  exigencies  of  the 
service  and  the  public  safety  imperatively  demand  it;  and  said  bonds  shall  be  in  denomina- 
tion of  not  less  than  one  hundred,  or  greater  than  one  thousand  dollars. 

Sec.  10.  Beit  further  enacted.  That  the  public  faith  and  credit  of  the  State  is  hereby 
pledged  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  on  said  bonds  and  the  final  redemption  of  the 
same;  and  that  an  annual  tax  of  eight  cents  on  the  one  hundred  dollars  on  the  property, 
and  one-half  cent  upon  the  dollar  on  the  sales  of  merchandise  or  invoice  cost,  whether 
bought  in  or  out  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  which  said  one-half  of  one  per  cent  is  to  be  in 
lieu  of  the  one-fourth  of  one  per  cent  now  levied,  be  assessed  and  set  apart,  and  held 
sacred  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  on  said  bonds,  and  the  creation  of  a sinking  fund 
for  their  final  redemption;  Provided,  that  no  more  of  said  tax  than  is  sufficient  to  pay 
the  interest  on  said  bonds  shall  be  collected,  until  the  expiration  of  two  years  from  the 
issuance  of  the  same,  and  that  the  whole  amount  of  said  sinking  fund  shall  from  time  to 
time,  as  the  same  may  accumulate,  be  used  by  the  governor  in  the  purshase  of  said  bonds; 
Provided,  They  can  be  had  at  a price  not  exceeding  par  rates. 

Sec.  11.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  banks  and  branches  purchasing  said  bonds  from 
the  governor,  shall  have  the  privilege  of  classing  the  bonds  so  purchased,  in  the  classifica- 
tion of  their  assets,  as  specie  funds;  and  that  the  banks  of  the  State  are  hereby  authorized 
to  invest  their  means  in  said  bonds;  Provided,  That  the  State  shall  have  the  right  to  pay 
said  bonds  so  purchased  and  held  by  said  banks  in  their  own  notes;  and  individuals  own- 
ing said  bonds,  having  purchased  the  same  previously  of  the  State,  shall  hold  the  same 
free  from  taxation,  either  State,  county,  or  otherwise. 

Sec.  12.  Be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  in  order  to  save  expenses,  so  much  of  the  act  of 
the  late  extra  session  of  the  Legislature,  as  requires  the  supervisor  to  make  monthly  pub- 
lications of  bank  movements,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  repealed. 

Sec.  13.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  when  peace  shall  be  restored  to  the  country,  or 
the  present  danger  pass  away,  that  the  governor  of  the  State,  or  other  rightful  authority, 
under  which  said  force  may  be  at  the  time  acting,  shall  issue  a proclamation  declaring  the 
fact,  and  shall  thereafter  discharge  the  forces  raised  under  this  act,  and  from  and  after 
which  this  act  shall  cease  to  be  in  force. 

Sec.  14.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  county  courts  of  this  State  are  empowered 
* to  assess  and  collect  a tax  on  property  and  privileges  in  their  respective  counties;  to  provide 
a fund  for  the  relief  and  support  of  families  of  volunteers  whilst  in  actual  service,  when, 
from  affliction  or  indigence,  it  may  be  necessary;  Provided,  That  the  said  fund  thus  raised 
shall,  in  all  cases,  be  expended  for  the  benefit  of  the  families  of  volunteers  residing  in  the 
county  where  the  same  is  raised;  and  the  revenue  collector,  for  collecting  said  tax,  shall 
receive  no  compensation— and  the  same  shall  be  paid  by  him,  under  order  of  the  county 
court,  to  the  persons  to  whom  the  same  may  be  appropriated. 

Sec.  15.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  county  courts  be  authorized  to  issue  county 
jscrip  anticipating  the  tax  necessary  in  effecting  the  objects  of  the  preceding  section. 

Sec.  16.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  county  courts  of  this  State  are  authorized 
and  empowered  to  appoint  and  raise  semi-annually  a home  guard  of  minute  men,  whose 


524 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


term  of  service  shall  be  three  months,  in  their  respective  limits,  to  consist  of  companies  of 
not  less  than  ten  for  each  civil  district,  whose  officers,  when  elected  by  the  companies  re- 
spectively, shall  he  commissioned  by  the  county  courts,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  pro- 
cure a warrant  from  some  justice  of  the  peace,  and  arrest  all  suspected  persons,  and  bring 
them  before  the  civil  authorities  for  trial;  to  see  that  all  slaves  are  disarmed;  to  prevent 
the  assemblages  of  slaves  in  unusual  numbers;  to  keep  the  slave  population  in  proper  sub- 
jection, and  to  see  that  peace  and  order  is  observed.  The  Home  Guards  or  Minute  Men 
shall  be  armed  and  equipped  by  each  county  at  its  own  expense,  and  a tax  may  be  assessed 
and  collected  for  the  purpose,  as  $vell  as  to  compensate  those  engaged  in  this  branch  of 
duty,  if,  in  their  discretion,  compensation  should  be  made.  The  Home  Guard  shall 
assemble  in  their  respective  districts  to  take  precautionary  measures  at  least  onct  in  each 
week  at  the  call  of  the  commanding  officer,  and  shall  be  momentarily  ready  for  service  a', 
his  call.  Persons  engaged  in  this  branch  of  duty  shall,  upon  failure  to  obey  the  call  to 
duty  by  the  commander,  forfeit  not  less  than  one  dollar,  nor  more  than  five  for  each 
offense,  to  be  collected  in  the  name  of  the  chairman  of  the  county  court,  before  any  jus 
tice  of  the  peace,  to  be  applied  by  the  county  court  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  this 
branch  of  the  public  service,  unless  such  failure  was  the  result  of  sickness  or  other  good 
cause.  A general  commander  shall  be  appointed  for  each  county  by  the  several  county 
courts,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  when  necessary,  to  take  charge  of  all  the  Home  Guard 
or  Minute  Men  in  his  county  and  direct  their  operations.  And  the  county  court  is  author 
ized  to  issue  county  bonds  or  scrip  for  the  purpose  of  raising  money  immediately  to  meet 
the  expenses  contemplated  by  this  section. 

Sec.  17.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  property  of  all  volunteers  raised  under  the 
provisions  of  this  act  shall  be  exempt  from  execution  and  other  civil  process  whilst  in  act- 
ual service;  but  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  the  Home  Guards. 

Sec.  18.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  governor,  in  raising  the  volunteers  provided 
for  in  this  act,  shall  have  the  discretion  to  accept  into  the  service  volunteer  companies  ten- 
dered from  other  States  and  from  the  Confederate  States,  if,  in  his  opinion,  the  exigencies 
of  the  service  or  the  public  safety  requires  it. 

Sec.  19.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  each  regiment  of  infantry  shall  consist  of  one 
colonel,  one  lieutenant-colonel,  one  major  and  ten  companies;  each  company  shall  con- 
sist of  one  captain,  one  first  lieutenant,  two  second  lieutenants,  four  sergeants,  four  cor- 
porals, two  musicians,  and  not  less  than  sixty-four  nor  more  than  ninety  privates;  and  to 
each  regiment  there  shall  be  attached  one  adjutant,  to  be  selected  from  the  lieuten- 
ants, and  one  sergeant-major  to  be  selected  from  the  enlisted  men  of  the  regiment 
by  the  colonel.  The  regiment  of  cavalry  shall  consist  of  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant- 
colonel,  one  major  and  ten  companies,  each  of  which  shall  consist  of  one  captain,  one 
first  lieutenant,  two  second  lieutenants,  four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  farrier,  one 
blacksmith,  two  musicians  and  sixty  privates.  There  shall  be  one  adjutant  and  one  sct- 
geant-major,  to  be  selected  as  aforesaid. 

Sec.  20.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  each  regiment  shall  elect  its  own  colonel,  lieu- 
tenant-colonel and  major,  and  that  each  company  shall  elect  its  captain,  its  lieutenant? 
sergeants  and  corporals.  Regimental  musicians  shall  be  appointed  by  the  colonel,  and 
the  company  musicians  by  the  captains  of  companies.  The  colonel  shall  appoint  his  staff 
from  his  command. 

Sec.  21.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  pay  of  major-general  shall  be  three  hundred 
dollars  per  month;  of  brigadier-general  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  month.  T;;e 
aid-de-camp  of  a major-general,  in  addition  to  his  pay  as  lieutenant,  shall  receive  forty 
dollars  per  month,  and  the  aid-de-camp  of  a brigadier-general  shall  receive,  in  addition 
to  his  pay  as  lieutenant,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars  per  month.  The  monthly  pay  of 
the  officers  of  the  corps  of  engineers  shall  be  as  follows:  Of  the  colonel  two  hundred  and 
ten  dollars;  of  a major,  one  hundred  and  sixty-two  dollars;  of  a captain,  one  hundred  and 
forty  dollars;  lieutenants  serving  with  a company  of  sappers  and  miners  shall  receive  the 
pay  of  cavalry  officers  of  the  same  grade.  The  monthly  pay  of  the  colonel  of  the  corps  of 
artillery  shall  be  two  hundred  and  ten  dollars;  of  a lieutenant-colonel,  one  hundred  and 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


525 


eighty-five  dollars;  of  a major,  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars;  of  a captain,  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  dollars;  of  a first  lieutenant,  ninety  dollars;  of  a second  lieutenant, 
eighty  dollars;  and  the  adjutant  shall  receive,  in  addition  to  his  pay  as  lieutenant,  ten 
dollars  per  month.  Officers  of  artillery  serving  in  the  light  artillery,  or  performing  ord- 
nance duty,  shall  receive  the  same  pay  as  officers  of  cavalry  of  the  same  grade.  The 
monthly  pay  of  the  infantry  shall  be  as  follows:  Of  a colonel,  one  hundred  and 

seventy-five  dollars;  of  a lieutenant-colonel,  one  hundred  and  seventy  dollars;  of  a 
major,  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars;  of  a captain,  one  hundred  and  thirty  dollars; 
of  a first  lieutenant,  ninety  dollars;  of  a second  lieutenant,  eighty  dollars;  the  adju- 
tant ten  dollars  per  month  in  addition  to  his  pay  as  lieutenant.  The  monthly  pay  of 
the  officers  of  cavalry  shall  be  as  follows:  Of  a colonel,  two  hundred  dollars;  of  a lieu- 
tenant-colonel, one  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars;  of  a major,  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
two  dollars;  of  a captain,  one  hundred  and  thirty  dollars;  of-a  first  lieutenant,  ninety  dol- 
lars; of  asecond  lieutenant,  eighty  dollars;  the  adjutant,  tendollarsper  month  in  addition 
to  his  pay  as  lieutenant.  The  pay  of  the  officers  of  the  general  staff,  except  those  of  the 
medical  department,  shall  be  tbe  same  as  officers  of  the  second  grade.  The  surgeon-gen- 
eral shall  receive  an  annual  salary  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  which  shall  be  in  full 
of  all  pay  and  allowance.  The  pay  per  month  of  the  major-general’s  staff  shall  be  the 
same  as  officers  of  the  same  rank  in  the  infantry  service.  The  monthly  pay  of  surgeon 
shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  major  of  cavalry,  and  the  pay  of  assistant  surgeon  shall  be 
the  same  as  the  pay  of  first  lieutenant  of  cavalry,  and  the  rank  of  surgeon  shall  be  that 
of  major  of  cavalry,  and  that  of  assistant  surgeon  the  same  as  of  the  first  lieutenant  of 
cavalry. 

Sec.  22.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  pay  of  officers  as  herein  established  shall  be 
in  full  of  all  allowances,  except  forage  for  horses  actually  in  service,  and  the  necessary 
traveling  expenses  while  traveling  under  orders;  Provided,  that  officers  shall  not  be  enti- 
tled in  any  case  to  draw  forage  for  a greater  number  of  horses,  according  to  grade,  than 
as  follows:  The  major-general,  five;  the  brigadier-general,  four;  the  adjutant  and  inspec- 
tor-general, quartermaster-general,  commissary-general,  and  the  colonel  of  engineers,  ar- 
tillery, infantry  and  cavalry,  three  each.  All  lieutenant-colonels,  and  majors,  and  cap- 
tains of  the  general’s  staff,  engineer  corps,  light  artillery  and  cavalry,  three  each.  Lieu- 
tenants serving  in  the  corps  of  engineers,  lieutenants  of  light  artillery,  and  of  cavalry, 
two  each.  No  enlisted  man  in  the  service  of  the  State  shall  be  employed  as  a servant  by 
any  officer  of  the  army.  The  monthly  pay  of  the  enlisted  men  of  the  army  of  the  State 
; shall  be  as  follows:  that  of  sergeant  or  master  workman  of  the  engineer  corps,  thirty  dol- 
lars; that  of  corporal  or  overseer,  twenty  dollars;  privates  of  the  first-class,  or  artificers, 
seventeen  dollars,  and  privates  of  the  second  class,  or  laborers  and  musicians,  thirteen  dol- 
lars. The  sergeant-major  of  cavalry,  twenty-one  dollars;  first  sergeant,  twenty  dollars; 
isergeants,  seventeen  dollars;  corporals,  farriers  and  blacksmiths,  thirteen  dollars;  music- 
ians, thirteen  dollars,  and  privates,  twelve  dollars.  Sergeant-major  of  artillery  and  in- 
fantry, twenty-one  dollars;  first  sergeants,  twenty  dollars  each;  sergeants,  seventeen  dol- 
lars; corporals  ana  artificers,  thirteen  dollars;  musicians,  twelve  dollars,  and  privates, 
eleven  dollars  each.  The  non-commissioned  officers,  artificers,  musicians  and  privates 
serving  in  light  batteries  shall  receive  the  same  pay  as  those  of  cavalry. 

Sec.  23.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  each  enlisted  man  of  the  army  of  the  State 
shall  receive  one  ration  per  day,  and  a yearly  allowance  of  clothing;  the  quantity  and  kind 
pf  each  to  be  established  by  regulation  of  the  military  and  financial  board,  to  be  approved 
[ty  the  governor.  Rations  shall  generally  be  issued  in  kind,  unless  under  circumstances 
tendering  a commutation  necessary.  The  commutation  value  of  the  ration  shall  be  fixed 
py  regulation  of  the  military  and  financial  board  to  be  appointed  by  the  governor. 

Sec.  24.  Be  it  f urther  enacted.  That  all  the  officers  in  the  quartermaster’s  and  com- 
nissary  departments  shall,  previous  to  entering  on  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices, 
i;ive  bonds  with  good  and  sufficient  security,  to  the  State  of  Tennessee,  in  such  sum  as  the 
.nilitary  and  financial  board  shall  direct,  fully  to  account  for  all  moneys  and  public  prop- 
xty  which  they  may  receive.  Neither  the  quartermaster-general,  the  commissary-gen- 

33 


526 


niSTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


eral,  nor  an  other  or  either  of  their  assistants,  shall  he  concerned,  directly  or  indirectly,  in 
the  purchase  or  sale  of  any  articles  intended  for,  making  a part  of,  or  appertaining  to  pub- 
lic supplies,  except  for  and  on  account  of  the  State  of  Tennessee;  nor  shall  they,  or  either 
of  them,  take  or  apply  to  his  or  their  own  use,  any  gain  or  emolument  for  negotiating  any 
business  in  their  respective  departments  other  than  what  is  or  may  be  allowed  bylaw 
The  rules  and  articles  of  war  established  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States  of  America 
for  the  government  of  the  army  are  hereby  declared  to  be  of  force,  except  wherever  the 
words  “ United  States”  occur,  “State  of  Tennessee”  shall  be  substituted  therefor;  and 
except  that  the  articles  of  war  numbers  sixty-one«and  sixty- two  are  hereby  abrogated,  and 
the  following  substituted  therefor: 

Art.  61.  Officers  having  brevets  or  commissions  of  a prior  date  to  those  of  the  corps 
in  which  they  serve,  will  take  place  on  courts- martial  or  of  inquiry,  and  on  boards  detailed 
for  military  purposes,  when  composed  of  different  corps,  according  to  the  ranks  given 
them  in  their  brevet  or  former  commissions,  but  in  the  regiment,  corps  or  company 
to  which  such  officers  belong,  they  shall  do  duty  and  take  the  rank,  both  in  courts  and  on 
boards,  as  aforesaid,  which  shall  be  composed  of  their  own  corps,  according  to  the  commis 
sion  by  which  they  are  there  mustered. 

Art.  62.  If  upon  marches,  guards  or  in  quarters,  different  corps  shall  happen  to  join 
or  do  duty  together,  the  officer  highest  in  rank,  according  to  the  commission  by  which 
he  was  mustered  in  the  army,  there  on  duty  by  orders  from  competent  authority,  shall 
command  the  whole,  and  give  orders  for  what  is  needful  for  the  service,  unless  otherwise 
directed  by  the  governor  of  the  State,  in  orders  of  special  assignment  providing  for  the 
case. 

Sec.  25.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  mounted  non-commissioned  officers,  privates, 
musicians  and  artificers  shall  be  allowed  forty  cents  per  day  for  the  use  and  risk  of  then 
horses;  and  if  any  mounted  volunteer  shall  not  keep  himself  provided  with  a serviceable  !; 
horse,  such  volunteer  shall  serve  on  foot.  For  horses  killed  in  action,  or  that  die  from 
injuries  received  in  the  service,  or  for  want  of  forage,  volunteers  shall  be  allowed  com- 
pensation  according  to  their  appraised  value  at  the  date  of  mustering  into  the  service. 

Sec.  26.  Be  it  further  enacted , That  the  military  board  shall  procure  for  the  service 
a supply  of  the  army  regulations  of  the  United  States,  and  provide  by  regulation  a badge 
to  designate  the  grade  of  officers  in  the  service,  and  such  flags  and  banners  as  may  be 
necessary. 

Sec.  27.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  pay  of  volunteers  who  have  been  enrolled  for  j 
service  before  the  passage  of  this  act,  if  actually  mustered  into  service,  shall  be  counted 
from  the  time  of  their  enrollment;  and  the  commanding  officer  of  artillery  may  appoint 
recruiting  officers  to  muster  into  service  recruits  to  be  assigned  to  companies  afterward, 
who  shall  receive  pay  and  subsistence  from  time  of  enrollment.  ji 

Sec.  28.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  any  ten  companies,  with  the  requisite  number 
of  men,  offering  themselves  in  a body,  shall  be  mustered  into  service  as  a regiment,  may 
immediately  organize  by  electing  their  field  officers,  and  be  commissioned  by  the  governor. 
The  seniority  of  captain  shall  be  fixed  by  the  brigadier-general  regularly  in  command; 
Provided,  that  in  all  cases  where  regiments  shall  have  previously  organized  and  elect- 
ed their  officers,  such  organization  and  election  may  be  treated  by  the  governor  as  good 
and  valid. 

Sec.  29.  Beit  further  enacted,  That  each  of  the  members  of  the  military  and  finan- 
cial board  shall  receive  compensation  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars  per  annum 

Sec.  30.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  officers  of  artillery,  from  colonel  to  captain 
inclusive,  shall  be  nominated  by  the  governor  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  31.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  persons  against  whom  indictments  or  pre- 
sentments for  misdemeanors  may  be  pending,  and  who  have  enlisted  under  this  act  in  the 
service  of  the  State,  the  same  may  be  dismissed  in  the  discretion  of  the  judge  before 
whom  the  same  is  pending,  as  well  as  for  forfeitures  against  the  defendant  and  Ins 
securities. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


627 


Sec.  32.  Be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  the  keeper  of  the  public  arms  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  make  suitable  and  proper  arrangements  for  the  convenience  and  pro- 
tection of  the  arsenal  of  the  State;  and  that  for  the  expenses  incurred  for  such  purposes, 
the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  dollars  is  hereby  appropriated,  for  which  the  comptroller  will 
issue  his  warrant  upon  the  treasury,  upon  the  certificate  of  such  keeper,  and  approved  of 
by  the  military  board. 

Sec.  33.  Be  it  further  enacted , That  the  municipal  authorities  of  all  incorporated 
towns  in  this  State  be  authorized  to  borrow  money  by  issuing  the  bonds  of  such  corpora- 
tion, or  otherwise,  for  the  military  defense  of  such  town;  and  in  all  cases  where  corporate 
authorities  of  said  towns  have  already  issued  their  bonds  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  the 
same  is  hereby  declared  legal  and  valid. 

Sec.  3-1.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  to  enable  the  county  court  to  carry  into  effect 
without  delay  the  provisions  of  the  fourteenth,  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  section  of  this  act, 
the  chairman  of  the  county  court  is  empowered  to  assemble  at  any  time  the  members  of 
the  quarterly  court,  who,  when  assembled,  shall  have  all  the  powers  exercised  by  them  at 
the  regular  quarterly  sessions. 

Sec.  35.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  corporate  authorities  of  towns  and  cities 
are  hereby  empowered  and  authorized  to  levy  a military  tax  upon  personal  and  real  estate, 
not  to  exceed  the  one-half  of  one  per  cent,  and  on  privileges  not  greater  than  one-half  the 
amount  now  paid  to  the  State;  such  money  to  be  raised  shall  be  used  for  military  purposes 
under  the  direction  of  the  authority  so  levying  and  collecting  the  same. 

Sec.  36.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  inspector-genferal  of 
; the  State,  to  be  appointed  under  this  act,  and  such  assistants  hs  the  governor  may  appoint 
! to  muster  into  the  service  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  each  company  and  regiment  after  the 
same  are  inspected,  at  such  times  and  places  as  the  governor  shall  designate,  and  when 
said  troops  are  so  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  State,  they  shall  be  subject  to  all  the 
rules  and  articles  of  war  as  adopted  by  this  act. 

Sec.  37.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  captain  upon  being 
mustered  into  the  service  to  furnish  a complete  roll  of  the  officers  and  men  in  his  company 
to  the  inspector-general,  who  shall  file  one  copy  of  the  same  in  the  adjutant-general’s 
office,  and  one  copy  to  be  delivered  to  the  colonel  of  each  regiment  then  formed,  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  adjutant-general  to  furnish  blank  forms  to  the  captains  of  com- 
panies. 

Sec.  38.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  governor,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the 
military  and  financial  board  or  bureau,  shall  be  anthorized  to  purchase  and  carry  on 
my  manufactory  or  manufactories  of  gunpowder,  which  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  the 
lse  of  the  State,  purchase  or  lease  any  interest  in  any  lead,  saltpetre,  or  other  mines,  and 
vork  the  same  for  the  use  of  the  State,  and  may  also  in  the  name  of  the  State  make  con- 
racts  for  the  manufacture  of  fire-arms  or  any  other  munitions  of  war,  to  be  manufactured 
n the  State,  and  make  such  advancements  in  payment  for  the  same  as  may  be  deemed 
dvisableto  insure  the  ready  and  speedy  supply  thereof  for  the  use  of  the  State.  Provided, 
hat  when  such  contract  is  made  or  entered  into  the  individual  or  company  making  the 
a-me  shall  give  bond  and  security  for  the  repayment  thereof,  if  the  arms  or  other  reuni- 
ons of  war  for  which  such  advancement  may  be  made  shall  not  be  furnished  within  the 
me  agreed  upon  for  their  delivery,  or  shall  not  be  of  the  character  contracted  for. 

Sec.  39.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  supplying  the  State 
ith  arms  for  the  public  defense,  that  the  act  of  January  30,  1861,  incorporating  the  Mem- 
lis  Arms  Company,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  confirmed,  and  the  corporators  declared  to 
i entitled  to  exercise  all  the  rights  and  privileges  intended  to  be  given  by  said  act;  and  it 
further  enacted,  that  M.  Clusky,  John  Overton.  Robert  C.  Brinkley,  Sam.  Tate,  M.  J. 
icks,  Roberson  Topp,  William  R.  Hunt,  Fred.  W.  Smith,  J.  E.  R.  Ray,  Moses  White 
id  Ed.  Munford  be  added  to  the  list  of  corporators. 

Sec.  40.  Beit  further  enacted,  That  the  governor  and  all  other  authorities  having 
arge  of  finances  in  the  movement  contemplated  by  this  act  shall  make  full  reports  to 


528 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  to  the  amount  expended,  as  well  as  the  various  pur- 
poses for  which  such  expenditures  may  have  been  made. 

Sec.  41.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  this  act  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

W.  C.  Whitthorne, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

B.  R,  Stovall, 

Speaker'  of  the  Senate. 

Passed  May  6,  1861. 

A true  copy.  J.  E.  R.  Ray,  Secretary  of  State. 


On  the  7th  of  May  the  following  message  was  communicated  to  the 
Legislature : 


Executive  Department,  Nashville,  May  7,  1861. 
Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives: 

By  virtue  of  the  authority  of  your  joint  resolution,  adopted  on  the  1st  day  of  May, 
'inst.,  I appointed  Gustavus  A.  Henry,  of  the  county  of  Montgomery ; Archibald  0.  W. 
Totten,  of  the  county  of  Madison,  and  Washington  Barrow,  of  the  county  of  Davidson, 
“commissioners  on  the  part  of  Tennessee,  to  enter  into  a military  league  with  the  authori- 
ties of  the  Confederate  States,  and  with  the  authorities  of  such  other  slave-holding  States 
as  may  wish  to  enter  into  it;  having  in  view  the  protection  and  defense  of  the  entire  South 
against  the  war  that  is  now  being  carried  on  against  it.” 

The  said  commissioners  met  the  Hon.  Henry  W.  Hilliard,  the  accredited  represents- 
live  of  the  Confederate  States,  at  Nashville,  on  this  day,  and  have  agreed  upon  and  ex- 
ecuted a military  league  between  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  the  Confederate  States  of 
America,  subject,  however,  to  the  ratification  of  the  two  governments,  one  of  the  dupli- 
cate originals  of  which  I herewith  transmit  for  your  ratification  or  rejection.  For  many 
cogent  and  obvious  reasons,  unnecessary  to  be  rehearsed  to  you,  I respectfully  recommend 
the  ratification  of  this  League  at  the  earliest  practicable  moment. 

Very  Respectfully, 

Isham  G.  Harris. 


Convention  Between  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  tiie  Confederate  State-  op 

America. 

The  State  of  Tennessee,  looking  to  a speedy  admission  into  the  Confederacy  estab- 
lished by  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  in  accordance  with  the  Constitution  for  the 
provisional  government  of  said  States,  enters  into  the  following  temporary  convention, 
agreement  and  military  league  with  the  Confederate  States,  for  the  purpose  of  meeting 
pressing  exigencies  affecting  the  common  rights,  interests  and  safety  of  said  States  and 
said  Confederacy.  First,  until  the  said  State  shall  become  a member  of  said  Confederacy, 
according  to  the  constitution  of  both  powers,  the  whole  military  force  and  military  oper- 
ations, offensive  and  defensive,  of  said  State,  in  the  impending  conflict  with  the- Cubed 
States,  shall  be  under  the  chief  control  and  direction  of  the  President  of  the  Confederate 
States,  upon  the  same  basis,  principles  and  footing  as  if  said  State  was  now,  and  during 
the  interval,  a member  of  said  Confederacy,  said  force,  together  with  that  of  the  Confed- 
erate States,  to  be  employed  for  the  common  defense.  Second,  the  State  of  Tennessee 
will,  upon  becoming  a member  of  said  Confederacy  under  the  permanent  constitution  of 
said  Confederate  States,  if  the  same  shall  occur,  turn  over  to  said  Confederate  States  all 
the  public  property  acquired  from  the  United  States,  on  the  same  terms  and  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  other  States  of  said  Confederacy  have  done  in  like  cases.  Third,  what 
ever  expenditures  of  money,  if  any,  the  said  State  of  Tennessee  shall  make  befoi 1 she 
becomes  a member  of  said  Confederacy,  shall  be  met  and  provided  for  by  the  Confer! 
erate  States.  This  convention  entered  into  and  agreed  in  the  city  of  Nashville,  Tenues, 
see,  ou  the  seventh  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1861,  by  Henry  W.  Hilliard,  the  duly  authorize: 
commissioner  to  act  in  the  matter  of  the  Confederate  States,  and  Gustavus  A.  Henry 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


529 


Archibald  0.  W.  Totten  and  Washington  Barrow,  commissioners  duly  authorized  to  act 
in  like  manner  for  the  State  of  Tennessee,  the  whole  subject  to  the  approval  and  rati- 
fication of  the  proper  authorities  of  both  governments,  respectively. 

In  testimony  whereof  the  parties  aforesaid  have  herewith  set  their  hands  and  seals, 
the  day  and  year  aforesaid;  duplicate  originals. 

[seal.]  Henry  W.  Hilliard, 
Commissioner  for  the  Confederate  States  of  America. 
[seal.]  Gustaves  A.  Henry, 
[seal.]  A.  W.  O.  Totten, 

[seal.  ] Washington  Barrow, 
Commissioners  on  the  Part  of  Tennessee. 

Immediately  upon  receiving  tlie  report  of  the  commissioners  the 
Legislature  passed  the  following  joint  resolution: 

Whereas,  A military  league,  offensive  and  defensive,  was  formed  on  this  the  7th  of 
May,  1861,  by  and  between  xY.  0.  W.  Totten,  Gustavus  A.  Henry  and  Washington  Barrow, 
commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  H.  W.  Hilliard,  commissioner 
on  the  part  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  subject  to  the  confirmation  of  the  two 
governments; 

Be  it  therefore  resolved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  That  said 
league  be  in  all  respects  ratified  and  confirmed;  and  the  said  General  Assembly  hereby 
pledges  the  faith  and  honor  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  to  the  faithful  observance  of  the 
terms  and  conditions  of  said  league. 

The  following  is  the  vote  in  the  Senate  on  the  adoption  of  the  league : 
xiyes:  Messrs.  Allen,  Horn,  Hunter,  Johnson,  Lane,  Minnis,  McClellan, 
McNeilly,  Payne,  Peters,  Stanton,  Thompson,  Wood  and  Speaker  Stovall 
— 14.  Nays:  Messrs.  Boyd,  Bradford,  Hildreth,  Nash,  Richardson  and 
Stokes- — 6.  Absent  and  not  voting:  Messrs.  Bumpass,  Mickley,  New- 
man, Stokely  and  Trimble — 5. 

The  following  is  the  vote  in  the  House:  Ayes:  Messrs.  Baker,  of 

Perry;  Baker,  of  Weakley;  Bay  less,  Bicknell,  Bledsoe,  Cheatham,  Cow- 
den,  Davidson,  Davis,  Dudley,  Ewing,  Farley,  Earrelly,  Ford,  Frazier, 
Gantt,  Guy,  Havron,  Hurt,  Ingram,  Jones,  Kenner,  Kennedy,  Lea,  Lock- 
hart, Martin,  Mayfield,  McCabe,  Morphies,  Nall,  Pickett,  Porter,  Rich- 
ardson, Roberts,  Sheid,  Smith,  Sowell,  Trevitt,  Vaughn,  Whitmore, 
Woods  and  Speaker  Whitthorne— 42.  Nays:  Messrs.  Armstrong,  Bra- 
zelton,  Butler,  Caldwell,  Gorman,  Greene,  Morris,  Norman,  Russell,  Sen- 
ter,  Shrewsbury,  White,  of  Davidson;  Williams,  of  Knox;  Wisener  and 
Woodward — -15.  Absent  and  not  voting:  Messrs.  Barksdale,  Beaty, 
Bennett,  Britton,  Critz,  Doak,  East,  Gillespie,  Harris,  Hebb,  Johnson, 
Kincaid,  of  Anderson ; Kincaid,  of  Claiborne ; Trewhitt ; White,  of  Dick- 
son; Williams,  of  Franklin;  Williams,  of  Hickman,  and  Williamson — 18. 

The  action  of  the  Legislature  in  passing  the  ordinance  of  secession, 
in  adopting  the  provisional  constitution  of  the  Confederacy,  in  passing 
the  army  bill  and  in  ratifying  the  league  between  Tennessee  and  the 
Confederate  Government,  all  subject  to  adoption  or  rejection  by  the  peo- 
ple of  the  State,  and  all  done  amid  great  excitement  within  a few  days, 


53Q 


HISTOIIY  or  TENNESSEE. 


met  tlie  heartiest  and  wildest  reception  from  all  portions  of  the  State. 
The  only  opposition  encountered  was  in  East  Tennessee;  but  tlie  Gov- 
ernor, as  commander-in-chief  of  the  provisional  army,  determined  to 
occupy  that  portion  of  the  State  immediately  with  troops  in  the  hope  of 
subjecting  it  to  the  Confederate  cause.  As  soon  as  possible,  by  virtue 
of  the  authority  vested  in  him  by  the  army  bill,  he  made  the  following 
military  appointments,  all  of  which  were  ratified  by  the  General  As- 
sembly: 


Executive  Department,  Nashville,  May  9,  1861. 
Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives: 

I have  nominated  and  herewith  submit  for  3rour  confirmation  the  following  gentlemen : 
For  major-generals,  Gideon  J.  Pillow,  Samuel  R.  Anderson.  For  brigadier-generals, 
Felix  K.  Zollicoffer,  Benjamin  F.  Cheatham,  Robert  C.  Foster,  third;  John  L.  T.  Sneed. 
W.  R.  Caswell.  For  adjutant-general,  Daniel  S.  Donelson.  For  inspector-general, 
William  PI.  Carroll.  For  quarter-master  general,  Vernon  K.  Stevenson.  For  commis- 
sary-general, R.  G.  Fain.  For  paymaster-general,  William  Williams.  For  surgeon- 
geqeral,  Dr.  Paul  F.  Eve.  For  assistant  surgeon-generals,  Dr.  Joseph  C.  Newnan,  Dr. 
John  D.  Winston.  For  assistant  adjutant-generals,  W.  C.  Whitthorne,  James  D.  Porter. 
Jr.,  Hiram  S.  Bradford,  D.  M.  Key.  For  assistant  inspector-generals,  J.  W.  Gillespie, 
James  L.  Scudder,  John  C.  Brown,  Alexander  W.  Campbell.  For  assistant  quartermas 
ter-generals,  Paulding  Anderson,  George  W.  Cunningham,  Samuel  T.  Bicknell.  George 
W.  Fisher,  Thomas  L.  Marshall,  Thomas  Peters,  John  G.  Finnie,  W.  P.  Davis,  J.  H.  Mc- 
Mahon. For  assistant  commissary-generals,  Calvin  M.  Fackler,  John  L.  Brown,  Miles 
Drauglin,  Madison  Stratton,  James  S.  Patton,  W.  W.  Guy,  P.  T.  Glass.  For  assistant, 
paymaster-generals.  Claiborne  Deloach,  William  B.  Reese,  Jr.,  Thomas  Boyers.  Fo' 
lieutenant-colonel  of  artillery,  John  P.  McCown.  For  military  and  financial  board 
Neill  S.  Brown,  James  E.  Bailey,  William  G.  Harding. 

By  reference  to  your  act  of  the  6th  of  May,  and  the  army  regulations,  it  will  be  seen 
that  there  are  additional  nominations  yret  to  be  submitted,  the  number  of  which  it  is  im 
possible  for  me  to  determine  until  it  is  ascertained,  with  at  least  some  degree  of  certainty, 
the  number  of  troops  that  it  may  be  necessary  to  call  into  active  service.  I have,  there- 
fore, nominated  the  heads  of  departments  with  such  assistants  as  I considered  necessary 
to  the  work  of  immediate  organization,  leaving  the  developments  of  the  future  to  deter- 
mine the  additional  appointments  it  may  be  proper  to  make. 

Very  Respectfully, 

Isham  G.  Harris. 

Later  the  following  appointments  were  made: 


Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives: 

Under  the  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  6th  of  May,  1881,  I have  made  the  fob 
lowing  nominations  for  the  consideration  and  confirmation  of  the  General  Assembly, 
to  wit: 

On  the  10th  instant — Dr.  B.  W.  Avent.  surgeon-general,  vice  Dr.  Paul  F.  Eve,  re- 
signed. On  the  10th  instant — For  surgeon  of  Col.  Preston  Smith’s  regiment.  Dr.  Emmett 
Woodward  and  Dr.  Richard  Butt,  assistant-surgeon.  On  the  loth  instant — For  surgeon 
of  Col.  J.  Knox  Walker’s  regiment,  Dr.  .Tames  D.  Lindsay.  On  the  17th  instant— -For 
surgeon  of  Col.  George  Maney’s  regiment,  Dr.  William  Nichol  and  J.  R.  Buist,  assistant- 
surgeon.  On  the  17th  instant — For  surgeon  of  Col.  John  C.  Brown’s  regiment,  Dr. 
Samuel  H.  Stout.  On  the  18th  instant — For  captains  of  the  artillery  corps,  Arthur  1. 
Rutledge,  Marshall  T.  Polk,  William  H.  Jackson,  Andrew  Jackson,  Jr.  On  the  17th  in- 
stant— Reuben  Ross,  James  H.  Wilson,  Smith  P.  Bankhead,  Robert  M.  Russell.  On  the 
17th  instant — For  colonel  commandant  of  the  artillery  corps,  John  P.  McCown.  For 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


531 


lieutenant-colonel,  Milton  A.  Haynes.  For  major,  Alexander  P.  Stewart.  On  the  15th 
instant — For  captain  of  ordnance,  Moses  H Wright.  On  the  16th  instant — For  assistant 
adjutant-generals,  Pallok  B.  Lee  and  Adolphus  Hieman.  On  the  15th  instant — For  as- 
sistant inspector-general,  Henry  Wall,  vice  John  C.  Brown,  declined,  Jo.  G.  Pickett  and 
C.  H.  Williams.  On  the  16th  instant — For  major  of  engineer  corps,  B.  R.  Johnson. 
For  the  captains  of  said  corps,  W.  D.  Pickett,  Montgomery  Lynch  and  W.  A.  Forbes. 
On  the  16th  instant — For  assistant  quartermaster-general,  Jesse  B.  Clements,  vice  Paul- 
ding Anderson,  declined,  John  L.  Sehon,  E.  Foster  Cheatham,  James  Glover,  John  W. 
Eldridge,  A.  J.  Yaughn,  JohnS.  Bransford,  John  S.  Hill,  A.  L.  McClellan,  Nathan  Adams, 
H.  T.  Massengale,  John  W.  Gorham,  Frank  M.  Paul,  S.  H.  Whitthorne.  On  the  17th  in- 
stant—For  assistant  commissaiy-generals,  Frank  W.  Green,  John  R.  Wood,  Daniel  P. 
Cocke,  John  W.  Crisp,  O.  B.  Caldwell,  Lee  M.  Gardner,  William  C.  Bryan,  Jerome  Rid- 
ley, William  H.  Stover,  R-  H.  Williamson,  John  D.  Allen,  Albert  G Firing,  G.  W.  Me- 
nees,  Samuel  E.  Barbee.  The  rank  of  the  various  appointees  will  be  determined  upon  the 
issuance  of  commissions,  after  confirmation  by  the  General  Assembly.  In  the  meantime 
they  will  enter  upon  the  duties  of  their  respective  positions  as  they  may  be  ordered  to  do 
by  their  superior  officers. 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  the 
[l.  s.]  great  seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed  at  the  department  at  Nashville,  this 
the  18tli  of  May,  1861. 


Isham  G.  Harris. 


By  the  Governor: 

J.  E.  R.  Rat,  Secretary  of  State. 


After  tlie  passage  of  tlie  army  bill  the  formation  and  thorough 
discipline  of  regiments  for  the  field  rapidly  took  place.  Memphis  and 
Nashville  became  stirring  military  centers.  Every  county  seat  was  a 
camp.  Almost  every  pursuit  was  dropped  except  the  popular  art  of 
making  war.  As  a result  great  progress  was  made,  and  soon  more  than 
the  number  of  volunteers  called  for  were  ready,  and  as  fast  as  they  could 
be  supplied  with  arms  were  mustered  into  the  provisional  army  of  Ten- 
nessee. Herculean  efforts  were  made  to  supply  the  regiments  as  fast  as 
possible  with  arms,  and  calls  were  issued  by  the  authorities  for  guns  of 
any  description  that  could  be  used  with  effect — shot-guns,  flint-lock  and 
percussion  rifles,  squirrel  and  bear  guns,  pistols,  etc.  On  the  18th  of 
June  the  Legislature  again  met,  pursuant  to  the  call  of  the  Governor, 
who,  in  his  message,  recommended  that,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  con- 
verting the  bonds  ordered  issued  under  the  army  bill  of  May  6 into 
money,  three-fifths  ($3,000,000)  of  the  amount  ($5,000,000)  should  be 
issued  in  treasury  notes  in  lieu  of  an  equivalent  amount  of  such  bonds ; 
that  the  interest  on  the  internal  improvement  bonds  of  the  State,  pay- 
able in  New  York,  should  be  made  payable  at  Nashville,  Charleston  or 
New  Orleans;  and  that  all  necessary  legislation  to  regulate  the  currency 
of  the  State  should  be  made.  He  also  submitted  a statement  of  the 


progress  made  in  placing  the  State  in  an  attitude  of  defense.  Twenty- 
one  regiments  of  infantry  had  been  organized  and  were  in  the  field ; ten 
artillery  companies  were  in  progress  of  completion;  enough  cavalry 
companies  to  form  a regiment  were  also  well  advanced,  and  an  engineers 


532 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


corps  was  nearly  ready  for  service.  Besides  these  three  regiments  from 
the  State  were  with  the  Confederate  Army  in  Virginia,  and  a small  squad 
was  with  the  army  at  Pensacola.  In  addition,  many  of  the  militia  regi- 
ments were  as  ready  for  the  field  as  several  which  had  been  accepted  and 
mustered  in. 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  May  6 an  election 
was  held  throughout  the  State  June  8,  for  the  people  to  decide  upon 
the  question  of  secession  or  separation,  and  the  question  of  representation 
in  the  Confederate  States  Congress,  and  the  adoption  of  the  provisional 
constitution  of  the  Confederate  Government.  It  was  well  assured  at  the 
start  that  both  “separation”  and  “representation”  would  carry  by  hand- 
some majorities,  and  this  assurance  was  well  sustained  as  the  returns 
began  to  come  in.  The  following  proclamation  by  the  Governor  officially 
announced  the  result: 

PROCLAMATION. 

To  all  whom  these  Presents  shall  come — Greeting: 

Whereas,  By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  passed  on 
the  6th  of  May,  1861,  an  election  on  the  8th  of  June,  1861,  was  held  in  the  several  counties 
of  the  State  in  accordance  therewith,  upon  the  Ordinance  of  Separation  and  Representa- 
tion; and  also,  whereas,  it  appears  from  the  official  returns  of  said  election  (hereto  ap 
pended)  that  the  people  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  have  in  their  sovereign  will  and  capae 
ity,  by  an  overwhelming  majority,  cast  their  votes  for  “Separation,”  dissolving  ail 
political  connection  with  the  late  United  States  Government,  and  adopted  the  provisional 
government  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America: 

Now,  therefore , I,  Isham  G.  Harris,  governor  of  the  State  of  Tennesse,  do  “make  it 
known  and  declare  all  connection  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  with  the  Federal  Union  dis- 
solved, and  that  Tennessee  is  a free,  independent  government,  free  from  all  obligation  to, 
or  connection  with,  the  Federal  Government  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  the 
[l.s.]  great  seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed  at  the  department  in  Nashville,  on 
this,  the  24th  day  of  June,  A.  D.,  1861. 

Isham  G.  Harris. 

By  the  Governor: 

J.  E.  R.  Ray,  Secretary  of  State. 

OFFICIAL  ELECTION  RETURNS. 


EAST  TENNESSEE. 


COUNTIES. 

Separa- 

tion. 

Repre- 

sentat’n. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Rep’n. 

Anderson 

97 

97 

186 

1,278 

500 

1,278 

455 

Bledsoe 

197 

Bradley 

507 

1,382 

1,766 

1,000 

1,343 

1.243 

1,185 

1,492 

2,691 

1,260 

1 3H0 

Blount 

418 

414 

1,768 

1,0(10 

1,343 

Campbell 

59 

60 

86 

Carter 

86 

Claiborne 

250 

246 

1,20 

1,185 

Cocke  

518 

517 

Grainger  ....  

586 

582 

1,489 

2,702 

1,271 

Greene 

744 

738 

Hamilton 

854 

837 

I 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


533 


COUNTIES. 

Separa- 

tion. 

Repre- 

sentat’n. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Eep’n. 

279 

278 

630 

630 

908 

886 

1,460 

1,463 

603 

597 

1,987 

787 

1,990 

111 

111 

786 

1,226 

904 

1,214 

3,196 

3,201 

892 

1,144 

1.152 

414 

413 

600 

601 

481 

478 

267 

268 

1,096 

50 

1,089 

50 

774 

775 

630 

632 

Polk 

738 

731 

317 

319 

19 

19 

521 

521 

153 

151 

100 

100 

360 

336 

202 

217 

454 

436 

1,568 

1,528 

627 

1,580 

60 

60 

1,528 

637 

1,586 

1,576 

1,016 

1,022 

1,445 

1,444 

Totals 

14,780 

14,601 

32,923 

32,962 

MIDDLE  TENNESSEE. 

COUNTIES. 

Separa- 
_ tion. 

Repre- 

sentat’n. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Rep’n. 

Bedford 

Cannon  

Cheatham 

Coffee 

Davidson 

DeKalb 

Dickson .*? 

Fentress 

Franklin 

Giles 

1,595 

1.149 

702 

1,276 

5,635 

833 

1,141 

128 

1,652 

2,458 

528 

1,544 

1,145 

697 

1,268 

5,572 

823 

1,133 

120 

1,650 

2,464 

528 

727 

127 

55 

26 

402 

642 

72 

651 

0 

11 

737 

118 

59 

28 

441 

655 

75 

657 

1 

5 

Grundy. . . . : 

9 

9 

Hardin 

498 

493 

1,051 

3 

1,052 

3 

Hickman 

1,400 

1,042 

1,488 

1,124 

223 

1,400 

1,042 

1,480 

1,122 

216 

Humphreys 

0 

0 

Jackson 

714 

710 

Lawrence 

75 

64 

Lewis 

14 

17 

Lincoln 

2,912 

447 

1,642 

2,731 

2,631 

1,471 

3.839 
2,392 
1,249 

1.839 
6,465 

308 

2,892 

446 

0 

9 

Macon 

697 

697 

Marshall 

1,638 
2,693 
2,630 
1 471 

101 

104 

Maury 

58 

78 

Montgomery 

33 

29 

Overton  . . .” 

364 

365 

Robertson 

3 835 

17 

12 

Rutherford 

2’, 377 
1,247 
1,839 
6,441 
308 

73 

93 

Smith 

676 

675 

Stewart 

99 

73 

Sumner 

69 

82 

an  Buren 

13 

13 

iVarren 

1,419 

409 

1,370 

1,945 

2,329 

1,400 

361 

12 

15 

iVayne 

905 

905 

■Vhite 

1,367 

1,918 

2,298 

121 

121 

Villiamson 

28 

35 

Vilson 

353 

361 

Totals 

58.265 

57,858 

8,298 

8,298 

5 84 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Benton 

Carroll 

Decatur 

Dyer 

Fayette 

Gibson 

Hardeman. . 
Haywood. . . 
Henderson. . 

Henry 

Lauderdale. 
McNairy. . . . 
Madison. . . . 

Obion 

Perry 

Shelby 

Tipton  

Weakley. . . . 

Totals 


WEST  TENNESSEE. 


COUNTIES. 


Separa- 

tion. 

Repre- 

sentat’n. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Rep’n. 

798 

796 

228 

226 

967 

952 

1,349 

1,351 

310 

293 

550 

537 

811 

779 

116 

133 

1,364 

1,364 

23 

23 

1,999 

1,954 

286 

219 

1,526 

1,508 

29 

50 

930 

924 

139 

143 

801 

790 

1,013 

1,013 

1,746 

1,734 

317 

317 

763 

759 

7 

0 

1,318 

1,365 

586 

591 

2,754 

2,751 

20 

21 

2,996 

2,957 

64 

88 

780 

779 

168 

169 

7,132 

7,127 

5 

5 

943 

941 

16 

18 

1,189 

1,189 

1,201 

1,200 

29,127 

28,962 

6,117 

6,114 

MILITARY  CAMPS. 


CAMPS. 

Separa- 

tion. 

Repre- 

sentat’n. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Rep’D. 

Camp  Davis,  Va 

506 

506 

00 

00 

Camp  Duncan,  Tenn 

111 

111 

00 

00 

Harper’s  Ferry,  Va 

575 

575 

00 

00 

Fort  Pickens,  Fla 

737 

737 

00 

00 

Fort  Harris,  Tenn . 

159 

159 

00 

00 

Camp  De  Soto,  Tenn 

15 

15 

00 

00 

Hermitage  Camp,  Va ■ 

16 

16 

00 

00 

Camp  Jackson,  Va 

622 

622 

00 

00 

Fort  Randolph,  Tenn.* 

3,598 

3,598 

00 

00 

Total 

6,339 

6,339 

00 

00 

- 

^Reported. 


AGGREGATES. 


DIVISIONS. 

Separa- 

tion. 

Repre- 

sentation. 

No 

Sep’n. 

No 

Rep’n. 

East  Tennessee 

14,780 

58,265 

29,127 

6,339 

14,601 

57,858 

28,962 

6,339 

32,923 

8,298 

6,117 

0,000 

32,962 

8.298 

6,114 

0,000 

Middle  Tennessee 

West  Tennessee 

Military  Camps 

4 

Majorities 

108,511 

47,338 

107,760 

47,374 

47,338 

47,874 

61,173 

60.386 



Tlie  Confederate  Congress  had,  May  17,  anticipated  the  action  of 
Tennessee  in  separating  herself  from  the  Federal  Government,  and  had, 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


535' 


before  adjournment,  and  before  the  result  of  the  election  of  June  8 be- 
came known,  passed  the  following  act: 

An  Act  to  Admit  the  State  op  Tennessee  into  the  Confederacy,  on  a Certain 

Condition. 

The  State  of  Tennessee  having  adopted  measures  looking  to  an  early  withdrawal  from 
the  United  States,  and  to  becoming,  in  the  future,  a member  of  this  Confederacy,  which 
measures  may  not  be  consummated  before  the  approaching  recess  of  Congress;  therefore, 

The  Congress  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America  do  enact.  That  the  State  of  Tennes- 
see shall  be  admitted  a member  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  upon  an  equal  foot- 
ing with  the  other  States,  under  the  constitution  for  the  provisional  government  of  the 
same,  upon  the  condition  that  the  said  constitution  for  the  provisional  government  of 
the  Confederate  States  shall  be  adopted  and  ratified  by  the  properly  and  legally  consti- 
tuted authorities  of  said  State,  and  the  governor  of  said  State  shall  transmit  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Confederate  States,  before  the  reassembling  of  Congress  after  the  recess 
aforesaid,  an  authentic  copy  of  the  proceedings  touching  said  adoption  and  ratification  by 
said  State  of  said  provisional  constitution;  upon  the  receipt  whereof,  the  President,  by 
proclamation,  shall  announce  the  fact,  whereupon  and  without  any  further  proceeding 
on  the  part  of  Congress,  the  admission  of  said  State  of  Tennessee  into  the  Confederacy, 
under  said  Constitution  for  the  provisional  government  of  the  Confederate  States,  shall  be 
considered  as  complete;  and  the  laws  of  this  Confederacy  shall  be  thereby  extended  over 
said  State  as  fully  and  completely  as  over  the  States  now  composing  the  same. 

HOWELL  COBB, 

Approved  May  17,  1861.  President  of  the  Congress. 

Jefferson  Davis. 

The  following  was  the  provisional  government  of  the  Confederate 
States  of  America:  Jefferson  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  president;  Alex- 
ander H.  Stephens,  of  Georgia,  vice-president.  Cabinet  Officers : Robert 
Toombs,  of  Georgia,  secretary  of  state;  C.  G.  Memminger,  of  South 
Carolina,  secretary  of  the  treasury  ; L.  P.  Walker,  of  Alabama,  secretary 
of  war;  S.  B.  Mallory,  of  Florida,  secretary  of  navy;  J.  H.  Reagan,  of 
Texas,  postmaster-general ; J.  P.  Benjamin,  of  Louisiana,  attorney- 
general.  Congress:  Hon.  Howell  Cobb,  of  Georgia,  president;  J.  J. 
Hooper,  of  Alabama,  secretary.  Standing  Committees:  Executive  De- 
partment— Stephens,  Conrad,  Boyce,  Shorter,  Brooke;  Foreign  Affairs — 
Rhett,  Nisbet,  Perkins,  Walker,  Keitt;  Military  Affairs — Bartow,  Miles, 
Sparrow,  Kenan,  Anderson;  Naval  Affairs — Conrad,  Chestnut,  Smith, 
Wright,  Owens;  Finance — Toombs,  Barnwell,  Kenner,  Barry,  McRae; 
Commerce — Memminger,  Crawford,  DeClouet,  Morton,  Curry;  Judiciary 
— Clayton,  Withers,  Hale,  Cobb,  Harris;  Postal — Chilton,  Boyce,  Hill, 
Harris,  Curry;  Patents — Brooke,  Wilson,  Lewis,  Hill,  Kenner;  Territo- 
ries— Chestnut,  Campbell,  Marshall,  Nisbet,  Fearne;  Public  Lands — 
Marshall,  Harris,  Fearne;  Indian  Affairs— -Morton,  Hale,  Sparrow,  Lewis, 
Keitt;  Printing — Cobb,  Harris,  Miles,  Chilton,  Perkins;  Accounts — 
Owens,  Crawford,  Campbell,  DeClouet,  Smith ; Engrossment — Shorter, 
Wilson,  Kenan,  McRae,  Bartow. 

The  ratification  of  the  governor’s  military  appointments  had  no 


586 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


sooner  been  made  by  the  Legislature  tlian  the  assignment  of  officers  to 
their  commands  was  officially  announced.  Prior  to  this,  on  the  25th  of 
April,  Gov.  Harris  had  directed  Gen.  S.  E.  Anderson  to  proceed  to 
Memphis  to  organize  the  various  volunteer  forces  at  that  point  and 
throughout  West  Tennessee.  He  remained  at  Memphis,  engaged  in 
active  and  valuable  military  work,  until  about  May  3,  when  he  trans- 
ferred the  completion  of  the  organizations  there  to  Gen.  J.  L.  T.  Sneed 
and  returned  to  Nashville.  On  the  3d  of  May  ten  companies  at  Nash- 
ville were  mustered  into  the  State  service  and  became  the  First  Tennessee 
Kegiment,  commanded  by  Col.  George  Maney.  About  the  same  time 
another  regiment,  which  became  the  First  Confederate  Tennessee,  was 
organized  at  Winchester,  with  Peter  Turney,  colonel.  By  the  5th  of  the 
same  month  171  companies  had  reported  themselves  ready  for  the  field 
to  the  adjutant-general.  On  the  9th  of  May  Gov.  Harris  appointed  his 
staff  as  follows:  James  W.  McHenry,  adjutant-general;  David  E.  Smith, 
quartermaster-general;  John  H.  Crozier,  inspector-general;  John  Y. 
Wright,  first  aide-de-camp;  Preston  Smith,  second  aide-de-camp: 
Gideon  J.  Pillow,  senior  major-general,  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
provisional  army  of  the  State,  with  headquarters  at  Memphis.  Samuel 
E.  Anderson,  junior  major-general,  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the 
Department  of  Middle  Tennessee,  with  headquarters  at  Nashville,  and. 
May  14,  appointed  William  A.  Quarles  and  Granville  P.  Smith  his  aides- 
de-camp  and  W.  C.  Whittliorne,  his  assistant  adjutant-general.  On 
the  17th  Brig. -Gen.  E.  C.  Foster,  by  order  of  Gen.  Anderson,  took 
command  of  the  forces  at'  Camp  Cheatham,  Eobertson  County,  and  about 
the  same  time  Brig.-Gen.  F.  K.  Zollicoffer  was  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  militia  at  Camp  Trousdale,  Sumner  County,  and  Brig.-Gen.  W.  Pi 
Caswell  to  the  command  of  the  forces  of  East  Tennessee  with  head- 
quarters at  Knoxville.  Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham  was  assigned  to  command 
at  Union  City,  and  Gen.  John  L.  T.  Sneed  at  Bandolph.  The  military 
and  financial  board  appointed  by  the  governor  under  the  army  bill 
consisted  o£  Neill  S.  Brown,  William  G.  Harding  and  James  E.  Bailey. 
Gov.  Harris  was  ex-officio  a member  of  this  board.  The  members  were 
appointed  immediately  after  the  passage  of  the  army  bill,  and  soon  had 
established  in  active  working  order  all  the  military  departments  created 
by  that  instrument.  Although  no  formal  call  was  issued  by  the  gover- 
nor for  troops  until  June  21,  the  rapid  mustering  of  militia  for  the  pro- 
visional army  and  the  concentration  at  important  points  and  along  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  State,  were  steadily,  yet  informally,  pursued  by 
virtue  of  the  popular  belief  that  the  State  was  in  imminent  danger  of 
invasion.  May  19  the  Nashville  Patriot  stated  that  up  to  that  date  about 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


537 


25.000  volunteers  had  been  tendered  the  governor.  On  the  20th  of 
May  Gen.  Pillow  at  Memphis  ordered  reprisals  taken  of  Northern  prop- 
erty passing  that  city  on  the  river,  railroads  or  otherwise,  and  required 
all  vessels  and  shipments  to  be  examined  with  the  view  of  ascertaining 
the  ownership  of  cargoes,  etc.  About  May  22  Gen.  Zollicoffer  succeeded 
in  securing,  via  Chattanooga,  several  thousand  stands  of  arms  from  the 
Confederate  Government.  Two  days  later  news  was  received  at  Mem- 
phis that  15,000  Federal  troops  were  on  the  eve  of  departing  down  the 
river  from  Cairo  to  capture  and  sack  the  former  city,  which  report 
occasioned  great  bustle  and  excitement.  By  the  25th  of  May  about 

17.000  stands  of  arms  had  been  received  by  the  State  authorities  from  the 
Confederate  Government.  Three  days  later  several  six-pound  cannons, 
which  had  been  manufactured  by  Ellis  & Moore,  Nashville,  were  tested 
and  found  serviceable.  By  the  29th  there  were  encamped  at  Knoxville 
between  twenty-five  and  thirty  companies,  and  from  them  Col.  Church- 
well’s  regiment  had  been  organized.  Eight  or  ten  companies  had  been 
rendezvoused  at  Chattanooga  and  vicinity  and  were  encamped  there 
ready  for  service.  Late  in  May  the  county  court  at  Memphis  appropri- 
ated $12  for  the  wife  and  $6  for  each  child,  per  month,  of  each  volunteer 
who  should  enter  the  Confederate  service.  At  this  time  Whitfield, 
Bradley  & Co.,  of  Clarksville,  were  making  serviceable  cannon.  At  the 
election  of  June  8 Tennessee  troops  to  the  number  of  737  polled  their 
votes  for  “separation”  at  Pensacola,  Fla. 

Early  in  June  much  had  been  done  with  the  means  at  hand,  to  place  the 
State  in  an  attitude  of  defense.  Five  or  six  batteries  were  posted  along  the 
Mississippi  River,  from  Memphis  to  the  Kentucky  line,  commanding  the 
leading  strategic  points,  and  consisting  of  mortars,  columbiads  and  twenty- 
four  and  thirty -two  pounders,  and  were  manned  by  a corps  of  ten  fairly 
well  organized  companies  of  Tennessee  artillery,  under  the  command  of 
Cols.  J.  P.  McCown  and  M.  A.  Haynes.  About  15,000  volunteers  were 
concentrated  at  Memphis,  Jackson  and  other  principal  points  in  West 
Tennessee,  and  were  under  the  command  of  May -Gen.  Gideon  J.  Pillow, 
of  the  provisional  army.  Considerable  action  had  been  taken  to  pre- 
pare defenses  along  or  near  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State,  to  be  in 
readiness  for  any  invasion  from  the  North.  The  importance  of  construct- 
ing fortifications  along  the  Tennessee  and  the  Cumberland  Rivers,  as  well 
as  along  the  Mississippi,  had  been  seriously  considered,  and  energetic 
steps  had  been  taken  in  that  direction.  The  concentration  of  Federal 
forces  at  Cairo,  111. , late  in  April,  had  aroused  the  apprehension  of  the 
authorities  of  the  State  and  of  the  Confederate  Government,  that  an  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  was  contemplated  down  the  Mississippi,  and  doubt- 


538 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


lessly  up  the  Tennessee  and  the  Cumberland  Rivers.  It  was  deemed  im- 
portant to  have  the  militia  in  such  a state  of  readiness  that  it  could  be 
called  into  the  field  at  a moment’s  warning,  and  Gov.  Harris,  June  21, 
issued  General  Order,  No.  1,  to  that  effect.  June  3 Gen.  Anderson,  in 
command  of  the  Department  of  Middle  Tennessee,  called  for  2,000  rifle- 
men, the  companies  to  furnish  their  own  rifles,  and  for  five  companies  of 
cavalry,  all  to  furnish  their  own  double-barreled  shot-guns.  June  Ithe 
Confederate  law  which  prohibited  the  exportation  of  cotton,  except 
through  Southern  ports,  came  into  operation,  and  Gen.  Pillow,  commander 
at  Memphis,  ordered  that  none  should  be  sent  North  through  Tennessee 
or  out  of  Tennessee.  Pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  army  bill, 
home  guards  were  organized,  and  a committee  of  safety  appointed  in  al- 
most every  county  of  the  State.  Early  in  June  the  city  authorities  of 
Memphis  had,  at  their  own  expense,  purchased  commissary,  quarter- 
master and  ordnance  stores  and  armament  for  fortifications  along  the 
Mississippi,  and  an  agent  was  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to  settle  with 
them  for  such  expense.  The  strategic  importance  of  the  location  of  Mem- 
phis was  early  recognized  by  the  authorities  of  that  city,  who  received 
great  praise  for  their  prompt  action  to  secure  control  of  the  Mississippi. 
Early  in  June  a force  of  about  8,000  Mississippians,  under  the  command 
of  Maj.-Gen.  Clark,  passed  northward  through  West  Tennessee,  to  co- 
operate with  the  latter  State  against  the  threatened  advance  southward  of 
the  Eederals  from  Cairo. 

On  the  27tli  of  June  the  military  bill  was  amended.  The  bonds  to 
be  issued  under  the  act  of  May  6,  were  exempted  from  taxation,  and  fur- 
ther an  ample  provision  was  made  for  the  organization,  equipment  and 
discipline  of  volunteers  and  militia.  Provision  was  made  for  the  support 
of  the  families  of  such  volunteers  as  should  become  insane  in  the  service; 
and  all  moneys  or  property  owing  by  citizens  of  the  State  to  citizens  of 
any  non-slave-holding  State  were  declared  non-collectable  during  hostil- 
ities between  Tennessee  and  the  Federal  Government;  that  such  moneys 
could  be  paid  into  the  State  treasury  and  upon  the  cessation  of  hostilities 
should  be  refunded  with  interest.  It  was  enacted,  June  27,  that  treasury 
notes  to  the  amount  of  $3,000,000,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  lieu  of  the 
$3,000,000  of  the  bonds  authorized  to  be  issued  under  the  act  of  May  6, 
should  be  circulated,  and  that  such  notes  should  bear  interest  not  to  ex- 
ceed 6 per  centum.  July  1,  it  was  made  lawful  for  the  banks  of  the  State 
to  receive  and  pay  out  the  treasury  notes  of  the  Confederate  Government 
and  State  officers  were  required  to  receive  such  notes  in  payment  of 
money  due  the  State.  Banks  were  required  to  increase  their  circulation, 
to  withold  dividends  due  stockholders  in  non-slave-holding  States  while  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


539 


war  continued;  and  it  was  made  unlawful  to  pay  either  interest  or  principal 
of  the  bonds  of  the  State  held  by  citizens  in  non-slave-holding  States  un- 
til the  war  should  cease;  or  for  bank  officers  to  remove  the  assets  of 
stockholders  of  non-slave-holding  States  from  Tennessee.  These  provis- 
ions were  deemed  necessary  in  view  of  the  probable  future  scarcity  of  money 
to  carry  on  civil  and  military  affairs.  The  authorities  were  not  unmindful 
of  the  trials  and  tribulations  of  their  Revolutionary  fathers,  and  made  care- 
ful estimates  of  chances  to  carry  the  State  safely  through  the  storm  of  war. 
June  28  it  was  enacted  that  the  authorities  of  Giles  County  might  assess 
and  collect  a tax  for  the  manufacture  of  fire-arms,  gunpowder  and  other 
munitions  of  war.  June  28  the  inspector  of  the  State  penitentiary  was 
authorized  to  borrow  of  the  State  bank  $10,000,  to  be  used  in  the  purchase 
of  material  for  making  shoes,  hats  and  army  accoutrements.  June  29  it 
was  “resolved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  that  the 
governor  be  authorized  and  requested  to  place  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Confederate  States  the  volunteer  forces  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  the 
same  to  be  mustered  into  the  service  of  said  States  subject  to  the  rules 
and  regulations  adopted  by  the  Confederate  authorities  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Confederate  Army ; and  that  in  making  the  arrangements 
therefore  we  shall  have  in  view  the  placing  of  the  defense  of  the  State 
under  the  immediate  control  an  ddirection  of  the  President  of  the  Con- 
federate States.” 

Within  a few  weeks  after  the  formation  of  militia  companies  had 
commenced,  the  women  of  the  State  organized  in  all  the  leading  cities  to 
secure  contributions  of  all  kinds  of  supplies  for  camp,  field  and  hospital. 
By  the  19th  of  June  the  society  at  Nashville,  comprising  231  ladies,  had 
collected  and  sent  to  camp  4,745  pieces  of  wearing  apparel,  etc.  Organ- 
izations at  Memphis  had  done  nearly  as  well.  During  the  early  months 
of  the  war  the  societies  were  often  reorganized,  and  the  result  of  their  la- 
bors was  highly  appreciated  by  the  sweltering  militia  in  the  various  hot 
and  uncomfortable  camps.  August  12  the  State  Soldier’s  Aid  Society 
was  formed  at  Nashville,  with  branches  throughout  Middle  Tennesseee. 
From  that'  date  until  October  1 the  society  sent  to  the  various  camps 
over  fifty  large  boxes  of  supplies  of  all  descriptions,  and  collected  in  cash 
$1,834.20.  Nashville,  Clarksville,  Franklin,  Pulaski,  Columbia,  Mur- 
freesboro, Springfield,  Harpeth  and  other  cities  donated  the  money  and 
supplies.  Mrs.  F.  G.  Porter,  of  Nashville,  was  president  of  the  State 
Society.  A flourishing  society  at  Memphis  accomplished,  almost  as  much 
good  as  the  one  at  Nashville.  August  22  Gov.  Harris  issued  a procla- 
mation to  the  women  of  the  State  to  permanently  organize  for  the  cold 
■weather,  which  had  the  happy  effect  of  multiplying  the  societies  in  all 


540 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


directions  and  supplying  necessities  to  many  a poor  soldier  boy  during 
the  cold  winter  of  1801-62. 

On  the  6th  of  July  Gov.  Harris  issued  a proclamation  calling  for 
3,000  volunteers  to  meet  the  requisition  of  the  Confederate  Government 
on  the  State  of  Tennessee.  About  the  middle  of  July,  pursuant  to  the 
offer  of  the  Tennessee  Legislature,  the  Confederate  Government  accepted 
the  transfer  of  the  provisional  army  of  Tennessee  to  the  Confederacy, 
and  issued  directions  to  have  the  troops  received  and  mustered  in. 
About  this  time  Gens.  Gideon  J.  Pillow,  S.  B.  Anderson  and  D.  S 
Donelson  were  commissioned  brigadier-generals  in  the  Confederate 
States  Army.  July  12  Dr.  S.  McKissack,  of  Maury  County,  bought 
$3,000  worth  of  Confederate  Government  bonds  at  par,  the  first  purchase 
made  in  the  State.  Gens.  B.  F.  Cheatham  and  F.  K.  Zollicoffer  were 
commissioned  brigadier-generals  of  the  Confederate  States  Army  about 
the  20th  of  July.  About  this  time  Gen.  S.  B.  Anderson  succeeded  Gen. 
Caswell  in  command  of  the  Confederate  forces  in  East  Tennessee.  Col, 
Jo  Pickett  was  his  chief  of  staff.  The  following  is  the  report  of  the 
military  and  financial  board  to  Gov.  Harris,  bearing  date  July  18,  1861: 


Quartermaster-general’s  department $918,775  94 

Commissary-general’s  department 522,456  03 

Paymaster-general’s  department 899,600  00 

Medical  department 8,500  00 

Ordnance  department 362,045  91 

Contingencies . 12,513  03 

Total $2,223,890  91 


July  26  Gen.  Pillow- left  Memphis  with  part  of  the  troops  designed 
for  the  contemplated  campaign  northward,  moving  to  Bandolph,  thence 
to  New  Madrid,  Mo.,  where  he  was  joined  by  Gen.  Cheatham  with  a 
force  from  Union  City.  On  the  31st  of  July  Gov.  Harris  issued  a gen- 
eral order  that  the  officers  of  the  provisional  army  should  muster  their 
command  for  the  inspection  of  representative  military  men  of  the  Con- 
federacy authorized  to  effect  the  transfer  of  the  troops,  and  should  pre- 
pare revised  rolls  of  their  companies  and  regiments  to  be  handed  to  the 
Confederate  inspector,  which  acts  would  operate  as  a transfer  of  tire 
State  forces  to  the  Southern  army.  By  the  7th  of  August  the  transfer 
was  completed.  This  almost  stripped  the  State  of  its  defensive  army, 
whereupon  Gov.  Harris  issued  a call  for  30,000  volunteers  to  serve  as  a 
“ Beserve  Corps  of  Tennessee.”  On  the  1st  of  August  the  State  voted 
on  the  question  of  the  adoption  of  the  permanent  constitution  of  the 
Confederacy  and  gave  a majority  of  about  30,000  in  its  favor.  Col. 
Heiman  commanding  the  troops  at  Fort  Henry  on  the  Tennessee,  issued 
an  order  to  seize  all  property  of  the  North  passing  down  the  river.  Au- 


BATTLE  OF 


‘Lexington 


/O  Shiloh 

sL  Ch. 


Hospital 


Hospital 


Cotton  Press  i 


Hardee1 

Corps 


POSITIONS 
LATE  ON  THE  EVENING 
OF  THE  6TH. 


Artillery 


petac/j^ 


'iiaml 


nr,  fr 


CjShilon 

Ch. 


Prentiss 

Captured 


Hospital 


Hospital 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


541 


gust  1 Gov.  Harris  was  re-elected  over  liis  Union  competitor,  W.  H. 
Polk,  of  East  Tennessee,  by  a majority  of  about  30,000.  August  22 
Gen.  Foster,  who  liad  succeeded  Gen.  Anderson  in  command  of  the  post 
at  Nashville,  ordered  that  thereafter  no  person  would  be  permitted  to 
leave  Tennessee  without  a passport.  About  this  time  there  were  several 
bloody  encounters  in  East  Tennessee  between  Federal  and  Confederate 
residents.  About  the  middle  of  September  Gen.  Foster  resigned  his 
command  at  Nashville.  At  this  time,  also,  the  Confederate  Government 
called  upon  Tennessee  for  30,000  volunteers. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1861  great  advancement  was 
made  in  mustering  regiments  for  the  field  and  in  preparing  arms,  ord- 
nance and  equipments.  By  the  17th  of  July  the  factories  at  Nashville 
were  manufacturing  100,000  percussion  caps  daily,  and  two  foundries 
at  Memphis  were  molding  strong  and  serviceable  cannons.  A little  later 
muskets  and  cannons,  shot  and  shell,  saddles  and  harness,  knapsacks,  etc., 
were  manufactured  in  considerable  quantity  at  Nashville.  There  were 
cannon  factories  at  Memphis,  Clarksville,  Murfreesboro,  Lebanon,  Pulas- 
ki, Shelbyville,  Franklin  and  elsewhere,  and.  small-arm  factories  on  a 
limited  scale  were  scattered  throughout  the  State.  The  Governor’s  mes- 
sage to  the  Legislature  October  7,  1861,  summed  up  the  military  record 
of  the  State:  In  about  two  months  30,000  volunteers  had  been  placed 
on  the  field,  many  having  been  declined ; the  provisional  army  had  been 
transferred,  July  31,  to  the  Confederacy;  a total  of  thirty-eight  regiments 
of  infantry,  seven  battalions  of  cavalry  and  sixteen  artillery  companies 
had  been  raised;  all  supplies  necessary  had  been  furnished  by  the  “Mili- 
tary and  Financial  Board,”  despite  the  blockade  of  the  Southern  ports 
and  the  almost  utter  lack  of  sources  of  supplies  at  home ; factories  had 
been  so  encouraged  that  by  the  1st  of  October  250  guns  were  made  weekly 
in  the  State  and  1,300,000  percussion  caps;  and  lead  and  powder  com- 
panies, particularly  the  latter,  had  done  a creditable  part  in  preparing  the 
State  for  war.  The  Governor  submitted  the  following  report  of  military 
expenses  prior  to  October  1 : 


Quartermaster-general’s  department $1,657,106  65 

Commissary-general’s  department 627,064  87 

Paymaster-general’s  department.  1,104,800  00 

Medical  department 24,761  21 

Ordnance  department  990,291  20 

Recruiting  service 723  25 

Advance  on  gun,  saltpeter  and  powder  contracts,  etc 456,826  08 

Advance  to  Gen.  Pillow  for  the  Missouri  campaign 200,000  00 

Contingent  expense  31,850  59 


$5,094,023  85 

34 


Total 


542 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


All  army  supplies  liad  been  transferred  to  the  Confederate  Govern- 
ment, which  assumed  the  payment  of  all  Tennessee  military  obligations. 
Property  had  depreciated  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  it  appear  neces- 
sary to  raise  the  rate  of  taxation,  which  was  accordingly  done.  In  No- 
vember strong  Union  forces  began  to  concentrate  at  Elizahethton,  near 
Bristol,  and  at  Strawberry  Plains  in  East  Tennessee,  and  several  skir- 
mishes occurred.  On  the  19th  of  November  the  Governor  issued  a procla- 
mation declaring  that  there  was  great  danger  of  an  invasion  of  the  State 
by  the  Federal  forces  and  calling  out  the  “Reserve  Corps”  for  service  in 
the  field.  This  was  in  response  to  the  request  of  Gen.  Albert  Sidney 
Johnston,  Confederate  commander  of  the  Department  of  Tennessee,  whose 
headquarters  were  at  Memphis,  and  whose  clear  discernment  of  strategic 
art  detected  the  cdming  advance  of  the  Federals  down  the  Mississippi 
and  up  the  Tennessee  and  the  Cumberland  Rivers.  At  this  time  great 
difficulty  was  experienced  by  the  Confederate  Government  in  furnishing 
its  troops  with  arms.  The  Governor,  though  herculean  exertions  had 
been  made,  found  it  impossible  to  arm  the  “Reserve  Corps,”  and  accord- 
ingly, November  2,  issued  an  appeal  to  the  citizens  of  the  State  to  de 
liver  to  their  county  clerks  ‘ ‘every  effective  double-barreled  shot-gun  and 
sporting  rifle  which  they  may  have,  to  be  immediately  shipped  to  the 
arsenal  at  Nashville,  Knoxville  or  Memphis,  where  the  same  will  be  val- 
ued by  a competent  ordnance  officer  and  the  value  paid  to  the  owner  by 
the  Confederate  Government.  I urge  you  to  give  me  your  aid  in  the  im- 
portant work  of  arming  our  troops,  with  which  we  can  repel  the  inva- 
ders ; but  if  you  refuse  prepare  to  take  the  field,  for  I am  resolved  to  ex- 
haust all  resources  before  the  foot  of  the  invader  shall  pollute  the  soil  of 
Tennessee.”  But  although  almost  every  citizen  possessed  a fire-arm  of 
some  kind,  many  hesitated,  in  view  of  probable  personal  needs  of  defense  at 
home  within  a short  time,  to  transfer  their  guns, and  large  numbers  did  not. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1861  it  became  apparent  to  ob- 
servant Tennesseeans  that  should  the  State  be  invaded  by  the  Federal 
Army  the  advance  would  come  via  the  Mississippi,  or  the  Tennessee  and 
Cumberland  Rivers,  or  south  from  Louisville,  Ky.,  toward  Nashville,  or 
through  Cumberland  Gap  into  East  Tennessee.  To  be  in  readiness  to 
repel  these  advances  masses  of  the  provisional  army  were  concentrated 
at  Memphis,  Randolph,  Union  City  and  elsewhere  in  AVest  Tennessee; 
Forts  Henry  and  Donelson  were  constructed  on  the  Tennessee  and  the 
Cumberland  Rivers  in  Stewart  County,  and  could  be  garrisoned,  if  neces- 
sary, on  short  notice  by  large  forces  of  infantry,  and  several  regiments 
were  stationed  at  or  near  Clarksville;  a few  thousand  troops  were  lo- 
cated at  Camp  Cheatham,  in  Robertson  County,  and  at  Camp  Trousdale 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


543 


in  Sumner  County,  to  guard  the  approaches  from  Louisville  or  Cincin- 
nati to  Nashville  and  Middle  Tennessee;  and  a considerable  force  was 
concentrated  at  Knoxville  to  guard  Cumberland  Gap  or  other  routes  that 
might  pour  the  enemy  upon  East  Tennessee,  and  to  bind  that  portion  of 
the  State,  which  had  strong  Federal  following,  to  the  cause  of  the  South. 
Maj.-Gen.  G.  J.  Pillow,  at  Memphis,  commanded  the  provisional  army 
of  the  State,  with  Maj.-Gen.  S.  It.  Anderson  second  in  command  at  Nash- 
ville. Brig.-Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham  was  stationed  at  Union  City;  Brig.- 
Gen.  John  L.  T.  Sneed  at  Randolph;  Brig.-Gen.  R.  C.  Foster  at  Camp 
Cheatham;  Brig.-Gen.  Felix  K.  Zollicoffer  and  later,  senior  Col.  John 
C.  Brown,  at  Camp  Trousdale,  and  Brig.-Gen.  W.  R.  Caswell  and  later, 
Gen.  S.  R.  Anderson  at  Knoxville.  Later,  Gen.  Zollicoffer  assumed  com* 
maud  at  Knoxville  and  Gen.  Foster  at  Nashville. 

The  State  seceded  June  8,  1861,  and  as  soon  as  the  returns  estab- 
lished the  fact  of  secession  beyond  doubt,  Gov.  Plarris,  although  he  did 
not  formally  transfer  the  army  to  the  Confederacy  until  July  31,  no 
longer  hesitated  to  place  the  forces  of  the  State  under  the  command  of 
officers  appointed  by  the  Confederate  Government.  July  13,  under 
appointment  of  President  Davis,  Maj.-Gen.  Leonidas  Polk  took  com- 
mand of  the  forces  along  the  Mississippi,  with  headquarters  at  Mem- 
phis. About  the  same  time  Gideon  J.  Pillow,  Samuel  R.  Anderson  and 
Daniel  S.  Donelson,  and  a few  days  later  B.  F.  Cheatham  and  F.  Iv.  Zol- 
licoffer, were  commissioned  brigadier-generals  of  the  Confederate  Army. 
Gens.  Pillow  and  Cheatham  were  assigned  to  commands  in  West  Tennes- 
see, Gen.  Zollicoffer  in  East  Tennessee,  and  Gen.  Anderson  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  field  in  Virginia.  On  July  26  Gen.  Pillow,  under  orders  from 
Gen.  Polk,  moved  north  from  Memphis  to  Randolph  with  a considerable 
force,  and  a few  days  later  advanced  to  New  Madrid  and  was  joined  by 
Gen.  Cheatham  from  Union  City  with  additional  troops.  About  Septem- 
ber 1 it  was  communicated  to  Gen  Polk  that  Gen.  Grant,  with  a large 
body  of  troops  at  Cairo,  intended  an  advance  upon  Columbus  and  other 
points ; whereupon,  September  7,  he  moved  a large  force,  soon  afterward 
increased  to  nearly  10,000  men,  and  occupied  that  city  and  vicinity.  This 
movement  met  with  a prompt  demand  from  Gov.  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky, 
-or  the  immediate  removal  of  the  Tennessee  troops,  to  ivhich  Gen.  Polk 
■esponded  agreeing  to  do  so  provided  the  same  requirement  was  placed 
ipou  the  Federal  troops  which,  under  Gen.  Smith  September  6,  had  oc- 
cupied Paducah  and  advanced  under  Gens.  Grant,  Sherman,  McCook, 
Thomas  and  others  far  into  Kentucky.  This  reply  of  Gen.  Polk  met  the 
ipproval  of  the  Confederate  Congress,  and  was  sustained  by  Gen.  Albert 
lidney  Johnston,  who,  upon  the  earnest  request  of  Gen.  Polk,  was  ap- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


544 

pointed,  September  10,  to  succeed  him  in  command  of  Department  No.  2. 
The  demand  to  withdraw  was  also  made  upon  Gen.  Zollicoffer,  who,  Sep- 
tember 10,  had  advanced  five  or  six  regiments  across  the  line  to  Cumber- 
land Ford,  in  Kentucky,  or  on  the  way,  and  who,  with  Gen.  Polk,  had  pro- 
tested against  compliance  until  the  Federal  forces,  advancing  across  Ken- 
tucky, should  likewise  be  withdrawn.  The  South  respected  the  declared 
neutrality  of  Kentucky  until  bodies  of  Federal  troops  were  permitted  to 
concentrate  within  her  borders  with  the  manifest  intention  of  invading 
Tennessee  and  the  territory  farther  south;  but  when  it  became  certain 
that  such  neutrality  Avas  working  serious  injury  to  the  cause  of  the  South, 
the  State  having  been  occupied  from  east  to  west  by  rapidly  accumulat- 
ing Federal  forces,  the  demands  of  Goaa  Magoffin  were  rightly  dis- 
regarded, and  the  Confederate  troops  were  not  withdrawn.  Soon  the  ru- 
mors of  war  became  so  alarming  that  all  consideration  of  the  neutrality 
(question  was  voluntarily  abandoned.  On  September  18,  Gen.  S.  B.  Buck- 
ner with  4,500  troops  took  possession  of  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  im- 
mediately sent  forward  a force  of  500  to  occupy  Munfordville.  On  Oc- 
tober 11  Maj.-Gen.  William  J.  Hardee  assumed  command  of  the  force  at 
Bowling  Green,  which,  by  October  19,  had  been  increased  to  9,956  men 
Brig. -Gen.  Lloyd  Tilghman  was  placed  in  command  of  a small  force  at 
Hopkinsville,  Ky. 

The  army  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer,  comprising  from  four  to  six  regiments, 
(two  from  Tennessee,  but  varying  greatly  from  time  to  time),  encoun- 
tered during  its  advance  into  Kentucky  in  September  small  bands  of 
Federals,  with  whom  light  skirmishing  was  held  with  some  loss.  On 
the  21st  of  October,  at  Rockcastle  Hills,  Ky.,  350  Federal  troops  were 
found  strongly  intrenched  in  an  almost  inaccessible  position.  Two 
Tennessee  regiments,  under  Cols.  Newman  and  Cummings,  were  ordered 
to  assault,  which  they  did  with  great  gallantry;  but  the  enemy  Laving 
been  re-enforced  by  250  men  and  soon  afterward  by  four  more  companies, 
the  Confederate  troops  were  repulsed  with  a loss  of  11  killed  and  42 
wounded,  after  having  inflicted  upon  the  enemy  a loss  of  4 killed,  IS 
wounded  and  21  captured.  An  attack  by  night  upon  the  Federal  posi- 
tion was  repulsed,  owing  to  heavy  re-enforcements  which,  without  the 
knowledge  of  the  Confederates,  had  joined  the  enemy.  Gen.  Zollicoffer 
slowly  fell  back  before  the  superior  force  before  him  to  Camp  Buckner, 
at  Cumberland  Ford.  He  finally  moved  back  and  established  his  Lead- 
quarters  at  Jacksborough,  taking  care  to  blockade  the  mountain  roads 
approaching  KnoxAnlle  or  East  Tennessee,  and  to  post  at  Cumberland 
Gap,  under  Col.  Churchwell,  a force  sufficient  to  hold  it  against  great 
opposition.  He  also  placed  sufficient  troops  at  Knoxville,  under  Col.  W. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


545 


B.  Wood,  to  repel  any  probable  movement  upon  that  city  by  the  Union- 
ists of  East  Tennessee  or  by  an  invasion  from  abroad.  For  some  time 
after  this  the  perilous  position  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer  was  well  understood  by 
Gen.  Johnston  and  tlie  Confederate  Government.  Advancing  steadily 
upon  East  Tennessee  from  Louisville,  under  the  immediate  command  of 
Gen.  Thomas,  were  twice  or  thrice  as  many  troops,  better  armed  and 
equipped  than  Gen.  Zollicoffer  commanded;  and  northeast  of  Knoxville, 
in  East  Tennessee,  concentrating  at  several  important  strategic  points 
were  from  2,000  to  5,000  resident  Unionists,  thoroughly  familiar  with 
the  country,  well  armed  and  resolute.  Accordingly,  great  efforts  were 
made  to  materially  increase  the  size  of  this  army  and  to  furnish  it  with 
effective  arms. 

On  the  25tli  of  October  Col.  R.  D.  Allison,  with  about  half  of  the 
Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Regiment  and  a squadron  of  cavalry,  moved 
out  of  Cave  City,  Ky.,  and  routed  a few  hundred  of  the  enemy  twenty- 
five  miles  distant.  Considerable  skirmishing  occurred  about  this  time 
north  of  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Many  valuable  railroad  bridges  were 
burned  in  East  Tennessee.  Late  in  October  great  anxiety  was  felt  at 
Clarksville,  Nashville  and  other  points  along  the  Cumberland,  that,  inas- 
much as  only  the  incomplete  Fort  Donelson,  near  Dover,  was  prepared 
to  oppose  the  advance  of  the  enemy  by  water,  Federal  gun-boats  could 
move  up  the  river  with  impunity  and  reduce  all  the  cities  within  reach 
of  their  guns.  November  4 Gen.  Johnston  ordered  Gen.  Polk  at  Colum- 
bus to  detach  5,000  troops  from  that  point  under  Gen.  Pillow,  with  orders 
to  move  at  once  to  Clarksville.  Ere  long  Fort  Donelson  was  strongly 
equipped  with  suitable  ordnance.  November  3 Gen.  Johnston  requested 
Gov.  Harris  to  so  far  annul  his  call  for  30,000  twelve-months’  men, 
j except  such  as  were  efficiently  armed,  as  to  have  all  troops  in  camp  with- 
out arms  and  who  would  not  volunteer  for  three  years  or  during  the  war, 
disbanded  and  sent  home,  to  which  Gov.  Harris  protested,  owing  to  the 
demoralizing  effect  such  an  order  would  have  upon  volunteering.  Gen. 
Johnston  accordingly  reconsidered  the  matter  and  modified  his  request 
by  granting  fifteen  days  to  complete  the  arming  of  the  volunteers,  but 
soon  afterward  revoked  this  and  the  former  order.  About  9 o’clock  on 
the  morning  of  the  7th  of  November  a small  force  under  Col.  Tappan, 
which  had  been  stationed  across  the  river  from  Columbus,  Ky. , by  Gen. 
Polk  to  check  the  inroad  of  Federal  cavalry,  was  attacked  at  Belmont. 
Mo.,  by  3,114  men  under  Gen.  Grant;  but  being  re-enforced  by  three 
regiments  under  Gen.  Pillow,  checked  the  rapid  advance  of  the  enemy 
somewhat  and  gradually  fell  back,  fighting  gallantly  and  desperately 
igainst  superior  numbers  until  re-enforced  by  three  more  regiments  under 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


546 

Gen.  Clieatliam,  when,  after  a furious  contest,  the  enemy  was  forced 
back  but  recovered,  and  was  forced  back  again  and  routed,  barely  escap- 
ing capture  by  a flank  movement  of  two  other  regiments  under  the  im- 
mediate command  of  Gen.  Polk.*  The  Confederate  troops  actually 
engaged  were  about  equal  numerically  to  those  of  the  Federals,  but  were 
divided  by  the  river.  Large  quantities  of  field  supplies,  cast  aside  and 
abandoned  by  the  flying  enemy,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors.  The 
battle  wras  characterized  by  hot  and  desperate  charges  and  counter- 
charges on  both  sides.  The  enemy  escaped  to  his  boats.  Beltzhoover’s 
battery,  fought  over,  lost  and  recaptured,  wras  used  with  splendid  effect. 

On  the  6tli  of  November  Gen.  Polk  tendered  his  resignation,  which 
President  Davis  refused  to  accept,  giving  reasons  sufficient  to  induce 
Gen.  Polk  to  remain  in  the  service.  November  16  his  army  num- 
bered 13,866.  About  the  middle  of  November  Col.  Forrest,  with  sis 
companies  of  cavalry,  was  ordered  forward  to  Hopkinsville,  Ky.  At 
this  time  Gen.  Tilgliman  was  transferred  to  the  command  of  Forts  Hen 
ry  and  Donelson.  So  imminent  became  the  danger  of  an  invasion  of  Ten- 
nessee at  this  period  that  Gen.  Pillow  made  urgent  appeals  for  reenforce- 
ments,  and  Gen.  Johnston  requested  Gov.  Harris  to  place  in  the  field 
every  member  of  the  militia  that  could  be  armed,  and  the  Confederate 
Secretary  of  War  authorized  Gen.  Johnston  to  call  out  every  armed  man 
he  could  get  from  Mississippi,  northern  Alabama  and  Kentucky.  Late 
in  November  Gen.  Zollicoffer  with  his  army  moved  into  Kentucky  again, 
and  established  himself  at  Mill  Springs  and  Beech  Grove.  About  the 
middle  of  December  Maj.  Gen.  G.  B.  Crittenden  assumed  command  of 
the  eastern  district,  with  headquarters  at  Knoxville. 

The  following  is  the  consolidated  report  of  the  armies  of  Gens.  Hardee 
and  Zollicoffer,  officially  prepared  December  31,  1861. f 


Pre 

Infantry. 

sent  for  Duty. 
Cavalry. 

Artillery. 

Aggregate 

Present. 

j Aggregate  Pres-  j: 
ent  and  Absent.  , 

i i 

Officers. 

_■  _ ' 

Men. 

a> 

o 

£ 

O 

Men. 

Officers. 

CD 

<5  ' 

Hardee’s  Division ... 

412 

5537 

52 

544 

19 

395 

6959 

11429 

Buckner’s  Division 

407 

5972 

53 

655 

37 

688 

7812 

11761 

203 

3493 

3696 

4860 

145 

1017 

38 

495 

2295 

3550 

53 

1164 

1217 

1636  J. 

17 

257 

274 

1)  1 >7 

Zollicoffer’s  Division 

238 

4515 

70 

1095 

10 

226 

6154 

8451  S 

Totals 

1475 

22555 

213 

2789 

66 

1309 

28407 

42348  ! 

*War  of  the  Rebellion ; Official  Records  of  the  Union  and  Confederate  Armies.  Reports  of  Gens.  Polk 

tOn  the  7 th  of  January,  1862,  Gen,  Leonidas  Polk’s  report  showed  869  officers  and  11,161  men  present 
(for  duty;  aggregate  present,  12,030;  aggregate  present  and  absent,  18,675.  fSixty  days’  Volunteers. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


547 


On  the  evening  of  January  18,  1862,  Gen.  Crittenden  with  about  4,000 
effective  troops  was  at  Beech  Grove,  Ky.,  on  the  Cumberland  River,  oppo- 
site Mill  Springs.  Having  held  a council  of  war  with  Gens.  Zollicoffer  and 
Carroll  and  his  regimental  commanders,  whereby  it  appeared  that  two 
large  Union  forces,  one  at  Somerset,  and  the  other  at  or  near  Webb's 
Cross  Roads,  under  Gen.  G.  H.  Thomas,  were  intending  to  unite  and  to- 
gether attack  the  Confederate  forces,  and  whereby  it  appeared  that,  owing 
to  heavy  rains,  Fishing  Creek  dividing  the  two  forces  could  not  be 
crossed  in  less  than  two  days,  the  council  therefore  determined  without 
dissent  to  attack  Gen.  Thomas  early  the  next  morning  and,  if  possible, 
annihilate  him,  and  then  fall  upon  the  other  Federal  force  approaching 
from  Somerset  and  also  effect  its  ruin.  Accordingly  about  midnight 
the  forward  movement  was  commenced.  After  a rapid  march  of  nine 
miles  the  enemy  was  encountered  in  force  about  7 o’clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  19tli  and  the  battle  sharply  commenced.  Gen.  Zollicoffer  fell 
dead  upon  the  field  quite  early  in  the  action.  The  gallant  Confederates, 
poorly  armed  and  handled,  though  fighting  stubbornly  and  holding  their 
ground  for  several  hours,  were  finally  driven  back  by  superior  numbers 
and  severely  defeated,  the  defeat  ending  in  much  of  a rout.  Their  loss 
was  125  killed,  309  wounded  and  99  missing.  They  retreated 
to  Gainesborough  and  then  to  Camp  Fogg,  in  Tennessee.  The  Seven- 
teenth, Nineteenth,  Twentieth,  Twenty-fifth,  Twenty-eighth,  and  Twenty- 
ninth  Tennessee  Regiments  participated  in  this  engagement.  About 
noon  on  the  6th  of  February,  1862,  Fort  Henry  on  the  Tennessee,  with 
an  armament  of  sixteen  guns  and  a garrison  of  2,985  men,*  commanded 
by  Gen.  Lloyd  Tilghman,  was  iuvested  by  seven  Federal  gun-boats 
carrying  fifty-five  guns  and  an  overwhelming  force  of  infantry,  all  under 
Gen.  Grant,  and  in  a few  hours  was  surrendered.  The  Confederate  forces 
escaped  to  Fort  Donelson,  except  about  eighty  who  were  surrendered 
with  Gen.  Tilghman  and  the  fort.  It  was  clearly  evident  at  this  time 
that  the  enemy  was  advancing  all  along  the  line  east  and  west  across 
Kentucky  with  far  superior  forces,  and  as  soon  as  Fort  Henry  fell,  Gen. 
Johnston,  at  Bowling  Green,  perceived  that  should  Fort  Donelson  also 
fall,  his  position  would  become  at  once  untenable,  and  the  Confederate 
line  would  have  to  be  established  somewhere  south  of  Nashville,  as  the 
Federal  gun-boats  would  have  no  difficulty  in  capturing  Clarksville,  Nash- 
ville and  other  points  along  the  rivers  Cumberland  and  Tennessee.  As 
it  seemed  evident,  owing  to  the  superior  forces  of  the  Federals,  that  Fort 
Donelson  would  fall  sooner  or  later,  Gen.  Hardee,  ■with  his  forces  at 
Bowling  Green,  was  ordered  to  move  south  to  Nashville  and  cross  the 


* Official  Report  of  Col.  A.  Heiman. 


548 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


river.  At  this  time  there  was  intense  excitement  at  Clarksville  and 
Nashville.  The  enemy  had  entered  the  State  and  Tennessee  was  sure  to 
become  a battle-ground.  The  Tennessee  regiments  at  Fort  Henry  were 
the  Tenth,  Forty-eighth  and  Fifty-first,  and  Gantt’s  battalion  of  cav- 
alry and  several  small  miscellaneous  commands,  including  the  batteries. 

As  soon  as  possible  after  the  fall  of  Fort  Henry,  re-enforcements  were 
hurried  to  Fort  Donelson.  Late  on  the  12th  of  February  a large  infan- 
try force  of  Federals,  assisted  by  six  gun-boats,  appeared  before  the  fort 
and  the  next  morning  began  a combined  attack.  Re-enforcements  arrived 
under  Gen.  Floyd  all  infantry  attacks  of  the  13th  were  handsomely  re- 
pulsed. The  gun-boats  effected  no  serious  damage  upon  the  fort.  It 
turned  cold,  and  intense  suffering  resulted  to  the  wearied  troops.  On 
the  afternoon  of  the  14tli  the  gun-boats  were  defeated,  several  disabled 
and  all  driven  away  without  injury  to  the  fort.  Sharp  skirmishes 
occurred  between  the  infantry,  and  heavy  re-enforcements  of  the  enemy 
were  extended,  having  in  view  the  complete  investment  of  the  fort. 
Early  on  the  15th  Gen.  Pillow,  in  force,  on  the  left,  attacked  the  enemy’s 
right  with  great  fury,  driving  it  slowly  from  the  field.  A sharp  at- 
tack on  the  right  was  re-enforced  by  Gen.  B.  R.  Johnson,  and  gen- 
erally the  whole  Federal  line  was  driven  back  after  stubborn  resist- 
ance, but  rallied  upon  being  heavily  re-enforced,  and  with  artillery  re- 
newed the  attack.  The  Confederates  took  the  defensive  and  fell  back  to 
their  lines.  Heavy  masses  of  the  Federals  threw  themselves  upon 
the  right  flank,  encountering  desperate  resistance,  and  finally  effected  a 
lodgment  which  could  not  be  moved.  Night  closed  the  bloody  day.  A 
council  of  Gens.  Pillow,  Floyd,  Buckner,  Johnson,  et  al,  decided  to  sur- 
render early  the  next  morning.  The  command  was  transferred  to  Gen. 
Buckner,  who  surrendered  the  next  morning  nearly  15,000  troops,  Gens. 
Pillow  and  Floyd  and  their  escort,  and  Gen.  Forrest  and  his  cavalry  es- 
caping. This  was  a serious  loss  to  the  Confederacy  and  an  unnecessary 
one.  The  result  was  a total  abandonment  of  the  Confederate  line  and  the 
establishment  of  an  irregular  new  one,  extending  from  Columbus,  Ky., 
south  through  West  Tennessee  to  northern  Mississippi;  thence  to  north- 
ern Alabama,  and  thence  to  northeast  Tennessee.  Nashville  was  aban- 
doned by  the  troops,  the  Governor  and  many  others  retreating  south  with 
the  army  of  Gen.  Johnston.  Clarksville  and  Nashville  were  in  a fever  of 
fear  and  excitement.  The  large  Federal  Army  moved  forward  and  suc- 
cessively took  possession  of  those  two  cities  and  others  farther  south  in 
Middle  Tennessee,  and  the  Federal  line  was  correspondingly  advanced 
tkroufifhout  the  State.  At  Murfreesboro  Gen.  Johnston,  with  about  11,- 
000  men,  was  joined  by  Gen.  Crittenden,  and  the  fugitives  from  Donel- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


549 


sou  ancl  other  miscellaneous  forces,  and  an  army  of  about  17,000  men. 
was  formed  capable  of  offering  battle.  Gen.  Floyd,  with  2,500  troops, 
was  sent  to  Chattanooga.  Columbus,  Ky.,  was  evacuated  March  4,  that 
army  moving  south  to  Jackson.  Gen.  Johnston  moved  to  Decatur,  Ala., 
thence  to  Corinth,  Miss.,  where,  after  great  exertion,  and  with  the  assist- 
ance of  Gen.  Beauregard,  he  succeeded  in  organizing  a strong  army  of 
about  50,000  men.  The  Confederate  line  at  this  time  extended  from 
New  Madrid,  Mo.,  to  Island  No.  10;  thence  to  Humboldt,  Tenn. ; thence 
to  Corinth,  Miss. ; thence  along  the  Memphis  & Charleston  Railroad  to 
East  Tennessee. 

On  the  19th  of  February  Commodore  A.  H.  Foote,  of  the  United 
States  Navy,  reached  Clarksville  with  the  gun-boats  Conestoga  and  Cairo 
meeting  with  no  resistance  from  the  small  forts  in  that  vicinity,  and, 
after  issuing  a proclamation,  at  the  instance  of  Hon.  Cave  Johnson, 
Judge  Wisdom,  the  mayor  and  others,  announcing  his  intention  to  re- 
spect the  private  rights  of  all  citizens  peacefully  disposed  who  should 
not  parade  their  hostile  sentiments,  and  to  take  possession  of  all  military 
supplies  and  stores,  none  of  which  must  be  destroyed,  took  military  posses- 
sion of  the  city.  Gen.  Grant  arrived  on  the  21st.  On  the  19th  Gov.  Har- 
ris issued  a proclamation  calling  out  the  entire  effective  military  force  of 
the  State.  He  had  left  Nashville  accompanied  by  the  other  State  officers  to 
save  the  public  archives  and  property,  and  to  establish  a temporary  capi- 
tal within  the  Confederate  lines.  He  moved  to  Memphis,  but  soon  after- 
ward personally  took  the  field.  On  the  20th,  at  Memphis,  having  con- 
vened the  Legislature,  he  gave  in  his  message  his  reasons  for  the  tempo- 
rary removal  of  the  seat  of  government,  the  archives  and  the  State  prop- 
erty from  Nashville.  The  defeat  of  Crittenden  at  Fishing  Creek  had 
flanked  Gen.  Johnston’s  line  of  defense,  and  no  opposing  force  was  left 
to  prevent  the  army  of  Gen.  Buell  from  moving  upon  the  capital.  The 
fall  of  Fort  Henry  opened  the  Tennessee  up  to  Alabama  to  the  enemy, 
and  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson  left  Nashville  an  easy  prey  for  the  large 
army  of  Gen.  Grant,  which  was  sure  to  move  upon  it  within  a few  days, 
Glen.  Johnston,  with  the  small  force  left  him,  being  utterly  unable  to  hold 
lie  place.  He  announced  that  since  the  act  of  May  6,  1861,  he  had 
raised,  organized  and  put  into  the  field  fifty-nine  regiments  of  infantry, 
me  regiment  of  cavalry,  eleven  cavalry  battalions,  and  over  twenty  inde- 
lendent  companies,  mostly  artillery.  Qf  these  the  Confederate  Govern- 
nant  had  armed  only  about  15,000.  The  Governor  advised  the  passage 
>f  a bill  raising,  arming  and  equipping  a provisional  army  of  volun- 
eers.  On  the  24th  of  February  Gen.  Buell  and  his  advance,  Mitchell’s 
livision,  arrived  at  Edgefield,  and  in  the  evening  were  waited  upon  by 


550 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  mayor  and  city  authorities  of  Nashville,  to  whom  assurance  of  per- 
sonal safety  and  uninterrupted  business  relations  were  given.  On  the 
morning  of  February  25  seven  gun-boats,  bearing  a considerable  force  of 
Federal  troops  under  Brig.-Gen.  Nelson,  reached  Nashville,  landed  with- 
out opposition  and  took  possession  of  the  city.  News  of  the  surrender 
of  Fort  Donelson  had  reached  Nashville  Sunday  morning,  February  17, 
when  the  citizens  were  anticipating  reports  of  a great  victory.  Scores 
immediately  started  for  the  south;  the  bridges  across  the  Cumberland 
were  destroyed,  the  military  stores  were  thrown  open  to  the  populace, 
and  panic  and  chaos  for  a time  reigned.  A similar  state  of  affairs  had 
transpired  at  Clarksville.  Time  quieted  the  apprehensions  of  the  citi- 
zens, though  the  Federal  troops  saw  few  smiling  faces.  On  the  5th  of 
March  Gen.  G.  T.  Beauregard  assumed  command  of  the  Army  of  the 
Mississippi,  with  headquarters  at  Jackson,  Tenn.  February  24  Gen.  J. 
K.  Jackson  was  placed  in  command  of  the  forces  at  Chattanooga.  About 
this  tinie,  or  soon  afterward,  Gen.  E.  K.  Smith  was  assigned  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Confederate  forces  of  East  Tennessee,  with  headquarters  at 
Knoxville. 

After  the  fall  of  Donelson  and  the  evacuation  of  Middle  Tennessee, 
the  Confederate  Army  concentrated  along  the  railroad  from  Iuka  to 
Corinth  and  from  Corinth  to  Bethel,  and  hurriedly  organized,  being  re- 
enforced by  two  divisions  from  Gen.  Polk’s  command  at  Columbus,  and 
later  by  the  remainder  of  the  corps,  and  an  entire  corps  from  Alabama 
and  Mississippi  under  Gen.  Bragg.  Thus  re-enforced  and  equipped.  j: 
under  Gens.  Johnston  and  Beauregard,  two  of  the  ablest  generals  of  the 
war,  this  magnificent  army  of  heroes  (about  60,000  strong)  prepared  to 
take  the  offensive.  The  army  of  Gen.  Grant  had  concentrated  at  Pitts- 
burgh Landing  on  the  Tennessee,  and  Buell  from  Nashville  was  hasten- 
ing to  re-enforce  him.  Gen.  Johnston  determined,  if  possible,  to  crush 
Grant  before  the  arrival  of  Buell.  The  advance  began  on  the  3d  of 
April,  but,  owing  to  severe  rainstorms,  the  heavy  roads  and  the  inexperi- 
ence of  the  troops  in  marching,  did  not  reach  the  enemy,  as  was  hoped 
and  expected,  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  and  not  until  late  in  the  after- 
noon. It  was  then  determined  to  Avait  until  the  folloAving  (Sunday) 
morning  to  begin  the  attack.  The  army  Avas  divided  into  four  corps: 
The  first  under  Gen.  Polk  on  the  left ; the  second  under  Gen.  Bragg  in  the 
center;  the  third,  under  Gen.  Hardee  on  the  right;  and  the  reserve  corps, 
under  Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge — a total  of  about  40,000  effective  troops." 
The  attack  began  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  6tli,  with  all  the  fury 
of  that  fine  army,  burning  with  a desire  to  retrieve  the  losses  of  Henry 

*Gen.  Johnston  telegraphed  President  Davis  that  the  army  consisted  of  about  40,000  effective  men. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


551 


and  Donelson.  The  enemy  was  completely  surprised  as  regards  a gen- 
eral attack,  and  this  fact,  combined  with  the  furious  impetuosity  of  the 
onset  under  skillful  and  competent  leaders,  awarded  success  to  the  Con- 
federate arms  in  every  part  of  the  field.  The  enemy,  though  surprised, 
rallied,  and  with  some  exceptions  fought  with  wonderful  stubbornness ; 
but  the  Confederate  dash,  intrepidity  and  rapid  and  adroit  maneuvers  on 
the  field  were  irresistible.  Large  numbers  of  the  enemy  fled  panic 
stricken  back  to  the  river.  After  ten  hours  of  desperate  fighting  every 
encampment  of  the  enemy  was  in  possession  of  the  Confederate  forces. 
But  one  position  had  been  held,  that  at  the  “Hornet’s  Nest”  by  Gen. 
Prentiss,  and  that  had  been  surrounded,  and  the  entire  division  with  its 
commander  captured.  It  was  a splendid  victory,  corresponding  with  the 
genius  of  the  General  who  conceived  and  inspired  it;  but  in  the  moment 
of  victory,  late  in  the  afternoon,  this  illustrious  soldier  was  severely 
wounded,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  soon  died.  His  great  worth  was 
fully  appreciated  and  his  loss  bitterly  lamented  by  the  entire  South. 
The  battle  raged  on  until  night  closed  the  bloody  scene.  The  victory 
was  emphatic,  but  it  remained  for  short,  sharp  work  on  the  morrow  to 
seal  it  with  certainty.  No  sooner  had  the  death  of  Gen.  Johnston,  which 
occurred  about  the  middle  of  the  afternoon,  been  announced  to  the  strug- 
gling troops,  than  involuntarily  a dispiriting  check  was  thrown  upon  the 
entire  army.  Gen.  Beauregard  who  immediately  assumed  command,  was 
known  to  have  not  only  opposed  the  attack  from  the  start,  but  to  have 
counseled  withdrawal  late  on  the  night  of  the  5th.  This  fact  produced 
the  impression  that  the  new  commander  would  alter  the  tactics  of  the 
advance,  if  he  did  not  absolutely  order  it  checked,  and  accordingly,  in 
doubt  as  to  what  was  to  be  done,  the  victorious  army  throughout  its  entire 
length  experienced  a severe  paralytic  stroke,  and  hesitated  for  about  an 
hour,  until  orders  came  from  Gen.  Beauregard  to  continue  the  attack. 
But  the  impression  of  the  doubtful  designs  of  the  commander  still  pre- 
vailed, and  served  to  unnerve  the  onset,  and  accordingly  the  headlong 
attack  which  had  characterized  the  Confederate  advance  during  the  day 
and  was  designed  to  assure  the  victorious  results  within  reach,  was  per- 
mitted to  languish  until  too  late  to  be  remedied.  The  demoralized  Fed- 
eral were  allowed  to  retire  unmolested  ’and  to  form  a new  line,  while  the 
exhausted  Confederates  also  fell  somewhat  back,  and  spent  the  night  in 
the  abandoned  camps  of  the  enemy.  During  the  night  the  enemy  was 
heavily  re-enforced,  and  on  the  following  morning,  instead  of  meeting  the 
demoralized  army  of  Gen.  Grant,  the  weary,  but  elated  Confederates  en- 
countered the  fresh  and  powerful  troops  of  Gen.  Buell,  and  although 
desperate  efforts  were  made  to  complete  the  victory,  it  was  found  impos- 


) 


552 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


sible  befoi-e  superior  numbers  of  fresh  troops,  and  the  army  slowly  fell 
back  and  finally  moved  to  Corinth.  The  entire  loss  of  the  Confederate 
Army  in  this  engagement,  was  1,728  killed,  8,012  wounded,  and  959 
missing.*  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  1,700  killed,  7,495  wounded,  and 
3,022  captured,  f The  effective  force  of  the  Confederates  was  nearly 
40,000  men.|  while  that  of  the  Federals,  not  counting  the  army  of  Geu. 
Buell,  probably  slightly  exceeded  that  number. 

About  the  middle  of  March,  1862,  Andrew  Johnson,  who  had  been 
appointed  military  governor  of  Tennessee  by  President  Lincoln,  reached 
Nashville  aud  issued  an  address  to  the  people  of  the  State,  and  took 
charge  of  the  State  property.  From  this  date  forward  there  was  a con- 
stant conflict  between  the  two  governments  of  Govs.  Harris  and  Johnson. 
Harris  did  everything  possible  for  the  cause  of  the  South,  and  Johnson 
everything  possible  for  the  cause  of  the  North.  Despite  the  presence  of 
troops  in  all  portions  of  the  State  of  either  the  Federal  or  Confederate 
Governments,  recruiting  continued  for  both  armies.  Skirmishes  oc- 
curred almost  daily  in  some  portion  of  the  State  between  citizens,  organ- 
ized or  unorganized,  or  between  small  squads  of  either  army  stationed  to 
guard  railroads,  supplies  or  important  points.  The  citizens,  Confeder- 
ate or  Federal,  were  forced  through  three  long,  dreary  and  memora- 
ble years  to  realize  the  horrors  of  the  uninterrupted  presence  of  an 
armed  and  powerful  force  of  soldiery,  who  often  took  advantage  of  their 
power  to  riot  and  rob,  and  to  menace  and  maltreat  inoffensive  non-com- 
batants endeavoring  to  make  a living  by  the  arts  of  peace.  Under  the 
conscript  law  twelve-months’  organizations  were  perpetuated.  This 
worked  great  hardship  upon  many  volunteers  and  kindled  no  little  dis- 
content, which  time  alone  quenched. 

On  the  14tli  of  March,  1862,  nearly  two  companies  of  the  First  East 
Tennessee  (Confederate)  Cavalry,  stationed  at  Jacksborough,  were  sur- 
prised through  the  treachery  of  Union  residents  and  captured  by  a regi- 
ment of  Federal  troops,  which  had  rapidly  crossed  the  Cumberland 
Mountains.  On  the  19tli  of  June,  after  a spirited  and  stubborn  resistance 
against  numerous  attacks  through  several  weeks,  Col.  J.  E.  Bains  was 
forced  to  evacuate  Cumberland  Gap.  January  21,  1862,  his  force  at  the 
Gap  consisted  of  seventy-four  officers  and  1,523  men  present  and  fit  for 
duty.  On  the  lltli  of  April  Huntsville,  Ala.,  was  captured  by  Gen.  0. 
M.  Mitchell,  who  moved  there  from  Murfreesboro,  via  Shelbyville  and 
Fayetteville,  under  the  order  of  Gen.  Buell,  with  about  5,000  men.  This 

‘•^Official  report  of  Gen.  Beauregard,  April  11,  1862. 

fOfficial  report  of  the  War  Department. 

JThe  official  report  prepared  under  Gen.  Beauregard’s  orders,  April  21,  showed  a total  effective 
strength  of  35,953  infantry  and  artillery  and  4,382  cavalry  or  a total  of  40,335.  The  official  report  of  this  battle 
prepared  by  Gen.  Bragg  in  June,  showed  an  effective  strength  of  33,270  infantry,  1,857  artillery,  and  1,884 
cavalry;  total,  37,011.  Another  account  shows  38,773  effective  troops. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


553 


movement,  menacing  Chattanooga,  the  rear  of  the  army  at  Corinth  and 
the  heart  of  the  Confederacy,  found  only  two  regiments  at  Chattanooga ; 
and  orders  were  issued  by  Gen.  Beauregard  upon  Pemberton’s  command 
for  sis  regiments  to  move  to  that  point  at  once.  The  enemy  seized  Stev- 
enson, Decatur  and  Bridgeport,  and  menaced  the  right  flank  of  J ohn- 
ston’s  army  at  Corinth.  At  this  time  Brig-Gen.  Danville  Leadbetter 
commanded  the  forces  in  and  around  Chattanooga. 

During  the  month  of  May  the  Confederate  Army  quietly  held  its 
position  at  Corinth  until  a general  attack  seemed  imminent,  when  it 
silently  evacuated  the  place.  Several  sharp  conflicts  occurred  during 
the  siege.  Owing  to  the  unheal thfulness  of  the  locality,  the  impurity  of 
the  water  and  the  bad  food  and  inaction,  an  army  which  had  been  in- 
creased to  a total  effective  strength  of  112,092  was  reduced  to  52,706 
upon  its  arrival  at  Tupelo,  to  which  point  it  retreated.  The  Army  of  the 
West,  under  Gen.  Earl  Yan  Dorn,  with  a total  effective  strength  of  17,- 
000,  had  been  added  to  the  Army  of  the  Mississippi.  So  great  was  the 
reduction  in  effective  strength  that  a court  of  inquiry  was  appointed  by 
the  Confederate  Government  to  investigate  and  report  upon  the  conduct 
of  the  quarter-master’s  department  of  the  army,  but  that  department 
was  exonerated  from  all  blame.  Late  in  June,  1862,  Gen.  Braxton  Bragg 
succeeded  Gen.  Beauregard  in  command  of  the  army.  Island  No.  10,  on 
the  Mississippi,  fell  April  7-8.  On  the  4tli  of  June,  Fort  Pillow  on  the 
Mississippi,  twelve  miles  above  Randolph,  was  evacuated,  and  Randolph 
fell  soon  afterward.  Memphis  also,  after  a sharp  resistance,  was  compelled 
to  surrender  to  the  enemy  on  the  6th.  To  the  demand  to  surrender,  Mayor 
John  Park  responded,  “In  reply  I have  only  to  say  that  as  the  civil 
authorities  have  no  means  of  defense,  by  the  force  of  circumstances  the 
city  is  in  your  hands.”  The  Confederate  loss  here  was  82  killed  and 
wounded,  75  prisoners,  and  4 gun-boats  sunk.  The  fall  of  the  city 
was  a most  serious  loss  to  the  South,  as  it  opened  the  way  to  Vicks- 
burg. Jackson  was  occupied  by  the  enemy  June  7.  Strong  movements 
were  made  against  Chattanooga  by  Mitchell’s  army.  July  13  Murfrees- 
boro was  recaptured  from  the  enemy  by  Gen.  Forrest.  He  captured  800 
prisoners. 

On  the  12th  of  May  a Union  convention  was  held  at  Nashville,  when 
action  was  perfected  to  extend  the  civil  authority  of  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment over  the  State.  Tazewell  in  East  Tennessee  was  taken  by  the 
jsnemy  after  a sharp  battle  on  the  5th  and  6th  of  August.  Soon  after 
phis,  about  August  19,  Clarksville  was  recaptured  by  Col.  Woodward,  of 
lie  Confederate  Army,  but  in  September  again  fell  into  the  enemy’s 
rands.  Numerous  small  engagements  occurred  throughout  the  State, 


554 


IIISTOBY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


with  varying  successes.  Much  of  the  State  was  reoccupied  by  Confed- 
erate forces,  which  were  recruited  within  the  Federal  lines  and  which 
preyed  upon  the  garrisons  left  to  hold  the  leading  localities.  Forrest 
became  famous  as  a daring  and  remarkably  successful  cavalry  com- 
mander and  raider.  He  destroyed  enormous  amounts  of  Federal  stores, 
captured  thousands  of  the  enemy,  and  constantly  recruited  for  the  Con- 
federate Army  and  particularly  his  own  command.  Guerrillas  without 
any  constituted  authority  preyed  upon  Federal  or  Confederate  stores,  and 
in  many  instances  committed  acts  not  justified  even  by  the  bloody  code 
of  war.  This  rendered  residence  in  the  State  humiliating  and  danger- 
ous,  particularly  to  Avomen  without  protectors. 

After  a short  time  spent  at  Tupelo  in  resting,  recruiting  and  refitting 
Gen.  Bragg  moved  with  his  fine  army  to  Chattanooga,  outmarching  Gen. 
Buell,  Avho  had  apparently  started  for  the  same  point.  Buell  returned 
with  his  army  to  Nashville,  and  Grant  assumed  command  of  the  Federal 
forces  around  Corinth.  Bragg  iioav  determined  to  take  the  offensive  and 
invade  Kentucky,  expecting  by  this  strategy  to  either  force  Buell  out  of 
Tennessee  or  to  capture  Louisville  and  possibly  invade  Indiana  and 
Ohio.  He  also  hoped  to  arouse  a large  following  in  Kentucky,  and  in- 
tended to  collect  enormous  quantities  of  supplies.  He  left  Chattanooga 
August  28,  and  marched  northward  via  Pikeville  and  Sparta.  A few 
days  before  he  began  this  movement  Gen.  Kirby  Smith,  aware  of  his  in- 
tentions, advanced  northward  also,  via  Jacksborough,  through  Big  Creek 
Gap,  living  mainly  on  green  corn,  and  halted  near  Richmond  for  the  ar- 
rival of  Bragg.  His  movement  flanked  the  Federal  force  at  Cumberland 
Gap,  Avhich  beat  a precipitate  retreat  to  the  Ohio  River.  At  London 
his  cavalry  killed  and  wounded  30  and  captured  111  of , the  Federals. 
At  Richmond  the  Federal  troops  under  Gen.  Manson,  nearly  equal  to  his 
OAvn,  moved  forward  and  attacked  him,  but  Avere  routed  and  several 
thousand  of  them  captured.  He  moved  on  to  Cynthiana.  At  Munford- 
ville,  with  trifling  loss,  Bragg  captured  several  thousand  prisoners.  He 
reached  BardstoAvn  September  23.  As  soon  as  Buell  saAv  the  designs  of 
Bragg  he  marched  rapidly  north  to  protect  Louisville,  and  arrrived  there 
ahead  of  the  latter.  Bragg,  finding  he  could  not  induce  Kentucky  to 
join  the  Confederacy,  although  he  had  gone  through  the  ceremony  of  in- 
stalling Richard  Hawes  provisional  governor,  turned  to  retrace  his  steps, 
meeting  with  no  obstacle  for  some  time  to  prevent  his  collecting  enor- 
mous  quantities  of  supplies.  At  Harrodsburg  he  formed  a junction  with 
Kirby  Smith.  Finally  Buell,  under  pressure  of  the  War  Department, 
and  with  an  army  twice  as  strong,  moved  out  to  attack  him.  At  Perry  - 
ville,  October  8,  the  two  armies  collided.  About  15,000  of  Bragg’s  army 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


555 


fought  McCook’s  division  of  nearly  twice  as  many  and  routed  them  from 
the  field,  capturing  several  thousand  prisoners.  He  then  retreated  slowly, 
passing  Cumberland  Gap,  marching  to  Knoxville,  and  thence  moving  by 
rail  to  Tullahoma  and  marching  up  to  Murfreesboro.  Buell  was  super- 
seded by  Maj.  Gen.  W.  S.  Bosecrans,  who  concentrated  his  army  at  Nash- 
ville. Both  armies  were  reorganized,  the  Confederate  taking  the  name 
“ Army  of  the  Tennessee,”  which  it  retained  during  the  remainder  of  the 
war.  Bragg’s  army  was  weakened  by  the  removal  of  Stevenson’s  divis- 
ion to  Mississippi. 

December  26  Bosecrans  moved  out  to  offer  battle,  and  arrived  be- 
fore Murfreesboro  late  on  the  30th.  Bragg  determined  to  anticipate 
the  attack,  and  at  daylight  on  the  31st  threw  a heavy  force  upon  the 
Federal  right  flank.  So  furious  was  the  onset  that,  although  the  enemy 
fought  with  great  stubbornness,  the  entire  flank  was  swept  around  upon 
the  right  center.  Bosecrans  had  determined  to  adopt  the  same  tactics,  and 
accordingly  early  in  the  morning  massed  a heavy  force  on  the  Confeder- 
ate right,  but  was  too  late.  Before  he  could  accomplish  anything  in  that 
portion  of  the  field,  his  right  was  routed  and  his  entire  army  was  in  dan- 
ger of  destruction.  The  victorious  Confederates  were  checked  late  in 
the  afternoon.  During  the  night  the  Federals  formed  and  perfected  a 
new  line,  and  the  Confederates  strengthened  their  advanced  position. 
The  next  day  some  skirmishing  occurred,  and  a threatening  movement 
was  made  upon  the  Confederate  right  and  rear,  but  as  a whole  the  two 
armies  remained  idle  and  watchful.  On  the  2d  of  -January  Bragg  at- 
tacked the  Federal  force  that  had  been  thrown  across  the.  river  and  in- 
trenched in  a strong  position,  but  after  desperate  fighting  was  repulsed, 
and  the  next  day  retreated  to  Shelbyville  and  Tullahoma.  On  the  first 
lay  of  the  battle  Hardee  commanded  the  divisions  of  McCown  and  Cle- 
burne on  the  left;  Polk,  those  of  Cheatham  and  Withers  in  the  center, 
and  Breckinridge  the  force  on  the  right.  Wheeler’s  and  Wharton’s 
xavalries,  respectively,  were  on  the  right  and  the  left  flanks.  On  the 
Federal  right  was  McCook,  in  the  center  Thomas,  and  on  the  left  Crit- 
tenden. Accounts  and  returns  differ,  but  each  army  had  about  45,000 
effective  troops,  the  Federals  toward  the  last  being  re-enforced.  Bragg’s 
otal  loss  was  10,125;  Bosecrans’  11,598.  The  former  lost  three  pieces 
)f  artillery,  the  latter  twenty-eight.  * 

On  the  30th  of  December,  1862,  Wheeler’s  cavalry,  in  a daring  raid, 
:aptured  LaVergne,  Bock  Springs  and  Nolensville.  About  two  weeks 
)efore  that  Forrest  had  cut  loose  from  Bragg,  crossed  the  Tennessee 
liver  at  Clifton,  captured  Trenton,  Humboldt,  Union  City  and  other 


*Tliese  figures  were  carefully  prepared  from  official  reports. 


556 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


places,  with  large  quantities  of  supplies  and  hundreds  of  prisoners,  and 
rejoined  Bragg  without  serious  loss.  March  5,  1863,  Gen.  Yan  Dorn 
captured  2,000  Federals  under  Col.  John  Coburn  at  Spring  Hill.  In 
April  Col.  Streiglit,  Federal  cavalry  leader,  invaded  Georgia,  did  con- 
siderable damage,  but  was  pursued  and  captured  by  Gen.  Forrest.  In 
June  Gen.  John  Morgan  started  North  and  invaded  Indiana  and  Ohio, 
but  was  finally  captured  and  his  command  dispersed.  Bragg  passed  the 
Avinter  at  Shelbyville,  Tullahoma  and  vicinity,  while  Rosecrans  remained 
at  Murfreesboro.  June  24,  1863,  Rosecrans  began  an  advance  ami 
endeavored  to  flank  Bragg’s  right,  but  the  latter  being  largely  out- 
numbered, retreated  slowly  and  finally  crossed  the  mountains  to  Chat- 
tanooga. About  the  middle  of  August  the  Federal  Army  began  to  cross 
the  mountains  to  confront  Bragg. 

In  the  meantime  Vicksburg  had  fallen  and  Gettysburg  had  driven 
the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia-  south  of  the  Potomac.  Gen.  Bragg, 
seeing  that  if  he  remained  at  Chattanooga  his  communications  would  be 
cut  by  flank  movements  of  the  large  and  rapidly  increasing  army  before 
him,  moved  southward  toward  Lafayette,  preparing  to  threaten  the  right 
flank  of  the  enemy,  or  his  rear  via  northern  Alabama,  or  to  fall  upon 
him  as  he  advanced  southward  from  Chattanooga  in  detachments  through 
the  mountain  passes  and  whip  him  in  detail.  The  advance  in  detach- 
ments Avas  really  made,  and  had  the  re-enforcements  expected  arrived  for 
Bragg,  the  division  of  McCook  far  out  toward  Alpine  would  have  been 
crushed  before  Rosecrans  perceived  his  danger.  As  it  was  the  latter 
became  alarmed  and  corrected  his  mistake  before  Bragg  felt  able  to  take 
advantage  of  it.  Both  armies  had  been  heavily  re-enforced  and  the 
anxious  gaze  of  both  nations  was  riveted  upon  them.  A portion  of 
Longstreet’s  corps  from  Virginia  under  Hood,  and  a considerable  force 
from  Johnston’s  army  in  the  Mississippi  had  formed  a junction  with 
Bragg.  The  enemy  concentrated  somewhat  near  Crawfish  Spring,  near 
where,  September  18,  a few  preliminary  skirmishes  occurred.  McCook 
occupied  the  right  of  the  enemy,  Thomas  the  left,  and  Crittenden  the 
center.  Polk  was  on  the  Confederate  right,  Hood  on  the  left  and  Hill  in 
the  center.  The  battle  of  Chickamauga  began  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  19tli  and  raged  furiously  all  day  without  decisive  result.  The  fol- 
lowing night  brought  Longstreet  with  the  remainder  of  his  corps. 
Bragg’s  aim  had  been  to  break  and  rout  the  Federal  left,  then  crush  the 
center  and  seize  the  Chattanooga  road.  Upon  the  arrival  of  Longstreet, 
Bragg  summoned  his  generals  in  council.  He  divided  the  army  into  two 
commands — Longstreet  with  six  divisions  on  the  left  and  Polk  with  five 
divisions  on  the  right.  The  latter  was  ordered  to  attack  with  all  his 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


00  l 


power  at  daylight,  but  it  was  nearly  9 o’clock  before  bis  troops  were 
in  motion.  Had  lie  complied  with  the  order  there  is  little  doubt  that 
Thomas  would  have  been  crushed  before  the  arrival  of  Negley’s  division. 
As  it  was  Thomas  was  the  “ Rock  of  Chickamauga  ” which  the  Confed- 
erate hosts  failed  to  overturn.  Thus  do  trifles  serve  to  turn  enormous 
tides. 

The  battle  began  about  9 o’clock  and  was  continued  -with  furious 
intensity  for  many  hours,  the  Confederate  cause  on  the  -whole  advancing, 
until  finally  a gap  was  opened  by  a misunderstanding  of  orders,  it  was 
claimed,  in  the  enemy’s  right  center*  through  which  the  vigilant  Long- 
street  threw  Hood’s  and  other  divisions  like  an  avalanche.  This  move- 
ment was  decisive,  the  whole  right  wfing  and  part  of  the  center  of  the 
enemy  crumbling  in  pieces  and  rolling  back  in  confusion  toward  Chatta- 
nooga, bearing  their  commanders,  including  Rosecrans,  with  them. 
Thomas  on  the  left  was  re-enforced  on  a very  strong  ridge,  and  held  his 
position  until  night,  despite  the  utmost  efforts  of  the  Confederates  to 
crush  him,  and  thus  saved  the  Federal  Army  from  destruction.  At  night 
he  withdrew  toward  Chattanooga,  and  left  the  field  to  the  victorious  Con- 
federates. The  battle  Avas  over.  The  losses  Avere  about  equal  (over 
15,000)  to  each  army. 

Rosecrans  remained  at  Chattanooga  where  he  was  besieged  for  sev- 
eral months  succeeding  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  He  was  superseded 
in  command  by  Gen.  Grant  October  19.  Early  in  October  Wheeler  and 
Wharton  entered  the  Federal  lines  with  their  cavalry  forces,  and  in  the 
•Sequatchie  Valley  destroyed  about  800  A\ragons  of  supplies  designed  for 
he  starving  army  of  the  Federals.  They  did  extensive  damage,  and 
inally  rejoined  Bragg  ATia  northern  Alabama.  October  27  Gen.  Hooker 
nanaged  to  open  the  Federal  line  of  supplies,  which  virtually  raised  the 
lege.  Longstreet  had  been  detached  to  move  against  Burnside  at  Knox- 
ille.  Bragg  occupied  Missionary  Ridge  Avith  a weakened  army  too 
track  extended,  and  Grant,  in  Chattanooga,  received  re-enforcements  and 
upplies.  On  the  23d  of  November  Grant  advanced  and  drove  back  the 
Confederate  advance  lines  and  occupied  and  intrenched  the  ground.  The 
ext  day  Lookout  Mountain  was  taken,  and  on  the  25th  the  Avliole  Fecl- 
ral  Army  in  overwhelming  force  swept  up  to  the  top  of  the  ridge,  driv- 
lg  the  Confederate  lines,  after  sharp  work,  from  the  field. 

Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston  succeeded  Bragg  in  command  of  the  army, 

*This  order,  written  by  an  aid  of  Gen.  Rosecrans  at  the  latter’s  direction,  read  as  follows:  ‘‘The  general 
mmanding  directs  that  you  close  up  on  Reynolds  as  fast  as  possible,  and  support  him.”  As  will  be  perceived, 
•losing  up”  and  “ supporting”  are  two  widely  different  acts,  and  hence  the  order  was  contradictory.  The 
acer  to  whom  it  was  addressed,  Gen.  Wood,  had  been  a short  time  before  sharply  reprimanded  for  neglect  by 
;n.  Rosecrans,  and  now  concluded  to  construe  the  order  in  the  latter  sense  of  “ supporting  ” only,  and  accord- 
-2lv  withdrew  his  division,  leaving  a wide  gap  in  the  line  of  battle,  which  the  vigilant  eye  of  Longstreet  at  once 
lected  with  the  results  as  above  described. 


35 


558 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


tlie  latter  relinquishing  at  his  own  request.  The  winter  of  1863-64  was 
passed  in  and  around  Dalton  in  receiving  instruction  and  discipline.* 
Late  in  February,  to  co-operate  with  a general  movement  of  Federal  troops 
in  the  west,  Thomas  attacked  the  Confederates  at  Dalton,  in  the  absence 
of  Hardee’s  corps,  but  was  repulsed.  Gen.  TV.  T.  Sherman  took  com- 
mand of  the  Federals  in  March,  and  Gen.  Grant  was  transferred  to  the 
chief  command  at  Washington.  About  the  middle  of  March,  1863,  Gen. 
Forrest  entered  West  Tennessee  from  Mississippi,  captured  Jackson, 
Union  City,  Hickman,  Ky.,  Paducah  and  other  places  with  large  quanti- 
ties of  supplies  and  numerous  prisoners;  and  April  18  captured  Fort 
Pillow  with  557  Federal  troops,  of  whom  262  were  colored.  Later  he 
dashed  into  Memphis  but  was  compelled  to  leave  almost  immediately  ; 
and  also  defeated  and  routed  the  Federals  in  Arkansas. 

About  the  middle  of  August,  1863,  Gen.  Burnside,  with  a force  of 
nearly  20,000  men  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  moved  southward  to  cross  the  Cum 
berland  Mountains  and  take  possession  of  East  Tennessee.  Knoxville 
was  reached  September  3 ; about  the  same  time  Gen.  Buckner,  unable  to 
resist,  withdrew  all  the  available  force  there  to  re-enforce  Bragg.  Gen. 
Frazier,  who  occupied  Cumberland  Gap,  was  forced  to  surrender  2,000 
men  on  the  9tli,  Gen.  Burnside  then  scattered  his  command  to  guard  and 
protect  East  Tennessee.  Gen.  Sam  Jones  did  excellent  work  against 
several  of  the  small  commands,  cutting  them  in  pieces  and  capturing 
prisoners  and  supplies.  Suddenly,  without  warning,  October  20,  Gen. 
Longstreet  moved  up  from  Chattanooga.  At  Philadelphia,  below  Jjoudon, 
he  fell  upon  a force  of  Federals  2,000  strong  under  Col.  Wolford  and 
routed  them,  capturing  many  prisoners.  Moving  onward  Burnside  in 
force  was  encountered  November  6,  near  Campbell’s  Station,  where  a 
sharp  battle  was  fought.  The  enemy  was  forced  back,  but  rallied  until 
night  when  he  retreated  to  his  intrenchments  at  Knoxville.  Both  com- 
mands were  handled  with  conspicuous  ability.  November  17  Longstreet 
invested  the  city.  Sharp  fighting  occurred,  and  at  last  having  been  j 
joined  by  Gen.  Sam  Jones,  Longstreet  November  28  and  29  assaulted  but 
was  repulsed.  December  5 the  siege  was  raised,  as  heavy  ^e-enforcement? 
for  Burnside  approached  from  Chattanooga. 

In  December,  1863,  Wheeler’s  cavalry  had  a sharp  engagement  with 
the  enemy  at  Charlestown,  East  Tennessee,  over  a wagon  train.  About 
the  same  time  John  Morgan  and  Martin  Armstrong  had  a sharp  battle 
with  Gen.  S.  D.  Sturgis  at  Mossy  Creek,  near  New  Market.  Gen.  Vance, 
who  entered  East  Tennessee  in  January,  1864,  after  doing  considerable 

*As  a detailed  account  of  the  Georgia  campaign  would  carry  the  military  history  beyond  the  limits  as 
signed  it  in  this  volume,  only  an  outline  will  be  given  of  the  movements  in  which  the  Army  of  Tennessee 
participated. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


559 


damage,  was  defeated  and  captured  by  tlie  Federals.  In  January  and 
February,  1861,  Morgan  and  Sturgis  fought  several  sharp  battles  at  Som- 
ersville,  Dandridge,  Strawberry  Plains  and  elsewhere. 

About  the  first  of  June,  John  Morgan  started  to  invade  Kentucky. 
He  was  routed  near  Cyntliiana  by  Gen.  Burbridge,  and  made  his 
way  into  VTest  Virginia,  where  he  collected  a small  force  and  returned 
to  East  Tennessee,  captured  Greeneville,  but  was  killed  and  his  force  dis- 
persed in  September  by  Gen.  Gillem.  In  October  Vaughn’  and  Palmer’s 
forces  were  defeated  at  Morristown  by  Gen.  Gillem;  but  in  November 
the  latter  was  routed  by  Breckinridge.  In  September  Forrest  invaded 
Middle  Tennessee  and  gave  the  Federals  much  annoyance.  In  Decem- 
ber the  Federal  forces  under  Stoneman,  Burbridge,  Gillem  and  others 
were  united,  and  the  Confederates  in  East  Tennessee  under  Breckinridge, 
Vaughn  and  others  were  overpowered  and  dispersed. 

In  the  spring  of  1864  an  offensive  campaign  was  pi'oposed  for  Gen. 
Johnston,  to  move  suddenly  into  East  Tennessee,  cross  the  river  at 
Kingston,  where  a junction  would  be  formed  with  Longstreet,  ordered 
there  for  that  purpose,  and  thus  with  an  army  of  about  75,000  men  to 
threaten  Sherman’s  rear  and  prevent  him  from  invading  the  South,  as 
well  as  to  threaten  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  But  this  was  not  to  be. 
Early  in  May,  1861,  the  Federal  Army  under  Sherman  began  its  ad- 
vance on  Dalton,  and  successively,  by  flank  movements,  forced  Johnston 
who  had  not  been  re-enforced  as  was  designed  should  he  undertake  an 
offensive  campaign,  to  retreat.  Many  have  thought  that  this  campaign 
from  Dalton  to  Atlanta  was  not  surpassed  by  any  other  of  the  war  in 
brilliant  and  masterly  movements,  in  furious  and  generally  judicious 
battles,  and  in  the  splendid  condition  of  both  armies.  From  beginning 
to  end  it  was  a campaign  of  strategy.  The  overwhelming  force  of  the 
Federal  commander  enabled  him  to  face  the  Confederate  Army  with  many 
more  than  its  own  number  and  to  flank  it  with  a large  additional  force. 
Vigilant  as  a tiger,  Johnston  watched  the  adroit  coils  of  his  wily  adver- 
sary expanding  and  skillfully  withdrew,  inflicting  upon  him  all  the  injury 
possible.  At  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Mill  Creek  Gap,  Ptesaca,  Cassville,  New 
Hope  Church,  Dallas,  Lost  Mountain,  Pine  Mountain,  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain, Nose  Creek,  Powder  Spring,  Peach  Tree  Creek  (where  Johnston  was 
superseded  by  Gen.  J.  B.  Hood),  Cobb’s  Mills,  around  Atlanta,  a cam- 
paign of  about  four  months  almost  a continuous  battle  was  fought  and  not 
| once  was  the  Confederate  Army  driven  from  ‘its  chosen  position  by  the 
assaults  of  the  enemy.  At  Lick  Skillet  road  and  Jonesboro  sharp  bat- 
dies  were  fought. 

O 

Atlanta  was  evacuated  by  the  army  of  Hood  September  1.  He 


5G0 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


moved  to  Lovejoy’s  Station;  tlience  on  the  18tli  at  right  angles  to  near 
Palmetto;  thence  on  the  29th,  across  the  Chattalioochie  at  Pumpkin 
Town,  threatening  Sherman’s  rear,  which  forced  the  latter  out  of  Atlanta. 
Hood  continued  to. move  north,  expecting  to  be  followed  by  Sherman, 
reached  Dalton,  tlience  marched  to  Lafayette,  thence  westward  reaching 
Tuscumbia  October  31.  Sherman  followed  a short  distance  from  Atlanta 
then  detached  Schofield  and  Stanley’s  corps  to  assist  Thomas  at  Nashville 
and  then  returned  to  “march  to  the  sea.”  Hood  was  delayed  at  Tuscuin- 
bia,  but  on  the  21st  of  November  started  north  into  Tennessee.  The  Fed- 
eral general,  Schofield,  marched  rapidly  from  Pulaski  where  he  had  been 
stationed  by  Thomas,  to  reach  Columbia  before  Hood,  and  succeeded, 
throwing  up  heavy  intrencliments  which  were  too  strong  to  assault.  He 
was  flanked,  however,  and  forced  back  toward  Franklin  where  he  con- 
structed heavy  intrencliments  in  a very  strong  position.  Hood  advanced 
with  A.  P.  Stewart  on  the  right,  Cheatham  on  the  left,  and  S.  D.  Lee  in 
reserve  behind,  while  Forrest’s  cavalry  protected  the  flanks.  So  furious 
was  the  charge  of  the  Confederates,  and  in  such  masses,  that  the  first 
line  and  hill  with  eight  guns  were  captured  and  the  standard  of  the  South 
was  planted  upon  the  enemy’s  works.  But  this  was  as  far  as  the  Confed- 
erate host  could  go.  Charge  after  charge  of  the  flower  of  the  army  was 
repulsed  with  fearful  slaughter.  The  foernen  intermingled  throughout 
the  whole  line,  which  writhed  and  twisted  like  huge  anacondas  locked  in 
the  struggle  of  death.  The  attack  began  at  4 o’clock  P.  M.  of  the  30th, 
and  continued  with  unabated  fury  until  9 o’clock,  when  it  gradually  sub- 
sided and  finally  ceased.  Pat  Cleburne,  “the  Stonewall  Jackson  of  the 
’West,”  the  idol  of  his  troops,  lay  dead  upon  the  field  within  a few  feet  of 
the  enemy’s  works.  Strahl  and  Adams  and  Gist  and  Granbury  lay  stretched 
beside  him,  and  Brown  and  Quarles  and  Carter  and  Cockrill  and  Mani- 
gault  and  Scott,  all  general  officers,  took  with  them  from  the  bloody  field 
severe  and  honorable  scars.  This  battle  is  especially  painful  to  contem- 
plate by  Tennesseeans,  owing  to  the  fearful  slaughter  of  the  troops  of  the 
State  (many  of  whom  lived  at  Franklin  and  neighboring  cities)  and  to 
the  barren  fruits  of  the  result. 

The  nmlit  after  the  battle  Schofield  -retreated  to  Nashville  and  united 

O 

with  Thomas,  and  on  December  1,  1865,  was  promptly  followed  by  Hood 
with  his  shattered,  though  gallant  army,  who  on  the  2d  formed  a line  of 
battle  and  prepared  to  invest  the  place  held  by  more  than  twice  as  many 
troops  as  he  possessed.  On  the  15th  the  enemy  moved  out  in  overwhelm- 
ing numbers  and  attacked  his  whole  line,  making  special  efforts  to  turn 
his  left,  which  was  not  accomplished  until  night,  and  then  only  in  part. 
A new  line  was  formed  and  the  next  day  a heavy  attack  on  the  whole  line 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


561 


•was  repulsed;  but  the  artillery  and  infantry  were  concentrated  on  a weak 
point,  a breach  was  made  and  soon  the  whole  Confederate  Army  was 
thrown  back  in  more  or  less  of  a rout,  which  was  easily  corrected.  With 
sad  hearts  the  heroic  remnant  of  the  grand  old  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
continued  its  retreat  southward  to  join  the  army  of  -Johnston  in  the  Caro- 
linas  for  the  final  struggle.  None  who  participated  in  it  will  ever  forget 
the  suffering  and  anguish  of  that  weary  march.  The  cause  for  which 
they  had  fought  through  nearly  four  long  years  of  sorrow  and  war  was 
trembling  and  falling;  but  barefooted,  ragged  and  pinched  with  the 
severest  physical  suffering,  the  gallant  boys  turned  their  faces  from  their 
desolate  homes  and  with  their  tattered  banners  marched  down  to  the 
Carolir.as  to  die,  if  need  be,  “ in  the  last  ditch.”  A few  more  engage- 
ments, Bentonville  and  elsewhere,  and  all  was  over,  and  in  April,  1865, 
having  surrendered,  they  returned  to  their  homes  to  repair  the  ravages 
of  war,  to  reconstruct  their  social  system  and  to  take  their  places  once 
more  as  useful  citizens  under  the  Federal  Government. 

Besides  the  regularly  organized  regiments  and  battalions  of  infantry, 
cavalry  and  artillery,  Tennessee  furnished  for  the  independent  Confed- 
erate service  a large  number  of  companies,  which  did  effective  work 
within  the  Federal  lines  during  the  last  three  years  of  the  war.  Be- 
emits  were  constantly  enlisted  or  conscripted  for  the  older  regiments,  as 
the  war  progressed,  notwithstanding  the  presence  of  Federal  troops  posted 
to  prevent  such  procedure.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  State  furnished 
for  the  Confederate  service  nearly  if  not  quite  100 , 000  men.  Its  credits 
considerably  exceeded  that  figure,  as  each  man  was  counted  as  often  as 
he  enlisted,  which  was,  in  some  cases,  three  or  four  times.  The  provis- 
ional army  of  the  State  was  mustered  in  for  one  year,  at  the  end  of 
which  period  great  efforts  were  made  to  secure  a re-enlistment  for  three 
years  or  during  the  war.  This  in  the  main  was  successful.  No  better 
soldiers  than  the  Tennesseeans  were  found  in  either  army.  For  gal- 
lantry, devotion  to  principle  believed  to  be  just,  courage,  hardihood  and 
intelligence,  they  challenge  and  receive  the  admiration  of  their  quondam 
foes.  They  have  accepted  in  good  faith  the  settlement  of  the  questions 
of  slavery,  state  sovereignty,  secession,  etc.,  and  are  now  part  of  the  warp 
and  woof  of  the  cloth  of  gold  of  the  American  Union. 

REGIMENTAL  SKETCHES. 

The  First  Confederate  (Tennessee)  Begiment,  probably  the  first 
raised  in  the  State,  was  organized  at  Winchester  April  27,  1861,  and  was 
raised  in  the  counties  of  Franklin,  Lincoln,  Coffee  and  Grundy.  Upon 
the  organization  Peter  Turney  was  elected  colonel.  The  regiment  was 


562 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ordered  to  Virginia,  where,  at  Lynchburg,  May  7,  it  was  mustered  into 
the  .service  of  the  Confederate  Government.  It  saw  active  service  from 
the  start,  and  participated  in  the  earlier  engagements  of  the  war  in  that 
department.  About  the  middle  of  February,  1862,  it  was  attached  to 
Anderson’s  brigade,  the  other  regiments  being  the  Seventh  and  Four- 
teenth Tennessee.  This  was  known  as  the  “Tennessee  Brigade.” 
This  regiment  served  in  nearly  all  the  battles  of  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia:  Cheat  Mountain,  Winchester,  Manassas  (under  Gen.  Joe 

Johnston,  near  Yorktown),  Seven  Pines  (the  first  real  battle,  losing  heav- 
ily, including  its  brigade  commander,  Gen.  Hatton,  who  was  succeeded 
by  Gen.  Archer),  Mechanicsville,  Gains’  Mills,  Frazier’s  Farm,  Culpep- 
per Court  House,  Second  Bull  Run,  Centerville,  Fredericksburg  (where 
Col.  Turney  commanded  the  brigade  and  was  severely  wounded),  Chau- 
cellorsville,  Gettysburg  (again  losing  heavily  and  displaying  great  gal- 
lantry in  the  famous  charge  on  Cemetery  Hill),  Falling  Water,  Bristoe 
Station,  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania,  Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg  and  many 
others,  losing  in  the  aggregate  two-thirds  of  those  engaged.  It  was  sur- 
rendered at  Appomattox  in  April,  1865.  Col.  Turney  had  been  wounded, 
and  was  in  Florida  at  the  time  of  the  surrender.  This  was  one  of  the 
best  regiments  from  the  State. 

The  First  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Middle 
Tennessee,  in  April,  1861,  immediately  after  the  fall  of  Sumter,  and  was 
organized  with  George  Maney  as  colonel,  and  was,  July  10,  transferred 
to  Virginia,  where,  with  the  Seventh  and  Fourteenth  Regiments,  it  Avas 
brigaded  under  Gen.  Anderson.  The  trip  to  Mingo  Flats  was  the  first 
hardship,  and  near  Cheat  Pass  the  regiment  was  first  under  fire.  It  par- 
ticipated in  the  movement  at  Big  Sewell  Mountain,  and  prepared  winter 
quarters  at  Huntersville,  but  December  8 moved  to  Winchester,  and 
early  in  January,  1862,  amid  intense  suffering  and  cold,  moved  to  Rom-  ij 
ney;  thence  back  to  Winchester  early  in  February.  After  the  fall  of  i 
Fort  Donelson,  the  First  was  ordered  to  the  command  of  Gen.  A.  S.  John- 
ston. Part  Avas  left  at 'Knoxville,  and  part  joined  Johnston.  The  latter, 
the  left  wing,  participated  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh  on  the  second  day,  but 
the  right  Aving  had  been  detained  for  want  of  transportation.  After  Shi- 
loh the  wings  Avere  reunited  and  late  in  April  the  First  was  reorganized,  , 
H.  R.  Field  becoming  colonel,  vice  Maney  promoted.  Hawkins’  battalion 
was  added  to  the  regiment  as  Company  L.  The  First  was  in  Maney  s 
brigade  of  Cheatham’s  division.  July  11,  1862,  it  left  Tupelo,  and  via 
Chattanooga  moved  into  Kentucky,  reaching  Harrodsburg  October  6. 

It  fought  on  the  extreme  right  at  Perryville,  doing  gallant  service  ancl 
losing  over  one-half  its  men  killed  and  Avounded.  It  captured  four 


/ 

HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE.  563 

twelve- pound  guns  and  had  fifty  men  killed.  It  retreated  south  with 
Bragg,  and  in  December  was  consolidated  with  the  Twenty-seventh  Ten- 
nessee, and  later  was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro,  where  it  lost 
heavily.  It  moved  south,  and  in  September  participated  in  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga  with  conspicuous  daring.  Late  in  November  it  was  en- 
gaged in  the  battle  of  Missionary  Ridge,  and  then  retreated  with  the 
Confederate  Army.  From  Dalton  to  Atlanta  the  regiment  was  constantly 
engaged  in  all  the  memorable  movements  of  that  campaign,  fighting 
desperately  at  “ Dead  Angle.”  In  front  of  the  First  were  found  385 
Federal  dead.  The  First  lost  twenty-seven  killed  and  wounded.  It 
fought  on  the  20th  and  22d  of  July,  and  at  Jonesboro  August  19  and  20. 
It  moved  north  with  Hood,  fighting  at  Spring  Hill,  Franklin  and  Nash- 
ville, and  then  retreated,  moving  to  North  Carolina,  where  it  participated 
at  Bentonville,  and  finally  surrendered  April  26,  1865. 

The  Second  Confederate  (Tennessee)  Regiment  was  organized  May  5, 
1861,  with  William  B.  Bate,  colonel,  and  was  mustered  into  the  Con- 
federate service  at  Lynchburg,  Va.,  early  in  May,  1861.  It  was  raised 
in  Middle  Tennessee.  It  occupied  various  positions  until  June  1,  when, 
at  Acquia  Creek,  it  supported  Confederate  batteries  in  an  engagement 
with  Federal  war  ships.  It  made  a forced  march  to  assist  Beauregard  at 
Manassas,  and  on  the  21st  was  marched  seven  miles  at  a double-quick,  a 
portion  of  the  time  under  a heavy  artillery  fire.  It  occupied  Evansport 
and  erected  batteries,  etc.,  until  February,  1862,  when  it  re-enlisted  for 
three  years  and  took  a furlough  of  sixty  days.  It  joined  the  Confeder- 
ate forces  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  late  in  March,  1862 ; thence  moved  to  Cor- 
inth, and  April  6 and  7 was  hotly  engaged  at  Shiloh  in  the  brigade  of 
Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne,  where  it  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  the  appalling 
number  of  235  men.  Col.  Bate  was  severely  wounded  and  was  immedi- 
ately promoted.  After  this  sanguinary  battle  the  regiment  was  reorgan- 
ized. It  skirmished  around  Corinth,  retreated  to  Tupelo,  and  then  with 
its  brigade  was  moved  to  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  thence  through  Wilson’s  Gap 
into  Kentucky,  to  cut  off  Gen.  Morgan’s  retreat  from  Cumberland  Gap. 
August  30,  1862,  it  was  desperately  engaged  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  losing 
many  men.  It  then  moved  to  Latonia  Springs;  thence  to  Shelbyville, 
threatening  Louisville ; thence  fought  at  Perryville,  its  commander  being 
Sr.-Capt.  C.  P.  Moore.  It  then  moved  to  Knoxville,  where  W.  D.  Rob- 
ison was  elected  colonel.  December  31,  1862,  it  fought  at  Murfrees- 
boro, suffering  heavily.  It  wintered  at  Tullahoma  and  in  the  spring  of 
1863  did  guard  duty,  skirmishing  several  times.  Later  it  moved  to 
Bridgeport  and  was  engaged  at  McLemore's  Cove,  Chickamauga,  Mis- 
sionary Ridge  and  Ringgold  Gap  It  did  outpost  duty  during  the  winter 


564: 


HISTOBY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


of  1863-64,  and  in  tlie  spring  retreated  with  Johnston  from  Dalton  to 
Atlanta,  participating  in  the  engagements  at  llesaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
“Dead  Angle”  and  Atlanta.  At  Peach  Tree  Creek  two  of  its  companies 
were  captured.  It  fought  at  Jonesboro,  where  Col.  Robison  and  Maj. 
Driver  were  killed,  and  at  Lovejoy’s  Station.  It  moved  north  with  Gen. 
Hood  and  at  the  battles  of  Franklin  and  Nashville  suffered  heavy  loss. 
It  retreated  to  Tupelo,  was  transferred  to  North  Carolina,  fought  at 
Bentonville,  losing  its  commander,  AVilkerson.  April  26,  1865,  it  was 
surrendered  by  Gen.  Johnston  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  to  Gen.  Sherman. 

The  Second  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Mem- 
phis and  organized  about  the  1st  of  May,  1861,  with  J.  K.  Walker,  colonel, 
and  reported  to  Gen.  J.  L.  T.  Sneed  at  Randolph.  Later  it  participated 
in  the  movement  northward  and  fought  in  the  battle  of  Belmont,  Novem- 
ber 7,  with  considerable  loss.  It  returned  southward  occupying  several 
points,  and  finally  from  Corinth,  in  April,  1862,  moved  up  and  engaged 
the  enemy  at  Shiloh,  in  which  bloody  engagement  it  lost  severely.  Soon 
after  this  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Twenty-first  Tennessee  Regiment 
to  form  the  Fifth  Confederate  Regiment. 

The  Third  Confederate  (Tennessee)  Regiment  was  organized  at 
Knoxville,  May  29,  1861,  with  John  C.  Vaughn,  colonel,  and  July 
2,  1861,  left  for  the  field  in  Virginia,  and  two  days  later  was  mus- 
tered into  the  Confederate  service.  The  first  engagement  was  dune 
19,  when  Companies  I and  K captured  New  River  Bridge  and  two  can- 
nons. July  21  it  was  engaged  at  the  first  battle  of  Manassas,  and  then 
did  picket  duty.  February  16,  1862,  it  moved  to  East  Tennessee,  and 
April  1 skirmished  with  guerrillas  in  Scott  County,  Tenn.  May  1 it 
was  reorganized  at  Big  Creek  Gap,  Vaughn  being  re-elected  colonel. 
August  6,  1862,  the  regiment  defeated  three  regiments  of  Federals  at 
Tazewell,  Tenn.,  losing,  7 killed  and  31  wounded.  It  participated  in  the 
siege  of  Cumberland  Gap ; thence  moved  with  Bragg  into  Kentucky, 
and  here  N.  J.  Lillard  became  colonel,  vice  Vaughn  promoted.  In 
December,  1862,  the  regiment  with  three  others  of  East  Tennessee  under 
Gen.  Reynolds,  started  for  Vicksburg,  arriving  January  5,  1863;  took 
an  active  part  in  the  surrounding  engagements  and  surrendered  with 
Pemberton  July  4.  July  10  the  troops  were  paroled,  and  October  19 
were  formally  exchanged.  It  was  assigned  to  Longstreet’s  command  and 
saw  service  around  Knoxville.  A portion  of  the  regiment  in  Virginia, 
during  the  summer  of  1864,  lost  at  Piedmont  forty-seven  killed  and 
wounded.  It  participated  at  Bull’sGap,  Greeneville  and  Morristown,  and 
surrendered  May  9,  1865. 

The  Third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized  in  Giles 


HISTOKY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


565 


County  May  16,  1861,  with  five  companies  from  Giles,  three  from  Maury, 
one  from  Lawrence  and  one  from  Lewis,  and  was  placed  in  command  of 
Col.  J.  C.  Brown.  The  Third,  after  occupying  camp  of  instruction,  was, 
about  the  middle  of  September,  1861,  sent  to  Gen.  Buckner’s  command 
at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  February  8,  1862,  it  reached  Fort  Donelson 
where  it  began  work.  It  was  commanded  by  Lieut. -Col.  Gordon,  Col. 
Brown  having  charge  of  a brigade.  During  the  siege  of  Fort  Donelson 
the  Third  was  prominently  engaged.  It  made  several  sallies  and  charges 
with  great  spirit  and  considerable  loss.  It  was  surrendered  with  the 
fort,  having  lost  13  killed,  56  wounded  and  722  captured.  The  prison- 
ers were  taken  North  September  23,  1862 ; 607  were  exchanged  and  im- 
mediately (September  26,  1862,  at  Jackson,  Miss.)  reorganized  with  C. 
H.  Walker,  colonel.  It  took  the  field,  skirmished  at  Springdale,  Miss., 
fought  at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  losing  2 men,  did  good  service  at  Port  Hud- 
son; thence  in  May,  1863,  moved  to  Raymond,  where,  in  the  fiercest  en- 
gagement of  the  war,  it  lost  the  appalling  number  of  32  killed  on  the 
field,  76  wounded  and  68  captured.  After  this  it  was  engaged  at  Chick  - 
amauga,  losing  21  killed,  62  wounded  and  7 prisoners ; and  at  Missionary 
Ridge,  losing  3 wounded  and  1 captured.  It  participated  at  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  near  Marietta,  around  Atlanta,  at  Jonesboro,  and  in  nu- 
merous lesser  engagements.  It  went  north  with  Hood,  to  Franklin  and 
Nashville,  and  then  moved  to  North  Carolina,  where  at  Greensboro, 
April  26,  1865,  it  was  surrendered.  This  was  one  of  the  best  of  the 
Tennessee  regiments. 

The  Fourth  Confederate  (Tennessee)  Regiment  was  organized  at 
Camp  Sneed,  near  Knoxville,  in  the  month  of  July,  1861,  and  comprised 
companies  from  the  counties  of  Davidson,  Rutherford,  Williamson  and 
others,  and  from  Alabama,  and  was  commanded  by  Col.  W.  M.  Church- 
veil.  The  lieutenant-colonel  was  James  McMurray,  and  the  major,  Lewis. 
This  regiment  first  saw  service  in  East  Tennessee.  After  various 
novements  it  joined  Gen.  Bragg  on  the  campaign  into  Kentucky,  where, 
it  Perryville,  it  was  engaged.  It  marched  southward  with  the  army  and 
participated  in  the  furious  charges  at  Murfreesboro,  sustaining  severe  loss, 
nd  later,  at  the  splendid  Confederate  victory  at  Chickamauga,  bore 
ts  full  share  of  the  bloody  work.  It  was  at  Missionary  Ridge  and  at  all 
he  various  movements  of  Gen.  Johnston  in  the  Georgia  campaign,  fight- 
ng  often  and  losing  heavily.  It  marched  back  on  Hood’s  Tennessee,  cam- 
>aign  and  participated  at  Nashville  and  Franklin;  thence  marched  to 
lorth  Carolina  with  the  gallant  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  where  it  surren- 
dered in  the  spring  of  1865. 

The  Fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  the 


566 


HISTOHY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


counties  of  Dyer,  Obion,  Lauderdale,  Gibson,  Tipton  and  Hardeman, 
and  was  organized  May  18,  1861,  with  R.  P.  Neely,  colonel.  It  moved 
to  Memphis  May  20;  thence  up  to  Eandolph;  thence  to  Fort  Pillow 
July  18;  thence  to  New  Madrid,  and  November  7,  at  Belmont,  served  as 
a reserve.  February  4,  1862,  at  Island  No.  10,  it  was  under  the  fire  of 
Federal  gun-boats.  • It  reached  Memphis  March  20 ; thence  moved  to 
Corinth,  and  on  the  6th  of  April  began  the  brilliant  fight  at  Shiloh.  In 
one  charge,  when  it  captured  a fine  battery,  it  lost  31  killed  and  ICO 
wounded,  and  during  the  battle  nearly  half  of  those  engaged.  The 
Fourth  was  reorganized  April  25,  with  O.  F.  Strahl,  colonel.  In  July  it 
moved  to  Chattanooga  and  August  17  started  on  the  Kentucky  campaign, 
passing  through  Sparta,  Gainesboro,  Munfordville,  Bardstown  and 
Harrodsburg.  At  Perryville,  in  the  afternoon  of  the  8th,  it  participated 
in  a brilliant  charge  on  the  Federals,  losing  about  one-third  of  those 
engaged.  It  moved  south  via  Knoxville  and  Tullahoma  to  Murfrees- 
boro,  where  it  was  hotly  engaged  December  31.  In  July,  1863,  A.  J. 
Kellar  became  colonel.  At  Chickamauga,  September  18  and  19,  the 
Fourth  fought  gallantly,  and  November  26  participated  in  the  severe 
contest  on  Missionary  Kidge,  losing  nearly  one-third  of  its  men. 
Beginning  at  Dalton  in  May,  1864,  the  Fourth  was  under  fire  sixty  day 
in  the  movement  toward  Atlanta,  fighting  at  Dug  Gap,  Mill  Creek  Gap, 
Eesaca,  Ellsbury  Mountain,  Kenesaw,  Atlanta  and  Jonesboro,  suffering 
severe  loss.  At  Spring  Hill  and  Franklin  and  Nashville  the  Fourth  war 
gallantly  engaged.  After  this  the  regiment  moved  to  North  Carolina, 
fought  at  Bentonville  and  April  26,  1865,  surrendered  at  Greensboro. 

The  Fifth  Confederate  (Tennessee)  Begiment  was  formed  from  the 
Second  and  the  Twenty-first  Tennessee  Regiments  at  Tupelo,  Miss., 
about  the  1st  of  June,  1862,  with  J.  A.  Smith,  colonel.  About  August  1 
it  moved  to  near  Chattanooga.  It  moved  north  with  Gen.  Bragg  on  the 
Kentucky  campaign,  skirmishing  several  times  and  assisting  in  the 
capture  of  Fort  Denham  at  Munfordville.  Returning  south  from  Bards- 
town the  Fifth  fought  desperately  at  Perryville  October  8,  losing  many 
valuable  men.  It  continued  on  to  Knoxville ; thence  to  Tullahoma  and 
Eagleville,  and  December  31  commenced  in  the  brilliant  Confederate 
achievement  at  Murfreesboro.  The  regiment  displayed  great  gallantry 
and  after  the  battle  moved  to  Tullahoma,  wThere  it  wintered;  then  to 
Wartrace  and  in  June,  1863,  to  Hoover’s  Gap,  and  then  to  Chattanooga. 
In  September  it  fought  with  conspicuous  gallantry  at  bloody  Chicka- 
mauga, losing  heavily  of  its  best  and  bravest.  Later,  at  Missionary 
Ridge,  the  Fifth  held  its  position  on  the  right  until  left  alone.  From 
Dalton  to  Atlanta  it  was  constantly  engaged,  losing  many  in  killed, 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


567 


wounded  and  prisoners.  It  moved  north  with  Gen.  Hood  and  fought  as 
jit  never  had  before  at  Franklin  in  that  hottest  engagement  of  the  war, 
where  it  was  reduced  to  twenty-one  men.  At  Nashville  it  fought  on  the 
rio'ht  and  then  moved  south.  It  was  consolidated  at  Corinth  with  other 
ikeleton  regiments  and  moved  to  North  Carolina,  where  it  participated 
it  Bentonville  and  was  finally  surrendered  April  26,  1865.  Much  of  the 
:ime  of  service  the  regiment  was  in  the  brigade  of  the  gallant  and 
beloved  Cleburne. 

The  Fifth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Henry 
bounty  (a  few  in  Benton  and  in  Carroll)  and  organized  at  Paris  May 
20,  1861,  with  W.  E.  Travis,  colonel,  with  twelve  companies.  It 
occupied  Humboldt  and  Union  City  until  September  4,  1861;  then 
noved  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  at  the  battle  of  Belmont  supported  the 
irtillery.  It  formed  part  of  Stewart’s  brigade,  Cheatham’s  division, 
Polk’s  corps.  When  Donelson  fell  the  regiment  moved  to  New  Madrid, 
where  several  skirmishes  were  had  with  the  Federals.  The  Fifth 
narched  to  Corinth,  and  April  6 and  7 fought  with  notable  bravery  at 
Shiloh,  losing  heavily.  It  then  moved  to  Tupelo;  thence  to  Chatta- 
looga.  In  September  it  moved  on  the  Kentucky  expedition,  and  at 
Perryville  sustained  a heavy  loss.  For  the  Fifth  this  was  one  of  the 
sharpest  fights  of  the  war.  It  then  moved  via  Knoxville  to  Murfrees- 
ioro,  where  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Fourth  under  Col.  Lamb,  and 
has  desperately  engaged  at  the  battle  of  the  latter  name.  In  the  move- 
nent  south  it  skirmished  at  Guy’s  Gap.  The  Fifth  fought  in  the  bloody 
battle  of  Chickamauga  for  two  days,  and  at  Missionary  Ridge,  in 
November,  1863,  was  one  of  the  last  to  leave  the  ridge,  and  was  then 
ised  to  cover  the  retreat.  It  checked  the  victorious  Federals  until 
l A.  M.  the  next  morning,  though  overwhelmed  with  numbers.  On  the 
etreat  it  fought  all  the  way  to  Ringgold  Gap.  It  wintered  at  Dalton, 
hid  in  the  spring,  on  the  Atlanta  campaign,  fought  almost  continuously 
o Atlanta.  Col.  Lamb  was  mortally  wounded  at  Ellsbury  Ridge,  and 
was  succeeded  by  A.  J.  Kellar.  It  moved  north  with  Hood,  fought  at 
franklin  and  Nashville,  retreated  south,  and  in  the  spring  of  1865  a 
nere  remnant  was  surrendered  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Sixth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Madison, 
^ayette  and  Haywood,  nine  of  the  eleven  companies  in  Madison,  and  was 
irganized  in  May,  1861,  by  the  election  of  W.  H.  Stephens,  colonel,  and 
was  mustered  in  for  one  year  on  May  15.  May  26  it  moved  to  Union 
pity,  where  it  was  thoroughly  disciplined.  It  moved  to  Columbus,  Ky., 
mt  was  not  engaged  at  Belmont.  After  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson 
he  regiment  moved  south  to  Corinth.  April  6 and  7,  1862,  the  Sixth 


568 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


was  first  engaged  at  Sliiloli,  having  to  endure  the  trial  of  a severe  artil- 
lery fire  before  being  engaged.  About  11  o’clock  of  the  6th  it  was  or- 
dered to  charge  a battery,  which  it  did  in  gallant  style,  meeting  with  a 
terrific  fire,  which  cut  down  250  men.  It  did  splendid  work  on  both  of 
those  memorable  days,  losing  over  one-third  of  those  engaged.  It 
returned  to  Corinth,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  it  participated  in  several 
hot  skirmishes,  losing  severely.  It  then  moved  to  Chattanooga,  and  in 
September  started  on  the  campaign  into  Kentucky.  At  Perry ville, 
October  8,  the  Sixth,  under  Col.  Cl.  C.  Porter,  occupied  the  center  of 
Maney’s  gallant  brigade,  and  lost  over  150  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
The  regiment  was  next  engaged  at  Murfreesboro,  having  previously  been 
consolidated  with  the  Ninth  Tennessee,  under  Col.  Hurt.  It  brought  on 
the  battle  and  was  then  held  in  reserve,  but  was  rapidly  moved  from 
point  to  point,  being  much  of  the  time  under  heavy  artillery  fire.  Next 
at  Chickamauga  the  Sixth,  under  Col.  Porter,  did  noble  work  in  the 
fiercest  of  the  fight,  losing  over  a third  of  its  men.  At  Missionary  Ridge 
it  was  prominently  engaged,  and  was  one  of  the  last  to  leave  the  field. 
It  wintered  at  Dalton,  and  in  the  spring  of  1864  fought  at  Kenesaw. 
“Dead  Angle,”  siege  of  Atlanta,  Jonesboro,  Lovejoy  and  Franklin,  No- 
vember 30,  1864,  where  it  was  immortalized.  It  fought  at  Nashville 
Spring  Hill,  Elk  River,  and  finally  surrendered  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Seventh  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Sumner, 
Wilson,  Smith  and  DeKalb  Counties,  and  was  organized  May  25,  1861. 
with  Robert  Hatton,  colonel.  It  remained  at  Camp  Trousdale,  Sumner 
County,  until  in  July,  when  it  moved  to  Virginia,  and  with  the  First  and 
Fourteenth  Tennessee  Regiments,  was  constituted  Anderson’s  Brigade. 
It  skirmished  on  the  Parkersburg  road  as  part  of  Loring’s  division  of 
Jackson’s  corps,  and  at  Hancock,  Md.,  and  later  the  First  Confederate 
(Turney’s  Tennessee)  took  the  place  of  the  First  Tennessee  (Confed- 
erate), the  whole  being  called  the  “First  Tennessee  Brigade.”  The 
Seventh  participated  in  the  Yorktown  campaign,  and  later  Goodner  was 
commissioned  colonel,  Hatton  brigadier,  and  G.  W.  Smith  major-general 
May  30,  1862,  at  Seven  Pines,  the  Seventh,  in  a desperate  charge,  lost 
eight  captains,  half  its  privates,  and  Brig. -Gen.  Hatton.  In  the  “seven 
days”  battles  it  fought  with  notable  daring  and  dash  at  Mechanicsvilie, 
Gaines’  Mills,  Frazier’s  Farm,  Malvern  Hill  and  elsewhere,  losing  many 
valuable  men.  It  lost  heavily  at  Culpepper  Court  House,  and  at  Bull 
Run  Company  H lost  all  its  men  killed  or  wounded,  a remarkable  cir- 
cumstance. At  Centerville,  Bolivar  Heights  and  Antietam  the  Seventh 
fought  with  conspicuous  valor,  losing  at  the  latter  battle  over  thirty  of 
less  than  100  engaged.  At  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellorsville  it  sus- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


569 


ained  severe  loss  amid  brilliant  action  on  the  field.  At  Gettysburg  it 
ommenced  the  attack,  losing  the  first  man  on  the  Confederate  side, 
ieing  held  in  reserve  the  second  day,  and  conjointly  with  Pickett’s  divis- 
pn,  on  the  third  day,  forming  the  column  which  made  the  historic  and 
leadlong  charge  on  Cemetery  Hill.  In  the  Wilderness,  at  Spottsylvania, 
t Petersburg,  on  Weldon  Railroad,  at  Fort  Archer  and  in  a multitude 
f skirmishes,  the  Seventh  bore  an  honorable  and  conspicuous  part, 
’ortv-seven  sad-hearted,  noble  men  surrendered  at  Appomattox. 

The  Eighth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  the  coun- 
ies  of  Marshall,  Lincoln,  Overton,  Jackson  and  Smith,  and  was  organ- 
rnd  at  Camp  Harris,  Lincoln  County,  in  May,  1861,  and  was  mustered 
ito  the  provisional  army  of  Tennessee  by  Col.  D.  R.  Smythe.  Later  in 
lay  it  moved  to  Camp  Trousdale.  Its  colonel  was  Alfred  S.  Fulton, 
t moved  first  to  West  Virginia,  where  it  operated  for  some  time,  skir- 
lishing  occasionally  with  some  loss.  Later  it  returned  to  Tennessee, 
ad  finally  joined  Bragg’s  Kentucky  campaign,  and  was  engaged  October 
, 1862,  at  Perryville  with  loss.  It  moved  south  and  participated  in  the 
fittest  of  the  fight  at  Murfreesboro,  losing  nearly  half  the  number  en- 
aged  in  killed  and  wounded.  After  this  it  participated  in  all  the  bril- 
ant  movements  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee — at  Chickamauga,  Mission- 
:y  Ridge,  on  the  Atlanta  and  Hood’s  Tennessee  campaigns,  fighting  with 
istinguished- valor,  and  losing  its  bravest  and  best.  At  Murfreesboro  it 
as  in  Donelson’s  brigade  of  Cheatham’s  division.  At  Chickamauga  it 
as  in  Wright’s  brigade,  and  was  commanded  by  Col.  John  H.  Anderson, 
fter  long  and  gallant  service  it  was  surrendered  to  Gen.  Sherman  in 
orth  Carolina. 

The  Ninth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment,  was  raised  in  Hay- 
ood,  Fayette,  Tipton,  Hardeman,  Shelby,  Lauderdale,  Weakley  and 
bion  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Camp  Beauregard,  Jackson,  May 
l,  1861,  with  H.  L.  Douglas,  colonel.  It  was  disciplined  at  Union  City 
here  many  died  of  measles.  In  August  it  moved  to  Columbus,  Ky. ; in 
ctober  to  Mayfield;  thence  back  to  Columbus,  and  in  March,  1862,  to 
ninth.  From  Bethel  Station  it  marched  sixteen  miles  to  engage  the 
iemy  at  Shiloh,  and  was  in  the  hottest  of  the  fight,  losing  about  sixty 
3n.  C.  S.  Hurt  soon  became  colonel,  and  in  August  the  Ninth  marched 
Chattanooga,  and  in  September  northward  on  the  Kentucky  campaign. 
| Perryville,  October  8,  it  fought  its  severest  and  most  desperate  fight 

the  war,  losing  52  killed  and  76  wounded.  It  was  then  trans- 
' ned  via  Knoxville  to  Murfreesboro,  where  it  was  consolidated  with 
1e  Sixth,  and  where  December  31,  it  sustained  heavy  loss  on  a bloody 
1 Id.  Soon  after  this,  Col.  Porter  succeeded  Col.  Hurt.  The  Ninth  fell 


570 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


back  with  the  army  to  Chattanooga ; thence  to  Cliickamauga,  where  Sep- 
tember 19  and  20  it  did  brilliant  service,  losing  35  killed  and 
40  wounded.  At  Missionary  Ridge  it  fought  in  reserve,  and  then  fell 
slowly  back  to  Dalton,  where  it  wintered.  On  the  Atlanta  campaign, 
beginning  in  May,  1864.  it  fought  at  Resaca,  Dallas,  Kenesaw,  Dead 
Angle,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  at  Atlanta,  where  it  lost  many  officers  and 
was  in  numerous  skirmishes.  It  participated  in  the  engagements  at 
Jonesboro,  Lovejoy,  Dalton  and  Decatur,  without  serious  loss;  and  at 
bloody  Franklin  fought  with  great  fierceness,  sustaining  a loss  of  one- 
fourth  its  men,  and  at  Nashville  suffered  much  amid  gallant  action  before 
an  overwhelming  force.  As  Company  E of  the  First  Consolidated  Ten- 
nessee Regiment,  the  Ninth  marched  to  North  Carolina,  where  April  28. 
1865,  it  surrendered  with  forty  men. 

The  Tenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  David 
son,  Montgomery  and  Giles  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Fort  Heim . 
in  May,  1861,  with  Adolphus  Heiman,  colonel.  It  was  disciplined  at 
Fort  Henry,  and  during  the  investment  lost  seven  men  killed  and 
wounded  by  the  bursting  of  a 64-pounder.  At  Fort  Donelson,  ivliere  it 
retreated,  it  was  under  constant  and  destructive  musketry  and  artillery 
fire  for  three  days,  and  became  prisoners  of  war  February  16,  1862. 
Here  it  earned  the  designation  “ Bloody  Tenth.”  September  24  it  was 
exchanged,  and  October  2 reorganized  at  Clinton,  Miss.  R.  W.  McGa- 
vock  succeeded  Col.  Heiman,  who  had  died.  In  December,  in  Gregg's 
brigade,  it  helped  defeat  Sherman  at  Chickasaw  Bayou.  January  3 it 
moved  to  Port  Hudson,  where  March  13,  at  night,  it  sustained  a heavy 
bombardment  by  Federal  gun-boats.  May  7 it  fought  at  Jackson,  and 
May  12  brilliantly  at  Raymond,  losing  Col.  McGavock.  The  Tenth  was 
consolidated  with  the  Thirtieth  under  Col.  Turner.  After  the  capitula- 
tion of  Vicksburg  it  joined  Bragg  at  Ringgold,  and  September  19  and 
20  at  fierce  Cliickamauga  lost  224  men  killed  and  wounded  out  of  328 
engaged,  a result  with  scarcely  a parallel  in  the  annals  of  war.  The  brig- 
ade was  broken  up  on  the  death  of  Gen.  Gregg,  and  the  Tenth  was  trans- 
ferred to  Tyler’s  brigade.  At  Missionary  Ridge  the  regiment  fought 
hotly,  being  one  of  the  last  to  leave  the  field.  In  May,  1864,  it  began 
the  southward  movement,  fighting  with  conspicuous  bravery  at  Rocky 
Face  Ridge,  Ringgold  Gap,  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church; 
Pine  Mountain,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Decatur  (July 
22),  Atlanta  and  Jonesboro,  where  Col.  Grace  was  mortally  wounded. 
In  Hood’s  campaign  into  Tennessee  it  participated  in  the  awful  charges 
at  Franklin  and  the  stubborn  fighting  at  Nashville.  It  then  moved  to 
Bentonville,  N.  C.,  and  surrendered  at  Greensboro. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


571 


The  Eleventh  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  David- 
son, Humphreys,  Dickson,  Robertson  and  Hickman  Counties,  and  was 
organized  May  22,  1861,  at  Camp  Cheatham,  with  J.  E.  Rains  as  colonel. 
Late  in  July  it  was  ordered  into  East  Tennessee,  and  in  October  was 
moved  into  Kentucky  with  Gen.  Zollicoffer.  At  “Wild  Cat”  it  lost  nine 
killed  and  wounded,  and  then  guarded  Cumberland  Gap  until  the  early 
summer  of  1862.  It  moved  south,  skirmishing  at  Walden’s  Ridge,  los- 
ing by  capture  its  colonel,  Gordon.  After  sundry  movements  it  joined 
Bra^sr  at  Harrodsburg,  thence  moved  south  via  Knoxville  to  Murfrees- 
boro,  where  the  Eleventh  fought  its  first  pitched  battle  with  splendid 
dash  and  intrepidity,  losing  many  men,  among  whom  was  Col.  Gordon, 
severely  wounded.  Gen.  Rains  was  killed  on  the  field.  After  this  the 
Eleventh  was  assigned  to  the  Tennessee  Brigade  of  Gen.  Preston  Smith, 
comprising  the  Twelfth,  Thirteenth,  Twenty-ninth,  Forty-seventh  and 
One  Hundred  and  Fifty-fourth.  It  spent  the  summer  of  1863  as  Chat- 
tanooga, and  in  September  participated  in  the  bloody  battle  of  Chicka- 
nauga  with  great  bravery  and  severe  loss.  At  Missionary  Ridge  it 
’ought  desperately,  resisting  the  furious  charges  of  the  Federals  for 
hours,  and  until  flanked.  Four  regimental  color- bearers  were  shot  down 
ind  Maj.  Green  was  mortally  wounded.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  in 
L864,  it  was  engaged  at  Resaca,  Calhoun,  New  Hope  Church,  Dead 
Ingle,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Sugar  Cre'ek  and  elsewhere,  losing 
n the  aggregate  heavily,  and  invariably  displaying  wonderful  dash  and 
>luck.  At  Jonesboro  it  lost  Col.  Long.  In  the  awful  battle  of  Franklin 
nd  again  at  Nashville  it  bore  a distinguished  part.  It  was  at  Benton- 
ille,  N.  C.,  and  April  26,  1865,  surrendered  at  Greensboro.  About  the 
loginning  of  Hood’s  Tennessee  campaign  it  was  consolidated  with  the 
Venty-ninth  Regiment. 

The  Twelfth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Gibson, 
)yer,  Carroll,  Fulton  and  Hickman  Counties,  Tenn.,  and  Graves  County, 
vy.,  and  was  mustered  in  at  Jackson,  May  28,  1861,  R.  M.  Russell  be- 
oming  colonel.  It  was  thoroughly  fitted  for  the  field  at  Trenton  and 
nion  City,  and  in  September  moved  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  November 
took  active  part  in  the  battle  of  Belmont,  T.  H.  Bell,  commanding, 
ising  about  thirty  killed  and  wounded.  Soon  after  the  surrender  of 
'ort  Donelson  it  was  transferred  to  Corinth,  and  April  6 and  7 par- 
cipated  in  the  headlong  victory  at  Shiloh  with  severe  loss,  Col.  Bell 
iceiving  dangerous  wounds.  In  May  1862,  it  was  reorganized  with 
ell  as  colonel,  and  was  consolidated  with  the  Twenty -second.  It  was 
oved  to  Chattanooga ; thence  detached  to  Kirby  Smith,  at  Knoxville ; 
lence  marched  into  Kentucky,  where  at  Richmond  it  defeated  the  enemy 


< 


572  HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 

with  loss.  It  joined  Bragg  at  Harrodsburg,  was  in  reserve  at  Perryville, 
returned  to  Knoxville  and  was  consolidated  with  the  Forty -seventh.  It 
was  then  transferred  to  Murfreesboro  where  it  bore  a gallant  part,  leaving 
its  gallant  dead  thick  on  the  field.  At  Chickamauga,  in  September,  and 
at  Missionary  Bidge,  in  November,  it  distingushed  itself  on  the  field  by 
its  impetuous  charges  and  adamantine  stands.  Again  in  1864  at  Rocky 
Face  Ridge,  Resaca,  Adairsville,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw,  “Dead 
Angle,”  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Decatur  and  Atlanta,  it  bore  its  heroic  part. 
At  Jonesboro  and  Love  joy  Station  it  suffered  severely,  and  in  the  dread- 
ful slaughter  at  Franklin,  and  in  the  dogged  and  desperate  fighting  at 
Nashville  it  fought  with  its  accustomed  dash  and  courage.  It  made  the 
dark  and  sorrowful  march  to  the  Carolinas,  participated  at  Bentonville 
and  surrendered  at  Greensboro,  N.  C,,  April  26,  1865,  with  fifty  men. 

The  Thirteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Fay- 
ette, Shelby,  Gibson,  McNairy  and  Dyer  Counties,  Tenn,,  and  Marshall 
County,  Miss.,  and  was  mustered  in  at  Jackson  June  3,  1861,  J.  Y 
YVTiglrt  becoming  colonel.  It  moved  to  Randolph  and  joined  Sneed’s 
brigade.  After  occupying  various  stations  it  moved  in  September  to 
Columbus,  Ky.,  where  on  the  lOtli  it  was  brigaded  with  the  Twelfth  and 
Twenty-first  Regiments,  under  Col.  Russell.  November  7,  at  Bel- 
mont, it  Avas  desperately  engaged  driving  the  enemy  back  to  his  boats, 
but  losing  the  enormous  number  of  149  killed  and  wounded  out  of  400 
engaged.  Soon  after  this  A.  J.  Vaughn  succeeded  Wright  as  colonel. 
March  19,  1862,  it  reach  Corinth,  and  April  6 and  7 fought  with  des- 
perate valor  at  Shiloh,  losing  112  killed  and  Avounded.  It  was  then  re- 
organized and  a company  from  LaGrange  Avas  added.  Early  in  August 
it  moved  to  Chattanooga;  was  detached  and  sent  to  Gen.  Cleburne,  at 
Knoxville;  thence  marched  into  Kentucky  and  assisted  in  severely  de- 
feating the  Federals  at  Richmond.  It  was  in  reserve  at  Perryville; 
thence  moved  to  Murfreesboro  via  Knoxville  and  Tullalioma.  At  tiie 
furious  battle  of  Murfreesboro  it  lost  110  killed  and  wounded  out  of  226 
engaged.  At  Chickamauga  in  September,  1863,  and  Missionary  Ridge 
in  November,  it  displayed  its  usual  desperation  and  valor.  In  the 
Georgia  campaign  it  was  honorably  and  gallantly  engaged  in  all  the  prin- 
cipal battles  to  Atlanta,  suffering  in  the  aggregate  severely,  and  in  the 
Tennessee  campaign,  at  Spring  Hill,  fierce  Franklin  and  Nashville  sus- 
tained further  and  sorrowful  losses.  Sadly  the  skeleton  regiment  joined 
Johnson’s  army  in  North  Carolina,  where  at  Bentonville  it  surren- 
dered. 

The  Fourteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  wa raised  in  Mont- 
gomery, Robertson  and  Stewart  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Camp 


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Cotton 
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HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


573 


Duncan,  Clarksville,  in  May,  1861,  under  Col.  TV-.  A.  Forbes.  About  the 
middle  of  -July  it  was  transferred  to  Virginia,  where  it  was  brigaded 
with  the  First  and  the  Seventh,  under  Gen.  S.  R.  Anderson.  In  the  har- 
rassing  Cheat  Mountain  expedition,  it  suffered  intensely  and  was  first  un- 
der fire.  During  the  winter  of  1861-62,  it  participated  in  the  campaigns 
around  Romney,  Winchester,  and  the  bombardment  of  Hancock.  From 
this  date  it  was  in  all  the  historical  movements  of  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia.  May  31,  1862,  it  fought  at  Seven  Pines  with  great  bravery, 
losing  heavily.  At  Chickahominy,  Cold  Harbor,  Gaines’  Mills,  Malvern 
Hill,  Frazier’s  Farm  and  elsewhere  it  left  its  gallant  dead  on  the  bloody 
fields.  Again  at  Cedar  Mountain,  second  Manassas  (where  Col.  Forbes 
was  killed),  Chantilly,  Harper’s  Ferry,  Antietam,  Shepardstown,  Freder- 
icksburg and  Chancellorsville  (May,  1863)  it  bore  a distinguished  and 
honorable  part,  leaving  its  best  blood  on  the  ever  memorable  fields.  Late 
in  June,  1863,  the  army  moved  into  Pennsylvania,  where  at  Gettysburg, 
■on  the  first  day,  the  Fourteenth  fought  with  desperate  valor  and  heroic 
achievements,  sustaining  the  loss  of  many  of  its  best  soldiers.  On  the 
3d  of  July  its  brigade  and  pickets  made  the  memorable  and  brilliant 
charge  on  Cemetery  Ridge.  This  extraordinary  charge  has  no  superior 
in  the  annals  of  war.  Again  at  Falling  Waters,  Bristow  Station,  in  the 
bloody  Wilderness,  at  fearful  Spottsylvania,  at  Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg, 
the  defenses  of  Richmond  and  elsewhere,  it  sustained  its  heroic  record. 
In  April,  1865,  the  remnant  of  this  war-scarred  regiment  laid  down  its 
(tripping  arms  at  Appomattox 

The  Fifteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  mainly 
In  Shelby  County  and  at  McKenzie,  and  was  organized  at  Jackson  June 
i,  1861,  under  Col.  Charles  M.  Carroll.  Later  several  companies  with- 
Irew  and  were  succeeded  by  others  from  Shelby  County  and  Paducah, 
vj.  After  occupying  various  positions  it  finally  participated  in  the  bat- 
le  of  Belmont,  where  it  suffered  slight  loss.  In  March,  1862,  it  moved 
outh  from  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  finally,  April  6 and  7,  from  Bethel  Sta- 
ion,  near  Corinth,  fought  in  the  bloody  battle  of  Shiloh  where  it  lost  the 
sarful  number  of  nearly  200  killed  and  wounded,  receiving  high  praise 
)r  its  dash  and  daring.  It  then  returned  to  Tupelo  where  it  was  reor- 
anized.  and  later  was  moved  via  Chattanooga  northward  on  the  Ken- 
icky  campaign,  fighting  in  the  severe  contest  of  Perryville,  where  in  a 
and-to-hand  encounter  it  assisted  in  capturing  a stone  wall.  It  moved 
jnxth  via  Knoxville  to  Murfreesboro,  in  which  battle  it  further  distin- 
lished  itself.  Later  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Thirty-seventh  Regi- 
'ent,  Tyler  of  the  Fifteenth  taking  command,  which  occasioned  much 
-feeling  during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  It  moved  back  to  Chatta- 


35 


574 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


nooga,  tlience  to  Chickamauga,  where  in  September,  1863,  it  was  hotly 
engaged,  thence  to  Missionary  Bidge  in  November,  sustaining  in  both 
actions  heavy  loss.  It  followed  the  fortunes  of  the  Georgia  campaign, 
fighting  in  all  the  principal  battles  with  splendid  courage  and  severe  loss. 
In  Hood’s  unfortunate  campaign  into  Tennessee,  it  engaged  fiercely  in  the 
actions  of  Franklin  and  Nashville,  and  finally  marched  to  North  Caro- 
lina, where  it  surrendered. 

The  Sixteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Begimentwas  raised  mainly  on 
the  Cumberland  Table-land,  in  and  around  Putnam  County,  and  was  mus- 
tered in  June  9 at  Camp  Trousdale,  Sumner  County,  with  John  H.  Sav- 
age, colonel.  Late  in  July  it  moved  to  Virginia,  where  it  was  brigaded 
with  the  Eighth  under  Gen.  Donelson.  The  first  severe  hardship  and  the 
first  engagement  was  on  the  Cheat  Mountain  expedition.  It  participated 
in  the  harrassing  expedition  to  Little  Sewell  Mountain.  In  December, 
1861,  it  was  transferred  to  Port  Boyal,  opposite  Beaufort  Island,  where 
it  did  valuable  guard  duty  until  after  Shiloh,  when  it  reported  at  Corinth 
and  joined  Bragg’s  campaign  into  Kentucky,  where  at  Perry ville  it  fought 
its  first  severe  battle  with  great  pluck  and  intrepidity.  It  then  returned 
and  participated  gallantly  in  the  precipitous  charges  at  Murfreesboro.  It 
then  moved  south  and  in  September  fought  with  conspicuous  courage  at 
dreadful  Chickamauara,  and  later  sustained  for  hours  the  shock  of  the 
Federal  Army  at  Missionary  Bidge,  losing  heavily  in  both  actions.  In 
1864,  on  the  Georgia  campaign,  it  fought  at  Bocky  Face  Bidge,  Kenesaw. 
Besaca,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  around  Atlanta,  losing  many  in  the  aggre- 
gate  and  sustaining  its  fine  record.  Again  at  Jonesboro,  and  at  that 
hottest  battle  of  the  civil  war — Franklin — and  again  at  Nashville,  it 
poured  the  blood  of  its  bravest  on  the  ensanguined  fields.  With  heavy 
hearts  the  skeleton  remnant  of  the  gallant  Sixteenth  marched  down  to 
North  Carolina  where  it  finally  surrendered. 

The  Seventeenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Begiment  was  raised  in 
Bedford,  Marshall,  Franklin,  Jackson  and  Putnam  Counties,  and  with  T. 
W.  Newman,  colonel,  was  mustered  in  May  5,  1861.  It  was  disciplined  at 
Camp  Trousdale  and  late  in  July  was  transferred  to  Virginia,  but  in  Au- 
gust returned  to  East  Tennessee.  It  joined  Zollicoffer’s  Kentucky  cam- 
paign and  at  the  battle  of  Bock  Castle  in  half  an  hour  lost  11  killed  and 
27  wounded.  Again  it  participated  in  the  battle  of  Fishing  Creek  (where 
Gen.  Zollicoffer  was  killed),  with  the  loss  of  10  killed  and  36  wounded 
February  19,  1862,  it  reached  Murfreesboro;  thence  moved  to  northern 
Mississippi,  where  it  participated  in  the  siege  of  Corinth.  In  May,  I 
C.  H.  Miller  became  colonel,  but  was  soon  succeeded  by  Albert  S.  Marks. 
It  was  transferred  to  Chattanooga  early  in  August,  and  in  September 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


575 


moved  into  Kentucky  with  Bragg,  fighting  stubbornly  at  Perry ville; 
thence  moved  south  with  the  army  and  December  31  was  engaged  with, 
magnificent  courage  at  Murfreesboro,  losing  the  extraordinary  number  of 
246  killed  and  wounded.  Later  it  was  engaged  at  Hoover’s  Gap,  and  in 
September,  1863,  at  the  fearful  contest  of  Chickamauga  lost  145  killed 
and  wounded.  It  soon  moved  north  with  Longstreet  against  Knoxville; 
assisted  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Loudon;  lost  10  men  killed  and  wounded 
at  Bean’s  Station;  and  passed  the  winter  of  1863-64  in  East  Tennessee, 
suffering  incredibly.  In  May,  1864,  it  moved  to  Petersburg,  Va.,  and 
assaulted  the  enemy  at  Drury  Bluff  May  16,  losing  12  killed  and  50 
wounded.  It  fought  in  numerous  skirmishes  around  Richmond,  and 
February  5,  1865,  sustained  considerable  loss  at  Hatcher’s  Run.  April 
2 it  fought  its  last  battle  on  the  defenses  of  Petersburg,  losing  severely, 
over  half  its  men  being  captured.  It  surrendered  at  Appomattox  April  9. 

The  Eighteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  formed  at 
Camp  Trousdale  June  11,  1861,  of  companies  from  Rutherford,  Bedford, 
Davidson,  Wilson,  Cannon,  Sumner  and  Cheatham  Counties,  with  J.  B. 
Palmer,  colonel.  September  17  it  moved  to  Bowling  Green,  Ivy.,  and 
February  8,  1862,  advanced  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Donelson.  At  the  siege 
two  companies  of  the  Eighteenth  were  the  first  to  engage  the  enemy. 
After  hard  fighting  the  regiment  was  surrendered  February  16.  After 
about  six  months  it  was  exchanged  and  was  reorganized  at  Jackson, 
Miss.,  with  Palmer  as  colonel.  It  was  soon  transferred  to  Knoxville  to 
invade  Kentucky,  but  instead  was  moved  to  Murfreesboro  and  brigaded 
with  the  Twenty-sixth  and  the  Thirty-second  Regiments  and  others, 
which  last  were  soon  replaced  with  the  Forty-fifth  Tennessee.  At  Mur- 
freesboro it  participated  in  one  of  the  most  famous  and  brilliant  charges 
of  history  with  severe  loss.  Col.  Palmer  received  three  wounds.  In 
September,  1863,  at  Chickamauga,  it  distinguished  itself  by  its  furious 
fighting  and  desperate  losses.  Col.  Palmer  was  again  dangei’ously 
wounded.  Again  at  Missionary  Ridge  it  fought  with  its  accustomed  gal- 
lantry and  loss.  It  wintered  at  Dalton,  and,  in  1864,  resisted  the  advance 
of  the  enemy  on  numerous  bloody  fields  on  the  way  to  Atlanta.  Palmer 
was  commissioned  brigadier-general  and  given  a brigade  of  the  Third, 
Eighteenth,  Thirty-second  and  Forty-fifth  Regiments.  W.  R.  Butler  be- 
came colonel  of  the  Eighteenth.  In  a heroic  encounter  at  Atlanta  against 
vastly  superior  numbers  the  regiment  ivas  outflanked  and  a majority  of 
its  members  captured.  The  regiment  was  consolidated  with  the  Third 
.under  Col.  Butler.  It  fought  at  Jonesboro  and  moved  north,  reaching 
Franklin  too  late  for  the  battle ; was  detached  to  aid  Forrest,  and  engaged 
the  enemy  near  Murfreesboro  and  elsewhere;  and  after  Hood’s  defeat  at 


576 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Nashville  moved  to  the  Carolinas  where  it  fought  at  Bentonville  and  sur- 
rendered at  Greensboro. 

The  Nineteenth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Hamilton,  Knox,  Polk,  Rhea,  Hawkins,  Washington  and  Sullivan  Coun- 
ties, and  was  organized  in  May,  1861,  at  Knoxville,  with  David  M.  Cum- 
mings, colonel.  It  was  first  distributed  over  East  Tennessee  to  do  guard 
duty,  and  about  July  1 was  united  and  stationed  at  Cumberland  Gap.  It 
marched  north  on  the  Kentucky  campaign ; lost  one  man  killed  at  Bar- 
boursville;  was  in  reserve  at  “Wild  Cat;”  fought  bravely  at  Fishing 
Creek,  losing  about  fifteen  killed  and  wounded.  Afterward  terrible  pri- 
vations and  sufferings  .were  endured.  It  moved  to  Murfreesboro  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1862;  thence  to  northern  Mississippi;  thence  to  Shiloh,  where 
April  6 and  7 it  was  furiously  engagedinthe  awful  assaults  on  the  “Hor- 
net’s Nest,”  losing  over  100  killed  and  wounded,  and  assisted  in  the  cap- 
ture of  Prentiss’  division.  It  was  then  reorganized  and  moved  to  Vicks- 
burg, where,  in  the  swamps,  it  suffered  terribly  from  disease,  and  later 
fought  at  Baton  Rouge.  It  then  moved  north  and  joined  Bragg’s  army 
and  participated  in  the  sweeping  Confederate  victory  at  Murfreesboro 
losing  over  125  killed  and  wounded.  It  moved  south  and  in  September, 
1863,  at  Cliickamauga,  fought  with  magnificent  bravery,  losing  over  one- 
third  of  those  engaged.  Again  at  Missionary  Ridge,  in  November,  it  was 
hotly  and  stubbornly  engaged,  sustaining  severe  loss.  In  1864,  from 
Dalton  to  Atlanta,  in  all  the  bloody  battles  of  that  memorable  campaign,  : 
it  fought  with  conspicuous  daring  and  sorrowful  losses.  Among  the 
slain  was  the  beloved  Col.  Walker.  It  did  its  duty  at  Jonesboro  and 
Lovejoy,  and  in  the  awful  assault  at  Franklin  shed  its  best  blood  without 
stint  all  over  the  stricken  field.  It  fought  at  Nashville,  retreated  sorrow- 
fully south,  skirmishing  at  Sugar  Creek  and  Pulaski.  It  fought  its  last 
battle  at  Bentonville,  and  surrendered  at  High  Point,  N.  C.,  with  sixty 
four  men. 

The  Twentieth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  i.u 
Davidson,  Williamson,  Rutherford,  Sumner,  Perry  and  Smith  Counties, 
and  was  organized  at  Camp  Trousdale  in  June,  1861,  with  Joel  A.  Bat- 
tle, colonel.  Late  in  July  it  was  ordered  to  Virginia,  but  returned  after 
reaching  Bristol,  and  marched  north  with  Zollicoffer  on  the  Kentucky 
campaign,  skirmishing  at  Barboursville,  participating  in  the  action  at 
“Wild  Cat,”  fighting  furiously  at  Fishing  Creek,  losing  33  killed 
on  the  field  and  about  100  wounded.  It  then  moved  to  northern  Mis- 
sissippi and  in  April  participated  with  splendid  valor  in  the  brilliant 
Confederate  success  at  Shiloh,  losing  187  men  killed  and  wounded.  The 
regiment  was  then  reorganized,  moved  to  Vicksburg,  participated  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


577 


movement  there,  fought  at  Baton  Rouge,  thence  marched  to  Murfrees- 
boro, in  which  memorable  battle  it  was  hotly  and  furiously  engaged,  sus- 
taining a loss  of  178  killed  and  wounded  of  350  engaged.  Later  it  fought 
desperately  at  Hoover's  Gap,  losing  45  killed  and  wounded.  At  bloody 
Chickamauga  the  Twentieth  displayed  wonderful  dash  and  pluck,  losing 
98  killed  and  wounded  of  140  engaged.  At  Missionary  Ridge  it  fought 
brilliantly  and  retreated  in  good  order.  It  wintered  at  Dalton  and  in 
1864,  in  the  famous  Georgia  campaign,  fought  with  splendid  courage  at 
Resaca,  Dalton,  New  Hope  Church,  Pine  Mountain,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Jonesboro  and  the  actions  around  Atlanta,  losing  heavily  in  the 
aggregate.  Again  at  Franklin,  in  those  awful  assaults  in  the  flaming 
teeth  of  death,  it  displayed  heroic  valor  and  suffered  desperate  loss.  It 
bore  its  gallant  but  sorrowful  part  at  Nashville  and  sadly  retreated, 
marching  to  the  Carolinas  to  almost  literally  “die  in  the  last  ditch.”  At 
Greensboro,  N.  C.,  thirty-four  sad  men  surrendered  and  returned  to 
blighted  homes  to  repair  the  ravages  of  war. 

The  Twenty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Shelby  and  Hardeman  Counties  about  the  last  of  April,  1861,  and  was 
soon  organized  with  Ed.  Pickett,  colonel.  It  reported  first  to  Gen.  Cheat- 
ham at  Union  City,  and  later  moved  up  to  Columbus,  Ky.  It  partici- 
pated in  the  sharp  action  at  Belmont,  November  7,  then  moved  back  to 
Columbus  and  to  Union  City  where  it  remained  a short  period  ; then 
moved  southward  and  finally  participated  in  the  furious  battle  of  Shiloh, 
and  later  was  consolidated  with  the  Second  Regiment  to  form  the  Fifth 
Confederate  Regiment. 

The  Twenty-second  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
the  counties  of  Gibson,  Carroll,  Dyer,  Hardeman  and  in  Kentucky  and 
Louisiana,  and  was  organized  at  Trenton  about  July  1,  1861,  with  Thom- 
as J.  Freeman,  colonel.  It  operated  in  West  Tennessee  and  in  the 
movement  which  culminated  in  the  battle  of  Belmont,  November  7,  where 
it  fought  and  lost  about  seventy-five  killed  and  wounded.  It  returned 
south  with  the  army  and  located  near  Corinth.  It  fought  at  Shiloh,  los- 
■ ing  nearly  one-half  of  those  engaged,  and  displayed  great  gallantry  on 
the  field,  Col.  Freeman  being  wounded.  It  then  moved  back  to  Corinth, 
where  it  was  re-organized  and  consolidate'd  with  the  Twelfth  Regiment 
j and  thenceforward  lost  its  identity.  Col.  Freeman  served  the  one  year 
of  enlistment.  The  consolidation  was  commanded  by  Col.  Bell,  who  be- 
came a brigadier  under  Forrest.  Col.  Freeman,  at  Shiloh,  received  the 
surrender  of  Gen.  Prentiss,  who  handed  him  his  sword. 

The  Twenty-third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Bedford,  Marshall,  Rutherford  and  other  counties  of  Middle  Tennessee, 


578 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  was  organized  about  the  middle  of  July,  1861,  with  R.  H.  Keeble, 
colonel.  It  saw  its  first  service  in  Virginia,  and  participated  in  the  en- 
gagement at  Drury’s  Bluff,  with  a loss  of  fifteen  or  twenty  killed  and 
wounded.  After  various  movements  it  was  engaged  in  the  brilliant  and 
furious  battle  of  Shiloh,  where  it  lost  severely.  It  moved  north  with 
Bragg  and  fought  at  Perryville,  then  turned  south  and  participated  at 
Murfreesboro,  after  which  it  continued  with  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  At  Cliickamauga  it  lost  heavily.  It  was 
at  Missionary  Ridge  and  in  the  famous  Georgia  campaign,  after  which  it 
marched  back  with  Hood  into  Tennessee,  and  participated  at  Franklin 
and  Nashville,  then  moved  to  North  Carolina  where  it  surrendered.  At 
Murfreesboro  it  was  in  Johnson’s  brigade  of  Cleburne’s  division. 

The  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized 
in  June,  1861,  at  Camp  Anderson,  near  Murfreesboro,  and  comprised 
twelve  companies  raised  in  the  counties  of  Williamson,  Rutherford, 
Maury,  Bedford,  Coffee,  Smith,  DeKalb,  Sumner,  Hickman  and  Perry. 
It  was  first  commanded  by  Col.  R.  D.  Allison,  and  later  by  Col.  Bratton 
and  Col.  John  Wilson.  It  moved  into  Kentucky  and  was  stationed  at 
Cave  City  in  October.  At  this  time  it  was  in  Col.  Shaver’s  brigade  of 
Hardee’s  division.  It  was  in  Gen.  Strahl’s  brigade  during  the  most  of 
the  war.  It  participated  in  the  pitched  battle  of  Shiloh,  losing  many, 
and  was  reorganized  at  or  near  Corinth ; thence  moved  via  Chattanooga 
on  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and  was  severely  engaged  at  Perryville.  It 
then  retreated  with  Bragg’s  army,  and  on  December  31,  1862,  partic- 
ipated in  the  splendid  charge  at  Murfreesboro,  losing  again  heavily. 
It  moved  south,  and  in  September,  1863,  was  hotly  engaged  at  bloody 
Chickamauga,  and  later  participated  at  Missionary  Ridge.  In  1861  it 
was  in  all  the  leading  engagements  in  the  famous  Georgia  campaign,  and 
in  the  aggregate  lost  heavily.  It  moved  with  Hood’s  army  to  Jonesboro: 
thence  to  Tennessee,  where  it  participated  at  Franklin  and  Nashville; 
thence  moved  to  North  Carolina,  and  in  the  spring  of  1865  surrendered 
at  Greensboro.  • 

The  Twenty-fifth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Overton,  White,  Putnam  and  Jackson  Counties,  and  was  organized  at 
Camp  Zollicoffer,  near  Livingston,  early  in  June,  1861,  with  S.  S.  Stan- 
ton, colonel.  After  several  months  of  discipline  it  invaded  Kentucky  to 
break  up  organizations  of  Federal  home  guards,  and  in  January,  1862, 
joined  Gen.  Zollicoffer  at  Mill  Springs,  Ky.,  and  was  engaged  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Fishing  Creek,  suffering  considerable  loss  and  displaying  great 
dash  and  pluck.  It  then  moved  to  Murfreesboro,  thence  to  northern 
Mississippi,  where  it  did  important  provost  duty,  and  after  Shiloh  was 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


579 


reorganized,  with  Stanton,  colonel,  who  was  soon  succeeded  by  John  M. 
Hughes.  It  marched  to  Chattanooga,  thence  north  on  Bragg’s  Ken- 
tucky campaign ; fought  bravely  at  Perryville,  with  loss ; thence  marched 
to  Murfreesboro,  in  which  headlong  battle  it  displayed  magnificent  fight- 
ing  qualities  and  lost  heavily  in  killed  and  wounded.  It  participated  at 
Fairfield,  Beach  Grove  and  Hoover’s  Gap,  losing  heavily  at  the  latter 
battle.  At  the  fierce  battle  of  Chickamauga  it  distinguished  itself,  cap- 
turing valuable  ordnance  and  sweeping  desperately  everything  from  its 
course.  It  then  moved  with  Longstreet  against  Knoxville,  fighting  at 
Fort  Loudon,  Bean’s  Station  (twice),  Clinch  Yalley  and  Fort  Sanders, 
suffering  severe  loss.  It  passed  a winter  of  intense  suffering  among  the 
mountains  of  East  Tennessee,  and  in  February,  1864,  moved  to  near 
Bichmond,  Ya.  It  fought  desperately  at  Drury  Bluff  and  in  numerous 
engagements  around  Petersburg  and  Bichmond,  displaying  its  habitual 
brilliancy,  and  was  finally  surrendered  at  Appomattox. 

The  Twenty-sixth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Begiment  was  raised  in 
Washington,  Sullivan,  Meigs,  Cocke,  Grainger,  Bhea,  Hamilton,  Knox 
and  Boane  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Camp  Lillard,  Knoxville, 
September  6,  1861,  with  John  M.  Lillard,  colonel.  Late  in  September 
it  moved  to  Bowling  Green;  thence  later  to  Bussellville,  Ky.,  and  early 
in  February  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Donelson.  Here  it  did  its  first  gallant 
fighting,  amid  severe  loss  and  heroic  personal  achievements.  It  was 
captured,  taken  to  Northern  prisons,  and  exchanged  at  Vicksburg  in  Sep- 
tember, 1862.  It  was  reorganized  at  Knoxville,  with  Lillard,  colonel, 
moved  west,  and  in  December,  at  brilliant  Murfreesboro,  fought  in  the 
furious  charges  of  that  famous  battle.  It  moved  south,  and  at  Chicka- 
mauga fought  with  fiery  energy,  losing  heavily,  Col.  Lillard  falling  mor- 
tally wounded.  B.  M.  Saffell  succeeded  him  in  command.  It  also  did 
meritorious  and  bloody  work  at  Missionary  Bidge,  passed  the  winter  of 
1863-64  in  northern  Georgia,  and  fought  brilliantly  in  all  the  leading 
engagements,  down  to  Atlanta,  suffering  severe  loss.  At  Jonesboro  and 
Lovejoy,  and  in  the  Tennessee  campaign  at  bloody  Franklin  and  stubborn 
Nashville,  it  displayed  its  accustomed  dash  and  valor.  It  retreated 
south,  and  at  Benton ville,  N.  C.,  lost  Col.  Saffell,  whose  successor  on  the 
field,  Col.  A.  F.  Boggess,  fell  in  the  same  fight.  The  regiment  surren- 
dered in  April,  1865. 

The  Twenty-seventh  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Begiment  was  raised 
in  Benton,  Obion,  McNairy,  Haywood,  Weakley,  Carroll,  Decatur  and 
Henderson  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Trenton,  late  in  July,  1861, 
with  Felix  Bebels,  colonel.  It  occupied  Camp  of  Instruction  until  after 
the  battle  of  Belmont;  then  moved  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  later  to  Bowling 


580 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Green.  Early  in  February,  1862,  it  moved  to  Nashville-;  then  to  Mur- 
freesboro, then  to  northern  Mississippi.  In  April  it  fought  desperately 
at  Shiloh,  losing  over  100  killed  and  wounded.  It  was  transferred  to 
Chattanooga,  and  then  moved  north  on  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Octo- 
ber 8,  at  Perryville,  it  left  the  bloody  field  proud  of  its  splendid  conduct. 
At  Murfreesboro,  in  December,  it  assisted  in  the  furious  charges  which 
swept  the  right  wing  of  the  Federals  back  several  miles.  At  Chick# 
mauga  it  fought  with  superb  courage,  forcing  the  enemy  back  at  every 
point,  and  at  Missionary  Ridge  held  its  ground  long  against  overwhelm 
ing  numbers.  In  the  Georgia  campaign  of  1861  it  fought  with  its  usual 
brilliancy  in  all  the  leading  engagements  on  the  retrograde  movement  to 
Atlanta.  Again  at  Jonesboro  and  Lovejoy  it  participated  and  marched 
north  on  the  ill-fated  Tennessee  campaign.  In  the  furious  and  brilliant 
charges  at  Franklin  the  gallant  regiment  steadily  carried  its  streaming 
banner  across  the  bloody  field,  losing  nearly  half  of  those  engaged.  In 
the  stubborn  contest  for  its  capital  city  it  bore  a heroic  part,  but  was 
overwhelmed  and  swept  back,  and  then  sadly  marched  down  to  the  Caro- 
linas,  where  at  Bentonville  it  fought  its  last  battle.  It  surrendered  in 
April,  1865. 

The  Twenty-eighth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Wilson,  Putnam,  Jackson,  White  and  Smith  Counties,  and  was  organized 
at  Camp  Zollicoffer,  Overton  County,  in  August,  1861,  with  John  P. 
Murray,  colonel.  After  destroying  Federal  supplies  the  regiment  joined 
Gen.  Zollicoffer  and  fought  at  Fishing  Creek  with  the  loss  of  10  men. 
It  then  moved  south  to  northern  Mississippi,  and  in  April,  1862,  partici- 
pated in  the  brilliant  movements  at  Shiloh,  with  the  loss  of  over  100  of  its 
best  men.  It  then  moved  south  and  finally  fought  at  Baton  Rouge  and- 
Port  Hudson,  displaying  brilliant  and  meritorious  courage.  It  then 
joined  Bragg’s  campaign  to  Kentucky,  and  fought  at  Perryville;  then 
moved  south  and  engaged  the  enemy  in  the  brilliant  charge  at  Murfrees- 
boro. It  was  reorganized  with  S.  S.  Stanton,  colonel,  and  consolidated 
with  the  Eighty-fourth.  At  Chickamauga  it  fought  its  hardest  and  grand- 
est battle,  losing  230  killed  and  wounded,  and  covering  itself  with  im- 
perishable glory.  It  skirmished  around  Chattanooga  and  did  guard 
duty  in  East  Tennessee.  In  the  Georgia  campaign  it  was  engaged  in  all 
the  principal  contests,  losing  heavily,  and  in  Hood’s  Tennessee  campaign 
distinguished  itself  for  courage  and  hardihood,  displaying  rare  daring 
and  valor  on  Franklin’s  bloody  field.  After  the  battle  of  Nashville  it 
moved  south,  and  after  Bentonville  was  surrendered  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Twenty-ninth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  composed 
of  companies  from  Greene,  Bradley,  Hawkins,  Polk,  Claiborne,  Hancock 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


581 


ancl  Washington  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Henderson's  Mills, 
Greene  County,  in  July,  1861,  with  Samuel  Powell,  colonel.  It  did 
'guard  duty  in  East  Tennessee  until  December,  and  then  joined  Zolli- 
coffer  at  Mill  Springs,  and  January  19  met  the  enemy  at  the  battle  of 
Fishing  Creek,  where  Col.  Powell  was  permanently  disabled.  It  marched 
;o  northern  Mississippi  via  Murfreesboro,  and  remained  at  luka  during 
;he  battle  of  Shiloh.  It  skirmished  around  Corinth,  moved  to  Chatta- 
aooga;  thence  north  on  the  Kentucky  campaign,  being  commanded  by 
Horace  Rice,  who  had  succeeded  Arnold,  met  the  enemy  at  Perryville; 
hence  marched  to  Murfreesboro,  where  it  exhibited  splendid  intrepidity 
tnd  courage,  losing  36  killed  on  the  field  and  136  wounded.  At  Chicka- 
nauga  it  was  held  much  in  reserve,  but  lost,  killed  and  wounded  32. 
It  Missionary  Ridge  it  did  gallant  work  and  was  complimented  on  the 
ield  by  Gens.  Cheatham  and  Hardee.  In  1861  at  Dalton,  Rocky  Pace 
lidge,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  around  Atlanta 
t was  prominently  engaged.  It  participated  at  Jonesboro  and  Lovejoy ; 
nd  in  Hood’s  Tennessee  campaign  at  Franklin  its  gallant  action  was 
urpassed  by  no  other  regiment,  its  dead  and  wounded  lying  scattered 
ver  its  bloody  path.  It  fought  at  Nashville,  retreated  south  with  the  army, 
nd  fought  late  in  the  day  at  Bentonville.  It  surrendered  at  Greensboro 
Lpril  26. 

The  Thirtieth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
)avidson,  Sumner,  Robertson  and  Smith  Counties,  and  was  organized 
arly  in  October  with  J.  W.  Head,  colonel.  In  November  it  moved  to 
ort  Donelson,  and  February  13  to  16  was  prominently  engaged  and  was 
irrendered  on  the  16th  and  taken  to  Northern  prisons.  They  were  ex- 
langed  the  following  July,  were  reorganized  at  Camp  Jackson  with  J. 
Turner  as  colonel,  moved  to  Holly  Springs,  thence  to  Grenada,  thence 
i Vicksburg,  fought  bravely  at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  doing  the  enemy 
reat  damage.  It  then  moved  to  Port  Hudson,  thence  to  Jackson.  At 
aymond  May  12, 1863,  the  regiment  fought  with  great  skill  and  desper- 
ion  against  superior  numbers,  losing  about  seventy-five  killed  and 
Dunded,  and  then  retreated  to  Jackson.  After  various  movements  it 
irticipated,  September  19  and  20,  at  the  fearful  contest  at  Chickamauga, 

• splaying  wonderful  dash  and  staying  qualities',  and  losing  killed  and 
■Rinded  about  half  of  those  engaged.  At  Missionary  Ridge  it  was  liot- 
and  gallantly  engaged,  losing  severely.  Winter  was  passed  at  Dalton. 

1864,  from  Dalton  to  Jonesboro,  in  all  the  bloody  principal  engage- 
ments, the  Thirtieth  sustained  its  high  honor  and  courage  and  in  the  ag- 
jegate  lost  many  splendid  men.  At  Jonesboro  the  regiment  in  heroic 
dion  lost  one-third  of  its  troops.  In  the  unfortunate  campaign  of  Gem 


582 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


Hood  into  Tennessee  the  regiment  participated  at  Murfreesboro,  Frank- 
lin and  Nashville  further  distinguishing  itself  in  the  bloody  art  of  war. 
It  marched  down  to  the  Carolinas  to  fight  its  last  battle  at  Bentonville 
and  surrendered  April  26. 

The  Thirty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate,  West  Tennessee)  Regiment 
was  raised  in  Weakley,  Haywood,  Madison,  McNairy  and  Decatur 
Counties,  and  was  organized  during  the  summer  of  1861  with  A.  H. 
Bradford,  colonel,  and  November  29  marched  for  Columbus,  Ky.,  where 
it  remained  until  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson  in  February,  1832; 
thence  moved  to  Tiptonville,  thence  to  Fort  Pillow,  and,  after  the  battle 
of  Shiloh,  to  Corinth.  Later  it  was  moved  to  Chattanooga,  and  then 
moved  north  campaigning  through  Kentucky  with  Bragg.  At  Perry  ville 
the  regiment  had  its  first  heavy  engagement,  displaying  great  gallantry 
and  losing  many  valuable  soldiers.  Egbert  E.  Tansil  succeeded  Brad- 
ford as  colonel.  It  marched  south  with  the  army  and  December  31 
fought  with  conspicuous  courage  at  Murfreesboro,  and  retreated  south 
with  the  army,  and  in  September,  1863,  fought  in  the  awful  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  losing  nearly  half  its  men.  In  1864,  in  the  Georgia 
campaign,  it  was  engaged  in  nearly  all  the  principal  battles,  losing 
heavily  in  the  aggregate.  In  the  Tennessee  campaign  of  Hood  it  fought 
at  Franklin,  losing  over  half  the  number  engaged.  Col.  Stafford  was 
killed  on  the  enemy’s  line,  to  which  he  had  penetrated.  Again  it  fought 
at  Nashville,  thence  moved  to  North  Carolina,  where  it  surrendered. 

The  Thirty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate,  East  Tennessee)  Regiment 
was  raised  in  Jefferson,  Blount  and  Knox  Counties,  and  was  organized 
March  28,  1862,  with  W.  M.  Bradford,  colonel,  and  was  reorganized 
May  3.  It  did  guard  duty  in  East  Tennessee  and  at  Cumberland  Gap, 
joined  Bragg  at  Harrodsburg  after  the  battle  of  Perryville,  and  late  in 
December  moved  to  Vicksburg,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  if  participated  in 
numerous  expeditions  and  skirmishes,  and  in  the  siege  of  that  city  where 
the  soldiers  were  almost  starved  to  death  and  finally  captured.  In 
September,  1863,  the  regiment  was  exchanged  and  late  in  that  year  was 
transformed  into  cavalry,  and  as  such  brigaded  under  Gen.  Vaughn.  It 
did  service  in  East  Tennessee,  recruited  in  North  Carolina,,  part  was 
sent  to  Virginia  and  while  there  fought  at  Kernstown,  Martinsburgh, 
Hagerstown,  Winchester,  Piedmont  and  elsewhere,  losing  heavily 
Later  the  united  regiment  was  engaged  at  Marion,  Saltville,  Morristown, 
Bull’s  Gap,  Greeneville  and  elsewhere.  Marching  to  join  Lee  in  the; 
spring  of  1865,  it  was  learned  that  he  had  surrendered  and  Gen.  Echols; 
disbanded  his  command,  but  this  regiment  with  others  refused,  and 
marched  to  North  Carolina  and  joined  President  Davis,  and  was  his 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


583 


;cort  when  all  were  captured.  The  regiment  was  paroled  at  Wasli- 
igton,  Ga. 

The  Thirty-second  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
iles,  Lawrence,  Williamson,  Lincoln,  Marshall  and  Franklin  Counties, 
id  was  organized  at  Camp  Trousdale  during  the  summer  of  1861  with 
dmund  E.  Cook,  colonel.  About  September  it  was  moved  to  East  Ten- 
issee,  where  it  did  patrol  duty  around  Chattanooga  and  Bridgeport, 
la.  Late  in  December  it  moved  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  thence  in 
ebruary,  1862,  to  Russellville;  thence  to  Clarksville,  and  thence  to 
fort  Donelson,  where  from  the  13th  to  the  16th  of  February  it  partici- 
ited  in  all  the  daring  movements  of  the  siege  with  severe  loss,  and  was 
ptured  with  the  fort.  After  about  sis  months  the  regiment  was  ex- 
langed  at  Vicksburg.  It  was  reorganized  about  October  1,  with  E. 
ook,  colonel,  and  moved  to  Murfreesboro  via  Knoxville,  and  during  the 
ittle  was  posted  at  War  trace.  It  wintered  at  Tullahoma,  endured  a 
rrible  forced  march  in  June,  moved  to  Chattanooga  with  Bragg  in  July, 
ad  fought  with  superb  courage  and  coolness  in  the  awful  conflict  at 
aickamauga  with  heavy  loss.  Again  it  was  engaged  at  Lookout  Moun- 
in,  and  in  November  at  Missionary  Ridge,  where  it  fought  with  its 
i customed  gallantry.  It  wintered  at  Dalton,  and  in  1864  participated 

the  famous  Georgia  campaign,  fighting  in  all  the  leading  battles 
>wn  to  Atlanta  with  heavy  loss  in  the  aggregate.  It  fought  desperately 
id  with  grievous  loss  at  Jonesboro,  and  marched  north  to  invade  Ten- 
sssee  under  Hood,  but  reached  bloody  Franklin  too  late  for  the  battle, 
participated  in  the  action  at  Nashville,  retreated  south  skirmishing  on 
'e  way,  fought  its  last  battle  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.  and  surrendered 
:tk  Gen.  Johnston. 

The  Thirty -third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
eakley,  Obion,  Madison  and  other  counties,  and  was  organized  at  Union 
ty  October  18,  1861,  with  A.  AY.  Campbell,  colonel.  In  January,  1862 
marched  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  where  it  wintered;  then  moved  south  into 
>rthern  Mississippi,  and  in  April  met  the  enemy  on  the  furious  field  of 
nloh,  and  attested  its  courage  in  its  desperate  charges  and  its  loss  of 
arly  200  men  killed  and  wounded  out  of  about  500  engaged.  The  reg- 
nent  moved  back  to  Corinth,  and  later,  via  Chattanooga,  invaded  Ken- 
i cky  under  Gen.  Bragg,  and  at  Perry ville,  in  October,  fought  with  mag- 
ificent  bravery,  suffering  heavy  losses.  After  this  it  moved  south  with 
■agg>  and  at  Murfreesboro  bore  an  honorable  part,  losing  many  noble 
13n-  At  Chickamauga  it  assisted  in  the  awful  charges  which  beat  back 

Federal  hosts.  It  fought  at  Missionary  Ridge  and  retreated  south, 
ntering  at  Dalton,  and  in  1864  participated  in  the  series  of  bloody  and 


584 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


memorable  battles  from  that  point  to  Atlanta,  shedding  the  blood  of  its 
bravest  boys  in  defense  of  the  cause  which  to  them  seemed  right.  It 
marched  north  with  Hood;  was  at  Franklin  and  Nashville;  thence  marched 
south,  and  finally  surrendered  in  North  Carolina  in  April,  1865. 

The  Thirty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  part- 
ly in  Middle  Tennessee  and  partly  in  East  Tennessee,  and  was  organized 
during  the  autumn  of  1861,  with  William  Churchwell,  colonel.  It 
first  saw  service  in  East  Tennessee,  where  it  remained  for  a considerable 
period  engaged  in  outpost  duty.  It  finally  participated  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign,  and  later  joined  the  army  of  Bragg  in  time  for  the  battle  of 
Murfreesboro,  in  which  desperate  engagement  it  was  conspicuously  act- 
ive, losing  severely  in  killed  and  wounded.  It  moved  south  with  the  re- 
treating army,  and  after  various  movements  was  engaged  in  the  bloody 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  in  September,  1863,  where  it  behaved  gallantly 
and  lost  severely.  In  1864  it  participated  in  the  actions  of  the  Georgia 
campaign,  terminating  at  Atlanta,  and  then  moved  back  into  Tennessee 
with  Hood,  taking  part  in  his  bloody  battles.  It  then  moved  south  with 
the  army,  and  finally  surrendered  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Thirty-fifth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Grundy,  Sequatchie,  Warren,  Cannon,  Bledsoe  and  Van  Buren,  and  was 
organized  in  the  autumn  of  1861,  with  B.  J.  Hill,  colonel.  About  the 
first  of  the  year  1863  it  moved  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  after  the  sur- 
render of  Fort  Donelson  marched  south  with  the  army  to  northern  Mis- 
sissippi, and  early  in  April  participated  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  with 
heavy  loss.  Its  charges  were  brilliant,  sweeping  and  destructive.  It 
then  skirmished  around  Corinth,  fighting  with  heroic  desperation  at 
Shelton  Hill  amid  a terrible  fire.  It  Avas  complimented  for  this  in  gen- 
eral orders  by  Gen.  Beauregard.  It  moved  Avith  Bragg  on  the  Een-j 
tucky  campaign,  meeting  the  enemy  again  at  Richmond  and  Perryville.i 
displaying  its  usual  heroism.  At  Murfreesboro  it  Avas  hotly  engaged 
suffering  severely,  and  again,  in  September,  1863,  at  brilliant  Chicka- 
mauga sustained  itself  Avith  distinguished  valor.  It  did  important  pro- 
vost or  guard  duty  throughout  northern  Alabama,  and  finally  surrenderee 
at  Chattanooga  in  the  spring  of  1865. 

The  Thirty-sixth,  Thirty-ninth  and  Fortieth  Tennessee  Regiments 
Avere  only  partly  organized,  and  in  the  main  saw  detached  duty.  The  firs' 
Avas  commanded  by  Col.  Morgan,  the  second  by  Col.  Avery.  The  last  was 
at  Fort  Pillow  in  January,  1862.  Col.  Avery  was  at  BoAvling  Green  ii 
December,  1861,  and  Col.  Morgan  at  Cumberland  Gap  in  March,  1862. 

The  Thirty-seventh  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  ii 
Hamilton,  Jefferson,  Grainger,  Blount,  Sevier,  Claiborne,  Coffee  anc 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


585 


Yashin  o-ton  Counties,  in  northern  Georgia  and  in  Alabama,  and  was  or- 
anized  in  October,  1861,  at  Camp  Ramsey,  near  Knoxville,  with  1Y.  H. 
arroll,  colonel.  At  Germantown,  West  Tennessee,  to  which  point  it 
as  transferred,  it  drilled  for  about  a month.  In  November  it  moved  to 
hattanooga.  It  marched  north  and  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Fish- 
ig  Creek,  but  did  not  participate  in  the  main  battle,  losing  only  five  or 
x killed  and  wounded.  It  then  moved  south  via  Murfreesboro  to  nortli- 
■n  Mississipi,  and  occupied  Burnsville  during  the  battle  of  Shiloh, 
he  regiment  did  valuable  picket  service  around  Corinth.  In  July  it 
oved  to  Mobile,  Montgomery,  Atlanta,  Dalton,  Chickamauga  Station, 
hattanooga,  and  thence  on  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and  October  8,  at 
erryville,  was  hotly  engaged.  It  then  marched  south,  and  in  October 
cached  Murfeesboro,  where,  December  31,  it  was  engaged  in  that  battle 
l the  hottest  part,  losing  about  half  its  members  killed  and  wounded. 

; then  moved  to  Chattanooga.  The  following  June  it  was  consolidated 
ith  the  Fifteenth  under  the  latter  name,  and  so  lost  its  old  existence. 

The  Thirty-eighth  Tennessee  Confederate  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Adison,  Fayette,  Shelby  and  other  West  Tennessee  counties,  in  Wilson 
ounty,  and  in  Georgia  and  Alabama,  and  was  organized  in  September, 
161,  with  Robert  F.  Looney,  of  Memphis,  colonel.  It  moved  first  to 
hattanooga,  thence  later  to  Knoxville,  where  it  was  stationed  at  the 
ite  of  the  battle  of  Fishing  Creek,  Kentucky,  having  no  arms  with 
liich  to  assist  Gen.  Zollicoffer.  It  was  finally  ordered  to  Iuka,  Miss., 
ience  to  Eastport,  thence  to  Corinth,  and  was  brigaded  first  with  Gen. 
ladden,  and  later  with  Gen.  Preston  Pond,  with  Louisiana  troops.  It 
oved  up  and  fought  at  Shiloh,  losing  ninety  killed  and  wounded.  It 
oved  with  Bragg  to  Perryville,  where  it  fought,  and  was  soon  after  re- 
"ganized,  with  John  C.  Carter,  colonel.  It  moved  back  and  fought  at 
.urfreesboro ; thence  marched  down  to  Chickamauga,  where  it  distin- 
rished  itself.  It  was  at  Missionary  Ridge,  and  in  1864  engaged  in  the 
eorgia  campaign  with  heavy  loss.  It  came  north  with  Hood,  fought 
Franklin,  where  Gen.  Carter  was  killed,  and  at  Nashville,  then  marched 
hath.,  and  in  1865  surrendered  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Forty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Frank- 
ly Lincoln,  Bedford  and  Marshall  Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Camp 
rousdale  in  November,  1861,  with  Robert  Farquharson,  colonel.  In 
ecember  it  moved  to  Bowling  Green;  thence  to  Fort  Donelson,  where 
fought  gallantly  and  was  captured  by  the  enemy.  In  September,  1862, 

was  exchanged  at  Yicksburg,  and  was  reorganized  with  Farquharson 
>lonel.  After  various  expeditions  the  regiment  was  transferred,  in  Jan- 
iry,  1863,  to  Port  Hudson.  In  May  it  moved  north,  where,  at  Ray- 


580 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


rnoncl,  it  met  the  enemy  in  a sharp  battle,  and  afterward  in  that  vicinit) 
and  around  Jackson  participated  in  several  severe  fights  and  numerous 
skirmishes.  It  was  at  Yazoo  City  when  Vicksburg  surrendered.  Early  ii 
September  it  marched  east  to  Chickamauga,  and  was  in  the  hottest  pari 
of  that  gigantic  and  desperate  battle.  Many  of  its  bravest  were  stretched 
dead  upon  the  field.  It  wintered  near  Dalton,  and  in  1864,  in  tin 
Georgia  campaign,  Avas  engaged  in  all  the  principal  engagements  dowr 
to  Atlanta,  fighting  gallantly  and  losing  heavily.  At  Jonesboro  it  ah/ 
fought,  and  on  the  Tennessee  campaign  at  Franklin  Avas  not  surpassed  in 
desperate  fighting  by  any  other  regiment.  It  finally  surrendered  in 
North  Carolina.  During  the  Avar  it  lost  more  men  on  picket  duty  than 
in  battle. 

The  Forty-second  Tennessee  Confederate  Regiment  Avas  raised  undei 
the  first  call  in  Cheatham,  Montgomery  and  other  counties,  and  five  com 
panies  in  Alabama,  and  was  organized  about  the  1st  of  October,  1861.  will 
IV.  A.  Quarles,  colonel.  It  occupied  Camps  Cheatham  and  Sevier,  anc 
in  February  reached  Fort  Donelson  just  in  time  for  the  battle,  in  which 
it  distinguished  itself  and  lost  severely.  It  Avas  captured,  and  in  Sep 
tember,  1862,  was  exchanged  at  Vicksbmrg,  and  soon  reorganized  at  Clin 
ton,  Miss.  Quarles  was  re-elected  colonel.  Here  five  companies  fron 
West  Tennessee  took  the  place  of  the  five  Alabama  companies.  Ii 
March,  1863,  I.  N.  Hulme  became  colonel,  vice  Quarles  promoted.  I 
participated  in  various  movements  in  Mississippi  before  the  surrender  oi 
Vicksburg  and  during  the  seige.  It  then  moved  on  sundry  expeditions 
and  in  1864  joined  the  campaign  through  Georgia,  and  was  engaged  a 
New  Hope  Church,  Pine  Mountain,  Kenesaw,  Smyrna  Depot,  Peach  Trei 
Creek,  Atlanta  and  Lick  Skillet  road,  losing  in  the  aggregate  heavily 
In  Hood’s  bloody  campaign  the  regiment  at  Franklin,  in  those  aivful  as 
saults,  left  about  half  its  numbers  killed  and  wounded  upon  the  field 
This  was  its  most  desperate  battle,  and  here  it  exhibited  superb  courage 
It  participated  in  the  stubborn  contest  at  Nashville,  and  moved  south  wit! 
the  army,  and  finally  surrendered  in  North  Carolina  in  April,  1865. 

The  Forty-third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  Avas  raised  i 
the  counties  of  Hamilton,  Rhea,  Meigs,  Polk,  Bledsoe,  Jefferson,  Roane: 
Bradley,  HaAvkins  and  McMinn,  and  was  organized  in  November,  1861 
with  J.  W.  Gillespie,  colonel.  Its  first  sendee  Avas  guard  duty  iu  Eas 
Tennessee  until  the  reorganization  in  May,  1862.  After  various  move 
ments  and  thorough  drill  at  Charleston,  it  was,  in  August,  sent  to  Hum 
phrey  Marshall’s  brigade  in  Virginia.  It  soon  afterward  joined  Bragg 
Kentucky  campaign,  but  was  in  no  noteAvortky  engagement.  In  Decern 
ber  it  was  transferred  to  Vicksburg  and  was  subjected  to  hard  service 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


587 


and  in  May,  1863,  moved  to  Port  Gibson  to  oppose  Grant’s  advance.  It 
’ought  at  Champion  Hill  and  covered  the  retreat  to  Vicksburg.  It 
i’ought  often  during  the  siege,  always  with  dash  and  daring,  losing  heav- 
dy  in  the  aggregate.  It  surrendered  early  in  July,  and  was  soon  ex- 
changed and  was  ordered  to  re-enforce  Longstreet,  who  was  beseiging 
Knoxville.  During  the  winter  the  regiment  was  mounted,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1864  did  outpost  duty  in  East  Tennessee,  skirmishing  often 
md  losing  severely.  It  was  engaged  at  Piedmont,  losing  several  men. 
jin  Virginia  it  was  often  engaged,  moving  with  Early  around  Washing- 
on  and  fighting  at  Winchester,  Monocacy,  Cedar  Creek,  Fisherville, 
Vhite  Post,  Kernstown,  Darksville  and  Martinsburg.  In  the  fall  of 
'864  it  returned  to  East  Tennessee.  It  fought  at  Morristown,  losing 
leavily ; raided  Russelville  with  success : during  the  winter  it  did  out- 
most duty.  In  the  spring  it  learned  of  Lee’s  surrender  and  then  moved 
outh  to  join  Johnson,  but  at  Charlotte  met  President  Davis  and  served 
,s  his  escort  until  his  capture.  It  was  paroled  in  May,  1865. 

The  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
ledford,  Grundy,  Lincoln,  Franklin  and  Coffee  Counties,  and  was  organ- 
zed  at  Camp  Trousdale  in  December,  1861,  with  C.  A.  McDaniel, 
olonel.  It  soon  moved  to  Bowling  Green,  and  early  in  February,  1862, 
p Nashville,  thence  to  Murfreesboro,  thence  to  Corinth,  where  it  arrived 
larch  20.  In  April  it  marched  north  and  fought  gallantly  at  bloody 
ihiloh,  losing  350  killed,  wounded,  captured  and  missing  out  of  470  en- 
aged.  It  reorganized  at  Corinth  and  with  it  was  consolidated  the  rem- 
. ant  of  the  Fifty-fifth  Regiment.  Late  in  July  it  moved  to  Chattanooga, 
tience  north  to  invade  Kentucky,  and  October  8 fought  desperately  at 
'erryville,  losing  42  killed  and  wounded.  It  suffered  in  that  awful  re- 
peat south.  September  19  and  20,  1863,  at  Chattanooga  the  regiment 
ought  heroically  and  charged  the  enemy  with  terrible  effect,  losing 
;everely,  It  was  soon  detached  and  sent  with  Longstreet  to  besiege 
Lnoxville.  It  fought  at  Bean’s  Station  and  elsewhere  and  went  into 
•inter  quarters  at  Morristown.  In  May,  1864,  it  moved  to  Richmond 
a.,  and  was  engaged  at  Drury’s  Bluff,  Petersburg,  Walthall’s  Junction 
ud  elsewhere  besides  numerous  skirmishes,  and  was  finally  surrendered 
ii  d paroled. 

The  T'orty-fifth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  the 
ounties  of  Wilson  (Companies  B,  F,  G and  H),  Williamson  (A),  and 
lutherford  (D,  C,  E and  I),  and  was  organized  at  Camp  Trousdale,  Sum- 
er County  in  the  autumn  of  1861,  with  Addison  Mitchell,  colonel.  After 
arious  movements,  during  which  it  did  duty  in  Mississippi  and  Louisiana, 

: joined  the  army  of  Gen.  A.  S.  Johnston  and  participated  in  the  brilliant 


588 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Confederate  victory  at  Shiloh,  losing  heavily  in  killed  and  wound- 
ed. Company  A suffered  a loss  of  7 killed  and  about  twice  as  many 
wounded.  It  was  reorganized  at  Corinth  and  was  then  placed  on  de- 
tached duty  for  some  time,  after  which  it  participated  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign,  and  later  wras  engaged  in  the  headlong  charges  at  Murfrees- 
boro, where  it  again  lost  severely.  It  moved  southward;  fought  in  the 
hottest  of  the  awful  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  again  at  Missionary  Ridge, 
and  in  1864,  in  many  of  the  general  engagements,  on  the  movement  to 
Atlanta,  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Resaca  (two)  Powder  Springs,  Atlanta  and 
Jonesboro  and  then  at  Columbia;  second  Murfreesboro,  and  in  1865.  at 
Benton ville,  N.  C.,  where  it  surrendered. 

The  Forty-sixth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
West  Tennessee,  almost  all  the  entire  force  going  from  Henry  County, 
and  was  organized  late  in  1861,  with  J.  M.  Clarke,  colonel.  It  partici- 
pated in  the  movement  of  Gen.  Pillow  up  the  Mississippi,  was  at  Colum- 
bus and  Island  No.  10,  and  later  at  Port  Hudson,  where  it  lost  several 
men,  killed  and  wounded.  For  a time  it  was  part  of  Stewart’s  brigade. 
Many  of  the  regiment  were  captured  and  died  in  prison  at  Camp  Doug- 
las and  elsewhere.  It  participated  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  under 
Gen.  Bragg,  losing  a few  men  killed  and  wounded  at  Perryville.  It  par- 
ticipated with  the  Army  of  Tennessee  in  all  the  principal  movements  of 
that  command,  engaging  the  enemy  in  numerous  places  and  losing  in  the 
aggregate  heavily.  It  was  finally  consolidated  with  other  regiments. 

The  F orty-seventh  Tennessee  ( Confederate ) Regiment  was  organized 
late  in  1861,  with  M.  R.  Hill,  colonel,  and  was  raised  in  the  counties  of 
Obion,  Gibson  and  Dyer,  and  first  participated  in  the  movements  of  Gen. 
Polk’s  army  succeeding  the  battle  of  Belmont.  It  moved  southward  and 
joined  the  army,  and  finally,  in  April,  1862,  engaged  the  enemy  at  Shiloh. 
Later  it  participated  in  the  actions  around  Corinth,  and  finally  marched  !j 
with  Bragg  into  Kentucky,  fighting  at  Richmond  and  skirmishing  else- 
where. It  returned  to  Tennessee,  and  just  before  the  battle  of  Murfrees- 
boro was  consolidated  with  the  Twelfth  Regiment. 

The  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  (Confederate,  Yoorliees)  Regiment  was 
raised  in  Maury,  Hickman  and  Lewis  Counties,  and  was  organized  in 
December,  1861,  with  W.  M.  Yoorhees,  colonel.  It  moved  to  Clarks- 
ville, thence  to  Danville,  thence  to  Fort  Henry,  and  after  the  evacuation 
there,  to  Fort  Donelson,  where,  after  fighting  in  that  historical  action,  it 
surrendered.  After  about  six  months  it  was  exchanged  at  Vicksburg, 
was  reorganized  at  Jackson  with  Yoorhees  again  colonel.  A portion  of 
the  regiment,  on  details,  in  hospitals  and  on  furlough,  had  escaped  the 
capture  at  Fort  Donelson,  and  with  five  companies  from  Wayne  and 


‘‘■'W/tjVz- 


tighter 

t\H  6 use 


ill '//^' 


Caualry 


Che«than, 


Confederate 

Caualry 


Lee’s  Corps 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


589 


Lawrence  Counties,  liad  served  under  Col.  Nixon  until  December,  1862, 
when  the  old  regiment  was  reunited,  the  portion  that  had  been  captured 
having  been  incorporated  with  the  Third  from  the  exchange  in  August 
mtil  the  reunion.  It  was  at  the  bombardment  of  Post  Hudson,  in  March, 
1863,  and  at  the  engagements  in  and  around  Jackson  about  the  middle 
)f  July.  After  various  movements  it  reached  Dalton,  Ga.,  November  26. 
January,  1861,  it  moved  to  Mobile,  thence  joined  Polk’s  army,  thence  to 
Meridian,  thence  to  Mobile,  thence  joined  Joe  Johnston  at  New  Hope 
Church,  May  27,  1861.  It  fought  at  New  Hope  Church,  Pine  Mountain, 
lenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Atlanta,  Lick  Skillet  Eoad,  losing  in  the 
ggregate  very  heavily,  particularly  at  the  last  named  engagement,  where 
t lost  half  its  men.  It  was  in  all  of  Hood’s  engagements  on  his  Ten- 
tessee  campaign  except  Franklin.  It  was  active  and  valiant  at  Nash- 
ille.  In  several  small  skirmishes  detachments  of  the  regiment  fought 
tith  ’ severe  loss  and  great  bravery.  It  was  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  and 
urrendered  in  the  spring  of  1865. 

The  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  (Confederate,  Nixon)  Regiment  was 
aised  in  Middle  Tennessee,  and  organized  late  in  1861,  with  G.  H.  Nixon, 
olonel.  After  various  duties  it  participated  in  the  campaign  against 
iouisville,  and  -was  engaged  at  Richmond,  where  it  lost  several  men 
died  and  wounded.  It  continued  with  the  army  until  it  was  found  that 
je  forces  at  Louisville  had  been  heavily  reinforced,  then  turned  back, 
ad  October  8 fought  at  Perryville,  losing  several  men.  It  was  in  vari- 
las  movements  subsidiary  to  those  of  the  Army  of  Tennessee,  was  at 
lurfreesboro,  and  in  September,  1863,  at  Cliickamauga,  where  it  lost 
bverelv,  and  exhibited  great  gallantry  on  the  field.  After  this  it  par- 
cipated  in  all  the  principal  movements  of  the  Army  of  Tennessee — in 
iany  of  the  battles  on  the  Georgia  campaign,  and  finally  took  part  in 
le  actions  around  Atlanta  and  the  invasion  of  Tennessee  by  Hood, 
iter  many  vicissitudes,  it  finally  surrendered  in  the  spring  of  1865  in 
orth  Carolina. 

The  Forty-ninth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
ontgomery,  Dickson,  Robertson,  Benton  and  Cheatham  Counties,  and 
;as  organized  in  December,  1861,  with  James  E.  Bailey,  colonel.  It 
oved  to  Fort  Donelson  where  it  was  hotly  engaged  in  the  various  des- 
‘rate  movements  of  that  action,  and  was  surrendered  with  the  army.  It 
as  exchanged  in  September,  1862,  at  Vicksburg,  was  reorganized  at 
inton  with  Bailey,  Colonel.  It  was  at  Port  Hudson  during  the  bom- 
irdment  of  March,  1863;  thence  moved  to  Jackson,  where,  in  July,  it 
ught  in  the  several  engagements  there;  thence  moved  to  Mobile,  -where 

. F.  Young  became  colonel.  It  then  moved  north  and  joined  Bragg 


590 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


at  Missionary  Ridge,  too  late  for  the  battle ; thence  marched  to  Dalton : 
thence  back  to  Mobile  and  Mississippi,  and  back  to  Johnston’s  army,  at 
New  Hope  Church,  where  it  fought  May  27,  1864.  It  was  afterward  en- 
gaged at  Pine  Mountain,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Smyrna  Depot,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Atlanta,  Lick  Skillet  Road  and  elsewhere,  losing  at  the  last 
named  battle  76  killed,  400  wounded  and  19  missing.  Here  it  was 
consolidated  with  the  Forty-second  Regiment.  It  moved  north  with 
Flood,  engaging  in  all  the  battles  and  skirmishes  of  his  disastrous  cam- 
paign. At  the  awful  charges  of  Franklin  it  fought  with  great  nerve  and 
desperation,  losing  20  killed,  36  wounded  and  36  missing  out  of  110 
engaged.  It  was  engaged  at  Nashville  and  then  retreated  south,  fight- 
ing at  Lynnville,  Sugar  Creek,  Anthony’s  Hill  and  elsewhere,  and  join- 
ing Johnson’s  army  in  North  Carolina,  where,  at  Bentonville,  it  fought 
its  last  battle  and  was  surrendered  with  the  army. 

The  Fiftieth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  Mont- 
gomery, Stewart,  Cheatham  and  Humphreys  Counties,  and  was  organ- 
ized on  Christmas  Day,  1861,  at  Fort  Donelson,  with  G.  W.  Stacker, 
colonel.  In  January  it  moved  over  to  assist  Fort  Henry,  and  February 
6 returned  to  Fort  Donelson  and  assisted  in  the  contest  there  wrkich  re- 
sulted in  the  surrender.  Nearly  half  of  the  regiment  escaped  capture. 
In  September,  1862,  the  regiment  was  exchanged  and  was  reorganized 
at  Jackson,  Miss.;  C.  A.  Sugg  became  colonel.  It  then  operated  iu 
Mississippi,  skirmishing  several  times.  In  November  it  was  consolida- 
ted with  the  First  Tennessee  Battalion.  It  was  at  the  bombardment  of  : 
Port  Hudson.  In  May,  1863,  it  moved  to  Jackson,  and  May  12  took  an 
active  part  in  the  battle  of  Raymond.  It  also  fought  at  Jackson.  In 
September  it  joined  Bragg  in  Georgia.  On  the  way,  in  a railroad; 
accident,  13  men  were  killed,  and  75  wounded.  The  regiment  reached 
Chickamauga  in  time  to  take  an  active  part.  It  was  in  the  bloodi- 
est part  of  that  awful  contest,  losing  132  of  186  engaged.  Col.  I 
W.  Beaumout  was  killed,  and  Maj.  C.  W.  Robertson  took  commando 
but  was  mortally  wounded.  November  25,  at  Mission  Ridge,  the  regi- 
ment was  again  cut  to  pieces,  Col.  Sugg  of  the  brigade  being  mortally 
wounded.  The  regiment  was  then  consolidated  with  the  Fourth  Con- 
federate Regiment  (Tennessee).  It  wintered  at  Dalton,  and  in  the 
spring  and  summer  of  1864  fought  at  Resaca,  Calhoun  Station,  Adairs- 
ville,  Kingston,  New  Hope  Church,  “Dead  Angle,”  Peach  Tree  Creek 
Atlanta,  Jonesboro  and  elsewhere,  losing  many  valuable  men.  It  rnovee 
north,  fought  at  Franklin  and  Nashville,  then,  marched  to  North  Carolina 
where,  in  April,  1865,  it  surrendered. 

The  Fifty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized  a 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


591 


Henderson  early  in  1862,  with  eight  companies,  four  from  Shelby  and 
Tipton  Counties,  and  four  from  Madison  and  Henderson  Counties.  It 
was  first  commanded  by  Col.  Browder.  It  participated  in  the  siege  of 
Forts  Henry  and  Donelson,  at  which  time  it  was  only  a battalion,  and 
at  the  latter  battle  was  assigned  to  artillery  service,  and  consisted  of  only 
about  sixty  effective  men.  Col.  Browder  and  part  of  the  battalion  were 
captured,  but  the  lieutenant-colonel,  John  Chester,  gathered  the  remain- 
der together  and  with  two  other  companies  from  Madison  and  Tipton, 
reorganized  and  moved  to  Corinth  doing  provost  duty  during  the  battle 
of  Shiloh.  It  was  then  consolidated  with  the  Fifty-second,  with  John 
Chester,  colonel.  On  the  Kentucky  campaign  it  fought  at  Perryville, 
doing  splendid  execution,  and  losing  8 killed  and  about  30  wounded. 
At  • Murfreesboro  it  captured  a battery  and  about  600  prisoners.  At 
Shelby ville  many  of  the  men  captured  at  Donelson  rejoined  the  regiment. 
It  was  engaged  at  bloody  Chickamauga  with  great  gallantry,  and  again 
at  Missionary  Bidge.  In  many  of  the  battles  from  Dalton  to  Atlanta  it 
participated,  and  later  at  Franklin  and  Nashville  lost  very  heavily. 
A small  remnant  was  surrendered  at  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

The  Fifty-second  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
West  Tennessee  late  in  1861,  and  was  organized  with  B.  J.  Lea  as  colo- 
nel. In  January,  1862,  it  was  stationed  to  guard  the  Tennessee  railroad 
bridge,  by  order  of  Gen.  Polk.  It  participated  in  the  battles  at  Fort 
Donelson,  and  was  then  stationed  at  Henderson’s  Station,  in  West  Ten- 
nessee, where  it  remained  until  ordered  to  Corinth  in  March,  1862.  It 
moved  with  the  army  to  Shiloh,  and  of  its  action  in  that  battle  Gen. 
Chalmers,  its  brigade  commander,  reported  as  follows:  “A  few  skirmish- 
ers of  the  enemy  advanced  secretly  and  fired  upon  the  Fifty-second, 
which  broke  and  fled  in  the  most  shameful  confusion,  and  all  efforts  to 
rally  it  were  without  avail,  and  it  was  ordered  out  of  the  lines,  where  it 
remained  during  the  balance  of  the  engagement,  except  companies  com- 
manded by  Russell  and  Wilson,  which  gallantly  fought  in  the  Fifth 
Mississippi  Regiment.”  In  many  a bloody  battle  afterward  it  redeemed 
itself  nobly.  It  was  consolidated  with  the  Fifty-first,  and  was  at  Perry  - 
ville,  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga  and  in  all  the  general  engagements  of 
he  Georgia  campaign;  came  back  with  Hood  and  fought  at  Franklin, 
Nashville  and  elsewhere,  and  marched  down  to  North  Carolina,  where  it 
surrendered  April,  1865. 

The  Fifty-third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized 
ate  in  the  year  1861,  into  a battalion  under  the  command  of  Col.  Ed  Aber- 
lathy.  It  was  present  at  the  battles  and  assaults  of  Fort  Donelson  and 
ought  on  the  left  wing,  shewing  great  gallantry,  repulsing  two  headlong 


592 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


charges.  It  had  at  this  time  about  200  effective  men.  It  was  captured 
and  seems  then  to  have  lost  its  identity.  It  was  probably  consolidated 
with  other  commands. 

The  Fifty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized 
at  Nashville  during  the  autumn  of  1861,  and  comprised  companies  from 
the  counties  of  Lawrence,  Wayne  and  probably  others.  Upon  the  organ- 
ization William  Dearing  was  chosen  colonel.  The  regiment  moved  first 
into  Kentucky  to  assist  in  repelling  the  Federal  advance,  but  early  in 
February,  1862,  was  ordered  to  Fort  Donelson,  in  the  siege  of  which  it 
was  actively  engaged.  It  succeeded  in  making  its  escape,  but  became 
almost  disbanded.  The  portion  that  remained  was  formed  into  a. 
battalion  at  Corinth,  and  placed  under  the  command  of  Col.  Nixon. 
Later  the  battalion  Avas  consolidated  with  the  Forty-eighth  Regi- 
ment. 

The  Fifty-fifth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in  the 
counties  of  Davidson,  Williamson,  Smith,  Bedford  and  Lincoln,  and  Avas 
organized  in  November,  1861,  under  Col.  A.  J.  Brown.  It  participated 
at  Fort  Donelson  and  was  reorganized  at  Corinth.  It  Avas  engaged  at 
Shiloh,  Avhere  it  lost  very  heavily  in  killed  and  wounded.  Col.  McCoen 
Avas  succeeded  by  Col.  Reed,  who  was  mortally  wounded  in  December, 
1862.  After  Shiloh  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Forty-fourth  Regi- 
ment. 

The  Fifty-ninth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
East  Tennessee  during  the  winter  of  1861-62,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
service  with  J.  B.  Cooke,  colonel.  It  did  duty  in  various  commands  in 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  and  finally,  about  January  1,  1868,  became  j 
connected  Avith  the  Confederate  force  at  Vicksburg,  and  Avas  brigaded 
with  the  Third  Confederate,  the  Thirty-first  and  the  Forty-third  under 
Gen.  A.  W.  Reynolds  in  Stevenson’s  division.  After  this  its  record  is  the 
same  as  that  of  the  Third  Regiment.  The  regiment  Avas  commanded 
much  of  its  term  of  service  by  Col.  W.  L.  Eakin 

The  Sixtieth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized  in 
East  Tennessee  in  the  autumn  of  1862,  with  John  H.  CraAvford,  colonel. 
Soon  after  its  organization  it  was  assigned  to  the  brigade  of  John  0. 
Vaughn  and  ordered  to  Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  and  thereafter,  during 
the  remainder  of  the  Avar,  its  record  is  similar  to  that  of  Vaughn’s  brigade. 

It  was  engaged  at  Jackson,  and  against  Sherman’s  movement  on  Vicks- 
burg.  During  the  siege  of  that  city  it  garrisoned  the  Confederate  works. 

It  also  assisted  gallantly  in  opposing  the  advance  of  Gen.  Grant  from 
below  Vicksburg.  At  Big  Black  Bridge  it  lost  severely  and  fought 
against  great  odds.  July  4,  1863,  it  was  surrendered  with  Pemberton’s 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


593 


army,  after  having  reached  the  point  of  starvation.  It  was  finally  ex- 
changed, and  then  joined  Gen.  Longstreet  in  his  movement  against 
Knoxville.  It  was  mounted  in  December,  1863,  and  spent  the  winter  of 
1863-64  guarding  the  front  and  in  recruiting,  and  in  the  spring  ad- 
vanced into  Virginia  and  fought  at  Piedmont.  It  was  at  Lynchburg, 
Williamsport,  and  along  the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah  Divers,  and 
was  engaged  in  western  Virginia  when  the  news  of  Gen.  Lee’s  surrender 

o O o t 

was  received.  The  gallant  regiment  resolved  to  join  Johnston,  and  ac- 
cordingly rendezvoused  at  Charlotte,  but  finally  surrendered  with 
Vaughn’s  brigade. 

The  Sixty-first  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Hawkins,  Sullivan,  Greene,  Jefferson,  Washington,  Grainger  and  Clai- 
borne Counties,  and  was  organized  at  Henderson  Mills,  in  Greene 
County,  in  November,  1862,  with  F.  E.  Pitts,  colonel.  It  almost  imme- 
diately became  part  of  Vaughn's  brigade,  with  which  it  served  during 
the  remainder  of  the  war.  ( See  Sixtieth  Regiment. ) 

The  Sixty-second  Tennessee  Regiment  was  organized  late  in  1862, 
with  John  A.  Rowan,  colonel,  and  was  soon  assigned  to  Vaughn’s  brig- 
ade, with  which  it  served  during  the  rest  of  the  war. 

The  Sixty-third  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  raised  in 
Washington,  Roane,  Hancock,  Claiborne,  Loudon,  Hawkins  and  Sullivan 
Counties,  and  was  organized  July  30,  1862,  with  R.  G.  Fain,  colonel.  It 
operated  in  East  Tennessee  and  was  under  the  active  or  immediate  com- 
mand of  Lieut. -Col.  W.  H.  Fulkerson.  After  various  movements  it 
joined  Bragg  in  Middle  Tennessee  in  June,  1863,  but  only  to  retreat 
with  his  army  to  Chattanooga.  It  was  then  ordered  to  Knoxville,  thence 
to  Strawberry  Plains,  but  late  in  August  it  moved  back  in  time  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  great  battle  of  Chickamauga,  which,  though  its  first  en- 
gagement, was  fought  with  splendid  daring  and  discipline.  It  lost  47 
lulled  and  155  wounded,  out  of  404  engaged.  It  was  then  detached 
with  Longstreet  to  operate  against  Knoxville.  It  fought  at  Fort 
Sanders,  Bean’s  Station,  where  it  lost  18  killed  and  wounded,  and  win- 
tered in  East  Tennessee.  It  was  moved  to  Virginia,  fought  at  Drury 
Bluff,  wrhere  it  lost  150  men,  at  Walthall’s  Junction,  at  Petersburg,  and 
elsewhere,  losing  many  men.  April  2,  1865,  a portion  was  captured,  and 
the  remainder  surrendered  at  Appomattox. 

The  Eighty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regiment  was  organized 
| at  McMinnville  during  the  early  winter  of  1862,  with  S.  S.  Stanton,' 
.colonel,  and  was  raised  in  the  counties  of  Smith,  White,  Jackson,  Put- 
nam, DeKalb,  Overton  and  Lincoln.  In  three  days  after  its  organization 
and  in  twelve  hours  after  reaching  Murfreesboro,  it  participated  in  that 


594 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


furious  engagement,  where  the  right  wing  of  Rosecranz  was  routed  from 
the  field.  It  moved  back  to  Tullahama,  and  was  here  consolidated  with 
the  Twenty-eighth  Regiment.  (See  sketch  of  the  twenty-eighth.) 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate)  Regi- 
ment was  organized  at  Memphis  in  18G0,  before  the  war  broke  out,  and 
was  reorganized  soon  after  the  fall  of  Sumter  with  Preston  Smith,  colonel 
Seven  companies  were  raised  in  Memphis,  one  in  Henry  County,  one 
in  McNairy  County,  and  one  in  Hardeman  County.  It  first  marched  to 
Randolph  in  May,  1861,  and  after  various  movements  marched  north  and 
participated  in  the  battle  of  Belmont,  and  afterward  moved  south  into 
Kentucky,  and  after  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson  to  northern  Missis 
sippi,  and  in  April  fought  at  bloody  Shiloh  with  severe  loss.  It  was 
then  at  Corinth  until  the  evacuation,  then  marched  north  with  Bragg  on 
the  Kentucky  campaign,  fighting  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  with  great  loss,  and 
at  Perryville,  October  8.  It  marched  south  with  the  army,  reaching 
Murfreesboro  where,  December  31,  it  was  hotly  engaged,  losing  over  a 
third  of  those  engaged.  It  retreated  to  Chattanooga,  thence  to  Ckick- 
amauga,  where  it  fought  in  that  great  battle  in  September,  and  later  at 
Missionary  Ridge.  It  wintered  at  Dalton,  and  in  1864,  in  the  Georgia 
campaign,  fought  in  all  the  principal  battles  down  to  Atlanta,  losing  in 
the  aggregate  many  valuable  men.  It  marched  north  with  Hood  and 
invaded  Tennessee,  fighting  at  Franklin,  Nashville  and  elsewhere,  and  re- 
treating south  out  of  the  State.  It  marched  to  the  Carolinas,  partici- 
pated in  the  action  at  Bentonville,  and  surrendered  in  April,  1865. 

In  addition  to  the  above  organizations  there  were  about  twenty  cav- 
alry regiments  whose  movements  it  has  been  almost  impossible  to  trace. 
About  eighteen  battalions  of  cavalry  were  in  the  Confederate  service 
from  Tennessee.  Many  of  the  battalions,  which  had  first  served  as  suck 
and  perhaps  independently,  were  consolidated  to  form  regiments.  Asid 
from  this  there  were  numerous  independent  cavalry  companies  or  squads 
oi’ganized  in  almost  every  county  of  the  State  to  assist  the  Confederate 
cause.  The  leading  cavalry  organizations  of  the  State  served  mainly 
with  the  commands  of  Gens.  Wheeler,  Wharton  and  Forrest. 

The  artillery  organizations  of  the  State  were  so  often  changed,  and 
have  left  such  obscure  records,  that  no  attempt  will  be  made  here  to  trace 
their  movements.  They  were  in  nearly  all  the  artillery  duels  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi department.  The  following  is  an  imperfect  list  of  the  Tennes- 
see batteries:  Cohns’  Battery,  Capt.  S.  H.  Colms;  Appeal  Battery,  Capt. 
W.  N.  Hogg;  Bankhead’s  Battery,  Capt.  S.  P.  Bankhead;  Barry’s  Bat- 
tery, Capt.  R.  L.  Barry;  Belmont  Battery,  Capt.  J.  G.  Anglade ; Brown’s 
Battery,  Capt.  W.  R.  Marshall;  Burrough’s  Battery,  Capt.  W.  H.  Bur- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


595 


roughs;  Carnes’  Battery,  Capt.  W.  W.  Carnes;  Scott’s  Battery,  Capt.  W. 
L.  Scott;  Miller’s  Battery,  Capt.  William  Miller;  Bice’s  Battery,  Capt.  T. 
W.  Bice;  Kain’s  Battery,  Capt.  W.  C.  Kain;  Anglacle’s  Battery,  Capt.  J. 
G.  Anglacle;  Mebane’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  W.  Mebane;  Wright’s  Battery, 
'Capt.  E.  E.  Wright;  Morton’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  W.  Morton;  Jackson’s 
Battery,  Capt.  W.  H.  Jackson;  Freeman’s  Battery,  Capt.  S.  L.  Freeman; 
Hoxton’s  Battery,  Capt.  Lewis  Hoxton;  McAdoo’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  M. 
McAdoo;  Huwald’s  Battery,  Capt.  G.  A.  Huwald;  Krone’s  Battery,  Capt. 
F.  Krone;  Taylor’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  W.  Taylor;  Dismukes’  Battery, 
Capt.  P.  T.  Dismukes;  Griffith’s  Battery,  Capt.  B.  P.  Griffith;  Maney’s 
Battery,  Capt.  F.  Maney;  Calvert’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  H.  Calvert;  El- 
dridge’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  W.  Eldridge;  McClung’s  Battery,  Capt.  H.  L. 
McClung;  Tobin’s  Battery,  Capt.  Thomas  Tobin;  Stankienry’s  Battery, 
Capt.  P.  K.  Stankienry;  Bibb’s  Battery,  Capt.  B.  W.  Bibb;  Wilson’s 
Battery,  Capt.  W.  0.  Williams;  Fisher’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  A.  Fisher; 
McDonald’s  Battery,  Capt.  C.  McDonald;  Bamsey’s  Battery,  Capt.  D.  B. 
Bamsey;  Keys’  Battery,  Capt.  T.  J.  Keys;  Porter’s  Battery,  Capt.  T.  K. 
Porter;  Baxter’s  Battery,  Capt.  E.  Baxter;  Humes’  Battery,  Capt.  W.  T 
Humes;  Jackson’s  Battery,  W.  H.  Jackson;  Lynch’s  Battery,  Capt.  J. 
P.  Lynch,  and  others. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  CORPS  AT  BOWLING  GREEN,  KY.,  OCTOBER  28 
1861,  GEN.  A.  S.  JOHNSTON,  COMMANDING.  * 

First  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  W.  J.  Hardee.  Infantry:  First  Brigade, 
Brig. -Gen.  Hindman — -Second  Arkansas  Begiment,  Lieut. -Col.  Bocage; 
Second  Arkansas  Begiment,  Col.  A.  T.  Hawthorn;  Arkansas  Battalion, 
Lieut. -Col.  Marmaduke.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  P.  B.  Cleburne — First 
Arkansas  Begiment,  Col.  Cleburne;  Fifth  Arkansas  Begiment,  Col.  D. 
C.  Cross;  Seventh  Mississippi  Begiment,  Col.  J.  J.  Thornton;  Tennes- 
see Mountain  Bifies,  Col.  B.  J.  Hill.  Third  Brigade,  Col.  B.  G.  Shaver — - 
Seventh  Arkansas  Begiment,  Col.  Shaver;  Eighth  Arkansas  Begiment, 
Col.  W.  B.  Patterson;  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Begiment,  Col.  B.  D. 
Allison;  Ninth  Arkansas  Begiment,  Lieut. -Col.  S.  J.  Mason.  Cavalry — 
Adams  Begiment  and  Phifer’s  Battalion.  Artillery — Swett’s,  Trigg’s, 
Hubbai’d’s  and  Byrne’s  Batteries. 

Second  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  S.  B.  Buckner.  Infantry:  First  Bri- 
gade, Col.  Hanson — Hanson’s,  Thompson’s,  Trabue’s,  Hunt’s,  Lewis’ 
and  Cofer’s  Kentucky  regiments.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  Baldwin — Four- 
teenth Mississippi,  Col.  Baldwin ; Twenty-sixth  Tennessee  Begiment, 
Col.  Lillard.  Third  Brigade,  Col.  J.  C.  Brown — -Third  Tennessee  Beg- 


’’Taken  from  the  official  report. 


596 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


iment,  Col.  Brown;  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Regiment,  Col.  Martin: 
Eighteenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  Col.  Palmer. 

Reserve — Texas  Regiment,  Col.  B.  F.  Terry;  Tennessee  Regiment. 
Col.  Stanton;  Harper’s  and  Spencer’s  Batteries. 

- 

CONFEDERATE  FORCES  AND  LOSS  AT  SHILOH.* 

First  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  Leonidas  Polk.  First  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  i 
Charles  Clark;  First  Brigade,  Col.  R.  M.  Russell;  Second  Brigade. 
Brig. -Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart.  Second  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  B.  F.  Cheat- 
ham; First  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  B.  R.  Johnson;  Second  Brigade,  Got 
W.  H.  Stephens.  Second  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  Braxton  Bragg.  First  Di- 
vision, Brig.-Gen.  Daniel  Ruggles;  First  Brigade,  Col.  R.  L.  Gibson: 
Second  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Patton  Anderson;  Third  Brigade,  Col.  Pres- 
ton Pond.  Second  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  M.  Withers;  First  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  A.  H.  Gladden;  Second  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  R.  Chalmers; 
Third  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  K.  Jackson.  Third  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  W 
J.  Hardee.  First  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  T.  C.  Hindman;  Second  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne;  Third  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  S.  A.  M.  Wood. 
Reserve  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge;  First  (Kentucky  ) Brigade. 
Col.  R.  P.  Trabue;  Second  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  S.  Bowen;  Third 
Brigade,  Col.  W.  S.  Statham.  Total  loss,  1,728  killed,  8,012  wounded 
and  959  missing. 

CONFEDERATE  STATES  FORCES,  GEN.  BRAXTON  BRAGG,  COMMANDING,  ARMY 
OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI,  JUNE  30,  1862.* 

First  Army  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  Leonidas  Polk,  commanding. 

First  Division, Brig. -Gen.  Clark.  First  Brigade,  Col.  Russell — Twelfth 
Tennessee,  Thirteenth  Tennessee,  Forty-seventh  Tennessee,  One  Hundred 
and  Fifty-fourth  Tennessee,  Bankhead’s  Battery.  Second  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart — Thirteenth  Arkansas,  Fourth  Tennessee,  Fifth  Ten- 
nessee, Thirty-first  Tennessee,  Thirty-third  Tennessee,  Stanford’s  Bat' 
tery.  Second  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham.  First  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  D.  S.  Donelson — Eighth  Tennessee,  Fifteenth  Tennessee,  Six- 
teenth Tennessee,  Fifty-first  Tennessee,  Carnes’  Battery.  Second  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  George  Maney — First  Tennessee,  Sixth  Tennessee,  Ninth 
Tennessee,.  Twenty-seventh  Tennessee,  Smith’s  Battery.  Detached  Bri- 
gade, Brig.-Gen.  S.  B.  Maxey — Forty -first  Georgia,  Twenty-fourth  Mis- 
sissippi, Ninth  Texas,  Eldredge’s  Battery.  Second  Army  Corps,  Maj.- 
Gen.  Samuel  Jones.  First  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Patton  Anderson 


♦From  the  official  reports. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


597 


IVenty-fifth  Louisiana,  Thirtieth  Mississippi,  Thirty-seventh  Missis- 
sippi, Forty-first  Mississippi,  Florida  and  Confederate  Battalion,  Slo- 
feumb’s  Battery.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  A.  Reichard — Forty-fifth  Ala- 
bama, Eleventh  Louisiana,  Sixteenth  Louisiana,  Eighteenth  Louisiana, 
Nineteenth  Louisiana,  Twentieth  Louisiana,  Barnett’s  Battery.  Third 
3rigade,  Brig. -Gen.  Walker — First  Arkansas,  Twenty-first  Louisiana, 
thirteenth  Louisiana,  Crescent  (Louisiana),  Independent  Tennessee, 
.'hirty-eighth  Tennessee,  Lumsden’s  Battery,  Barrett’s  Battery.  Third 
Army  Corps,  Maj.-Gen.  W.  J.  Hardee.  First  Brigade,  Col.  St.  J.  R„ 
Added — Second  Arkansas,  Fifth  Arkansas,  Sixth  Arkansas,  Seventh  Ar- 
ansas, Eighth  Arkansas,  Pioneer  Company,  Robert’s  Battery.  Second 
Irigade,  Brig.  Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne — Fifteenth  Arkansas,  Second  Ten- 
nessee, Fifth  (Thirty-fifth)  Tennessee,  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee,  Forty - 
ighth  Tennessee,  Calvert’s  Battery.  Third  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  S.  A.  M. 
Vood — Sixteenth  Alabama,  Thirty-second  Mississippi,  Thirty-third  Mis- 
issippi,  Forty-fourth  Tennessee,  Baxter’s  Battery.  Fourth  Brigade,  Brig.- 
len.  J.  S.  Marmaduke — Third  Confederate,  Twenty-fifth  Tennessee, 
j'wenty-ninth  Tennessee,  Thirty-seventh  Tennessee,  Swett’s  battery, 
fifth  Brigade,  Col.  A.  T.  Hawthorn — Thirty-third  Alabama,  Seventeenth 
'ennessee,  Twenty-first  Tennessee,  Twenty-third  Tennessee,  Austin’s 
1 after y.  Reserve  Corps,  Brig. -Gen.  J.  M.  Withers.  First  Brigade, 
rig. -Gen.  Frank  Gardner — Nineteenth  Alabama,  Twenty-second  Ala- 
una,  Twenty-fifth  Alabama,  Twenty-sixth  Alabama,  Thirty-ninth  Ala- 
ima,  Sharpshooters,  Robertson’s  Battery.  Second  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen. 
R.  Chalmers — Fifth  Mississippi,  Seventh  Mississippi,  Ninth  Missis- 
ppi,  Tenth  Mississippi,  Twenty -ninth  Mississippi,  Blythe’s  Mississippi, 
etchum’s  Battery.  Third  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  K.  Jackson — Seven- 
enth  Alabama,  Eighteenth  Alabama,  Twenty-first  Alabama,  Twenty- 
urth  Alabama,  Fifth  Georgia,  Burtwell’s  Battery.  Fourth  Brigade, 
dL  A.  M.  Manigault — -Twenty-eighth  Alabama,  Thirty- fourth  Alabama, 
irst  Louisiana  (detached),  Tenth  South  Carolina,  Nineteenth  South 
irolina,  Water’s  Battery. 

ARMY  OF  THE  WEST,  MAJ.-GEN.  J.  P.  M’COWN,  COMMANDING. 

First  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  Henry  Little.  First  Brigade,  Col.  Elijah 
'rtes — Sixteenth  Arkansas,  First  Missouri  (dismounted),  Second  Mis- 
uri,  Third  Missouri,  Missouri  Battalion,  Wade’s  Battery.  Second  Bri- 
: de,  Brig.-Gen.  P.  0.  Hebert — Fourteenth  Arkansas,  Seventeenth  Ar- 
nsas,  Third  Louisiana,  Whitfield’s  Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted), 
'Veer’s  Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted),  McDonald’s  Battery.  Third  Bri- 
j de,  Brig.-Gen.  M.  E.  Green — Fourth  Missouri,  Missouri  Battalion,  Mis- 


598 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


souri  Cavalry  Battalion  (dismounted),  Confederate  Rangers  (dis- 
mounted), King’s  Battery.  Second  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  J.  P.  McCown. 
First  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  W.  L.  Cobell — McCray’s  Arkansas,  Four- 
teenth. Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted),  Tenth  Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted  i, 
Eleventh  Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted),  Andrews’  Texas,  Good’s  Battery. 
Second  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  T.  J.  Churchill — Fourth  Arkansas,  First 
Arkansas  Riflemen  (dismounted),  Second  Arkansas  Riflemen  (dis- 
mounted), Fourth  Arkansas  Battalion,  Turnbull’s  Arkansas  Battalion, 
Reve’s  Missouri  Scouts,  Humphrey’s  Battery.  Third  Division,  Brig.- 
Gen.  D.  H.  Maury.  First  Brigade,  Col.  T.  P.  Dockery,  Eighteenth  Ar- 
kansas, Nineteenth  Arkansas,  Twentieth  Arkansas,  McCairns’  Arkansas 

Battalion,  Jones’  Arkansas  Battalion,  Battery.  Second  Brigade, 

Brig. -Gen.  J.  C.  Moore — Hobb’s  Arkansas,  Adams’  Arkansas,  Thirty- 
fifth  Mississippi,  Second  Texas,  Bledsoe’s  Battery.  Third  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  C.  W.  Phifer — Third  Arkansas  Cavalry  (dismounted),  Sixth  Texas 
Cavalry  (dismounted),  Ninth  Texas  Cavalry  (dismounted),  Brook’s  Bat- 
talion, McNally’s  Battery.  Reserved  Batteries:  Hoxton’s  Landis’,  Gui- 
bor’s  and  Brown’s.  Cavalry:  Forrest’s  Regiment,  Webb’s  Squadron, 
Savery’s  Company,  McCulloch’s  Regiment  and  Price’s  Body  Guard. 

THE  ARMY  OF  TENNESSEE  AT  MURFREESBORO,  GEN.  BRAXTON  BRAGG, 

COMMANDING.* 

Polk’s  (First)  Corps,  Lieut.-Gen.  Leonidas  Polk,  commanding.! 

First  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  D.  S.  Donelson:  Eighth  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  L.  Moore  and  Lieut. - 
Col.  John  H.  Anderson;  Sixteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  John  H.  Savage; 
Thirty-eighth  Tennessee,  Col.  John  C.  Carter;  Fifty-first  Tennessee, 
Col.  John  Chester:  Eighty-fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  S.  S.  Stanton;  Carnes 
Battery  (Steuben  Artillery),  Lieut.  J.  G.  Marshall.  Second  Brigade, 
Brig. -Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart;  Fourth  and  Fifth  Tennessee  Volunteers  (con- 
solidated), Col.  O.  F.  Strahl;  Nineteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  F.  M.  Walker; 
Twenty-fourth  Tennessee,  Maj.  S.  E.  Shannon  and  Col.  H.  L.  W.  Brat- 
ton; Thirty-first  and  Thirty-third  Tennessee  (consolidated),  Col  E.  E. 
Transit;  Stanford’s  Mississippi  Battery,  Capt.  T.  J.  Stanford.  Third 
Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  George  Maney:  First  and  Twenty-seventh  Tennes- 
see (consolidated),  Col.  H.  R.  Field;  Fourth  Tennessee  (Confederate), 
Col.  J.  A.  McMurray;  Sixth  and  Ninth  Tennessee  (consolidated),  Col. 
C.  S.  Hurt  and  Maj.  John  L.  Harris;  Tennessee  Sharpshooters,  Maj. 
F.  Maney;  M.  Smith’s  Battery,  Lieut.  W.  B.  Turner,  commanding. 

'^Organization  at  the  Battle  of  Murfreesboro  or  Stone  River,  Tenn.,  December  31,  1862,  to  January  3, 1863. 

fCopied  by  permission  of  J.  Berrien  Lindsley,  from  the  new  and  excellent  work,  entitled  “ Military  Annals 
of  Tennessee.” 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


599 


“fourth  (Smith’s)  Brigade,  Col.  A.  J.  Vaughan,  Jr.:  Twelfth  Tennessee, 
taj.  J.  N.  Wyatt;  Thirteenth  Tennessee,  Capt.  It.  F.  Lanier  and  Lieut. - 
ol.  W.  E.  Morgan;  Twenty-ninth  Tennessee,  Maj.  J.  B.  Johnson; 
orty-seventh  Tennessee,  Capt.  W.  M.  W atkins ; One  Hundred  and  Fifty- 
urth  Tennessee  (senior),  Lieut.-Col.  M.  Magevney,  Jr.;  Ninth  Texas, 
jbl.  W.  H.  Young;  Sharpshooters  (P.  T.  Allen’s),  Lieut.  J.  B.  J. 
L’eighton  and  Lieut.  T.  T.  Pattison;  Scott’s  Battery,  Capt.  W.  L. 

30tt. 

Second  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  J.  M.  Withers.  First  (Deas1)  Brigade, 
ols.  J.  Q.  Loomis  and  J.  G.  Coltart:  First  Louisiana,  Lieut.-Col.  F.  H. 
arrar,  Jr. ; Nineteenth  Alabama,  Twenty-second  Alabama,  Twenty-fifth 
labama,  Twenty-sixth  Alabama,  Thirty-ninth  Alabama;  Robertson’s 
atterv  (temporarily  assigned  on  January  2,  to  Gen.  Breckinridge),  Capt. 
H.  Robertson.  Second  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  James  R.  Chalmers  and 
ol.  T.  W.  White:  Seventh  Mississippi;  Ninth  Mississippi,  Col.  T. 
r.  White;  Tenth  Mississippi;  Forty-first  Mississippi;  Blythe’s  Forty - 
ui’th  Mississippi  Regiment  (battalion  of  sharpshooters),  Capt.  O.  F. 
“est ; Garrity’s  (late  Ketckum’s)  Battery  (Company  A,  Alabama  State 
rtiilery),  Capt.  James  Garrity.  Third  (Walthall’s)  Brigade,  Brig.- 
jen.  J.  Patton  Anderson:  Forty-fifth  Alabama,  Col.  James  Gilchrist; 
wenty-fourth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  P.  McKelvaine;  Twenty-seventh 
ississippi,  Col.  T.  M.  Jones,  Col.  J.  L.  Autry,  and  Capt.  E.  R.  Neilson; 
venty-ninth  Mississippi,  Col.  W.  F.  Brantly  and  Lieut.-Col.  J.  B.  Mor- 
in; Thirtieth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  J.  Scales;  Thirty-ninth  North 
u'olina  (temporarily  attached  on  the  field),  Capt.  A.  W.  Bell;  Missouri 
atterv,  Capt.  O.  W.  Barrett.  Fourth  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  J.  Patton 
nderson  (Col.  A.  M.  Manigault,  commanding) : Twenty-fourth  Alabama, 
vventy-eiglith  Alabama,  Thirty-fourth  Alabama,  Tenth  and  Nineteenth 
>uth  Carolina  (consolidated),  Col.  A.  J.  Lythgoe;  Alabama  Battery, 
apt,  D.  D.  Waters.  [Note:  McCown’s  Division,  Smith's  Corps,  was 
mporarily  attached  to  Polk’s  Corps,  but  was  with  Cleburne’s  Division, 
ardee's  Corps,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Gen.  Hardee.] 
Hardee’s  (Second)  Corps,  Lieut.-Gen.  W.  J.  Hardee,  commanding. 
First  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
eu.  D.  W.  Adams,  Col.  R.  L.  Gibson:  Thirty-second  Alabama,  Col.  Alex 
cKinstry  and  Lieut. -Col.  H.  Maury;  Thirteenth  and  Twentieth  Louisiana 
lonsolidated),  Col.  R.  L.  Gibson  and  Maj.  Charles  Guillet;  Sixteenth 
id  Twenty-fifth  Louisiana  (consolidated).  Col.  S.  W.  Fisk  and  Maj.  F.  C. 
icharie;  Battalion  of  Sharpshooters,  Maj.  J.  E.  Austin;  Fifth  Company 
ashington  Artillery  of  Louisiana,  Lieut.  W.  C.  D.  Vaught.  Second 
t'igade,  Col.  J.  B.  Palmer  (Brig. -Gen  G.  J.  Pillow,  commanding  part 


600 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


of  January  2,  1863):  Eighteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  B.  Palmer  am 
Lieut. -Col.  W.  R.  Butler;  Twenty-sixth  Tennessee,  Col.  John  M.  Lilian! 
Twenty-eighth  Tennessee,  Col.  P.  D.  Cummings ; Thirty-second  Tenues 
see,  Col.  E.  C.  Cook;  Forty-fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  A.  Searcy;  Moses 
Georgia  Battery,  Lieut.  R.  W.  Anderson.  Third  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen 
William  Preston:  First  and  Third  Florida  (consolidated),  Col.  Willi  an 
Miller;  Fourth  Florida,  Col.  W.  L.  L.  Bowen;  Sixtieth  North  Carolina 
Col.  J.  A.  McDowell;  Twentieth  Tennessee,  Col.  T.  B.  Smith,  Lieut.-CoI 
F.  M.  Lavender  and  Maj.  F.  Claybrooke;  Wright’s  Tennessee  Battery, 
Capt.  E.  E.  Wright  and  Lieut.  John  W.  Mebane.  Fourth  Brigade,  Brig, 
Gen.  R.  W.  Hanson  (Col.  R.  P.  Trabue,  commanding  on  January  2 
1863):  Forty-first  Alabama,  Col.  IT.  Talbird  and  Lieut.-Col.  M.  L, 
Stansel;  Second  Kentucky,  Maj.  James  W.  Hewitt;  Fourth  Kentucky 
Col.  Trabue  and  Capt.  T.  W.  Thompson;  Sixth  Kentucky,  Col.  Joseph 
H.  Lewis;  Ninth  Kentucky,  Col.  Thomas  H.  Hunt;  Cobb’s  Battery,  Capt 
R.  Cobb.  Jackson’s  Brigade  (Independent) : Fifth  Georgia,  Col.  W.  T, 
Black  and  Maj.  C.  P.  Daniel;  Second  Georgia  Battalion  (sharpshooters). 
Maj.  J.  J.  Cox;  Fifth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  L.  Sykes ; Eighth  Missis 
sippi,  Col.  John  C.  Wilkinson  and  Lieut.-Col.  A.  M.  McNeill;  E.  E.  Prit- 
chard’s Battery;  C.  L.  Lumsden’s  Battery  (temporary). Lieut.  H.  H.  Crifcbs, 
Second  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne.  First  Brigade,  Brig. 
Gen.  L.  E.  Polk:  First  Arkansas,  Col.  John  W.  Colquitt;  Thirteenth 
Arkansas,  Fifteenth  Arkansas,  Fifth  Confederate,  Col.  J.  A.  Smith;  Sec- 
ond Tennessee,  Col.  W.  D.  Robison;  Fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  B.  J.  Hill 
Helena  Battery  (J.  H.  Calvert’s),  Lieut.  T.  J.  Key  commanding.  Sec- 
ond Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  St.  John  R.  Liddell;  Second  Arkansas,  Col.  D 
C.  Govan;  Fifth  Arkansas,  Lieut.-Col.  John  E.  Murray;  Sixth  anc 
Seventh  Arkansas  (consolidated),  Col.  S.  G.  Smith,  Lieut-Col.  P.  J, 
Cameron  and  Maj.  W.  F.  Douglass;.  Eighth  Arkansas,  Col.  John  H.  Eel- 
ley  and  Lieut.-Col.  G.  F.  Bancum;  Charles  Swett’s  Battery;  ( Warren 
Light  Artillery,  Mississippi),  Lieut.  H.  Shannon,  commanding.  Thin 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  B.  R.  Johnson:  Seventeenth  Tennessee,  Col.  A.  S 
Marks  and  Lieut.-Col.  W.  W.  Floyd;  Twenty-third  Tennessee,  Lieut- 
Col.  R.  IT.  Keeble;  Twenty-fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  M.  Hughes  and  Lieut.- 
Col.  Samuel  Davis;  Thirty-seventh  Tennessee,  Col.  M.  White,  Me-].  J 
T.  McReynolds  and  Capt.  C.  G.  Jarnagin;  Forty-fourth  Tennessee,  Col 
John  S.  Fulton;  Jefferson  Artillery,  Capt.  Put  Darden.  Fourth  Brigade. 
Brig.-Gen.  S.  A.  M.  Wood:  Sixteenth  Alabama,  Col.  W.  B.  Wq:|d;  Thirty 
third  Alabama,  Col.  Samuel  Adams;  Third  Confederate,  Maj.  J.  F.  Cam 
eron;  Forty-fifth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  Charlton;  two  companies 
Sharpshooters,  Capt.  A.  T.  Hawkins;  Semple’s  Battery  (detached  foi 


HISTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


601 


anson’s  Brigade,  Breckinridge’s  Division,  up  to  January  1,  1863,  when 
returned),  Henry  C.  Semple. 

Smith’s  (Third)  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  E.  K.  Smith  commanding. 

Second  Division,*  Maj.-Gen.  J.  P.  McCown.  First  Brigade  (dis- 
counted cavalry)  Brig. -Gen.  M.  D.  Ector:  Tenth  Texas  Cavalry,  Col.  M. 
Locke;  Eleventh  Texas  Cavalry,  Col.  J.  C.  Burks  and  Lieut-Col.  J. 
Bounds ; Fourteenth  Texas  Cavalry,  Col.  J.  L.  Camp ; Fifteenth  Texas 
svalry,  Col.  J.  A.  Andrews;  Douglass  Battery,  Capt.  J.  P.  Douglass. 
i3cond  Brigade — Brig. -Gen.  James  E.  Bains  (Col.  B.  B.  Vance  com- 
anding  after  the  fall  of  Gen.  Bains):  Third  Georgia  Battalion,  Lieut. - 
<bl.  M.  A.  Stovall;  Ninth  Georgia  Battalion,  Maj.  Josepli  T.  Smith; 
wenty-ninth  North  Carolina,  Col.  B.  B.  Vance  part  of  time;  Eleventh 
finnessee,  Col.  G.  W.  Gordon  and  Lieut. -Col.  William  Thedford;  Eu- 
:ula  Light  Artillery,  Lieut.  W.  A.  McDuffie.  Third  Brigade,  Brig.- 
'en.  E.  McNair  and  Col.  B.  W.  Harper,  commanding:  First  Arkansas 
rnunted  Bifles  (dismounted),  Col.  B.  W.  Harper  and  Maj.  L.  M.  Bam- 
ur;  Second  Arkansas  Mounted  Bifles,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  A.  Williamson; 
'purth  Arkansas,  Col.  H.  G.  Bunn;  Thirtieth  Arkansas  (the  Thirty-first 
a return  of  Seventeenth),  Maj.  J.  J.  Franklin  and  Capt.  W.  A.  Cot-’ 
it-;  Fourth  Arkansas  Battalion,  Maj.  J.  A.  Boss;  Humphrey’s  Battery, 
apt.  J.  T.  Humphreys. 

Cavalry,  Brig. -Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler.  Wheeler’s  Brigade,  Brig.- 
<3n.  Joseph  Wheeler:  First  Alabama,  Col.  W.  W.  Allen;  Third  Ala- 
1 ma,  Maj.  F.  G.  Gaines  and  Capt.  T.  H.  Mauldin;  Fifty-first  Alabama, 
>1.  John  T.  Morgan,  and  Lieut.-Col.  James  D.  Webb;  Eighth  Con- 
iierate,  Col.  W.  B.  Wade;  First  Tennessee,  Col.  James  E.  Carter; 
bnnessee  Battalion,  Maj.  D.  W.  Holman;  Arkansas  Battery,  Capt. 
H.  Wiggins.  Wharton’s  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  J.  A.  Wharton:  Four- 
enth  Alabama  Battalion,  Lieut.-Col.  James  Malone;  First  Confed- 
;ate,  Col.  John  T.  Cox;  Third  Confederate,  Lieut.-Col.  William  N. 
3tes;  Second  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  E.  Dunlap  and  Maj.  F.  M.  Ison; 
fird  Georgia  (detachment),  Maj.  B.  Thompson;  Second  Tennessee,  Col. 

. M.  Ashby;  Fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  Baxter  Smith;  Tennessee  Battalion, 
aj.  John  B.  Davis;  Eighth  Texas,  Col.  Thomas  Harrison;  Murray’s 
sgiment,  Maj.  W.  S.  Bledsoe;  Escort  Company,  Capt.  Paul  Henderson; 
cCown’s  Escort  Company,  Capt.  J.  J.  Partin;  White’s  Battery,  Capt. 
F.  White.  Buford’s  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  A.  Buford:  Third  Kentucky, 
jfi.  J.  B.  Butler;  Fifth  Kentucky,  Col.  D.  H.  Smith;  Sixth  Kentucky, 
'pi.  J.  W.  Grigsby.  Pegram’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  John  Pegram:  First 
'.eorgia ; First  Louisiana. 

♦There  is  no  evidence  that  the  First  (Stevenson’s)  Division  of  Smith’s  Corps  was  engaged. 


602 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


THE  ARMY  OF  TENNESSEE,  GEN.  JOSEPH  E.  JOHNSTON,  COMMANDING. * 

Hardee’s  Army  Corps,  Lieut-Gen.  W.  J.  Hardee,  commanding. 

Cheatham’s  Division,  Maj-Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham.  Maney’s  Brigade: 
First  and  Twenty-seventh  Tennessee,  Col.  H.  B.  Field ; Fourth  Tennessee 
(Confederate),  Lieut. -Col.  O.  A.  Bradshaw;  Sixth  and  Ninth  Tennessee, 
Lieut.-Col.  J.  W.  Burford;  Nineteenth  Tennessee,  Maj.  J.  G.  Deaderiek; 
Fiftieth  Tennessee, Col.  S.  H.  Colms.  Wright’s  Brigade:  Eighth  Tennessee, 
Col.  J.  H.  Anderson ; Sixteenth  Tennessee,  Capt.  B.  Randals ; Twenty-eighth 
Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  D.  C.  Crook;  Thirty-eighth  Tennessee,  Lieut. -Col 
A.  D.  Gwynne;  Fifty-first  and  Fifty-second  Tennessee,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  V. 
Estes.  Stralil’s  Brigade:  Fourth  and  Fifth  Tennessee,  Maj.  H.  Hampton; 
Twenty-fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  A.  Wilson;  Thirty -first  Tennessee,  Maj. 
Samuel  Sharp;  Thirty -third  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  P.  Jones;  Forty-first 
Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  James  D.  Tillman.  Vaughan’s  Brigade:  Eleventh 
Tennessee,  Col.  G.  W.  Gordon ; Twelfth  and  Forty-seventh  Tennessee,  Col. 
W.  M.  Watkins;  Twenty-ninth  Tennessee,  Col.  Horace  Bice;  One  Hundred 
and  Fifty-fourth  and  Thirteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  M.  Magevney,  Jr. 

Cleburne’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne.  Polk’s  Brigade:  First 
and  Fifteenth  Arkansas,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  H.  Martin;  Fifth  Confederate, 
Maj.  B.  J.  Person;  Second  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  D.  Robison;  Thirty-hfih 
and  Forty-eighth  Tennessee,  Capt.  H.  G.  Evans.  Lowrey’s  Brigade:  Six- 
teenth Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  F.  A.  Ashford;  Thirty-third  Alabama,  Col. 
Samuel  Adams ; Forty-fifth  Alabama,  Col.  H.  D.  Lampley;  Thirty-second 
Mississippi,  Col.  W.  H.  H.  Tison:  Forty-fifth  Mississippi,  Col.  A.  B. 
Hardcastle.  Govan’s  Brigade:  Second  and  Twenty-fourth  Arkansas, 

Col.  E.  Warfield;  Fifth  and  Thirteenth  Arkansas,  Col.  J.  E.  Murray; 
Sixth  and  Seventh  Arkansas,  Col.  S.  G.  Smith;  Eighth  and  Nineteenth 
Arkansas,  Col.  G.  F.  Baucum ; Third  Confederate,  Capt.  M.  H.  Dixon. 
Smith’s  Brigade:  Sixth  and  Fifteenth  Texas,  Capt.  B.  Fisher;  Seventh 
Texas,  Capt.  C.  E.  Talley;  Tenth  Texas,  Col.  B.  Q.  Mills;  Seventeenth 
and  Eighteenth  Texas,  Capt.  G.  D.  Manion;  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty- 
fifth  Texas,  Maj.  W.  A.  Taylor. 

Bates’  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  William  B.  Bate.  Tyler’s  Brigade:  Thir- 
ty-seventh Georgia,  Col.  J.  T.  Smith;  Fifteenth  and  Thirty-seventh 
Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  B.  D.  Frazier;  Twentieth  Tennessee,  Lieut. -Col. 
W.  M.  Shy;  Thirtieth  Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  J.  Turner;  Fourth  bat- 
talion Georgia  Sharpshooters,  Maj.  T.  D.  Caswell.  Lewis’  Brigade:  Sec- 
ond ^Kentucky,  Col.  J.  W.  Moss;  Fourth  Kentucky,  Lieut.-Col.  T.  VV 
Thompson;  Fifth  Kentucky,  Lieut. -Col.  H.  Hawkins;  Sixth  Kentucky 
Col.  M.  H.  Cofer;  Ninth  Kentucky,  Col.  J.  W.  Caldwell.  Finley’s  Bri 


•'■'Organization  for  the  period  ending  June  JO,  1864. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


603 


j-ade:  First  and  Third  Florida,  Capt.  M.  H.  Strain;  First  and  Fourth 
Florida,  Lieut. -Col.  E.  Badger;  Sixth  Florida,  Lieut. -Col.  D.  L.  Kenan; 
Seventh  Florida,  Col.  It.  Bullock. 

Walker’s  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  W.  H.  T.  Walker.  Mercer’s  Brigade,, 
Brig. -Gen.  H.  W.  Mercer:  First  Georgia,  Col.  C.  H.  Olmstead;  Fifty- 
'ourth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  M.  Rawles;  Fifty-seventh  Georgia,  Lieut.-CoL 
I S.  Guyton;  Sixty -third  Georgia,  Col.  G.  A.  Gordon.  Jackson’s  Bri- 
gade, Brig.-Gen.  John  K.  Jackson:  Forty-sixth  Georgia,  Col.  A.  C.  Ed- 
vards; Sixty -fifth  Georgia,  Capt.  W.  G.  Foster;  Fifth  Mississippi,  Col. 
lohn  Weir;  Eighth  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  C.  Wilkinson;  Second  Battalion 
Jeorgia  Sharpshooters,  Maj.  It.  H.  Wliiteley.  Gist’s  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Jen.  S.  B.  Gist:  Eighth  Georgia  Battalion,  Lieut.-Col.  Z.  L.  Waters; 
Forty-sixth  Georgia,  Capt.  E.  Taylor ;' Sixteenth  South  Carolina,  Col. 
lames  McCullough;  Twenty -fourth  South  Carolina,  Col.  E.  Capers. 
■Stevens’  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  C.  H.  Stevens:  First  Georgia  (Confeder- 
.te),  Col.  G.  A.  Smith;  Twenty -fifth  Georgia,  Col.  W.  J.  Winn;  Twenty - 
dnth  Georgia,  Maj.  J.  J.  Owen;  Thirtieth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  S. 
loynton;  Sixty-sixth  Georgia,  Col.  J.  C.  Nisbett;  First  Battalion  Georgia 
Sharpshooters,  Maj.  A.  Shaaff. 

Hood’s  Army  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  John  B.  Hood,  commanding. 

Hindman’s  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  T.  C.  Hindman.  Deas’  Brigade, 
idol.  J.  G.  Coltart:  Nineteenth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  G.  R.  Kimbrough; 
twenty  ^second  Alabama,  Col.  B.  R.  Hart;  Twenty-fifth  Alabama,  Col.  G. 
).  Johnston;  Thirty -ninth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  C.  Clifton;  Fiftieth 
dabama,  Capt.  G.  W.  Arnold;  Seventeenth  Battalion  Alabama  Sharp- 
hooters,  Capt.  J.  F.  Nabers.  Manigault’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  A.  M. 
Ianigault:  Twenty-fourth  Alabama,  Col.  N.  N.  Davis;  Twenty-eighth 
dabama,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  L.  Butler;  Thirty -fourth  Alabama,  Col.  J.  C.  B. 
litchell;  Tenth  South  Carolina,  Capt.  R.  Z.  Harlee;  Nineteenth  South 
’arolina,  Maj.  J.  L.  White.  Tucker’s  Brigade,  Col.  J.  H.  Sharp:  Sev- 
nth  Mississippi,  Col.  W.  H.  Bishop;  Ninth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  B. 
'■  Johns;  Tenth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  G.  B.  Myers;  Forty-first  Mis- 
issippi,  Col.  J.  B.  Williams;  Forty-fourth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  G. 
i.elsey;  Ninth  Battalion  Mississippi  Sharpshooters,  Maj.  W.  C.  Richards, 
i althall's  Brigade,  Col.  Sam  Benton:  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-seventh 
lississippi,  Col.  R.  P.  McKelvaine ; Twenty-ninth  and  Thirtieth  Mississip- 
i,  Col.  W.  F.  Brantley;  Thirty-fourth  Mississippi,  Capt.  T.  S.  Hubbard. 

Stevenson’s  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  C.  L.  Stevenson.  Brown’s  Brigade: 
kird  Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  C.  J.  Clack;  Eighteenth  Tennessee,  Lieut. - 
'ol-  M".  R.  Butler;  Twenty-sixth  Tennessee,  Capt.  A.  F.  Boggess; 
'hirty-second  Tennessee,  Capt.  C.  G.  Tucker;  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  and 


004 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Twenty -third  Battalion,  Col.  A.  Searcy.  Cummings’  Brigade:  Second 
Georgia  (State),  Col.  James  Wilson;  Thirty-fourth  Georgia,  Capt.  W. 
A.  Walker;  Thirty-sixth  Georgia,  Maj.  C.  E.  Broyles;  Thirty-ninth 
Georgia,  Capt.  W.  P.  Milton;  Fifty- sixth  Georgia,  Col.  E.  P.  Watkins. 
Reynold’s  Brigade — Pifty-eigkth  North  Carolina,  Capt.  S.  M.  Silver; 
Sixtieth  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  M.  Hardy;  Fifty-fourth  Virginia. 
Lieut. -Col.  J.  J.  Wade;  Sixty-third  Virginia,  Capt.  C.  H.  Lynch.  Pet- 
tus’  Brigade:  Twentieth  Alabama,  Capt.  S.  W.  Davidson;  Twenty-third 
Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  B.  Bibb;  Thirtieth  Alabama,  Col.  C.  M.  Shelley; 
Thirty -first  Alabama,  Capt.  J.  J.  Nix;  Forty-sixth  Alabama,  Capt.  G.  E. 
Brewer. 

Stewart’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart.  Stovall’s  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  M.  A.  Stovall:  First  Georgia  (State  line),  Col.  E.  M.  Gall: 
Fortieth  Georgia,  Capt.  J.  N.  Dobbs;  Forty-first  Georgia,  Maj.  M.  S. 
Nall;  Forty-second  Georgia,  Maj.  W.  H.  Hulsey;  Forty-third  Georgia, 
Capt.  H.  R.  Howard;  Fifty-second  Georgia,  Capt.  John  R.  Russell. 
Clayton’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  H.  D.  Clayton:  Eighteenth  Alabama, 
Lieut.-Col.  P.  F.  Hunley;  Thirty-second  and  Fifty-eighth  Alabama, 
Col.  Bush  Jones;  Thirty-sixth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  T.  H.  Herndon; 
Thirty-eighth  Alabama,  Capt.  D.  Lee.  Gibson’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  R. 
L.  Gibson:  First  Louisiana,  Capt.  W.  H.  Sparks;  Thirteenth  Louisiana, 
Lieut.-Col.  F.  L.  Campbell;  Sixteenth  and  Twenty-fifth  Louisiana,  Lieui- 
Col.  R.  H.  Lindsay;  Nineteenth  Louisiana,  Col.  R.  W.  Turner;  Twentieth 
Louisiana,  Col.  Leon  Von  Zinken;  Fourth  Louisiana  Battalion,  Maj.  D. 
Buie:  Fourteenth  Battalion  Louisiana  Sharpshooters,  Maj.  J.  E.  Austin. 
Baker’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  A.  Baker:  Thirty-seventh  Alabama,  Lieut. - 
Col.  A.  A.  Greene;  Fortieth  Alabama,  Col.  J.  H.  Higley;  Forty-second 
Alabama,  Capt.  R.  K.  Wells;  Fifty-fourth  Alabama.  Lieut.-Col.  J.  A. 
Minter. 

Wheeler’s  Cavalry  Corps,  Maj. -Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  commanding. 
Martin’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  W.  T.  Martin.  Allen’s  Brigade:  First 
Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  D.  T.  Blakey;  Third  Alabama,  Col.  James  Hagan: 
Fourth  Alabama,  Col.  A.  A.  Russell;  Seventh  Alabama,  Capt.  G.  Mason; 
Fifty-first  Alabama,  Col.  M.  L.  Kirkpatrick;  Twelfth  Alabama  Battalion, 
Capt.  W.  S.  Reese.  Iverson’s  Brigade:  First  Georgia,  Col.  8.  4 
Davitte;  Second  Georgia,  Col.  J.  W.  Mayo;  Third  Georgia,  Col.  R. 
Thompson;  Fourth  Georgia,  Maj.  A.  R.  Stewart;  Sixth  Georgia,  Coi. 
John  R.  Hart. 

Kelly’s  Division.  Anderson’s  Brigade,  Col.  R.  H.  Anderson:  Tim'd 
Confederate,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  McCaskill;  Eighth  Confederate,  Lieut.-CoJ. 
J.  S.  Prather;  Tenth  Confederate,  Capt.  W.  J.  Vason;  Twelfth  Confed-  j 


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HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


605 


erate,  Capt.  C.  H.  Conner;  Fifth  Georgia.  Maj.  E.  J.  Davant,  Jr.  Dib- 
rell’s  Brigade,  Col.  G.  G.  Dibrell:  Fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  S.  McLe- 
more;  Eighth  Tennessee,  Capt.  J.  Leftwich;  Ninth  Tennessee,  Capt.  J. 
M.  Eeynolds;  Tenth  Tennessee,  Maj.  John  Minor.  Hannon’s  Brigade, 
Col.  M.  W.  Hannon:  Fifty-third  Alabama,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  F.  Gaines; 
Twenty-fourth  Alabama  Battalion,  Maj.  E.  B.  Snodgrass. 

Hume’s  Division.  Ashby’s  Brigade,  Col.  H.  M.  Ashby:  First  East 
Tennessee  (not  reported);  First  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  T.  Wheeler;  Second 
Tennessee,  Capt.  J.  H.  Kuhn;  Fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  G.  W.  McKenzie; 
Ninth  Tennessee,  Battalion,  Capt.  J.  W.  Greene.  Harrison’s  Brigade, 
pol.  Thomas  Harrison:  Arkansas,  Col.  A.  W.  Hobson;  Sixty-sixth; 
North  Carolina  (not  reported) ; Fourth  Tennessee,  Lieut. -Col.  P.  F. 
Tnderson;  Eighth  Texas,  Maj.  S.  P.  Christian;  Eleventh  Texas,  Col.  G. 
Et.  Eeeves.  Williams’  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  S.  Williams:  First  Ken- 
ucky,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  W.  Griffith ; Second  Kentucky,  Maj.  T.  W.  Lewis; 
Ninth  Kentucky,  Col.  W.  C.  P.  Breckinridge;  Second  Kentucky  Battal- 
on,  Capt.  J.  B.  Dartch;  Allison’s  Squadron,  Capt.  J.  S.  Eeese;  detach- 
ment Hamilton’s  Battalion,  Maj.  James  Shaw. 

Artillery  Corps,  Brig-Gen.  F.  A.  Shoup,  commanding. 

Artillery  of  Hardee’s  Corps,  Col.  M.  Smith.  Hoxton’s  Battalion 
—Perry’s  Battery,  Capt.  T.  J.  Perry,  Phelan’s  Battery,  Lieut.  N.  Ven- 
ble;  Turner’s  Battery,  Capt.  H.  B.  Turner.  Hotchkiss’  Battalion — 
roldth wait’s  Battery,  Capt.  E.  W.  Goldtlrwait;  Key’s  Battery,  Capt.  T. 

. Key;  Swett’s  Battery,  Lieut.  H.  Shannon.  Martin’s  Battalion — Bled- 
oe's  Battery,  Lieut.  C.  W.  Higgins;  Ferguson’s  Battery,  Lieut.  J.  A. 
Liston ; Howell’s  Battery,  Lieut.  W.  G.  Bobson.  Cobb’s  Battalion — Gra- 
ey’s  Battery,  Lieut.  E.  Matthews;  Mebane’s  Battery,  Lieut.  J.  W.  Phil- 
ips; Slocomb’s  Battery,  Capt.  C.  H.  Slocomb. 

Artillery  of  Hood’s  Corps,  Col.  E.  F.  Beckham.  Courtney’s  Battal- 
pn — Dent’s  Battery,  Capt.  S.  H.  Dent;  Douglass’  Battery,  Capt.  J.  P. 
louglass;  Garrity’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  Garrity.  Eldridge’s  Battalion — 
’enner’s  Battery,  Capt.  C.  E.  Fenner;  Oliver’s  Battery,  Capt.  McD. 
•liver;  Stanford’s  Battery,  Lieut.  J.  S.  McCall.  Johnston’s  Battalion — 
'orput’s  Battery,  Lieut.  W.  S.  Hoge;  Marshall’s  Battery,  Capt.  L.  G. 
larshall;  Eowan’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  B.  Eowan. 

Artillery  of  Wheeler’s  Corps,  Lieut. -Col.  F.  W.  Eobertson.  Fer- 

Tl’s  Battery,  Lieut.  —Davis;  Huggins’  Battery,  Capt.  A.  L.  Hug- 

ins;  Kamsey’s  Battery,  Lieut.  D.  B.  Eamsey ; White’s  Battery,  Lieut.  A. 
ue;  Wiggin’s  Battery,  Lieut.  J.  P.  Bryant. 

Beserve  Battalions,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  IT.  Hallonquist.  Williams’  Battal- 
111 — Darden’s  Battery,  Jeffree’s  Battery,  Kolb’s  Battery.  Palmer’s  Bat- 

38 


GOG 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


talion — Harris’  Battery,  Lumsden’s  Battery.  Waddill’s  Battalion — 
Barrett’s  Battery,  Bellamy’s  Battery,  Emery’s  Battery. 

Detachments:  Escorts,  Gen.  J.  E Johnston’s — Company  A,  Capt. 

Guy  Dreux;  Company  B,  Capt.  E.  M.  Holloway.  Gen.  Cheatham's — 
Capt.  T.  M.  Merritt.  Gen.  Cleburne’s — Capt.  C.  E.  Sanders.  Gen. 
Walker’s — Capt.  T.  G.  Holt.  Gen.  Bates’ — Lieut.  James  H.  Buck.  Gen. 
Hardee’s — Capt.  W.  C.  Baum.  Gen.  Hindman’s — Capt.  F.  J.  Billings- 
lea.  Gen.  Stevenson’s — Capt.  T.  B.  Wilson.  Gen.  Stewart’s — -Capt. 
George  T.  Watts. 

Engineer  Troops,  Maj.  J.  W.  Green.  Cheatham’s  Division,  Capt.  K. 
N.  Pharr;  Cleburne’s  Division,  Capt.  W.  A.  Bamsay;  Stewart’s  Division, 
A.  W.  Gloster;  Hindman’s  Division,  Capt.  B.  L.  Cobb;  Buckner’s  Divis- 
ion, Capt.  E.  Winston  (detached  companies)  Capt.  B.  C.  McCalla;  De- 
tachment Sappers  and  Miners,  Capt.  A.  W.  Clarkson. 

ARMY  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI,  LIEUT. -GEN.  LEONIDAS  POLK,  COMMANDING.* 

Loring’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  W.  W.  Loring.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  W.  S.  Featlierston:  Third  Mississippi,  Col.  T.  A.  Mellon;  Twenty- 
Second  Mississippi,  Maj.  Martin  A.  Oatis;  Thirty-first  Mississippi,  Col. 
M.  D.  L.  Stevens;  Thirty-third  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  L.  Dake;  Fortieth 
Mississippi,  Col.  W.  Bruce  Colbert;  First  Mississippi,  Battalion  Sharp- 
shooters, Maj.  J.  M.  Stigler.  Second  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  John  Adams: 
Sixth  Mississippi,  Col.  Bobert  Lowry;  Fourteenth  Mississippi,  Lieut. - 
Col.  W.  L.  Doss;  Fifteenth  Mississippi,  Col.  M.  Farrell;  Twentieth  Mis- 
sissippi, Col.  William  N.  Brown;  Twenty-third  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  M. 
Wells ; Forty-third  Mississippi,  Col.  Bichard  Harrison.  Third  Brigade, 
Col.  Thomas  M.  Scott:  Twenty-seventh  Alabama,  Col.  James  Jackson; 
Thirty-fifth  Alabama,  Col.  S.  S.  Ives;  Forty-ninth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Coi. 
J.  D.  Weedon;  Fifty-fifth  Alabama^  Col.  John  Snodgrass;  Fifty-seventh 
Alabama,  Col.  C.  J.  L.  Cunningham;  Twelfth  Louisiana,  Lieut. -Col.  N. 
L.  Nelson.  Artillery  Battalion,  Maj.  J.  D.  Myrick:  Barry’s  Battery. 
Bouanchand’s  Battery,  Cowan’s  Battery,  Mississippi. 

French’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  S.  G.  French.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  M.  D.  Ector:  Twenty-ninth  North  Carolina,  Thirty-ninth  North 
Carolina,  Ninth  Texas,  Col.  William  H.  Young;  Tenth  Texas,  Col.-C.  R. 
Earp;  Fourteenth  Texas,  Col.  J.  L.  Camp;  Thirty-second  Texas,  Col.  J. 
A.  Andrews.  Second  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  F.  M.  Cockrell;  First  Mis- 
souri (the  First  and  Fourth  combined),  Capt.  Keith;  Second  Mis- 

souri (the  Second  and  Sixth  combined),  Col.  P.  C.  Flournoy;  Third 
Missouri  (the  Third  and  Fifth  combined),  Col.  James  McCown;  Fourth 


*Organization  June  10, 1804. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


607 


Missouri  (the  First  and  Fourth  combined),  Capt.  Keith;  Fifth 

Missouri  (Third  and  Fifth  combined),  Col.  James  McCown ; Sixth  Mis- 
souri (Third  and  Sixth  combined),  Col.  P.  C.  Flournoy;  First  Missouri 
Cavalry,  Third  Missouri  Cavalry,  Maj.  Elijah  Yates.  Third  Brigade, 
Brig'.-Gen.  C.  W.  Sears;  Fourth  Mississippi,  Col.  T.  N.  Adair;  Thirty- 
fifth  Mississippi,  Col.  William  S.  Barney;  Thirty-sixth  Mississippi,  Col. 
w.  W.  Witherspoon;  Thirty-ninth  Mississippi,  Lieut. -Col.  W.  E.  Boss; 
Forty-sixth  Mississippi,  Col.  W.  H.  Clark;  Seventh  Mississippi  Battalion. 
Artillery  Battalion,  Maj.  GeorgeS.  Storrs;  Guibor’s  Missouri  Battery,, 
Hoskin’s  Mississippi  Battery,  Ward’s  Alabama  Battery. 

Cantey’s  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  James  Cantey.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  D.  H.  Pieynolds:  First  Arkansas,  Second  Arkansas,  Fourth  Ar- 
kansas, Ninth  Arkansas,  Twenty-fifth  Arkansas.  Second  Brigade  (regi- 
mental commanders  not  indicated  on  original  return),  Col.  Y.  S.  Murphy: 
First  Alabama,  Seventeenth  Alabama,  Twenty-sixth  Alabama,  Twenty- 
ninth  Alabama,  Thirty-seventh  Mississippi.  Artillery  Battalion,  Maj. 
i W.  C.  Preston.  Gideon  Nelson’s  Artillery,  Selden’s  Alabama  Battery, 
Tarrant’s  Alabama  Battery,  Yates’  Mississippi  Battery. 

Cavalry  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  W.  H.  Jackson.  First  Brigade,  Brig.- 
den.  F.  C.  Armstrong:  Sixth  Alabama,  Col.  C.  H.  Colvin  ( ?)  ; First 
[Mississippi,  Col.  B.  A.  Pinson;  Second  Mississippi,  Maj.  J.  J.  Perry; 
Twenty-eighth  Mississippi,  Maj.  J.  T.  McPall  ( ?) ; Ballentine’s  Begi- 

nent,  Capt.  E.  E.  Porter.  Second  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  Boss: 

Third  Texas,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  S.  Bogges  ( ?) ; Sixth  Texas,  Lieut. -Col.  L.  S. 
Toss;  Ninth  Texas,  Col.  D.  W.  Jones;  Twenty-seventh  Texas,  Col.  E.  B. 

Jaw  kins.  Third  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen. Ferguson;  Second  Alabama 

jieut.-Col.  J.  N.  Carpenter;  Twelfth  Alabama,  Col.  W.  M.  Inge;  Fifty- 
sixth  Alabama,  Col.  W.  Boyles;  Miller’s  Mississippi  Begiment,  Perrin’s 
Mississippi  Begiment.  Artillery  Battalion,  Croft’s  Georgia  Battery, 
Xing's  Missouri  Battery,  Waiter’s  South  Carolina  Battery  ( ?). 

« 

THE  ARMY  OF  TENNESSEE,  GEN.  BRAXTON  BRAGG,  COMMANDING.’* 

Bight  Wing,  Polk’s  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  Leonidas  Polk  commancing. 

Cheatham’s  Division,  Maj.  -Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham.  Escort : Second  Geor- 
gia Cavalry,  Company  G,  Capt.  T.  M.  Merritt.  Jackson’s  Brigade,  Brig.- 
len.  John  K.  Jackson:  First  Georgia  (Confederate),  Second  Georgia 
lattalion,  Maj.  J.  C.  Gordon;  Fifth  Georgia,  Col!  C.  P.  Daniel;  Second 
jieorgia  Battalion  (sharpshooters),  Maj.  B.  H.  Whitley;  Fifth  Missis- 
ippi,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  L.  Sykes  and  Maj.  J.  B.  Herring;  Eighth  Missis- 

•^Organization  of  the  army  at  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20, 1863,  compiled  mainly  from  the  official 


608 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


sippi,  Col.  J.  C.  Wilkinson.  Maney’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  George  Ma- 
ney:  First  and  Twenty- Seventh  Tennessee,  Col.  H.  R.  Field;  Fourth 
Tennessee  (provisional  army),  Col.  J.  A.  McMurray,  Lieut. -Col.  R.  N. 
Lewis,  Maj.  O.  A.  Bradshaw  and  Capt.  J.  Bostick;  Sixth  and  Ninth  Ten- 
nessee, Col.  George  C.  Porter ; Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Battalion 
(sharpshooters),  Maj.  Frank  Maney.  Smith’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Pres- 
ton Smith,  Col.  A.  J.  Vaughan,  Jr.:  Eleventh  Tennessee,  Col.  G.  W. 
Gordon;  Twelfth  and  Forty-seventh  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  M.  Watkins; 
Thirteenth  and  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  A.  -T. 
Vaughan,  Jr.,  and  Lieut.-Col.  R.  W.  Pitman;  Twenty-ninth  Tennessee, 
Col.  Horace  Rice;  Dawson’s  Battalion  Sharpshooters  (composed  of  two 
companies  from  the  Eleventh  Tennessee,  two  from  the  Twelfth  and  Forty  - 
seventh  Tennessee  (consolidated),  and  one  from  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fifty-fourth  Senior  Tennessee)  Maj.  J.  W.  Dawson  and  Maj.  William 
Green.  Wright’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Marcus  J.  Wright:  Eighth  Ten- 
nessee, Col.  John  H.  Anderson;  Sixteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  D.  M.  Don- 
nell; Twenty-eighth  Tennessee,  Col.  S.  S.  Stanton;  Thirty-eighth  Ten- 
nessee and  Murray’s  (Tennessee)  Battalion,  Col.  J.  C.  Carter;  Fifty- 
first  and  Fifty-second  Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  John  G.  Hall.  Strain's 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  O.  F.  Strahl:  Fourth  and  Fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  J. 
J.  Lamb;  Nineteenth  Tennessee,  Col.  F.  M.  Walker;  Twenty-fourth  Ten- 
nessee, Col.  J.  A.  Wilson;  Thirty-first  Tennessee,  Col.  E.  E.  Tansil : 
Thirty -third  Tennessee.  Artillery,  Maj.  Melancthon  Smith:  Carnes' 
(Tennessee)  Battery,  Capt.  W.  W.  Carnes;  Scogin’s  (Georgia)  Battery, 
Capt.  John  Scogin;  Scott’s  (Tennessee)  Battery,  Lieuts.  J.  H.  Marsh  and 
A.  T.  Watson;  Smith’s  (Mississippi)  Battery,  Lieut.  William  B.  Turner: 
Stanford’s  Battery,  Capt.  T.  J.  Stanford. 

Center,  Hill’s  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  Daniel  H.  Hill,  commanding. 

Cleburne’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne.  Wood’s  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  S.  A.  M.  Wood:  Sixteenth  Alabama,  Maj.  J.  H.  McGaughy 
and  Capt.  F.  A.  Ashford;  Thirty-third  Alabama,  Col.  Samuel  Adams; 
Forty -fifth  Alabama,  Col.  E.  B.  Breedlove;  Eighteenth  Alabama  Battal- 
ion, Maj.  J.  H.  Gibson  and  Col.  Samuel  Adams;  Thirty-tlird  Alabama. 
Thirty-second  and  Forty-fifth  Mississippi,  Col.  M.  P.  Lowery;  Sharp- 
shooters, Maj.  A.  T.  Hawkins  and  Capt.  Daniel  Coleman.  Polk’s 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  L.  E.  Polk.  First  Arkansas,  Col.  J.  W.  Colquitt' 
Third  and  Fifth  Confederate,  Col.  J.  A.  Smith;  Second  Tennessee. 
Col.  W.-  D.  Robison;  Thirty-fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  B.  J.  Hill;  Forty - 
eighth  Tennessee,  Col.  G.  H.  Nixon.  Deshler’s  Brigade,  Brig. -Lem 
James  Deshler,  Col.  R.  Q.  Mills:  Nineteenth  and  Twenty-fourth  Arkan 
sas,  Lieut.-Col.  A.  S.  Hutchinson;  Sixth,  Tenth  and  Fifteenth  Texas,  Col. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


609 


E.  Q.  Mills  and  Lieut. -Col.  T.  Scott  Anderson ; Seventeenth,  Eighteenth, 
Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth  Texas  (dismounted  cavalry),  Col.  F.  C. 
Wilkes,  Lieut. -Col.  John  T.  Coit  and  Maj,  AY.  A.  Taylor.  Artillery: 
Maj.  T.  E.  Hotchkiss,  Capt.  H.  C.  Semple;  Calvert’s  Battery,  Lieut. 
Thomas  J.  Key;  Douglas’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  P.  Douglas;  Semple’s  Bat- 
tery, Capt.  H.  C.  Semple  and  Lieut.  B.  W.  Goldthwaite. 

Breckinridge’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  John  C.  Brickinridge.  Helm’s 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Benjamin  H.  Helm,  Col.  J.  H.  Lewis:  Forty-first 
Alabama,  Col.  M.  L.  Stansel;  Second  Kentucky,  Col.  J.  AV.  Hewitt  and 
Lieut. -Col.  J.  W.  Moss;  Fourth  Kentucky,  Col.  Joseph  P.  Nuckols,  Jr., 
and  Maj.  T.  AY.  Thompson;  Sixth  Kentucky,  Col.  J.  H.  Lewis  and  Lieut.  - 
Col.  M.  H.  Cofer;  Ninth  Kentucky,  Col.  J.  AV.  Caldwell  and  Lieut. -Col. 
J.  C.  AVickliffe.  Adam’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Daniel  AV.  Adams,  Col. 
E.  L.  Gibson:  Thirty-second  Alabama,  Maj.  J.  C.  Kimball;  Thirteenth 
and  Twentieth  Louisiana,  Cols.  E.  L.  Gibson  and  Leon  Yon  Zinken  and 
Capt.  E.  M.  Dubroca;  Sixteenth  and  Twenty-fifth  Louisiana,  Col.  D. 
Gober;  Nineteenth  Louisiana,  Lieut. -Col.  E.  AY  Turner,  Maj.  L.  Butler 
and  Capt.  H.  A.  Kennedy;  Fourteenth  Louisiana  Battalion,  Maj.  J.  E. 
Austin.  Stovall’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  M.  A.  Stovall:  First  and  Third 
Florida,  Col.  AY  S.  Dilwortli;  Fourth  Florida,  Col.  AY.  L.  L.  Bowen; 
Forty-seventh  Georgia,  Capts.  AYilliam  S.  Phillips  and  Joseph  S.  Cone; 
Sixtieth  North  Carolina,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  M.  Eay  and  Capt.  J.  T.  AYeaver. 
Artillery,  Maj.  E.  E.  Graves:  Cobb’s  Battery,  Capt.  Bobert  Cobb; 
Mebane’s  Battery,  Capt.  John  AY.  Mebane;  Slocomb’s  Battery,  Capt.  C. 
H.  Slocomb. 

Eeserve  Corps,  Maj. -Gen.  AY.  H.  T.  AYalker,  commanding. 

AValker’s  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  S.  E.  Gist.  Gist’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen. 
S.  E.  Gist,  Col.  P.  H.  Colquitt,  Lieut.-Col.  L.  Napier:  Forty-sixth  Geor- 
gia, Col.  P.  H.  Colquitt  and  Maj.  A.  M.  Speer:  Eighth  Georgia  Battal- 
ion, Lieut.-Col.  L.  Napier;  Sixteenth  South  Caroling  (not  engaged,;  at 
Eome),  Col.  J.  McCullough;  Twenty-fourth  South  Carolina,  Col.  C.  H. 
Stevens  and  Lieut.-Col.  E.  Capers.  Ector’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  M.  D. 
Ector:  Stone’s  Alabama  Battalion,  Pound’s  Mississippi  Battlalion, 

Twenty-ninth  North  Carolina,  Ninth  Texas,  Tenth,  Fourteenth  and 
Thirty-second  Texas  Cavalry  (serving  as  infantry).  AYilson’s  Brigade, 
Col.  C.  C.  AYdson:  Twenty-fifth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  A.  J.  AYdliams; 

Twenty-ninth  Georgia,  Lieut.  G.  E.  McBae;  Thirtieth  Georgia,  Lieut. - 
Col.  J.  S.  Boynton;  First  Georgia  Battalion  (sharpshooters),  Fourth 
Louisiana  Battalion.  Artillery,  Ferguson’s  Battery  (not  engaged;  at 
Rome),  Lieut.  E.  T.  Beauregard;  Martin’s  Battery. 

Liddell’s  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  St.  John  E.  Liddell.  Liddell’s  Bri- 


610 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


gade,  Col.  D.  C.  Govan:  Second  and  Fifteenth  Arkansas,  Lieut. -Col.  R. 
T.  Harvey  and  Capt.  A.  T.  Meek;  Fifth  and  Thirteenth  Arkansas,  Col. 
L.  Featherstone  and  Lieut. -Col.  John  E.  Murray;  Sixth  and  Seventh 
Arkansas,  Col.  D.  A.  Gillespie  and  Lieut. -Col.  P.  Snyder;  Eighth  Ar- 
kansas, Lieut.-Col.  G.  F.  Baucum  and  Maj.  A.  Watkins;  First  Louisiana, 
Lieut. -Col.  G.  F.  Baucum  and  Maj.  A.  Watkins.  Walthall’s  Brigade, 
Brig. -Gen.  E.  C.  Walthall:  Twenty-fourth  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  R. 
P.  McKelvaine,  Maj.  W.  C.  Staples  and  Capts.  B.  F.  Toomer  and  J. 
D.  Smith:  Twenty-seventh  Mississippi,  Col.  James  A.  Campbell ; Twen- 
ty-ninth Mississippi,  Col.  W.  F.  Brantly:  Thirtieth  Mississippi,  Col. 
J.  I.  Scales;  Lieut.-Col.  Hugh  A.  Reynolds  and  Maj.  J.  M.  John- 
son: Thirty -fourth  Mississippi  (Thirty-fourth  Mississippi  had  four  com- 
manders at  Chickamauga),  Maj.  W.  G.  Pegram,  Capt.  H.  J.  Bowen. 

Lieut.-Col.  H.  A.  Reynolds  and . Artillery,  Capt.  Chas.  Swett: 

Fowler’s  Battery,  Capt.  W.  H.  Fowler;  Warren  Light  Artillery,  Lieut. 
H.  Shannon. 

Left  Wing,  Lieut. -Gen.  James  Longstreet,  commanding. 
Hindman’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  T.  C.  Hindman,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  Patton 
Anderson.  Anderson’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  Patton  Anderson:  Col.  J.  H. 
Sharp,  Seventh  Mississippi ; Col.  W.  H.  Bishop;  Ninth  Mississippi,  lioj. 
T.  H.  Lyman;  Tenth  Mississippi  Lieut.-Col.  James  Barr;  Forty-first 
Mississippi,  Col.  W.  F.  Tucker ; Forty- fourth  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  H.  Sharp 
and  Lieut.-Col.  R.  G.  Kelsey;  Ninth  Mississippi,  Battalion  (sharpshoot- 
ers), Maj.  W.  C.  Richards;  Garrity’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  Garrity.  Peas’ 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  Z.  C.  Deas:  Nineteenth  Alabama,  Col.  S.  K.  Mc- 
Spadden;  Twenty-second  Alabama,  Lieut.  Col.  John  Weedon  and  Capt. 
H.  T.  Toulmin;  Twenty-fifth  Alabama,  Col.  George  D.  Johnston;  Thirty- 
ninth  Alabama,  Col.  W.  Clark;  Fiftieth  Alabama,  Col.  J.  G.  Coltart; 
Seventeenth  Alabama  Battalion  (sharpshooters),  Capt.  James  F.  Ha- 
bers; Robertson’s  Battery,  Lieut.  S.  H.  Dent.  Manigault’s  Brigade,  Brig.- 
Gen.  A.  M.  Manigault:  Twenty-fourth  Alabama,  Col.  N.  N.  Davis; 
Twenty-eighth  Alabama,  Col.  John  C.  Reid ; Thirty-fourth  Alabama,  Maj. 
J.  N.  Slaughter;  Tenth  and  Nineteenth  South  Carolina,  Col.  James  1 
Pressley;  Waters’  Battery,  Lieut.  Charles  W.  Watkins  and  George  D. 
Turner. 

Buckner’s  Corps,  Maj.  Gen.-Simon  B.  Buckner,  commanding. 
Stewart’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart.  Johnson’s  Brigade 
(part  of  Johnson’s  provisional  division),  Brig.-Gen.  B.  R.  Johnson,  Col. 
J.  S.  Fulton:  Seventeenth  Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  Watt  W.  Floyd;  Twemy- 
third  Tennessee,  Col.  R.  H.  Keeble;  Twenty-fifth  Tennessee  Lieut.-Col. 
R.  B.  Snowden;  Forty-fourth  Tennessee,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  L.  McEwen,  Jr., 


■HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


611 


and  Maj.  G.  M.  Crawford.  Brown’s  Brigade:  Brig.-Gen.  J.  C.  Brown, 
Col.  Edmund  C.  Cook:  Eigliteentli  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  B.  Palmer;  Lieut.  - 
Col.  W.  B.  Butler  and  Capt.  Gideon  H.  Lowe ; Twenty-sixth  Tennessee, 
Col.  J.  M.  Lillard  and  Maj.  B.  M.  Saffell;  Thirty-second  Tennessee,  Col. 
E.  C.  Cook  and  Capt.  C.  G.  Tucker ; Forty-fifth  Tennessee,  Col.  A.  Searcy ; 
Twenty-third  Tennessee  Battalion,  Maj.  T.  W.  Newman  and  Capt.  W.  P. 
Simpson.  Bate’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  W.  B.  Bate:  Fifty-eighth  Ala.,  Col. 

B.  Jones;  Thirty-seventh  Georgia,  Col.  A.  F.  Budier  and  Lieut. -Col.  J.  T. 
Smith;  Fourth  Georgia  Battalion  (sharpshooters),  Maj.  T.  D.  Caswell, 
Capt.  B.  M.  Turner  and  Lieut.  Joel  Towers ; Fifteenth  and  Thirty-seventh 
Tennessee,  Col.  B.  C.  Tyler,  Lieut. -Coi.  B.  D.  Trayser,  and  Capt.  B.  M. 
Tankesley;  Twentieth  Tennessee,  Col.  T.  B.  Smith  and  Maj.  W.  M.  Shy. 
Clayton’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  H.  D.  Clayton:  Eighteenth  Alabama, 
Col.  J.  T.  Holtzclaw,  Lieut. -Col.  B.  F.  Inge  and  Maj.  P.  F.  Hunley; 
Thirty-sixth  Alabama,  Col.  L.  T.  Woodruff;  Thirty-eighth  Alabama, 
Lieut.  Col.  A.  B.  Lankford.  Artillery,  Maj.  J.  W.  Eldridge:  First 
Arkansas  Battery,  Capt.  J.  T.  Humphreys;  T.  H.  Dawson’s  Battery, 
Lieut.  B.  W.  Anderson;  Eufaula  Artillery,  Capt.  McD.  Oliver;  Ninth 
Georgia  Artillery  Battalion,  Company  E,  Lieut.  W.  S.  Everett. 

Preston’s  Division,  Brig.-Gen.  William  Preston.  Gracie’s  Brigade, 
Brig.-Gen.  A.  Gracie,  Jr.:  F orty-third  Alabama,  Col.  Y.  M.  Moody;  First 
Alabama, Battalion  (Hilliard’s  Legion), Lieut. -Col.  J.  H.Holt  and  Capt.G, 
W.  Huguley;  Second  Alabama  Battalion,  Lieut. -Col.  B.  Hall,  Jr.,  and 
Capt.  W.  D.  Walden;  Third  Alabama  Battalion  (all  of  Hilliard’s  Le- 
gion), Maj.  J.  W.  A.  Sanford ; Fourth  Alabama  Battalion  (Artillery  bat- 
talion, Hilliard’s  Legion),  Maj.  J.  D.  McLennan;  Sixty -third  Tennessee, 
Lieut. -Col.  A.  Fulkerson  and  Maj.  John  A.  Aiken.  Trigg’s  Brigade, 
Col.  B.  C.  Trigg:  First  Florida  Cavalry  (dismounted),  Col.  G.  T.  Max- 
well; Sixth  Florida,  Col.  J.  J.  Finley;  Seventh  Florida,  Col.  B.  Bullock; 
Fifty-fourth  Virginia,  Lieut.  Col.  John  J.  Wade.  Third  Brigade,  Col. 
J.  H.  Kelly:  Sixty-fifth  Georgia,  Col.  B.  H.  Moore ; Fifth  Kentucky,  Col. 
H.  Hawkins;  Fifty-eighth  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  B.  Palmer;  Sixty -third 
Virginia,  Maj.  J.  M.  French.  Artillery  Battalion:  Maj.  A.  Leyden;  Jef- 
fress’s  Battery,  Puble’s  Battery,  Wolihin’s  Battery,  York’s  Battery.  Be- 
serve  Corps  Artillery:  Maj.  S.  C.  Williams;  Baxter’s  Battery,  Darden’s 
Battery,  Kolb’s  Battery,  McCant’s  Battery. 

Johnson's  Division,*  Brig.-Gen.  Bushrod  B.  Johnson.  Gregg’s 
Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  John  Gregg,  Col.  C.  A.  Sugg:  Third  Tennessee,  Col. 

C.  H.  Walker;  Tenth  Tennessee,  Col.  Wm.  Grace;  Thirtieth  Tennessee; 

*A  provisional  organization,  embracing  Johnson’s  and  part  of  the  time  Robertson’s  Brigades,  as  well  as 
Gregg’s  and  McNair’s,  September  19,  attached  to  Longstreet’s  Corps,  under  Maj. -Gen.  Hood. 


612 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Forty-first  Tennessee,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  D.  Tillman;  Fiftieth  Tennessee, 
Col.  C.  A.  Sugg,  Lieut. -Col.  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Maj.  C.  W.  Robertson 
and  Col.  C.  H.  Walker;  First  Tennessee  Battalion,  Majs.  S.  H.  Colms 
and  C.  W.  Robertson;  Seventh  Texas,  Maj.  K.  M.  Yanzandt;  Bledsoe's 
(Missouri)  Battery,  Lieut.  R.  L.  Wood.  McNair’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen. 
E.  McNair,  Col.  D.  Coleman:  First  Arkansas  Mounted  Rifles,  Col.  Robert 
W.  Harper;  Second  Arkansas  Mounted  Rifles,  Col.  James  A.  William- 
son; Twenty-fifth  Arkansas,  Lieut. -Col.  Eli  Huffstetter;  Fourth  and 
Thirty-first  Arkansas  Infantry  and  Fourth  Arkansas  Battalion  (consoli- 
dated), Maj.  J.  A.  Ross;  Thirty-ninth  North  Carolina,  Col.  D.  Coleman; 
Crdpepper’s  (South  Carolina)  Battalion,  Capt.  J.  F.  Culpepper. 

Longstreet’s  Corps,*  Left  Wing,  Maj.  John  B.  Hood,  commanding. 

McLaw’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  Lafayette  McLaws,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  B. 
Kershaw.  Kershaw’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  J.  B.  Kershaw:  Second  Soutli 
Carolina,  Lieut. -Col.  F.  Gaillard;  Third  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  D. 
Nance;  Seventh  South  Carolina,  Lieut.-Col.  Elbert  Bland,  Maj.  J.  S. 
Hard  and  Capt.  E.  J.  Goggans;  Eighth  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  Mb  Han- 
agan;  Fifteenth  South  Carolina,  Col.  Joseph  F.  Gist;  Third  South  Car- 
olina Battalion,  Capt.  J.  M.  Townsend.  Wofford’s  Brigade  (Longstreet's 
report  indicates  that  these  brigades  did  not  arrive  in  time  to  take  part 
in  the  battle),  Brig.-Gen.  W.  T.  Wofford:  Sixteenth  Georgia,  Eighteenth 
Georgia,  Twenty-fourth  Georgia,  Third  Georgia  Battalion  (sharpshoot- 
ers), Cobb’s  (Georgia)  Legion,  Phillip’s  (Georgia)  Legion.  Hum- 
phrey’s Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  B.  G.  Humphreys:  Thirteenth  Mississippi, 
Seventeenth  Mississippi,  Eighteenth  Mississippi,  Twenty-first  Missis- 
sippi. Bryan’s  Brigade  (Longstreet’s  report,  etc.,  as  above),  Brig.-Gen. 
Goode  Bryan:  Tenth  Georgia,  Fiftieth  Georgia,  Fifty-first  Georgia  and 
Fifty-third  Georgia, 

Hood’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  John  B.  Hood,  Brig.-Gen.  E.  M.  Law. 
Jenkins’  Brigade  (did  not  arrive  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  battle:  Jen- 
kin’s  Brigade  assigned  to  the  division  September  11,  1863),  Brig.-Gen. 
M.  Jenkins:  First  South  Carolina,  Second  South  Carolina  Rifles,  Fifth 
South  Carolina,  Sixth  South  Carolina,  Hampton  Legion,  Palmetto  Sharp- 
shooters. Law’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  E.  M.  Law,  Col.  J.  L.  Sheffield: 
Fourth  Alabama,  Fifteenth  Alabama,  Col.  W.  C.  Oates;  Forty-fourth 
Alabama,  Forty-seventh  Alabama,  Forty-eighth  Alabama.  Robertson’s 
Brigade  (served  part  of  the  time  in  Johnson’s  provisional  division ) , 
Brig.-Gen.  J.  B.  Robertson,  Col.  Yan  H.  Manning:  Third  Arkansas,  OoL 
Yan  H.  Manning;  First  Texas,  Capt.  R.  J.  Harding;  Fourth  Texas,  Col. 

Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  organization  taken  from  return  of  that  army  for  August  31,  1863 ; Pickett’s 
Division  was  left  in  Virginia. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


613 


ohn  P.  Bane  and  Capt.  B.  H.  Bassett;  Fifth  Texas,  Maj.  J.  C.  Rogers 
ncl  Capt.  J.  S.  Cleveland  and  T.  T.  Clay.  Anderson’s  Brigade  (did  not 
rrive  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  battle),  Brig. -Gen.  George  T.  Ander- 
son: Seventh  Georgia,  Eighth  Georgia,  Ninth  Georgia,  Eleventh 
Georgia,  Fifty-ninth  Georgia.  Penning’ s Brigade,  Brig. -Gen.  H.  L. 
penning:  Second  Georgia,  Lieut. -Col.  Wm.  S.  Shepherd  and  Maj.  W. 
V.  Charlton;  Fifteenth  Georgia,  Col.  D.  M.  Du  Bose  and  Maj.  P.  J. 
Shannon;  Seventeenth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  Charles  W.  Matthews; 
twentieth  Georgia,  Col.  J.  D.  Waddell.  Artillery  Corps  (did  not  arrive 
q time  to  take  part  in  the  battle),  Col.  E.  Porter  Alexander:  Fielding’s 
South  Carolina)  Battery,  Jordan’s  (Virginia)  Battery,  Moody’s  (Louis- 
ana)  Battery,  Parker’s  (Virginia)  Battery,  Taylor’s  (Virginia)  Battery, 
Voolfolk’s  (Virginia)  Battery.  Artillery  Reserve  (Army  of  Tennessee), 
vlaj.  Felix  Robertson:  Barrett’s  (Missouri)  Battery,  Le  Gardeur’s  (Lou- 
siana)  Battery  (not  mentioned  in  the  reports,  but  in  Reserve  Artillery 
ingust  31,  and  Capt.  Le  Gardeur,  etc.,  relieved  from  duty  in  the  Army 
f the  Tennesse,  November  1,  1863),  Havis’  (Alabama)  Battery,  Lums- 
llen’s  (Alabama)  Battery,  Massenburg’s  (Georgia)  Battery. 

Cavalry  Corps,  Maj. -Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  commanding. 

Wharton’s  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  John  A.  Wharton.  First  Brigade, 
pol.  C.  C.  Crews;  Seventh  Alabama,  Second  Georgia,  Third  Georgia, 
fourth  Georgia,  Col.  I.  W.  Avery.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  T.  Harrison* 
[bird  Confederate,  Col.  W.  N.  Estes;  First  Kentucky,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  W. 
xriffith;  Fourth  Tennessee,  Col.  Paul  F.  Anderson;  Eighth  Texas,  Elev- 
nth  Texas,  White’s  (Georgia)  Battery. 

Martin’s  Division,  Brig. -Gen.  W.  T.  Martin.  First  Brigade,  Col.  J. 
1 Morgan:  First  Alabama,  Third' Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  T.  H.  Mauldin; 
dfty-first  Alabama,  Eighth  Confederate.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  A.  A. 
lussell : Fourth  Alabama  (two  regiments  of  same  designation,  Lieut. - 
joI.  Johnson  commanded  that  in  Roddey’s  Brigade),  First  Confederate, 
Jol.  W.  B.  Bate;  Wiggin’s  (Arkansas)  Battery.  Roddey’s  Brigade, 
hig.-Gen.  P.  D.  Roddey:  Fourth  Alabama  (two  regiments,  etc.,  as 
bove),  Lieut.-Col.  Wm.  A.  Johnson;  Fifth  Alabama,  Fifty-third  Ala- 
bama, Forrest’s  (Tennessee)  Regiment,  Ferrell’s  (Georgia)  Battery. 

Forrest’s  Cavalry  Corps,  Brig. -Gen.  N.  B.  Forrest,  commanding. 

Armstrong’s  Division  (from  returns  of  August  31,  1863,  and  reports), 
Dig. -Gen.  F.  C.  Armstrong.  Armstrong’s  Brigade,  Col.  J.  T.  Wheeler: 
Third  Arkansas,  First  Tennessee,  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Battalion,  Maj. 
Charles  McDonald.  Forrest’s  Brigade,  Col.  G.  G.  Dibrell:  Fourth  Ten- 
lessee,  Col.  W.  S.  McLemore;  Eighth  Tennessee,  Capt.  Hamilton  Mc- 
linnis;  Ninth  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  B.  Biffle;  Tenth  Tennessee,  Col.  N.  N. 


614 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Cox;  Eleventh  Tennessee,  Col.  D.  W.  Holman;  Shaw’s  (or  Hamilton’s 
Battalion  (?),  Maj.  J.  Shaw;  Freeman’s  (Tennessee)  Battery,  Capt.  A 
L.  Huggins;  Morton’s  (Tennessee)  Battery,  Capt.  John  W.  Morton. 

Pegram’s  Division  (taken  from  Pegram’s  and  Scott’s  reports  and  as 
signments;  but  the  composition  of  this  division  is  uncertain),  Brig. -Gen 
John  Pegram.  Davidson’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  H.  B.  Davidson:  Firs! 
Georgia,  Sixth  Georgia,  Col.  John  B.  Hart;  Sixth  North  Carolina. 
Rucker’s  Legion,  Huwald’s  (Tennessee)  Battery.  Scott’s  Brigade,  Col 
J.  S.  Scott:  Tenth  Confederate,  Col.  C.  T.  Goode;  detachment  of  Mor- 
gan’s command,  Lieut. -Col.  R.  B.  Martin;  First  Louisiana,  Second  Ten- 
nessee, Fifth  Tennessee,  Twelfth  Tennessee  Battalion;  Sixteenth  Tennes- 
see Battalion,  Capt.  J.  Q.  Arnold;  Louisiana  Battery  (one  section). 

TEE  AEMY  OF  TENNESSEE,  GEN.  JOSEPH  E.  JOHNSTON,  COMMANDING.* 

Hardee’s  Army  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  Win.  J.  Hardee,  commanding. 

Brown’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  John  C.  Brown.  Smith’s  Brigade- 
Brig.-Gen.  James  A.  Smith;  Florida  Regiment,  composed  of  First,  Third. 
Sixth,  Seventh  and  Fourth  Infantry  and  First  Cavalry,  dismounted  (con- 
solidated), Lieut. -Col.  E.  Mashburn;  Georgia  Regiment,  composed  oi 
First,  Fifty-seventh  and  Sixty -third  Georgia  Regiments  (consolidated), 
Col.  C.  H.  Olmstead;  Georgia  Regiment,  composed  of  Fifty-fourth  and 
Thirty-seventh  Georgia  and  Fourth  Georgia  Battalion  Sharpshooters 
(consolidated),  Col.  T.  D.  Caswell.  Govan’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  P.  C. 
Govan:  Arkansas  Regiment,  composed  of  First,  Second,  Fifth,  Sixth, 
Seventh,  Eighth,  Thirteenth,  Fifteenth,  Nineteenth  and  Twenty-fourth 
Arkansas  and  Third  Confederate  (consolidated),  Col.  E.  A.  Howell;  Texa; 
Regiment,  composed  of  Sixth,  Seventh,  Tenth,  Fifteenth,  Seventeenth 
Eighteenth,  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth  Texas  (consolidated),! 
Lieut. -Col.  W.  A.  Ryan. 

Hoke’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  R.  F.  Hoke.  Clingman’s  Brigade: 
Eighth  North  Carolina,  Lieut. -Col.  R.  A.  Barrier;  Thirty-first  North 
Carolina,  Col.  C.  W.  Knight;  Thirty-sixth  and  Fortieth  North  Carolina, 
Maj.  W.  A.  Holland;  Fifty-first  North  Carolina,  Capt.  J.  W.  Lippi  th 
Sixty-first  North  Carolina,  Capt.  S.  W.  Noble.  Colquitt’s  Brigade: 
Sixth  Georgia,  Maj.  J.  M.  Culpepper;  Nineteenth  Georgia,  Lieut. -Ool. 
R.  B.  Hogan;  Twenty-third  Georgia,  Col.  M.  R.  Ballinger;  Twenty- 
seventh  Georgia,  Lieut. -Col.  H.  Bussey;  Twenty-eighth  Georgia,  jpapt. 
G.  W.  Warthen.  Haygood’s  Brigade:  Eleventh  South  Carolina,  Capt. 
B.  F.  Wyman;  Twenty -first  South  Carolina,  Capt.  J.  W.  Thomas  (prob- 
ably Lieut. -Col.  J.  A.  W.  Thomas) ; Twenty-fifth  South  Carolina,  Capt. 


^Organization  for  period  ending  April  17,  1865. 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


615 


E.  E.  Lesesne;  Twenty-seventh  South  Carolina,  Capt.  T.  T.  Simons; 
Seventh  South  Carolina  Battalion,  Capt.  Wm.  Clyburn.  Kirkland’s 
Brigade:  Seventeenth  North  Carolina,  Lieut.-Col.  T H.  Sharp;  Forty- 
second  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  E.  Brown;  Fiftieth  North  Carolina,  Col. 
>eo.  Wortham;  Sixty-sixth  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  H.  Nethercutt. 
[First  Brigade  Junior  Eeserves:  First  North  Corolina,  Lieut.-Col.  C.  W. 
Broadfoot;  Second  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  H.  Anderson;  Third  North 
Carolina,.  Col.  J.  W.  Hinsdale;  First  North  Carolina  Battalion,  Capt.  C. 
(t  Hall. 

Cheatham’s  Division,  Maj.-Gen.  B.  F.  Cheatham.  Palmer’s  Brigade: 
Field’s  Eegiment,  First,  Sixth,  Eighth,  Ninth.  Sixteenth,  Twenty-seventh, 
Twenty-eighth  and  Thirty-fourth  Tennessee  Begiments  and  Twenty - 
iourth  Tennessee  Battalion  (consolidated),  Lieut.-Col.  O.  A.  Bradshaw; 
Rice’s  Eegiment,  Eleventh,  Twelfth,  Thirteenth,  Trventy-ninth,  Forty- 
seventh,  Fiftieth,  Fifty-first,  Fifty-second  and  One  Hundred  and  Fifty- 
’ourth  Tennessee  (consolidated),  Lieut.-Col.  W.  A.  Pease  ( ?) ; Searcy’s 
Regiment,  Second,  Third,  Tenth,  Fifteenth,  Eighteenth,  Twentieth, 
Twenty-sixth,  Thirtieth,  Thirty-second,  Thirty-seventh  and  Forty-fifth 
Tennessee  Eegiments  and  Twenty -third  Tennessee  Battalion  (consoli- 
lated),  Col.  A.  Searcy;  Tillman’s  Eegiment,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Nineteenth, 
Twenty-fourth,  Thirty-first,  Thirty-third,  Thirty-fifth  Thirty-eighth,  and 
Forty-first  Tennessee  (consolidated),  Col.  J.  D.  Tillman.  Gist’s 
Brigade:  Forty-sixth  Georgia,  Capt.  A.  Miles;  Sixty-fiftli  Georgia  and 
Second  and  Eighth  Georgia  Battalions  (consolidated),  Col.  W.  G. 
Foster;  Sixteenth  and  Twenty-fourth  South  Carolina  (consolidated), 
Maj.  B.  B.  Smith. 

Stewart’s  Army  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart,  commanding. 

Loring’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  AY.  AY.  Loring.  Featherston’s  Brigade. 
First  Arkansas;  First,  Second,  Fourth,  Ninth  and  Twenty-fifth  Arkansas 
.(consolidated);  Third,  Thirty-first  and  Fortieth  Mississippi  (consoli. 
dated) ; First,  Twenty-second  and  Thirty-third  Mississippi  and  First 
Battalion  (consolidated).  Lowry’s  Brigade:  Twelfth  Louisiana,  Capt. 

■J.  A.  Dixon;  Fifth,  Fourteenth  and  Forty-third  Mississippi  (consolidat- 
ed); Sixth,  Fifteenth,  Twentieth  and  Twenty-third  Mississippi  (consoli- 
dated). Shelley’s  Brigade:  Sixteenth,  Thirty-third  and  Forty-fifth  Ala- 
bama (consolidated);  Twenty-seventh  Alabama ; Twenty-seventh,  Thirty- 
fifth,  Forty-ninth,  Fifty-fifth  and  Fifty-seventh  Alabama  (consolidated), 
Lieut.-Col.  Daniel  (probably  J.  AY.  L.  Daniel,  of  the  Fifteenth  Alabama). 

Anderson’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  Patton  Anderson.  Elliott’s  Brigade: 
Twenty-second  Georgia  Artillery  Battalion,  Maj.  M.  J.  McMullen ; 
Twenty-seventh  Georgia  Battalion,  Maj.  A.  L.  Hartridge;  Second  South 


616 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Carolina  Artillery,  Maj.  F.  F.  Warley;  Manigault’s  Battalion,  Lieut.  H. 
Klatte.  Rhett’s  Brigade:  First  South  Carolina,  Maj.  T.  A.  Hnguenin; 
First  South  Carolina  Artillery,  Lieut. -Col.  J.  A.  Yates;  Lucas' 
Battalion,  Maj.  J.  J.  Lucas. 

Walthall’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  E.  C.  Walthall.  Harrison’s  Brigade; 
First  Georgia  Regulars,  Fifth  Georgia,  Fifth  Georgia  Reserves,  Maj.  C. 
E.  McGregor;  Thirty-second  Georgia,  Lieut. -Col.  E.  H.  Bacon,  Jr., 
Forty-seventh  Georgia  and  Bonaud’s  Battalion  (consolidated).  Con- 
ner’s  Brigade:  Second  South  Carolina  Volunteers,  composed  of  Second 
and  Twentieth  South  Carolina  and  Blanchard’s  Reserves  (consolidated); 
Third  South  Carolina  Volunteers,  composed  of  Third  and  Eighth  Regi- 
ments, Third  South  Carolina  Battalion  and  Blanchard’s  Reserves  (con- 
solidated) ; Seventh  South  Carolina  Volunteers,  composed  of  Seventh 
and  Fifteenth  South  Carolina  and  Blanchard’s  Reserves  (consolidated). 

Lee’s  Army  Corps,  Lieut. -Gen.  S.  D.  Lee,  commanding. 

Hill’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  D.  H.  Hill.  Sharp’s  Brigade,  Brig. -Gen. 
J.  H.  Sharp:  Fourteenth  Alabama,  composed  of  Twenty-fourth,  Twenty- 
eighth  and  Thirty-fourth  Alabama  (consolidated),  Col.  J.  C.  Carter; 
Eighth  Mississippi  Battalion  (?),  composed  of  Third  Mississippi  Bat- 
talion, and  Fifth,  Eighth  and  Thirty-second  Mississippi  Regiments 
(consolidated),  Capt.  J.  Y.  Carmack;  Ninth  Mississippi,  composed  of 
Ninth  Battalion  Mississippi  Sharpshooters,  and  Seventh,  Ninth,  Tenth, 
Forty-first  and  Forty-fourth  Mississippi  Regiments  (consolidated), 
Col.  W.  C.  Richards;  Nineteenth  South  Carolina,  composed  of  Tenth 
and  Nineteenth  South  Carolina  (consolidated),  Maj.  James  0.  Farrell. 
Brantley’s  Brigade,  Brig.-Gen.  W.  F.  Brantley:  Twenty-second  Ala- 
bama, composed  of  Twenty-second,  Twenty-fifth,  Thirty-ninth  and  Fifti- 
eth Alabama  (consolidated),  Col.  H.  T.  Toulmin;  Thirty-seventh  Ala- 
bama, composed  of  Thirty-seventh,  Forty-second  and  Fifty -fourth  .Ala- 
bama (consolidated),  Col.  J.  A.  Minter;  Twenty-fourth  Mississippi,  com- 
posed of  Twenty -fourth,  Twenty-seventh,  Twenty-ninth,  Thirtieth  and 
Thirty-fourth  Mississippi  (consolidated),  Col.  R.  W.  Williamson;  Fifty  - 
eighth  North  Carolina,  composed  of  Fiftieth  and  Sixtieth  North  Carolina 
(consolidated). 

Stevenson’s  Division,  Maj. -Gen.  C.  L.  Stevenson.  Henderson’s  Bri- 
gade: First  Georgia  (Confederate)  Battalion,  composed  of  First  (Con- 
federate) Georgia  Regiment,  First  Battalion  Georgia  Sharpshooters, 
Twenty-fifth,  Twenty-ninth,  Thirtieth  and  Sixty-sixth  Georgia  (consoli- 
dated), Capt.  W.  J.  Whitsitt;  Thirty-ninth  Georgia,  composed  of  nine 
companies  of  Thirty-fourth  Georgia,  six  companies  of  Fifty-sixth  Georgia 
and  all  of  Thirty -ninth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  P.  Milton;  Fortieth 


HISTORY  OS’  TENNESSEE. 


617 


reorgia  Battalion,  composed  of  Fortieth,  Forty-First  and  Forty-third 
reorgia  (consolidated),  Lieut.-Col.  W.  H.  Dunnall;  Forty-second 
reorgia,  composed  of  ten  companies  of  Forty-second  Georgia,  ten  com- 
anies  of  Thirty-sixth  Georgia,  two  companies  of  Fifty-sixth  Georgia 
ad  one  company  of  Thirty-fourth  and  Thirty -sixth  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col. 
j.  P.  Thomas.  Pettus’  Brigade:  Nineteenth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  E.  S. 
rulley;  Twentieth  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  K.  Elliott  (belonged  to  Thir- 
eth  Alabama) ; Twenty -third  Alabama,  Maj.  J.  T.  Hester;  Fifty-fourth 
irginia  Battalion,  Lieut.-Col.  C.  H.  Lynch. 

Stewart’s  Artillery  Corps. 

R.  B.  Rhett’s  Battalion;  Anderson’s  Battery,  Capt.  R.  W.  (?)  Ander- 
m;  Brook’s  Battery  (probably  Terrel  Artillery) ; Le  Gardeurs’  Battery, 
'apt.  G.  Le  Gardeur;  Parker’s  Battery,  Capt.  Ed  L.  Parker;  Stuart’s 
iattery,  Capt.  H.  M.  Stuart;  Wheaton’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  F.  Wheaton. 
iee’s  Corps:  Kanapaux’s  Battery,  Capt.  J.  T.  Kanapaux. 


CHAPTER  XVII* 

ENNESSEE  LITERATURE — A CATALOGUE  OF  THE  LEADING  LITERARY  MEN  AND 
Women  of  the  State,  with  the  Titles  of  their  Productions,  and  with 
Analytical  Reviews  of  Styles,  Methods  and  General  Merits;  to- 
gether with  a Comprehensive  Presentation  of  the  Origin,  Success 
and  Variation  of  the  State  Press. 

rHE  activities  of  the  pioneer  intellect  at  the  period  of  the  earliest 
settlement  of  Tennessee  were  engrossed  in  what  was  of  more  im- 
lediate  importance  than  the  writing  of  history.  Prior  thereto  a glimpse 
f the  people  and  of  the  physical  geography  of  the  mountainous  section 
f the  State  may  be  had  in  a rare  and  valuable  old  book  published  in 
london  in  1775,  “Adair’s  History  of  the  American  Indians.”  Adair,  as 
a Indian  trader,  was  among  the  Cherokees  of  East  Tennessee  a long 
me  before  the  French  and  Indian  War,  when  the  fierce  and  haughty 
herokee  warriors  ruled  the  land  “un trammeled  and  alone.”  A map 
ccompanying  the  volume  calls  the  Tennessee  River  the  Tanase.  The 
len  of  action — the  heroes  who  planted  the  white  race  in  this  hot-bed  of 
boriginal  hostility,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  and  the  earlier 
art  of  the  nineteenth  century,  were  too  much  engrossed  by  the  sword 
P find  much  time  for  the  pen. 

The  list  of  Tennessee  authors  found  in  works  devoted  to  that  subject 

^Prepared  for  this  work  by  Mary  Faith  Floyd  ” of  Knoxville. 


618 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


is  not  so  large  as  that  of  other  Southern  States.  It  has  been  said,  “The 
fame  of  a great  man  needs  time  to  give  it  perspective.”  This  is  essen- 
tially true  of  authors,  and  it  remains  for  the  future  biographer,  after 
time  has  done  its  work  in  giving  due  perspective  to  the  great  minds  of 
our  State,  to  do  justice  to  the  merits  and  works  of  Tennessee’s  eminent 
literary  laborers.  Among  writers  historians  may  well  be  mentioned 
first.  Judge  John  Haywood  is  earliest  on  the  list.  The  son  of  a farmer 
of  Halifax  County,  N.  C.,  he  had  no  opportunity  for  collegiate  education, 
but  learned  some  Latin  and  Greek  and  studied  law.  beginning  with  the 
study  of  “Reynolds’  Reports,”  thence  advancing  from  particulars  to  gen- 
eral principles.  He  became  attorney-general  of  North  Carolina  in  TbU, 
and  soon  afterward  judge  of  the  superior  court  of  law  and  equity.  In 
1800  he  returned  to  legal  practice.  Judge  Haywood  removed  to  Tennes- 
see in  1807,  and  located  seven  miles  south  of  Nashville.  He  was  fond 
of  applause;  became  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Tennessee  in  1816. 
Mr.  Hiram  Barry  (the  oldest  printer  in  the  State),  who  was  personally 
acquainted  with  Judge  Haywood,  says,  “He  was  of  low  stature  and  very  cor- 
pulent.” He  wrote  a very  difficult  hand  to  read,  and  Mr.  Barry  who  set 
the  type  in  the  printing  of  “Haywood’s  History,”  was  the  only  printer  who 
could  decipher  it.  Judge  Haywood  was  author  of  “Natural  and  Abo- 
riginal History  of  Tennessee,”  “History  of  Tennessee  from  1770  to  1797," 
“The  Evidences  of  Christianity.”  “ Haywood’s  History”  is  written  in 
narrative  style  without  rhetorical  ornament,  and  it  is  not  always  as  clear 
as  the  relation  of  historic  events  ought  to  be.  It  contains  a mass  of  val- 
uable materials  relative  to  early  events  and  it  is  now  a rare  book.  The 
mistake  is  made  of  locating  Port  Loudon  on  the  north  side  of  the  Little 
Tennessee.  It  was  situated  on  the  south  side  of  that  stream.* 

Dr.  J.  G.  M.  Ramsey  was  of  Scotch  descent.  His  father  was  a gal- 
lant soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  fighting  under  Gen.  Washington 
at  Yalley  Forge,  Trenton  and  Princeton.  Dr.  Ramsey  was  born  in  Knox 
County,  six  miles  east  of  Knoxville,  in  1797,  and  died  in  that  place  in 
1884,  in  his  eighty-eighth  year.  He  lies  buried  at  Mecklenburg,  four 
miles  east  of  Knoxville,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Tennessee  and  French 
Broad  Rivers.  He  read  medicine  under  Dr.  Joseph  Strong,  was  gradu- 
ated in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  a practitioner  most  of 
his  life.  In  the  late  war,  being  an  ardent  secessionist,  he  was  compelled 
to  leave  the  State  during  Federal  occupation  in  1863-65.  He  went  to 
North  Carolina  and  remained  there  some  years.  In  1853  he  brought  out 
his  “Annals  of  Tennessee,”  a valuable  cornpend  of  history  up  to  the  close 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  He  had  the  manuscripts  of  the  second  volume 

*See  Aboriginal  map  accompanying  this  volume. 


HISTOKY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


619 


ady  for  the  printer,  but  the  family  residence,  while  he  was  in  exile, 
,iS  burnt,  and  with  it  the  manuscripts  and  many  valuable  papers.  Dr. 
hrnsey  ranks  high  as  an  author.  He  was  a polished  and  fluent  writer, 

, d possessed  a large  fund  of  information  on  all  subjects.  “Annals  of 
' nnessee”  is  a store-house  of  knowledge  to  the  future  historian.  It 
inces  much  research  and  is  very  accurate  and  reliable.  He  was  also 
u author  of  many  elegant  addresses,  essays  and  poems.  For  some 
arshe  was  president  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Tennessee. 

A.  Waldo  Putnam  published  in  Nashville,  in  1859,  Putnam’s  “ His- 
■v  of  Middle  Tennessee,  or  Life  and  Times  of  Gen.  James  Robertson.” 
] appears  from  the  title  page  that  Mr.  Putnam  was  president  of  the 
nnessee  Historical  Society.  He  was  born  in  Belfast,  Ohio,  in  1799, 
ad  was  graduated  at  the  University  of  Ohio.  He  wrote  the  sketch  of 
>n.  John  Sevier  in  “Wheeler’s  History  of  North  Carolina,”  and  a volume 
' titled  “Life  and  Times  of  John  Sevier.”  Mr.  Putnam  married  a de- 
fendant of  Gen.  Sevier.  The  preface  to  “History  of  Middle  Tennes- 
sp  ” is  pleasing  and  somewhat  fanciful.  The  work  is  a comprehensive 
upount  of  the  settlement  of  the  Cumberland  Valley,  and  abounds  in  the 
i iidents  and  dangers  that  follow  life  in  the  wilderness.  In  addition  to 
tp  historical  works  mentioned  is  Clayton’s  “ History  of  Davidson  Coun- 
Tennessee,”  an  important  and  valuable  work,  giving  much  detailed 
ad  statistical  information. 

“ Military  Annals  of  Tennessee  ” is  the  title  of  an  octavo  volume  con- 
ning 882  pages  of  closely  printed  matter,  recently  issued  under  the 
oervision  of  Dr.  J.  Berrien  Lindsley.  The  first  thirty  pages  are  de- 
Jed  to  a brief  sketch  of  the  war  in  Tennessee,  by  J.  M.  Keating,  of 
“mphis.  This  is  followed  by  a sketch  of  the  Army  of  Tennessee,  by 
Jexander  P.  Stewart,  of  Oxford,  Miss.  The  remainder  of  the  work  is 
■nen  to  histories  of  the  various  Confederate  regiments,  written  by  some 
mber  familiar  with  their  movements.  The  book  is  magnificently  il- 
: trated  with  portraits  of  many  leading  Confederates  of  Tennessee. 

As  early  as  1834  Eastin  Morris  brought  out  “Tennessee  Gazetteer, 
Topographical  Dictionary”  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  It  is  a valu- 
t.e  compendium  of  the  history  of  the  State,  from  earliest  times  to  1834, 
dueling  the  constitution  of  Tennessee  framed  by  the  convention  of 
1 34.  A second  edition  of  this  book  was  published  in  Nashville,  ac- 
npanied  by  ample  foot  notes. 

Paschall  is  the  author  of  “Old  Times,  or  Tennessee  History,”  a work 
' schools.  Knowing  the  love  children  have  for  “ story-reading,”  Pas- 
c ^ has  arranged  historic  facts  in  a most  agreeable  form.  Each  chap- 
t',  as  far  as  possible,  has  a beginning  and  ending,  and  by  this  means 


620 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


each  fragment  of  history  becomes  a unit  and  fastens  firmly  in  the  mini 
of  the  juvenile  reader.  Mr.  Paschall  was  an  old  school-teacher,  and  hi 
excellent  little  book  is  the  result  of  long  experience  in  the  best  method: 
of  enlisting  interest  in  young  people  for  grave  study.  Another  hod 
much  valued  is  “Life  as  it  is,  or  Matters  and  Things  in  General,”  pub 
lished  in  Knoxville  in  1844,  by  J.  W.  M.  Brazeale.  This  book  has  mam 
historic  facts  and  comments  on  the  customs  of  the  early  settlers  of  Ten 
nessee.  There  is  a good  article  on  the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain,  am 
an  account  of  the  “Harps,”  two  noted  murderers  who,  without  heim 
robbers,  went  about  the  county  committing  atrocious  murders,  appar 
ently  as  a pleasure.  No  doubt,  De  Quincy-like,  they  considered  murde 
“one  of  the  fine  arts.”  Brazeale  was  a native  of  Boane  County,  an< 
practiced  law  in  Athens,  Teun. 

Mr.  Wilkins  Tanneliill  is  the  author  of  “History  of  Literature,”  “Man 
ual  of  Freemasonry”  and  several  other  works  of  ability.  He  was  a dis 
tinguished  light  in  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  is  said  to  have  been  a forci 
ble  and  fluent  writer.  Clark’s  “Miscellany  of  Prose  and  Poetry”  is  some 
thing  in  the  line  of  English  literature. 

“ Jack  Bobinson”  is  the  author  of  “ The  Savage,”  a book  of  pungen 
essays,  criticising  the  life  and  usages  of  the  civilized  man,  in  contras 
with  those  of  the  aboriginal  savage.  It  purports  to  be  written  by  “ Pio 
mingo,  a chief  of  the  Muscogulgee  nation,”  published  in  Knoxville  ir 
1833.  The  author  was  a Tennesseean,  born  probably  in  Carter  County 
where  he  committed  a homicide  early  in  life;  whence  his  after  life  wa; 
poisoned  by  remorse.  He  is  said  to  have  lived  a veritable  hermit's  life 
in  which  existence  these  essays  were  written.  Bobinson  is  accreditee 
with  the  authorship  of  a forcible  poem  in  the  same  solemn  vein  as  Gray 
Elegy,  but  any  certain  facts  of  his  career  seem  lost. 

Prior  to  1804  Willie  Blount’s  “ Catechetical  Exposition  of  the  Con 
stitution  of  the  State  of  Tennessee”  was  published.  This  is  a werh  fo 
the  use  of  schools  written  in  conversational  style.  Abijali  Fowler  o 
Washington  County,  in  1838,  brought  out  “Fowler’s  Arithmetic,’  a text 
book  of  much  popularity  in  this  region  at  that  period.  “ Biblical  Num 
enclature  or  Yocabulary  of  the  Principal  Part  of  the  Proper  Names  Con 
tainecl  in  the  Bible,  with  their  Signification,  together  with  Scriptura 
Tables  of  Money,  Weights  and  Measures,  to  which  is  added  Presiden 
Washington’s  Valedictory  Address,  Intended  for  the  Use  of  Schools;  h; 
John  Wilkinson.  Heiskell  & Brown,  printers,  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  1824 
The  book  is  recommended  as  one  “of  ability,  judgment  and  care,’  am 
persons  are  urged  to  patronize  it,  by  Isaac  Anderson,  John  McCamp 
bell,  Bobert  Hardin.  August,  1819. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


621 


Clerical  writers  are  numerous.  One  of  tlie  most  fluent  and  prolific  is 
dev.  David  Rice  McAnally,  D.  D.,  of  the  Methodist  Church,  South;  a 
iiative  of  Grainger  County,  born  in  1810,  and  for  some  years  a resident 
>f  Knoxville.  He  was  president  of  the  East  Tennessee  Female  Institute 
n Knoxville  for  eight  years.  He  removed  to  St.  Louis  in  1851,  where 
ie  still  edits  the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate.  He  is  a man  of  exten- 
ive  reading  and  great  charity  of  mind ; is  remarkable  for  clearness  and 
igor  of  style,  and  is  perfectly  fearless  in  advocating  his  convictions  of 
Sight.  He  does  not  mince  matters,  but  calls  things  by  their  right  names 
nd  is  bold  in  denouncing  vice,  while  he  is  liberal  and  kind  to  all.  His 
i/orks  are  “Martha  Laurens  Ramsey,”  a biography  of  a lady  of  South 
larolina;  “Life  and  Times  of  Rev.  William  Patton;”  “Life  and  Times 
f Rev.  Samuel  Patton,  D.  D. ;”  “A  Hymn  Book;”  “A  Sunday-school 
lanual;”  “Annals  of  the  Holston  Conference.” 

Rev.  J.  B.  McFerrin,  D.  D.,  the  head  of  the  Methodist  Publishing 
louse  at  Nashville,  is  the  author  of  a learned  and  important  work,  “His- 
>ry  of  Methodism  in  Tennessee,”  published  at  Nashville  in  1872  in 
aree  volumes.  He  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  June  15,  1807 ; 
itered  the  ministry  at  eighteen  and  has  filled  many  prominent  positions 
i the  Methodist  Church  ever  since.  His  name  is  identified  with  the 
'.story  of  the  church,  and  he  has  shared  in  its  “ deliberative  assemblies, 
id  pursued  his  life-work  with  a concentration  of  purpose  seldom 
pialed.”  He  ranks  as  a man  of  the  rarest  courage  which  is  stimulated 
jid  increased  when  surrounded  by  difficulties,  and  he  is  never  found 
mting  in  any  emergency.  As  an  orator  he  possessed  wit,  humor,  pa- 
ns, and  his  sermons  “ engage  attention,  command  confidence  and 
yaken  conscience.” 

Among  early  clerical  writers  was  Rev.  Abel  Pearson,  author  of  “ An 
aalysis  of  the  Principles  of  Divine  Government,”  in  a series  of  con- 
’ rsations,  and  also  “ Conversations  on  Some  Other  Interesting  Subjects, 
irticularly  Relating  to  Same  Principals,  Between  A.  P.  and  N.  P. ; and 
Dissertation  on  the  Prophecies  in  Reference  to  the  Rise  and  Fall  of 
te  Beast;  The  Cleansing  of  the  Sanctuary;  The  Beginning  and  Dura- 
'ii  of  the  Millennium,  and  the  Little  Season;  together  with  a Calcula- 
te Sk  swing  the  Exact  Time  of  the  Death  of  Christ;  and,  also,  Calcu- 
1 ions  Shewing  the  Precise  Time  of  the  Rise  and  Fall  of  the  Beast  and 
*■ 3 Beginning  of  the  Millennium,  etc. ; by  Abel  Pearson,  Minister  of  the 
( >spel,  Athens,  Tenn.,  1833.”  The  whole  title  of  the  book  is  given  as  a 
s acimen  of  prolixity. 

Rev.  David  Nelson,  a man  of  fine  attainments,  published  “ The  Cause 

I Cure  of  Infidelity.”  He  married  in  Tennessee  and  resided  in  the 

39 


622 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


State  many  years.  Rev.  Robert  A.  Young,  D.  D.,  a native  of  Knox 
County,  is  the  author  of  a book  called  “ Reply  to  Ariel,”  written  in 
answer  to  “Ariel,”  by  J.  B.  Payne,  and  of  “Personages.”  Dr.  Young  re- 
sides in  Nashville,  and  is  a prominent  divine  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South.  “ Brief  Biographical  Sketches  of  Some  of  the  Early 
Ministers  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,”  is  the  production  of 
Rev.  Richard  Baird,  published  in  Nashville  in  1867.  Rev.  W.  T.  Helms, 
an  Episcopal  clergyman,  a native  of  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  wrote  a poem  of 
twelve  books,  entitled  “Moses  Resisted.”  Two  poems,  “Smith  and 
Pocahontas,”  “ Centennial  Poem,”  are  the  work  of  Rev.  Joseph  H. 
Martin,  D.  D. ; Dr.  Martin  is  a native  of  Dandridge,  is  a man  of  fine  cult- 
ivation, and  has  written  many  popular  hymns.  Rev.  Robert  Mack,  in 
1834,  published  “ Kyle  Stuart,  with  other  Poems,”  a remarkable  book; 
and  “ The  Moriad,”  another  poem.  Bishop  H.  N.  McTyeire  is  the  author 
of  a little  work  called  “Duties  of  Christian  Masters,”  published  in  Nash- 
ville in  1859,  and  “History  of  Methodism”  and  “ A Catechism  of  Church 
Government.”  He  has  been  a constant  writer  for  the  press  and  was  at 
one  time  editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate.  R.  H.  Rivers,  D. 
D.,  wrote  two  valuable  text  books,  “ Mental  Philosophy”  and  “ Moral 
Philosophy.”  Father  Ryan,  author  of  the  inimitable  wail  “The  Con- 
quered Banner,”  was  for  a long  time  a resident  of  Knoxville,  and  Ten- 
nesseeans feel  proud  of  his  genius,  although  he  is  not  a native  of  the 
State. 

Rev.  William  G.  Brownlow,  governor  of  Tennessee,  wrote  quite  a 
number  of  books. , His  first  publication  was  “ Helps  to  the  Study  of 
Presbyterianism;”  1834.  It  is  theological  and  controversial,  and  con- 
tains an  autobiographical  sketch.  In  1844  he  published  “Life  of 
Henry  Clay  and  Political  Register.”  This  was  followed  by  “The  Great 
Iron  Wheel  Examined.”  In  1858  appeared  “Debate  between  W.  G 
Brownlow  and  Rev.  A.  Pryne,”  and  in  1862  “Parson  Brownlow’s  Own 
Book,”  an  account  of  his  maltreatment  by  the  hated  secessionists.  Mr. 
Brownlow  led  a life  of  incessant  activity  as  editor,  politician  and 
preacher.  “He  was,”  says  a critic,  “extreme  in  all  things.”  In  pri- 
vate life  he  was  kind,  charitable  and  helpful ; was  successively  governor 
of  Tennessee  and  Senator  of  the  United  States. 

Rev.  Frederick  A.  Ross,  D.  D.,  a resident  of  this  State  for  many 
years,  was  the  author  of  “ Slavery  Ordained  by  God,”  published  in  18oI 
Dr.  Ross  was  a most  accomplished  scholar  and  a man  of  genius.  H' 
lived  to  a very  great  age  and  was  an  eminent  divine. 

Medical  writers  were  Dr.  Isaac  Wright,  author  of  “ Wright’s  Family 
Medicine,  or  System  of  Domestic  Practice,”  and  Dr.  John  C.  Gunn 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


623 


author  of  “ Gunn’s  Domestic  Medicine,”  published  in  Knoxville  in  1830. 
The  essays  oh  the  passions  in  this  book  were  written  by  a remarkable 
man  named  Charles  Cassedy.  Cassedy  was  said  to  be  the  “ Milford 
Bard”  in  “ Field’s  Scrap  Book.”  Dr.  Thomas  A.  Anderson  wrote  the 
“ Practical  Monitor,  for  the  Preservation  of  Health  and  the  Prevention 
of  Disease.”  He  considered  blood-letting  a cure  for  all  diseases.  He 
was  a native  of  East  Tennessee,  and  was  a man  of  learning. 

Authors  of  works  on  geology  are  James  M.  Safford,  A.  M.,  author  of 
“ Geology  of  Tennessee,”  published  by  the  State  at  Nashville  in  1869. 
This  work  was  received  by  scientists  and  the  general  public  with  great 
favor.  Dr.  Safford  and  J.  B.  Killebrew,  brought  out  a “ School  Geology 
of  Tennessee,”  chiefly  compiled  from  the  foregoing.  J.  B.  Killebrew 
published  in  Nashville  a valuable  volume  entitled  “ Resources  of  Ten- 
nessee.” William  G.  McAdoo  is  author  of  an  “Elementary  Geology  of 
Tennessee,”  a briefer  and  simpler  work  than  the  preceding,  adapted  to 
less  advanced  pupils. 

Hon.  T.  A.  R.  Nelson  is  author  of  “ East  Tennessee,”  and  “ Seces- 
sion,” and  another  very  vigorous  poem,  a satire  in  the  Hudibrastic  style, 
an  account  of  the  canvass  of  the  Legislature  for  the  office  of  United 
States  Senator,  entitled  “ King  Caucus.”  Mr.  Nelson  was  a man  of  large 
talent,  enriched  by  varied  cultivation.  He  held  many  important  offices,, 
and  wras  on  the  defense  in  the  impeachment  trial  of  President  Johnson 
in  1868.  He  was  a native  of  Roane  County,  born  in  1812,  and  died  of 
cholera  in  1872  being  then  a judge  of  the  supreme  court. 

“Life  of  Capt.  William  B.  Allen,”  was  from  the  pen  of  Hon.  A.  O. 
P.  Nicholson,  a very  able  jurist.  A contemporary  says,  “His  writings 
are  characterized  by  a style  so  lucid,  and  argumentation  so  logical  as  to 
entitle  him  to  rank  among  the  masters  of  model  English.”  “ A Ten- 
nesseean Abroad”  is  the  work  of  Maj.  Randall  W.  McGavock,  in  1856. 
He  was  a gallant  soldier  and  fell  on  the  Confederate  side.  “ The 
World’s  Wonder,”  a Masonic  exposition,  was  the  work  of  Johnson  and 
Henderson.  Capt.  James  Williams  was  author  of  “Old  Line  Whig  Let- 
ters,” which  appeared  in  the  Nashville  Union , in  1846.  Tennessee 
claims  as  one  of  her  sons  the  distinguished  author,  Matthew  Fontaine 
Maury.  Commodore  Maury’s  works  and  labors  in  the  cause  of  science 
are  so  well  known  they  need  not  be  mentioned  here. 

The  famous  hunter  and  humorist,  Col.  David  Crockett,  is  credited 
vith  the  authorship  of  several  -works:  “Exploits  in  Texas,”  “ Tour 

Down  East,”  “Autobiography,”  “Sketches  and  Eccentricities”  and 
‘Song  Book.”  It  is  strange  that  this  self-made  and  eccentric  celeb- 
nty,  who  never  had  but  two  months’  instruction  in  reading  and  writing, 


624 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


should  have  produced  by  the  native  force  of  intellect  so  many  readable 
books.  Doubtless  the  notoriety  he  acquired  by  his  singular  manner, 
and  his  odd  turns  of  expression  aided  in  the  success  of  his  productions. 

Hon.  Joseph  C.  Guild  was  the  author  of  “Old  Times  in  Tennessee.” 
The  works  of  J.  It.  Graves  are  “The  Desire  of  all  Nations,”  “The  Watch- 
man’s Reply,”  “The  Trilemma,”  “The  First  Baptist  Church  in  Ameri- 
ca,” “The  Little  Iron  Wheel, “The  Bible  Doctrine  of  the  Middle 
Life,”  “The  Great  Iron  Wheel,”  “Exposition  of  Modern  Spiritualism,” 
“The  New  Hymn  and  Tune  Book,”  “The  Little  Seraph,”  “Old  Land 
markism;  What  it  is.”  Mr.  Graves  is  a native  of  Chester,  Vt.,  born 
April  10,  1820.  His  father  died  when  the  child  was  three  weeks  old 
He  was  converted  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and  made  principal  of  Keysville 
(Ohio)  Academy  when  nineteen;  came  to  Nashville  in  1845,  where  he 
taught  school,  had  charge  of  a church  and  became  the  editor  of  The 
Tennessee  Baptist , and  still  continues  in  that  position. 

“Woodville”  is  a novel  of  East  Tennessee  life,  published  in  Knox- 
ville. Many  of  the  characters  are  supposed  to  have  been  taken  from  real 
life,  and  some  of  the  scenes  are  laid  at  Montvale  Springs.  Mr.  Todd,  a 
theological  student  at  Maryville  many  years  ago,  is  said  to  be  the  author. 
Abram  Caruthers  wrote  a text-book  entitled  “History  of  a Lawsuit.” 
Dr.  P.  O.  Fitzgerald  is  the  author  of  “ Life  of  Dr.  T.  O.  Summers 
“Glimpses  of  Truth”  and  “Centenary  Cameos.”  He  is  a native  of  North 
Carolina. 

Rev.  W.  P.  Harrison,  editor  of  the  Southern  Methodist  Review , has 
published  “Theophilus  Walton,”  a reply  to  “Theodosia  Ernest,”  1858; 
“ Lights  and  Shadows  of  Fifty  Tears,”  published  under  the  nom  dr 
plume  Henry  Hartwell,  in  1883.  (This  is  a bpok  of  short  sketches  from 
real  life.)  “ The  Living  Christ,”  1884;  “The  High  Churchman  Dis- 
armed,” in  1886.  Mr.  Harrison  has  been  connected  with  the  Methodist 
Publishing  House  since  1882,  and  in  that  time  has  edited  over  100  books, 

“ Biographical  Sketches  ” of  Tennessee  Baptists,  by  Rev.  Joseph  ff. 
Borim,  was  published  in  1880.  It  is  a very  flattering  account  of  Baptist 
ministers,  both  past  and  present,  who  have  labored  in  Tennessee,  and  is 
written  in  the  form  of  sketches.  Dr.  A.  H.  Bedford  wrote  “History  of 
Methodism  in  Kentucky,”  “Western  Cavaliers,”  “Fred  Brennam,”  “Bus-  ,, 
sell  Morton,”  “A  Preacher’s  Wife.”  The  last  three  are  religious  novels. 

Rev.  Philip  Lindsley,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  in  178(1;  be- 
came a preacher  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  rose  to  such  eminence 
that,  in  1834,  he  was  chosen  unanimously  moderator  of  the  General  As- , 
sembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States,  then  holding  its 
sessions  at  Philadelphia.  He  occupied  distinguished  positions,  many  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


625 


them  thrust  upon  him  without  solicitation.  In  1825  he  was  inaugurated 
president  of  Dickenson  College,  Nashville,  Tenn.  The  name  of  this  in- 
stitution was  changed  the  nest  year  to  the  University  of  Nashville.  He 
was  among  the  very  foremost  men  of  his  day  in  the  work  of  higher  ed- 
ucation. He  was  much  esteemed  by  the  public  as  a man  of  great  genius, 
and  his  work  in  the  educational  department  was  nobly  executed  and  pro- 
ductive of  beneficial  results.  His  publications  were  chiefly  in  the  form 
of  addresses  on  education.  They  were  published  in  three  large  volumes, 
with  a memoir,  by  Le  Roy  J.  Halsey,  D.  D. 

Samuel  D.  Baldwin  is  the  author  of  “Armageddon,  or  the  Overthrow 
of  Romanism  and  Monarchy,”  and  “Life  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Norton.” 
Thomas  O.  Summers,  D.  D.,  editor  of  Nashville  Christian  Advocate \ 
is  author  of  a number  of  works:  “Baptism,”  “Golden  Censer,”  “Holi- 
ness,” “Refutation  of  Payne,”  “Seasons,  Months  and  Days,”  “Sunday- 
school  Teacher,”  “Sunday-school  Speaker,”  “Talks  Pleasant  and  Profit- 
able,” “Scripture  Catechism.” 

W.  M.  Baskerville,  professor  of  English  language  and  literature  in 
Vanderbilt  University,  published  first  a piece  of  Anglo-Saxon  prose  for 
his  doctor’s  degree  at  the  University  of  Leipsic.  This  was  followed  by 
an  “Anglo-Saxon  Poem”  in  1885.  Mr.  Baskerville  then  brought  out  a 
joint  work  with  Prof.  James  A.  Harrison,  an  “Anglo-Saxon  Dictionary,” 
also  published  in  1885.  Mr.  Baskerville  was  born  in  Fayette  County, 
Tenn.,  April  1,  1850.  After  attending  several  prominent  institutions 
of  learning  in  the  United  States  he  went  to  the  University  of  Leipsic, 
where  he  received  the  degree  of  Ph.  D. 

“Early  Times  in  Middle  Tennessee,”  by  John  Carr,  was  published  in 
1857.  The  preface  is  'written  by  Dr.  J.  B.  McFerrin.  The  book  con- 
tains a series  of  sketches  on  the  history  of  Middle  Tennessee,  which  were 
first  published  in  the  Nashville  Christian  Advocate.  Much  of  the  book 
is  given  to  early  religious  history,  and  it  contains  biographies  of  pioneer 
preachers  and  one  of  the  author. 

“Life  and  Times  of  Elder  Reuben  Ross,”  an  interesting  and  well 
written  book,  by  James  Ross,  with  an  introduction  and  notes  by  J.  M. 
Pendleton,  was  published  1882.  Elder  Ross  was  born  in  North  Carolina, 
in  U76.  He  came  to  Tennessee  in  1807,  after  having  been  ordained  to 
the  ministry,  and  for  fifty  years  was  a noted  preacher.  The  history  of 
his  life  covers  one  of  the  most  important  periods  in  the  religious  history 
of  the  State. 

J.  H.  Brunner,  D.  D.,  president  of  Hiwassee  College,  has  published 
“Sunday  Evening  Talks”  and  “The  Union  of  the  Churches.”  The  Rev. 
0.  P.  Fitzgerald,  editor  of  the  Nashville  Christian  Advocate , is  the 


626 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


author  of  “California  Sketches,”  two  volumes;  “Christian  Growth”  and 
“The  Class  Meeting.”  “The  Sunday-school  and  its  Methods”  is  a vol- 
ume published  at  Nashville,  1883,  by  Rev.  James  A.  Lyons,  a native  of 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  a minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South 
George  W.  Harris,  author  of  “Sut  Lovingood’s  Yarns,”  a humorous  book, 
was  born  in  Knoxville,  Tenn.  His  book  had  a wide  popularity,  especially 
among  young  readers. 

Legal  writers  are  Hon.  William  E.  Cooper,  author  of  “Cooper’s  Chan- 
cery Reports,”  reported  and  edited  by  himself;  Wesley  J.  Hicks,  author 
of  “Hicks’  Manual;”  William  C.  Kain,  author  of  “Tennessee  Justice  and 
Legal  Adviser,”  and  Henry  S.  Foote,  author  of  “Foote’s  Bench  and  Bar 
of  the  Southwest.” 

“A  Review  of  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin,  or  an  Essay  on  Slavery,”  is  the 
work  of  A.  Woodward,  M.  D.,  published  in  Cincinnati  in  1853.  Dr. 
Woodward  lived  in  Knoxville  for  many  years  where  he  practiced  his 
profession,  and  has  left  a large  family.  His  little  book  is  very  credit 
able,  and  the  views  on  Southern  customs  and  the  estimate  of  character 
are  just  and  impartial.  “Old  Times  in  West  Tennessee,”  published  in 
Memphis,  1873,  and  copyrighted  by  Joseph  S.  Williams  in  the  same 
year,  is  a book  by  “A  Descendant  of  One  of  the  First  Settlers.” 

The  most  prominent  of  the  female  authors  of  Tennessee  is  Miss  Mary 
N.  Murfree,  whose  pseudonym  is  Charles  Egbert  Craddock.  Miss  Mur- 
free  is  a native  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  Loss  of  property  induced  her 
father,  who  is  a prominent  lawyer,  to  live  on  the  old  Dickenson  planta- 
tion. It  was  the  isolated  life  there  that  led  the  young  girl  to  reflection 
and  introspection,  and  developed  her  keen  observation  of  nature’s  mys- 
teries, which  plumed  her  pen  for  its  exquisite  descriptions  of  scenery. 
Miss  Murfree  touches  the  very  core  of  nature  and  reveals  all  her  hidden 
lpre,  presenting  it  to  the  reader  in  gorgeous  coloring.  Many  visits  to 
the  mountains  of  East  Tennessee  made  her  familiar  with  the  customs 
and  dialect  of  the  mountaineers.  This  practical  knowledge,  added  to  the 
wealth  of  imagination  she  possesses,  formed  the  conjunction  necessary 
to  perfect  the  genius.  All  the  prominent  journals  of  the  country  accord 
the  very  highest  praise  to  Miss  Murfree.  She  is  said  to  be  the  “most 
powerful  and  original  of  the  ‘southern  school’  of  romanticists.”  Says 
the  Boston  Traveller:  “Here  is  the  positive,  brilliant,  glowing  genius 
that  has  cut  its  own  channel  and  made  its  own  place.”  Her  productions 
are  “In  the  Tennessee  Mountains,”  “Down  the  Ravine,”  “The  Prophet 
of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains”  and  many  other  contributions  to  period- 
icals; also  “Where  the  Battle  was  Fought.”  The  publication  of  her  first 
work  entitled  her,  justly,  to  the  front  rank  among  novelists,  and  her  merit 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


G27 


is  acknowledged,  by  all  lovers  of  the  beautiful,  who  look  on  her  produc- 
tions as  a new  voice  of  delight  in  the  world  of  fiction. 

Mrs.  L.  Virginia  French  was  by  birth  a Virginian.  At  an  early  age 
she  was  sent  by  her  father  to  her  maternal  grandmother  in  Washington, 
Penn.,  where  she  was  educated.  In  1848,  having  finished  her  education, 
she  became  a teacher  in  Memphis.  Her  maiden  nom  de  plume  was  L 1 
Inconnue.  She  published,  in  1856,  “Wind  Whispers,”  a book  of  fugi- 
tive poems;  “Legends  of  the  South,”  in  verse;  “Iztalilxo,  the  Lady  of 
Tala,”  a tragedy  in  five  acts,  the  scene  laid  in  Mexico;  “My  Roses,”  a 
novel  of  Southern  life  in  1872.  In  1879,  “Darlingtonia,”  a novel,  ran 
as  a serial  in  the  Detroit  Free  Press.  She  occupied  the  position  of  ed- 
itor to  many  prominent  literary  journals  of  the  South.  She  is  best 
known  as  a poet.  Her  verse  is  full  of  tone  and  imagination,  and  her 
drama  has  been  compared  to  “Ion”  and  “The  Lady  of  Lyons.”  She 
led  a life  of  excessive  literary  activity  and  usefulness.  She  died  at  Mc- 
Minnville, March  31,  1881.  Since  her  death  her  sister,  Mrs.  Lide  Meri- 
weather,  also  an  authoress,  lias  published  a volume  of  poems  entitled  “One 
or  Two,”  the  joint  work  of  these  gifted  sisters.  Mrs.  Meriweather  re- 
sided in  Memphis  for  many  years,  and  at  that  time  published  two  books, 
“Soundings”  and  “Souls  for  Sale.”  “Soundings,”  a prose  work,  was 
written  with  the  noble  endeavor  to  elevate  and  restore  to  honest  effort 
those  who,  by  one  false  step,  are  tossed  by  custom  into  the  bitter  gulf  of 
degradation,  without  one  hope  of  repentance  or  of  restoration  to  a more 
upright  career,  to  which  some  might  attain  if  the  liand-grasp  of  pitying 
women  was  held  out  to  them.  Mrs.  Meriweather  is  also  a poet  of  ability. 
“October”  is  a handsome  specimen  of  suggestive  style. 

Mrs.  Annie  Chambers  Ketchum  -was  born  in  Kentucky,  and  removed 
to  Memphis  after  her  marriage.  While  there,  she  became  the  editor  of 
theLo/os,  a literary  magazine.  In  1856  she  brought  out  a novel,  “Nelly 
Bracken”  which  was  favorably  received ; “ Rilla  Motto,”  a romance  -writ- 
ten for  the  Lotos  in  1860;  “Lotos  Flowers,”  a volume  of  miscellaneous 
poems.  “Benny,”  a Christmas  ballad  which  appeared  in  the  Home 
Journal , attracted  much  attention.  Besides  literary  ability  and  rare  no- 

bility of  nature,  Mrs.  Ketchum  is  gifted  with  beauty,  fine  conversational 
powers  and  a voice  of  great  compass  and  sweetness.  Her  teacher,  Prof. 
V right  Merrick,  says:  “In  the  classics,  in  the  sciences,  she  is  equally  at 
home;  in  modern  languages,  music  and  drawing  she  excels  as  well.  I 
have  never  known  her  peer.”  She  has  traveled  in  Europe  recently,  and 
is  still  actively  engaged  in  literary  work. 

Mrs.  Adelia  C.  Graves,  nee  Spencer,  wife  of  Z.  C.  Graves,  president 
at  that  time  of  Kingsville  Academy,  and  founder  of  Mary  Sharpe  Col- 


G28 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


lege,  "Winchester,  Tenn.,  is  an  authoress.  She  was  for  some  time  pro- 
fessor of  Latin  and  belles-lettres  and  afterward  matron  and  professor  1 
of  rhetoric  in  the  Winchester  College.  She  has  written  many  fugitive 
poems  and  two  prose  tales,  “Ruined  Lives,”  published  in  the  South- 
ern  Repository,  Memphis,  and  a drama,  “Jephtha’s  Daughter.”  She  had 
also  a work  on  “Woman;  her  Education,  Aims,  Sphere,  Influence  and 
Destiny.” 

Mrs.  Mary  E.  Pope,  Memphis,  for  some  time  principal  of  a flourish- 
ing school  for  young  ladies,  is  the  authoress  of  fugitive  poems ; one  entitled 
“ The  Gift  of  Song.”  Martha  W.  Brown,  who  wrote  under  the  pseudonym 
of  Estelle,  resided  in  Memphis.  She  contributed  numerous  poems  to 
The  Southern  Literary  Messenger ; “Thou  Art  Growing  Old,  Mother,” 
is  said  to  be  the  very  essence  of  the  poetry  of  the  heart. 

Mrs.  Amanda  Bright  was  born  in  Alabama  and  removed  early  in  life 
to  Fayetteville,  Tenn.  Her  eldest  son  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Seven 
Pines.  Soon  thereafter  her  second  and  only  remaining  child  died.  In 
her  great  sorrow  she  wrote  a book,  hoping  to  realize  a sufficient  sum 
to  erect  a monument  to  her  sons’  memory.  “The  Three  Bernices,  or 
Ansermo  of  the  Crag”  was  the  outcome  of  this  design,  published  in  1869. 
Mrs.  Bright  has  vivid  imagination,  richness  and  exuberance  of  style, 
and  she  paints  nature  with  the  rare  and  delicate  touches  of  a true 
artist.  She  wrote  other  stories,  “The  Prince  of  Seir”  among  them. 

Miss  Annie  E.  Law,  long  a resident  of  Tennessee,  is  of  English  birth 
and  now  lives  in  California.  She  is  a woman  of  great  force  of  will,  strong 
intellect  and  unflinching  courage.  She  gave  valuable  aid  in  the  war  to 
the  Confederates,  to  whose  cause  she  was  a devoted  adherent.  She  was 
tried  as  a spy  at  Knoxville  in  the  war.  She  is  authoress  of  many  poems, 
one  of  the  best  being  “Memories.”  Miss  Law  is  also  a learned  concholo- 
gist,  and  has  made  many  valuable  contributions  to  that  science. 

In  1867  Miss  Zoda  G.  Smith  published  from  the  Southern  Method- 
ist Publishing  House  at  Nashville,  under  the  nom  de  plume  of  “Elloie,  " 
a small  volume  of  poems.  Her  verse  is  said  to  contain  nothing  morbid 
or  insipid,  but  to  elevate  the  heart,  broken  by  earthly  trials,  into  the 
purer  atmosphere  and  brighter  skies  of  heaven.  Mrs.  Bettie  Meriwether, 
a great  apostle  of  temperance,  wrote  a fine  novel  of  much  power,  entitled 
“The  Master  of  Redleaf,”  which  was  favorably  received.  She  is  a resi- 
dent of  Memphis.  “A  Memoir  of  Hugh  Lawson  White,”  judge  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Tennessee,  and  United  States  Senator,  with  selections 
from  his  speeches  and  correspondence,  was  published  in  1856,  by  his 
granddaughter,  Miss  Nancy  N.  Scott.  Mrs.  Emma  M.  Blake,  nee  Rut- 
ledge, native  of  Nashville,  and  was  educated  there.  She  married  Mr. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


629’ 


)aniel  Blake,  an  Englishman,  a resident  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  A vol- 
me  of  her  poems  was  printed  by  her  friends  after  her  death,  as  a 
lemorial  of  her,  entitled  “Reliquiae.”  Mrs.  W.  G.  McAdoo  is  the 
uthor  of  two  novels,  “The  Nereid”  and  “Eagle-Bend,”  the  scenes  laid 
x East  Tennessee,  and  a number  of  serial  stories.  Mrs.  Annie  S.  Gil- 
ihrist,  of  Nashville,  is  authoress  of  two  novels  of  considerable  merit, 
Rosehurst”  and  “Harcourt,”  both  published  in  Nashville. 

Mrs.  Jane  Tandy  Chinn  Cross  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  but  pub- 
shed  her  books  in  Nashville.  She  was  twice  married,  and  died  in  1870. 
7hile  on  a European  tour,  she  corresponded  with  The  Nashville  Christian 
dvocate.  She  began  writing  for  publication  in  1851.  Wrote  a book 
' four  volumes  for  children,  and  “Duncan  Adair,  or  Captured  in  Escap- 
.g”  and  “Azile,  A Story,”  Nashville,  1868.  “Azile”  is  a very  interesting 
;ory,  the  scene  of  the  first  part  laid  in  Dresden,  and  changing  to  the 
ynthern  States  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war.  Her  style  is  polished, 
nightly  and  lucid.  Her  portraiture  of  life  in  the  South  is  graphic,  and 
ere  are  some  fine  art  touches  on  German  customs  and  amusements, 
rs.  Whitson,  resident  of  Murfreesboro,  has  published  general  biograph- 
:.al  works.  The  most  important  is  a book  of  sketches  of  the  last  Gen- 
i al  Assembly,  which  contains  very  flattering  accounts  of  its  members. 

JOURNALISM.* 

The  first  paper  brought  out  in  Tennessee  was  The  Knoxville  Gazette , 
lich  was  published  at  Rogersville,  November  5,  1791,  by  Mr.  George 
nulstone.  The  Gazette  was  a three-column  paper  of  no  great  merit, 
d of  little  interest  to  the  general  reader;  yet  as  the  pioneer  paper  of 
te  new  region,  it  created  quite  an  excitement  among  the  rough  settlers, 
is  supposed  that  Indian  troubles  prevented  Mr.  Roulstone  from  estab- 
liing  his  paper  at  once  in  Knoxville.  Although  this  town  was  laid  out 
1792,  many  people  regarded  it  as  a myth,  and  the  editor  of  The 
1 izette  may  have  shared  this  belief.  He,  however,  removed  his  paper  after 
1 3 issuance  of  a few  numbers  at  Rogersville,  and  continued  to  publish  it 
Knoxville  until  his  death,  in  1801.  Roulstone  was  printer  to  the  Ter- 
' orial  and  State  Legislatures,  and  published  Willie  Blount’s  “Catachet- 
1 1 Exposition  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.”  He  was 
die  printer  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  his  wife  was  elected  two  suc- 
cssive  terms  to  fill  his  place.  She  was  Miss  Gilliam,  of  Nashville,  and 
; s left  many  descendants  in  Middle  Tennessee. 

Knoxville’s  second  paper  was  The  Knoxville  Register,  a weekly  issue 
mded  by  G.  Roulstone  in  1798.  The  Register  wTas  in  existence  about 

C con^a^ne<^  ab°ve  sketch  on  the  subject  of  journalism  was  kindly  furnished  by" 


630 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


two  years  when  its  editors  G.  Boulstone  and  John  Itivington  Parrington 
published  another  paper  called  The  Genius  of  Liberty , a small  paper  no 
so  large  as  either  of  the  former,  and  by  no  means  so  sprightly  in  tone 
This  made  Knoxville  the  mistress  of  three  weeklies,  a fine  exhibition  foi 
a little  frontier  town  in  its  babyhood.  In  1804  George  Wilson  edited  ; 
paper  known  as  Wilson's  Gazette,  a much  larger  paper  than  its  prede 
cessors.  It  had  five  columns  and  ruled  lines  while  the  earlier  issues  liar 
three  columns  and  no  lines.  This  paper  continued  until  1818  when  Wil- 
son removed  to  Nashville  and  published  The  Nashville  Gazette,  a papei 
devoted  to  “Old  Hickory’s”  service. 

The  Knoxville  Register,  “the  one  that  became  an  institution  of  Knox 
ville,”  was  established  by  F.  S.  Heiskill  and  Hu.  Brown  in  August 
1816.  Maj.  Heiskill  came  to  Knoxville,  in  1814,  where  he  served  i(af 
journeyman  printer  on  Wilson"1  s Gazette,  then  the  only  paper  publishec 
in  East  Tennessee.”  He  was  a man  of  limited  opportunities  but  strong 
native  capacities  and  managed  the  political  department  of  The  Register 
with  much  ability.  Hu.  Brown  was  an  accomplished  scholar  and  tluen 
writer,  and  he  conducted  the  miscellaneous  and  literary  parts  of  the  papei 
with  skill  and  success.  In  the  bitter  party  strife  which  rent  the  country 
in  the  presidential  campaign  of  Gen.  Jackson  and  John  Q.  Adams  Thi 
Register  entered  with  vigor  and  enthusiasm,  and  bore  a prominent  par 
in  that  political  storm.  It  also  supported  Judge  Hugh  L.  White  foi 
President  in  1836.  Between  1836  and  1839  The  Register  changed 
owners  and  editors  several  times,  as  well  as  names.  Its  existence  con 
tinued,  with  many  vicissitudes,  until  after  1863,  when  it  succumbed  h 
the  exigencies  of  the  war.  Up  to  1859  The  Register  had  been  a Whi< 
paper.  In  that  year  it  became  a strong  Democratic  sheet. 

Another  paper,  The  Enquirer,  began  in  Knoxville  in  1823.  Likeothe: 
journals  of  this  region  it  went  through  many  changes  of  owners  anc 
editors.  At  one  time  Mr.  Hiram  Barry  was  its  owner  and  publisher  witl 
J.  J.  Meredith  as  editor.  Mr.  Barry  is  a resident  of  Knoxville  ami  tin 
oldest  printer  in  the  State,  he  having  come  to  that  place  in  1816.  Ee  i 
still  an  active  citizen  who  can  tell  many  interesting  incidents  of  earl; 
affairs  in  Tennessee.  As  Knoxville  grew  other  papers  had  their  rise 
The  Hon.  John  B.  Nelson,  a distinguished  lawyer,  issued  two  papers 
The  Republican  in  1831  and  Uncle  Sam  in  1834.  The  Post  was  firs 
brought  out  in  Knoxville,  in  1841,  by  Capt.  James  Williams.  It  wa 
afterward  removed  to  Athens  and  still  continues  there  as  The  Aiken 
Post,  edited  by  Mr.  Samuel  P.  Ivins.  The  Argus  appeared  in  1838.  I 
was  changed  to  Standard  in  1844,  and  continued,  with  some  changes,  t( 
1855. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


631 


The  Plebeian  began  as  a Democratic  weekly  in  1850,  and  in  1851  was 
I.  own  as  The  Daily  Morning  Plebeian.  This  was  the  first  daily  ever 
blisbed  in  Knoxville.  Other  minor  papers  flourished  from  1853  to 
; 57 ; and  in  1858  Mr.  John  Mitchel,  the  Irish  patriot,  and  Mr.  W.  G. 
"'an,  of  Knoxville,  established  an  ultra  pro-slavery  paper  called  The 
ufhern  Citizen.  Mr.  Mitchel  was  a man  of  liberal  education,  polite 
tress  and  keen  wit,  added  to  much  boldness  and  independence  of  char- 
ter. Says  a critic,  11  The  Southern  Citizen  was  conducted  with  ability, 
■ogance  and  intolerance  seldom  equaled.” 

The  war  journals  of  Knoxville  were  The  East  Tennesseean , published 
the  Hon.  John  Baxter,  as  principal,  in  February,  1862,  and  The 
i it  hern  Chronicle.  The  East  Tennesseean  was  devoted  to  the  support 
the  Confederate  States  in  their  war  for  independence.  It  had  but  one 
ue.  The  Southern  Chronicle  fell  in  1863,  on  Federal  occupation, 
bgersville,  in  1816, had  a newspaper  called  The  Roger sville  Gazette , and  in 
50,  The  Rogersville  Times  was  a lively  and  enterprising  journal.  Other 
ms  in  East  Tennessee  were  not  behind  in  publishing  papers.  Green- 
le  had,  in  1822,  an  eight-paged  paper  entitled  The  American  Economist 
ad  Weekly  Political  Recorder , followed  by  The  Miscellany  and  The 
' eeneville  Spy,  which  continued  until  the  war. 

The  first  paper  ever  published  southwest  of  Knoxville,  was  The  Val- 
le Farmer , in  Washington,  Rhea  County.  This  was  removed  subse- 
ently  to  Athens,  under  the  name  of  Athens  Gazette.  In  1833  J.  W. 
Brazeale,  the  author  of  “Life  as  it  is,”  edited  The  Tennessee  Journal 
this  place.  As  early  as  1838,  Hew  Market  had  a paper;  and  in  1832, 
aesboro  issued  a Whig  paper,  called  The  Washington  Republican  and 
hrmers ’ Journal, edited  by  Judge  Emerson,  of  the  supreme  court,  and  The 
Sitinel  by  Dr.  Thomas  Anderson,  author  of  a medical  work  on  diseases 
uiliar  to  East  Tennessee.  W.  G.  Brownlow  edited  his  well  known 
dug  at  that  time  in  Jonesboro,  and  between  the  two  papers  a political 
:1  personal  feud  raged  with  unabated  fury  for  a long  period. 
Chattanooga,  then  known  as  Ross’s  Landing,  had  a paper  called  The 
mmilton  Gazette  as  early  as  1838.  The  name  was  changed  afterward 
t The  Chattanooga  Gazette.  This  paper  passed  through  some  vicissitudes 
til  1861,  when  it  became  a daily  issue.  Elizabethton  Republican  and 
Manufacturers ’ Advocate  was  the  first  paper  published  in  Elizabethton. 
iis  was  succeeded  by  Brownlow’’ s Tennessee  Whig,  begun  at  this  place 
1 1839.  The  Whig  was  bold,  intense,  incisive,  and  continued  one  year, 
wen  it  was  removed  to  Jonesboro,  and  subsequently  to  Knoxville.  In 
A9  Brownlow' s Knoxville  Whig  sent  out  its  first  issue  and  continued 
Gil  suspended  October  16,  1861,  and  revived  Nevember  11,  1S63.  In 


632 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


1869  Brownlow  dissolved  connection  with  this  paper  and  resumed  editor 
ship  in  1875,  at  which  time  the  paper  bore  the  new  name  of  Daily  Chror 
icle  and  Weekly  Whig  and  Chronicle.  The  motto  of  the  Whig , “Cr 
aloud  and  spare  not,”  gave  full  insight  into  the  spirit  of  the  paper.  Th 
Whig  bore,  at  one  time,  the  title  Independent  Journal,  and  Brownlow 
Knoxville  Whig  and  Rebel  Ventilator.  No  paper  ever  had  a wider  circn 
lation.  It  is  said  to  have  had  a circulation  of  10,000  in  1855.  The  Knox 
ville  Chronicle  was  established  in  1870,  by  Mr.  William  Rule,  the  pre* 
ent  able  editor  of  The  Journal.  Cleveland,  Maryville,  Madisonvillo 
Kingston  and  Jasper  had  weekly  papers  from  an  early  date.  Beside 
these  there  were  two  literary  journals  published  in  the  University  o 
Tennessee,  and  a temperance  organ  existed  for  a short  while  in  1874,  i 
Knoxville,  published  by  Mr.  Joe  Lewis  and  J.  A.  Rayl. 

Two  papers  deserve  mention — The  Railroad  Advocate  of  Rogersvillc 
in  1831,  devoted  to  collecting  all  available  information  about  the  re 
sources  of  this  favored  region,  so  as  to  arouse  the  people  to  the  need  o 
an  outlet  for  the  immense  agricultural  and  mineral  wealth  of  the  State 
Since  then  the  riches  have  been  developed  beyond  all  expectation.  Th 
other  was  a veritable  abolition  paper,  called  The  Genius  of  Universe 
Emancipation.  This  was  published  at  Greeneville  in  1821  by  Benjami; 
Lundy,  a native  of  New  Jersey,  of  Quaker  parentage,  and  showed  that  a 
the  South  existed  the  spark  of  what  afterward  proved  to  be  one  of  th 
fiercest  fires  of  fanaticism  that  ever  swept  over  a nation.  The  pape 
advocated  emancipation,  and  proposed  several  curious  plans  for  effectin' 
the  liberation  of  slaves.  A few  religious  papers  finish  the  list  of  paper 
in  East  Tennessee. 

Journalism  began  in  Nashville  in  1797,  when  a paper  was  publishe* 
called  The  Tennessee  Gazette  and  Mero  District  Advertiser , by  a Ken 
tucky  printer  named  Henkle.  In  a year  this  paper  was  sold  and  th 
name  changed  to  The  Clarion.  An  issue  of  the  date  of  1801  is  preserve* 
by  the  State  Historical  Society.  Its  ragged  condition  shows  its  age 
“ It  is  a folio  sheet,  with  pages  10x11  inches,  and  four  columns  to  th 
page,  printed  in  pica  type.”  The  Clarion  was  enlarged  under  the  nam 
of  Clarion  and  Tennessee  Gazette , and  other  changes  of  heading  unt) 
December,  1821,  when  it  resumed  the  name  of  The  Clarion. 
price  of  subscription  varied  from  $2  to  $3  in  advance,  or  $3  to  $4,  pava 
able  after  six  months.”  In  1821  The  Clarion  was  discontinued,  and  it 
owners,  Abram  P.  Maury  and  Carey  A.  Harris,  brought  out  The  I' ash 
ville  Republican.  Bradford,  the  long-time  printer  of  The  Clarion,  issue 
from  that  office,  in  1808,  Bradford’s  Tennessee  Almanac.  The  Impar 
tial  Review  and  Cumberland  Repository  appeared  in  the  latter  part  c 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


633 


105.  A number  is  in  preservation  bearing  date  February  1,  1806,  in 
deli  is  announced  the  death  of  Charles  Dickenson,  who  fell  in  a duel 
t ight  with  Gen.  Jackson.  The  Museum , begun  by  Mr.  G.  Bradford, 
vs  a literary  monthly,  published  in  1809,  and  existed  for  six  months. 

1 contained  much  valuable  political  and  historical  information,  and  was 
( culated  at  the  low  price  of  $2  per  year. 

Rev.  David  Lowry  published  the  first  Cumberland  Presbyterian  organ 
the  United  States.  It  bore  the  name  of  The  Religious  and  Literary 
j telligencer.  It  was  a weekly  brought  out  in  1830  and  existed  nearly 
to  years.  Following  this  was  The  Nashville  Herald , in  1831,  owned  by 
Hr.  W.  Tannehill.  This  paper  -was  of  brief  continuance.  Next  came  a 
V:ekly  literary  paper  in  1833  of  quarto  form,  named  The  Kaleidoscope. 

J ; tone  was  lofty  and  its  influence  elevating,  but  unfortunately  its  dura- 
t>n  was  short.  The  Commercial  Transcript , a small  commercial  sheet, 
me  out  in  1835;  and  after  two  years  it  became  The  Banner  and  Whig. 
.1  ‘dissociation  of  Gentlemen”  published  in  the  years  1835-36  a 
iesbyterian  paper  named  The  American  Presbyterian,  which  was  not 
•stained.  The  Cumberland  Magazine , a quarterly,  was  edited  by  the 
lev.  James  Smith.  This  man  was  a Scotch  Presbyterian,  and  wrote  a 
3 story  in  defense  of  that  church;  a very  able  work.  The  Revivalist,  a 
nekly,  began  in  1837,  and  changed  to  The  Cumberland  Presbyterian, 
lit  only  a few  numbers  were  issued.  Tennessee  Baptist  of  the  First 
.iptist  Church  in  Nashville,  a monthly,  existed  from  1835  to  1837,  when 
i changed  owners  and  became  a semi-monthly.  The  Old  Baptist  Ban- 
r,  1838,  wras  published  by  the  Rev.  Washington  Lowe.  It  was  a 
ontlily  paper.  The  Christian  Review,  a monthly  magazine,  was  the 
ampbellite  organ,  published  between  the  years  184L-46.  In  1840 
ie  Tennessee  State  Agriculturist  began  and  continued  to  1846.  A 
Liable  law  journal,  called  The  Southwestern  Law  Journal  and  Reporter, 
is  published  in  1844  and  edited  by  William  Cameron  and  John  T.  S. 
ill.  E.  Z.  C.  Juclson  and  A.  H.  Kidd  edited,  in  1844,  The  Southwest- 
n Literary  Journal  and  Monthly  Review.  The  Baptist,  seccpd  paper 
that  name,  a weekly,  was  published  by  C.  K.  Winston,  J.  H.  Shep- 
ard and  J.  H.  Marshall  January,  1844-47.  The  Daily  Orthopolitcin 
as  edited  by  Mr.  Wilkins  Tannehill.  This  was  a daily  which  began  in 
345  and  continued  one  year.  The  Christian  Record,  under  the  dominion 
the  Presbyterian  Synod,  began  in  1846  and  continued  under  changes 
atil  1850,  when  it  was  removed  to  Kentucky. 

A monthly,  called  The  Naturalist,  was  issued  in  1846  for  one  year, 
id  was  devoted  to  education  and  literature.  The  Quarterly  Review  of 
e Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  began  in  1846,  in  Louisville, 


634 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Ky.  In  1851  it  was  removed  to  Richmond,  Va.,  and  to  Nashville  in 
1858.  Dr.  T.  O.  Summers  was  the  able  editor  of  this  periodical.  Tin 
Tennessee  Farmer  and  Horticulturist  a monthly,  was  edited  by  Charles 
Foster,  in  1846.  A temperance  paper,  The  Tennessee  Organ , was  estab- 
lished in  1847,  by  Rev.  John  P.  Campbell.  After  passing  through  sev- 
eral hands  it  was  disposed  of  to  Dr.  R.  Thompson,  and  Gen.  William  G. 
Brien,  an  eloquent  speaker  and  scholar  of  much  ability,  who  conducted 
it  until  it  was  discontinued  in  1854.  The  Southern  Ladies’’  Companion 
a Methodist  monthly,  was  successfully  managed,  and  had  a large  circula- 
tion. It  was  edited  by  Mr.  Heukle  and  Dr.  J.  B.  McFerrin.  The  Ten - 
nessee  Baptist , edited  by  Rev.  Dr.  Howell,  and  The  Portfolio,  a Free- 
mason monthly,  edited  by  Mr.  W.  Tanneliill  in  1847,  were  ably  conducted. 
The  Christian  Magazine,  edited  in  1848  by  Rev.  Jesse  B.  Ferguson  and 
J.  K.  Howard,  and  The  Western  Boatman,  by  Anson  Nelson,  The  Bren- 
ing  Reporter  in  1849-50,  and  The  Nashville  Times  in  1849,  were  other 
publications  of  that  period.  The  Naturalist,  The  Southern  Agricultur- 
ist, The  Nashville  Journal  of  Medicine  and  Surgery  and  The  Southwest- 
ern Monthly,  went  through  brief  life  in  Nashville  in  1849-52.  The 
Ladies'1  Pearl,  a monthly,  was  edited  between  1852-56  by  Rev.W.  S.Lang- 
don  and  J.  C.  Provine,  and  afterward  by  Mrs.  Langdon.  The  Nashville 
Evening  Neivs  existed  in  1851-53.  The  Soidliern  Medical  Journal  of 
Medical  and  Physical  Sciences,  a bi-monthly  was  published  1853-57. 
The  Banner  of  Peace,  a Cumberland  Presbyterian  paper,  continued  from 
1840  to  the  recent  war.  The  Parlor  Visitor,  in  1854,  a Baptist  organ, 
edited  by  Dr.  W.  P.  Jones;  The  Gospel  Advocate,  a weekly  in  the  same 
year,  edited  by  Elder  Tolbert  Fanning  and  Prof.  William  Lipscomb, 
and  The  Southern  Baptist  Review  in  1855,  were  well  conducted  papers. 
The  Home  Circle,  Rev.  L.  D.  Houston,  editor,  and  The  Sunday-School 
Visitor,  with  Dr.  T.  O.  Summers,  editor,  were  other  religious  issues  of 
1855.  Two  agricultural  papers,  The  Farmer's  Banner  and  The  Agn- 
culturist  and  Commercial  Journal  appeared  in  1855  and  lasted  a short 
time.  The  Fountain  was  a sprightly  temperance  paper  in  1855,  and  The 
Tennessee  Farmer  and  Mechanic  lasted  about  one  year. 

The  Nashville  Daily  News  began  in*  1857,  and  discontinued  in  1>00. 
The  Baptist  Family  Visitor,  and  Harper's  Theatrical  Bulletin  issued  a 
few  numbers  in  1857.  The  Legislative  Union  and  American  was  sari  to 
be  an  important  State  organ  between  1857  and  1859.  The  Daily  Chrc  ■ 
tian  Advocate,  a Methodist  paper,  and  The  Christian  Unionist,  another 
religious  paper,  existed  a short  while.  Other  papers,  many  of  them  re- 
ligious, were  The  Southern  Magazine  of  Temperance , Young's  Spirit  of 
the  South  and  Centred  American,  The  Nashville  Monthly  Record  of 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


635 


[ eclical  and  Physical  Sciences , Southern  Homestead , whose  literary  de- 
axtment  was  edited  by  Mrs.  L.  Virginia  French,  and  The  Baptist  Stand- 
i xl  came  out  between  1858  and  1860.  The  Temperance  Monthly , edited 
Y Mrs.  Emelie  0.  S.  Chilton,  a poet  of  high  order,  and  The  Daily  Even- 
■g  Bulletin  were  papers  of  1859.  The  Opposition  was  a campaign 
aper  in  the  struggle  for  governor  between  Col.  John  Netherland  and 
ov.  Isham  G.  Harris.  The  National  Pathfinder  was  edited  by  T.  F. 
.ughes,  Esq.,  in  1860.  The  Nashville  Christian  Advocate  began  in 
334.  It  was  edited  successively  by  many  prominent  divines.  The 
ouisville  (Ky. ) Christian  Advocate  was  merged  in  this  paper  in  1851. 
l 1858  Eev.  Dr.  McFerrin,  who  had  been  editor,  resigned,  and  was  suc- 
beded  by  Eev.  H.  N.  McTyeire.  Dr.  McFerrin  was  appointed  agent  of 
le  Methodist  Episcopal  Publishing  House  at  that  time.  The  Nashville 
’rue  Whig  began  in  1845,  and  was  succeeded  in  1856  by  The  Nashville 
Patriot. 

The  Nashville  Gazette , the  second  paper  of  that  name,  was  published 
ji  1819  by  Mr.  George  Wilson,  the  same  who  had  conducted  Wilson's 
[noxville  Gazette  in  1804.  The  Nashville  Whig,  established  by  Moses 
ad  Joseph  Norvell,  began  in  1812  and  continued  to  1816.  The  Nash- 
ille  Banner , a weekly,  existed  between  1822  and  1826.  It  was  then 
nited  with  The  Whig , under  the  name  of  Nashville  Banner  and  Whig , a 
emi-weekly.  It  was  not  until  1831  that  Nashville  had  a daily  paper, 
his  was  The  National  Banner  and  Nashville  Advertiser.  This  confin- 
ed until  1834,  when  it  was  found  that  daily  papers  did  not  pay  in  Nash- 
ille,  and  it  became  a tri-weekly.  The  Nashyille  Republican  grew  out 
1 the  materials  of  the  old  Clarion  and  Tennessee  Gazette  in  1824. 
iter  some  changes  it  became  a daily  issue  in  1837. 

The  Republican  Banner  was  begun  in  1837,  enlarged  in  1839,  and  in 
842  Gen.  F.  K.  Zollicoffer,  who  had  learned  the  printer’s  trade  in  Mr. 

'.  S.  Heiskell's  office  at  Knoxville,  assumed  the  editorship.  Gen.  Zolli- 
ffier  earned  a reputation  as  an  able  political  writer,  and  kept  up  The 
k inner  to  the  highest  standard  of  newspaper  excellence.  The  Banner 
ad  many  editors  who  were  men  of  distinguished  merit  and  position. 
die  Nashville  Gazette , third  paper  of  that  name,  was  in  existence  from 
844  to  1862.  About  this  time  The  Republican  Banner  was  established, 
nd  continued  to  1853,  when  it  was  united  with  The  American  under  the 
itle  of  Nashville  Union  and  American.  In  1848  was  established  The 
daily  Centre-State  American  and  Nashville  Weekly  American.  The 
Sashville  Union  and  American  began  in  1853,  and  grew  out  of  the  con- 
olidation  of  The  Union  and  The  American.  The  Union  had  been  edi- 
ted by  Col.  J.  G.  Har  ris,  who  was  an  editorial  pupil  of  George  D.  Pren- 


636 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


tice.  Col.  Harris  had  earned  distinction  as  a political  writer,  and  was  an  ,! 
adherent  of  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson.  Mr.  John  Miller  McKee  was  com- 
mercial and  city  editor  of  The  Union  and  American  in  1858,  and  in  18G0 
Mr.  John  C.  Burch  became  associate  editor.  Mr.  Leon  Trousdale  was 
also  one  of  the  editors  of  this  paper.  The  Nashville  Union  and  American 
was  suspended  on  the  evacuation  of  Nashville  by  the  Confederates  in 
1862. 

Nashville,  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion,  was  considered  the  pub- 
lishing center  of  the  South,  having  more  periodicals  than  any  other  city 
of  her  size.  She  had  no  less  than  nineteen  journals  and  nine  large  pub- 
lishing houses.  At  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson,  in  1862,  the  general 
panic  induced  every  man  to  seek  his  own  safety.  Printing  offices  were 
abandoned  by  members  of  the  press,  their  public  position  rendering 
them  peculiarly  obnoxious  to  the  enemy.  Many  printers  were  without 
employment,  and  in  the  absence  of  better  occupation  engaged  in  what 
proved  a lucrative  business,  that  of  selling  newspapers.  There  were 
several  war  publications.  The  first  made  its  appearance  in  February, 
1862,  under  the  name  of  The  Nashville  Times.  This  suspended  after 
the  issue  of  the  thirteenth  number.  Six  numbers  of  the  Evening  Built’, 
tin  followed.  The  Nashville  Daily  Union  began  in  1862  and  had  a 
short  existence.  Other  papers  were  The  Nashville  Dispatch , April, 
1862.  The  Constitution,  with  George  Baber  as  editor,  appeared  in  July. 
1862,  and  The  Nashville  Daily  Press  began  in  May,  1863.  It  cm 
tinued,  with  frequent  change  of  editors,  to  May,  1865,  when  it  was  united 
with  the  Times  and  Union.  Mr.  S.  C.  Mercer  edited  in  1864  The  Nash- 
ville Times  and  True  Union.  It  was  afterward  merged  with  the  Press. 
and  bore  the  title  of  Nashville  Daily  Press  and  Times.  A paper  named 
The  Nashville  Daily  Journal  existed  for  a short  time  in  1863.  Mr.  L. 
C.  Houk  was  editor. 

After  the  war  the  pmbiication  of  The  Union  and  American,  as  a daily, 
tri-weekly  and  weekly,  continued  to  the  latter  part  of  1866,  when  it  be- 
came, by  consolidation  with  The  Dispatch,  The  Union  and  Dispatch.  Xu 
1868  the  praper  was  combined  with  The  Daily  Gazette,  and  resumed  the 
name  of  Union  and  American.  In  1875  The  Union  and  American  was 
consolidated  with  The  Republican  Banner,  and  became  The  American  a 
daily,  semi-weekly  and  weekly  issue.  The  Tennessee  Staats-Zeitmg 
is  a German  paper,  and  is  said  to  be  the  only  daily  paper  of  that  kind 
outside  of  New  Orleans.  Mr.  John  Ruhm  edited  the  piaper  in  1861', 
when  it  was  first  issued.  He  has  since  become  a prominent  lawyer  m 
Nashville.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Publishing  House  has  quite  a 
number  of  journalistic  publications,  and  does  a large  book  business. 


Andrew  Johnson 


FROM  PHOTO  BY  THUSS,  K OEM  IN  S GIERS.NA6HVULE 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


637 


The  colored  people  of  Nashville  are  represented  by  some  creditable  news- 
>apers,  showing  much  enlightenment  and  progress  on  their  part.  Be- 
ides  journalistic  and  periodical  influence,  Nashville  is  prominent  for 
lmanacs.  This  useful  form  of  literature  was  begun  in  1807,  when 
Bradford's  Tennessee  Almanac  appeared.  The  Cumberland  Almanac 
pr  1827  followed,  and  has  had  a regular  publication  since. 

The  first  published  Memphis  paper  was  The,  Memphis  Advocate  and 
Vestern  District  Intelligencer,  the  first  issue  appearing  January  18, 
,827.  It  was  a weekly  publication  by  Parron  & Phoebus.  The  Times 
;as  established  soon  after,  and  later  the  two  were  consolidated  and  en- 
ded The  Times  and  Advocate.  P.  G.  Gaines  and  Mr.  Murray  found- 
:1  The  Memphis  Gazette  in  1831,  and  it  continued  until  1837  or  1838.  F. 

. Lathan,  publisher  of  The  Randolph  Recorder,  established  in  1836  a 
eekly  paper  known  as  The  Memphis  Enquirer,  with  Mr.  J.  H.  McMahon, 
iitor.  The  paper  continued  with  many  changes  of  owners  and  editors 
util  1850,  when  it  united  with  The  Eagle,  and  was  published  as  The  Eagle 
nd  Enquirer  for'  ten  years.  The  Eagle  was  established  by  T.  S.  La- 
mm in  January,  1842.  Dr.  Solon  Borland  began  the  publication  of  The 
Western  World  and  Memphis  Banner  of  the  Constitution,  a weekly,  in 
339.  The  first  number  of  The  Memphis  Appeal,  edited  by  Henry  Van 
elt,  appeared  April  21,  1841.  It  has  changed  proprietors  several  times 
nee  his  death,  and  is  still  published  as  a daily  and  weekly.  Memphis 
'onitor,  which  was  founded  by  John  C.  Morrill  in  1846,  was  merged 
to  The  Appeal  soon  after.  Several  other  newspapers  of  a transitory  na- 
re  were  in  existence  between  1846  and  1860.  Among  these  were  The 
ttiig  Commercial  and  Evening  Herald.  The  Memphis  Bulletin,  estab- 
lished in  1855,  was  published  until  1867,  when  it  was  merged  into  The  A v- 
<anche.  The  latter  was  founded  by  M.  C.  Gallaway  in  1858,  and  with  the 
■ ception  of  three  years  during  the  war,  has  since  been  published  both 
a daily  and  as  a weekly.  There  were  several  papers  published  in  the 
'tr,  among  which  were  The  Public  Ledger,  Argus  and  Commercial.  The 
1st  two  were  united  in  1866  or  1867.  In  addition  to  newspapers  a num- 
1 r of  periodicals  have  been  published.  The  following  is  a list  of  the 
blications  in  1884:  Dailies — Appeal,  Avalanche,  Public  Ledger  and 
! meter.  Each  also  publishes  weekly  editions.  Weeklies  and  monthlies — 
jving  Way,  Mississippi  Valley  Mediccd  Monthly,  Review,  Southern 
ost  Journal  (German),  Tennessee  Baptist  and  Watchman,  a colored 
1 ptist  paper. 

■ 


40 


638 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Religious  History— The  Relation  Between  Religion  and  the  Constitution 
and  tile  Laws— The  Gradual  Development  of  Ecclesiastical  Tolera- 
tion—Tiie  Separation  of  Church  and  State— The  Earliest  Ministra- 
tions in  Tennessee — The  Methods  of  the  Circuit  Riders,  and  the 
Phenomenal  Results— An  Analysis  of  ti-ie  Causes  of  the  “Jerks”  and  the 
“Power” — A Summary  of  the  Creeds  of  the  Principal  Sectarian  Organ- 
izations—An  Account  of  the  Origin,  Growth  and  Success  of  the  Vari- 
ous Churches— Famous  Revivals  and  Illustrative  Anecdotes— The 
Importance  of  the  Establishment  of  Camp  Meetings— The  Controver- 
sies of  The  Churches  upon  the  Question  of  Slavery— The  Interest 
Taken  in  Sunday-school  Work— The  Religious  Status  of  the  Colored 
Race— Buildings,  Finances,  Publications,  Conventions,  etc. 

THE  progress  a people  has  made,  so  far  as  intelligence  and  tolerance 
of  opinion  are  concerned,  is  with  tolerable  accuracy  ascertainable 
by  a careful  study  of  their  constitution  and  laws.  When  the  people  of 
a State  adopt  an  original  or  an  amended  constitution,  that  constitution 
may  be  taken  as  an  expression  of  their  sentiments,  opinions  or  convic- 
tions as  to  what  is  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  community.  The  same- 
remark  is  applicable  to  the  laws  passed  by  tliat  body  endowed  with  the 
power  of  enactment.  It  is  true  that  a constitution  may  be  adopted  by  a. 
mere  majority  of  the  voters;  the  minority  may  be  more  or  less  earnestly 
opposed  to  it;  the  minority  may  be  in  fact  more  intelligent  than  the  ma 
jority,  may  gradually  come  to  be  the  majority  and  may  then  amend  the 
constitution  under  which  they  have  lived  in  such  manner  that  it  shall  con  - 
forrn  to  their  sentiments,  opinions  and  convictions.  This  new  constitu- 
tion in  the  particulars  in  which  it  has  been  amended  indicates  the  change 
in  the  opinions  of  the  people;  it  may  be  progression,  it  may  be  retrogres- 
sion, but  the  old  and  amended  constitutions  when  compared  serve  to  marl; 
the  degrees  on  the  scale  of  progress.  Individuals  may  be,  and  sometimes 
are,  centuries  in  advance  of  their  contemporaries.  Lord  Bacon  who  died 
in  1626,  said:  “Divisions  in  religion  are  less  dangerous  than  violent 
measures  of  prevention.  The  wound  is  not  dangerous  unless  poisoned 
with  remedies.  Inquiry  is  not  to  be  feared.  Controversy  is  the  wind 
by  which  the  truth  is  winnowed.” 

Where  the  mind  is  free  religion  never  has  dangerous  enemies,  j 
Atheism  is  the  mistake  of  the  metaphysician,  not  of  human  nature.  In- 
fidelity gains  the  victory  when  it  wrestles  with  hypocrisy  or  superstition 
not  when  its  antagonist  is  reason.  When  an  eclesiastical  establishment 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


639 


requires  universal  conformity  some  consciences  must  necessarily  be 
wronged  and  oppressed.  In  such  cases,  if  the  wrong  be  successful,  the 
iservitude  is  followed  by  consequences  analogous  to  those  which  ensue  on 
the  civil  enslavement  of  the  people.  The  mind  is  burdened  by  a sense 
of  injury;  the  judgment  is  confused,  and  in  its  zeal  to  throw  of  an  intol- 
erable tyranny,  passion  attempts  to  sweep  away  every  form  of  religion. 
Bigotry  commits  the  correlative  error  when  it  attempts  to  control  opion- 
ion  by  positive  statutes;  to  substitute  the  terrors  of  law  for  convincing 
argument.  It  is  a gigantic  crime  from  the  commission  of  which  in  the 
oast  the  world  is  still  suffering,  to  enslave  the  human  mind  under  the 
earnest  desire  or  under  the  specious  pretext  of  protecting  religion.  Ke- 
igion  of  itself,  pure  and  undefiled,  never  had  an  enemy.  It  has  enemies 
>nly  when  coupled  with  bigotry,  superstition  and  intolerance,  and  then 
>nly  because  in  is  so  enveloped  in  these  as  to  be  indistinguishable  from 
hem.  While  their  power  and  their  tryanny  have  for  centuries  been  em- 
ployed to  strengthen  and  defend  religion,  they  have  ever  been,  and  are 
o-day,  though  in  a far  less  degree  than  formerly,  the  worst  enemy  that 
leligion  has.  The  history  of  the  world  conclusively  proves  that  positive 
nactments  against  irreligion,  or  prohibiting  the  denial  of  the  truths  of 
eligion  as  they  are  conceived  to  be,  provoke  and  cause  the  very  evil 
hey  were  designed  to  prevent.  For  to  deny  the  truths  of  the  proposi- 
ons  or  dogmas  of  any  form  of  religion  is  a right  inherent  in  every  man, 
>r  the  exercise  of  which  he  is  responsible  to  none  but  to  himself  and  his 
'reator.  Besides  there  are  always  those  who  have  a desire  for  martyr - 
ona,  being  unable  in  any  other  way  to  achieve  distinction,  and  because 
) be  a martyr  evinces  courage  and  excites  sympathy,  and  there  are 
ways  more  people  capable  of  extending  sympathy  to  the  persecuted  and 
bpressed  than  there  are  of  those  capable  of  rendering  an  accurate  judg- 
ent  upon  the  question  for  which  the  martyr  chooses  to  be  impaled. 

While  such  principles  as  these  seem  now  to  be  generally  admitted, 
?t  at  the  time  of  the  formation  of  the  constitutions  of  most  of  the  origi- 
d thirteen  States,  the  most  intelligent  of  the  people,  law-makers,  min- 
fers  and  others,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  Pilgrims  abandoned 
ngland  and  sought  the  unknown  and  inhospitable  shores  of  America 
r the  sole  purpose  of  finding  an  asylum  in  which  they  could  themselves 
ercise  and  enjoy  the  sweets  of  religious  freedom,  and  notwithstanding 
e fact  that  the  Catholic  colony  of  Maryland  under  Lord  Baltimore,  had 
und  it  expedient  to  extend  to  Protestants  the  religious  liberty  which 
ley  claimed  for  themselves,  entertained  and  succeeded  in  having  en- 
Jjafted  into  most  of  those  constitutions  provisions  embodying  and  enforc- 
Jg  sentiments  similar  to  those  expressed  by  the  rugged  and  uncom- 


640 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


promising  Dudley,  who  was  not  softened  even  by  old  age,  and  many 
others  of  the  leading  religious  thinkers  of  colonial  times.  Said  Dudley: 
“God  forbid  our  love  of  truth  should  thus  grow  cold — that  we  should  tol- 
erate error.  I die  no  libertine.” 

“Let  men  of  God,  in  courts  and  churches  watch, 

All  such  as  toleration  hatch, 

Lest  that  ill  egg  bring  forth  a cockatrice. 

To  poison  all  with  heresy  and  vice; 

If  men  be  left  and  otherwise  combine, 

My  epitaph’s  “I  died  no  libertine.” 

Cotton  affirmed  that  it  is  “better  to  tolerate  hypocrites  and  tares,  than 
thorns  and  briers;”  thus  recognizing  the  great  principle  that  hypocrisy 
is  one  of  the  grave  evils  of  intolerance.  Ward’s  opinion  was  that  “poly- 
piety is  the  greatest  impiety  in  the  world.  To  say  that  man  ought  to 
have  liberty  of  conscience  is  impious  ignorance.”  Norton  said:  “Relig- 
ion admits  of  no  eccentric  motions.” 

In  consonance  with  these  sentiments  and  the  spirit  Avhich  they  indi  - 
cate, Massachusetts  adopted  a constitution  under  which  a particular  form 
of  worship  was  made  a part  of  the  civil  establishment,  and  irreligion  was; 
punished  as  a civil  offense.  Treason  against  the  civil  government  was 
treason  against  Christ,  and  reciprocally  blasphemy  was  the  highest 
offense  in  the  catalogue  of  crimes.  To  deny  that  any  book  of  the  Old  or 
New  Testament  was  the  infallible  word  of  God  was  punishable  by  fine  or 
by  whipping,  and  in  case  of  obstinacy  by  exile  or  by  death.  Absence 
from  the  “ministry  of  the  Word”  was  punished  by  a fine.  “The  State 
was  the  model  of  Christ’s  kingdom  on  earth.”  Gradually  the  spirit  of 
the  established  religion  smothered  nearly  every  form  of  independence 
and  liberty.  The  creation  of  a national,  uncompromising  church  led  the 
Congregationalists  of  Massachusetts  to  the  indulgence  of  passions  which 
exercised  upon  them  by  their  English  persecutors,  had  driven  them 
across  the  sea,  and  thus  was  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  justified  by 
the  men  he  had  wronged.  Massachusetts,  after  a vain  attempt  to  silence 
the  Quakers,  made  a vain  attempt  to  banish  them.  She  was  as  strongly 
set  against  what  appeared  to  her  as  ruinous  heresy  as  a healthy  city  is 
against  the  plague.  The  second  general  court  of  Massachusetts,  which 
met  May  18,  1631,  is  chiefly  remarkable  for  the  adoption  of  the  theo- 
cratic basis  on  which  for  fifty  years  the  government  of  the  State  con- 
tinued to  rest.  No  man  was  thereafter  recognized  as  a citizen  and  a 
voter  who  was  not  a member  of  some  one  of  the  colonial  churches,  and 
in  order  to  obtain  admission  to  one  of  them  it  was  necessary  to  make  an 
orthodox  confession  of  faith,  live  conformably  to  Puritan  decorum,  and 
add  to  this  a satisfactory  religious  experience,  of  which  the  substantial 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


641 


part  was  an  internal  assurance  of  a change  of  heart  and  a lively  sense  of 
justification  as  one  of  God’s  elect.*  In  1649  it  was  deemed  necessary  to 
support  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  theocracy  by  civil  penalties. 
/'Albeit  faith  is  not  wrought  by  the  sword,  but  by  the  Word,  nevertheless 
seeing  that  blasphemy  of  the  true  God  can  not  be  excused  by  any  ignor- 
ance or  infirmity  of  human  nature,  no  person  in  this  jurisdiction,  whether 
Christian  or  pagan,  shall  wittingly  or  willingly  presume  to  blaspheme 
His  holy  name,  either  by  willfully  and  obstinately  denying  the  true  God, 
or  His  creation  and  government  of  the  world,  or  shall  curse  God,  or  re- 
proach the  holy  religion  of  God,  as  if  it  were  but  an  ingenious  device  to 
keep  ignorant  men  in  awe,  nor  shall  utter  any  other  eminent  kind  of 
blasphemy  of  like  nature  or  degree  under  penalty  of  death.” 

Such  was  the  nature  of  the  relation  in  Massachusetts  between  Church 
md  State.  Every  person  was  taxed  for  the  support  of  the  church  in  the 
same  manner  as  he  was  to  support  the  government,  but  was  permitted  to 
;ay  to  which  individual  church  his  money  should  be  paid.  And  such 
aws  disgraced  the  pages  of  the  statutes  of  that  State  to  a later  date  than 
vere  those  of  any  other  State  similarly  disfigured.  On  April  1,  4834, 
ii  bill  was  enacted  into  a law  containing  the  following  provisions : 

No  person  shall  hereafter  become  or  be  made  a member  of  any  parish  or  religious 
ociety  so  as  to  be  liable  to  be  taxed  therein  for  the  support  of  public  worship,  or  for  other 
'arish  charges  without  his  express  consent  for  that  purpose  first  had  and  obtained. 

No  citizen  shall  be  assessed  or  liable  to  pay  any  tax  for  the  support  of  public  worship 
r parish  charges  to  any  parish  or  religious  society  whatever  other  than  that  of  which  he 
5 a member. 

In  1649  sixteen  acts  were  forwarded  to  Maryland  to  which  the  gov- 
rnor  was  to  obtain  the  assent  of  the  Assembly.  One  of  these  was  en- 
itled  “An  Act  of  Toleration.”  The  first  four  sections  of  this  celebrated 
ct  comprised  but  little  of  the  tolerant  spirit,  as  may  be  seen  by  a peru- 
al  of  their  provisions:  “All  who  shall  blaspheme  God,  that  is,  curse 
lim,  or  who  shall  deny  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  to  be  the  Son  of  God, 
r shall  deny  the  Holy  Trinity,  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  or  the 
lodhead  of  any  of  the  said  three  persons  of  the  Trinity,  or  the  unity  of 
as  Godhead,  or  shall  use  or  utter  any  reproachful  speeches  against  the 
loly  Trinity,  shall  suffer  death  with  forfeiture  of  lands  and  goods.” 
jtrange  as  it  may  seem,  this  death  penalty  for  this  offense  darkened  the 
Mutes  of  Maryland  for  200  years.  No  one  was  permitted  under  the 
iw  to  utter  any  reproachful  words  or  speeches  concerning  the  Virgin 
lary  or  the  holy  apostles  or  evangelists  without  suffering  the  penalty  of 
fine,  and  banishment  for  the  third  offense.  No  one  was  permitted  to 
pproachfully  call  any  one  “heretic,  schismatic,  idolator,  Puritan,  Pres- 


*Hildreth. 


642 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


byterian,”  etc.,  without  being  compelled  to  submit  to  suitable  punish- 
ment. “Liberty  of  conscience”  was,  however,  provided  for  in  the  follow- 
ing words:  “That  the  enforcing  the  conscience  in  matters  of  religion 
hath  frequently  fallen  out  to  be  of  dangerous  consequences  in  those 
commonwealths  where  it  hath  been  practiced,  and  therefore  for  the  more 
quiet  and  peaceful  government  of  the  province,  and  the  better  to  preserve 
mutual  love  and  unity,  no  person  professing  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ 
shall  be  molested  or  discountenanced  on  account  of  his  religion,  nor  in- 
terrupted in  the  free  exercise  thereof.”  It  is  clear,  however,  from  a study  of 
the  history  of  the  colony  of  Maryland  that  whatever  liberty  of  conscience 
was  here  provided  for  to  those  who  “believed  the  religion  of  Jesus 
Christ”  was  adopted  for  the  sake  of  policy,  for  the  reason  that  an  exclus- 
ively Homan  Catholic  colony  would  not  have  been  for  a moment  tolerated 
by  the  mother  country,  then  under  the  domination  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land. 

The  same  idea  is  embodied  in  the  Declaration  of  Eights  prefixed  to 
the  constitution  of  1776  in  the  following  language:  “AH  persons  pro- 
fessing the  Christian  religion,  are  equally  entitled  to  protection  in  their 
religious  liberty,”  and  while  this  declaration  expressed  the  opinion  that 
“ no  person  ought  to  be  compelled  to  frequent  or  maintain  or  contribute, 
unless  on  contract  to  maintain  any  particular  place  of  worship,  or  partic- 
ular ministry,  yet,”  it  said,  “ the  Legislature  may  in  their  discretion  lay 
a general  and  equal  tax  for  the  support  of  the  Christian  religion.”  Later 
this  was  all  changed  and  liberty  of  conscience  granted  in  the  follow- 
ing words:  “ That,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  every  man  to  worship  God  in  such 
manner  as  he  thinks  most  acceptable  to  Him,  all  persons  are  equally  en- 
titled to  protection  in  their  religious  liberty.” 

Chapter  III  of  the  laws  of  Virginia  passed  in  1661,  provided  that  | 
“ no  minister  be  admitted  to  officiate  in  this  country  but  such  as  shah 
produce  to  the  Governour  a testimonial,  that  he  hath  received  his  ordi- 
nation from  some  bishop  in  England,  and  shall  then  subscribe  to  fie 
conformable  to  the  orders  and  constitutions  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land,” etc.  Chapter  V provided  that  the  liturgy  of  the  Church  of 
England  should  be  read  every  Sunday,  and  no  minister  nor  reader 
was  permitted  to  teach  any  other  catechism  that  that  by  the  canons 
appointed  and  inserted  in  the  book  of  common  prayer,  that  no  min- 
ister should  expound  any  other  than  that,  to  the  end  “ that  our  fun- 
damentals at  least  be  well  laid,”  and  that  no  reader  upon  presumption  j 
of  his  own  abilities  should  attempt  to  expound  that  or  any  other  cate- 
chism or  the  Scriptures.  Chapter  VI,  of  the  laws  of  1705,  provided  for 
the  punishment  of  “atheism,  deism  or  infidelity”  as  follows:  “ If  any 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


643 


person  or  persons  brought  up  in  the  Christian  religion  shall  by  writing, 
printing,  teaching  or  advisedly  speaking,  deny  the  being  of  a God,  or 
the  Holy  Trinity,  or  shall  deny  the  Christian  religion  to  be  true,  or  the 
Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to  be  of  divine  author- 
ity. and  shall  be  thereof  legally  convicted  upon  indictment  or  information 
in  a general  court  of  this,  Her  Majesty’s  colony  and  dominion,  such  per- 
son or  persons  for  this  offense  shall  be  incapable  or  disabled  in  law  to 
all  intents  and  purposes  whatever  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  or  employ- 
ment, ecclesiastical,  civil  or  military,  or  any  part  of  them  or  any  profit  or 
advantage  to  them  appertaining  or  any  of  them.”  For  the  second  of- 
fense “ he,  she  or  they  shall  from  thenceforth  be  disabled  to  sue,  prose- 
cute, plead  or  use  any  action  or  information  in  any  court  of  law  or  equity, 
or  to  be  guardian  to  any  child,  or  to  be  executor  or  administrator  of  any 
oerson,  or  capable  of  any  deed  or  gift  or  legacy,  or  to  bear  any  office, 
bivil  or  military,  within  this,  Tier  Majesty’s  colony  or  dominion,  and  shall 
dso  suffer  from  the  time  of  such  conviction  three  years’  imprisonment 
vithout  bail  or  mainprise.” 

A remarkable  change  in  the  attitude  of  Christianity  toward  infidelity 
occurred  between  this  time  and  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of  1776. 
Section  16  of ' the  Bill  of  Eights  prefixed  to  this  constitution  reads  as 
ollows:  “That  religion,  or  the  duty  which  we  owe  to  our  Creator,  and 
he  manner  of  discharging  it,  can  be  directed  only  by  reason  and  convic- 
ion,  not  by  force  or  violence;  and,  therefore,  all  men  are  entitled  to  the 
ree  exercise  of  religion,  according  to  the  dictates  of  conscience ; and  that 
t is  the  mutual  duty  of  all  to  practice  Christian  forbearance,  love  and 
harity  toward  each  other.”  This  section  has  been  incorporated  into  all 
he  succeeding  constitutions  of  Virginia,  and  still  remains  the  embodi- 
ment of  the  sentiment  of  the  people  of  that  State  as  to  religious  tolera- 
icn. 

The  celebrated  “fundamental  constitutions  of  Carolina,”  drawn  up 
iiy  John  Locke,  author  of  the  “ Essay  on  the  Human  Understanding,” 
rovides  in  Article  XCV  that  “No  man  shall  be  permitted  to  be  a free- 
ran  of  Carolina,  or  to  have  any  estate  or  habitation  within  it,  that  doth 
ot  acknowledge  a God,  and  that  God  is  publicly  and  solemnly  to  be  wor- 
hiped.”  But  when  the  constitution  of  North  Carolina  came  to  be 
dopted  the  sentiment  of  the  people  with  reference  to  religious  liberty 
nmd  expression  in  the  following  language:  “ That  all  men  have  a natu- 
al  and  unalienable  right  to  worship  Almighty  God  according  to  the  dic- 
ates  of  their  own  consciences.”  But  “ That  no  person  who  shall  deny 
ae  being  of  God,  or  the  truth  of  the  Protestant  religion,  or  the  Divine 
uthority  either  of  the  Old  or  New  Testaments,  or  who  shall  hold  relig- 


644 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ious  principles  incompatible  with  the  freedom  and  safety  of  the  State,  shall 
be  capable  of  holding  any  office  or  place  of  trust  or  profit  in  the  civil 
department  of  this  State.” 

By  a careful  comparison  of  these  various  excerpta  from  the  colonial 
and  State  constitutions  and  laws,  the  general  reader  will  have  but  little 
difficulty  in  forming  a tolerably  correct  conception  of  the  progress  made 
in  public  opinion  as  to  the  proper  attitude  to  be  assumed  toward  religion 
by  the  State,  during  the  century  or  two  previous  to  the  adoption  of  the 
first  constitution  of  Tennessee.  Neither  will  he  be  less  gratified  then 
surprised  to  find  that  very  little  of  the  spirit  of  intolerance  can  be  found 
crystalized  into  the  provisions  of  that  venerable  instrument.  And  hi-; 
impartial  judgment  may  be  unable  to  conclude  that  it  would  have  been 
better  for  the  interests  of  the  State  if  what  little  of  intolerance  that  is 
included  had  been  omitted.  With  reference  to  the  religious  liberty  of 
the  individual,  Section  3 of  the  Declaration  of  Bights  is  sufficiently  ex- 
plicit: “All  men  have  a natural  and  indefeasable  right  to  worship 

Almighty  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences;  that 
no  man  can  of  right  be  made  to  attend,  erect  or  support  any  place  of 
worship,  or  to  maintain  any  minister  against  his  consent;  that  no  human 
authority  can,  in  any  case  whatever,  control  or  interfere  with  the  rights 
of  conscience,  and  that  no  preference  shall  ever  be  given  by  law  to  any 
religious  establishment  or  mode  of  worship.”  This  provision,  as  well  as 
those  relating  to  religious  tests  to  office-holders,  is  in  all  the  constitu- 
tions that  have  been  adopted  in-  Tennessee,  in  1796,  1834  and  in  1870. 
and  stands  as  an  admirable  safeguard  to  the  most  cherished,  if  not  the 
most  valuable,  of  all  kinds  of  freedom. 

The  little  intolerance  that  the  constitution  contains  applies  only  to 
office-holders,  and  is  in  the  f ollowing  words  in  the  Declaration  of  Rights : 
“ Section  4.  That  no  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualifica- 
tion to  any  office  or  public  trust  under  this  State;”  and  is  as  follows  in 
the  constitution:  “ Article  IX,  Section  2.  No  person  who  denies  the  be- 
ing of  a God,  or  a future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments,  shall  hot! 
any  office  in  the  civil  department  of  this  State.”  The  hypercritic  might 
discover  a slight  contradiction  in  these  two  provisions,  but  perhaps  the 
most  able  political  philosopher  would  fail  should  he  attempt  to  prove  that 
evil  has  resulted  to  the  body  politic  from  its  existence  in  the  fundamen- 
tal law  of  the  State. 

The  special  laws  of  North  Carolina  that  were  in  operation  in  this 
Territory  previous  to  the  operation  of  the  State  constitution  were  simpiT 
those  which  granted  some  special  privilege  to  certain  sects  afflicted  with 
conscientious  scruples  regarding  the  taking  of  an  oath,  as  the  United 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


645 


Brethren,  Mennonites,  Quakers,  Dunkers,  etc.  In  1784  the  Legislature 
of  North  Carolina  passed  an  act  by  which  the  Quakers  were  permitted 
to  “solemnly  declare  or  affirm,”  instead  of  “to  swear,”  and  the  same  act 
provided  that  “ it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  people  called  Quakers  to  wear 
heir  hats  as  well  within  the  several  courts  of  judicature  in  this  State  as 
elsewhere,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  court.”  Thus  it  will  be  seen 
hat  under  the  constitution  and  laws  in  operation  both  before  and  after 
lie  adoption  of  the  constitution,  all  the  various  opinions  concerning  re- 
igion,  those  unfavorable  as  well  as  favorable  toward  it  were  tolerated, 
md  it  will  be  seen  also  as  this  narrative  proceeds  that  all  kinds  of  opin- 
ons  upon  religious  subjects  not  only  were  tolerated  but  found  a home 
n this  State,  and  still  here  abide. 

It  is  generally  admitted,  perhaps  nowhere  seriously  denied,  that  war 
s among  the  greatest  demoralizers  of  the  world,  and  the  early  settle- 
aent  of  this  State  was  so  nearly  contemporaneous  with  the  war  of  the 
{evolution,  and  war  with  various  Indian  tribes  was  so  constantly  present 
jdth  the  early  settlers,  that  it  is  but  reasonable  to  expect  that  an  impar- 
tial inquiry  into  their  condition  must  find  that  many  of  them  were  frequent- 
V in  anything  but  a religious  state  of  mind,  and  even  where  they  were  thus 
isposed,  religious  instruction  and  worship  were  neglected  from  theneces- 
ity  of  the  case,  and  even  forms  of  religion  imperfectly  maintained.  Vice 
nd  immorality  have  always  followed  in  the  wake  of  armies,  as  also, 
rough  to  a less  degree,  in  that  of  the  excitement  attendant  upon  political 
iction.  But  when  the  excitement  of  war  subsides  and  that  of  politics 

> not  intense,  the  superabundant  energies  of  the  people  naturally  turn 

> the  excitement  of  religious  discussion  and  debate.  When  the  morals 
nd  the  minds  of  a community  are  in  this  impressionable  condition  it 
tay  be  truthfully  said  that  the  harvest  is  in  deed  ready  for  the  sickle, 
ut  in  this  early  time  the  reapers  were  few ; and  the  field  is  equally  in- 
iting  to  the  circuit  rider,  missionary  or  preacher  who  labors  for  fame  as 

> him  wrho  sincerely  and  earnestly  labors  for  the  salvation  of  souls, 
[appily,  however,  for  the  gratification  of  the  lover  of  his  State,  the 
teachers  of  the  latter  class  were  far  more  numerous  than  those  of  the 
tamer  in  those  early  times. 

One  of  the  first  to  arrive  within  the  limits  of  the  State  was  the  Rev. 
harles  Cummings,  a Presbyterian  minister,  wdio  preached  regularly  to  a 
aggregation  in  the  Holston  Y alley  not  far  from  Abingdon,  Va.,  as  early 
6 1772.  It  was  the  custom  of  Mr.  Cummings  on  Sunday  morning  to 
•ess  himself  neatly,  put  on  his  shot  pouch,  shoulder  his  rifle,  mount  his 
use  and  ride  to  church,  where  he  would  meet  his  congregation,  each 
an  with  his  rifle  in  his  hand.  Entering  the  church  he  would  walk 


646 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


gravely  through  the  crowd,  ascend  his  pulpit,  and  after  depositing  his 
rifle  in  one  corner  of  it,  so  as  to  be  ready  for  any  emergency,  commence 
the  solemn  services  of  the  day.  Indians  were  not  scarce  in  those  days, 
and  frontier  congregations  consisted  of  armed  men  surrounded  by  their 
families.  Also  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  in  1779  a Baptist  preacher 
named  Tidence  Lane  organized  a congregation,  a house  of  worship  was 
built  on  Buffalo  Biclge,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Doak  was  preaching  about 
this  time  in  Washington  and  Sullivan  Counties.  When  the  little  arm', 
under  Campbell,  Shelby  and  Sevier,  was  preparing  to  march  to  Kinks 
Mountain,  a solemn  and  appropriate  prayer  for  Divine  protection  and 
guidance  was  offered  up  by  a clergyman  whose  name  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  preserved.  In  1783  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Lambert  was  appointed 
to  the  Holston  Circuit,  and  at  the  end  of  his  year  reported  seventy-six 
members.  In  1784  Rev.  Henry  Willis  succeeded  Mr.  Lambert,  but, 
although  his  services  were  valuable  he  did  not  increase  the  membership. 
In  1785  he  was  elder  in  the  district  embracing  Holston,  while  Richard 
Swift  and  Michael  Gilbert  were  on  the  circuit.  The  Presbyterians  also 
made  an  early  start  in  East  Tennessee.  Many  of  them  were  Scotch-IrisL 
and  though  doubtless  of  equal  piety  with  the  Methodist  brethren,  yet 
there  was  naturally  an  antagonism  between  the  two  sects  on  account  of 
the  incompatibility  of  the  doctrines  taught.  In  1788,  while  tumult  and 
discord  were  impending  between  North  Carolina  and  the  State  of  Frank- 
lin, the  opportune  arrival  of  the  venerable  Bishop  Asbury,  of  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church,  a man  of  quiet  dignity,  unpretending  simplicity 
and  exemplary  piety,  served  to  calm  and  soothe  the  excited  masses. 

A little  before  this  visit  of  Bishop  Asbury  in  East  Tennessee,  minis- 
ters began  to  arrive  in  what  was  then  called  Western  Tennessee,  now 
Middle  Tennessee.  In  1786  Rev.  Benjamin  Ogden  was  the  first  Method 
ist  Episcopal  minister  to  arrive  on  the  Cumberland.  After  laboring 
one  year  he  reported  sixty  members,  four  of  them  colored  persons,  in 
1788  the  Revs.  Mr.  Combs  and  Barnabas  McHenry,  both  faithful  and  la- 
borious men,  came  to  the  settlement.  In  1789  the  Rev.  Francis  Pay- 
thress  Avas  presiding  elder,  and  Revs.  Thomas  Williamson  and  Joshua 
Hartley  had  charge  of  the  local  societies.  Besides  these  there  were  the 
Revs.  James  Haw,  Peter  Mussie,  Wilson  Lee  and  O’Cull.  In  1791  a 
church  Avas  organized  by  Elias  Port  and  other  pioneer  Baptists,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Port  Royal,  known  in  history  as  the  “Red  River  Bap- 
tist Church.”  At  first,  for  want  of  a “meeting-house,”  meetings  were 
held  alternately  at  the  houses  of  different  members ; but  at  length  a rude 
meeting-house  was  erected  on  the  left  bank  of  Red  River,  from  whicii 
stream  the  church  received  its  name.  During  the  next  three  or  foui 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


647 


ears  there  arrived  in  the  Cumberland  settlements  the  Revs.  Stephen 
hooks,  Henry  Burchett,  Jacob  Lurtin,  Aquilla  Suggs,  John  Ball,  Wili- 
am Burke,  Gwynn  and  Crane.  These  were  all  itinerant  preachers,  and  all 
ibored  faithfully  to  warn  the  people  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
'hey  were  all  Methodists,  some  of  them  coming  before  and  some  after 
he  Baptists  in  Robertson  and  Montgomery  Counties.  Samuel  Mason 
nd  Samuel  Hollis,  the  first  local  preachers  that  were  brought  up  in  this 
puntry,  commenced  preaching  in  1789  or  1790.  The  Rev.  Thomas  B. 
haighead,  a Presbyterian  divine,  preached  to  a congregation  at  Spring 
[ill,  about  six  miles  east  of  Nashville,  and  the  Rev.  William  McGee, 
uotlier  Presbyterian,  preached  at  Shiloh,  near  Gallatin,  in  Sumner 
-ounty.  Between  1795  and  1800  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was 
^presented  by  Rev.  John  Page,  Rev.  Thomas  Wilkinson,  Rev.  John  Mc- 
ee  and  Rev.  John  Cobler.  Besides  these  there  were  the  Revs.  James 
[cGready,  Hodge  and  Rankin,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the 
,evs.  William  McKendree,  John  Sail  and  Benjamin  Larkin,  of  the 
[etliodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  Rev.  Barton  W.  Stone,  a Presbyte- 
jan,  and,  like  Rev.  Mr.  McGready,  from  Kentucky,  was  also,  like  him, 
nite  conspicuous  in  the  work  of  the  great  revival  which  commenced  in 
ruthern  Kentucky  and  Northern  Tennessee,  in  1799.  Most  of  the 
•eachers  above  mentioned  were  men  of  burning  zeal  and  of  a natural 
id  boisterous  eloquence ; and  hence  to  their  sensitive  and  sympathetic 
parers  their  preaching  was  of  a novel  and  attractive  kind.  Their  fame 
tended  to  far  distant  neighborhoods,  and  drew  together,  whenever  a 
eeting  was  announced,  thousands  of  curious,  interested  and  earnest 
steners.  In  1789  or  1790  the  Methodists  erected  a stone  meeting - 
Puse  in  Nashville,  between  the  public  square  and  the  river.  In  1796 
i act  of  Legislature  authorized  the  town  of  Nashville  to  deed  to  five 
irsons  a lot  of  ground  extending  twenty  feet  in  all  directions  from  the 
aiding,  except  toward  the  river,  in  which  direction  it  extended  presuru- 
>ly  to  the  river.  In  October,  1797,  an  act  was  passed  establishing  the 
itone  Meeting-House,”  and  reducing  the  size  of  the  lot  to  fifteen  feet, 
stead  of  twenty. 

It  was  not  long  after  ministers  began  to  preach  in  this  western 
untry  before  discussions  and  controversies  regarding  Christian  cloc- 
mes  began  to  claim  a large  share  of  their,  and  the  people’s  attention. 
ie  j.  resbyteriar.s  and  Baptists,  in  those  days,  were  generally  very  rigid 
flvinists,  while  the  Methodists  were  mostly  Arminians.  Calvinism  is 
jccinctly  as  follows:  It  is  based  upon  the  idea  that  the  will  of  God  is 
preme.  The  human  race,  corrupted  radically  in  the  fall  of  Adam,  has 
)on  it  the  guilt  and  impotence  of  original  sin ; its  redemption  can  only 


648 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


be  achieved  through  an  incarnation  and  propitiation ; of  this  redemption 
only  electing  grace  can  make  the  soul  a participant,  and  the  grace  once 
given  is  never  lost ; this  election  can  only  come  from  God,  and  it  onlv 
includes  a part  of  the  race,  the  rest  being  left  to  perdition ; election  and 
perdition  are  both  predestinate  in  the  Divine  plan;  that  plan  is  a decree 
eternal  and  unchangeable;  justification  is  by  faith  alone,  and  faith  is  the 
gift  of  God. 

Arminianism  may  be  briefly  set  forth  as  follows:  1.  God,  by  an 

eternal  and  immutable  decree,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  de- 
termined to  save  in  Christ,  through  Christ  and  for  Christ,  those  who 
should  believe  in  Christ.  2.  Christ  died  for  all,  but  no  one  will  enjoy 
remission  of  sin  except  the  believer.  3.  Man  must  be  born  again  and 
renewed  in  Christ  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  4.  God’s  grace  is  the  beginning 
increase  and  perfection  of  everything  good.  5.  Man  may  fall  from 
grace.  (?) 

For  several  years  previous  to  the  ushering  in  of  the  present  century, 
these  irreconcilable  opinions — which  after  all  in  both  systems  are  only 
opinions — clashed  upon  and  with  each  other.  Issues  were  joined;  animated 
debates  and  acrimonious  controversies  were  frequent,  upon  doctrinal 
points,  none  of  which  were  or  are  demonstrably  true.  For  this  reason  tin 
animation  manifested  in  the  discussions,  the  earnestness  in  the  appeals, 
often  from  the  same  platform  or  pulpit,  to  the  unbeliever  to  accept  the 
truth,  by  preachers  who  contradicted  each  other  as  to  what  was  the  truth, 
and  the  fact  that  acrimony  was  so  often  present  in  the  controversy,  all 
tended  to  prove  that  demonstration  was  not  attainable;  for  where  the  truth 
of  a proposition  in  philosophy,  ethics,  political  economy  or  theology,  no 
less  than  in  physics  and  mathematics,  is  demonstrable,  even  though  it  he 
only  to  the  most  enlightened  reason,  controversy  with  reference  thereto 
must  necessarily  cease  ere  long,  and  the  bitterness  with  the  controversy. 

But  there  is  another  way  of  eliminating  bitterness  from  controversy 
besides  that  of  arriving  at  a demonstration,  and  that  is  to  eliminate  the 
controversy.  This  was  practically  exemplified  in  the  great  revival, 
which  took  place  in  the  opening  years  of  the  nineteenth  century,  the  cause, 
phenomena  and  results  of  which  it  is  now  the  purpose  of  this  sketch  to 
trace.  This  great  revival  was  of  itself  a wonderful  phenomenon,  worthy 
the  most  careful  study  of  the  religious  philosopher.  It  was  the  natural 
result  of  a reaction  from  a very  low  ebb  of  religion  and  morality,  the 
lowest  ebb  they  have  reached  in  this  country.  The  war  of  the  Revolu- 
tion left  the  nation  impoverished  and  prostrate.  The  influence  of  the 
French  Revolution  and  of  French  infidelity  were  powerfully  felt  even 
among  the  more  intelligent  portions  of  the  American  people.  But  the 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


649 


x 


masses  soon  awakened  to  a sense  of  their  condition,  and  flocked  in  great 
numbers  to  hear  the  gospel  preached  by  such  earnest,  powerful  and  el- 
oquent men  as  have  been  named  above.  No  building  then  erected  could 
accommodate  the  crowds  that  concentrated  from  all  parts  of  the  adjacent 
country,  to  distances  of  from  ten  to  twenty,  thirty  and  even  fifty  miles, 
hence  the  camp-meeting  became  a necessity  of  the  times. 

In  1799  a sacramental  meeting  was  held  in  the  old  Red  River  Bap- 
tist Church,  near  Port  Royal,  which,  considering  the  sparsely  settled  con- 
dition of  the  country,  was  quite  largely  attended.  Elders  McGready, 
Hodge  and  Rankin,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Elder  John  McGee, 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  were  present.  After  a remarkably 
powerful  address  by  Elder  Hodge,  concerning  the  effect  of  which  upon 
the  congregation  writers  differ — some  saying  that  the  members  of  the 
congregation  remained  through  its  delivery  silent  and  quiet;  others,  that 
their  emotions  were  uncontrollable  and  that  they  gave  vent  to  them  in 
loud  cries — Elder  McGee  arose,  expressed  his  conviction  that  a greater 
than  he  was  preaching,  exhorted  the  people  to  let  the  Lord  God  Omnip- 
otent reign  in  them  hearts,  and  broke  into  the  following  song: 

“Come  Holy  Spirit,  Heavenly  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quickening  powers. 

Kindle  a flame  of  sacred  love 
In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours.’’ 

Having  sang  thus  far  two  aged  ladies,  Mrs.  Pacely  and  Mrs.  Clark, 
commenced  tremendously  vociferating  sentiments  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving to  the  Most  High  for  His  grace  in  providing  redemption  for  a fal- 
len world.  For  some  time  the  preacher  attempted  to  continue  his  sing- 
ing, but  the  venerable  ladies  vociferated  louder  than  before ; others  of  the 
congregation  united  their  voices  with  theirs  in  praise ; the  minister  de- 
scending from  the  pulpit  passed  along  the  aisles  vehemently  shouting 
and  exhorting;  the  clamor  and  confusion  increased  tenfold;  screams  for 
mercy  were  mingled  with  shouts  of  joy;  a universal  and  powerful  agita- 
tion pervaded  the  multitude ; suddenly  individuals  began  to  fall  pros- 
trate to  the  floor  as  if  dead,  where  they  lay  for  some  time  unconscious  and 
unable  to  rise.  The  Presbyterian  elders  were  so  surprised  and  even 
istonished  at  this  confusion  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  that  they  made 
heir  way  outside  and  quietly  queried  among  themselves  “what  is  to  be 
lone?”  Elder  Hodge  concluded  that  nothing  could  be  done.  If  it  were 
he  work  of  Satan  it  could  not  last ; if  it  were  the  Avork  of  God  efforts  to 
Control  or  check  the  confusion  would  be  vain.  He  thought  it  Avas  of 
Joel,  and  decided  to  join  in  ascribing  glory  to  God’s  name.  All  three 
therefore  re-entered  the  house  and  found  nearly  the  entire  congregation 
ipon  the  floor.  Soon  two  or  more  at  a time  began  to  rise,  shouting 


650 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


praise  for  the  evidence  felt  for  sins  forgiven,  for  redeeming  grace  and  un- 
dying love.  The  excitement  was  so  intense  that  the  ministers  found 
their  strength  taxed  to  the  utmost  to  supply  the  demands  of  the  congre- 
gation. From  thirty  to  forty  professed  to  have  been  converted  that  daj 
Such  was  the  beginning  of  the  religious  movement  which  on  account  of 
the  strange  bodily  agitations  attending  upon,  it  was  looked  upon  as  the 
most  wonderful  event  of  the  times. 

The  next  meeting  was  held  on  the  following  Saturday  and  Sunday  at 
the  Beach  Meeting-house,  ten  miles  west  of  Gallatin,  Sumner  County, 
where  was  present  a vast  assembly  and  where  were  witnessed  scenes  sim- 
ilar to  those  above  described.*  On  the  Sunday  following  this  meeting 
a most  wonderful  meeting  was  held  at  Muddy  River  Church,  a few  miles 
north  of  Russellville,  Ky.  To  this  meeting  the  people  came  in  in  all 
kinds  of  vehicles,  on  horseback  and  on  foot,  from  all  distances  up  to  .100 
miles.  Long  before  the  hour  for  preaching  came  there  were  present 
three  times  as  many  as  the  house  could  seat,  and  still  they  came  singly, 
and  in  companies  of  tens,  fifties  and  hundreds.  A temporary  pulpit  was 
erected  in  the  woods,  and  seats  for  the  multitude  made  by  felling  large 
trees  and  laying  them  on  the  ground.  “Preaching  commenced,  and  soon 
the  presence  of  the  all-pervading  power  was  felt  throughout  the  vast  as- 
sembly. As  night  came  on  it  was  apparent  the  crowd  did  not  intend  to 
disperse.  * * * Some  took  wagons  and  hurried  to  bring 

in  straw  from  barns  and  treading-yards.  Some  fell  to  sewing  the  wagon 
sheets  together,  and  others  to  cutting  forks  and  poles  on  which  to  spread 
them.  Counterpanes,  coverlets  and  sheets  were  also  fastened  together 
to  make  tents  or  camps.  Others  were  dispatched  to  town  and  to  the 
nearest  houses  to  collect  bacon,  meal,  flour,  with  cooking  utensils  to  pre- 
pare food  for  the  multitude.  In  a few  hours  it  was  a sight  to  see  how 
much  was  gathered  together  for  the  encampment.  Fires  were  made, 
cooking  begun,  and  by  dark  candles  were  lighted  and  fixed  to  a hundred 
trees ; and  here  was  the  first  and  perhaps  the  most  beautiful  camp-ground 
the  world  has  ever  seen/’f 

The  Rev.  Barton  W.  Stone,  a Presbyterian  clergyman,  pastor  of  Cane 
Ridge  and  Concord  congregations  in  Bourbon  County,  Ky.,  hearing  of  the 
religious  excitement  in  the  southern  part  of  his  own  State  and  in  Northern 
Tennessee,  started  early  in  the  spring  of  1801  to  attend  one  of  the  camp- 
meetings  in  Logan  County,  Ky.  Afterward  he  wrote  a book  describing 
what  he  had  seen,  and  as  no  one  has  given  a more  minute  description  oi 

*The  meeting  held  at  Red  River  Baptist  Church  is  said  to  have  been  held  in  1799,  and  this  at  the  Beach 
Meeting-house  in  1800.  If  this  be  correct  the  times  of  holding  these  two  meetings  are  pretty  accurately  deter- 
mined. 

fSmith’s  Legends  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution. 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


651 


the  bodily  agitations,  otherwise  known  as  “the  jerks”  or  “epidemic 
epilepsy,”  the  following  extracts  from  his  work  are  here  introduced: 

“On  arriving  I found  the  multitude  assembled  on  the  edge  of  a prai- 
rie, where  they  continued  encamped  many  successive  days  and  nights, 
during  all  which  time  worship  was  being  conducted  in  some  parts  of  the 
encampment.  The  scene  to  me  was  passing  strange.  It  baffles  description. 
Many,  very  many,  fell  down  as  men  slain  in  battle,  and  continued  for  hours 
together  in  a comparatively  breathless  and  motionless  state,  sometimes,  for 
i few  moments,  reviving  and  exhibiting  symptoms  of  life  by  a deep  groan 
)r  piercing  shriek,  or  by  a prayer  for  mercy  most  fervently  uttered.  After 
ying  thus  for  hours  they  obtained  deliverance.  The  gloomy  cloud  that 
lad  covered  their  faces  seemed  gradually  and  visibly  to  disappear, 
md  hope  in  smiles  to  brighten  into  joy.  They  would  then  arise  shout- 
ng  deliverance,  and  address  the  surrounding  multitude  in  language 
ruly  eloquent  and  impressive.  With  astonishment  did  I hear  women 
nd  children  declaring  the  wonderful  works  of  God  and  the  glorious 
aysteries  of  the  gospel.  Their  appeals  were  solemn,  heart-rending,  bold 
nd  free.  Under  such  addresses  many  others  would  fall  down  in  the 
ame  state  from  which  the  speakers  had  just  been  delivered. 

“Two  or  three  of  my  particular  acquaintances  from  a distance  were 
truck  down.  I sat  patiently  by  one  of  them  (whom  I knew  to  be  a care- 
?ss  sinner)  for  hours,  and  observed  with  critical  attention  everthing  that 
assed  from  beginning  to  end.  I noticed  the  momentary  revivings  as 
rom  death,  the  humble  confession,  the  fervent  prayer  and  ultimate  deliv- 
rance ; then  the  solemn  thanks  and  praise  to  God,  the  affectionate 
xhortation  to  companions  and  to  the  people  around  to  repent  and  come  to 
esus.  I was  astonished  at  the  knowledge  of  the  gospel  truth  displayed 
1 these  exhortations.  The  effect  was  that  several  sank  down  into  the 
ppearance  of  death.  After  attending  to  many  such  cases  my  conviction 
as  complete  that  it  was  a good  work,  nor  has  my  mind  wavered  since  on 
le  subject. 

“ The  bodily  agitations  or  exercises  attending  the  excitement  * * 

* were  various  and  called  by  various  names,  as  the  falling  exer- 
se,  the  jerks,  the  dancing  exercise,  the  barking  exercise,  the  laughing 
id  singing  exercises,  and  so  on.  The  falling  exercise  was  very  common 
nong  all  classes,  saints  and  sinners  of  every  age-  and  grade  from  the 
lilosopher  to  the  clown.  The  subject  of  this  exercise  would  generally, 
ith  a piercing  scream,  fall  like  a log  on  the  floor  or  earth  and  appear  as 
'ad.  The  jerks  cannot  be  so  easily  described.  Sometimes  the  subject 
the  jerks  would  be  affected  in  one  member  of  the  body  and  sometimes 
the  whole  system.  When  the  head  alone  was  affected  it  would  jerk 


652 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


backward  and  forward,  or  from  side  to  side  so  quickly  tliat  tlie  features 
could  not  be  distinguished,  when  the  whole  person  was  affected.  I have 
seen  a person  stand  in  one  place  and  jerk  backward  and  forward  in  quick 
succession,  the  head  nearly  touching  the  floor  behind  and  before.  AH 
classes,  saints  as  well  as  sinners,  the  strong  as  well  as  the  weak,  were 
thus  affected.  They  could  not  account  for  it,  but  some  have  told  me 
these  were  among  the  happiest  moments  of  their  lives. 

“The  dancing  exercise  generally  began  with  the  jerks  and  was  pecu- 
liar to  professors  of  religion.  The  subject  after  jerking  awhile  began  to 
dance  and  then  the  jerks  would  cease.  Such  dancing  was  indeed  heav- 
enly to  the  spectators.  There  was  nothing  in  it  like  levity,  nor  calcu- 
lated to  excite  levity  in  the  beholder.  The  smile  of  heaven  shone  on  the 
countenance  of  the  subject  and  assimilated  to  angels  appeared  the  whole 
person.  The  barking  exercise,  as  opposers  contemptuously  called  it,  was 
nothing  but  the  jerks.  A person  afflicted  with  the  jerks,  especially  in  the 
head,  would  often  make  a grunt  or  bark  from  the  suddenness  of  the  jerk. 
This  name  of  barking  seems  to  have  had  its  origin  from  an  old  Presby- 
terian preacher  of  East  Tennessee.  He  had  gone  into  the  woods  for  pri- 
vate devotion  and  was  seized  with  the  jerks.  Standing  near  a sapling  he 
caught  hold  of  it  to  prevent  his  falling,  and  as  his  head  jerked  back  he 
gave  a grunt,  or  a kind  of  noise  similar  to  a bark,  his  face  turned 
upward.  Some  wag  discovered  him  in  this  position  and  reported  that  he 
had  found  the  old  preacher  barking  up  a tree. 

“The  laughing  exercise  was  frequent,  confined  solely  to  the  religious. 
It  was  a loud,  hearty  laughter  but  it  excited  laughter  in  none  that  saw  it. 
The  subject  appeared  rapturously  solemn,  and  his  laughter  excited  so- 
lemnity in  saints  and  sinners.  It  was  truly  indescribable.  The  running  'I 
exercise  was  nothing  more  than  that  persons  feeling  something  of  those 
bodily  agitations,  through  fear,  attempted  to  run  away  and  thus  escape 
from  them;  but  it  commonly  happened  that  they  ran  not  far  before  they 
fell,  where  they  became  so  agitated  that  they  could  not  proceed  any  fur- 
ther. The  singing  exercise  is  more  unaccountable  than  anything  else  t 
ever  saw.  The  subject,  in  a very  happy  state  of  mind,  would  sing  most l! 
melodiously,  not  from  the  mouth  or  nose,  but  entirely  in  the  breast,  the 
sound  issrung  thence.  Such  noise  silenced  everything  and  attracted  the 
attention  of  all.  It  was  most  heavenly;  none  could  ever  be  tired  of 
hearing  it.” 

Elder  Stone  has  been  described  as  a man  of  respectable  bearing,  oi 
spotless  character  and  childlike  simplicity,  and  easily  attracted  to  the 
strange  and  marvelous.  The  above  extract  would  seem  amply  to  justify 
the  description,  and  also  that  his  judgment  was  somewhat  under  the  do-  I 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


653 


ninion  of  his  imagination.  Like  Elder  Hodge  he  evidently  believed  that 
he  “jerks”  were  the  work  of  God.  He  said  that  Dr.  J.  P.  Campbell  and 
iiimsel  f “concluded  it  to  be  something  beyond  anything  we  had  ever  known 
n nature.”  Other  writers  besides  Elder  Stone  have  given  descriptions 
>f  the  jerks.  The  celebrated  Peter  Cartwright  says : 

“Just  in  the  midst  of  our  controversies  on  the  subject  of  the  powerful 
xercises  among  the  people  under  preaching,  a new  exercise  broke  out 
mong  us,  called  the  jerks,  which  was  overwhelming  in  its  effects  upon 
he  people.  No  matter  whether  they  were  saints  or  sinners  they  would 
ie  taken  under  a warm  song  or  sermon  and  seized  with  a convulsive  jerk- 
ng  all  over,  which  they  could  not  by  any  possibility  avoid;  the  more  they 
lesisted  the  more  they  jerked.  If  they  would  not  strive  against  it  and 
Irould  pray  in  good  earnest  the  jerking  would  usually  abate.  I have 
teen  more  than  500  persons  jerking  at  one  time  in  my  large  congrega- 
ons.  Most  usually  persons  taken  with  the  jerks,  to  obtain  relief,  as  „ 
my  said,  would  rise  up  and  dance.  Some  would  run  but  could  not  get 
way.  Some  would  resist;  on  such  the  jerks  were  very  severe.  To  see 
lese  proud  young  gentlemen  and  young  ladies  dressed  in  silks,  jewelry 
id  prunella,  from  top  to  toe,  take  the  jerks,  would  often  excite  my  risi- 
ilities.  The  first  jerk  or  so  you  would  see  their  fine  bonnets,  caps  and 
nubs  fly,  and  so  sudden  would  be  the  jerking  of  the  head  that  their  long, 
ose  hair  would  crack  almost  as  loud  as  a wagoner’s  whip.” 

Besides  other  amusing  experiences  with  the  jerks,  Peter  Cartwright 
dates  an  account  of  a very  different  nature  of  a man  who  was  jerked  to 
eatk,  which  is  probably  the  only  case  on  record.  A company  of  drunk- 
1 rowdies  attended  a camp-meeting  on  what  was  called  the  Eidge.  The 
rks  were  very  prevalent.  The  leader  of  the  rowdies  was  a very  large, 
•inking  man,  who  cursed  the  jerks  and  all  religion.  Shortly  afterward 
) himself  took  the  jerks  and  started  to  run,  but  jerked  so  powerfully 
at  lie  could  not  get  away.  Halting  among  some  saplings  he  took  a 

>ttle  of  whisky  out  of  his  pocket  and  swore  he  would  drink  the 

rks  to  death,  but  he  jerked  so  violently  he  could  not  get  the  bottle  to 
s mouth.  At  length,  on  account  of  a sudden  jerk,  his  bottle  struck  a 
pling,  was  broken  and  his  whisky  spilled  upon  the  ground.  A great 
«owd  gathered  around  him,  and  when  he  lost  his  whisky  he  became  very 
ach  enraged  and  cursed  and  swore  very  profanely.  At  length  he  fetched 
very  violent  jerk,  snapped  his  neck,  fell  and  soon  expired. 

Peter  Cartwright  looked  upon  the  jerks  as  a judgment  sent  from  God 
bring  sinners  to  repentance,  and  to  show  to  professors  of  religion  that 
' id  could  work  “with  or  without  means,  and  over  and  above  means,  to 
’e  glory  of  His  gracq  and  the  salvation  of  the  world.”  Lorenzo  Dow 

41 


654 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


lias  also  left  liis  account  of  the  jerks.  He  preached  in  Knoxville,  Tenn.. 
in  1805,  when  about  150  of  his  congregation  were  affected  with  the  jerks. 
He  says:  “I  have  seen  all  denominations  of  religion  exercised  with 
the  jerks,  gentleman  and  lady,  black  and  white,  young  and  old  without 
exception.  I have  passed  a meeting-house  where  I observed  the  under- 
growth had  been  cut  for  camp-meeting,  and  from  fifty  to  a hundred  sap- 
lings were  left,  breast  high,  on  purpose  for  the  people  to  hold  on  by.  I 
observed  where  they  held  on  they  had  kicked  up  the  earth  as  a horse 
stamping  flies.  I believe  it  does  not  effect  those  naturalists  who  try  to 
get  it  to  philosophize  upon,  and  rarely  those  who  are  the  most  pious,  h it 
the  lukewarm,  lazy  professor  and  the  wicked  are  subject  to  it.”  His 
opinion  was  that  the  jerking  was  “entirely  involuntary  and  not  to  be  ac- 
counted for  on  any  known  principle.” 

It  has  been  stated  above  that  the  first  manifestations  of  this  strange 

'O 

phenomenon  Avere  Avitnessed  at  the  old  Red  River  Baptist  Church.  Some 
authorities,  however,  say  that  they  first  appeared  at  a sacramental  meeting 
in  East  Tennessee,  Avhere  several  hundreds  of  both  sexes  were  seized  with 
this  strange  affection.  The  numbers  that  were  affected  at  different  sac- 
ramental and  camp-meetings  Avere  various.  At  Cabin  Creek,  May,  1801, 
so  many  fell  that  on  the  third  night,  to  prevent  their  being  trampled 
upon,  they  were  collected  together  and  laid  out  in  order,  in  two  squares  of 
the  meeting-house,  covering  the  floor  like  so  many  corpses.  At  Paint 
Creek,  200  fell,  at  Pleasant  Point,  300,  and  at  Cane  Ridge,  in  August, 
1801,  as  many  as  3,000  are  computed  to  have  fallen. 

This  great  revival  lasted  through  the  years  1800,  1801,  1802  and  s 
1803,  and  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  many  thousands  of  people,  though 
probably  no  very  accurate  estimate  of  the  number  Avas  ever  made.  Per- 
haps its  most  prominent  peculiarity  Avas  that  it  was  a spontaneous  out- 
burst of  religious  emotion  among  the  masses.  There  Avas  no  great  revival 
preacher  like  Wesley  or  Whitefield;  there  were  no  protracted  meetings, 
at  which  by  a long-continued  and  united  effort,  a revival  was  grad- 
ually brought  about;  but  the  camp-meetings  were  the  result  of  the  rt  |j 
vival,  which  in  an  unusual  manner  came  upon  both  preacher  and  peoj  ! 
Another  characteristic  of  the  revival  Avas  this:  doctrinal  and  dogmatical 
discussions  Avere  dispensed  with.  Their  value  seems  to  have  been  forth 
time  being  entirely  overlooked.  The  efforts  for  the  ministers  were  chiefly, 
if  not  wholly  devoted  to  the  excitation  of  the  emotions,  to  impressing 
upon  the  minds  of  the  multitudes  the  great  religious  truth  of  the  impos-1 
sibility  of  escape  from  punishment  for  sin,  except  through  repentance 
and  the  acceptance  of  Christ  as  the  Savior  of  the  Avorld;  hence,  the  peo- 
ple labored  under  a nowerful  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  reformation 


HISTORY  OH  TENNESSEE. 


655 


in  their  daily  lives,  which  is  always  of  infinitely  greater  importance  than 
the  doctrine  of  the  decrees.  The  doctrines  that  were  uttered  were  mainly 
those  of  Arminians  and  Pelagins  rather  than  thos9  of  Calvin;  doctrines 
which  appeal  more  directly  to  the  heart  and  the  common  intellect  than 
those  that  were  temporarily  neglected.  When  the  great  excitement  had 
died  away,  however,  the  discussion  of  doctrines  was  again  renewed,  to 
some  of  the  features  of  which  especially,  such  as  were  results  of  the  re- 
vival itself,  we  shall  refer  after  giving  an  explanation  of  the  probable 
cause  or  causes  of  the  jerks.  These  bodily  agitations,  which  within  the 
State  of  Tennessee  were,  strange  as  it  may  at  first  appear,  confined  almost 
■exclusively  to  the  Methodists  and  Presbyterians,  although  they  were  ex- 
perienced to  some  extent  by  the  Baptists.  But  to  the  Presbyterians  be- 
long the  credit  of  first  putting  a check  to  and  largely  diminishing  this 
wild  extravagance.  A minister  of  this  denomination  at  a great  camp- 
meeting  at  Paris,  Ky.,  in  1803,  arose,  and  in  the  strongest  language 
lenounced  what  he  saw  as  extravagant  and  even  monstrous,  and  imme- 
iiately  afterward,  a part  of  the  people  under  his  leadership,  took  decided 
ground  against  the  jerks.  From  that  moment  the  wonderful  movement 
jegan  sensibly  to  decline. 

Many  good  people  of  those  times  together  with  the  leading  divines, 
is  has  been  seen  above,  unaccustomed  as  they  were  then  to  referring 
iffects  to  natural  causes,  and  supposing  the  church,  as  compared  with  the 
•est  of  the  world,  to  be  under  the  special  care  of  Divine  Providence, 
pnsidered  these  bodily  agitations  to  be  manifestations  of  Divine  power, 
looked  upon  them  as  miracles  attesting  the  truth  of  religion  as  those  on 
he  day  of  Pentecost.  Others  believed  them  to  be  the  result  of  the 
machinations  of  Satan,  and  designed  by  him  to  discredit  religion  gener- 
lly,  and  camp-meetings  and  revivals  in  particular,  which  he  feared  would 
onvert  the  world  and  destroy  his  power.  But  it  does  not  necessarily 
allow  that  because  good  Christian  people  believed  them  to  be  the 
ffect  of  Divine  power  that  they  really  were  so,  Although  generally 
apposed  then  to  be  so,  they  were  not  by  any  means  new  or  peculiar  to 
lose  times.  Such  agitations  were  common  and  remarkably  violent  in 
le  days  of  Whitefield  and  the  Wesleys.  They  bear  a close  resemblance 
> what  was  known  as  the  jumping  exercise  in  Wales,  described  by  Dr. 
.aygarth  in  his  treatise  on  “ The  Effect  of  the  Imagination  in  the  Cure 
: Bodily  Diseases.”  Besides  these  instances  of  these  exercises  there 
ere  in  France  200  years  ago,  more  wonderful  manifestations  than  any 
■corded  as  having  been  witnessed  in  Tennessee.  A quaint  old  book 
Often  in  1741  by  Rev.  Charles  Chauncey,  a noted  divine,  entitled  “A 
onderful  Narrative  and  Faithful  Account  of  the  French  Prophets,  their 


656 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Agitations,  Ecstacies  and  Inspirations,”  states  that  “ an  account  of  them 
would  be  almost  incredible  if  they  had  not  happened  in  view  of  all  France, 
and  been  known  all  over  Europe.  From  the  month  of  June,  1688,  to 
the  February  following,  there  arose  in  Dauphiny  and  then  in  Vivaria;-; 
(an  ancient  district  in  France,  now  the  departments  of  Ardeche  and 
Haute-Loire)  500  or  600  Protestants  of  both  sexes  who  gave  themselves 
out  as  prophets,  and  inspired  with  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  sect  soon 
became  numerous;  there  were  many  thousands  of  them.  They  had 
strange  fits,  and  these  fits  came  on  them  with  tremblings  and  fainting,-, 
as  in  a swoon,  which  made  them  stretch  out  their  arms  and  legs  and 
stagger  several  times  before  they  dropped  down.  They  remained  avhil  • 
in  trances,  and  uttered  all  that  came  into  their  mouths.  They  said  they 
saw  the  heavens  opened,  the  angels,  paradise  and  hell.  When  the  proph- 
ets had  for  awhile  been  under  agitation  of  body  they  began  to  prophesy, 
the  burden  of  their  prophecies  being  4 Amend  your  lives,  repent  ye,  for 
the  end  of  all  things  draweth  nigh.’  Persons  of  good  understanding 
knew  not  what  to  think  of  it — to  hear  little  boys  and  young  girls  (of  the 
dregs  of  mankind  who  could  not  so  much  as  read)  quote  many  texts  of 
Holy  Scripture.  * * * The  child  was  thirteen  or  fourteen 

months  old,  and  kept  then  in  a cradle,  and  had  not  of  itself  spoken  a 
word,  nor  could  it  go  alone.  When  they  came  in  where  it  was  the  child 
spoke  distinctly  in  French,  with  a voice  small  like  a child  but  loud 
enougdi  to  be  well  heard  over  the  room.  There  were  numerous  children 
of  from  three,  four  and  five  years  old,  and  so  on  up  tofiteen  and  sixteen, 
who  being  seized  with  agitations  and  ecstasies  delivered  long  exhorta- 
tions rrnder  inspiration,”  etc. 

Further  on  this  book  pays  some  attention  to  the  Quakers:  “ They  had 
indeed,  the  names  of  Quakers  given  them  from  that  extraordinary  shak- 
ing or  quaking  as  though  they  were  in  fits  or  convulsions.  Then  the 
devil  roared  in  these  deceived  souls  in  a most  strange  and  dreadful  man- 
ner. I wondered  how  it  was  possible  some  of  them  could  live.'  The! 
Rev.  Mr.  Cliauncey  in  order  to  set  at  naught  all  pretense  that  there 
was  any  genuine  inspiration  in  all  the  foregoing,  cites  many  instances  of  |; 
the  sayings  and  doings  of  Christ,  and  then  says:  “ These  be  some  of  the 
proofs  of  the  divine  mission  of  Jesus  Christ  and  His  apostles.  Compare  , 
the  strangest  and  most  unaccountable  instances  in  the  foregoing  letter 
with  the  miracles  recorded  in  the  gospel  and  they  sink  into  nothing 
They  carry  with  them,  closely  examined,  the  plain  marks  of  enthusiasm, 
or  collusion,  or  Satanic  possession.” 

Reference  to  the  above  paragraphs  will  show  that  Dr.  Haygarth  s 
opinion  was  that  these  exercises  were  due  to  the  imagination,  and  that 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


657 


the  Eev.  Mr.  Chauncey  thought  they  were  due  to  enthusiasm,  collusion 
or  Satanic  possession.  The  enlightened  reason  of  the  present  day 
would  instantly  discard  the  idea  of  Satanic  possession,  aiid,  as  nothing 
but  deceptive  appearances  can  be  attributed  to  collusion,  it  follows  that 
only  enthusiasm  remains  as  a rational  explanation  for  the  genuine  agi- 
tations or  ecstasies,  that  is  supposing  Mr.  Chauncey  to  have  enumerated 
all  the  causes.  It  will  be  remembered,  too,  that  the  manifestations  in 
this  State  and  Kentucky  were  checked  and  diminished  by  the  opposition, 
first,  of  a Presbyterian  minister,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lyle,  at  Walnut  Hill,  in 
September,  1803,  and  then  by  the  united  opposition  of  others  who,  like 
him,  looked  upon  them  as  monstrously  extravagant.  The  Rev.  Dr. 
Blythe  cured  a lady  of  his  congregation  by  threatening  to  have  her  car- 
ried out  of  the  church  at  the  next  repetition  of  the  paroxysm,  and  the 
Doctor  himself  at  one  time  felt,  through  sympathy,  an  approaching 
paroxysm,  and  was  able  to  ward  it  off  only  by  continued  and  determined 
opposition.  This  was  the  means  used  by  the  Baptists  to  prevent  them, 
and  they  were  very  generally  successful.  The  inference  would  therefore 
iseem  to  be  that  under  powerful  emotional  preaching  calculated  to  arouse 
the  ecstacies  or  the  fears  of  the  congregation,  the  imaginations  of  some 
would  be  so  powerfully  wrought  up  that  the  nervous  system  was  very 
greatly  affected,  and  that  through  sympathy  others  less  imaginative 
would  experience  the  same  affliction,  which  the  will-power  could  success- 
fully resist,  except  where  the  individual  resisting  was  overcome  by  the 
combined  influence  of  the  mentality  of  numerous  other  people.  The 
phenomenon  was  nothing  more  than  religious  enthusiasm  carried  to  a 
{very  great  excess.  It  was  in  all  probability  a nervous  disease,  having 
but  little  or  no  effect  upon  the  general  health.  Though  neither  proving 
lor  disproving  the  truth  of  religion,  all  such  extravagances  tend  to  the 
liscredit  of  religion,  and  all  proper  means  should  be  employed  if  neces- 
sary to  prevent  or  discourage  such  folly  and  excess. 

It  should  be  mentioned  in  this  connection  that  those  who,  during  the 
progress  of  the  revival  opposed  the  “bodily  agitations”  as  extravagant 
mcl  tending  to  the  discredit  of  religion,  were  looked  upon  by  enthusiasts 
'is  being  opposed  to  the  revival,  hence  the  division  of  the  people  into 
■revivalists”  and  “anti-revivalists.”  These  distinctions,  however,  were 
,mt  of  temporary  duration,  terminating  when  the  revival  had  spent  its 
orce.  Other  results  also  followed,  some  of  which  were  transient,  others 
permanent;  some  deplorable,  others  gratifying.  “At  this  unhappy  mo- 
pent,  and  in  this  unsettled  state  of  things,  when  religious  feeling  ran 
iigh,  that  extravagant  and  (as  we  believe)  deluded  race — the  Shakers — 
,aade  their  appearance,  and  by  a sanctimonious  show  of  piety  and  zeal 


658 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


drew  off  several  valuable  Presbyterian  preachers  and  a number  or  un- 
wary members,  doubtless  to  the  great  injury  of  the  cause  of  rational 
Christianity.”* 

About  the  same  time  other  sects  sprang  up,  known  by  the  respect- 
ive names  of  “New  Lights”  or  “Stoneites,”  “Marshallites,”  “Schismat- 
ics,” etc.  By  these  “heresies”  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  lost  eight  mem- 
bers: B.  W.  Stone,  John  Dunlavy,  Richard  McNamar,  Robert  Marshall, 
John  Thomson,  Huston,  Rankin  and  David  Purviance.  Marshall  and 
Thomson  after  a time  returned  to  the  Presbyterian  faith.  The  “Stone- 
ites” or  “New  Lights”  were  a body  formed  mainly  through  the  efforts  of 
Elder  Stone,  after  he  had  decided  to  abandon  Presbyterianism  altogether. 
This  new  body  was  called  by  its  adherents  the  “Christian  Church,” 
while  by  outsiders  it  was  called  by  the  name  of  New  Lights.  They  held 
many  of  the  views  which  afterward  characterized  the  Campbell  reforma- 
tion, especially  the  famous  dogma  of  “baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins,” 
and  Elder  Stone  intimates  in  his  book  pretty  plainly  that  in  adopting  it 
the  “Disciples  of  Christ”  or  “Campbellites,”  as  the  followers  of  Alexan- 
der Campbell  were  originally  called,  had  stolen  his  thunder.  When  the 
Campbell  reformation  reached  Kentucky  Elders  Stone  and  Purviance 
united  with  the  reformers,  and  thus  the  Southern  branch  of  the  old 
“Christian  Church”  finally  disappeared.  Since  then  the  name  of  Dis- 
ciples, or  Campbellites,  has  been  excliaged  for  the  old  name  of  the 
“Christian  Church.”  Elders  Dunlavy,  McNamar,  Huston  and  Rankin 
joined  the  Shakers. 

Another  but  more  remote  result  of  the  great  revival  was  the  expulsion 
from  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  a portion  of  the  membership  by  whom 
was  formed  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  The  necessities  of 
the  Presbyterians  at  that  time  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  were  peculiar. 
In  1801  a few  Presbyterian  clergymen  formed  an  association  which  was 
named  the  Transylvania  Presbytery.  On  account  of  the  great  numbers 
added  to  the  ranks  of  Christians  by  the  revival  there  was  not  a suffice  j 
ency  of  educated  ministers  to  supply  the  demand.  This  presbytery  felt 
justified  in  ordaining  to  the  ministry  some  young  men  who  had  not  re-  j 
ceived  a classical  education.  In  1802  the  Transylvania  Presbytery  was 
divided  into  two  sections,  one  of  which  was  named  the  Cumberland 
Presbytery,  and  which  included  the  Green  River  and  Cumberland  Coun- 
ties. In  1804  a remonstrance  signed  by  Revs.  Thomas  B.  Craighead, 
John  Bowman  and  Samuel  Donnel  was  sent  to  the  Synod  of  Kentucky 
against  the  proceedings  of  the  Cumberland  Presbytery  in  several  par- 
ticulars, amongst  other  things  in  licensing  uneducated  ministers.  Being 


*“T!ecollectioD9  of  the  West.,”  by  Rev.  Lewis  Garrett. 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


659 


taken  completely  by  surprise,  and  thinking  the  citation  of  at  least  doubt- 
ful legality,  the  Cumberland  Presbytery  refused  to  appear  before  the 
synod  when  cited.  At  the  meeting  of  the  synod  in  October,  1805,  a 
commission  consisting  of  ten  ministers  and  six  elders  was  appointed  to 
investigate  the  entire  subject,  vesting  this  commission  with  full  synod- 
ical powers  to  confer  with  the  members  of  the  presbytery  and  to  adjudi- 
cate upon  their  Presbyterial  proceedings.  Notwithstanding  that  the 
Cumberland  Presbytery  considered  this  commission  vested  with  uncon- 
stitutional powers,  they  all,  except  two  ministers  and  one  elder,  appeared 
before  it  at  the  appointed  time  and  place.  There  were  present  ten  or- 
laiued  ministers,  four  licentiates  and  four  candidates.  The  commission 
ifter  censuring  the  Presbytery  for  having  received  Rev.  Mr.  Haw  into 
mnnec.tion,  and  considering  irregular  licensures  and  ordinations,  deter- 
nined  to  institute  an  examination  into  the  qualifications  of  the  young 
nen  to  preach.  This  examination  the  young  men  resisted  on  the  ground 
hat  the  Cumberland  Presbytery  was  competent  to  judge  of  the  faith  and 
ibilities  of  its  candidates.  The  result  of  this  refusal  was  that  the  com- 
nission  adopted  a resolution  prohibiting  all  the  young  men  in  connection 
nth  that  Presbytery,  ordained,  licensed  and  candidates,  from  preaching, 
ixhorting  or  administering  the  ordinances  until  they  should  submit  to 
he  requisite  examination.  The  revival  preachers,  however,  resolved  to 
lontinue  preaching  and  administering  the  ordinances,  and  encouraged 
he  young  men  to  continue  the  exercise  of  their  respective  functions. 
They  also  formed  a council,  consisting  of  the  majority  of  the  ministers 
nd  elders  of  the  Cumberland  Presbytery,  of  which  most  of  the  congre- 
gations in  the  Presbytery  approved.  In  October,  1806,  an  attempt  was 
aade  at  reconciliation  with  the  synod,  but  the  synod  confirmed  the  action 
f the  commission  with  reference  to  the  re-examination  of  the  young 
aen,  and  at  the  same  time  dissolved  the  Cumberland  Presbytery,  attachi- 
ng its  members  not  suspended  to  the  Transylvania  Presbytery.  The 
evival  ministers  determined  to  continue  their  work  in  the  form  of  a 
ouncil,  until  their  case  could  go  before  the  General  Assembly,  which 
let  in  May,  1807.  At  this  meeting  of  the  Assembly  their  case  was  ably 
■resented,  but  that  body  declined  to  judicially  decide  the  case.  The 
yuod,  however,  upon  the  advice  of  the  Assembly,  revised  its  proceed- 
Qgs,  but  was  unable  to  modify  them.  Finally  in  1809  the  General  As- 
embly  decided  to  sustain  the  proceedings  of  the  synod.  Thus  the  Cum- 
erland  Presbytery  was  effectually  excluded  from  the  Presbyterian 
Iliurck.  However,  another  attempt  at  reconciliation  with  the  synod  of 
Kentucky  was  made,  their  proposition  being  to  adopt . the  Confession  of 
I ahh  except  fatality  only.  To  this  proposition  the  synod  could  not  accede. 


660 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


It  liacl  been  the  custom  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  North  Carolina 
to  ordain  men  to  the  ministry  who  adopted  the  Westminster  Confession 
of  Paith,  with  the  exception  of  the  idea  of  fatality  taught  therein,  and 
the  Transylvania  Presbytery  had  also  permitted  ministers  in  their  ordi- 
nation vows  to  make  the  same  exception  if  they  chose.  Most  of  the 
Presbyterian  ministers  who  had  lent  their  aid  in  the  promotion  of  the  re- 
vival were  men  of  this  class.  When,  therefore,  the  acceptance  in  full  of 
the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  was  required  of  them,  they  found  it 
impossible  to  yield  without  violating  their  convictions  as  honest  and  con- 
scientious men.  Thus  the  doctrine  of  fatality  became  an  impassible  bar- 
rier  between  them  and  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Neither  could  they,  on 
account  of  differences  of  doctrine,  conscientiously  unite  with  any  other 
Christian  body.  Besides,  as  they  regarded  the  Presbyterian  as  the  most 
Scriptural  form  of  church  government  in  the  world,  they  determined  to 
form  a Presbytery  independent  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Accord- 
ingly, on  February  3,  1810,  the  Rev.  Finis  Ewing  and  Rev.  Samuel 
King,  and  licentiate  Ephraim  McLean  proceeded  to  the  humble  log  res 
dence  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  McAdoo,  in  Dickson  County,  Tenn.,  and  submit- 
ted to  him  the  proposed  plan  of  forming  a new  and  independent  Presby- 
tery. After  earnest  prayer  that  evening  until  midnight,  the  next  morn- 
ing he  decided  in  favor  of  the  proposal,  and  on  that  day,  February  4,  !' 
1810,  at  his  residence,  was  formed  the  first  Presbytery  of  the  Cumber-  I 
land  Presbyterian  Church.  Before  their  adjournment  Ephraim  McLean 
was  ordained. 

“The  next  meeting  of  the  new  Cumberland  Presbytery  was  held  in 
March,  1810.  At  this  session  it  included  four  ordained  ministers”  (tin- 
four  above  named),  “five  licensed  preachers:  James  B.  Porter,  Hugh 
Kirkpatrick,  Robert  Bell,  James  Farr  and  David  Foster,  and  eight  candi- 
dates: Thomas  Calhoun,  Robert  Donnel,  Alexander  Chapman,  William 
Harris,  R.  McCorkle,  William  Bumpass,  David  McLinn  and  William  Bar 
net.  After  a few  months  they  were  joined  by  the  Rev.  William  McGee. 
These  men  were  the  fathers  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 
They  adopted  as  their  standard  of  theology  the  Westminster  Confession 
of  Faith,  excepting  the  idea  of  fatality.”*  This  “idea  of  fatality”  was 
supplanted  by  the  following  particulars:  First,  that  there  are  no  eternal 
reprobates.  Second,  that  Christ  died  not  for  a part  only,  but  for  all 
mankind.  Third,  that  all  infants  dying  in  infancy  are  saved  through 
Christ  and  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit.  Fourth,  that  the  Spirit  r 
God  operates  on  the  world,  or  as  co-extensively  as  Christ  has  made  the 
atonement,  in  such  manner  as  to  leave  all  men  inexcusable.  With  these 


♦“Origin  and  Doctrines  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.” — Ohrisman. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


G61 


exceptions  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians  adopted  the  Westminster  Con- 
cession of  Faith,  and  thus  was  established  in  Tennessee  a new  Christian 
lenomination,  professing  a system  of  doctrine  midway  between  Calvin- 
ism and  Arminianism,  for  further  particulars  respecting  which  the  reader 
[s  referred  to  sectarian  writings. 

After  encountering  and  overcoming  numerous  obstacles,  this  church 
vas  in  a few  years  established  on  a firm  foundation.  At  the  fourth  rneet- 
ng  of  its  Presbytery,  in  October,  1811,  a vain  attempt  was  made  to  effect 
i reunion  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but  this  church,  though  then 
md  for  many  years  afterward  willing  to  unite  with  the  mother  church 
>n  “proper  conditions,”  would,  rather  than  recede  from  its  position  and 
treach  the  doctrines  of  her  confession  of  faith,  prefer  to  maintain  a dis- 
inct  organization,  and  labor  on  according  to  the  best  light  given  them. 
Iheir  success  in  this  new  theological  field  was  from  the  first  very  great 
nd  very  gratifying.  In  1813  the  original  Presbytery  was  divided  into 
liree  Presbyteries,  and  in  October  of  that  year  the  members  of  these 
hree  Presbyteries  met  at  Beech  Church,  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  and 
prmed  the  Cumberland  Synod.  At  the  first  meeting  of  this  synod  a 
ommittee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a confession  of  faith,  discipline  and 
atechism  in  conformity  with  the  expressed  principles  of  the  church, 
'his  committee,  which  consisted  of  the  Revs.  Finis  Ewing,  William 
IcGee,  Robert  Donnell,  and  Thomas  Calhoun,  reported  the  result  of  their 
tbors  to  the  synod  in  1814,  by  whom  their  confession  of  faith  was  adopted. 

The  numbers  of  Cumberland  Presbyterians  continued  steadily  and 
uite  rapidly  to  increase.  In  1820  they  had  numerous  churches  not  only 
i Tennessee,  but  also  in  Kentucky,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Arkansas 
id  Alabama.  In  1822  they  had  forty-six  ordained  ministers,  and  in 
326,  eighty.  A general  assembly  was  then  deemed  necessary  by  a por- 
on  of  the  clergy,  and  the  plan  of  a college  to  be  located  at  Princeton, 
y.,  was  adopted.  In  1827  the  number  of  ordained  ministers  was  114. 
1 1828  the  synod  discussed  the  subject  of  forming  a general  assembly, 
id  to  carry  the  idea  into  effect,  divided  the  synod  into  four — those  of 
issouri,  Green  River,  Franklin  and  Columbia.  The  first  general  as- 
mbly  met  at  Princeton,  Ky.,  in  1829.  To  illustrate  the  rapidity  of  the 
■owth  of  this  church  in  membership  it  may  be  stated  that  in  1822 
j ere  were  2,718  conversions,  and  575  adult  baptisms;  in  1826,  3,305 
aversions  and  768  adult  baptisms;  in  1827,  4,006  conversions  and 
16  adult  baptisms.  In  1856  there  were  1,200  ministers  of  this  denomi- 
tion,  and  130,000  members,  and  since  that  time  their  growth  has  been 
oportionally  rapid.  The  college  established  in  1828  at  Princeton,  Ky., 
is  named  Columbia  Colleg-e. 


662 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  statistics  for  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  for  1869  were 
as  follows : General  Assembly,  1 ; Synods,  21 ; Presbyteries,  99 ; minis- 
ters, 1,500;  communicants,  130,000;  universities,  Cumberland  at  Leba- 
non, Tenn.,  and  Lincoln,  at  Lincoln,  111. ; colleges  in  Tennessee,  male, 
Bethel,  at  McLemoresville ; female,  Cumberland  Female  College,  at 
McMinnville,  and  Donnell  Female  College  at  Winchester.  Since  this 
time  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  has  continued  to  grow  ami 
prosper  in  this,  as  in  many  other  States,  as  the  following  statistics  will 
show:  In  1875  there  were,  as  now,  fifteen  Presbyteries,  with  an  aggre- 
gate church  membership  of  22,566,  and  10,961  Sunday-school  scholars. 
In  1880  the  church  membership  was  29,186,  and  the  number  of  Sunday- 
school  scholars  11,031,  and  in  1885,  the  last  year  for  which  statistics  arc 
obtainable,  there  were,  omitting  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  for  which 
there  was  no  report,  32,726  communicants,  13,447  Sunday-school  schol- 
ars, and  $543,545  worth  of  church  property.  The  total  value  of  the 
church  property  belonging  to  this  denomination  in  the  United  States  was, 
in  the  same  year,  $2,319,006. 

As  may  be  readily  conjectured  the  Methodists  reaped  a bountiful  har- 
vest from  the  great  revival.  It  wall  be  remembered  that  the  Eev.  Fran- 
cis Paytliress  was  presiding  elder  on  the  Cumberland  District.  In  1804 
liev.  Lewis  Garrett  wras  presiding  elder  in  this  district,  wliffh  included 
Nashville  and  Red  River  in  Tennessee,  besides  portions  of  Kentucky, 
Mississippi  and  Illinois.  He  traveled  the  entire  Cumberland  Valley, 
from  the  mouth  of  the  river  to  the  mountains,  through  the  cane  brakes  of 
Caney  Fork,  through  every  part  of  the  Green  River  country,  visiting 
settlements  and  finding  all  classes  much  alive  to  the  importance  of  re- 
ligion. The  Cumberland  District  was  then  composed  of  six  circuits  and 
two  missions,  writh  about  eight  or  nine  traveling  preachers.  Mr.  Garrett 
was  the  successor  of  John  Page,  who  was  the  presiding  elder  on  this  cir- 
cuit when  it  was  formed  in  1802.  He  had  much  to  do  with  the  great  re- 
vival, and  had  to  assist  him  such  men  as  Thomas  Wilkerson.  Jesse 
Walker,  James  Gwynn,  James  Young  and  Tobias  Gibson. 

When  the  Western  Conference  was  organized  in  1800  it  included 
Tennessee,  Kentucky7,  Ohio,  southwest  Virginia  and  the  Missisippi  Ter- 
ritory, all  of  the  western  country  then  occupied  by7  the  Methodists.  To 
give  an  idea  of  the  growth  of  Methodism  in  that  early7  day7  the  number 
of  members  for  1796  and  1803  are  presented.  In  the  former  year  the 
whole  number  in  America  was  as  follows:  whites  48,128,  colored  12, L 0. 
This  was  twenty-two  years  after  the  introduction  of  Methodism  into  the: 
country.  In  Tennessee  there  were  799  white  Methodists  and  77  colored. 
In  1802  the  numbers  were  whites  2,767,  colored,  180.  In  1803  the 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


663 


umbers  had  increased  to  3,560  whites  and  248  colored.  These  numbers 
re,  however,  not  strictly  limited  to  State  lines.  The  conference  for  1807 
•as  held  September  15,  1806,  at  Ebenezer,  in  East  Tennessee,  Bishop 
Lsbury  present  and  presiding. 

It  was  during  the  progress  of  the  revival  that  Miles  Harper  was 
rouo-ht  to  trial  for  violating  the  terms  of  the  union  which  had  been  en- 
>red  into  by  the  Methodists  and  Presbyterians  regarding  the  rules  to 
overn  them  in  preaching.  One  article  of  the  union  was  that  contro- 
irted  points  were  to  be  avoided,  and  another  was  that  they  were  not  to 
roselyte.  Harper,  who  was  on  Roaring  River  Circuit,  preached  right  on 
ithout  reference  to  the  complaints  of  his  Presbyterian  brethren.  The 
miplaints  continuing  McKendree  appointed  a committee  and  put  Har- 
ir  on  his  trial.  His  complainants,  however,  failed  to  prove  the  charges, 
id  he  in  his  own  defense  satisfactorily  showed  that  they  were  them- 
■lves  guilty  of  the  very  charges  they  had  brought  against  him,  as  they 
id  been  preaching  the  doctrine  of  the  unconditional  and  final  persever- 
lce  of  the  saints,  known  to  all  to  be  a controverted  point.  The  result 
as  that  Harper  was  acquitted,  with  which  all  were  satisfied.  However, 
ben  McKendree  proposed  to  put  some  of  the  Presbyterians  on  trial  for 
caching  as  above  they  objected,  and  he  pronounced  the  union  a mere 
rcical  thing.  After  this  the  union  was  of  short  duration. 

Conference  for  1808  met  at  Liberty  Hill,  Tennessee,  October  1,  1808, 
>out  twelve  miles  from  Nashville  in  Williamson  County,  the  site  of  an 
rly  camp-ground.  At  this  Conference  a regulation  was  made  concern- 
g slavery,  which  was  that  no  member  of  society  or  preacher  should  buy 
sell  a slave  unjustly,  inhumanly,  or  covetously;  the  case  on  complaint 
be  examined,  for  a member,  by  the  quarterly  meeting,  and  for  a 
eacher,  by  appeal  to  an  annual  conference,  where  the  guilt  was  proved 
e offender  to  be  expelled.  At  this  time  the  Western  Conference  con- 
ined  17,931  white  and  1,117  colored  members,  an  increase  of  3,051. 
1811  the  increase  in  the  Holston  District  was  1,279,  and  in  the  Cum- 
rland  District  1,819.  In  May,  1812,  the  General  Conference  met  in 
3w  York  and  separated  the  Western  Conference  into  two  conferences,  the 
mnessee  and  Ohio.  At  that  time  there  were  in  this  country,  in  the 
fited  States,  Territories  and  Canada,  184,567  members  and  688  travel- 
g ministers.  Peter  Cartwright  in  his  autobiography  in  making  a com- 
rison  showing  the  growth  of  the  church,  says:  “Lord  save  the  church 
bin  desiring  to  have  pews,  choirs,  organs  or  instrumental  music,  and  a 
ngregational  minister  like  other  heathen  churches  around  them.” 

The  Tennessee  Conference  embraced  the  Holston,  Nashville,  Cumber- 
id,  Wabash,  Illinois  and  Mississippi  Districts,  the  southern  part  of 


664 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Kentucky  being  attached  to  the  Tennessee  Conference.  The  first  sessioi 
of  this  conference  was  held  at  Fountain  Head,  Sumner  Co.,  Tenn.,  No. 
vember  12,  1812.  Bishops  Asbury  and  McKendree  were  both  present 
The  rules  by  which  the  Western  Conference  had  been  governed  wen 
adopted  by  this  conference.  The  membership  as  reported  at  that  time 
was  as  follows:  Holston  District,  whites,  5,794;  colored,  541;  Cumber 
land  District,  whites,  4,365;  colored,  327;  Nashville,  whites,  5,1.31;  col- 
ored, 601.  A new  arrangement  of  circuits  was  made  this  year,  Cumber- 
land District  being  made  to  contain  Bed  Biver,  Fountain  Head,  Goose 
Creek  and  Boaring  Biver  Circuits,  while  Nashville  District  embrace-. 
Stone  Biver,  Lebanon  and  Caney  Fork.  Answer  to  prayer  was  doubtless 
more  fully  and  generally  believed  in  than  at  this  day.  Two  instances  il- 
lustrating this  fact  are  here  introduced.  The  first  is  of  the  Bev.  James 
Axley,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  the  pioneer  preachers  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  in  the  West.  It  is  related  in  the  language  ol 
the  Bev.  Dr.  McAnally: 

“But  that  for  which  he  was,  in  my  judgment,  more  distinguished 
than  for  anything  else,  was  the  reverence,  fervency  and  prevalence  of  his 
prayer,  proceeding,  as  it  always  seemed  to  do,  from  a deep,  strong,  un- 
wavering confidence  in  God,  through  the  merits  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
* * * With  awe,  with  reverence  and  humility,  and  yet  with  great 

confidence,  did  he  approach  the  mercy  seat,  feeling  that  ‘Jesus  answers 
prayer.’  Infidelity  may  scoff,  skepticism  and  ‘philosophy,  so-called,’  maj 
mark  it  as  a ‘strange  coincidence,’  but  the  fact  remains  to  be  attested  by 
hundreds  of  witnesses  still  living,  that  time  after  time  Axley  has  been} 
known,  at  popular  meetings  in  times  of  severe  drought,  to  pray  public!) 
for  rain,  with  all  the  apparent  humility,  child-like  simplicity  and  Chris- 
tian confidence  with  which  he  would  have  prayed  for  the  conversion  of  s 
penitent;  and  rain  came!  So  often  did  this  occur  in  the  course  of  year? 
that  it  became  common,  when  he  publicly  prayed  for  rain,  for  some  wicked 
man  to  say  ‘Come,  boys ; let’s  go  on ; we’ll  get  wet ; Axley’s  prayed  for  rain. 

In  this  I record  but  sober  facts ; and  even  at  the  risk  of  wearying 
the  reader  I must  mention  one  case,  known  to  several  persons  now  liv- 
ing, who  were  present  and  witnessed  it.  It  occurred  at  Muddy  Creels 
Camp  Ground,  in  Boane  County,  Tenn.,  twenty-four  or  five  miles  wesi 
or  southwest  of  Knoxville.  A drought  had  prevailed  over  that  region  of 
country  for  an  unusually  long  time,  and  the  prospects  were  becoming 
truly  alarming.  On  Sabbath  of  the  camp-meeting  Mr  Axley  entered  the! 
pulpit.  Over  him  was  a cloudless  sky ; around  and  beneath  him  was  the 
parched  earth.  It  had  been  remarked  that  during  his  stay  on  the  ground 
previous  to  that  hour  he  had  been  rather  more  than  ordinarily  serious, 


HISTOBY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


665 


loughtful  and  taciturn,  as  though  something  weighed  heavily  upon  his 
ind.  On  his  entering  the  stand  his  friends  observed  that  his  counte- 
mce  was  deeply  overshadowed  with  gloom.  He  sang  and  prayed.  In 
is  prayer  on  the  part  of  himself  and  the  people  he  made  general  confes- 
on  of  sin  and  consequent  unwortliiness,  pleading  the  merits  of  a cruci- 
ed  Redeemer,  and  implored  pardon  for  the  past  and  grace  for  the  future, 
hen,  among  other  petitions,  devoutly  and  fervently  he  asked  for  rain 
non  the  parched  earth.  The  prayer  ended,  he  arose  from  his  knees, 
ith  a gloom  still  upon  his  countenance  so  deeply  and  clearly  marked  as 
excite  the  sympathy  of  his  friends.  Instead  of  announcing  his  text 
id  proceeding  with  his  sermon,  as  was  expected,  he  sang  a few  lines  and 
i-ain  called  the  congregation  to  prayer.  This  time  his  entreaties  for 
in  were  strikingly  and  touchingly  earnest  and  fervent,  and  the  pleas 
it  in  differed  from  those  of  his  first  prayer.  A second  time  he  arose 
;jom  his  knees.  How  his  countenance  was  indicative  of  intense  mental 
ffering.  A third  time  he  sang,  and  a third  time  he  bowed  in  prayer, 
i this  prayer  he  entreated  God,  for  the  sake  of  Christ,  and  in  mercy  to 
fants  and  unsinning  animals,  which  had  not  abused  His  goodness,  des- 
jged  His  mercies,  blasphemed  His  holy  name,  desecrated  His  Sabbath, 
3>r  violated  His  commandments,  to  send  rain  and  preserve  them  from 
e horrors  of  famine  and  want.  This  prayer  ended,  he  arose,  with  a 
untenance  lighted  and  calm  as  a summer’s  eve.  He  then  announced 
] 3 text  and  preached  in  his  usual  manner,  without  the  most  distant  al- 
i don  to  the  unusual  manner  in  which  he  had  opened  the  services,  or  to 
13  feelings  that  had  prompted  him.  He  simply  went  forward  and  did 
I relate;  giving  no  reason  to  any.  But  ere  that  sermon  was  ended, 
to  darkened  horizon  and  distant  thunders  announced  the  coming  rain.” 
Another  case  of  answer  to  prayer  is  given  in  the  language  of  the  Rev. 
-Toy  H.  Cage:  “I  will  here  relate  a circumstance  that  took  place  at 
Hards’  schoolhouse,  two  and  one-half  miles  northwest  from  where 
1 illatin  now  stands.  A circuit  preacher  named  Henry  Birchett  had  an 
pointment  at  that  place,  the  congregation  was  too  large  for  the  house, 
I he  had  to  preach  in  the  grove.  The  preacher,  having  sung  and 
! jiyed,  took  his  text  and  began  to  preach ; a cloud  arose,  very  angry, 
dh  thunder  and  lightning,  the  congregation  became  restless,  the 
ipacher  stopped  and  said  to  the  congregation : ‘Be  still,  and  see  the  sal- 
mon of  God.’  He  dropped  upon  his  knees  and  prayed  that  he  might 
i ) permitted  to  preach  that  sermon  to  that  congregation.  The  cloud  be- 
-n  at  once  to  part,  and  a heavy  rain  fell  all  around  but  none  reached  the 
fjigregation.  My  father,  Thomas  Rlackmore,  John  Carr  and  several 
ciers,  who  were  there,  report  that  the  preacher’s  countenance  shone  and 


666 


i 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


seemed  to  be  more  than  human.  It  was  further  told  me  that  on  his 
death  bed  there  were  shining  lights  around  him,  and  they  supposed  that 
he  heard  unearthly  music.” 

It  was  about  this  time,  in  the  years  1811  and  1812,  that  the  religous 
emotions  and  fears  of  the  people  were  affected  and  awakened  in  a most 
remarkable  manner  by  the  earthquakes  and  other  phenomena  of  those 
years.  It  is  very  seldom  that  earthquakes  occur  over  a great  extent  of 
country  remote  from  volcanoes,  but  these  quakings  were  felt  over  an  ex- 
tent of  country  300  miles  long  and  of  considerable  width.  The  surface  of 
the  earth  not  only  trembled  and  shook  violently,  but  broke  open  in  fis- 
sures, from  which  mud  and  water  were  thrown  to  the  height  of  trees. 
The  comet  of  1811  was  of  tremendous  magnitude,  and  as  such  bodies 
were  then  considered  harbingers  of  impending  calamity,  great  consterna- 
tion was  produced  by  its  appearance.  The  aurora  borealis  was  also  that 
year  exceedingly  brilliant  and  beautiful,  and  many  thought  that  in  its 
rapid  movements,  the  march  of  armies  and  bloodshed  were  portended. 
Besides  all  these  things  there  was  a prospect  of  war  with  the  Indians  and 
with  Great  Britain.  All  these  impending  calamities  produced  in  man} 
quarters  a deep-seated  and  terrible  feeling  of  fear  among  the  people,  who 
shook  and  trembled  more  than  did  the  earth  beneath  their  feet.  The 
uninformed  but  pious  mind  has  for  centuries  been  able  to  discover  at 
frequent  but  irregularly  occurring  intervals  signs  of  the  near  approach 
of  the  consummation  of  all  earthly  things.  Wars  and  rumors  of  wars,  false 
prophets,  and  the  “judgments  of  the  Almighty”  are  seldom  absent  from 
the  world,  which  is  for  this  reason  continually  coming  to  an  end.  And 
at  such  times  as  those  we  are  now  discussing,  uninformed  but  wicked 
people,  conscious  of  the  iniquity  of  their  lives  and  of  the  impurity  of 
their  motives,  flee  to  the  church,  the  only  refuge  for  them  in  the  world. 
In  the  presence  of  the  terrible  comet,  and  of  the  earthquakes  and  im- 
pending war,  men’s  hearts  failed  them,  their  knees  smote  together  with 
fear,  and  they  implored  the  ministers  to  preach  and  pray.  The  experi- 
ence they  were  then  undergoing  was  altogether  new.  They  collected  to- 
gether in  groups,  terrorized  and  pitiful  crowds.  Similar  scenes  were 
witnessed  in  1833,  at  the  time  of  the  occurrence  of  the  great  meteoric 
showers,  or  “ falling  stars,”  which  produced  a most  profound  and  widely 
spread  sensation  upon  the  multitude.  Men  who  for  years  had  been  per- 
sonal enemies,  thinking  the  judgment  day  had  come,  made  haste  to  be 
reconciled  with  each  other,  not  waiting  even  for  the  dawn  of  day.  Many 
instances  are  related  by  writers,  who  were  eye-witnesses,  which,  when  the 
danger  was  over,  were  exceedingly  amusing,  ridiculous  or  absurd.  Only 
one  instance  of  this  kind  can  be  here  introduced. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


667 


Peter  Cartwright  was  in  Nashville  when  the  first  severe  shock  of 
earthquake  was  felt.  He  saw  a negro  woman  start  to  the  spring  for 
pater.  When  the  earth  began  to  tremble  and  the  chimneys  and  scaf- 
olding  around  buildings  being  erected  began  to  fall,  she  raised  a shout 
aying:  “The  Lord  is  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven!  The  day  of  judg- 
ient!  The  day  of  judgment!”  Hearing  this  her  two  young  mistresses 
rere  dreadfully  frightened  and  came  running  out  of  the  house  begging 
erto  stop  and  pray  for  them.  But  she  replied:  “I  can  not  stop  to  pray 
j>r  you  now.  I told  you  how  it  would  be.  He  is  coming ! He  is  com- 
i o- ! I must  go  to  meet  him.  Farewell!  Hallelujah!  Glory  Hallelujah!” 
ad  went  on  shouting  and  clapping  her  hands. 

Such  is  the  weakness  of  poor,  ignorant  human  nature.  When  judg- 
ent  is  impending  and  apparently  immediate  and  unavoidable,  men  are 
arfully  and  tremblingly  anxious  to  confess  their  own  sins  and  to  obtain 
irdon;  when  judgment  seems  indefinitely  remote  they  are  chiefly  con- 
rued  about  the  sins  of  others  and  in  denouncing  against  them  the  judg- 
ents  of  the  Lord.  Erasmus  well  said:  “Quam  religiosus  nos  afjiictio 
■citr*  When  history,  philosophy  and  the  natural  sciences,  the  natural 
itidotes  for  superstition,  shall  become  sufficiently  familiar  to  the  masses 
ch  pitiable  exhibitions  of  human  weakness  will  disappear. 

The  action  of  this  conference  at  Liberty  Hill,  Tenn.,  in  1808,  has  al- 
: ady  been  referred  to.  Some  of  the  presiding  elders  and  circuit  preach - 
s were  strongly  anti-slavery  in  their  sentiments,  and  consequently  were 
gidly  anti-slavery  in  the  administration  of  discipline.  This  was  the 
(jse  with  the  Rev.  James  Axley  and  Enoch  Moore.  They  not  only  re- 
i bed  to  license  slave-holders  to  preach,  but  also  denied  them  the  privilege 
(j  exhorting  or  leading  in  prayer-meeting.  They  even  went  so  far  as  to 
< nounce  slave-holders  as  no  better  than  thieves  and  robbers.  The  course 
the  conference  in  that  early  day  is  illustrated  by  the  following  en- 

i: 

“Leven  Edney,  recommended  from  Nashville  Circuit;  his  character  ex- 
lined  and  approved,  Lewmer  Blackman  being  security  that  he  will 
his  slave  free  as  soon  as  practicable.”  It  was,  however,  seldom  found 
racticable”  to  set  free  the  slave.  Notwithstanding  the  action  taken  by 
1 3 Methodist  Church  in  its  adoption  of  rules  for  the  government  of 
s Yes  and  slave-holders,  the  number  of  slaves  held  continued  to  increase. 

nerally  speaking  it  was  found  impracticable  to  free  the  slaves,  hence 
r ;uktions  adopted  by  the  church,  aimed  at  the  institution,  had  but  little 
e 3ct  otherwise  than  to  create  and  foster  a prejudice  against  the  church 
1 3 If.  The  Tennessee  Conference  which  met  in  1812,  dealt  with  this  ques- 


*How  religious  affliction  makes  us  ! 


668 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


tion  with  such  wisdom  as  they  possessed.  It  was  provided  that  every 
preacher  having  charge  of  a circuit  should,  upon  information  received, 
cite  any  member  buying  or  selling  a slave  to  appear  at  the  next  ensuing 
quarterly  conference,  which  should  proceed  to  determine  whether  such 
slave  had  been  bought  in  a case  of  justice  and  mercy,  and  if  this  were 
found  not  to  have  been  the  case,  the  person  buying  or  selling  such  slave 
should  be  expelled  from  the  church. 

At  the  conference  of  1815  this  rule  was  voted  to  be  unconstitutional 
and  a report  was  adopted  the  substance  of  which  was  that  the  conference 
sincerely  believed  that  slavery  was  a great  moral  evil,  but  as  the  laws  of 
the  country  did  not  admit  of  emancipation  without  the  special  act  of  the 
Legislature  in  some  places,  nor  permit  a slave  so  liberated  to  enjoy  Jus 
freedom,  they  could  not  adopt  any  rule  compelling  church  members  to 
liberate  their  slaves,  nor  could  they  devise  any  rule  sufficiently  specific 
to  meet  the  various  and  complex  cases  that  were  continually  arising.  But 
to  go  as  far  as  they  could  consistently  with  the  laws  and  the  nature  of 
things,  to  do  away  with  the  evil  and  “remove  the  curse  from  the  Church 
of  God,”  they  adopted  two  rules  on  the  subject,  the  first  being  that  if  any 
member  should  buy  or  sell  any  slave  or  slaves  to  make  gain,  or  shouH 
sell  any  slave  to  any  slave-dealer,  such  member  should  be  expelled  from 
the  church,  except  he  could  satisfactorily  show  that  it  was  done  to  keep 
or  place  different  members  of  the  same  family  together;  and  the  second, 
was  that  no  person  should  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  deacon  in  the  church 
who  did  not  disapprove  of  slavery  and  express  a willingness  to  effect  a 
legal  emancipation  of  his  slaves  as  soon  as  it  was  practicable  for  him  to  do 
so.  At  the  conference  held  at  Franklin,  November  8,  1817,  this  question 
was  again  taken  up  for  discussion  with  the  result  of  the  adoption  of  a 
very  elaborate  report.  After  a “Whereas”  that  the  General  Conference  had 
authorized  each  annual  conference  to  formulate  its  own  rules  respecting 
slavery,  the  following  resolutions  (in  substance)  were  adopted: 

First — That  if  any  local  elder,  deacon  or  preacher  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  should  purchase  a slave,  the  Quarterly  Conference 
should  say  how  long  the  slave  should  serve  as  a remuneration  for  the 
purchase  money,  and  that  the  purchaser  should  enter  into  a written  obli- 
gation to  emancipate  such  slave  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  servitude, 
provided  that  emancipation  were  permissible  under  the  laws  of  the  State; 
but  that  if  the  laws  of  the  State  should  continue  to  oppose  emancipation, 
then  the  next  Quarterly  Conference  held  atfer  the  expiration  of  the  term 
of  servitude,  should  determine  the  future  status  of  the  slave. 

Second — The  same  rule  applied  to  private  members  of  the  church, 
but  instead  of  the  Quarterly  Conference  their  cases  were  managed  by  a 


HISTORY  OT  TENNESSEE. 


669 


•ommittee  appointed  by  tlie  preacher  having  charge  of  their  respective 
■ircuits ; and  in  all  cases  relating  to  preachers,  deacons,  elders  or  private 
Inembers,  the  children  of  slaves  purchased,  born  during  the  time  of 
jondage  or  term  of  servitude,  were  to  be  manumitted  upon  arriving  at  the 
ge  of  twenty-five,  provided  the  law  should  then  admit  of  emancipation ; 
>ut  if  the  law  should  not  then  admit  of  emancipation,  the  cases  of  all 
hildren  born  of  purchased  slaves  were  to  be  submitted  to  the  Quarterly 
Conference  or  the  committee,  according  to  whether  the  owner  was  a 
ireacher  or  private  member.  The  portion  of  this  rule  which  applied  to 
lie  selling  of  slaves  by  a preacher  or  member  is  exceedingly  interesting 
nd  curious.  This  provision  required  the  preacher  to  submit  his  case  to 
lie  Quarterly  Conference  and  the  private  member  to  the  committee, 
kick  Quarterly  Conference  or  committee,  as  the  case  might  be,  should 
etermine  for  what  term  of  years  the  slave  should  be  sold,  and  required 
le  seller  of  the  slave  to  record  in  the  county  court  the  emancipation  of 
ae  slave  at  the  expiration  of  the  said  term.  This  rule  was  to  be  en- 
irced  from  and  after  January  1,  1818. 

Such  was  the  legislation  of  a body  of  ministers  wdth  reference  to  a 
ibject  over  which  they  had  no  control,  provided  the  laws  themselves  did 
lot  admit  of  emancipation,  which  they  themselves  assumed  to  be  the  fact, 
fence  the  adoption  of  a proviso  which  in  every  case,  taking  things  as 
ley  were,  either  nullified  the  rule  or  made  it  easy  for  a member  or  a 
inister  to  retain  his  slave ; for  whenever  he  determined  to  own  slaves  it 
as  easy  to  make  it  appear  that  it  was  in  accordance  with  justice  and 
ercy  to  retain  those  already  in  possession,  or  that  under  the  law  it  was 
^practicable  to  set  them  free.  Such  legislation  would  seem  to  be  suffi- 
;ently  absurd,  but  it  is  amazing  that  an  intelligent  body  of  men  should 
ravely  attempt  to  compel  a preacher  or  member  to  emancipate  a slave  at 
te  expiration  of  a term  of  years  after  having  surrendered  ownership  and 
introl  of  the  same.  The  only  theory  conceivable  which  can  relieve  the 
inference  of  the  accomplishment  of  a solemn  mockery  is  the  supposition 
at  they,  having  confidence  in  the  justice  of  the  future,  must  have  be- 
ared themselves  to  be  anticipating  civil  legislation — that  the  legal 
nancipation  of  the  slave  was  an  event  the  immediate  future  must  pro- 
ice. However,  the  attitude  of  the  conference  on  this  subject  is  of  great 
storic  value,  bringing  out  into  clear  relief,  as  it  does,  the  strong  con- 
ction  of  the  Methodist  body  of  Christians  that  slavery  was  a great 
oral  evil,  the  existence  of  which  was  deplorable,  and  to  be  opposed  by 
ery  means  attached  to  which  there  was  any  hope  of  its  gradual  abolish- 
ent.  At  the  conference  held  at  Nashville  October  1,  1819,  two  persons, 
?ter  Burum  and  Gilbert  D.  Taylor,  were  recommended  as  proper  to  be 

42 


670 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


admitted  on  trial,  but  botli  were  rejected  because  they  were  slave-holders 
and  a number  of  'applicants  for  deacon’s  orders  were  similarly  rejected 
These  rejections  elicited  the  following  protest: 

“Be  it  remembered  that  whereas  Tennessee  Annual  Conference,  held 
in  Nashville  October  1,  1819,  have  taken  a course  in  their  decisions  rel- 
ative to  the  admission  of  preachers  on  trial  in  the  traveling  connection, 
and  in  the  election  of  local  preachers  to  ordination  which  goes  to  fix  the 
principle  that  no  man,  even  in  those  States  where  the  law  does  not  admit 
of  emancipation,  shall  be  admitted  on  trial  or  ordained  to  the  office  of 
deacon  or  elder  if  it  is  understood  that  he  is  the  owner  of  a slave  or 
slaves.  That  this  course  is  taken  is  not  to  be  denied,  and  it  is  avowed]- 
designed  to  fix  the  principle  already  mentioned.  Several  cases  might  be 
mentioned,  but  it  is  deemed  unnecessary  to  instance  any  except  the  case 
of  Dr.  Gilbert  D.  Taylor,  proposed  for  admission,  and  Dudley  Hargrove , 
recommended  for  ordination.  We  deprecate  the  course  taken  as  oppres- 
sively severe  in  itself  and  ruinous  in  its  consequences,  and  we  disapprove 
of  the  principle  as  contrary  to  and  in  violation  of  the  order  and  discipline 
of  our  church.  We,  therefore,  do  most  solemnly,  and  in  the  fear  of  God. 
as  members  of  this  conference,  enter  our  protest  against  the  proceedings 
of  the  conference  as  it  relates  to  the  above-mentioned  course  and  prin- 
ciple. Thomas  L.  Douglass,  Thomas  D.  Porter,  William  McMahon, 
Benjamin  Malone,  Lewis  Garrett,  Barnabas  McHenry,  William  Allgoocl 
William  Stribling,  Ebenezer  Hearn,  Timothy  Carpenter,  Thomas  String- 
field,  Benjamin  Edge,  Joshua  Boucher,  William  Hartt,  John  Johnson, 
Henry  B.  Bascom.” 

This  protest  had  considerable  influence  upon  the  church  in  the  South. 
It  was  taken  to  the  General  Conference  and  by  that  body  referred  to  thj 
committee  on  slavery,  but  nothing  definite  was  accomplished. 

I,  At  the  conference  which  met  at  Columbia  in  1824  this  question  of 
slavery  came  up  again  in  the  form  of  an  address  from  the  “Moral  Bdig- 
ious  Manumission  Society  of  West  Tennessee,”  whereupon  the  follow- 
ing resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  address  from  the  Moral  Religious  Manumission  Society  he  returned 
to  committee  accompanied  with  a note  stating  that  so  far  as  the  address  involves  the  sub- 
ject of  slavery  we  concur  in  the  sentiments  that  slavery  is  an  evil  to  be  deplored,  and 
that  it  should  be  counteracted  by  every  judicious  and  religious  exertion. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Methodist  preachers  admitted  that  slav- 
ery was  a deplorable  evil,  and  should  be  counteracted  by  every  judicious 
and  religious  exertion.  “What  a misfortune,”  says  Bev.  J.  B.  McFerrin,- 
“that  this  sentiment  had  not  always  obtained!  treating  the  matter  in  a 
religious  manner,  and  not  intermeddling  with  it  as  a civil  question. 

*“History  of  Methodism  in  Tennessee,”  to  which  this  chapter  is  indebted. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


671 


In  1832  mission  work  among  the  slaves  was  for  the  first  time  ear- 
lest-ly  undertaken.  South  Carolina  had  set  the  example  in  work  of  this 
lature,  and  it  was  not  long  before  there  were  scores  of  missionaries  in 
he  Southern  States  proclaiming  the  doctrines  of  Methodism  to  the  bond- 
nan  as  well  as  to  the  free.  Among  the  blacks  there  were  many  genuine 
Christians  and  some  excellent  preachers.  The  decided  and  memorable 
mpulse  given  to  missionary  work  among  the  slaves  was  the  result  of  a 
peech  by  Eev.  (subsequently  Bishop)  -Tames  O.  Andrew,  which  “ car- 
lied  by  storm  the  whole  assembly.”  So  successful  was  the  work  of  mis- 
ions  among  the  blacks  that  in  1816  the  board  reported  29,130  colored 
Members,  besides  the  communicants  in  the  regular  circuits  and  stations 
f the  church,  while  the  general  minutes  give  the  total  number  of  col- 
red  members  in  the  same  years  as  121,961.  In  1861  the  board  reported 
.9,791  probationers,  and  12,118  children  under  religious  instruction,  the 
general  minutes,  in  1860,  showing  171,857  members  and  35,909  proba- 
ioners. 

Without  pursuing  further  in  detail  the  action  of  the  church  on  the 
mportant  subject  of  slavery,  it  is  now  deemed  proper  to  present  a syn- 
psis  of  the  reasons  for  the  separation  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Ihurch  in  the  United  States  into  two  portions — the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Ihurch,  and  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  While  there  may 
e differences  of  opinion  with  regard  to  minor  points  of  controversy,  it 
an  be  positively  stated  that  had  there  been  no  slavery  there  would  have 
een  no  epoch  of  separation.  The  existence  of  this  institution,  the  nec- 
fesary  connection  with  it  of  church  members  and  its  perpetual  agitation 
i the  quarterly,  annual  and  general  conferences,  because  of  the  perpet- 
al  and  increasing  agitation  of  the  question  outside  of  the  conferences, 
as  finally  the  occasion  of  the  disruption  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
liurch,  which  has  been  and  probably  ever  will  be  a potent  cause  of  re- 
ret  to  thousands  of  Methodists  in  both  sections  of  the  country,  and 
robably  to  all  except  those  who  can  clearly  discern  the  hand  of  Provi- 
ence  in  all  events,  and  who  are  settled  in  their  convictions  that  “ He 
Deth  all  things  well.” 

The  General  Conference  met  in  New  York  May  1,  1844  It  was  the 
ost  memorable  conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  ever  held 
■i  the  United  States.  The  first  question  of  importance  which  occupied 
s attention  was  that  of  Francis  A.  Harding,  who  had  been  suspended  by 
ue  Baltimore  Conference  from  the  ministerial  office  for  refusing  to  man- 
nit  five  slaves  belonging  to  his  wife  at  the  time  of  his  marriage  to  her, 
id  which,  according  to  the  laws  of  Maryland,  still  remained  hers  after 
Le  marriage.  The  action  of  the  Baltimore  Conference  in  suspending 


672 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Mr.  Harding  is  sufficiently  set  forth  in  the  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lution : 

Whereas,  The  Baltimore  Conference  can  not  anrl  will  not  tolerate  slavery  in  any  of 
its  members.  ******  * * 

Resolved , That  Brother  Harding  be  suspended  until  the  next  Annual  Conference  or 
until  he  assures  the  Episcopacy  that  he  has  taken  the  necessary  steps  to  secure  the  free- 
dom of  his  slaves. 

With  this  demand  Brother  Harding  failed  to  comply  because,  accord- 
ing to  his  plea,  of  his  inability  under  the  laws  of  the  State  to  do  so;  hut 
he  nevertheless  expressed  a willingness  to  emancipate  them  and  permit 
them  to  go  to  Africa  or  to  any  free  State  provided  they  were  willing  to 
accept  freedom  on  those  terms,  but  no  evidence  tends  to  show  that  any 
attempt  was  made  to  obtain  their  consent,  or  that  their  consent  was 
obtained,  and  thus  their  emancipation  was  impracticable,  for  they  could 
not  live  free  in  Maryland  without  violating  the  laws.  But  notwithstand- 
ing the  impracticability  of  emancipation  the  action  of  the  Baltimore  Con- 
ference in  the  case  of  Mr.  Harding  was,  on  appeal  to  the  General  Confer- 
ence, after  able  arguments  for  the  appellant  by  Hr.  W.  A.  Smith,  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  for  the  Baltimore  Conference  by  John  A.  Collins,  of  Baltimore, 
sustained  by  the  General  Conference  by  a refusal  to  reverse  it,  the  vote 
being  117  against  reversal  to  56  in  favor  of  it,  taken  on  the  11th  of  Msy. 

Another  and  still  more  important  case  came  before  the  conference  on 
May  22,  in  that  of  Bishop  J ames  O.  Andrew,  of  Georgia,  who  had,  against 
his  own  will,  become  connected  with  slavery.  Several  years  previous  to  the  1 
meeting  of  this  General  Conference  an  old  lady  had  bequeathed  to  him  a |j 
mulatto  girl  in  trust  to  be  taken  care  of  until  she  should  arrive  at  the  age 
of  nineteen,,  when,  if  her  consent  could  be  obtained,  she  should  be  set 
free  and  sent  to  Liberia ; but  in  case  she  should  refuse  to  go  to  Liberia  1 
he  should  keep  her  and  make  her  as  free  as  the  laws  of  Georgia  would 
permit.  When  the  time  came  she  refused  to  go  to  Liberia,  and  as 
emancipation  and  continued  residence  in  Georgia  afterward  was  imprac- 
ticable, Bishop  Andrew  remained  her  owner.  About  five  years  previous 
to  the  meeting  of  this  conference,  Bishop  Andrew’s  wife’s  mother  left  to | 
her  a negro  boy,  and  Mrs.  Andrews  dying,  without  a will,  the  boy 
became  the  property  of  the  Bishop.  Besides  ail  this,  Bishop  Andrew,  in 
January,  1844,  was  married  to  his  second  wife,  who  had  inherited  from 
her  former  husband’s  estate  some  slaves.  After  this  marriage  Bishop 
Andrew,  unwilling  to  retain  even  part  ownership  in  these  inherited 
slave's,  secured  them  to  his  wife  by  a deed  of  trust.  But  with  reference 
to  the  first  two  slaves  mentioned  the  Bishop  became  a slave-holder  by  the 
action  of  other  people.  The  General  Conference,  impelled  to  action  by 
the  growing  and  assertive  anti-slavery  sentiment  throughout  the  North- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


673 


3rn  States  and  the  Northern  Conferences,  took  action  upon  Bishop 
Andrew’s  case  by  passing  the  famous  Finley  Resolution,  which  was  as 
iollows : 

Whekeas,  Tlie  Discipline  of  our  Church  forbids  the  doing  of  anything  calculated  to 
destroy  our  itinerant  General  Superintendency;  and  whereas  Bishop  Andrew  has  become 
,;onnected  with  slavery,  by  marriage  and  otherwise,  and  this  act  having  drawn  after  it 
drcumstances  which,  in  the  estimation  of  this  General  Conference,  will  greatly  embarrass 
:,he  exercise  of  his  office  as  an  itinerant  General  Superintendent,  if  not,  in  some  places, 
;ntirely  prevent  it;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  General  Conference  that  he  desist  from  the  exer- 
cise of  his  office  so  long  as  this  impediment  remains. 

To  clearly  perceive  the  grounds  for  the  passing  of  this  resolution  it  is 
tecessary  to  have  reference  to  the  discipline  then  governing  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  Of  this  discipline  there  were  but  two  rules  having 
dither  direct  or  indirect  bearing  upon  the  case,  the  first  being  as  follows: 
‘ The  bishop  is  amenable  to  the  General  Conference,  who  have  power  to 
ixpel  him  for  improper  conduct  if  they  see  it  necessary;”  and  the  second 
feing  what  has  been  called  the  Compromise  Law  of  1816  on  the  subject 
,)f  slavery:  '‘We  declare  that  we  are  as  much  as  ever  convinced  of  the 

rreat  evil  of  slavery,  therefore  no  slave-holder  shall  be  eligible  to  any 
ifficial  station  in  our  church  hereafter  where  the  laws  of  the  State  in 
vdiich  he  lives  will  admit  of  emancipation  and  permit  the  liberated  slave 
o enjoy  freedom.  When  any  traveling  preacher  becomes  an  owner  of  a 
lave  or  slaves  by  any  means,  he  shall  forfeit  his  ministerial  character  in 
mr  church,  unless  he  execute,  if  it  be  practicable,  a legal  emancipation 
if  such  slaves  conformably  to  the  laws  of  the  State  in  which  he  lives.” 

The  above  is  all  that  is  contained  in  the  discipline  concerning  bish- 
ps  and  slavery.  It  would  seem  clear  enough  that  the  Bishop  had  vio- 
ated  no  rule  of  discipline  if  it  were  true  that  under  the  laws  of  Georgia 
mancipated  slaves  could  not  enjoy  their  freedom.  And  as  no  attempt 
yas  made  by  any  one  on  behalf  of  the  conference  to  prove  that  emanci- 
pated slaves  could  enjoy  their  freedom  in  Georgia,  it  must  be  assumed 
veu  if  it  were  not  the  fact  that  under  the  laws  of  his  State  it  was  im- 
practicable for  Bishop  Andrew"  to  emancipate  his  slaves.  The  probabil- 
ty  is  that  the  true  attitude  for  the  present  to  sustain  toward  the  confer  - 
nce  of  1844  is  one  of  sympathy  rather  than  of  censure,  even  by  those 
rho  still  regret  the  division  in  the  church.  It  felt  impelled  and  even 
ompelled  to  take  action  upon  this  question  that  should  satisfy  at  least 
■ portion  of  the  conferences,  and  chose  to  satisfy  the  majority — the  anti- 
lavery  portion,  those  opposed  to  the  election  of  or  the  continuance  in 
ffice  or  in  orders  of  a slave-holding  bishop.  The  venerable  Dr.  Olin,  of 
he  New*  York  Conference,  probably  expressed  the  sense  of  the  confer- 
nce  as  accurately  as  it  can  be  expressed  at  the  present  day  when  he 


674 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


said:  “I  look  at  this  proposition*  not  as  a punishment  of  any  grade 
or  sort.  * * * I believe  that  what  is  proposed  by  this 

substitute  to  be  a constitutional  measure,  dishonorable  to  none,  unjust  to 
none.  As  such  I should  wish  it  to  go  forth  with  the  solemn  declaration 
of  this  General  Conference  that  we  do  not  design  it  as  a punishment  or  a 
censure ; that  it  is  in  our  apprehension  only  a prudential  and  expedient 
measure,  calculated  to  avert  the  great  evils  that  threaten  us.” 

Looking  at  the  question  now  from  our  present  vantage  ground  it  is 
evident  that  Dr.  Olin  could  clearly  discern  the  signs  of  the  times. 
Division  and  separation,  emanating  from  some  source,  it  was  impossible 
to  avoid.  The  grand  wave  of  anti-slavery  sentiment  had  obtained  im- 
pulse, and  was  irresistibly  increasing  in  both  volume  and  momentum. 
The  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  no  less  than 
the  discipline,  was,  like  every  other  obstacle  this  grand  wave  encouiftemd, 
unable  long  to  resist.  The  conference  therefore,  having  to  choose  be- 
tween the  discipline  and  the  unity  of  the  great  body  of  the  church, 
chose  to  sacrifice  the  discipline.  Dr.  Olin  in  another  part  of  the  same 
speech  from  which  the  above  extract  is  taken,  with  reference  to  the  prob- 
able consequences  of  the  passage  of  the  Finley  Besolution,  said : “ Yet 
allowing  our  worst  fears  all  to  be  realized,  the  South  will  have  this  ad- 
vantage over  us.  The  Southern  Conferences  are  likely  in  any  eveut  to 
harmonize  among  themselves — they'  will  form  a compact  body.  In  our 
Northern  Conferences  this  will  be  impossible  in  the  present  state  of  things. 
They  cannot  bring  their  whole-  people  to  act  together  on  one  common 
ground;  stations  and  circuits  will  be  so  weakened  and  broken  as  in  many 
instances  to  be  unable  to  sustain  their  ministry.  I speak  on  this  point 
in  accordance  with  the  convictions  of  my  own  judgment,  after  hay- 
ing traveled  3,000  miles  through  the  New  England  and  New  York  Confer- 
ences, that  if  some  action  is  not  had  on  this  subject  calculated  to  hold 
out  hope — to  impart  a measure  of  satisfaction  to  the  people — there  will 
be  distractions  and  divisions  ruinous  to  souls  and  fatal  to  the  permanent 
interests  of  the  church.  * * * But,  sir,  I will  yret  trust 

that  we  may  put  far  off  this  evil  day.  If  we  can  pass  such  a measure  as 
will  shield  our  principles  from  infringement,  if  we  can  send  forth  such  a 
measure  as  will  neither  injure  nor  justly  offend  the  South,  and  as  shall 
neither  censure  nor  dishonor  Bishop  Andrew,  and  yet  shall  meet  the  press- 
ing wants  of  the  church,  and,  above  all,  if  Almighty  God  shall  bo 
pleased  to  help  by  pouring  out  His  Spirit  upon  us,  we  may  yet  avoid  the 
rock  upon  which  we  now  seem  too  likely  to  split.” 

A brief  extract  from  an  unfulfilled  prophecy^  by  the  Bev.  George  F. 


*The  Finley  Resolution. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


675 


3ierce,  o£  Georgia,  a young  and  exceedingly  enthusiastic  divine,  is  as  fol- 
ows:  “Set  off  the  South  and  what  is  the  consequence?  Do  you  get  rid 
.£  embarrassment,  discord,  division,  strife?  No,  sir,  you  multiply  divis- 
ions. There  will  be  secessions  in  the  Northern  Conferences,  even  if 
fishop  Andrew  is  deposed  or  resigns.  Prominent  men  will  abandon  your 
hurch.  I venture  to  predict  that  when  the  day  of  division  comes — 
nd  come  I believe  it  will  from  the  present  aspect  of  the  case — that  in 
en  years  from  this  day  and  perhaps  less,  there  will  not  be  one  shred  of 
lie  distinctive  peculiarities  of  Methodism  left  within  the  conferences  that 
epart  from  us.  The  venerable  man  who  now  presides  over  the  Northern 
Conferences  may  live  out  his  time  as  a bishop,  but  he  will  never  have  a 
uccessor.  Episcopacy  will  be  given  up;  presiding-eldership  will  be 
iven  up ; the  itinerancy  will  come  to  an  end,  and  Congregationalism  will 
■>e  the  order  of  the  day.” 

The  vote  on  the  Finley  resolution  was  taken  on  the  1st  of  June,  and 
esulted  in  its  adoption  by  the  vote  of  111  to  69.  Of  the  yeas  four  were 
rom  the  Baltimore  Conference,  and  one  from  Texas — the  only  ones  from 
conference  within  slave-holding  territory.  All  the  members  from  Ten- 
.essee  Conferences  voted  against  the  resolution  as  follows : Holston  Con- 
Brence — E.  F.  Sevier,  S.  Patton,  T.  Springfield;  Tennessee  Conference — 
1.  Paine,  J.  B.  McFerrin,  W.  L.  P.  Green,  T.  Maddin;  Memphis  Con- 
srence — G.  W.  D.  Harris,  S.  S.  Moody,  William  McMahon,  T.  Joyner, 
m attempt  to  declare  the  action  advisory  only  was  laid  on  the  table  by 
vote  of  75  to  68.  On  the  same  day,  June  3,  a series  of  resolutions  pro- 
posing the  formation  of  two  General  Conferences  was  referred  to  a com- 
fittee,  which  failed  to  agree,  and  on  the  5th,  the  following  “declaration 
f the  Southern  members”  was  presented  by  Dr.  Longstreet: 

“ The  delegates  of  the  conference  in  the  slave-holding  States  take  leave 
o declare  to  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
hat  the  continued  agitation  on  the  subject  of  slavery  and  abolition  in  a 
ortion  of  the  church,  the  frequent  action  on  that  subject  in  the  General 
Conference,  and  especially  the  extra-judicial  proceedings  against  Bishop 
inclrew,  which  resulted  on  Saturday  last  in  the  virtual  suspension  of  him 
rom  his  office  as  superintendent,  must  produce  a state  of  things  in  the 
South  which  renders  a continuance  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General 
Conference  over  these  conferences  inconsistent  with  the  success  of  the 
fimstry  in  the  slave-holding  States.” 

This  declaration  was  signed  by  all  the  members  of  the  Southern 
[Conferences,  and  by  J.  Stamper  from  the  Illinois  Conference,  and  was 
hen  referred  to  a select  committee  of  nine,  with  instructions  that  if  they 
ould  not  devise  a plan  for  an  amicable  adjustment  of  the  difficulties  then 


676 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


existing  in  tlie  church,  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  to  devise,  if  possible,  a 
constitutional  plan  for  a mutual  and  friendly  division  of  the  church.  On 
the  7th  of  June  this  committee  reported  a plan  of  separation,  which  after 
much  discussion  was  adopted — four.of  the  resolutions  by  an  average  vote 
of  141  to  11,  and  the  remaining  seven  and  the  preamble  without  a divis- 
ion. In  the  resolutions  provision  was  made  for  an  equitable  division  of 
the  book  concerns  in  New  York  and  Cincinnati  and  the  chartered  fund, 
and  all  the  property  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  meeting- 
houses,  parsonages,  colleges,  schools,  conference  funds,  cemeteries,  etc., 
within  the  limits  of  the  Southern  organization  was  secured  to  the  South- 
ern Church,  so  far  as  the  resolution  could  be  of  force. 

The  Southern  delegation  to  the  General  Conference  issued  a call  for  a 
convention  to  be  composed  of  delegates  from  the  several  annual  confer- 
ences within  the  slave-holding  States,  in  the  ratio  of  one  to  every  eleven 
members,  to  meet  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  1,  1845.  When  this  conven- 
tion met  Bishops  Soule  and  Andrew  presided,  and  after  full  deliberation  j 
it  declared  the  Southern  Conferences  a distinct  church,  under  the  name  of 
“The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.”  The  first  General  Confer- 
ence of  this  church  met  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  May  1,  1846.  It  was  com- 
posed of  eighty-five  delegates  from  sixteen  Southern  Conferences,  those 
from  Tennessee  being  as  follows:  Holston  Conference — Samuel  Patton, 
David  Fleming,  Timothy  Sullins,  Thomas  K.  Catlett,  Elbert  F.  Sevier. 
Tennessee  Conference— John  B.  McFerrin,  Robert  Paine,  Fountain  E. 
Fitts,  Alexander  L.  P.  Green,  John  W.  ITanner,  Edmund  W.  Sehon, 
Samuel  S.  Moody,  Frederick  G.  Ferguson,  Ambrose  F.  Briskill.  Mem 
phis  Conference — Moses  Brock,  George  W.  D.  Harris,  William  iVIo- 
Malion,  William  M.  McFerrin,  Arthur  Davis,  John  T.  Baskerville.  By 
this  conference  Rev.  William  Capers,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Robert  Paine, 
D.  D.,  were  elected  bishops.  At  the  time  of  the  separation  in  1845  the) 
were  in  the  Southern  Church  about  450,000  communicants,  and  in  18G0 
757,205.  During  the  civil  war  this  number  was  considerably  reduced. 
In  1875  there  were  37  annual  conferences  and  737,779  communicants, 
of  whom  4,335  were  Indians  and  2,085  colored,  and  346,750  Sunday- 
school  scholars. 

As  was  naturally  to  be  expected,  the  three  conferences  in  Tennessee 
adhered  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  1840  the  num- 
bers of  members  in  each  of  these  conferences  was  as  follows:  Holston 
Conference — White  members,  25,902;  colored  members,  2,420;  local 
preachers,  304.  Tennessee  Conference — White  members,  21,675;  col- 
ored members,  4,405;  local  preachers,  298.  Memphis  Conference- 
White  members,  12,497;  colored  members,  1,995;  local  preachers,  183. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


677 


The  traveling  preachers  in  each  conference  were  as  follows:  Holston,  70;, 
Tennessee,  1 09 ; Memphis,  69.  In  1845  the  Holston  Conference  reported 
,)5  traveling  and  327  local  preachers,  and  34,414  white,  4,083  colored, 
mdl08  Trirl inn  members.  Tennessee  Conference  reported  (in  1846)  153 
raveling  ministers,  33,219  white  and  8,036  colored  members,  and  Mem- 
>his  Conference  reported  (in  1846)  101  traveling  and  310  local  preach- 
rs,  and  23,111  white  and  6,003  colored  members. 

The  boundaries  of  the  Holston  Conference  were  fixed  by  the  General 
Conference  of  1874  so  as  to  include  “East  Tennessee  and  that  part  of 
fiddle  Tennessee  now  embraced  in  the  Pikeville  District;  that  part  of 
Virginia  and  West  Virginia  which  is  now  embraced  in  the  Rogersville, 
dnngdon,  Jeffersonville  and  Wytheville  District  south  of  the  line  of  the 
laltimore  Conference,  and  including  Jacksonville;  the  line  between  the 
laid  more  and  the  Holston  Conferences  running  straight  from  Jackson- 
ille,  in  Floyd  County,  to  Central  Depot  in  Montgomery  County,  so  as  to 
mbrace  in  the  Holston  Conference  the  territory  known  as  the  New  Hope 
iircuit;  that  part  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  which  lies  west  of  the 
!Hue  Eidge;  a small  part  lying  east  off)  said  ridge,  embracing  the 
atawba Circuit,  and  that  part  now  in  the  Wytheville  District;  and  so 
mch  of  the  State  of  Georgia  as  is  included  in  the  following  boundary: 
eginning  on  the  State  line  of  Tennessee  at  the  eastern  part  of  Lookout 
fountain ; thence  to  the  Alabama  State  line ; thence  north  with  said  line 
i Island  Creek,  and  with  said  creek  and  the  Tennessee  River  to  the 
cate  line  of  Tennessee,  and  thence  to  the  beginning,  including  the 
!>wn  of  Graysville,  Ga.” 

In  1875  this  conference  reported  171  traveling  and  294  local  preach- 
s,  38,087  white,  140  colored,  and  176  Indian  members,  and  23,226  Sun- 
ly-school  scholars.  In  1880  the  report  was  161  traveling  and  290 
cal  preachers;  44,279  white,  48  colored,  and  148  indian  members,  and 
',541  Sunday-school  scholars.  In  1885  the  following  was  the  report:  158 
aveling  preachers,  308  local  preachers,  and  46,529  white  members,  neither 
lored  nor  Indian  members  reported;  the  number  of  Sunday-school  schol- 
•s  was  35,116.  When  the  Federal  Armies  took  possession  of  East  Ten- 
issee  many  of  the  Methodists  in  that  section  desired  the  services  of  the 
ethodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  under  authority  given  by  the  General 
inference  of  1864,  Holston  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
1 lurch  was  organized,  its  first  session  being  held  at  Athens,  Tenn. , J une 
1865.  The  numbers  reported  to  this  conference  were  as  follows:  48 
iveling  and  55  local  preachers,  6,107  members  and  2,425  Sunday-school 
iiolars.  In  1876  the  numbers  were  105  traveling  and  237  local  preach- 
<3,  23,465  members,  10,413  Sunday-school  scholars,  190  churches  val- 


678 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ued  at  $173,485,  and  11  parsonages  valued  at  $7,077.  The  boundaries 
of  this  conference,  according  to  the  discipline  of  1876  were,  on  the  east 
by  North  Carolina,  north  by  Virginia  and  Kentucky,  on  the  west  b v the 
western  summit  of  th  e Cumberland  Mountains,  south  by  Georgia  and  the 
Blue  Bidge,  including  that  portion  of  North  Carolina  not  in  the  North 
Carolina  Conference.  The  statistics  of  the  Tennessee  Conference  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South  for  1846,  have  been  given  above.  In  1871 
its  limits  were  so  determined  as  to  include  Middle  Tennessee,  except  the 
Pikesville  District.  In  1876  it  reported  198  traveling  and  331  local  preach- 
ers, and  41,297  members.  In  1880  the  numbers  were  as  follows:  198  trav- 
eling and  343  local  preachers,  46,428  white,  and  15  colored  members;  22.- 
562  Sunday-school  scholars,  and  the  collections  for  missions  amounted  to 
$7,303.80.  In  1885  the  report  from  this  conference  showed  169  travel- 
ing and  314  local  preachers,  52,865  white,  and  11  colored  members;  24,- 
675  Sunday-school  scholars,  and  $12,610.65  collected  for  foreign  mis- 
sions, and  $3,368.20  for  domestic  missions. 

The  Tennessee  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was 
organized  at  Murfreesboro, ^October  11,  1866,  by  Bishop  Clark,  under 
authority  of  the  General  Conference.  At  this  time  it  reported  40  trav- 
eling and  49  local  preachers,  3.173  members,  2,548  Sunday-school  schol- 
ars, and  13  churches,  valued  at  $59,100.  In  1868  its  boundaries  were 
■so  determined  as  to  include  that  portion  of  Tennessee  not  included  in  the 
Holston  Conference.  In  1876  the  statistics  were  96  traveling  and  200 
local  preachers,  12,268  members,  8,359  Sunday-school  scholars.  142 
churches,  valued  at  $206,940,  and  7 parsonages,  valued  at  $2,500.  Un- 
der authority  of  the  General  Conference  of  1876  this  conference  was 
divided  by  separating  the  white  and  colored  work.  The  statistics  for 
1877  are  as  follows:  41  traveling  and  193  local  preachers,  11,638  mem- 
bers, 8,329  Sunday-school  scholars,  197  churches  valued  at  $137.U'2‘\ 
and  15  parsonages  valued  at  $4,000. 

The  Memphis  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South, 
a part  of  the  statistics  of  which  have  already  been  given,  was  set  otf  from 
the  Tennessee  Conference  by  the  General  Conference,  which  met  in  Bal- 
timore June  1,  1840.  At  the  division  of  the  church  in  1845  it  adhered 
to  the  other  Southern  conferences.  Its  original  boundaries  were  as  tol  - 
lows:  “Bounded  on  the  east  by  the  Tombigbee  Biver,  Alabama  State 
Line  and  Tennessee  Biver;  on  the  north  by  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi! 
Bivers;  west  by  the  Mississippi  Biver,  and  south  by  the  line  running 
due  east  from  the  Mississippi  Biver  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Talla- 
hatchie County;  thence  due  east  to  the  southeastern  corner  of  Yallabusha 
County ; thence  in  straight  line  to  the  northwestern  corner  of  Oktibdia 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


679 


lounty ; tlience  clue  east  to  the  Tombigbee  Eiver.”  In  1874  the  south - 
,-n  boundary  was  changed  so  as  to  conform  to  the  State  line  between 
ennessee  and  Mississippi.  In  1871  there  were  in  this  conference  278 
teal  preachers  and  27,833  members.  In  1876  the  following  was  the  re- 
art: 125  traveling  and  276  local  preachers,  31,627  members  and  15,726 
unday-school  scholars.  In  1880  there  were  140  traveling  preachers, 
38  local  preachers,  33,329  white  members,  18,610  Sunday-school  sehol- 
:s,  and  amount  of  collections  for  missions,  $6,021.60,  and  in  1885  there 
ere  127  traveling  preachers,  233  local  preachers,  28,584  white  mem- 
3rs,  21,884  Sunday-school  scholars,  and  collections  for  foreign  missions, 
3,757.62,  and  for  domestic  missions,  $1,032.41. 

The  convention  which  organized  this  church,  in  1845,  at  Louisville, 
vored  the  establishment  of  a book  concern,  and  appointed  two  book 
rents — Eev.  John  Early  and  Rev.  J.  B.  McFerrin — to  receive  proposals 
r the  location  of  the  book  concern,  and  also  moneys  and  contributions 
r building  up  the  same,  requiring  them  to  report  at  the  time  of  the 
leieral  Conference  to  be  held  at  Petersburg  May,  1846.  This  conference 
'■ovided  for  a book  concern,  with  Eev.  John  Early  as  agent,  and  assist- 
tts  and  depositories  at  Louisville,  Charleston  and  Eichmond.  The 
Jan  of  separation”  contemplated  an  equitable  division  of  the  common 
■operty,  but  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
bsequently  pronounced  the  plan  of  separation  null  and  void  and  re- 
sed  to  abide  by  the  settlement  of  1844,  upon  which  the  Methodist 
oiscopal  Church  South  took  the  case  to  the  civil  courts  and  secured  a 
i cision  in  its  favor.  The  decree  relating  to  the  book  concern  was  given 
pril  25,  1854.  The  proceeds  of  these  suits  were  as  follows:  Cash, 
393,334.50;  notes  and  accounts  transferred,  $50,575.02;  book  stock, 
3.0,000;  accounts  against  Eichmond  and  Nashville  Christian  Advocate , 
',500;  presses  at  Eichmond,  Charleston  and  Nashville,  $20,000,  and 
:un  the  chartered  fund,  $17,712;  aggregate  $414,141.62.  The  total 
aount  realized  from  these  various  sums  was  $386,153.63.  The  General 
' inference  favored  a book  concern  proper  for  the  South,  and  accordingly 
i e committee  brought  in  a plan  for  a book  establishment  at  the  city  of 
ishville  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  books,  to  be  called  the  Pub- 
king  House  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  to  be  under  the 
• utrol  of  two  agents  and  a committee  of  three  to  be  called  the  book 
unmittee.  In  August,  1854,  the  agents  purchased  in  Nashville  a lot 
! outing  on  the  public  square  sixty-eight  feet  and  extending  back  to  the 
unberland  Eiver  nearly  300  feet,  upon  which  buildings  were  erected 
bm  three  to  four  stories  high,  costing  in  the  aggregate  $37,282.52.  In 
- 58  the  General  Conference  determined  to  have  but  one  agent,  but 


680 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


created  the  office  of  financial  secretary.  May  1,  1883,  the  assets  of  the 
publishing  house  were  $309,574.61,  and  its  liabilities  $192,157.21;  bal- 
ance, $117,417.40. 

The  Methodist  Protestant  Church  which  was  separated  from  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  1830,  mainly  on  account  of  differences 
regarding  church  polity,  found  a few  adherents  in  Tennessee.  The  Meth 
odist  Church  seceded  from  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church  in  1858  on 
the  question  of  slavery,  and  there  were  also  a few  adherents  of  this 
church  in  Tennessee.  But  the  numbers  of  neither  were  never  large;  hence 
a detailed  account,  either  of  their  history  or  doctrines  is  not  deemed  ad- 
visable in  this  work.  The  division  in  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church 
having  been  caused  wholly  by  slavery,  after  the  abolition  of  slavery  bv 
the  civil  war,  the  two  bodies  formed  a reunion  in  1877  at  Baltimore.  At 
the  time  of  this  reunion  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church  had  in  its  Ten- 
nessee Conference  18  itinerant  ministers  and  preachers  and  1,209  mem- 
bers, and  in  its  West  Tennessee  Conference  17  itinerant  ministers  and 
preachers  and  1,140  members,  while  the  Methodist  Church  had  6 preach- 
ers and  230  members. 

The  work  of  the  Presbyterians  in  Tennessee  preceding  and  in  connec- 
tion with  the  great  revival  has  been  referred  to  in  preceding  pages.  Li 
company  with  Rev.  Charles  Cummings  in  East  Tennessee  was  the  Rev. 
John  Rhea,  a native  of  Ireland,  and  whose  name  is  closely  associated 
with  the  formation  of  New  Bethel  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Sullivan  Coun- 
ty. These  two  were  the  first  Presbyterian  ministers  in  Tennessee.  They 
both  accompanied  Col.  Christian’s  expedition  against  the  Cherokees 
south  of  the  Little  Tennessee  River,  mentioned  in  the  Indian  chapter. 
After  this  expedition  Mr.  Rhea  returned  to  Maryland  with  the  intention 
of  bringing  his  family  to  Tennessee,  but  while  making  preparations  for 
the  removal,  died  there  in  1777.  His  widow  and  family,  however,  re- 
moved to  the  Holston  settlement,  reaching  their  destination  in  1 770. 
They,  with  other  Presbyterians,  became  members  of  New  Bethel  Church, 
located  in  the  fork  of  Holston  and  Watauga.  In  1778  Samuel  Doak  was 
ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  on  a call  from  the  congregations 
of  Concord  and  Hopewell,  north  of  Holston  River  in  what  is  uow  Sulli- 
van County.  Preaching  here  two  years  Rev.  Mr.  Doak  removed  to  Littlei 
Limestone,  in  what  is  now  Washington  County,  in  which  latter  place  he 
remained  over  thirty  years.  In  connection  with  the  Rev.  Charles  Cum- 
mings in  1780,  he  organized  Concord,  New  Providence  and  Carter’s  Val- 
ley Churches,  in  what  is  now  Hawkins  County,  New  Bethel,  in  what  is 
now  Greene  County,  and  Salem  at  his  place  of  residence.  In  1783  6r  1784 
Providence  Church  was  organized  in  Greene  County  and  the  Rev.  Sam- 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


681 


el  Houston  called  to  tlie  pastorate,  serving  the  church  four  or  five  years 
hen  he  returned  to  Virginia.  The  Eev.  Mr.  Doak  opened  a classical 
shool,  which  in  1785  was  chartered  as  Martin  Academy,  the  first  insti- 
ition  of  the  kind  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  In  the  same  year  Hezekiah 
alch,  a member  of  the  Orange  Presbytery,  united  with'  Rev.  Samuel 
oak  and  Rev.  Charles  Cummings,  in  a petition  to  the  Synod  of  the  Car- 
inas, that  a new  presbytery  be  formed  west  of  the  Alleghanies, 
■l  accordance  with  which  petition  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  was 
Imed.  It  was  separated  from  Hanover  by  New  River  and  from  Orange 
j the  Appalachian  Mountains,  and  extended  indefinitely  westward.  In 
av  of  the  next  year  Abingdon  Presbytery  was  divided  and  Transylva- 
|a  Presbytery  created,  comprising  Kentucky  and  the  settlements  on  the 
amberland.  The  pioneer  columns  of  emigration  moved  through  the 
rritory  of  Abingdon  Presbytery  to  occupy  the  country  beyond  the 
: ountains. 

For  a number  of  years  after  its  formation  the  Presbyterian  body 
.thin  its  limits  was  in  a state  of  constant  internal  agitation,  resulting 
a schism  in  1796.  The  troubles  were  increased  if  not  originated 
1 the  visit  in  1782  of  the  Rev.  Adam  Rankin,  of  Scotck-Irisk  parentage, 
lit  born  near  Greencastle,  Penn.,  who  was  a zealot,  in  modern  parlance  a 
•:,ank,  upon  the  subject  of  psalmody.  His  opposition  to  singing  any  other 
an  Rouse’s  version  of  the  Psalms  was  a sort  of  monomania;  while  oth- 
sswere  almost  as  strongly  in  favor  of  Watt’s  version.  On  this  subject 
;3  controversy  waxed  very  bitter.  In  1786  the  synod  instituted  an  in- 
stigation and  adopted  measures  which  it  vainly  hoped  would  settle  the 
tspute,  and  for  a time  satisfactory  results  seemed  to  have  been  reached 
d peace  attained.  But  a difficulty  of  a different  kind  succeeded.  The 
hv.  Hezekiah  Batch,  who  removed  to  Tennessee  in  1781,  caused  great 
uibie  to  the  early  Presbyterians,  by  persistently  preaching  “Hopkinsian- 

■ u,”  a complicated  system  of  religious  thought  which  it  is  not  the  prov- 
i :e  of  this  book  to  discuss.  By  indiscretion  in  his  preaching  he  pro- 
filed determined  opposition.  The  subject  being  at  length  brought  be- 

■ 'e  the  presbytery,  a majority  of  its  members  voted  to  dismiss  the  case. 

: re  prominent  members,  three  of  whom  belonged  in  Tennessee,  viz. : 
i»ak,  Lake  and  James  Balch,  withdrew  and  formed  the  Independent 
lesbytery  of  Abingdon.  The  case  came  before  the  Synod  of  the  Oaro- 
1 as  and  at  last  before  the  General  Assembly  which  severely  disciplined 
t;i  seceding  members  and  also  Rev.  Hezekiah  Balch,  upon  which  the 
echng  members  submitted  and  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  was  consti- 
hed  as  before.  At  this  time  the  Presbytery  was  bounded  as  follows: 
1pm  New  River  on  the  northeast  to  the  frontiers  on  the  Tennessee 


682 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


River,  and  from  the  Blue  Ridge  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  to  the 
Cumberland  Mountains.  It  contained  thirty-nine  congregations,  eleven 
of  them  in  Virginia,  three  in  North  Carolina  and  twenty-five  in  Ten- 
nessee. 

In  1797  the  Presbytery  of  Union  was  set  off  from  Abingdon,  embrac- 
ing Rev.  Hezekiah  Balch,  John  Casson,  Henderson,  Gideon  Blackburn 
and  Samuel  Carrick,  living  in  Abingdon  Presbytery  in  Tennessee. 
Rev.  Samuel  Doak,  Lake  and  James  Balch.  In  1793  the  city  of  Knox- 
ville was  laid  off  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Carrick  commenced  laboring  tlmre 

O ~ 

and  at  the  Pork  Church  at  the  confluence  of  French  Broad  and  Holston. 
four  miles  distant.  Mr.  Carrick  was  the  first  president  of  Blount  Col  We, 
retaining  that  position  from  the  time  of  its  establishment  in  1784  to  his 
death  in  1809.  New  Providence  Church  was  established  at  the  present 
site  of  Maryville  in  1793  or  1794,  by  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn,  who  was 
licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  in  1792.  After  peace 
was  made  with  the  Cherokee  Indians,  he  undertook  a mission  to  that  na- 
tion and  by  his  self-sacrificing  labors  among  them  laid  the  foundation  for 
the  subsequent  successful  mission  of  the  American  Board  among  the 
Cherokees.  In  1799  Greeneville  Presbytery  was  laid  off  from  the  upper 
end  of  Union.  Greeneville  Presbytery  was  dissolved  in  1804. 

The  Presbytery  of  Transylvania  had  charge  of  the  churches  on  the 
Cumberland  River  until  1810,  when  the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee 
was  erected  with  four  members.  In  this  year  the  Rev.  Gideon  Black- 
burn left  Maryville,  where  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Isaac  Anderson,  who 
was  the  principal  agent  in  establishing  the  Southern  and  Western 
Theological  Seminary,  incorporated  as  Maryville  College  in  1821.  In 
1811  he  took  charge  of  Harpeth  Academy  near  Franklin  and  preached 
in  five  different  places  within  a radius  of  fifty  miles,  one  of  those  five 
places  being  Nashville,  his  efforts  resulting  in  the  establishment  of  a 
church  in  each  place,  these  churches  being  erected  into  a Presbytery. 
Churches  and  ministers  rapidly  increased  in  Middle  Tennessee.  The 
Presbytery  of  Shiloh  was  created  in  1816,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Muni 
enburg  in  Kentucky  and  the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee,  Shiloh  ex- 
tending nearly  to  the  southern  portion  of  the  State.  In  1823  Dr.  Black- 
burn was  succeeded  in  Nashville  by  the  Rev.  A.  D.  Campbell,  who  was 
himself  succeeded  in  1828  by  the  Rev.  Obadiah  Jennings.  In  1824  Dr. 
Phillip  Lindsley  came  to  Nashville  as  president  of  Cumberland  College,  ( 
which  was  changed  to  the  University  of  Nashville  in  1826.  In  1829  the 
Presbytery  of  the  Western  District  was  organized  with  five  ministers, 
and  in  1830  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  Memphis  was  established. 

Following  is  given  briefly  the  synodical  relations  of  the  different 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


683 


■resbyteries  which  were  wholly  or  in  part  in  Tennessee:  At  the  forma- 

ion  of  the  General  Assembly  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  was  attached 

0 the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  but  in  1803  it  was  transferred  to  the 
lynod  of  Virginia.  The  Presbytery  of  Greeneville  belonged  to  the 
,ynod  of  the  Carolinas.  The  Presbytery  of  Union  belonged  to  this 
ynod  until  1810,  when  it  was  transferred  to  the  Synod  of  Kentucky, 
n 1817  the  Synod  of  Tennessee  was  organized,  being  composed  of  the 
'resbyteries  of  West  Tennessee,  Shiloh,  Union  and  Mississippi,  they 
ping  detached  from  the  Synod  of  Kentucky.  The  Presbytery  of  Mis- 
)uri  was  attached  to  the  Synod  of  Tennessee  in  1818,  but  transferred  to 
le  Synod  of  Indiana  in  1826.  The  Presbytery  of  French  Broad  was 
•ected  in  1825,  and  of  Holston  in  1826.  The  Synod  of  West  Tennessee 
as  formed  in  1826,  consisting  of  the  Presbyteries  of  West  Tennessee, 
hiloh  and  North  Alabama,  to  which  was  added,  in  1829,  the  Presbytery 
: Western  District.  In  1829  the  Presbytery  of  Mississippi  became  a 
At  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  and  South  Alabama,  and  the  Synod  of 
iennessee  was  composed  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Abingdon,  Union,  French 
road  and  Holston.  These  four  presbyteries  with  those  of  West  Ten- 
iissee  and  Western  District,  representing  the  strength  of  the  Presby- 
rian  Church  within  the  limits  of  the  State,  contained  in  1830  an  aggre- 
j-yte  of  nearly  100  churches  and  71  ministers. 

From  this  time  on  until  the  year  1861  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
'bnnessee  continued  to  grow  and  prosper.  In  that  year  the  General 
-ssembly  at  Philadelphia  passed  what  has  since  been  known  as  the 
bring  Resolutions,  which  hopelessly  divided  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
e United  States.  All  of  the  churches  in  Tennessee,  as  was  to  be  ex- 
; cted,  cast  in  their  lot  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  South.  The  his- 

1 cy  of  this  movement  with  its  causes,  as  seen  by  the  Southern  Presby- 
‘.'ians,  is  given  largely  in  the  language  of  the  minutes  of  the  Southern 
Oneral  Asserdbly,  and  is  here  introduced.  A convention  of  twenty  dele- 
tes from  the  various  Presbyteries  in  the  Confederate  States  of  Amer- 
i met  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  August  15,  1861,  of  whom  Bev.  J.  Bardwell  was 

Dm  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville.  This  convention  said  with  reference 
r the  separation  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  into  two  bodies: 

“While  this  convention  is  far  from  ignoring  the  pain  of  separation 
1 >m  many  with  whom  it  has  been  our  delight  as  Presbyterians  to  act  in 
L'mer  years,  it  cannot  conceal  the  gratification  which  it  experiences  in 
tp  contemplation  of  the  increased  facilities  for  doing  a great  work  for 
tp  church  and  for  God  afforded  by  the  severance  of  our  previous  politi- 
c and  ecclesiastical  relations. 

“Our  connection  with  the  non-slave-holding  State,  it  cannot  be  denied, 


684 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


was  a great  hindrance  to  the  systematic  performance  of  the  work  of 
evangelization  of  the  slave  population.  It  is  true  that  the  Northern  por- 
tion of  the  Presbyterian  Church  professed  to  be  conservative,  but  tli 
opposition  to  our  social  economy  was  constantly  increasing.  Conserva- 
tism was  only  a flimsy  covering  for  the  evil  intent  which  lay  in  the 
heart  of  the  Northern  churches.  In  the  last  General  Assembly  Dr. 
Yeomans,  a former  moderator  of  the  assembly,  regarded  as  the  very  em- 
bodiment of  conservatism,  did  not  hesitate  to  assign  as  a reason  for  the 
rejection  of  Dr.  Spring’s  resolution  that  the  adoption  of  it,  by  driving  off 
the  Southern  brethren,  would  forever  bar  the  Northern  church  against 
all  efforts  to  affect  a system  of  involuntary  servitude  in  the  South.” 

At  a meeting  of  ministers  and  ruling  elders  which  met  at  Augusta, 
Ga.,  December  4,  1861,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a General  Assem- 
bly of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America, 
the  following  members  from  Tennessee  were  present:  Synod  of  Mem- 

phis— Chickasaw  Presbytery,  William  Y.  Frierson  and  IP  H.  Kimrnon: 
Memphis  Presbytery,  John  M.  Waddel,  D.  D.,  and  J.  T.  Swayne;  the 
Western  District,  James  H.  Gillespie;  Synod  of  Nashville — Holston 
Presbytery,  J.  W.  Elliott  and  S.  B.  McAdams;  Knoxville  Presbytery,  E 
O.  Currey  and  Joseph  A.  Brooks;  Maury  Presbytery,  Shepard  Weib : 
Nashville  Presbytery,  R.  B.  McMullen,  D.  D.,  and  A.  W.  Putnam;  Tus- 
curabia  Presbytery,  James  H.  Lorance  and  L.  B.  Thornton. 

The  title  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  Confederate  States  of 
America,  and  also  the  confession  of  faith,  the  catechism,  the  form 
of  government,  the  book  of  discipline  and  the  directory  of  worship 
were  also  adopted,  only  substituting  the  words  Confederate  States  for 
United  States.  At  this  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby 
terian  Church  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America  an  address  was  de- 
livered setting  forth  the  causes  that  impelled  them  to  separate  from  the 
church  of  the  North,  in  which  they  said: 

“We  should  be  sorry  to  be  regarded  by  the  brethren  in  any  part  of 
the  world  as  guilty  of  schism.  We  are  not  conscious  of  any  purpose  to 
rend  the  body  of  Christ.  On  the  contrary  our  aim  was  to  permit  the 
unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace.  * * * 

We  have  separated  from  our  brethren  of  the  North  as  Abraham  separated 
from  Lot — because  we  are  persuaded  that  the  interests  of  true  religion 
will  be  more  effectually  subserved  by  two  independent  churches.  Under  | 
the  circumstances  under  which  the  two  countries  are  placed  they  cannot 
be  one  united  body.  In  the  first  place  the  course  of  the  last  assembly  at 
Philadelphia  conclusively'  shows  that  should  we  remain  together  the  polit- 
ical questions  which  divide  us  as  citizens  will  be  obtruded  upon  our 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


685 


church  courts  and  discussed  by  Christian  ministers  and  elders  with  all 
the  acrimony,  bitterness  and  rancor  with  which  such  questions  are 
usually  discussed  by  men  of  the  world.  A mournful  spectacle  of  strife 
md  debate  would  be  the  result.  Commissioners  from  the  Northern 
Yould  meet  commissioners  from  the  Southern  conferences  to  wrangle 
wer  the  question  which  have  split  them  into  two  conferences  and 
nvolved  them  in  fierce  and  bloody  war.  They  would  denounce  each  other 
on  the  one  hand  as  tyrants  and  oppressors,  and  on  the  other  as  traitors 
md  rebels.  The  Spirit  of  God  would  take  His  departure  from  these 
cenes  of  confusion,  and  leave  the  church  lifeless  and  powerless— an 
asy  prey  to  the  sectional  divisions  and  angry  passions  of  its  members. 

******  The  characteristics 

f the  man  and  the  citizen  will  prove  stronger  than  the  charity  of  the 
Christian.  We  cannot  condemn  a man  in  one  breath  as  unfaithful  to 
lie  most  solemn  earthly  interests  of  his  country  and  his  race,  and  com- 
lend  him  in  the  next  as  a true  and  faithful  servant  of  God.  If  we  dis- 
gust his  patriotism  our  confidence  is  apt  to  be  very  measured  in  his 
iety.  The  only  conceivable  condition,  therefore,  upon  which  the  church 
£ the  North  and  the  South  could  remain  together  as  one  body  with 
ay  prospect  of  success,  is  the  vigorous  exclusion  of  the  questions  and 
assions  of  the  former  from  its  halls  of  debate.  The  provinces  of  the 
lurch  and  State  are  perfectly  distinct.  The  State  is  a society  of  rights, 
ie  church  is  the  society  of  the  redeemed.  The  former  aims  at  social 
■der,  the  latter  at  spiritual  holiness.  The  State  looks  to  the  visible  and 
ltward,  the  church  to  the  invisible  and  inward.  The  power  of  the 
lurch  is  exclusively  spiritual,  that  of  the  State  includes  the  exercise  of 
Tee.  The  constitution  of  the  church  is  a divine  relation,  the  constitu- 
m of  the  State  must  be  determined  by  human  reason  and  the  course 
events. 

“Had  these  principles  been  sturdily  maintained  by  the  Assembly  of 
liladelpkia,  it  is  possible  that  the  ecclesiastical  separation  of  the  North 
d South  might  have  been  deferred  for  years.  But  alas  for  the  weak- 
; ss  of  man  those  golden  visions  were  soon  dispelled.  The  first  thino- 
1 atf  led  our  presbyteries  to  look  the  question  of  separation  seriously  in 
is  face,  was  the  course  of  the  assembly  in  venturing  in  determining  as 
< -Ourt  of  J esus  Christ,  which  it  did  by  necessary  implication,  the  true 
i :erpretat|on  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  as  to  the  kind  of 
-vernment  it  intended  to  form.  A political  theory  was  to  all  intents 
' :1  purposes  propounded  which  made  secession  a crime,  the  seceding 
; ites  rebellious  and  the  citizens  who  obeyed  them  traitors.  We  say 
i thing  here  as  to  the  righteousness  or  honesty  of  these  decrees.  What 

43 


686 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


we  maintain  is  tiiat  whether  right  or  wrong  the  church  had  no  right  to 
make  them.  She  transcended  her  sphere  and  usurped  the  duties  of  the 
State.  The  assembly,  driven  from  its  ancient  moorings,  was  tossed  to 
and  fro  by  the  waves  of  populace ; like  Pilate  it  obeyed  the  clamor  of  the 
multitude,  and  though  acting  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  it  kissed  the  sceptei 
and  bowed  to  the  mandates  of  Northern  frenzy. 

“ Though  the  immediate  occasion  of  separation  was  the  course  of  the 
General  Assembly  at  Philadelphia  in  relation  to  the  General  Government 
and  the  war,  there  was  another  ground  on  which  the  independent  organi- 
zation of  the  Southern  church  could  be  scripturally  maintained.  The 
unity  of  the  church  does  not  require  a formal  bond  of  union  among 
all  the  congregations  of  believers  throughout  the  earth.  It  does  not  de- 
mand a vast  imperial  monarchy  like  that  of  Pome,  nor  a strictly  council 
like  that  to  which  the  complete  development  of  Presbyterianism  would 
naturally  give  rise.  As  the  unity  of  the  human  race  is  not  disturbed  by 
its  division  into  countries  and  nations,  so  the  unity  of  the  spiritual  king- 
dom of  Christ  is  neither  broken  nor  impaired  by  separation  and  division 
into  various  church  constitutions,  and  so  forth.” 

The  same  assembly  ventured  to  lay  before  the  Christian  world  their 
views  of  slavery,  and  their  conclusion  was  that  the  church  had  no  right 
to  preach  to  the  South  the  extirpation  of  slavery  any  more  than  they  had 
to  preach  to  the  monarchies  of  Europe  and  the  despotisms  of  Asia  the 
doctrine  of  equality,  unless  it  could  be  shown  that  slavery  was  a sin. 
Eor  if  slavery  were  not  a sin,  then  it  was  a question  for  the  State  to 
settle.  The  assembly  then  attempted  to  prove  that  slavery  was  not  at 
variance  with  the  Bible,  and  therefore  not  a sin.  The  argument  on  this 
point  can  not  be  here  given,  but  it  was  the  same  that  was  always  relied 
upon  to  prove  that  slavery  was  not  necessarily  a sin'.  Thus  was  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  the  South  launched  upon  its  individual  existence. 
The  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  do  not  give  any  statistics  of 
value  previous  to  1863.  The  fund  for  church  extension  was  then  but 
$142.75,  of  which  $100  had  been  appropriated  to  a church  in  Tennessee, 
and  $30  to  one  in  Georgia.  In  this  year  according  to  the  best  estimate 
that  can  be  made  there  were  5,830  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  Tennessee.  In  1865  the  name  of  the  church  was  changed  to  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States.  Thus  the  Spring  resolutions 
compel]  ed  the  organization  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  i k 
necessary  result  of  political  legislation  by  the  General  Assembly  of  .*.801 
was  to  force  the  entire  Southern  constituency  out  of  that  connection. 
The  Southern  Assembly  earnestly  asserted  that  the  church  was  a non- 
secular, non-political  institution,  that  it  was  wholly  spiritual  in  its  nature 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


687 


and  mission,  and  entirely  separate  from  and  independent  of  the  State, 
and  this  position  it  has  ever  since  maintained.  This  conception  of  the 
true  nature  of  the  Church  of  Christ  has  caused  the  Southern  Presbyte- 
rian Church  to  reject  all  overtures  made  by  the  Northern  General  As- 
sembly looking  toward  a reunion,  for  both  Old  and  New  School  Presby- 
terians in  the  North  (a  distinction  scarcely  known  in  Tennessee)  per- 
sisted in  the  utterance  of  political  doctrines,  which,  whether  true  or  false, 
they  were  inhibited  from  uttering  by  the  Bible  and  by  their  own  statute 
law.  These  utterances,  which  the  Southern  church  regards  illegal,  re- 
main unrepealed  and  upon  the  records,  preventing  the  two  churches  from 
uniting  into  one.  No  disavowal  of  them  has  been  made,  as  of  words  in- 
considerately uttered  in  times  of  excitement,  and  until  such  action  shall 
be  taken  by  the  Northern  church  it  is  improbable  that  a reunion  will 
ever  be  effected.  In  1866  in  Presbytery  of  Memphis  there  were  1,184 
communicants;  the  Presbytery  of  the  Western  District,  1,058;  Presby- 
tery of  Holston,  987 ; Presbytery  of  Knoxville,  123;  Presbytery  of  Nash- 
ville, 1,320,  and  in  the  Presbytery  of  Alabama,  1,164.  Total,  5,836. 

In  1870  the  following  were  the  number  of  communicants:  Presby- 
tery of  Memphis,  1,913;  Presbytery  of  the  Western  District,  1,034; 
Presbytery  of  Holston,  1,571;  Presbytery  of  Knoxville,  856;  Presbytery 
of  Nashville,  2,074;  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama,  including  4 churches 
in  Alabama,  12  in  Mississippi  and  23  in  Tennessee,  1,804;  a total  of 
9,252.  In  1880  the  following  were  the  statistics:  Presbytery  of  Mem- 
phis, 2,041;  Presbytery  of  the  Western  District,  939:  Presbytery  of 
Columbia,  1,713  ; Presbytery  of  Holston,  2,030;  Presbytery  of  Knoxville, 
1,227;  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  3,388;  a total  of  11,338.  In  1885  the 
Statistics  were  as  follows:  Presbytery  of  Memphis,  communicants,  2,055; 
diurches,  36;  Sunday-school  scholars,  1,448.  Presbytery  of  the  West- 
ern District,  communicants,  1,375;  churches  25;  Sunday-school  schol- 
irs,  533.  Presbytery  of  Columbia,  communicants,  1,599;  churches,  25; 
Sunday-school  scholars,  1,061.  Presbytery  of  Holston,  communicants, 
2,136 ; churches,  38;  Sunday-school  scholars,  1,241.  Presbytery  of 
Inoxville,  communicants,  1,314;  churches,  25;  Sunday-school  scholars, 
-098.  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  communicants,  3,393;  churches,  34; 
hinday-school  scholars,  2,673.  Total  communicants,  11,872;  churches, 
,83;  Sunday-school  scholars,  8,054. 

The  Baptists  also  profited  by  the  great  revival,  but  perhaps  not  to  the 
ame  or  a proportionate  extent,  as  did  the  Methodists.  They  were  in 
Tennessee  as  early  perhaps  as  any  other  denomination.  In  1781  they 
ad  six  organized  churches  holding  relations  with  an  association  in 
<orth  Carolina,  which,  with  a few  others,  were  in  1786  formed  into  the 


t 


» 

688  HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 

Holston  Association,  tlie  first  association  formed  in  tlie  State.  Among 
the  first  Baptist  ministers  in  East  Tennessee  were  James  Keel,  Thomas 
Murrell,  Matthew  Talbot,  Isaac  Barton,  William  Murphy,  John  Chastine, 
Tidence  Lane  and  William  Beno.  These  ministers  usually  settled  on 
farms  and  made  their  own  living  by  tilling  the  soil  or  by  teaching  school, 
preaching  Sundays,  or  at  night  in  schoolhouses,  in  private  houses,  in  im- 
provised meeting-houses  or  in  the  open  air,  as  the  case  might  be.  In 
1790  the  Holston  Association  had  889  members,  and  in  1800  it  had  37 
churches  and  2,500  members.  In  1802  the  Tennessee  Association  wa;s 
organized  in  territory  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Knoxville. 
Some  of  the  ministers  connected  with  this  new  organization  were  Duke 
Kimbrough,  Elijah  Rogers,  Joshua  Frost,  Amos  Hardin,  Daniel  Layman 
and  William  Bellew.  In  1817  Powell’s  Valley  Association  was  organ- 
ized with  12  churches.  In  1822  Hiwassee  Assdciation,  consisting  of  10 
churches,  was  organized,  which,  in  1830,  was  divided  into  two  associa- 
tions, the  new  organization  being  named  Sweetwater  Association,  and  be- 
ing composed  of  17  churches  and  1,100  members. 

In  Middle  Tennessee  the  first  Baptist  Church  was  organized  it  is  be- 
lieved in  1786,  by  Joseph  Grammer,  on  Red  River.  In  1791  the  “Red 
River  Baptist  Church”  was  founded  on  the  Sulphur  Fork  of  Red  River. 
This  and  other  churches  in  existence  at  that  time  were  organized  into 
the  Mere  District  Association.  Soon  afterward  other  churches  were  or- 
ganized in  the  vicinity  of  Nashville:  Mill  Creek  Church,  four  miles  south 
of  the  city,  Rev.  James  Whitsitt,  pastor;  Richland  Creek  Church,  six 
miles  west,  Rev.  John  De  La  Hunte  (afterward  Dillaliunty),  pastor,  and 
another  church  a little  further  west,  of  which  the  Rev.  Garner  McConnico 
was  pastor.  On  account  of  internal  dissensions  this  association  was  dis- 
solved, and  in  1803  the  Cumberland  Association  was  formed.  When 
this  association  became  too  large  it  was  divided  into  two,  the  new  organi- 
zation being  named  the  Red  River  Association.  In  1810  the  Concord 
Association  was  formed,  its  territory  having  Nashville  for  its  center.  In 
1822  this  association  was  divided  and  Salem  formed  with  twenty-seven 
churches.  Among  the  ministers  active  in  this  part  of  the  State  in  addi- 
tion to  those  mentioned  above  were  the  following:  Joseph  Dorris,  Daniel 
Brown,  John  Wiseman,  Joshua  Sester,  John  Bond  and  Jesse  Cox. 

Up  to  this  time  there  had  been  but  little  if  any  trouble  in  the  church 
respecting  doctrines.  There  was  very  general  if  not  universal  assent  to 
the  great  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  church,  which  were  strictly  ant 
with  some  of  the  ministers  hyper-Calvinistic.  These  were  particular  and 
unconditional  election  and  reprobation,  that  Christ  died  only  for  the  elect, 
that  none  of  the  elect  could  by  any  possibility  be  lost,  and  that  none  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


689 


the  non-elect  could  by  any  possibility  be  saved.  But  now  the  doctrine 
of  election  and  the  extent  of  the  atonement,  whether  it  was  general  or 
limited  in  its  design,  began  to  agitate  the  church.  A similar  contro- 
versy occurred  in  eastern  Kentucky  about  1780,  resulting  in  a division  of 
the  denomination  into  regular  and  separate  Baptists.  The  result  in 
Tennessee  was  the  same,  ohly  more  widely  felt.  The  origin  of  this  con- 
troversy in  Tennessee  seems  to  have  been  as  follows : Elder  Reuben 
Ross,  who  had  emigrated  from  Xorth  Carolina  in  1807,  settling  near 
Port  Royal,  Montgomery  County,  and  preaching  mainly  in  that  and 
Stewart  County  for  many  years,  during  his  early  ministry  became  much 
troubled  and  perplexed  over  the  doctrines  of  election  and  predestination. 
He  could  not  reconcile  with  his  own  ideas  of  justice  the  thought  that 
God  in  the  plenitude  of  His  wisdom  and  goodness  had  doomed  to  ever- 
lasting misery  and  to  eternal  bliss  separate  portions  of  the  human  race, 
from  before  the  beginning  of  time,  without  reference  to  their  merits  or  de- 
serts, simply  because  it  was  His  own  will  and  pleasure  so  to  decree.  His 
study  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  led  him  to  the  opposite  conclusion.  The 
sacred  writings  declare  that  God’s  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works, 
that  He  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  but  in  every  nation  he  that  fears  Him 
and  works  righteousness  is  accepted  of  Him. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  Tennessee  Elder  Ross  found  his  fellow  Baptists 
entertaining  rigid  Calvinistic  views  with  great  tenacity,  and  although 
out  of  respect  for  the  opinions  of  the  many  great  and  good  men  who 
had  lived  and  died  in  that  faith  he  had  not  publicly  opposed  their  doc- 
trinal teachings,  yet  he  could  not  but  doubt  their  correctness,  and  in  order 
to  fully  satisfy  his  judgment  of  the  Biblical  soundness  of  his  own  views  he 
brought  to  bear  on  the  study  of  this  question  all  the  faculties  of  his 
mind,  using  all  the  means  in  his  possession  to  the  investigation  of  a sub- 
ject which  he  felt  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  in  the  entire  range  of 
Christian  theology.  In  the  Old  Testament  no  passage  bearing  upon  this 
subject  is  more  remarkable  perhaps  than  that  found  in  Ezekiel,  chapter 
xviii,  verses. 21  to  32  inclusive.  These  various  texts  seemed  to  him  to 
prove  conclusively  that  man’s  salvation  is  conditional  instead  of  uncondi- 
tional, and  the  more  he  studied  the  Bible  the  more  settled  was  he  in  the 
conviction  that  this  is  the  true  position.  The  underlying  principle  of 
ends  accomplished  by  the  adoption  of  means  is  everywhere  visible  in  na- 
ture and  the  world,  and  using  this  as  an  analogy  Elder  Ross  had  his  con- 
viction strengthened  that  salvation,  if  obtained  at  all,  is  obtained  or 
achieved  by  or  through  efforts  put  forth  by  ourselves,  or  that  it  is  condi- 
tioned on  the  employment  of  proper  means.  The  first  sermon  in  which  this 
doctrine  was  clearly  and  distinctly  enunciated  was  preached  in  July,  1817, 


690 


HISTOBY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


at  the  funeral  of  Miss  Eliza  Norfleet,  who  had  died  a short  time  previously 
at  Port  Boyal,  Tenn.  This  sermon  was  a remarkable  one,  not  only  for  the 
deep  impression  made  on  the  minds  of  the  auditors,  but  also  for  the  im- 
portant consequences  which  followed.  The  substance  of  the  sermon 
was  that  although  the  human  race  is  in  a state  of  alienation  from  God 
on  account  of  disobedience  and  rebellion  against  His  laws,  yet  Christ,  by 
His  suffering  and  death  had  made  an  atonement  sufficient  for  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world;  that  salvation  is  free  to  all  who  will  accept  the  terms, 
repentance,  faith,  love  and  obedience,  to  become  followers  of  the  meet 
and  lowly  Jesus;  that  while  the  Holy  Spirit  is  given  to  influence  men  to 
believe  in  Christ,  yet  He  never  operates  on  the  human  soul  in  such  a 
way  or  with  such  power  as  to  destroy  its  free  agency,  and  hence  with 
man  is  left  the  fearful  responsibility  of  determining  whether  he  will  he 
saved  or  lost,  that  the  election  spoken  of  in  the  Bible  is  not  uncondi- 
tional, but  always  has  reference  to  character  and  conduct,  etc. 

Having  finished  his  sermon  he  descended  from  the  pulpit  or  platform 
erected  in  a grove  of  shady  trees,  and  without  exchanging  a word  with 
any  one  returned  directly  to  his  home,  twenty  miles  distant.  His  auditors 
generally  approved  of  the  sentiments  expressed  in  his  sermons,  but  a 
small  group  of  elderly,  dignified  and  gray -haired  men,  wdio  could  clearly 
see  the  tendency  of  such  preaching,  earnestly  attempted  to  decide  ou 
what  course  it  was  best  to  follow.  At  length  it  was  decided  to  send 
Elder  Port  to  expostulate  with  Elder  Boss  upon  the  strangeness  of  his 
views,  and  to  persuade  him,  if  possible,  to  reconsider  his  position  and 
save  his  church  from  the  great  reproach  that  must  otherwise  come  upon 
it  of  falling  into  the  grievous  heresy  of  Arminianism.  Elder  Fort  en- 
tered upon  the  execution  of  his  mission,  saw  Elder  Boss,  and  returned  to 
his  friends  converted  to  the  views  of  Elder  Boss.  The  new  views  spread 
quite  rapidly  among  the  Baptist  Churches,  as  all  new  views  upon  re- 
ligious doctrines  are  sure  to  spread  more  or  less  widely,  Avhether  scrip- 
tural or  unscriptural,  true  or  false. 

The  preaching  of  the  new  doctrines  went  on.  In  some  churches  the 
majority  of  the  members  were  in  their  favor;  in  some  the  majority  were 
in  favor  of  the  old,  while  in  others  the  members  were  about  equally 
divided.  If  any  one,  dissatisfied  with  the  new  or  old  doctrines  preach:  i 
in  his  church,  desired  to  sever  his  connection  therewith,  he  was  given  a 
letter  of  dismission  to  any  other  church  holding  views  similar  to  his  own. 
In  1823  Christopher  Owen,  a worthy  member  of  Spring  Creek  Church, 
of  which  Elder  Boss  was  then  pastor,  preferred  charges  against  him  of 
preaching  unscriptural  doctrine,  but  as  the  church  decided  by  a unanimous 
vote  that  the  charge  could  not  be  sustained,  it  was  withdrawn.  In  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


691 


same  year  a convention  of  delegates  from  the  churches  of  the  Red  River 
Association  met  in  the  Union  Meeting-house,  Logan  County,  Ky.,  for  the 
ostensible  purpose  of  restoring  peace  within  its  limits.  Upon  the  meet- 
ing of  the  convention,  however,  it  soon  became  apparent  that  many  mem- 
bers of  the  convention  were  determined  upon  obtaining  peace  by  bring- 
ing Elder  Ross  to  trial  and  by  condemning  and  suppressing  his  opinions. 
A charge  was  preferred  against  bim  of  preaching  doctrines  contrary  to 
the  “Abstract  of  Principles,”  which  took  him  somewhat  by  surprise,  but 
upon  recovering  himself  he  demanded  a trial  upon  the  question  as  to 
whether  his  preaching  was  contrary  to  the  Bible.  This  demand  took  the 
convention  by  surprise,  and  as  no  member  of  it  was  willing  to  meet  him 
on  that  ground,  his  trial  did  not  come  off.  Peace,  however,  had  departed 
from  the  church  by  the  introduction  by  Elder  Ross  of  his  heretical  opin- 
ions ; hence  when  the  association  met  nest  year  he  proposed  a peaceful 
livision  of  the  association,  upon  which  proposition  the  association  acted, 
ind  as  a final  result  the  convention  which  met  October  28,  1825,  organ- 
ized the  Bethel  Association,  into  which  the  following  churches  entered : 
Red  River,  Spring  Creek,  Drake’s  Pond,  Mount  Gilead,  Bethel,  Little 
West  Fork,  New  Providence  and  Pleasant  Grove.  Afterward  Elkton, 
Lebanon,  Mount  Zion,  Russellville  and  Union  joined  the  association. 
The  original  number  of  churches  in  this  association  was  eight,  and  the 
nembership  about  700;  before  the  death  of  Elder  Ross  the  number  of 
Lurches  had  increased  to  sixty-twro,  and  the  membership  to  more  than 
’,000,  and  this,  notwithstanding  the  withdrawal  of  many  of  its  members 

0 join  the  movement  for  reformation  which  finally  culminated  in  the 
ormation  of  the  Christian  Church.  The  churches  that  thus  seceded  and 
ormed  the  Bethel  Association  were  called  Separate  Baptists.  But  after 
he  formation  of  the  Bethel  Association  and  the  advent  of  the  “Cur- 
ent  Reformation,”  as  Alexander  Campbell’s  movement  was  called,  there 
rere  a number  of  years  of  comparative  peace.  Progress  had  been  made, 
larmony  as  a general  thing  had  been  preserved,  and  the  members  of  the 
Baptists  had  increased  in  about  the  same  proportion  as  the  population  of 
he  State.  But  the  work  of  evangelization  had  been  performed  by  indi- 
idual  ministers  at  their  own  convenience  and  expense.  About  the  year 
833,  however,  a general  revival  began,  and  the  importance  of  an  organ- 
zed  plan  for  supplying  the  destitute  with  the  gospel,  and  of  extending 
ae  influence  of  their  denominational  principles,  was  clearly  seen  and  felt. 
>.  plan  was  therefore  originated  in  Middle  Tennessee  by  Garner  Mc- 
ionnico,  James  Whitsitt  and  Peter  S.  Gayle,  at  Mill  Creek,  near  Nashville, 

1 October  of  this  year,  a Baptist  State  Convention  being  then  organized, 
hree  boards  were  appointed  to  conduct  its  affairs,  one  for  each  grand 


692 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


division  of  the  State.  This  plan  being  found  impracticable,  the  East 
Tennessee  Baptists  withdrew  and  formed  the  General  Association  of  East 
Tennessee,  the  principal  ministers  engaged  in  this  work  being  Samuel 
Love,  James  Kennon,  Elijah  Rogers,  Charles  Taliaferro,  Richard  H. 
Taliaferro,  Robert  Sneed  and  William  Belle w.  This  movement  imparted 
new  life  into  the  great  body  of  the  church,  filled  the  ministry  with  re- 
newed zeal,  and  considerably  increased  the  membership  of  the  Baptist 
Church  in  the  State,  though  one  of  the  results  was  the  secession  of  a few 
thousands  of  anti-Mission  Baptists.  One  peculiar  feature  of  Baptist 
evangelization,  especially  in  early  days,  Avas  this,  that  their  efforts  were 
mainly  expended  in  the  country,  as  was  also  largely  the  case  with  Use 
Methodists,  while  the  Presbyterians,  who  insisted  on  an  educated  min- 
istry, and  later  the  Episcopalians,  were  for  the  most  part  confined  to  tin 
towns  and  cities.  The  result  of  this  division  is  even  yet  visible  fii  certain 
portions  of  the  State. 

In  1847  the  Baptists  in  East  Tennessee  numbered  19,963,  of  whom 
6,573  were  anti-Mission.  In  1858  the  Regular  Baptists  had  increased  to 
19,103,  the  anti-Mission  portion  remaining  at  about  the  same  numbers  as 
above  given,  -while  in  1880  the  Regular  Baptists  amounted  to  45,000 
white  and  2,000  colored,  and  the  anti-Mission  Baptists  to  5,000,  in  all  a 
trifle  over  52,000. 

In  Middle  Tennessee  some  years  after  the  division  into  Regular  and 
Separate  Baptists,  as  the  result  of  Elder  Ross’  preaching,  the  doctrines 
of  the  reformation  reached  this  part  of  the  country,  and  produced  a 
profound  sensation  among  all  classes  of  the  people.  Campbellism  and 
anti-Campbellism  were  endlessly  and  bitterly  discussed.  Quite  a num- 
ber of  Baptist  preachers  embraced  Campbellism,  and  in  some  instances, 
where  the  preacher  was  of  a superior  order,  almost  the  entire  congrega- 
tion went  over  with  him.  This  was  the  case  with  the  First  Baptist 
Church  at  Nashville,  which  had  grown  up  to  be  a large  and  flourishing 
community,  having  a membership  of  over  300.  Their  pastor  was  the 
Rev.  Phillip  S.  Fall,  who  was  young  and  talented.  All  of  the  members 
except  about  twelve  or  fifteen  went  over  with  their  pastor  to  the  reforma- 
tion. The  feature  of  the  new  doctrine  which  had  most  influence  with  the 
people  was  that  of  “baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins.”  On  all  occasion - 
the  reformers  promised  forgiveness  of  sin  and  the  gift  of  the  Hoi} 
Spirit  to  all  those  who  would  make  the  “good  confession” — that  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  Son  of  God,  promise  to  obey  the  gospel  and  submit  to 
immersion.  The  terms  seemed  so  easy  that  many  accepted  them  ana 
were  baptized,  Avliile  others,  fearing  that  there  might  be  some  mistake, 
hesitated  until  they  should  be  able  to  show  forth  “works  meet  for  repent- 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


693 


|ce.”  Tlie  controversy  over  the  doctrine  of  the  reformation  was  ex- 
. edingly  bitter  for  a number  of  years : and  when  the  smoke  of  the  battle 
Ad  cleared  away,  a new  denomination  was  added  to  those  which  some 
, roneously  thought  too  numerous  already,  but  the  Bethel  Baptist  Asso- 
, ition  retained  its  numbers,  strength  and  prestige  at  the  end  of  the 
, if e,  having  over  some  sixty  churches  within  her  limits. 

The  few  Baptists  who  in  Nashville  adhered  to  the  faith  reorganized 
teir  church,  and  for  a time  had  for  their  pastor  Elder  P.  S.  Gayle.  In 
33  Elder  Gayle  resigned,  and  the  church  hearing  of  a remarkable 
bate  at  Norfolk  between  Kev.  B.  B.  C.  Howell,  of  Virginia,  and  an 
Liscopal  minister,  from  which  the  Baptists  of  Nashville  concluded  that 

Howell  was  the  man  needed  to  combat  the  heresies  of  Campbellism, 
ad  extended  to  him  a call  to  the  pastorate,  which  he  accepted  in  1831. 
1 •.  Howell  labored  with  such  ability,  enthusiasm  and  success  that  within 
new  years  the  Baptists  in  Nashville  had  regained  their  lost  ground,  had 
ilt  the  fine  church  building  on  Summer  Street  between  Cedar  and 
lion,  and  had  a membership  of  over  500. 

After  the  East  Tennessee  Baptists  had  withdrawn  from  the  State 
Invention,  as  above  recorded,  those  of  Middle  Tennessee  likewise  witli- 
)w  and  formed  an  independent  organization,  which  they  named  the 
neral  Association  of  Middle  Tennessee.  Northern  Alabama  was  after- 
\rd  added  to  the  association,  In  addition  to  its  evangelical  work,  this 
nera]  Association,  aided  by  each  of  the  other  divisions  of  the  State, 

: ablisfied  Union  University  at  Murfreesboro,  which,  after  a somewhat 
ef  career,  was  finally  suspended  in  1873  by  a general  convention, 

’ ich  established  the  Southwestern  Baptist  University  at  Jackson.  In 
..Idle  Tennessee  the  Baptists  have  the  Mary  Sharpe  Female  College  at 
1 nchester. 

West  Tennessee  was  not  favored  with  Baptist  influences  until  about 

time  of  the  revival  in  1833.  Since  then  they  have  made  substantial 
j gress.  Some  of  their  early  pioneer  ministers  were  the  following:  Jerry 
'rns,  Thomas  Owen,  P.  S.  Gayle,  C.  C.  Conner,  N.  G.  Smith, — Collins, 

1 age  N.  Young,  J.  M.  Hart  and  David  Haliburton.  "West  Tennessee 
livention  was  formed  in  1835.  By  this  convention  Brownsville 
male  College  was  established.  In  1876  Middle  and  West  Tennes- 

I dissolved  their  separate  organizations,  and  with  a few  churches  in  East 

messee,  again  formed  a State  Convention.  At  the  end  of  100  years’ 

II  n of  the  Baptists  in  Tennessee,  the  numbers  in  the  three  great  divis- 
Ui  of  the  State  were  as  follows:  East  Tennessee,  19  associations  and 
• >00  members;  Middle  Tennessee,  10  associations  and  22,000  members; 
>Wt  Tennessee,  7 associations  and  20,000  members.  Besides  these. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


<504: 

there  were  iii  the  State  about  8,000  anti-Mission  Baptists  and  20.000  co 
ored  Baptists,  making  a grand  total  of  115,000  members  of  Bapti 
Churches  in  Tennessee. 

The  General  Association  of  East  Tennessee  which  covered  the  groin 
in  the  Tennessee  Yalley,  met  at  Island  Home  Church,  Knox  Count1 
October  8,  1885.  After  full  discussion  it  was  resolved  to  discontinu 
the  organization  and  to  connect  themselves  with  the  State  Convention 
and  thus  the  Baptists  of  Tennessee  became  united  in  their  denomination, 
work.  The  following  statistics  are  giving  from  the  Baptist  Year  Boo 
for  1886:  The  entire  number  of  white  Baptist  associations  was  40.  an 
of  colored  9;  there  were  725  white  ordained  ministers,  and  170  colored 
17,068  white  Sunday-school  scholars,  2,473  colored;  86,455  white  churc 
members,  and  29,088  colored,  and  the  value  of  the  property  belonging  i 
white  churches  was  $686,860,  and  of  that  belonging  to  colored  churchc 
$35,000;  though  of  the  latter,  the  value  was  reported  from  only  two  asst 
ciations:  Elk  River  and  Stone  River.  Besides  the  institutions  of  learnin 
incidentally  mentioned  above,  there  are  in  Tennessee,  belonging  to  tl 
Baptist  denomination,  the  Western  Female  College  at  Bristol,  Doyle  Co 
lege  at  Doyle  Station,  and  Roger  Williams  University  at  Nashville. 

It  is  a remarkable  fact,  that  the  Episcopal  Church*  was  cohsiderabl 
later  in  finding  its  way  into  Tennessee  than  the  Presbyterian,  Method! 
or  Baptist.  Its  numbers  were  not  swelled  by  converts  from  the  gre: 
revival,  for  that  occurred  in  the  first  years  of  the  century,  from.  1800  1 
1812  or  1813,  while  the  first  congregation  of  the  Protestant  Episcop; 
Church  in  Tennessee  was  organized  at  Franklin,  Williamson  Court; 
August  25,  1827,  by  the  Rev.  James  H.  Otey.  A brief  resume  of  tl 
reasons  for  this  late  appearance  of  this  denomination  in  this  State  is  i 
reality  a part  of  its  history,  and  will  doubtless  be  expected  by  all  ft 
readers  of  this  work.  The  colonists  from  England  were  very  general] 
those  individuals  who  desired  to  escape  from  the  intolerance  of  the  Cmirc 
of  England.  New  England  was  settled  by  the  Puritans,  New  York  main! 
by  the  Dutch,  Pennsylvania  by  the  Quakers,  and  Maryland  principal],; 
by  the  Roman  Catholics.  The  preponderating  influences  among  the  se 
tiers  of  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas  were  against  the  Church  of  Englani 
but  the  great  obstacle  with  which  the  Episcopal  Church  in  America  ha 
to  contend  was  that  it  had  no  bishop,  no  head,  no  leader,  no  admmi 
trator.  Children  and  adults  could  be  baptized  at  the  hands  of  the  clerg 
but  no  one  could  have  confirmation  or  the  “laying  on  of  hands.”  Oa; 
didates  for  the  ministry  were  obliged  to  undergo  the  hardships  and  da: 

* Adapted  largely  from  a manuscript  history  by  Rev.  W.  C.  Gray,  read  before  the  Tennessee  Histori 
Society,  November  11,  1884. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


695 


,■  -g  of  a long  ocean  voyage,  in  order  to  be  ordained  in  England,  and  in 
- ne  instances  these  candidates  did  not  return.  In  addition  to  this  many  of 
: |>  clergy  of  the  Church  of  England,  residents  in  this  country  after  the 
l volution,  either  from  too  little  patriotism  or  too  much  Erastianism,  or 
,'.er  cause,  refused  to  remain  in  America  and  returned  to  England.  This 
ion  on  their  part  caused  the  transfer  to  the  remnants  of  their  deserted 
inches  the  bitter  hatred  which  was  then  so  bounteously  being  showered 
the  mother  country.  All  these  unfortunate  circumstances  led  to  great 
ityof  discipline;  many  unworthy  and  some  who  had  been  deposed 
itinued  in  this  country  to  exercise  their  ministerial  functions  and  their 
1 course  of  life  with  impunity;  hence  the  growth  of  the  church  was 
nessarily  slow. 

While  the  Episcopal  Church  was  in  such  an  imperfect  condition  in 
lerica,  Methodism,  which  as  yet  however  had  not  separated  from  the 
C arch  of  England,  was  making  a profound  impression  in  both  countries, 
1 was  drawing  multitudes  of  members  out  of  the  church  into  the  new 
husiasm,  and  preparing  the  -way  for  the  separation  which  some  think 
ie  all  too  soon.  But  in  1781  the  first  bishop  was  consecrated  for  the 
Aiierican  States,  and  in  1787  two  others. 

The  Bev.  James  H.  Otey,  who  organized  the  first  Episcopal  congrega- 

■ i in  Tennessee,  was  a Virginian  by  birth,  and  was  educated  at  Chapel 
hi,  N.  C.  He  received  deacon’s  orders  October  10,  1825,  and  the 

se  of  priest  June  7,  1827,  at  the  hands  of  Bishop  Ravenscroft.  He 
v ; at  Franklin,  Tenn,  which  place  is  now  looked  back  to  as  the  birth- 
ice  and  cradle  of  a diocese  now  rejoicing  in  its  strength.  The  Rev. 

. Otey  organized  his  congregation  in  the  Masonic  Hall  in  Franklin, 
1 he  preached  in  Columbia,  where  he  also  organized  a church.  Still 
; ir  he  held  occasional  services  in  Nashville.  Besides  Mr.  Otey  there 

■ > then  but  one  clergyman  in  the  State,  the  Rev.  John  Davis,  who  had 

■ n sent  by  some  Northern  missionary  society.  In  1829  there  were  two 
i litional  clergymen  in  the  State.  The  first  convention  of  the  church 

; held  in  Masonic  Hall,  in  Nashville,  July  1 of  that  year.  The  Rt. 

1 jf.  John  Stark  Ravenscroft,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  North  Carolina,  was  pres- 
3 * in  spite  of  failing  health  and  rough  roads,  to  preside  and  to  aid  in 
1 ning  a constitution  and  canons  for  the  church  in  Tennessee.  On  that 
was  formed  the  Diocese  of  Tennessee.  Besides  the  presiding  officer 
Me  were  present  at  this  convention  the  Rev.  James  H.  Otey,  of  St. 
i Ji’s  Church,  Franklin;  the  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  of  St.  Peter’s 
orch,  Columbia,  and  the  Rev.  John  Davis,  deacon  and  missionary. 
Crist  Church,  Nashville,  was  represented  in  this  convention  by  the  fol- 
ic ing  laymen:  Thomas  Claiborne,  George  Wilson  and  Francis  B.  Fogg; 


696 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


St.  Peter’s  Church,  Columbia,  by  James  H.  Piper;  St.  John’s,  Knoxvj 
by  G.  M.  Fogg,  and  St.  Paul’s,  Franklin,  by  Thomas  Maney,  P.  N.  Smi 
B.  S.  Tappan  and  William  Hardeman.  In  the  report  of  the  commit 
on  the  state  of  the  church  is  found  the  following:  “From  what  has  l»r 
effected  within  a few  years  past  by  the  exertions  of  a few  who  have  step] 
forward  and,  under  the  most  discouraging  circumstances,  lent  tL 
aid  to  advance  the  interests  of  religion  and  virtue  among  us,  we  ?r 
form  the  most  pleasing  anticipations  of  future  success.  A few  ye: 
since  the  Episcopal  Church  was  hardly  known  in  this  State;  her  spa 
stirring  liturgy  was  unheard  within  our  borders.  Now  three  altars  h 
arisen,  and  it  is  cheering  to  know  they  are  crowded  by  pious  and  cb  voi 
worshippers  of  the  Most  High  God.”  At  the  time  of  this  convention, 
far  as  was  known,  there  were  not  fifty  communicants  in  the  State. 

In  1830  the  Church  in  Tennessee  was  visited  by  Bishop  Meade, 
Virginia,  and  in  that  year  was  held  its  first  diocesan  convention. 
1831  Bishop  Ives  visited  the  State  and  presided  over  the  convent] 
held  in  Christ  Church,  Nashville,  June  28.  In  1833  there  were  in 
diocese  besides  Mr.  Otey,  five  presbyters  and  one  deacon.  The  necess 
of  a bishop  was  sorely  felt,  and  a convention  was  held  in  Frank! 
on  the  27tli  of  June,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  one.  The  cieri 
votes  fell  with  great  unanimity  upon  the  Rev.  J ames  H.  Otey  for  bisk 
there  being  but  two  votes  against  him,  his  own  and  that  of  ike  R 
George  Weller,  they  being  cast  for  the  Rev.  William  Green,  of  ho; 
Carolina.  The  nomination  was  unanimously  confirmed  by  the  lai 
Mr.  Otey’s  testimonials  were  signed  by  the  following  clergy  and  lai 
Revs.  Daniel  Stevens,  George  Weller,  Albert  A Muller,  John  Chili 
and  Samuel  G.  Litton,  and  by  Messrs.  John  C.  Wormley,  George 
Skipwith,  William  G.  Dickinson,  B.  S.  Tappan,  Thomas  Maney.  >1 
tliew  Watson,  G.  M.  Fogg,  F.  B.  Fogg  and  John  Anderson.  Seve 
new  parishes  were  received  into  union  at  this  time,  and  the  committee 
the  state  of  the  church  made  an  encouraging  report.  The  Rev.  3 
Otey  was  consecrated  bishop,  at  Philadelphia,  January  14,  1834.  if 
his  return  to  his  diocese  he  immediately  set  about  devising  plans  for 
more  general  good.  “In  his  frequent  and  fatiguing  rides  through 
own  and  adjacent  dioceses  he  witnessed  such  an  amount  of  ignorance  a 
prejudice,  and  such  mistaken  views  of  religion,  as  often  to  make  h 
groan  in  spirit.  Preaching,  preaching,  preaching,  was  all  that 
the  better  part  of  the  people  seemed  to  care  for.  Worship,  or  pray 
was  hardly  a secondary  consideration;  and  the  ordinances  of  the  chui 
were  regarded  as  little  better  than  signs  of  church  membership, 
cloaks,  in  too  many  cases,  to  cover  up  an  immoral  life.  Each  sect  glor 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


697 


its  peculiar  “ shibboleth the  brief  and  undigested  lessons  of  the 
i day-school  constituted  the  chief,  if  not  the  sole,  religious  instruction 

- he  young ; and  with  few  exceptions  even  the  more  intelligent  seemed 
, iave  lost  sight  of  the  Church  of  Christ  as  a Divine  institution,  de- 
i-  ding  an  unquestioning  reception  of  its  creeds  and  ordinances.”*  “To 
a men  (as  Bishop  Otey)  are  we  indebted  for  the  civil  and  religious 
hty  which  we  now  enjoy.  To  him  his  church  is  largely  indebted  for 

prosperity  which  has  marked  its  progress  within  the  diocese  over 
Ck  he  was  called  to  preside,  and  he  has  bequeathed  as  a rich  legacy 
, ie  entire  church  his  spotless  name  and  fame."f 
The  io-uorance  of  the  people  of  Tennessee  with  regard  to  the  rites  of 
i.  Episcopal  Church  is  amusingly  illustrated  by  an  incident  of  his  early 
i istry.  One  of  the  rude  sons  of  the  forest  once  said  to  one  of  his  com- 
, ons,  “Come,  let  us  go  and  hear  that  man  preach,  and  his  wife  jaw 
a:  at  him;”  alluding  to  the  responses  made  by  Mrs.  Otey,  she  being 
i itimes  the  only  respondent  in  the  congregation.  The  clergy  of  the 
i(ese  in  the  year  of  the  Bishop’s  consecration  numbered  6 priests  and 
aeons,  the  number  of  the  churches  in  the  entire  State  had  grown  to 
md  the  aggregate  of  actual  communicants  was  117.  From  this  on, 
t ni'di  there  were  numerous  obstacles  in  the  church,  its  growth  though 
was  steady.  The  ignorance  of  the  people,  and  their  prejudice 
: ust  it,  were  very  great.  In  order  to  remove  the  ignorance  Bishop 
• -’s  earliest  efforts  were  devoted  to  the  establishment  of  institutions 
E Earning,  based  upon  the  principle  of  furnishing  a Christian  educa- 
.o  to  their  students.  He  opened  in  his  own  house  in  Columbia  a school 
moys,  which  he  named  “Mercer  Hall,”  and  he,  assisted  by  Bishop 
- , A.  0.  Harris  and  Francis  B.  Fogg,  founded  Columbia  Female  In- 
:i  te  in  1836.  At  the  sapie  time  he  had  in  contemplation  the  project 

- mnding  a University  for  the  Southern  States.  This  was  undertaken 
i 136,  but  was  not  consummated  until  July  -4,  1857,  when  the  “ Uni- 

bty  of  the  South”  was  formally  organized,  though  the  name  was  not 
ib  adopted  until  the  next  year.  This  organization  was  effected  on  the 
i nit  of  Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  there  being  present  at 

■ neeting  the  Bishops  of  Tennessee,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida, 
i >ama,  .Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  together  with  some  of  the  leading- 

■ jymeu  of  all  the  Southern  dioceses.  A board  of  trustees  was  ap- 
; ted  and  Bishop  Otey  elected  president. 

jihe  following  incident,  which  created  great  excitement,  selected  from 
1 u erous  others  that  might  be  given  with  profit,  did  space  permit,  to  throw 

i : 

Memoir  of  Bishop  Oter,  bv  Rt.  Rev.  William  Mercer  Green,  D.  D. 

'Randall  M.  Ewing. 

6 


698 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


light  upon  the  history  of  this  church,  is  here  introduced,  copied  from  tl 
“Memoirs,”  by  Bishop  Mercer:  “On  the  8th  of  August,  1857,  the  Bisln 
was  called  to  consecrate  a new  church  at  Riverside,  in  the  Eastern  part 
his  diocese,  built  by  Col.  N.  and  the  relatives  of  his  wife.  This  was  at 
time  when  what  is  noiv  generally  known  as  “Ritualism”  had  gained  co 
siderable  footing  in  some  of  the  larger  and  more  advanced  Eastern  citit 
but  had  yet  to  plant  its  first  footstep  among  the  mountains  and  valle’ 
of  Tennessee.  On  arriving  at  the  church,  accompanied  by  Bishop  Pol 
he  beheld  a cross  on  every  gate,  three  cr'osses  on  the  roof  and  one  on  tl 
belfry.  On  entering  the  church  he  found  the  font  at  the  south  door,  ar 
on  the  altar  and  superaltar  a large  movable  cross,  two  vases  for  flower 
and  two  very  large  candlesticks,  and  five  other  crosses,  with  multi  for 
devices  upon  them.  This  was  rather  too  much  for  the  uninstructed  tas 
of  the  Bishop.  He  had  not  been  initiated  among  the  more  ‘advance! 
of  his  brethren.  He  was  too  old-fashioned  to  admire  or  even  tolera 
such  novelties;  therefore,  at  his  command,  these  insignia  were  all  r 
moved  before  he  would  proceed  to  the  consecration.  Great  offense  w. 
taken  by  the  worthy  family  that  erected  the  church,  and  no  regular  ser 
ices  were  ever  after  held  in  it.  It  was  permitted  to  fall  to  decay,  and  i 
vestige  remains  to  mark  the  occasion  but  the  site  itself,  one  of  the  lov.  I 
est  that  could  possibly  be  chosen  for  a house  of  God.” 

Ten  years  after  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Otey  there  were,  besidij 
himself,  thirteen  resident  clergymen  in  Tennessee,  and  the  number 
communicants  had  grown  from  117  to  about  400.  A noticeable  featui 
in  the  proportionate  growth  is  the  increase  in  the  city  parishes  abo’ 
that  in  the  country,  Christ  Church,  Nashville,  and  Calvary  Cliurc. 
Memphis,  far  outstripping  the  others  in  numbers,  importance  and  infb 
ence.  At  the  end  of  another  decade  there  were  seventeen  clergymen,  b 
sides  the  Bishop,  and  seventeen  parishes,  besides  the  mission  station 
and  the  entire  number  of  communicants  was  estimated  at  800.  Quito 
number  of  substantial  church  edifices  had  been  erected  in  various  par 
of  the  State,  a few  of  them  being  of  stone,  as  in  Nashville  and  Clark; 
ville,  and  some  of  wood,  but  the  most  of  brick.  In  1860,  the  last  yoi 
for  which  there  is  a Journal  of  Convention  for  Bishop  Otey’s  time,  tl 
number  of  clergy  was  twenty-seven;  the  number  of  organized  parishe! 
twenty-sis,  and  the  number  of  communicants,  1,506.  For  the  nest  ib 
years  the  great  civil  war  not  only  effectually  checked  the  growth  of  tl 
church,  but  almost  destroyed  what  had  been  accomplished  with  sue 
great  labor.  The  attitude  of  the  Episcopal  Church  was  general];  11 
same  as  that  of  Bishop  Otey,  with  respect  to  the  war.  He  was  strew 
ously  opposed  to  both  war  and  disunion,  if  both  could  be  avoided  co 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


699 


latently  with  the  honor  and  safety  of  the  South;  but  when  he  saw  that 
ir  was  inevitable,  he  nerved  himself  for  the  contest,  and  for  final  advice 
id  counsel  to  his  flock;  but  the  shock  was  too  great  for  his  once  power- 
1,  but  now  enfeebled  system,  and  no  doubt  shortened  his  life.  He  died 
u April  23,  1863,  having  directed  that  the  marble  which  might  cover 
];s  remains  should  bear  no  other  inscription  than  his  name,  the  dates  of 
] 3 birth  and  death,  and  “The  First  Bishop  of  the  Catholic  Church  in 
bnnessee.” 

The  return  of  peace  found  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Tennessee  with- 
t a bishop.  A call  was  promptly  issued  for  a convention  to  assemble 
i Christ’s  Church,  Nashville,  to  consider  the  question  of  electing  a suc- 
( ssor  to  Bishop  Otey.  Quite  a full  representative  convention  assembled 
< September  8,  1865,  when  it  was  found  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Quintard  was 
nost  unanimously  the  choice  of  the  convention.  Since  his  election  the 
, igress  of  the  church  has  continued  to  be  steady  though  slow.  In 
184  there  were  thirty-six  white  parishes,  forty  mission  stations,  and 
out  4,000  communicants.  The  charitable  institutions  of  the  diocese 
; numerous  and  creditable.  There  is  the  Orphan’s  Home  at  Knoxville, 
a similar  institution  at  Memphis,  where  also  is  St.  Mary’s  School,  for 
.■Is;  St.  James  Hall  is  at  Bolivar,  Fairmount,  near  Mount  Eagle,  and 
>re  is  a fine  school  at  Cleveland;  there  is  a male  school  at  Cleveland,. 
c3  at  Knoxville,  one  in  Chattanooga,  one  at  Mount  Pleasant,  one  at 
uth  Pittsburg,  but  above  all  is  the  University  of  the  South. 

Closely  identified  with  the  history  of  the  church  and  education  in 
innessee  is  the  history  of  the  University  of  the  South  at  Sewanee, 
Inn.  To  Bishop  Otey  is  due  the  honor  of  the  first  conception  of  the 
Diversity.  In  1836,  in  an  address  to  his  convention,  he  urged  the  ne- 
clsity  of  an  institution  maintaining  the  highest  degree  of  scholarship, 
1 sought  the  co-operation  of  adjoining  dioceses  in  founding  a great 
iversity.  He  was  warmly  seconded  in  his  efforts  by  Rev.  Leonidas 
I Ik,  then  a minister  at  Columbia,  who,  subsequently  becoming  Bishop 
Louisiana,  took  a prominent  part  in  the  organization  of  the  University 
the  South.  In  1860  an  endowment  of  over  $500,000  and  a domain  of 
i-iOOO  acres  having  been  secured,  the  corner-stone  of  University  Hall 
w i laid  with  great  ceremony.  In  the  war,  the  endowment  was  lost,  and 
corner-stone,  a massive  block  of  native  marble,  was  broken  in  frag- 
ujnts  and  carried  away  as  relics  by  the  Union  soldiers.  Misfortune 
pj'ves  institutions  as  truly  as  it  does  men.  Under  the  energetic  leader- 
vp  of  Bishop  Quintard  the  university  began  life  anew  in  1868,  with  its 
!);e  domain  and  its  admirable  organization  as  its  only  inheritance.  Its 
‘ginning  was  an  humble  one ; but  maintaining  Rom  the  first  a high  stand- 


700 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


ard  of  education,  it  has  steadily  advanced,  till  now  with  300  students,  sub 
stantial  buildings,  and  a high  reputation  at  home  and  abroad,  it  can  se. 
that  these  past  trials  have  developed  strength  and  proved  the  wisdom  o 
its  scheme  of  education.  The  university  is  to-day  organized  substantial!' 
according  to  the  original  plan,  which  was  formulated  after  a careful  stud 
of  the  leading  colleges  of  Europe  and  America.  A plan  which  has  tliu 
stood  the  test  of  adversity  is  worthy  of  consideration.  Among  tli 
causes  of  success  are  first,  the  concentration  of  the  means  and  patronag 
of  a large  section  in  one  institution;  second,  the  maintenance  of  tli 
highest  scholarship  (the  requirements  for  degrees  here  are  as  sever 
as  at  Yale  or  Harvard) ; third,  the  elevation  and  location,  free  froi 
malaria,  pulmonary  trouble  and  catarrh;  fourth,  it  keeps  a home  in 
fluence  over  the  students  by  boarding  them  in  private  families;  fifth 
it  controls  a domain  several  miles  in  extent,  prohibiting  the  sale  of  liq 
uors,  gambling  and  other  evils  incident  to  university  towns  (it  is  fathe 
of  the  four-mile  law  in  Tennessee) ; sixth,  it  is  not  a sectional  but 
general  institution,  having  more  students  from  the  North  than  any  ot.be 
school  in  the  South.  It  is  not  narrow  or  bigoted,  but  teaches  a Catholi 
Christianity  as  the  basis  of  morality,  and  religion  and  science  going  bam 
in  hand  in  all  completeness  of  investigation.  The  vice-chancellor.  II  ”. 
Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  is  executive  head  of  the  institution.  Elected  t 
that  responsible  position  in  1879,  he  has  shown  rare  administrative  pow- 
ers, and  much  of  the  material  prosperity  of  the  university  is  due  to  hi 
wise  management. 

Reference  has  been  made  in  connection  with  the  account  of  the  grea 
revival  to  the  Rev.  Barton  W.  Stone.  He  was  probably  the  first  in  Ken 
tucky  and  Tennessee  to  preach  the  creed  which  subsequently  constitu 
ted  the  doctrines  of  the  reformed  or  Campbellite  Church,  as  it  wa 
called  in  earlier  days,  but  to  which,  in  more  recent  times,  the  name  o 
the  Disciples  of  Christ  or  Christian  Church  has  been  applied.  As 
result  of  the  labors  of  the  Rev.  Barton  W.  Stone  a numerous  body  hat 
originated  in  Kentucky  and  extended  somewhat  into  Tennessee,  separat 
ing  themselves  from  the  Presbyterian  communion,  having  for  thei:; 
object  a union  of  Christians  upon  the  Bible  alone. 

But  the  movement  which  gave  immediate  origin  and  distinctive  char 
acter  to  the  church  of  the  Disciples  was  started  in  Pennsylvania,  in  1809 
by  Thomas  Campbell  aided  by  his  son  Alexander.  Their  original  pin- 
pose  was  to  heal  the  divisions  in  the  religious  world,  and  to  establish 
common  basis  of  Christian  union.  This,  it  was  thought,  could  be  accomi 
plished  by  taking  the  expressed  teachings  of  the  Bible  as  the  only  guide 
After  some  time  a considerable  society  was  formed;  and,  curiously 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


701 


liough,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Barton  W.  Stone,  from  the  Presbyte- 
an  Church.  This  society,  by  the  evolution  of  thought  upon  Bible 
'aching,  became  one  of  immersed  believers,  and  soon  afterward  united 
iith  the  Red  Stone  Baptist  Association,  upon  the  stipulation  that  no 
landard  of  doctrine  or  bond  of  union  should  be  required  other  than  the 
oly  Scriptures.  After  some  time  another  doctrine  was  discovered  in 
le  Scriptures,  viz.:  “Baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins,”  which  became 
•.distinctive  feature  of  the  reformation. 

Controversy  upon  these  doctrines  increased  in  the  Baptist  Church, 
th  which  Alexander  Campbell  was  then  associated  from  1813,  when  he 
nited  with  the  Red  Stone  Association  in  1827,  when  he  began  to  form 
parate  church  organizations,  entertaining  his  own  peculiar  views.  In 
cler  to  properly  present  his  view  of  the  doctrine  of  baptism  for  the 
mission  of  sins,  the  following  extract  from  his  “Christianity  Restored,” 
blished  in  1823,  is  introduced:  “If  then  the  present  forgiveness  of 
is  be  a privilege  and  a right  of  those  under  the  new  constitution  in  the 
lgdom  of  Jesus,  and  if  being  ‘born  again,’  and  being  ‘born  of  the 
ter  and  the  spirit,’  is  necessary  to  admission,  and  if  being  born  of 
i ter  means  immersion,  as  is  clearly  proved  by  all  witnesses,  then  remis- 
n of  sins  in  this  life  cannot  be  received  or  enjoyed  previous  to  bap- 
t m.  * * The  remission  of  sins  or  coming  into  a state  of 

aleptance  being  one  of  the  present  immunities  of  the  kingdom,  cannot 
received  or  enjoyed  by  any  one  previous  to  baptism.” 

Very  soon  after  churches  began  to  be  formed  on  this  and  the  other 
; Trines  of  Mr.  Campbell,  which  embraced  most  of  those  held  by  the 
angelical  Churches ; new  organizations  soon  sprang  into  existence1  in 
1 messee,  embracing  the  new  doctrines,  and  here  and  there  a Baptist 
■ urch  went  over  in  a body  to  the  new  faith.  One  of  the  first  of  these 
:;er  was  the  Baptist  Church  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Of  this  church,  in 
• y,  1826,  Rev.  Philip  S.  Fall  had  become  pastor,  and  it  soon  became 
' lent  that  he  sympathized  with  the  doctrines  taught  by  Alexander 
npbeli.  The  church  found  themselves  in  hopeless  controversy.  The 
! Creek  Church,  as  the  senior  church  of  this  section,  was  requested  to 
:e  s action  in  the  matter,  but  the  Nashville  Church  declined  to  appear 
T ore  its  bar.  The  latter  church  then  adopted  the  ordinance  of  weekly 
imunions.  The  minority,  powerless  in  the  matter,  withdrew,  and  met 
worship  October  10,  1830,  in  the  courthouse.  In  January,  1828,  the. 
' ’hville  Church  adopted  the  full  form  of  the  Disciples’  worship,  and  in 
% repealed  the  entire  Baptist  creed.  The  church  at  this  time  num- 
>'3d  about  450  members.  In  1831  the  “Stonites”  in  Kentucky  and 
Dr  Western  States  united  with  the  Disciples  and  a strong  sect  or 


44 


702 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


denomination  was  added  to  tlie  number  which  the  Campbells  thought 
altogether  too  numerous  when  they  commenced  their  reformation. 

A movement  somewhat  independent  in  its  nature,  made  a few  years 
later  than  this  of  the  Key.  Philip  S.  Pall,  deserves  careful  mention.  It 
was  that  of  Elders  John  Calvin  Smith  and  Jonathan  H.  Young.  They 
had  both  been  immersed  by  Elder  Isaac  Denton  and  had  united  with  the 
Clear  Pork  Baptist  Church,  Cumberland  County,  Ky.,  in  1821.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1822,  Young  and  his  wi tie  transferred  their  membership  to  Wolf 
River  Church,  in  Overton  County,  Tenn.  In  a few  years  they  received 
letters  from  this  church  to  a “church  of  the  same  faith  and  order  in 
East  Tennessee,  continuing  there  until  1829,  when  they  moved  back  to 
the  Wolf  River  Church,  of  which  John  Calvin  Smith  had  in  the  mean- 
time become  pastor,  as  also  of  Sinking  Spring  Church,  Fentress  County, 
Tenn.  After  the  reading  of  the  letter  for  membership  in  the  Wolf  River 
Church,  Young  asked  permission  to  explain  his  position  relative  to  the 
first  article  of  the  “Abstracts  of  Principles.”  After  he  had  stated  lib 
objections  thereto  and  closed  a short  argument  in  their  favor  Smith  also 
expressed  his  doubts  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  first  article,  and  then 
proposed  that  a vote  be  taken  on  the  reception  or  rejection  of  Young  andj 
his  wife  into  the  church.  They  were  unanimously  received  into  fellow-'1 
ship,  notwithstanding  their  objections  to  the  creed.  The  preaching  oil 
Smith  and  Young  became  a wider  and  wider  departure  from  the  Baptisf 
creed,  and  they  were  advised  by  their  brethren  to  be  more  cautious,  or 
they  would  run  into  Campbellism.  A very  prominent  Baptist  preache 
said  to  Smith,  “You  will  take  a little  and  a little  until  finally  you  wil 
‘swallow  a camel.’” 

Young  was  informed  that  he  must  account  to  the  church  for  preaclii ; 
the  doctrines  which  he  did,  to  which  he  replied  that  he  was  received  int 
Wolf  River  Church  with  the  definite  understanding  that  he  was  opposei 
to  the  use  of  human  creeds  and  confessions  of  faith  in  the  church  c 
Christ.  He  preached  an  able  discourse  at  Sulphur  Meeting-house,  i 
Cumberland  County,  Ky.,  setting  forth  fully  his  sentiments  on  the  dir 
puted  premises.  The  Wolf  River  Church  was  investigated  by  a commit 
sion  appointed  for  the  purpose  and  after  able  discussions  of  the  questioi 
lasting  from  July  to  September,  1831,  Young,  seeing  that  he  must,  if  hi 
remained  in  the  Baptist  Church,  accept  the  first  article,  and  consequent! 
the  whole  of  the  Philadelphia  Confession  of  Faith,  proposed  that  all  wh 
were  willing  to  accept  the  Bible  alone,  as  the  only  authoritative  rule  < 
faith  and  practice,  should  rise  and  stand  with  him.  Seven  or  eight  arcs 
to  their  feet  and  stood  with  Young,  and  the  church  proceeded  irnmed 
ately  to  cut  them  off  for  improper  treatment  of  her  order.  Elder  Joh 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


703 


C.  Smith  was  also  on  the  same  or  similar  grounds  excluded  from  mem- 
bership in  the  Baptist  Church.  Smith,  Young  and  the  others  who  were 
3ut  off,  with  a few  brethren  living  in  the  neighborhood,  formed  them- 
selves into  a church  which  became  largely  influential. 

The  formation  of  other  Christian  Churches  in  Tennessee  followed 
vith  great  rapidity  during  the  two  decades  from  1830  to  1850.  Follow- 
ng  is  a partial  list  of  these  churches,  with  the  dates  of  their  organiza- 
ion,  so  far  as  could  be  ascertained,  and  the  counties  in  which  they  were 
located:  Two  of  these  churches  were  organized  as  early  as  1816,  though 

>robably  as  Baptist  Churches.  The  church  at  Bethlehem,  and  at  Wil- 
on’s  Hill,  Globe  Creek,  Marshall  County,  in  1823.  Liberty  Church, 
Marshall  County,  separated  from  the  Richland  Association  of  United 
Japtists  for  communing  with  Christians  and  assisting  to  set  apart  a dea- 
on  in  that  church.  At  that  time  it  had  126  members;  in  1846  it  had 
50.  In  1825  Roane  Creek  Church,  in  Carroll  County,  was  organized,, 
nd  in  1828  Berea  Church,  in  Marshall  County,  was  organized;  in  1831 
tmyrna  Church,  Cedar  Creek,  in  Marshall  County,  and  Ne  w Herman 
Lurch,  in  Bedford  County;  in  June,  1832,  the  church  at  Rutland’s 
teeting-house,  in  Wilson  County,  separated  from  the  Baptists  by  laying 
side  their  abstract  principles  and  agreeing  to  be  governed  by  the  Bible 
Lone,  and  the  church  at  Tally’s  old  field  was  organized  this  year;  in 
S33  the  church  at  Paris,  Henry  County,  was  organized,  and  in  1844 
ley  built  a very  neat  church  edifice;  March  30,  1834,  Sylvan  Church, 
umner  County,  was  organized  with  nine  members;  in  1844,  it  had  115; 
le  church  -at  Brawley’s  Fork,  Cannon  County,  and  that  at  South  Har- 
dly Davidson  County,  were  organized  this  year;  in  1835  Rock  Springs 
Lunch,  Rutherford  County,  and  Sycamore  Church,  Davidson  County, 
ere  organized,  the  former  having,  in  1844,  130  members;  in  1836,  Leb- 
iou  Chinch  was  organized  with  nineteen  members,  and  reorganized  in 
142;  the  church  at  Bagdad,  Smith  County,  was  organized  in  1835;  in 
138,  Lewisburgh  Church,  in  Marshall  County,  and  in  1839  Big  Spring 
lunch,  in  Wilson  County,  were  organized;  in  1840  Trace  Creek  Church, 
ickson  County,  and  that  at  Long’s  Meeting-house,  Marshall  County, 
id  in  1841  a church  at  Blackburn’s  Fork,  and  at  Cane  Creek,  Lincoln 
unity,  and  the  Torny  Fork  Church,  Marshall  County,  were  also  organ- 
id;  in  1842  Hartsville  Church,  in  Sumner  County,  Salt  Lick  Church, 
Jackson  County,  and  the  chinch  at  Meigsville,  on  the  Big  Bottom, 
ire  organized;  in  1843  the  church  at  Teal’s  Meeting-house,  Jackson 
unity,  Pleasant  Hill  Church,  Buckeye  Church,  Flynn’s  Creek,  Union 
lurch,  Richland  Creek,  Marshall  County,  and  the  Cave  Creek  Church, 
arshall  County,  were  organized,  and  that  at  Murfreesboro  reorganized 


704 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  1844;  tlie  cliurcli  at  Rich  Meeting-house  was  organized,  and  there 
were  in  existence,  date  of  organization  not  known,  the  following:  3 in 
Washington  County,  with  304  members;  4 in  Carter  County,  with  301 
members;  2 in  Johnson  County,  with  124  members,  and  2 in  Sullivan 
County  with  252  members;  in  Rutherford  County,  besides  Rock  Springs 
Church,  the  date  of  the  organization  of  which  has  been  given  above,  there 
were  the  Spring  Creek  Church  with  40  members,  Cripple  Creek  Church 
with  130  members,  and  Big  Creek  Church  with  60  members;  in  Warren 
County  Hickory  Creek  and  Rockey  River  Churches;  in  Wilson  Count’, 
Liberty  Church,  on  Stone  River,  besides  small  congregations  at  Cypress 
Creek,  Blue  W ater  and  Bluff  Creek ; in  Livingston  County  there  were  8 
churches  with  970  members;  in  McMinn  County  4 churches  with  150 
members. 

From  1845  to  1850  churches  of  this  denomination  continued  to  be 
organized  at  about  the  same  rate,  since  which  time  their  numbers  do  not 
seem  to  have  increased  so  rapidly.  In  1872  there  were  in  the  United 
States  500,000  Disciples  or  Christians,  of  which  number  Tennessee  could 
not  have  had  over  15,000.  Since  then,  this  sect  has  grown  and  pros- 
pered, especially  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States,  but  recent  statis- 
tics, as  applicable  to  Tennessee,  are  not  easily  obtainable.  For  about 
thirty  years  the  Christians  had  a flourishing  college  of  high  grade  five 
miles  east  of  Nashville  in  Davidson  County,  named  Franklin  College, 
which  has  now  ceased  to  exist,-  most  of  the  advanced  students  of  the 
denomination  finding  Bethany  College,  in  West  Virginia,  better  prepared 
to  meet  their  wants.  Since  1844  a valuable  periodical  has  been  published 
at  Nashville  under  the  different  names  of  The  Christian  Review , Chris- 
tian Magazine  and  Gospel  Advocate,  the  latter  name  having  been  in  use 
since  1855. 

On  May  10, 1821,  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  David,  accompanied  by  Rev.  Father 
Robert  Abell,  arrived  in  Nashville,  and  was  received  by  M.  De  Munbreun, 
who  entertained  them  at  his  house.  The  following  day  the  first  mass 
offered  in  Tennessee  was  said.  Previous  to  this  time  but  four  mission- 
ary visits  had  been  made  to  the  State  since  the  early  French  settle- 
ments, and  the  number  of  Catholics  in  the  State  did  not  much  exceed 
100.  Tennessee  then  formed  a part  of  the  diocese  of  Bardstown,  Sy., 
which  also  included  Kentucky  and  an  extensive  territory  to  the  west,  and 
which  had  constituted  the  bishopric  of  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Flaget.  During 
the  visit  of  Bishop  David  a proposition  to  establish  a congregation  m 
Nashville  was  made,  and  met  with  hearty  approval  from  both  Catholics 
and  Protestants.  Rev.  Father  Abell,  who  accompanied  the  bishop, 
preached  every  evening  during  his  stay  in  the  city,  and  a wide-spread 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


705 


interest  was  aroused.  It  was  not,  however,  until  1830  that  a church  was 
1 erected  on  the  north  side  o£  what  now  constitutes  the  Capitol  grounds. 
Father  Abell  proceeded  to  Franklin,  where  there  was  one  Catholic  family 
i and  where  he  held  services.  He  also  went  to  Columbia  and  delivered  a 
sermon  at  that  place. 

In  1831  the  diocese  was  reduced  to  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  and  in 
1837  the  latter  was  made  a separate  diocese,  known  as  the  diocese  o£ 
Nashville,  of  which  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Pius  Miles  was  conse- 
crated bishop  September  18,  1838.  He  was  a native  American  and  de- 
scendant of  a Maryland  family.  Congregations  had  already  been  organ- 
ized at  several  points  in  the  State,  and  mission  work  was  pushed  forward 
with  the  energy  and  zeal  characteristic  of  the  Catholic  Church.  In  1859 
the  work,  having  considerably  increased,  became  too  arduous  for  the  fail- 
ing strength  of  Bishop  Miles,  and  in  May  of  that  year  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 
•lames  Whelan  was  appointed  his  coadjutor,  with  right  of  succession.  On 
the  death  of  Bishop  Miles,  which  occurred  February  1,  1860,  he  entered 
upon  his  duties,  and  remained  until  his  resignation  in  1863.  He  was 
succeeded  as  administrator  of  the  diocese  by  the  Rev.  Father  Kelly,  a 
Dominican  priest,  who  remained  until  November,  1865.  He  was  then 
relieved  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Patrick  A.  Feehan,  of  St.  Louis,  who 
vas  consecrated  in  that  city  on  the  first  day  of  that  month.  He  contin- 
redin  charge  of  the  diocese  until  June,  1883,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
he  Rt.  Rev.  Joseph  Rademacher.  While  the  Catholic  Church  in  Ten- 
lessee  does  not  embrace  so  large  a membership  in  proportion  to  popula- 
tion as  many  other  States,  it  is  due  rather  to  the  small  foreign  element 
ban  a lack  of  prosperity  or  wise  management.  The  Catholic  popula- 
ion  of  the  State  at  the  present  time  is  estimated  by  the  bishop  of  the 
liocese  at  from  20,000  to  25,000,  of  which  about  8,000  are  residents  of 
Nashville,  and  10,000  or  12,000  of  Memphis.  The  number  in  the  latter  city 
yas  greatly  reduced  by  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1878-79.  Chatta- 
looga  and  Knoxville  also  have  large  congregations.  The  whole  number 
)f  churches  in  the  diocese  in  1886  was  thirty. 

The  church  supports  a large  number  of  excellent  schools  and  acade- 
mes, and  one  college.  One  of  the  best  known  institutions  for  young 
adies  is  the  Academy  of  St.  Cecilia,  at  Nashville.  This  school  was  es- 
tablished in  1860  by  six  ladies  from  St.  Mary’s  Literary  Institute,  Perry 
iounty,  Ohio,  and  has  long  enjoyed  a high  reputation  for  the  excellence 
1 its  management.  The  Christian  Brothers  College,  of  Memphis,  was 
bartered  in  1854.  It  has  an  attendance  of  about  200  pupils,  and  is  pre- 
ided  over  by  Brother  Maurelian. 

The  Lutherans  are  among  the  oldest  denominations  in  Tennessee, 


706 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


congregations  of  whom  were  organized  as  early  as  1800.  The  first  Lu- 
theran church  in  Middle  Tennessee  was  established  about  1825  by  Rev. 
William  Jenkins.  It  was  located  near  Shelby ville,  on  Duck  River,  and 
was  known  as  the  “ Shaffner  Church.”  The  growth  of  the  denomination 
in  the  State  has  been  somewhat  slow,  owing  to  the  small  foreign  immigra- 
tion. The  number  of  ministers,  too,  has  never  equaled  the  demand,  con- 
sequently many  Lutherans  have  united  with  other  denominations.  In 
1850  there  were  twelve  organizations  in  the  State;  in  1860  eighteen, 
and  1870  twenty -two.  The  membership  at  the  present  time  is  about 
9,000,  of  which  much  the  larger  part  is  in  East  Tennessee.  It  is  di- 
vided among  three  district  synods,  as  follows:  Middle  Tennessee  Synod, 
a district  of  the  General  Synod,  numbering  910  members;  Holston  Sy- 
nod, with  a membership  of  1,566,  and  forming  a district  under  the  Gen- 
eral Council,  and  the  Tennessee  Synod  (independent),  with  a member- 
ship of  8,185.  Only  a portion  of  the  last  named  is  included  in  the  State 
of  Tennessee.  The  Holston  Synod  supports  a very  excellent  college  at 
Mosheim,  in  Greene  County.  It  was  first  organized  in  1869,  and  after  a 
suspension  of  several  years  was  reopened  in  1884. 

The  oldest  Jewish  congregation  in  Tennessee  is  the  “Children  of 
Israel,”  organized  in  Memphis  in  1852.  In  October,  1851,  a benevolent 
society  was  organized  in  Nashville,  at  the  house  of  Isaac  Gershon,  with 
Henry  Harris  as  president.  A room  was  rented  for  a synagogue  on 
North  Market  Street,  near  the  Louisville  depot,  and  divine  worship  was 
held,  the  president  officiating  as  reader.  Two  years  later  the  first  rabbi, 
Alexander  Iser,  was  engaged,  and  soon  after  the  first  Hebrew  congrega- 
tion in  Nashville  was  formed  under  the  name  of  Magen  David,  “Shield 
of  David.”  The  next  year,  1854,  the  organization  was  chartered  by  the 
Legislature. 

In  1862  the  first  reform  congregation  was  organized  under  the  naue 
Benij  Jioshren,  with  Rabbi  Labsliiner  in  charge.  After  an  existence  of, 
about  six  years  the  two  congregations  united,  in  1868,  under  the  name  of 
K.  K.  Ahavali  Shoelem,  “Lovers  of  Peace.”  Soon  after  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Isedor  Kaleish  was  elected  as  rabbi.  The  congregation  then,  as  they 
had  done  for  several  years,  worshiped  in  Douglass  Hall,  on  Markf 
Street,  at  the  corner  of  the  public  square.  After  three  years  Dr.  Kaleish  i 
was  succeeded  by  Dr.  Alexander  Rosenspitz,  who  remained  in  charge  of 
the  congregation  about  the  same  length  of  time  as  his  predecessor.  In 
1876  a lot  on  Vine  Street,  between  Church  and  Broad,  was  purchased, 
and  the  erection  of  the  present  handsome  temple  was  begun.  It  was 
completed  the  following  year  and  dedicated  by  Dr.  Rosenspitz.  In  1 < * 
Dr.  Rosenspitz  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Goldamer,  a native  of  Vienna, 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


707 


,nd  a graduate  o£  tlie  university  of  that  city;  also  a graduate  in  philos- 
phy  and  Jewish  theology  at  the  Rabbinical  College,  at  Preszburg.  He 
3 eminent  as  a Hebrew  scholar,  and  previous  to  his  coming  to  Nashville 
ras  in  charge  of  a congregation  in  Cincinnati  for  twelve  years.  He  suc- 
•eeded  in  introducing  the  American  ritual  and  mode  of  worship  in  the 
lace  of  the  old  Polish  form,  in  conformity  with  the  free  institutions  of 
his  country  and  the  progressive  spirit  of  the  age.  A choir  was  also  or- 
ganized. It  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  best  in  the  city,  and  renders  in 
n excellent  manner  the  Jewish  sacred  music. 

The  adoption  of  the  new  ritual  was  displeasing  to  a small  portion  of 
he  congregation,  who  under  the  name  of  K.  K.  Adath  Israel  formed  a 
ew  society  by  electing  I.  B.  Cohen,  president,  and  L.  Rosenheim,  vice- 
resident. The  organization  remains  much  the  same  at  the  present  time, 
nd  continues  to  worship  according  to  the  orthodox  mode.  In  1885,  at 
cost  of  $12,000,  a chapel  and  vault  was  erected,  which  is  considered  the 
nest  structure  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States. 

In  1864  a congregation  was  organized  at  Knoxville  under  the  name 
if  Beth  El,  or  “House  of  God.”  The  membership  has  never  been  very 
irge,  and  now  embraces  about  twelve  families,  with  E.  Samuel  as  presi- 
ent  and  E.  Heart  as  secretary. 

A congregation  was  organized  at  Chattanooga  in  1867,  and  now  num- 
ers  about  twenty-seven  familes,  under  the  care  of  Rabbi  Julius  Ochs. 
)r.  M.  Bloch  is  president  of  the  society,  and  Joseph  Simpson,  secretary, 
he  church  property  is  valued  at  $5,000.  At  Murfreesboro  a few  years 
go  a congregation  was  organized  with  a membership  of  sixteen  or  sev- 
nteen  families,  but  owing  to  the  removal  of  a large  number  from  the 
)wn,  only  three  or  four  families  remain,  and  the  organization  is  not 
laintained.  Columbia  and  several  other  towns  have  small  organizations, 
ut  no  rabbis  are  employed.  Almost  every  town  in  the  State  has  one  or 
lore  Jewish  families,  nearly  all  of  whom  upon  the  most  important  days 
specially,  New  Tear’s  day  and  the  Day  of  Atonement,  attend  services  in 
re  larger  cities,  as  Memphis,  Nashville  or  Chattanooga. 

The  Jewish  Church  throughout  the  State  is  in  a very  prosperous  con - 
ition,  and  is  pervaded  with  a spirit  of  liberalty  and  toleration  in  keeping 
ith  the  age.  The  congregation  at  Nashville  under  the  care  of  Rabbi 
roldamer,  diming  the  past  eight  years  has  increased  from  fifty-four- to  135 
unifies.  The  Sabbath-school  children  number  108.  The  annual  expenses 
f the  church  are  about  $5,500.  Its  property  is  valued  at  $25,000.  The 
resident  of  the  society  is  L.  J.  Loewenthal;  the  secretary,  M.  Wertham. 
he  congregation  at  Memphis  numbers  110  families  under  the  care  of  Dr. 
1.  Samfield.  Its  property  is  valued  at  $40,000.  Its  annual  expenses 


708 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


are  $6,500.  The  Sabbath-school  children  number  120.  The  president 
of  the  congregation  is  E.  Lowenstein;  the  secretary,  Samuel  Hirsch. 

Previous  to  the  civil  war  there  were  but  few  separate  or  independent 
colored  churches  in  Tennessee,  the  institution  of  slavery  being  inimical 
to  such  separate  organizations.  But  there  were  many  colored  members 
of  white  churches,  especially  of  the  Methodists.  Since  the  war  the  col- 
ored people  have  organized  churches  of  their  own  all  over  the  State,  and 
at  the  present  time  a colored  member  of  a white  church,  if  ever,  is  a 
very  rare  occurrence.  Most  of  the  churches  of  this  race  belong  to  the 
Methodist  or  Baptist  denominations,  these  denominations  being  usual!- 
more  demonstrative  and  emotional  in  their  devotion  than  others;  still 
there  are  Colored  Episcopal,  Congregational  and  other  churches.  It  is 
altogether  probable  that  a larger  proportion  of  the  colored  race  than  of 
the  white  race  belong  to  their  various  churches,  the  intelligence  of  the 
former  not  being  as  yet  sufficiently  developed  to  permit  them  to  rest  easy 
outside  the  pale  of  the  church. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Biography  of  Eminent  Citizens— A Comprehensive  Sketch  of  the  Social 
and  Professional  Character,  the  Domestic  Relations  and  the  Public 
Services  of  a Number  of  Distinguished  Tennesseeans. 

THE  family  of  John  Sevier  was  of  French  origin,  the  name  originally 
being  s Xavier.  On  account  of  their  being  Huguenots  they  were 
exiled  from  France  and  went  to  England.  They  arrived  in  that  country 
about  the  beginning  of  the  last  century.  Valentine  Sevier,  the  father  of 
John  Sevier,  was  born  in  London,  and  some  time  previous  to  1740,  fol- 
lowing the  tide  of  emigration  westward,  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  and  set- 
tled in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  in  the  colony  of  Virginia.  Here  John 
Sevier  was  born  in  the  year  1744,  and  here  too  his  boyhood  days  were 
spent.  His  opportunities  for  literary  attainments  were  very  limited,  but 
what  were  afforded  were  well  improved. 

Under  the  auspices  and  patronage  of  Lord  Dunmore,  who  was  then 
governor  of  Virginia,  young  Sevier  received  a captain’s  commission  m 
the  King’s  troops.  Once  driven  from  home  it  was  difficult  for  the  family 
to  find  a new  one  that  gave  satisfaction.  The  glowing  pictures  of  the 
West,  with  its  beautiful  valleys  and  picturesque  scenery,  led  Valentine 
Sevier,  the  father,  to  again  change  his  home.  The  Sevier  family  settled 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


709 


on  the  Holston  in  what  is  now  Sullivan  County,  but  Valentine  above 
mentioned  settled  on  the  Watauga,  “ the  beautiful  river.”  Here  Valen- 
tine Sevier  made  a permanent  settlement  between  Sycamore  Shoals  and 
Elizabethton,  and  here  he  lived  to  a green  old  age.  The  early  settlers  in 
this  section  thought  they  were  settling  within  the  territorial  limits  of 
Virginia,  but  soon  found  they  were  under  the  jurisdiction  of  North  Car- 
olina. For  a number  of  years  these  settlers  had  to  contend  alone  against 
;he  Indians  and  other  enemies  of  the  new  settlement.  Doubtless  this 
ndependent  schooling  had  something  to  do  in  shaping  the  character  of 
John  Sevier.  In  1772  the  settlers  held  an  election  in  this  new  colony 
md  chose  thirteen  commissioners,  whose  duty  it  was  to  exercise  the  func- 
tions of  government.  Out  of  the  thirteen  chosen  five  were  elected  a 
;ourt,  “ by  whom  all  things  were  to  be  settled.”  The  district  of  this 
settlement  was  called  the  District  of  Washington.  John  Sevier  was 
hosen  one  of  the  thirteen  commissioners  and  one  of  the  five  out  of  the 
hirteen  for  a court.  While  a member  of  this  court  and  commissioner 
pevier  addressed  a memorial  to  North  Carolina  urging  her  to  extend  her 
government  over  the  Washington  District.  The  appeal  was  successful, 
nd  in  1776  he  was  chosen  a member  of  the  Legislature  of  that  State 
nd  assisted  in  forming  the  constitution  for  North  Carolina.  The  terri- 
orial  limits  of  the  States  had  been  better  defined  and  instead  of  extend- 
Qg  to  the  South  Sea  the  Mississippi  Diver  was  recognized  as  the  western 
nundary.  In  setting  forth  the  boundaries  of  North  Carolina  it  may  be 
aid  the  germ  from  which  sprang  Tennessee  was  planted.  The  lan- 
uage  of  the  boundary  of  North  Carolina,  which  says  that  the  “boundary 
hall  not  be  construed  as  to  prevent  the  establishment  of  one  or  more 
overnments  westward  of  this  State  by  consent  of  the  Legislature,”  is  the 
mguage  of  Sevier.  On  the  outbreak  of  the  Devolution  Sevier  threw  all 
f his  wonderful  influence  in  favor  of  the  infant  Depublic.  His  home 
as  ever  the  rendezvous  of  the  leading  Whigs,  and  frequently  was  the 
lace  of  meeting  of  the  clans  preparatory  to  a descent  upon  the  British 
ad  Tories  or  the  Indians.  The  history  of  his  work  in  the  Devolution - 
t’y  and  in  the  Indian  wars  is  given  in  the  military  chapter  of  this  work, 
fter  the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain  thirty  of  the  Tory  prisoners  were 
mdemned  to  death.  It  was  decided  to  hang  only  twelve  of  them.  Cols, 
evier  and  Campbell  determined,  after  eleven  had  been  hanged,  to  save 
ie  twelfth  man.  The  officer  in  charge  of  the  ivork  was  much  more 
ialous  in  hanging  unarmed  men  than  he  had  been  in  fighting  the  armed 
ritisk,  and  seemed  determined  on  carrying  out  sentence  on  the  last, 
ol.  Sevier  ordered  the  work  stopped,  saying  he  was  sick  of  it,  and  said 
' the  officer:  “If  you,  had  been  as  industrious  in  killing  soldiers  this 


710 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


morning  as  yon  are  this  evening  in  hanging  prisoners  we  would  not 
have  had  so  many  to  hang.” 

After  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war  the  several  States  ceded 
their  surplus  territory  to  the  General  Government.  By  the  cession  act 
of  June  1,  1784,  North  Carolina  ceded  the  whole  State  of  Tennessee,  in- 
cluding four  organized  counties.  These  counties  were  left  without  am 
government,  in  fact,  about  in  the  same  condition  as  they  were  previous 
to  the  Revolution.  They  elected  two  men  from  each  captain’s  company 
to  meet  in  convention  at  Jonesborough  on  August  23,  1784.  Of  this 
assembly  John  Sevier  was  chosen  president.  The  cession  act  was  re- 
pealed in  November,  and  Col.  Sevier  was  made  a brigadier-general  for 
North  Carolina.  A second  convention  was  called,  of  which  Sevier  was 
again  made  president.  A legislature  was  elected,  and  Col.  Sevier  was 
chosen  governor  of  the  new  State  called  Franklin,  a position  which  he 
held  from  1784  to  1788,  when  Franklin  again  became  subservient  to 
North  Carolina.  Gov.  Sevier  announced  the  separation  and  independence 
of  Franklin.  Gov.  Martin,  of  North  Carolina,  declared  thet  mountain- 
eers rebellious  subjects ; likewise  did  Gov.  Caswell.  Counter  proclama- 
tions were  issued  by  Sevier.  Gov.  Johnson  directed  Judge  Campbell  to 
issue  a bench  warrant  against  Sevier  for  high  treason.  The  warrant  was 
directed  to  Col.  John  Tipton,  a North  Carolina  rival  of  Sevier,  who  ar- 
rested him.  To  prevent  his  rescue  Sevier  was  taken  across  the  moun- 
tains to  Morganton,  where  court  convened  to  try  him  for  high  treason. 
The  friends  of  Sevier  also  went  to  Morganton,  and  entered  the  court 
room  and  attracted  the  attention  of  the  court  while  the  prisoner  made 
his  escape.  In  1789,  with  the  indictment  still  against  him,  Sevier  was 
sent  to  the  Senate  of  North  Carolina.  After  he  was  sworn  in  a motion 
was  made  to  inquire  into  Sevier’s  conduct,  but  was  lost  by  an  overwhelm- 
ing majority.  In  March,  1790,  he  was  elected  to  Congress  and  took  bis 
seat  in  that  body  in  June,  being  the  first  representative  from  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley  in  that  body.  North  Carolina  again  ceded  her  territory 
west  of  the  mountains  to  Congress.  President  Washington  appointed 
William  Blount  territorial  governor,  who  in  turn  appointed  John  Sevier 
as  brigadier-general  of  the  territory.  On  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  the 
new  territory  to  Knoxville,  Sevier  left  Nollicliucky  and  settled  near  Knox- 
ville, and  after  a time  he  moved  into  the  city.  He  was  one  of  the  com- 
missioners with  Blount  in  a great  treaty  with  the  Indians  on  the  Holston 
River.  On  August  25,  1794,  he  was  appointed  a member  of  the  Legis- 
lative Council  of  the  territory,  and  in  a few  days  he  was  made  one  of  the 
trustees  of  Blount  College,  now  East  Tennessee  University.  He  re- 
mained an  active  member  of  the  trustees  till  his  death.  On  September 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


711 


3,  1794,  lie  introduced  a bill  incorporating  Knoxville,  and  in  a short 
me  assisted  in  the  establishment  of  Washington  College. 

In  1796  the  territory  southwest  of  the  Ohio  became  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee. Writs  of  election  were  directed  to  the  sheriffs,  directing  them 
> hold  a general  election  on  March  28,  1796,  for  the  election  of  rnern- 
ers  of  the  General  Assembly  and  governor.  The  choice  for  governor 
41  upon  John  Sevier.  He  was  re-elected  in  1797  and  again  in  1799. 
icing  ineligible  for  a fourth  term  he  was  out  two  years,  when  he  was 
^ain  elected  for  three  terms  in  succession.  This  brought  him  to  the 
ear  1811,  when  he  was  chosen  a member  of  Congress  from  the  Knox- 
11  e District,  and  again  elected  in  1813.  This  was  during  the  period  of 
ar  with  Great  Britain.  He  rendered  efficient  service  on  the  committee 
] military  affairs  during  that  period.  In  1815  Mr.  Monroe  appointed 
im  commissioner  to  run  the  boundary  line  of  the  lands  ceded  by  the 
reeks  to  the  United  States.  He  left  his  home  in  Knoxville  in  June, 
id  in  September  was  taken  sick  of  miasmatic  fever  and  died  on  the  24th 
: the  month  at  the  Indian  town  Tuckabatcliie.  He  was  buried  by  a 
idachment  of  United  States  soldiers  under  Capt.  Walker,  on  the  east 
ink  of  the  Tallapoosa,  near  Fort  Decatur,  Ala.  While  he  was  away  on 
iicialduty  to  find  bis  grave,  his  constituents  at  borne  again  elected  him 
i a seat  in  Congress,  but  it  is  doubtful  if  he  ever  heard  of  his  election, 
'e  is  described  as  being  five  feet  ten  or  eleven  inches  in  height,  with 
most  symmetrical  well-knit  frame,  inclining  in  late  years  to  fullness ; 
is  ordinary  weight  about  140  or  150  pounds;  bis  complexion  ruddy,  fair 
dn ; bis  eyes  blue,  expressive  of  vivacity,  benignancy  and  fearlessness ; 
Le  nose  not  aquiline  but  prominent,  with  a mouth  and  chin  of  chiseled 
irfection.  His  form  was  erect  and  his  walk  rapid.  He  was  exceedingly 
>lloquial,  urbane,  convivial  and  of  most  commanding  presence.  His 
:ess  was  always  neat.  He  claimed  to  be  the  best  equestrian  in  the 
>untry,  and  spent  much  of  his  time  on  horseback.  It  is  said  that  his 
idividuality  was  so  great  that  a stranger  would  never  have  difficulty  in 
linting  him  out  in  an  assembly  upon  being  told  that  John  Sevier  was 
tere.  He  was  a military  leader  for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  fought 
drty-two  pitched  battles  but  was  never  defeated,  even  in  a skirmish, 
is  plan  of.  battle  was  the  impetuous  charge,  of  which  he  was  the  leader. 
6 it  was  that  introduced  the  Indian  war-whoop  into  civilized  warfare, 
id  which  struck  the  British  with  such  terror.  He  was  in  many  des- 
erate  hand-to-hand  encounters,  but  was  never  wounded.  During  all 
is  military  service,  except  the  last,  he  never  received  a cent.  His  house 
as  the  place  of  rendezvous  for  his  men,  and  a general  without  cornmis- 
on  be  enforced  discipline.  Men  die  without  any  public  service  and 


712 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE, 


have  towering  shafts  of  marble  erected  to  tlieir  memory,  yet  John  Sevier, 
who  founded  a great  State  and  gave  it  forty  years  of  public  service,  died 
and  not  only  no  monument  marks  his  grave,  but  even  his  burial  place  is 
unknown. 

Gen.  James  Robertson, * “the  father  of  Tennessee,”  was  born  in 
Brunswick  County,  Va.,  on  the  28th  of  June,  1742.  While  he  was  yet 
a youth  his  parents  moved  to  Wake  County,  N.  C.,  where  he  grew  to 
manhood  and  married  Miss  Charlotte  Reeves.  When  that  event  oc- 
curred he  had  already  obtained  the  rudiments  of  an  education,  and  ag 
Wake  County  at  that  time  was  the  center  of  the  intelligence  and  cultiu 
of  the  colony,  he  had  laid  the  foundation  of  the  broad  and  liberal  char- 
acter for  which  he  was  ever  distinguished.  He  had  also  become  imbued 
with  the  spirit  of  liberty  which  was  invading  every  American  colony,  and 
in  1770,  to  escape  the  oppression  of  the  tyrant  Tryon,  he  resolved  tc 
seek  a home  beyond  the  mountains.  Accordingly  in  the  spring  of  that 
year,  with  a small  party,  of  whom  Daniel  Boone  is  believed  to  have  been 
the  leader,  he  visited  the  few  settlers  who  had  already  located  on  the 
Watauga,  and  being  favorably  impressed  with  the  country  decided  to 
make  his  home  among  them.  He  returned  to  Wake  County  after  having 
made  a crop,  and  it  is  thought  he  participated  in  the  battle  of  Alamance, 
May  16,  1771.  Soon  after  that  event,  with  his  wife  and  child,  he  again 
set  out  on  a journey  over  the  mountains  to  the  Watauga,  which  was 
reached  in  safety.  Soon  after  his  arrival  it  was  determined  to  form  some 
sort  of  government,  and  he  took  an  active  part  in  securing  the  adoption 
of  a set  of  written  articles  of  government,  which  all  agreed  to  support. 
In  the  early  part  of  1776  he  was  one  of  the  committee  who  drew  the  pe- 
tition for  the  annexation  of  Watauga  to  North  Carolina. 

As  an  Indian  diplomatist,  Gen.  Robertson  had  no  superior  and  very 
few  equals.  In  1772  he  was  chosen  to  visit  and  pacify  the  Cherokees, 
who  had  been  aroused  by  the  murder  of  one  of  their  number  by  a hunter. 
This  he  successfully  accomplished,  and  by  his  courage,  address  and 
friendly  manner  won  the  regard  of  the  chiefs,  with  whom  he  remained 
several  days.  Two  years  later,  in  October,  he  participated  in  a battle 
with  the  Indians  on  the  banks  of  the  Kanawha,  whither  a company  under 
Col.  Isaac  Shelby  had  gone  to  aid  the  settlers  in  West  Virginia,  thou  in 
danger  of  destruction  by  the  Shawanees  and  their  allies.  In  July,  17  m 
the  Cherokees  having  become  troublesome,  Gen.  Robertson,  co-operating 
with  a force  from  Virginia,  invaded  their  country  and  compelled  them  tc 
sue  for  peace.  During  the  same  year  he  was  appointed  temporary  agenl 

*So  much  has  been  written  concerning  Gen.  Robertson  that  only  a brief  outline  of  his  life  is  here  pve 
sented. 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


71B 


: North  Carolina,  and  sent  to  Chota,  “the  beloved  town”  of  the  Cliero- 
3es,  where  he  resided  for  some  time,  and  while  there  rendered  himself 
opular  with  the  chiefs. 

In  1779  Robertson  determined  to  remove  still  further  west,  and  in 
ebruary.  accompanied  by  a party  of  eight,  he  set  out  to  examine  and 
.cate  land  in  the  Cumberland,  and  to  raise  a crop  of  corn  for  the  sup- 
wt  of  those  who  were  to  come  out  in  the  fall.  The  hardships  and  pri- 
sons endured  in  the  founding  of  the  Cumberland  settlements  have 
jen  described  in  another  chapter,  and  will  not  be  here  repeated.  Dur- 
g all  of  these  troublesome  times,  and  up  to  his  death,  Gen.  Robertson 
as  looked  upon  as  a counselor  and  leader  by  all  the  colonists.  Under 
ie  Government  of  the  Notables  lie  was  the  president  of  the  committee  or 
e judges,  and  upon  the  organization  of  Davidson  County  was  one  of 
.e  justices  appointed  to  hold  the  county  court.  He  was  also  the  first 
presentative  of  the  county  to  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina, 
id  continued  by  successive  elections  until  the  organization  of  the  Ter- 
fcorial  government.  He  was  then  commissioned  by  Washington  major- 
bneral  of  the  Mero  District. 

As  a legislator  Gen.  Robertson  displayed  the  highest  qualities  of  the 
atesman,  and  he  could  no  doubt  have  attained  eminence  in  a wider 
lid.  Although  the  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  had  evinced  a disposi- 
on  to  ignore  the  settlements  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  he 
icceeded  in  securing  the  passage  of  many  acts  for  the  benefit  of  his 
unty,  notably  among  which  was  one  providing  for  the  establishment  of 
avidson  Academy;  another  provided  for  a superior  court  of  law  and 
[uity.  and  a third  prohibiting  the  establishment  of  distilleries  in  David- 
n County.  In  1795  he  resigned  his  commission  as  commander  of  the 
ero  District,  and  the  following  year  was  appointed  Indian  agent.  In 
arch,  1805,  he  was  sent  on  a mission  to  the  Chickasaws  and  Choctaws, 
[id  in  July  following,  in  company  with  the  Indian  agent,  Dinsmore,  met 
e chiefs  of  the  former  nation  and  obtained  a total  relinquishment  of 
e title  to  a large  tract  of  their  land  east  of  the  Mississippi.  In  No- 
jinber  a treaty  was  concluded  with  the  Choctaws. 

During  the  war  of  1812  Gen.  Robertson  rendered  his  last  and 
'eatest  service  to  his  country.  Through  his  influence  with  the  Indians, 
e Choctaws,  Chickasaws  and  Cherokees,  were  induced  to  aid  the  United 
sates  against  the  Creeks  and  the  British,  and  the  people  of  Tennes- 
e were  saved  from  the  horrors  of  an  Indian  war.  Gen.  Robertson  had 
ng  been  subject  to  neuralgia,  and  while  at  the  Chickasaw  Agency  he 
as  seized  with  an  attack  of  great  violence,  which  ended  his  life  Sep- 
mber  1,  1814.  His  remains  were  interred  at  the  agency,  where  they 


714 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


rested  till  the  year  1825,  when  they  were  removed  to  the  cemetery  al 
Nashville.  By  his  side  now  rest  the  remains  o£  his  wife  who  survived 
him  until  June  11,  1843.  They  had  eleven  children,  seven  sons  and 
four  daughters.  Two  sons  were  killed  by  the  Indians ; one  daughter  died 
in  infancy.  Felix  Robertson,  one  of  the  sons,  was  born  at  the  Blufl 
January  11,  1781,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  the  settlement. 

The  ancestors  of  Judge  John  Haywood  emigrated  from  England  al 
an  early  period  and  settled  in  the  city  of  New  York,  from  which  place 
they  moved  to  Norfolk,  Va.  The  destruction  of  the  town  with  the  home 
of  the  Hay  woods  led  the  grandfather,  William  Haywood,  to  seek  a home 
elsewhere.  He  moved  to  near  the  town  of  Halifax,  on  the  Roanoke,  X, 
C.  Egbert  Haywood,  the  father  of  Judge  John  Haywood,  became  a fann- 
er in  the  neighborhood.  He  was  a man  of  ordinary  means,  and.  bad 
little  desire  for  books  or  social  culture,  caring  more  for  field  sports  or  the 
chase  than  literary  attainments. 

John  Haywood,  son  of  the  above,  was  born  March  16,  1762,  at  the 
family  estate  in  Halifax  County,  N.  C.  The  country  afforded  little 
opportunity  for  an  education:  not  only  were  there  few  schools,  but  there 
were  few  educated  teachers.  The  father  being  comparatively  poor,  he 
was  unable  to  send  his  son  to  a foreign  country  or  even  a neighboring 
province  to  school,  as  was  the  case  with  those  more  favored  by  fortune. 
The  want  of  public  schools  was  in  some  instances  supplied  by  private 
teachers.  In  his  early  life  he  attended  a private  academy  taught  by  a 
Rev.  Mr.  Castle,  from  whom  he  obtained  a knowledge  of  the  elements  of 
an  education.  He  acquired  some  knowledge  of  Latin,  Greek,  geography 
and  other  branches.  His  knowledge  of  any  one  branch  of  learning  at 
this  time  was  general  rather  than  special.  At  an  early  period  in  his 
career  he  formed  a resolution  to  study  law,  a profession  for  which  he 
was  well  fitted  by  nature.  He  was  without  books,  without  money,  and 
without  an  instructor.  He  began  his  studies  by  reading  some  of  Ray- 
mond’s reports,  which  were  couched  in  the  stilted  and  circumlocutory 
style  of  the  period,  and  interspersed  with  innumerable  Latin  and  French 
phrases,  tie  soon  rose  to  prominence  at  the  bar.  He  made  his  fust 
argument  before  the  supreme  court  at  the  age  of  twenty-four.  He  dis- 
played such  ability  in  this  case  as  to  attract  marked  attention,  and  he  was 
no  longer  without  clients.  In  1794,  as  attorney-general,  he  procured  not 
only  the  reconsideration  but  the  reversal  of  judgment  by  the  supreme 
court  of  a case  decided  unconstitutional  the  year  preceding.  In  1794  he 
became  one  of  the  judges  of  the  superior  court  of  law  and  equity,  a posi- 
tion which  he  held  five  or  six  years.  While  on  the  bench  he  collected 
the  decisions  of  the  supreme  court  of  North  Carolina  from  1789  to  1798. 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


715 


After  leaving  the  bencli  he  again  began  the  practice,  which  he  fol- 
lowed in  North  Carolina  till  1807,  when  he  moved  to  Davidson  County, 
[’em].,  and  settled  about  seven  miles  from  Nashville.  The  reputation 
Tudge  Haywood  had  made  both  as  a lawyer  and  a judge  in  North  Caro- 
ina  soon  brought  him  into  prominence  before  the  Tennessee  bar.  This 
vas  at  a period  when  many  persons  were  involved  in  suits  over  land 
;laims  and  titles.  Judge  Guild,  who  was  examined  by  Judge  Haywood 
n October,  1822,  for  license  to  practice  law,  describes  his  visit  to  the 
fudge  as  being  somewhat  peculiar.  He  found  the  judge  lying  out  in  his 
rard  on  a bull-hide  in  the  shade.  He  looked  as  large  as  a sleeping  bul- 
ock,  as  his  weight  was  about  350  pounds.  He  found  him  grim,  and 
rlien  he  told  his  business  the  judge  began  growling  and  grumbling,  and 
■aid  he  did  not  see  why  he  should  be  disturbed.  He  called  two  negro 
hen,  and  had  them  take  the  bull-hide  by  the  tail  and  drag  him  farther 
nto  the  shade.  He  then  began  a very  long  and  searching  catechism  on 
he  law.  He  grew  very  communicative,  and  was  well  pleased  with  his 
7ork.  Then  followed  a long  lecture  of  advice,  covering  almost  the  whole 
f moral  and  legal  ethics.  He  is  said  to  have  been  agreeable  in  his 
manner,  fond  of  society,  and  entertaining  to  the  highest  degree  in  his 
onversation.  He  kept  his  law  office  and  library  at  his  home  in  the 
ountry,  and  compelled  his  clients  to  attend  on  him  there.  Aside  from  his 
aw  studies  Judge  Haywood  found  time  to  pursue  a wide  field  of  literary 
ursuits.  He  published  a work  called  “ Natural  and  Aboriginal  History 
f Tennessee,”  containing  about  400  pages.  In  this  he  treats  of  the  Xn- 
ians,  their  usages,  etc.,  earthquakes,  dreams,  ghosts,  goblins,  bones  of 
iants,  pygmies,  mastodons,  caves  and  strange  voices  in  air,  portents, 
igns  and  wonders,  all  very  curious  and  interesting.  He  also  published 
p 1823  his  “History  of  Tennessee,”  a book  of  about  500  pages,  covering 
lie  period  of  settlement  from  1768  to  1795.  The  “Evidences  of  Chis- 
ianity”  followed.  Many  of  Judge  Haywood’s  conclusions  in  his  literary 
forks  are  based  on  very  little  evidence.  That  close  reasoning  that  char- 
cterizes  his  legal  conclusions  is  followed  in  his  other  works ; but  is  based 
pen  insufficient  evidence,  and  is  therefore  very  often  erroneous.  Much 
f his  writing  is  speculative  and  highly  imaginative.  One  very  curious 
rgument  Judge  Haywood  uses  to  prove  that  the  Hebrews  and  Indians 
pre  the  same  people  is  to  quote  I Samuel,  xviii:  27,  to  prove  that 
le  Hebrews  scalped  their  enemies,  as  well  as  did  the  Indians.  Many 
f his  other  arguments  are  in  a similar  vein. 

Judge  Haywood  died  at  his  home  near  Nashville  December  22,  1826, 
l the  sixty -fourth  year  of  his  age.  He  died  after  a few  days’  illness, 
is  death  being  hastened  from  his  great  corpulency.  Judge  Haywood 


716 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


left  six  children — three  sons  and  three  daughters:  Thomas  Haywood, 
a lawyer  and  teacher  of  classic  education,  died  in  1868  near  the  Nolens- 
ville  pike,  about  six  miles  from  Nashville;  Dr.  George  was  a well-known 
physician  of  Marshall  County;  Dr.  Egbert  Haywood  was  a resident  of 
Brownsville,  Haywood  County ; one  of  the  daughters  married  Dr.  Moore, 
of  Huntsville,  Ala. ; a second  married  Col.  Jones,  of  Tuscumbia,  and  tire 
third  married  Col.  S.  Jones,  of  Limestone  County,  Ala, 

The  ancestry  of  William  Blount  has  been  traced  with  certainty  to 
the  invasion  of  England  by  William  the  Norman  in  1066.  The  name 
was  originally  Le  Blount,  and  from  the  successful  issue  of  invasion  to  the 
Normans  the  two  brothers  accompanying  the  expedition  became  owners 
of  large  landed  estates.  In  1669  Thomas  Blount,  great-grandfather  of 
William  Blount,  with  two  brothers  emigrated  to  Virginia,  where  one  of 
the  brothers  settled  and  became  the  head  of  a long  line  of  descendants. 
The  other  two  brothers  moved  to  North  Carolina  and  settled  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Albemarle.  Jacob  Blount,  father  of  William  Blount,  was  born 
in  Bertie  County,  N.  C.,  in  1726,  and  was  married  to  Barbary  Gray,  a 
lady  of  Scotch  ancestry,  in  1744,  by  whom  he  had  eight  children.  On 
the  death  of  his  wife  he  married  a d aughter  of  Edward  Salten,  by  which 
union  there  were  five  children.  Jacob  Blount  was  a member  of  North 
Carolina  Assembly  in  1775-76.  His  death  occurred  at  his  country  seat 
in  Pitt  County  in  1789.  William  Blount,  eldest  son  of  Jacob  Blount, 
was  born  in  Bertie  County,  N.  .C.,  March  26,  1749.  Jacob  Blount  is  i 
said  to  have  been  a man  of  considerable  estate,  and  to  have  educated  his 
large  family  in  accordance  with  his  ample  means  and  social  standing.  It 
is  probable  that  the  training  of  his  sons  was  more  in  the  line  of  the  prac- 
tical than  of  the  theoretical,  that  their  training  was  more  of  action  than 
of  letters.  William  in  early  life  rose  to  prominence  by  personal  worth, 
and  was  married  February  12,  1778,  to  Mary,  a daughter  of  Col,  Celeb 
Grainger.  He  and  his  father  participated  in  the  battle  of  Alamance, 
May  16,  1771,  and  all  the  brothers  were  loading  spirits  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  Her  half-brother,  Willie,  was  for  a time  his  private  secre- 
tary ; was  judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  Tennessee,  and  was  governor  of  I 
the  State  from  1809  to  1815. 

William  Blount  was  a member  of  the  General  Assembly  of  North 
Carolina  the  most  of  the  time  from  1780  to  1790.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Continental  Congress  from  that  State  in  1783-84,  and  again  in  1786-87. 
His  native  State  was  active  in  the  preliminary  conventions  which  led 
to  the  final  convention  at  Philadelphia,  in  1787,  of  which  he  was  a 
member.  When  the  action  of  the  convention  was  referred  to  the  States, 
Blount  used  his  whole  power  in  the  State  convention  for  its  ratification. 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


717 


le  is  said  to  have  been  “a  vigilant  agent  of  bis  State  and  the  faithful 
•uardian  of  the  interests  of  North  Carolina”  at  the  treaty  of  Hopewell 
rith  the  Cherokees,  November  28,  1785.  He  always  took  an  active  in- 
vest in  the  Western  settlements  and  was  ever  a zealous  friend  to  the 
ndians.  His  good  influence  was  used  with  them  in  securing  some  of 
be  most  important  and  liberal  treaties  with  the  Cherokee's,  Choctaws 
nd  Chickasaws.  The  ordinance  and  the  act  amendatory  to  it  for  the  gov- 
rnment  of  the  territory  southwest  of  the  Ohio  River,  passed  August  7, 
789.  This  was  after  the  second  session  act  of  North  Carolina,  which 
>as  intended  to  simplify  matters  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  Gen- 
ial Government.  From  personal  acquaintance  with  Gov.  Blount,  made 
it  the  constitutional  convention,  and  knowing  his  worth  and  acquaintance 
|ith  the  affairs  of  the  new  Territory,  Gen.  Washington  appointed  him 
territorial  governor.  His  commission  was  received  August  7,  1790,  and 
iu  October  10  he  entered  upon  his  duties.  He  first  took  up  his  resi- 
dence at  the  home  of  William  Cobb,  at  the  forks  of  the  Holston  and 
V atauga  Rivers,  and  called  around  him  the  ablest  men  of  the  Territory 
> assist  in  his  government.  By  the  unanimous  recommendation  of  the 
egislature,  he  was  appointed  by  President  Washington  as  superintend- 
it  of  Indian  affairs.  He  made  a tour  of  inspection  of  the  Territory  to 
iquire  into  the  wants  and  needs  of  the  people.  The  Indians  with  whom 
e was  to  treat  were  included  in  the  tribes  of  the  Creeks,  Cherokees, 
kickasaws  and  Choctaws.  This  was  one  of  his  most  difficult  tasks, 
jke  boundaries  of  these  were  not  well-defined  and  some  of  the  stipula- 
Ons  of  former  treaties  not  carried  out.  Many  white  men  had  settled 
ion  the  territory  of  the  Indians,  and  this  gave  cause  for  complaint  by 
e Indians.  British  and  Spanish  intrigue  was  at  work  upon  the 
idians,  and  to  prevent  complications  with  these  countries  his  instruc- 
pns  were  to  adopt  defensive  measures  only  in  dealing  with  the  Southern 
iclians,  although  surrounded  by  from  30,000  to  50,000  warriors.  Con- 
iering  the  difficulties  of  the  surroundings,  he  managed  with  commenda- 
e prudence.  Being  restrained  as  he  was,  many  private  injuries  were 
flicted  by  the  Indians,  which  he  was  unable  to  punish;  hence  arose 
mplaints,  the  grounds  for  which  he  was  not  responsible. 

Gov.  Blount  called  the  Legislative  council  and  the  House  of  Repre- 
ntatives  in  extra  session  at  Knoxville  on  June  29,  1795,  to  take  steps 
ward  the  formation  of  a State  constitution.  An  act  was  passed  July 
, 1795,  ordering  a census  and  a vote  on  the  question  of  forming  a 
ate  constitution.  The  result  of  this  poll  was  announced  by  the  gov- 
nor  November  28,  1795,  there  being  6,504  votes  for  and  2,562  votes 
gainst  a State  constitution.  On  the  same  day  he  ordered  a general 

4 5 

i 


718 

I 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


election  to  be  held  December  18  and  19,  for  the  election  of  five  persons 
from  each  county  to  assemble  in  Knoxville  January  11,  1796,  to  draft  a 
State  constitution.  The  final  announcement  of  the  passage  of  the  act 
took  place  February  6,  1796.  On  March  30  the  names  of  William  Eluant 
and  William  Cocke  were  proposed  for  United  States  Senators,  and 
on  the  following  day  were  unanimously  elected.  The  Legislature  met 
again  on  July  30,  and  Congress  in  the  meantime  having  declared  the 
March  election  of  senators  illegal,  from  the  fact  that  the  State  had  not 
been  admitted,  these  men  were  again  elected  on  August  2.  Gov.  Blount 
took  his  seat  in  the  Senate  December  5,  1796.  July  3,  1797,  President 
Adams  sent  a message  to  both  Houses  of  Congress,  stating  that  the  con- 
dition of  the  country  was  critical.  The  grounds  for  this  suspicion  was 
some  correspondence  Mr.  Blount  had  had  with  various  parties,  which  led 
to  the  belief  that  he  had  entered  into  a conspiracy  to  transfer  the  territory 
of  New  Orleans  and  Florida  to  Great  Britain  through  the  influence  of 
an  English  army  and  the  assistance  of  the  Indians,  who  were  to  be 
drawn  into  the  scheme.  Five  days  after  the  giving  of  the  notice  Mr. 
Blount  was  expelled  from  the  Senate  on  a charge  of  having  been  guilty 
of  “high  misdemeanor,  entirely  inconsistent  with  his  public  trust  and 
duty  as  a senator.”  The  vote  stood  twenty -five  for  exprdsion  to  one 
against  it.  Mr.  Tazewell,  of  Virginia,  alone  voted  in  the  negative.  On 
the  vote  of  the  impeachment  of  William  Blount  as  a civil  officer  within 
the  meaning  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  etc.,  it  was  deter- 
mined in  the  negative.  The  vote  stood  eleven  for  conviction  and  four- 
teen for  acquittal. 

It  is  claimed  for  Mr.  Blount  that  if  time  had  been  given  him  lie 
could  have  vindicated  himself.  So  great  was  the  confidence  of  the  peo- 
ple in  his  innocence  that  Gen.  James  White,  senator  from  Knox  County, 
resigned  his  seat  in  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  in  his  interest  it  is] 
said,  and  the  people  of  Knox  County  elected  him  to  the  vacant  seat.  At  a 
called  session,  December  3,  1797,  he  was  unanimously  elected  speaker  of  I 
that  body.  He  is  described  by  Dr.  Bamsey  as  a man  “remarkable  for 
great  address,  courtly  manners,  benignant  feelings  and  a most  commanding! 
presence.  His  urbanity,  his  personal  influence  over  men  of  all  condi- 
tions and  ages,  his  hospitality,  unostentatiously  yet  elegantly  and  grace- 
fully extended  to  all,  won  upon  the  affections  and  regard  of  the  populace, 
and  made  him  a universal  favorite.  He  was  at  once  the  social  compan- 
ion, the  well-read  gentleman  and  the  capable  officer.”  This  inscription 
on  a slab  in  the  grave-yard  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Knox- 
ville tells  his  end:  “William  Blount,  died  March  21,  1800,  aged  fifty) 

three  years.” 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


719 


Gov.  William  Carroll  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  March  3,  1788.  He 
acl  little  advantages  for  an  education,  but  was  a man  of  extraordinary 
ood  sense.  In  1810  lie  left  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  and  came  to  Nashville, 
[e  engaged  in  mercantile  business  in  which  he  was  very  successful, 
n the  outbreak  of  the  Creek  war  he  was  appointed  captain.  His  fine 
fsrsonal  appearance,  brave  and  courageous  manner,  knowledge  of  rnili- 
jjxy  matters,  frank  and  noble  bearing  attracted  the  attention  of  Gen. 
ackson,  who  made  him  one  of  his  most  trusted  lieutenants.  He  took  an 
;tive  part  in  the  battle  of  Talladega  December  9,  1813,  and  contributed 
a little  to  its  success.  On  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  service  of  the 
sen  Gen.  Carroll  was  one  of  the  most  active  in  raising  recruits  for  the 
kry  needy  army  of  Jackson  at  Fort  Strother.  These  forces,  amounting 
i 900  men,  were  forwarded  early  in  January,  and  on  the  17th  started 
r Emuckfau,  where  they  met  and  defeated  the  Indians  on  the  21st.  In 
retrogade  movement  on  Fort  Strother  the  Indians  attacked  the  Ameri- 
,n  lines  on  the  24tli  at  Enotochopco,  and  were  again  defeated.  On  March 
1 the  army  again  started,  and  on  the  27th  was  fought  the  great  battle 
Tohopeka  or  Horseshoe.  In  these  engagements  Gen.  Carroll  sustained 
;s  reputation  for  skill  and  bravery.  He  soon  after  returned  home  to 
ke  charge  of  the  new  levies  for  New  Orleans.  On  November  19,  1814? 
; embarked  at  Nashville  with  2,500  men,  and  hastened  down  the  river 
assist  in  the  defense  of  New  Orleans,  that  place  was  reached  December 
arid  in  a few  hours  the  men  were  in  the  position  assigned  them. 

On  the  final  battle  of  January  8 Gen.  Carroll  occupied  the  position 
xt  to  the  extreme  left.  The  center  of  Carroll  was  selected  for  the 
lain  attack.  This  was  done  on  information  that  these  men  were  militia, 
he  British  advance  in  column  was  made  with  great  desperation,  but  was 
ipt  with  great  coolness.  There  was  an  appalling  loss  of  life  in  front  of 
irroll’s  men.  The  military  fame  of  Carroll  and  Coffee  is  indelibly 
Iked  with  the  fame  of  Jackson  in  the  great  achievements  of  that  period, 
iter  the  close  of  the  war  Gen.  Carroll  again  returned  to  civil  life.  He 
is  a very  active  business  man,  and  brought  the  first  steam-boat  the  “Gen. 
ckson,”  to  Nashville,  in  1818.  He  continued  in  business  till  the  finan- 
ul  depression  of  1818-20,  when  he  met  with  severe  reverses,  which  led 
im  into  politics.  In  1821  he  was  a candidate  and  was  elected  governor 
( the  State.  He  was  re-elected  twice  in  succession,  but  being  constitu- 
; 'Rally  ineligible  for  a fourth  term  he  gave  way  to  Gen.  Houston.  He 
vs  again  recalled  and  served  six  years  longer.  His  official  career  as 
ijvernor  was  characterized  by  clearness,  good  judgment  and  firmness. 
Is  official  documents  though  not  classical  are  noted  for  good  literary 
t;te.  In  1813  he  was  led  into  a duel  with  Jesse  Benton,  brother  of 


720 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Col.  Tliomas  H.  Benton.  It  seems  some  of  the  younger  element  was 
jealous  of  Carroll’s  popularity.  Several  ineffectual  efforts  were  made  to 
bring  about  a collision  between  Carroll  and  some  one  of  the  young  men. 
At  last  Jesse  Benton  was  led  into  the  quarrel  and  promptly  challenged 
Carroll  to  a duel.  Carroll  appealed  to  Jackson  to  act  as  his  second,  but 
the  latter  insisted  that  Carroll  should  select  some  one  else.  Gen.  Carroll 
told  Jackson  that  he  believed  there  was  a conspiracy  to  run  him  (’Car- 
roll)  out  of  the  county.  This  angered  Gen.  Jackson,  who  promptly  said 
that  while  he  was  alive  Carroll  should  not  be  run  out  of  the  State. 
Jackson  endeavored  to  bring  about  a reconciliation  between  the  two 
belligerents  and  partially  succeeded.  However,  the  duel  was  fougLt  and 
both  contestants  received  slight  wounds.  The  part  that  Jackson  took  in 
this  affair  led  to  the  altercation  between  him  and  Benton  a few  weeks 
afterward.  The  life  of  Carroll  is  summed  up  in  the  inscription  on  bis 
monument:  “As  a gentleman  he  was  modest,  intelligent,  accomplished; 
as  an  officer  he  has  energetic,  gallant,  daring;  as  a statesman  he  was  wise 
and  just.  Delivered  an  address  in  Nashville  on  March  15,  1844,  con- 
gratulating Gen.  Jackson  and  the  country  on  the  final  passage  of  the  act 
of  Congress  appropriating  a sum  of  money  to  repay  Gen.  J ackson  the 
amount  of  the  fine  with  interest  imposed  upon  him  by  Judge  Hall,  of 
New  Orleans.  This  was  the  last  public  act  of  Gen.  Carroll.  He  died) 
on  March  22,  1844,  in  the  fifty-sixth  year  of  his  age.” 

The  ancestors  of  Andrew  Jackson  were  long  known  near  Carrickfer- 
gus,*  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  Hugh  Jackson,  the  great-grandfather  of 
Gen.  Jackson,  was  a linen  draper  there  as  early  as  1660,  and  as  was  thej 
case  generally  in  that  county  the  same  avocation  was  followed  by  mem- 
bers of  the  family  for  many  years.  Hugh  Jackson  was  the  father  oiji 
four  sons,  the  youngest  of  whom  was  named  Andrew.  Andrew  was  the 
father  of  Andrew  Jackson,  so  well  known  throughout  this  country.  Thd 
father  .of  Andrew  Jackson,  the  general,  married  Elizabeth  Hutchinson, 
the  daughter  of  a poor  but  respectable  linen  weaver  near  their  old  home 
at  Carrickfergus.  With  his  wife,  two  sons,  Hugh  and  Robert,  am 
several  of  his  kinsmen,  Andrew  Jackson  immigrated  to  America  anc 
arrived  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  in'  1767,  but  soon  moved  to  a setticmen 
known  as  the  “ Waxhaws,”  near  the  line  between  North  and  South 
Carolina.  The  father  settled  at  Twelve  Mile  Creek,  near  a branch  o 
the  Catawba  River,  in  what  was  formerly  called  Mecklenburg,  but  ncv 
Union  County,  N.  C.  The  family  began  work  in  clearing  and  cuitivat 
ing  a piece  of  land,  but  it  seems  no  title  to  it  was  ever  acquired,  h 
the  spring  of  1767  occurred  the  death  of  Mr.  Jackson,  a short  tim- 

*The  Crag  of  Fergus,  or  where  King  Fergus  was  drowned. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


721 


>efore  the  birth  of  Gen.  Jackson.  The  body,  with  the  family,  was 
ilaced  in  a wagon  and  carried  to  the  old  church  at  Waxliaw,  where  the 
V)dy  was  buried.  Mrs.  J ackson  went  to  live  with  her  married  sister, 
jjtrs.  George  McKemey  or  McCamie,  where  on  March  15,  1767,  the 
uture  President  was  born.  Owing  to  the  poverty  of  this  brother-in-law 
jlrs.  Jackson  went  to  live  with  Mr.  Crawford,  another  brother-in-law, 
rho  lived  near  the  State  line,  in  South  Carolina. 

Here  young  Jackson  spent  the  first  ten  or  twelve  years  of  his  life, 
le  might  have  been  seen  a tall,  slender,  long,  sandy  haired,  freckle- 
aced,  bright  blue-eyed  boy  while  attending  an  “old  field  school.”  He 
ras  dressed  in  coarse  coppered-clothes ; and  barefooted  attended  a 
chool  at  Waxliaw  taught  by  Dr.  Humphries,  but  it  seems  he  never 
ttained  great  proficiency  in  any  branch  nor  any  great  love  for  books, 
he  massacre  at  Waxbaw  on  May  29,  1780,  was  the  first  introduction 
e had  to  the  horrors  of  war.  Here  were  butchered  263  of  the  Whigs  of 
le  Carolinas,  the  wounded  having  received  from  three  to  thirteen 
rounds;  among  the  number  killed  was  his  brother  Hugh.  Andrew  was 
Iresent  at  the  engagement  at  Hanging  Rock,  but  was  too  young  to  take 
n active  part.  He  took  Col.  Davie  at  that  time  as  his  ideal  commander, 
le  dash  and  spirit  of  that  enterprising  officer  well  suiting  the  aggressive 
bar  act  er  of  Jackson. 

.Soon  after  this  Jackson  and  his  brother  Robert,  with  many  others, 
ere  captured  by  the  British  and  Tories.  It  was  while  a prisoner  that  a 
h'itish  officer  ordered  Jackson  to  clean  his  boots,  an  order  which  he 
ffused  to  obey  on  the  ground  that  he  was  a prisoner  and  should  be 
■eated  as  such.  A sabre  stroke  on  the  head  and  arm  was  received  for 
is  disobedience.  An  order  was  then  given  to  Robert  to  do  the  work ; 
bother  refusal  and  another  wound  was  the  result.  The  young  Jacksons 
ere  crowded  into  a prison  pen  at  Camden  after  the  defeat  of  Gen. 
.rates  on  August  16,  1780.  Here  without  food  and  clothing  and  badly 
■owded  the  suffering  of  the  prisoners  was  intense.  Mrs.  Jackson,  by 
reat  exertion,  succeeded  in  securing  an  exchange  of  her  sons  and  a few 
hers.  With  these  she  started  to  a place  of  safety,  forty  miles  distant- 
he  elder  son  was  wounded  and  suffering  from  small-pox.  Andrew  was 
impelled  to  walk  through  rain  and  mud,  and  burning  with  the  fever  of 
iming  small -pox.  Robert  soon  died  and  Andrew  was  reduced  to  death’s 
oor.  The  suffering  of  the  prisoners  in  1781  induced  Mrs.  Jackson  to 
o to  Charleston,  160  miles  distant,  to  nurse  the  sick.  Here  she  soon 
tter  died  of  ship  fever. 

The  disbarring  of  many  Tory  attorneys  by  the  war  opened  a new  and 
icrative  field  for  Whig  lawyers.  This  led  many  young  men  to  embark 


722 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  tlie  profession,  among  them  J ackson.  He  began  the  study  of  law  with 
Spencer  McCay,  in  Salisbury,  S.  C.,  where  he  remained  during  the 
years  1785-86.  Here  it  is  said  he  played  cards,  fought  cocks,  ran 
horse  races  and  occasionally  got  drunk,  but  was  never  dissipated.  After 
a short  practice  in  North  Carolina,  of  which  little  is  known,  Jackson  de- 
termined to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  West.  The  difficulties  between  North 
Carolina  and  the  State  of  Franklin  had  been  settled.  Judge  McNair y,  a 
friend  and  former  associate  of  Jackson,  had  been  appointed  judge  of  the 
Supreme  Court  for  the  Western  District,  and  Jackson  obtained  the  ap- 
pointment of  prosecutor  for  the  same  district.  Others  determined  to  follow. 
A party  started  from  Morgan  ton  to  cross  the  mountains  to  Jonesboro,  the 
usual  stopping-place  this  side  of  the  mountains.  The  party  left  for  Nash- 
ville by  escort  in  November,  1788.  Jackson  seems  not  to  have  been 
without  cases.  In  the  Davidson  County  Court  in  1790  out  of  192  cases 
Jackson  had  42;  in  1793  out  of  155  he  had  72,  and  in  the  July  term  he 
had  60  out  of  135,  and  in  1794  he  had  228  out  of  the  397.  On  the  ad- 
mission of  Tennessee  as  a State  he  resigned  his  attorneyship  and  was 
chosen  first  representative  for  the  session  by  the  Legislature,  beginning 
December  5,  1796,  and  ending  March  3,  1797.  He  appears  not  to  have 
been  present  at  the  next  session,  beginning  May  13,  1797,  and  ending 
July  10,  1797.  Blount  was  expelled  from  the  Senate  July  8, 1797,  and 
on  November  22  Jackson  succeeded  him.  August  28,  1798,  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  office  of  judge  of  the  superior  court  of  law  and  equity,  and 
soon  after  resigned  his  seat  in  the  Senate.  He  was  noted  while  in  Con- 
gress for  the  vigor  with  which  he  urged  the  militia  claims  of  Tennessee 
on  Congress.  He  resigned  his  seat  on  the  bench  in  1804,  and  again  be- 
gan practice.  The  salary  of  a supreme  judge  was  only  $600,  and  this 
doubtless  led  him  to  resign.  It  is  said  no  reports  of  his  decisions  are 
extant,  and  that  they  were  clothed  in  bad  language,  poorly  spelled  and 
ungrammatical — not  technical  but  generally  right. 

After  leaving  the  bench  he  devoted  his  time  to  his  profession  and  to 
business,  occasionally  going  down  the  river  trading.  He  was  very  ag- 
gressive as  an  attorney.  He  was  insulted  by  Col.  Waightstill,  to  whom  lie 
first  applied  to  read  law,  in  a case  wherein  Jackson  was  defeated.  Waight- 
still  was  challenged  for  a duel,  which  was  accepted,  and  the  duel  fought 
without  bloodshed.  A quarrel  arose  between  Jackson  and  his  old  friend 
Sevier.  There  was  just  a little  favor  asked, iiwhich  Sevier  did  not  readily 
grant,  then  an  accusation  concerning  some  land  speculation  in  which. 
Jackson  accused  Sevier  of  having  a hand.  In  1803  Jackson,  who  was 
still  judge,  opposed  Sevier’s  re-election.  At  a public  speaking  in  Knox- 
ville, Gov.  Sevier  denounced  Jackson  most  bitterly  and  vehemently,  and 


HIST  OB  Y OF  TENNESSEE. 


723 


vent  so  far  as  to  question  Mrs.  -Jackson’s  chastity.  This  threw  Jackson 
nto  an  ungovernable  rage,  and  interference  of  friends  only  prevented 
bloodshed.  A challenge  soon  followed.  Sevier  accepted  on  condition 
hat  the  fight  should  be  outside  the  State.  Jackson  insisted  that  it 
hould  be  within  the  State.  Each  accused  the  other  of  cowardice.  The 
natter  finally  ended  without  harm  to  either.  In  the  fall  occurred  the 
fuel  between  Gen.  Jackson  and  Charles  Dickinson.  The  melancholy 
inding  of  this  encounter  is  well  known.  Dickinson  fired  first,  severely 
Vounding  Jackson  who  did  not  fall,  but  coolly  aimed  at  his  antagonist 
md  pulled  the  trigger,  the  hammer  stopping  at  half-cock.  He  re-cocked 
he  weapon,  took  deliberate  aim,  fired  and  killed  Dickinson.  In  1813 
•ccurred  the  encounter  between  Jackson  and  the  Bentons,  in  which  the 
Jeneral  was  severely  wounded. 

The  splendid  military  achievements  of  Jackson  in  the  Creek  war  end- 
ug  in  his  magnificent  triumph  at  New  Orleans  on  January  8,  1815,  are 
acts  of  American  history.  The  Seminole  war  again  brought  out  his 
ailitary  genius,  and  his  government  of  Florida  at  a very  critical  period 
Lowed  his  administrative  qualities.  There  is  a certain  halo  around  mili- 
ary glory  that  captures  the  public  mind.  The  name  of  Jackson  was 
mentioned  as  early  as  1815  by  some  of  his  admiring  military  friends. 
In  July  20,  1822,  the  Legislature  of  this  State  formally  nominated  Jack- 
on  for  president  in  1821.  This  brought  him  prominently  before  the 
>eople.  Col.  John  Williams  who  was  United  States  Senator  from  Ten- 
lessee,  was  a candidate  for  re-election.  To  succeed  he  must  carry  the 
Legislature  of  the  State.  The  election  of  Col.  Williams  meant  the  suc- 
cess of  the  Whig  ticket  and  the  defeat  of  Jackson’s  prospects.  It  became 
accessary  for  Jackson’s  success  to  defeat  Col.  Williams.  The  friends  of 
hickson  staked  all  By  nominating  him  for  senator.  His  name  and  fame 
•arried  the  day  and  he  was  elected  by  a large  majority.  In  the  presi- 
dential campaign  of  1824,  there  were  four  candidates  for  the  presidency, 
Jen.  Jackson,  William  H.  Crawford,  Henry  Clay  and  John  Quincy 
Idams.  Jackson  had  the  largest  electoral  vote,  also  the  largest  pop  li- 
ar vote,  but  the  matter  being  thrown  into  the  House,  Mr.  Adams  was 
lected.  In  1825  Jackson  resigned  his  seat  in  the  Senate  and  returned 
lome,  but  in  October  of  the  same  year  was  again  nominated  for  the  presi- 
lency.  The  enthusiasm  for  him  rose  to  a white  heat,  nor  was  the  tongue 
>f  slander  idle.  In  the  election  of  1828  Mr.  Jackson  received  178  votes 
jo  eighty-three  for  Mr.  Adams.  So  popular  was  Mr.  Jackson’s  first  admin- 
istration that  in  1832  he  received  219  electoral  votes  to  forty-nine  votes 
or  Mr.  Clay. 

The  military  career  of  Jackson  is  also  brilliant.  He  husbanded  his 


724 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


resources  until  the  time  for  a blow,  then  it  was  struck  with  the  fierce- 
ness of  a gladiator.  He  pushed  his  advantages  to  the  utmost  and  never 
allowed  his  enemies  time  to  recover.  He  often  deceived  them  by  a show 
of  strength  when  he  was  really  weak.  His  boldness  and  aggressive 
spirit  made  up  for  his  deficiency  in  men  and  material.  His  administra- 
tive abilities  may  be  more  a question,  yet  whatever  of  error  there  mum  l 
have  been  in  them  there  will  always  be  persons  who  will  try  to  imitate 
his  course.  Many  of  his  ideas  were  put  into  successful  practice  that 
would  have  been  entirely  impracticable  if  advocated  by  a man  of  less  force. 
His  aggressive  administration  did  more  to  establish  respect  for  American 
prowess  than  any  other.  His  conclusions  when  reached  were  carriifi 
out.  “Nothing  terrestrial  shall  change  the  fixed  purpose  of  my  soul.” 
said  he  on  one  occasion.  He  stood  by  his  friends  and  was  a good  hater 
of  his  enemies.  His  aggressive  ‘nature  coupled  with  the  love  of  his 
friends  often  led  him  into  difficulties.  All  his  biographers  say  lie  was 
not  quarrelsome ; this  may  be,  but  it  seems  hardly  true.  He  loved  horse 
racing  and  could  indulge  in  the  most  bitter  oaths;  was  also  frequently 
officious  in  duels.  To  all  these  things  it  may  be  said  that  public  senti- 
ment was  so  little  against  these  vices  that  they  were  looked  upon  as  mere 
trifles.  Jackson  was  not  a profound  scholar  nor  a great  reader.  He 
read  men  yvell  and  kept  posted  on  the  events  of  the  day.  His  spelling 
has  often  been  ridiculed.  Parton  says:  “Jackson  lived  at  a time  when 
few  men  and  no  women  could  spell;”  furthermore  he  spelled  better  than 
Frederick  II,  Marlborough,  Napoleon  or  Washington.  Even  “0.  K”  is 
said  to  have  been  written  by  him  for  “all  correct.”  A case  from  the 
docket  in  1790  in  Jackson’s  handwriting,  will  illustrate  how  this  error 
started.  “A.  Jackson  presented  a bill  of  sale  which  was  approved  and 
marked  O.  R.”  The  initials  being  0.  Pi.  instead  of  O.  K.,  are  the  ab- 
breviations for  “ordered  recorded,”  a very  common  form  of  simplifying 
the  expression.  Jackson,  though  never  a very  polished  writer  or  speaker, 
had  the  faculty  of  getting  at  the  truth  in  the  most  direct  way.  His  do- 
mestic relations  were  always  the  most  happy.  The  death  of  Mrs.  J acksor 
which  occurred  on  December  22,  1828,  was  a severe  blow  to  the  General 
He  himself  died,  without  heir,  at  the  Hermitage  on  June  8,  1845. 

Sam  Houston,  a very  noted  and  somewhat  eccentric  individual  was 
born  in  Lexington,  Piockbridge  Co.,  Va.,  March  2,  1793.  His  ancestors 
were  Scottish  Covenanters,  who  fled  to  the  north  of  Ireland  to  escape  per- 
secution. A number  of  them  came  to  Pennsylvania  about  the  beginning 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  The  father  of  Sam  was  a soldier  in  the  Rev- 
olutionary war,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1807,  was  inspector  of  a 
brigade.  The  mother  with  her  nine  children — six  sons  and  three  daugk- 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


725 

3rs — goon  after  moved  to  East  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Blount  County, 
ear  the  Cherokee  country.  Young  Houston  learned  to  read  and  write 
efore  leaving  Virginia,  and  on  his  arrival  at  their  new  home  was  sent  to 
flioolto  an  academy  in  the  settlement.  While  attending  school  he  com- 
dtted  to  memory  almost  the  whole  of  Pope’s  translation  of  the  Illiad. 
'n  his  teacher’s  refusal  to  teach  him  Greek  and  Latin,  he  left  school  in 
isgust,  with  the  remark  that  he  would  never  recite  another  lesson.  By 
le  influence  of  his  elder  brother  he  entered  a store  as  a clerk  soon  after 
javing  school.  Becoming  disgusted  with  his  clerkship,  he  suddenly 
ft  and  went  to  live  with  the  Indians.  His  tall  commanding  figure  and 
iring  exploits  as  a hunter  soon  made  him  a great  favorite  among  the 
idians.  The  chief  Ootooteka  adopted  him  as  his  son.  He  remained, 
ith  the  Indians  three  years  and  grew  to  manhood,  in  size  being  fully 
x feet  in  height,  of  handsome,  fine  figure.  He  left  his  friends,  the 
idians,  as  suddenly  as  he  had  left  home  before.  He  was  now  eighteen 
ears  of  age,  and  on  his  return  home  he  opened  a school.  He  charged 
e moderate  rate  of  $8  per  year  for  tuition ; one-tliird  payable  in  cash, 
ie-third  in  corn  and  one-third  in  domestic  cotton  cloth. 

He  began  his  teaching  in  1811,  and  soon  had  a flourishing  school, 
he  outbreak  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain  afforded  an  opportunity  for 
lie  display  of  his  talents  in  a direction  more  congenial  to  his  nature. 

1813  he  enlisted  as  a common  soldier,  but  soon  rose  to  the  rank  of 
* sign.  At  the  battle  of  the  Horseshoe  Bend,  on  March  27,  1813,  he  re- 
ived a severe  wound  in  the  thigh  from  an  arrow,  and  two  balls  in  the 
to  alder.  After  the  battle  he  was  carried  to  Fort  Strother  on  a litter, 
lis  wounds  were  thought  to  be  mortal,  but  his  robust  constitution  saved 
fin.  His  bravery  in  battle  made  him  a particular  favorite  of  Jackson, 
ter  peace  he  was  stationed  at  Knoxville  as  lieutenant,  in  charge  of  a 
I st,  but  was  soon  afterward  sent  to  New  Orleans.  While  there  his  old 
vunds  broke  out  afresh  and  he  was  compelled  to  undergo  a very  dan- 
i-ous  and  painful  surgical  operation.  After  a winter  of  suffering  he 
nt  to  New  York,  where  his  health  improved.  In  1816  he  returned  to 
nnessee,  by  way  of  Washington  City,  and  was  stationed  at  Nashville. 
i January  1,  1817,  he  was  appointed  to  carry  out  a treaty  with  the 
Cerokee  Indians.  The  next  year  he  headed  a delegation  of  Indians  to 
Washington.  While  in  that  city  he  was  accused  of  exercising  too  great 

- ti  in  putting  a stop  to  the  African  slave  trade  through  Florida,  but  was 
f ly  acquitted  on  trial.  On  March  1,  1818,  he  resigned  his  commission 
I the  army  and  settled  in  Nashville,  where  he  began  the  study  of  law. 

- ter  a course  of  six  months  he  was  admitted  to  practice,  and  began  his 
1 >ors  at  Lebanon,  Wilson  County.  His  rise  was  rapid.  In  October* 


726 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


1819,  lie  was  attorney-general  for  tlie  Nashville  District,  and  in  1821  In 
was  made  major-general  of  the  militia  of  the  Western  District.  In  182) 
he  was  elected  to  Congress,  and  again  in  1825.  He  was  elected  govern 
or  of  the  State  by  the  very  flattering  majority  of  12,000.  In  January 
1829,  Gov.  Houston  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza  Allen,  but  from  domestii 
infelicity  he  left  her  in  April,  resigned  his  office,  gave  up  his  candidacy 
for  re-election,  and  again  went  to  his  old  friends,  the  Cherokees,  now  be 
yond  the  Mississippi.  His  old  adopted  father,  Ootooteka,  again  kind]  , 
received  him,  and  by  a council  of  the  chiefs,  on  October  21,  1829,  he  was 
made  a citizen  of  the  Cherokee  nation,  with  full  power.  Detecting  fraud 
in  contracts  with  the  Indians  he  went  to  Washington  in  1832,  where  he 
plead  the  cause  of  the  Indians  so  strongly  that  it  led  to  an  investigation, 
which  caused  the  suspension  of  several  clerks,  and  led  to  a personal  en- 
counter between  himself  and  W.  B.  Stansbury,  of  Ohio,  in  which  the  lat- 
ter received  a severe  castigation.  For  this  offense  Houston  was  arrested 
and  fined  $500,  and  was  reprimanded  by  the  speaker.  President  Jack- 
son,  however,  caused  his  fine  to  be  remitted,  and  he  left  Washington  in 
disgust  and  returned  to  the  Indians  in  December,  1832. 

He  soon  after  moved  to  Nacogdoches,  Tex.,  and  took  a very  active 
part  in  the  affairs  of  that  State.  He  was  elected  delegate  to  the  conven- 
tion on  April  1,  1833;  while  a member  of  that  body  he  exercised  great 
influence  over  its  deliberations.  On  the  outbreak  of  war  between  Texai 
and  Mexico,  Houston  was  made  commander  of  the  militia  of  the  eastern 
district,  and  in  October,  1835,  joined  his  forces  with  Gen.  Austin,  whc 
was  besieging  Bexar.  Gen.  Austin  offered  to  resign  the  entire  commanc 
to  Houston,  who  refused  to  accept.  By  vote  of  forty-nine  out  of  fifti 
Houston  was  made  commander-in-chief  of  the  Texan  forces,  but  resignec 
March  2,  1836,  because  he  was  accused  of  wanting  to  make  himsel 
dictator.  He  was  soon  after  re-elected  commander-in-chief  by  the  sum 
vote.  He  took  command  of  the  Texan  forces  at  Gonzales,  March  l'1 
which  numbered  374  men.  A force  under  Col.  Travis  held  the  A! aim 
against  the  orders  of  Houston,  and  were  besieged  and  captured  by  Sant; 
Anna  and  the  garrison  of  185  men  massacred.  A panic  seized  Houston 
men  when  the  news  reached  camp  that  Santa  Anna  was  advancing  wit! 
5,000  men.  With  difficulty  Houston,  who  was  absent  at  the  time, 
lected  his  fugitives  and  fell  back  to  Peach  Creek.  Here  he  was  joiner 
by  100  men,  and  soon  after  by  650  more.  Being  without  artillery  h 
was  unwilling  to  give  battle;  in  the  meantime  Col.  Fannin  was  ordere’ 
to  join  him  with  the  garrison  of  Goliad,  but  the  order  was  not  promptl 
obeyed.  The  entire  garrison  was  surrounded  and  captured  by  Gei 
Urrea  and  357  men  were  shot.  Intense  feeling  was  aroused  against  th 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


lexicans.  Santa  Anna’s  army,  flushed  with  victory,  captured  Harris- 
urg,  the  capital,  and  burned  it,  also  New  Washington.  On  April  10 
louston  received  two  six-pound  guns  from  Cincinnati.  His  forces  now 
umbered  783  men;  Santa  Anna  1,600  veterans.  Houston  attacked  him 
t San  Jacinto  March  21.  He  opened  with  grape  and  cannister  then 
barged  with  the  cry,  “Remember  the  Alamo.”  Houston  had  his  ankle 
battered  by  a ball  and  his  horse  mortally  wounded,  but  urged  him  up  to 
he  works  which  were  instantly  scaled.  The  Texans  having  no  bayonets 
)sed  clubbed  muskets,  bowie  knives  and  pistols.  Few  Mexicans  escaped; 
30  were  killed,  208  were  wounded,  and  730  were  captured.  The  next 
ay  Santa  Anna  was  captured  in  disguise.  Houston  exerted  all  his 
lfluence  to  stay  the  butchery  of  the  Mexicans  and  saved  Santa  Anna. 
Jhile  prisoner  Santa  Anna  acknowledged  the  independence  of  Texas  and 
u'eed  to  withdraw  his  forces  therefrom.  Houston  resigned  his  posi- 
on  in  favor  of  Gen.  Rusk  and  went  to  New  Orleans  for  treatment  for 
is  wounds.  On  his  improvement  he  returned  to  his  old  home  in  Texas. 

A call  was  made  in  July  for  the  election  of  a president  of  the  repub- 
|s  in  September.  Houston  was  selected  to  be  a candidate,  but  with 
:'eat  reluctance  consented.  He  was  inaugurated  October  22,  1836,  and 
ok  his  old  competitors,  Gen.  Austin  and  Hon.  Henry  White,  into  the 
binet.  He  released  Santa  Anna  and  sent  him  to  Washington  to  con- 
i' with  President  Jackson.  He  soon  opened  communication  with  the 
’ashington  government  with  a view  to  the  annexation  of  Texas.  His 
[ministration  was  as  brilliant  as  his  military  career.  The  constitution 
■evented  his  re-election  in  1838,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  M.  B. 
amar,  In  1841  he  was  again  called  to  the  presidency.  In  his  inaugural 
(dress  he  said:  “There  is  not  a dollar  in  the  treasury ; we  are  in  debt  $10,- 
)0,000  or  $15,000,000.  We  are  without  money,  without  credit,  and  for 
ant  of  punctuality  are  without  character.”  On  the  annexation  of  Texas 
) was  chosen  one  of  the  United  States  Senators  from  that  State,  and 
is  elected  again  in  1853  to  serve  till  March  4,  1859.  He  was  defeated 
r re-election  in  1858,  but  was  chosen  governor  again  in  August,  1859. 
je  opposed  the  Kansas-Nebraska  bill  in  a great  speech  March  3,  1854, 

* d lamented  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri  compromise.  He  was  a friend 
the  American  or  Know-nothing  party.  He  favored  the  Lecompton 
i nstitution  in  the  Kansas  difficulties,  and  opposed  secession  at  the  out- 
leakof  the  war.  He  resigned  his  office  rather  than  subscribe  to  the 
th  presented  by  the  convention.  His  death  occurred  at  Huntersville, 
bx.,  July  25,  1863.  Personally  Houston  was  a man  of  great  courage, 

; d was  the  soul  of  honor.  While  in  Congress  he  made  charges  against 
bl-  Irwin,  postmaster  at  Nashville.  These  charges  were  resented  by  a 


728 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


challenge  sent  to  Gen.  Houston  from  Col.  Irwin  by  the  hand  of  Col.  Join 
Smith,  of  Missouri.  This  Houston  refused  to  receive  from  Smith.  The 
act  of  Houston  was  criticised  by  Gen.  William  White  as  being  discour- 
teous to  Col.  Smith.  A dispute  arose  which  resulted  in  a chal-leno-e  and 
duel.  Gen.  White  was  severely  but  not  fatally  wounded. 

Col.  David  Crockett,*  son  of  John  Crockett,  of  Irish  birth,  was  born 
at  Limestone,  on  the  Nollicliucky  River,  in  Washington  County,  Tenn., 
on  August  17,  1786.  His  mother’s  maiden  name  was  Rebecca  Hawkins, 
After  some  youthful  adventures,  a little  schooling  and  a third  courtship 
young  Crockett  married  a beautiful  Irish  girl.  About  1808  he  with  In 
wife  and  two  children  moved  to  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  where  in  the  tm 
following  years  he  began  to  distinguish  himself  as  a hunter.  In  1810  oi 
1811  he  moved  to  Franklin  County,  and  soon  after  the  massacre  at  Fori 
Minims  went  as  a volunteer  to  the  Creek  war,  participating  in  most  of  the 
important  battles  until  its  close  in  1815.  Soon  after  the  close  of  the 
war  his  wife  died,  leaving  three  children,  and  in  a short  time  he  married 
as  his  second  wife  the  widow  of  a soldier,  who  had  two  children,  and  In 
whom  he  had  three  more.  He  subsequently  removed  to  the  countn 
purchased  of  the  Chickasaw  Indians,  in  what  is  now  Lawrence  County 
and  became  successively  magistrate,  colonel  of  militia,  and  member  O: 
the  Legislature.  Having  lost  his  property,  failed  in  business,  and  giver 
up  all  to  his  creditors,  he  determined  to  go  farther  West,  especially  as 
game  was  becoming  scare  in  the  locality  where  he  lived. 

In  1822  he  removed  to  West  Tennessee  and  settled  in  what  is  nor. 
Gibson  County,  but  at  that  time  Weakley  County.  Here  he  engaged  ii 
his  favorite  sport,  bear  hunting,  and  thus  supplied  his  family  with  ai 
abundance  of  meat.  He  also  secured  a large  quantity  of  peltry,  whicl 
he  exchanged  for  coffee,  sugar,  powder,  lead  and  salt.  He  was  nor 
elected  for  a second  term  of  the  Legislature,  serving  during  the  year 
1823-24,  voting  against  Gen.  Jackson  for  United  States  Senator.  Ii 
1825  he  became  a candidate  for  a seat  in  Congress  against  Col.  Adam  ii 
Alexander,  then  serving  as  the  first  representative  to  that  body  iron 
West  Tennessee,  but  was  defeated  by  two  votes.  For  the  next  two  year; 
he  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade  and  in  bear  hunting,  killing  n 
one  season  no  less  than  105  bears.  But  his  speculation  in  the  lumbe: 
trade  was  a total  failure.  He  then  became  a candidate  a second  time  fo 
Congress  and  defeated  Col.  Alexander  and  Gen.  William  Arnold  by  ■ 
majority  of  2,748  votes.  He  acted  with  the  Jackson  party”  during  tin 
administration  of  President  Adams,  but  during  his  second  term  he  voted 
against  the  Indian  bill,  a favorite  measure  of  President  Jackson’s.  I) 


*From  a manuscript  in  possession  of  the  Tennessee  Historical  Society. 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


729 


830  lie  was  a candidate  for  a third  term  in  Congress,  but  owing  to  his 
pposition  to  the  administration  party  he  was  defeated  by  his  opponent 
William  Fitzgerald.  Two  years  later,  however,  despite  the  efforts  of  the 
artisans  of  the  administration,  he  defeated  Mr.  Fitzgerald  by  a majority 
f 202.  He  co-operated  with  the  Whig  party  forming  the  rechartering 
f the  United  States  Bank,  and  opposing  the  removal  of  the  deposits. 

In  the  spring  of  1834  Col.  Crockett  made  a trip  through  the  Northern 
tates,  visiting  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  New  York,  Boston  and  other 
ities,  and  was  everywhere  received  with  marked  attention,  especially  by 
re  Whigs.  He  was  presented  in  Philadelphia  by  the  younger  Whigs 
ith  a very  fine  rifled  gun,  a present  he  prized  very  highly,  and  which  he 
ibsequently  bore  with  him  in  many  a bear  hunt,  as  well  as  during  his 
ampaigns  in  Texas.  Retiring  to  Washington,  where  he  remained 
ntil  the  close  of  Congress,  he  returned  home,  and  was  a candidate  for 
^-election,  Adam  Huntsman  being  his  opponent.  Crockett  was  defeated, 
■aving  not  only  Huntsman  but  the  influence  of  Andrew  Jackson  and 
j'rov.  Carroll  backed  by  the  Union  Bank  at  Jackson  to  contend  against, 
■eeling  that  “ Crockett’s  occupation  was  gone  ” and  being  disgusted 
ith  the  ways  of  scheming  politicians,  he  determined  to  go  to  Texas, 
te  made  a parting  address  to  his  constituents,  in  which  he  reviewed  his 
purse  in  Congress  and  warned  them  against  the  policy  of  “the  Govern- 
lent”  and  the  President’s  disposition  to  nominate  Mr.  Van  Buren  as 
is  successor.  He  also  alluded  to  the  unfair  means  used  to  defeat  him 
i his  late  canvass,  and  closed  by  telling  them  that  he  was  done  with 
blitics  for  the  present,  and  that  they  might  all  go  to  h — 1 and  he  would 
b to  Texas. 

Taking  leave  of  his  wife  and  children,  and  shouldering  his  rifle 
Betsy,”  he  started  at  once  on  the  highway  to  Texas,  to  a heroic  death 
ad  to  a fame  as  lasting  as  the  memory  of  the  bloody  Alamo  itself.  He 
;ade  his  journey  as  rapidly  as  he  could,  and  reached  San  Antonio  in 
me  to  join  the  patriots  before  Santa  Anna’s  army,  previous  to  the 
ege  of  the  city.  He  was  one  of  the  six  Americans  who  survived  the 
psault  upon  the  Alamo  on  March  6,  1836.  The  prisoners  were  taken 
-fore  the  Mexican  chief,  who  gave  orders  for  the  massacre  of  the  whole 
amber.  Col.  Crockett,  seeing  their  treachery,  sprang  like  a tiger  at  his 
>es,  when  a number  of  swords  were  sheathed  in  his  indomitable  heart, 
.is  body,  with  others  of  the  slain,  was  buried  in  a heap  in  the  center  of 
jte  Alamo.  Thus  ended  the  life  of  Col.  David  Crockett,  the  celebrated 
5ar  hunter  of  Tennessee,  the  eccentric  congressman  from  the  West  and 
ie  of  the  heroes  of  the  Alamo,  whose  fame  is  as  immortal  as  history. 

On  the  1 1th  of  September,  1777,  was  born  Felix  Grundy,  the  young- 


730 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


est  of  seven  sons  of  George  Grundy,  of  Berkley  County,  Ya.  He 
was  of  English  parentage.  The  family  moved  from  Virginia  to  Browns- 
ville, Penn.,  in  1779,  and  1780  to  Kentucky,  which  State  was  then  indeed 
a “dark  and  bloody  ground.”  At  least  three  of  the  family  fell  victims 
to  the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife  of  the  savage ; not  only  were  several 
of  the  family  victims  of  the  savages,  but  their  home  and  household  ef- 
fects were  swept  away  also.  This  was  a time  according  to  the  language 
of  himself  when  “death  was  in  every  bush,  and  when  every  thicket  con- 
cealed an  ambuscade.”  He  was  placed  in  the  academy  at  Bardstown,  Kv.. 
under  that  eminent  educator,  Dr.  Priestley,  who  afterward  became  presi- 
dent of  the  University  of  Nashville.  Being  the  seventh  son  the  mother 
destined  him  for  a physician,  but  that  profession  being  distasteful  to  him 
he  chose  the  law.  He  entered  the  law  office  of  Col.  George  Nicholas,  a 
gentleman  who  stood  at  the  head  of  the  Kentucky  bar  at  that  time.  In 
1798  he  began  practice  and  soon  attained  eminence  as  a criminal  lawyer. 
It  was  in  this  department  of  the  law  that  he  ranked  highest  and  in  which 
he  had  few  if  any  equals  and  no  superiors. 

He  was  chosen  a member  of  the  convention  to  revise  the  constitution 
of  Kentucky  in  1799,  and  the  same  year  became  a member  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  that  commonwealth,  where  he  remained  for  several  successive 
terms.  In  1806  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  errors 
and  appeals  and  on  the  resignation  of  Justice  Todd  Mr.  Grundy  became 
chief  justice  of  the  State,  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine.  The  salary  of  the 
office  being  small,  he  resigned  and  moved  to  Nashville  in  1807,  to  enter 
a broader  field  of  usefulness.  He  was  admitted  to  the  practice  of  law  in 
the  several  courts  of  the  State  on  Saturday,  November  14,  1807.  Of  his 
professional  ability  Hon.  John  M.  Bright,  who  delivered  an  oration  on  the 
“Life,  Character  and  Public  Services  of  the  Hon.  Pelix  Grundy,”  says: 
“At  the  first  step  in  his  profession,  he  took  rank  with  one  Haywood  and 
Whiteside,  and  as  an  advocate  he  rose  in  time  far  above  competition, 
and  challenged  every  age  and  every  country  to  produce  his  peer.  After 
his  settlement  in  Nashville,  it  is  said,  out  of  165  individuals  whom  he  de-j 
fended  on  charges  of  capital  offenses,  one  only  was  finally  condemned 
and  executed.  * * * His  name  was  a tower  of  strength 

to  the  accused,  and  his  retainer  a city  of  refuge.  At  his  bidding  prison 
doors  Hew  open,  and  the  captive  leaped  from  his  falling  chains  into  the 
arms  of  his  swooning  wife.  At  the  bar  he  was  always  dignified  in  las 
bearing,  conciliatory  in  his  address,  Saxon  in  his  diction,  and  never 
stooping  to  coarseness  in  his  allusions.  His  speeches  not  only  breathed 
a high  tone  of  morality,  but  the  purer  essence  of  religion.  He  was  fa- 
miliar with  the  Bible  and  perhaps  drew  from  it  the  sparks  that  kindled 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


731 


ito  the  boldest  imagery  that  ever  shed  a luster  on  the  bar.  Although 
je  sometimes  indulged  a pungent  humor  and  a caustic  wit,  he  ever  held 
resort  to  vituperation  and  abuse  as  dishonorable  as  the  chewed  bullets 
hd  poisoned  arrows  of  savage  warfare.  I have  sought  in  vain  to  find 
»me  clue  to  the  secret  of  his  success.”  Doubtless  his  earnestness,  com- 
mand of  words,  his  pictures  from  nature,  his  consciousness  of  his  own 
rength,  his  ability  to  read  human  nature  and  power  to  portray  charac- 
r had  much  to  do  with  it.  On  December  4,  1811,  Mr.  Grundy  became 
member  of  Congress  where  he  remained  for  two  terms,  positively  refus- 
g to  accept  the  nomination  in  1815.  This  was  during  the  period  of 
e second  war  with  Great  Britain,  when  great  questions  were  de- 
ted  and  there  were  great  men  to  discuss  them,  i.  e.,  Clay,  Webster,  Cal- 
j um,  Randolph  and  others. 

The  interval  from  1815  to  1819  Mr.  Grundy  spent  in  building  up  his 
jofession  and  his  fortune.  In  1819  he  became  a member  of  the  State 
legislature,  where  he  remained  for  six  years.  While  a member  of  the 
legislature  he,  with  Mr,  William  L.  Brown,  was  made  a member  of  a 
mmittee  with  unlimited  power  to  settle  the  very  delicate  question  of 
1 3 boundary  line  between  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  This  question  had 
used  some  bitterness  between  the  sister  States  but  was  amicably  settled 
bruary  2,  1820.  At  a called  session  of  the  Legislature  of  1820  to  cle- 
' ie  some  means  to  release  the  public  from  financial  distress,  Mr.  Grun- 
was  the  author  and  successful  advocate  of  a bank,  founded  exclusively 
ren  the  funds  of  the  State.  On  the  death  of  those  two  eminent  states- 
ij-n,  Thomas  Jefferson  and  John  Adams,  on  July  4,  1820,  Mr.  Grundy 
vs  chosen  to  deliver  the  funeral  oration  for  the  State.  The  effort  was 
o|5  worthy  of  the  occasion.  Following  the  election  of  Gen.  Jackson  to 
t ; presidency  came  the  election  of  Felix  Grundy  to  the  United  States 
rate.  He  was  re-elected  in  1833  and  served  in  that  body  till  1838.  He 
'V3  a member  of  the  committee,  with  the  great  “Pacificator,”  which 
iped  the  compromise  tariff  bill  of  1833.  He  was  made  Attorney-Gen- 
1 of  the  United  States  in  September,  1838,  by  appointment  of  Mr.  Yan 
- ren.  He  resigned  this  office  in  1840  and  was  again  elected  to  the 
t-  ited  States  Senate,  but  his  death  occurred  before  taking  his  seat.  In 
1 10  Mr.  Grundy  took  a very  active  part  in  the  presidential  campaign  of 
it  year  in  favor  of  Martin  Yan  Buren  against  Gen.  Harrison.  Al- 
■ I ugh  suffering  from  physical  infirmity,  he  entered  into  the  canvass 
' k all  the  ardor  of  his  youth  and  in  the  full  vigor  of  his  great  intellect. 

: survived  this  work  but  a short  time.  At  4 o’clock  of  Saturday  after- 
ujin,  December  19,  1840,  was  witnessed  the  closing  of  the  earthly 
■veer  of  this  great  man. 


732 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Hugh  Lawson  White  was  the  son  of  Gen.  James  White,  one  of  tin 
earliest  pioneers  of  East  Tennessee,  and  in  many  respects  a remarkabli 
man.  Gen.  White  was  horn  of  Irish  parentage,  and  spent  the  early  par 
of  his  life  in  North  Carolina,  where  in  1770  he  married  Mary  Lawson 
During  the  Revolutionary  war  he  served  as  a soldier  from  that  State,  bu 
at  its  close  removed  with  his  family  to  Fort  Chissel,  Ya.  In  1787  he 
immigrated  to  Knox  County,  Tenn.,  and  in  1792  laid  the  foundation  ol 
the  present  city  of  Knoxville.  He  was  a member  of  the  Franklin  con- 
vention in  1785;  of  the  Territorial  Assembly  in  1794,  and  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention  of  1796.  During  the  Creek  war,  although  advanced  in 
years,  he  served  with  distincton  as  brigadier-general  of  militia.  Taker 
all  in  all  he  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  figures  in  the  early  history  oi 
East  Tennessee. 

Hugh  Lawson  White  was  born  October  30,  1773,  and  was  conse 
quently  a lad  of  fourteen  when  with  his  father  he  came  into  Tennessee. 
His  early  life  was  spent  in  hardy  toil,  with  very  limited  facilities  for  oh 
taining  even  the  rudiments  of  an  education.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  however 
by  earnest  effort,  he  had  sufficiently  advanced  to  take  up  the  study  of  tin 
ancient  languages,  rvhich  he  did  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  Samue 
Carrick,  with  some  assistance  from  Judge  Roane.  His  studies  were  soon  : a 
terrupted  by  Indian  hostilities,  and  he  volunteered  as  a soldier  under  tin 
leadership  of  John  Sevier.  In  this  campaign  he  distinguished  himself 
not  only  for  bravery,  but  for  strength  and  endurance.  At  the  age  o: 
twenty  he  was  appointed  private  secretary  to  Gov.  Blount,  with  whom  In 
remained  until  the  close  of  his  term  of  office.  He  then  went  to  Phi’a 
delpliia  where  he  took  a course  of  study,  after  which  he  engaged  in  th 
study  of  law  with  James  Hopkins  of  Lancaster,  Penn.  In  1796  he  re 
turned  to  Knoxville,  and  at  once  assumed  a leading  position  at  the  bai 
Five  years  later,  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight,  he  was  elected  judge  of  the  su 
perior  court,  then  the  highest  judicial  tribunal  in  the  State.  He  resjgnei 
in  1807,  and  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate.  He  was  re-elected  tw 
years  later,  but  did  not  serve  the  second  term,  as  he  was  elected  by  th 
Legislature  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court.  He  continued  i 
that  capacity  until  December  31,  1814,  when  he  again  resigned.  H 
had  been  elected  president  of  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  in  November,  1811 
and  from  that  time  until  July,  1827,  he  continued  to  direct  the  operation 
of  that  institution.  In  1820,  his  health  being  impaired,  he  returned  t 
his  farm,  but  the  country  had  need  of  his  services,  and  he  was  not  a 
lowed  to  remain  in  seclusion.  The  next  year  he  was  appointed  by  Pres: 
dent  Monroe  one  of  the  three  commissioners  to  settle  the  claims  under  th 
treaty  providing  for  the  transfer  of  Florida  from  Spain  to  the  Unite 


I 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


733 


States.  This  occupied  his  time  and  attention  for  three  years.  In  1825 
re  was  elected  to  succeed  Andrew  Jackson  in  the  United  States  Senate, 
tad  continued  as  a member  of  that  body  until  1840. 

During  his  senatorial  career  he  delivered  but  few  speeches  of  any 
Considerable  length.  He  usually  spoke  briefly  and  to  the  point,  and  his 
■pinions  were  always  received  with  marked  respect.  On  most  questions 
ie  was  in  harmony  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  opposed  the  Federal 
lystem  of  internal  improvements,  the  rechartering  of  the  United  States 
jlank  and  the  sub-treasury  bill.  He  voted  against  the  famous  “ expung- 
ug  resolution”  on  constitutional  grounds,  but  offered  a set  of  resolutions 
a lieu  of  it.  In  1836,  through  the  influence  of  certain  members  of  his 
party,  he  was  prevailed  upon  to  take  a step  which  embittered  the  few  re- 
laining  years  of  his  life.  It  had  become  evident  that  President  J ackson 
ashed  to  make  Mr.  Yan  Buren  his  successor  in  the  presidential  chair, 
'his  was  distasteful  to  a large  element  of  the  party,  especially  in  the 
louth.  In  October,  1835,  resolutions  were  passed  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  Tennessee  nominating  Judge  White  for  the  presidency,  and  he 
jnally  consented  to  make  the  canvass.  For  this  step  he  was  bitterly  de- 
pun  ced  by  President  Jackson,  Judge  Grundy,  Cave  Johnson,  James  K. 
"oik  and  many  others,  heretofore  strong  friends.  Yet  with  all  the  lead- 
rs  of  his  own  party  in  Tennessee  against  him,  and  with  no  chance  of 
recess,  he  carried  the  State  by  a majority  of  10,000  votes — a magnificent 
testimonial  to  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was  held.  The  General 
Issembly  of  1839-40,  having  passed  certain  resolutions  of  instruction  to 
is  senators  in  Congress,  which  the  latter  could  not  support,  Judge  White 
tesigned  his  office  and  retired  to  private  life.  He  died  very  soon  after 
-April  10,  1840. 

In  his  domestic  life  he  met  with  much  affliction.  In  1798  he  married 
liss  Elizabeth  M.  Garrick,  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Carrick,  his 
>rmer  instructor.  To  their  union  were  born  four  sons  and  eisrht  dauedi- 

o o 

srs,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Of  the  remainder  eight  died  just  at 
ie  threshold  of  adult  life,  and  all  within  the  short  space  of  six  years, 
-is  wife  also  died  of  the  same  desease,  consumption,  March  25,  1831. 
l November,  1832,  Judge  White  was  again  married  to  Mrs.  Ann  E. 
eyton,  of  Washington  City,  at  whose  house  he  had  boarded  for  several 
pars. 

John  Bell  was  born  about  six  miles  from  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  Febru- 
(7  1797.  He  was  the  son  of  a farmer,  Samuel  Bell,  a man  of  mod- 

;ate  means,  who  gave  him  a good  education  at  Cumberland  College, 
fien  under  the  presidency  of  Dr.  Priestly.  His  mother’s  maiden  name 
:as  Margaret  Edmiston,  a native  of  Virginia.  At  the  age  of  nineteen 

46 


734 


filSTOBY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


lie  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  located  at  Franklin.  The  next  3-ear  Ik 
was  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  in  which  body  he  served  during  thal 
session,  but  declined  a re-election.  The  next  nine  years  he  devoted  ex- 
clusively to  his  profession.  In  1826  he  became  the  candidate  for  Con- 
gress against  Felix  Grundy,  then  in  the  zenith  of  his  brilliant  career,  and 
was  elected  over  his  distinguished  competitor  by  a majority  of  1,000 
votes.  He  continued  in  Congress  by  re-election  for  fourteen  years.  At 
first  he  was  an  ardent  advocate  of  free  trade,  but  afterward  changed  hi- 
views  and  favored  protection.  He  was  made  chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  the  Judiciary  when  the  “Force  Bill”  and  the  question  of  nullifica- 
tion were  before  the  courts.  Upon  the  question  of  the  removal  of  the 
deposits  of  the  United  States  Bank  he  took  issue  with  President  Jack- 
son,  and  in  this  breach  great  results  were  involved.  Henceforth,  Mr. 
Bell  ceased  to  act  with  the  Democratic  party,  and  in  1834  he  defeated 
James  K.  Polk  for  the  speakership  of  the  House.  In  1836  he  strongly 
advocated  the  election  of  Hugh  L.  White  in  opposition  to  Van  Buren. 
and  succeeded  in  carrying  Tennessee  for  his  candidate.  In  1838  he  voted 
against  the  resolution  excluding  anti-slavery  petitions  from  Congress, 
For  ten  years  he  was  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs,  dur- 
ing which  time  the  Cherokees  were  removed  from  Georgia. 

In  1841  he  became  Secretary  of  War  under  Harrison,  but  resigned 
in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  upon  the  separation  of  Tyler  from  the 
Whig  party.  He  was  soon  after  offered  a seat  in  the  Senate  by  the  Whig 
majority  of  the  Tennessee  General  Assembly,  but  he  declined  an  election 
in  favor  of  Ephraim  H.  Foster.  Fie  remained  in  retirement  until  1847, 
when  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  and  during  the  same  year  was 
chosen  to  the  United  States  Senate.  He  was  re-elected  in  1853.  Dur- 
ing liis  service  in  the  Senate  he  delivered  some  of  the  most  able  and  ex-| 
haustive  speeches  ever  listened  to  byr  that  body.  His  speech  on  the  wax 
with  Mexico  was  pronounced  by  Calhoun  the  ablest  delivered  upon  the 
subject.  I11  1860  he  was  nominated  by  the  Constitutional  Union  party! 
for  the  Presidency,  with  Edward  Everett  occupying  the  second  place  upon 
the  ticket.  They  received  the  electoral  vote  of  Virginia,  Kentucky  uni 
Tennessee.  When  secession  was  proposed  as  the  result  of  the  election 
of  Lincoln  to  the  Presidency,  Mr.  Bell  threw  his  whole  influence  for  the  I 
preservation  of  the  Union,  but  after  the  call  for  troops  by  President  Lin- 
coln he  took  strong  grounds  for  secession.  He  assumed  the  position 
that  no  ordinance  of  any  kind  was  necessary  to  sever  the  connection  oi 
the  State  with  the  Federal  Government,  and  that  the  Legislature  was 
alone  competent  to  declare  the  Union  dissolved  and  Tennessee  an  inde-j 
pendent  sovereignty^ : During  the  war  he  took  no  active  part  in  either 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


735 


olitical  or  military  affairs.  After  its  close  lie  was  engaged  in  business 
util  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Cumberland  Iron  Works  September 
|S,  1869. 

In  December,  1818,  Mr.  Bell  was  married  to  Miss  Sally  Dickinson,  a 
aughter  of  David  Dickinson,  of  Rutherford,  and  a granddaughter  of 
Sol.  Hardy  Murfree,  of  Revolutionary  distinction.  She  was  a woman  of 
‘finement  and  superior  education.  During  her  youth  she  attended  one 
: the  famous  educational  institutions  of  the  Carolinas,  making  the  jour- 
py  from  her  home,  a distance  of  about  406  miles,  on  horseback.  Among 
ir  schoolmates  was  Mrs.  James  K.  Polk,  who  probably  accomplished 
e journey  in  the  same  manner.  Mrs.  Bell  died  leaving  four  children, 
ho  yet  survive.  Mr.  Bell  was  married  a second  time,  about  1835,  to 
'rs.  Jane  Yeatman,  a daughter  of  Mr.  Ervin,  of  Bedford  County,  who 
irvivedher  husband  until  1876.  She  was  an  accomplished  lady  of  re- 
arkable  intellectual  vigor,  of  fascinating  powers  of  conversation  and 
assessing  an  energy  of  character  quite  phenomenal.  For  more  than  a 
garter  of  a century  she  was  a conspicuous  and  charming  member  of 
asliington  society.  She  left  two  daughters,  both  of  whom  reside  in 
riladelphia.  The  home  life  of  Mr.  Bell  was  of  the  most  pleasing  cliar- 
;ter.  Whatever  were  the  cares  of  the  day,  all  were  banished  when  he 

< tered  the  sacred  precincts  of  home.  There  his  hours  were  passed  in 
1 e kindly  and  sympathetic  interchange  of  conversation  upon  domestic 
i pics  and  the  news  of  the  day,  varied  at  times  with  instructive  discus- 

ms  upon  more  important  themes.  There  was  no  affectation  of  supe- 
]‘or  wisdom;  no  claim  made  or  even  suggested  for  deference  to  him  or 
Is  opinions.  He  was  natural  and  simple  as  a child,  and  affectionate  as 
woman.  A pure,  chaste  man,  no  scandal  ever  smirched  his  reputation, 
ite  in  life  he  became  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  while 
siding  in  Georgia,  during  the  civil  war,  he  spent  much  time  in  reading 
ie  Bible. 

As  a statesman  it  is  doubtful  if  Tennessee  has  produced  another  man 
s equal.  “He  resembled  Halifax,  as  described  by  Macauley,  as  one  who 
ways  saw  passing  events,  not  in  the  point  of  view  in  which  they  commonly 

< pear  to  one  who  bears  a part  in  them,  but  in  the  point  of  view  in  which 
4er  tkedapse  of  many  years  they  appear  to  the  philosophic  historian.” 
lis  love  and  devotion  to  his  native  State  was  one  of  his  leading  traits, 

■ d he  loved  to  be  called  “John  Bell  of  Tennessee,”  sometimes  using  the 
j,.rase  himself  in  his  popular  addresses. 

Cave  Johnson  was  one  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  Ten- 
'ssee.  He  was  the  second  son  of  Thomas  and  Mary  (Noel)  Johnson, 
id  was  born  January  11,  1793.  Thomas  Johnson’s  father  was  Henry 


736 


HISTOBY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Johnson,  who  removed  from  Pennsylvania  to  North  Carolina  during  tli 
war  of  the  Revolution,  in  which  he  served  as  a private  soldier.  Arrh 
ing  in  North  Carolina  he  settled  near  Salisbury  where  he  resided  unt: 
1796,  when  he  removed  to  Robertson  County,  Tenn.,  and  located  two  an 
a half  miles  east  of  Springfield.  Some  time  afterward  he  moved  tine 
miles  south  of  Springfield  to  Karr’s  Creek,  where  he  died  in  1815.  H 
married  Miss  Rachel  Holman,  who  died  about  the  same  time  as  her  Inn 
band.  They  were  the  parents  of  nine  children:  William,  Thomas 
Henry,  Isaac,  Joseph,  Jacob  V.,  Rebecca,  Mary  and  Rachel.  Thoma 
Johnson  was  born  July  4,  1766,  and  settled  in  Robertson  County  i: 
1789  as  a surveyor.  The  nest  year  he  was  married  to  Mary  Noel,  a 
Craig’s  Station,  Ky.,  and  took  her  to  Robertson  County  in  1790.  Cav 
Johnson,  their  second  son,  was  named  after  Rev.  Richard  Cave,  a Baptis 
minister  in  Kentucky,  who  is  believed  to  have  been  a brother  of  Mr 
Thomas  Johnson’s  mother.  Their  other  children  were  Cave,  who  die 
in  infancy  in  1791;  Henry  Minor,  born  in  1795;  Taylor  Noel,  born  i 
1797 ; Nancy,  born  in  1799 ; Willie  Blount,  born  in  1801,  and  Joseph  Noe' 
born  in  1803.  Cave  Johnson  was  born  three  miles  east  of  Springfiek 
January  11,  1793.  He  was  sent  to  the  academy  about  two  miles  ea^ 
of  Nashville,  then  under  the  control  of  George  Martin.  In  1807  he  wa 
sent  to  Mount  Pleasant  Academy  on  Station  Camp  Creek,  in  Sumne 
County,  then  under  the  control  of  John  Hall,  where  he  remained  a yeai 
when  he  was  sent  to  Cumberland  College,  now  the  University  of  Nasi 
ville.  Here  he  remained  until  the  troops  of  the  State  were  called  f 
Mississippi  in  1811.  With  his  college  mates  he  formed  a volunteer  con 
pany  of  which  he  was  elected  captain,  and  whose  services  he  tendered  I 
Gen.  Jackson,  to  accompany  him  to  Mississippi.  The  General  decline 
their  services  on  account  of  their  youth  and  advised  them  to  contind 
their  studies,  which  from  necessity  they  did,  though  not  without  dee 
mortification  on  their  part  and  severe  denunciation  of  Gen.  Jackson  on  tl 
part  of  some  of  them.  In  the  summer  of  1812  he  commenced  the  stud; 
of  law  with  William  M.  Cooke,  a profound  lawyer,  a most  estimable  gei 
tleman  and  then  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court.  He  continue1 
with  Mr.  Cooke  until  the  fall  of  1813,  when  his  father’s  brigade  w| 
called  upon  to  join  Gen.  Jackson  in  the  Creek  Nation.  He  accompanif 
his  father  in  the  capacity  of  deputy  brigade  quartermaster  during  tl 
campaigns  of  1813  and  1814,  and  in  May,  1814,  returned  home,  the  I 
dians  having  been  subdued  and  peace  restored.  He  continued  his  stud 
of  the  law  with  P.  W.  Humphreys,  on  Yellow  Creek,  and  toward  the  Is 
ter  part  of  the  year  obtained  his  license  to  practice  law,  and  connnenc 
the  practice  full  of  hope  and  confident  of  success. 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


737 


He  was  at  that  time  strongly  impressed  with  the  belief  that  his  first 
uty  was  to  get  him  a wife,  fully  satisfied  that  his  success  in  his  chosen 
rofession  would  enable  him  to  support  a family.  He  therefore  paid  his 
Idresses  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Dortch,  who  was  then  in  her  fifteenth  year, 
'ad  was  by  her,  as  he  says,  “very  properly  rejected.”  By  this  rejection 
e was  deeply  mortified  and  caused  to  resolve  that  he  would  never  ad- 
ress  another  lady.  He  then  devoted  himself  to  his  profession.  In  the 
J1  of  1817,  he  was  elected  attorney-general  by  the  Legislature  sitting  at 
noxville  upon  the  nomination  of  W.  G.  Conrad,  but  without  any  effort 
: his  own.  From  this  time  he  devoted  himself  with  great  assiduity  to 
is  profession  until  1828  when  he  was  elected  to  Congress,  succeeding 
r.  J.  Marable,  who  had  been  the  member  for  some  years.  He  was  re- 
acted to  Congress  without  opposition  in  1831.  In  1833  he  was  again 
ie  candidate  and  was  elected  over  both  his  competitors,  Gen.  Richard 
heatham  and  Dr.  John  H.  Marable,  notwithstanding  strenuous  efforts 
jsre  made  for  his  defeat.  In  1835  he  was  again  elected  over  William 
. Turner  by  a very  large  majority.  In  1837  he  was  defeated  by  Gen. 
heatham  by  a majority  of  ninety  votes..  After  this  defeat  he  resumed 
e practice  of  the  law,  and  beginning  to  think  seriously  of  the  folly  of 
s youthful  resolution  against  matrimony.  Miss  Elizabeth  Dortch  had 
arried  a Mr.  Brunson  in  1817,  and  in  1826  became  a widow  with  three 
ildren.  Mr.  Johnson’s  early  attachment  for  this  lady  revived  and  they 
ere  married  February  20,  1838.  The  election  of  August,  1839,  resulted 
returning  Mr.  Johnson  to  Congress  by  a majority  of  1,496.  In  1841 
7 was  again  elected  to  Congress  without  opposition.  In  1843  he  was 
iposed  by  but  elected  over  G.  A.  Henry  by  nearly  300  votes.  In  1844 
ones  K.  Polk  was  elected  President  of  the  United  States,  and  at  the 
ose  of  Mr.  Johnson’s  term  in  Congress  invited  him  to  take  charge  of 
e Postoffice  Department,  which  he  did  and  served  as  Postmaster-General 
ur  years.  Soon  after  this  Mrs.  Johnson  died  of  cancer  in  the  breast, 
oring  the  canvass  prior  to  the  elections  of  1853,  Judge  Mortimer  A. 
artin,  of  the  circuit  court  died,  and  Mr.  Johnson  was  appointed  judge 
jf o tern.,  and  served  until  Judge  Pepper  was  selected  to  fill  the  vacancy, 
ir.  Johnson  was  then  appointed  president  of  the  Bank  of  Tennessee,  en- 
ked  upon  the  duties  of  that  office  in  January,  1854,  and  served  six 
jars.  In  January,  1860,  he  removed  from  Nashville  to  his  home  and 
linained  there  most  of  the  summer.  On  the  8tli  of  June,  1860,  he  was 
^pointed  by  President  Buchanan  commissioner  on  the  part  of  the  United 
fates  under  the  convention  with  Paraguay  for  the  adjustment  of  the 
dims  of  the  United  States  and  Paraguay  Navigation  Company.  On  this 
unmission  he  was  engaged  nearly  three  months. 


738 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Iii  1861,  when  the  question  of  secession  first  came  up  to  be  acted 
upon,  Mr.  Johnson  urged  the  people  to  stand  by  the  Union.  During  the 
war  he  remained  quietly  at  his  home  taking  no  part  in  the  troubles  be- 
tween the  two  sections  of  the  country,  except  to  express  his  opinions  on 
public  men  and  public  measures,  his  opinions,  however,  after  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  war,  being  uniformly  in  favor  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 
In  1865  he  was  required  to  give  reasons  why  he  should  not  be  sent  within 
the  Confederate  lines,  which  reasons  being  satisfactory  to  Gen.  Thomas 
he  was  allowed  to  remain  quietly  at  his  home.  On  the  19tli  of  An  gust, 
1865,  he  was  pardoned  by  Andrew  Johnson,  President  of  the  United 
States.  In  the  spring  of  1866  he  was  elected  by  the  counties  of  Robert- 
son, Montgomery  and  Stewart  their  senator  in  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  State,  but  by  that  body  refused  admission  as  such  senator.  Sis 
death  occurred  November  23,  1866.  By  his  marriage  with  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Brunson  he  had  three  children:  Hickman  Johnson,  T.  D.  Johnson, 
and  Polk  G.  Johnson,  all  of  whom  served  the  Confederacy  in  the  great 
civil  war. 

James  Knox  Polk  was  born  in  Mecklenburg  County,  N.  C.,  Novem- 
ber 2,  1795.  He  was  the  eldest  of  a family  of  ten  children — six  sons  and 
four  daughters — born  to  the  marriage  of  Samuel  Polk  and  Jane  Knee 
His  paternal  ancestors  were  emigrants  from  Ireland  in  the  early  part  oi 
the  eighteenth  century.  They  settled  upon  the  eastern  shores  of  Mary- 
land. The  branch  from  which  James  K.  descended  removed  first  tc 
Pennsylvania,  and  about  1735  to  North  Carolina.  There  his  great-uncle 
Col.  Thomas  Polk,  and  his  grandfather,  Ezekiel  Polk,  took  a prominent 
part  in  the  convention  which  adopted  the  Mecklenburg  Declaration  b 
1775.  In  1806  Samuel  Polk  with  his  family  immigrated  to  Maui1} 
County,  and  was  soon  after  followed  by  nearly  all  of  the  Polk  family 
He  located  up  on  Duck  River,  where  he  obtained  possession  of  a largi 
body  of  land,  which  gradually  increasing  in  value,  made  him  one  of  tin 
wealthiest  men  of  the  county. 

His  wife  was  a superior  woman  of  fine  practical  sense,  who  trainee 
her  children  to  habits  of  punctuality  and  industry,  and  inspired  in  then 
a love  of  morality.  Young  James  early  evinced  a great  desire  am 
capacity  for  learning,  and  having  secured  the  elements  of  an  educatioi 
at  home  and  in  the  neighborhood  school,  in  1813  entered  the  Murfrees 
boro  Academy,  from  which,  in  1815,  he  entered  the  sophomore  class  c 
the  University  of  North  Carolina,  at  Chapel  Hill.  From  this  institution 
after  three  more  years  of  diligent  application,  he  graduated  with  th 
highest  honors.  He  then  entered  upon  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  c 
Felix  Grundy,  of  Nashville,  with  whom  he  remained  until  he  had  com 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


739 


ileted  his  legal  education.  After  his  admittance  to  the  bar  he  returned 
|o  Columbia  and  opened  an  office ; as  he  was  thoroughly  equipped  for 
lie  profession  and  well  prepared  to  meet  all  of  its  responsibilities,  it  was 
,ut  a short  time  until  he  was  recognized  as  a leader  both  at  the  bar  and 
n the  stump. 

In  1823  he  was  chosen  to  represent  his  county  in  the  lower  house  of 
he  General  Assembly,  and  in  the  fall  of  1825,  after  a vigorous  cam- 
,aign,  was  elected  a member  of  Congress.  During  the  next  four  years 
e was  an  active  opponent  of  the  measures  proposed  by  President 
idams.  He  had  long  been  a close  friend  of  Gen.  Jackson,  and  when 
he  latter  was  elected  President  he  became  the  leader  of  the  administra- 
ve  party.  He  opposed  the  Federal  system  of  internal  improvements, 
he  rechartering  of  the  United  States  Bank  and  the  protective  tariff  law. 
ndeed,  he  was  in  such  perfect  accord  with  Jackson  and  carried  out  his 
Ians  so  faithfully  that  he  was  accused  of  being  servilely  dependent  upon 
re  President.  While  such  a charge  was  entirely  without  foundation,  it 
3 not  improbable  that  his  relations  with  Gen.  Jackson  had  much  influ  - 
nee  upon  his  career.  He  continued  in  Congress  for  fourteen  consecu- 
ive  years,  during  the  last  four  years  of  which  he  filled  the  speaker’s 
hair.  He  withdrew  March  4,  1839,  and  soon  after  began  a vigorous 
ampaign  for  the  office  of  governor.  He  was  elected,  but  before  he  had 
ompleted  his  first  term  the  great  Whig  victory  was  gained,  and  at  the 
ext  two  gubernatorial  elections  he  was  defeated.  In  1844  the  annexa- 
on  of  Texas  Avas  the  most  important  question  before  the  public,  and  Mr. 
'oik’s  position,  as  an  advocate  of  the  measure,  had  much  to  do  with  his 
omination  for  the  presidency  in  that  year.  After  a campaign,  based 
lainly  upon  that  question,  he  was  chosen  over  Henry  Clay  by  a majority 
f sixty-five  electoral  votes.  Before  his  inauguration  the  great  ques- 
on  of  annexation  had  been  settled,  but  the  difficulty  Avith  Mexico  was 
lereby  begun,  and  the  greater  part  of  his  administration  Avas  occupied 
i considering  questions  connected  with  the  war  Avitli  that  country. 
Hher  important  measures  of  his  term  of  office  were  the  admission  of 
wa  and  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  the  passage  of  the  low  tariff  law 
E 1846,  the  establishment  of  the  department  of  the  interior,  and  the 
ittlement  of  the  northwestern  boundary  question.  Having  retired  from 
ie  presidency  in  March,  1849,  he  returned  to  Nashville,  Avhere  he  had 
reviously  purchased  the  property  since  knoAvn  as  Polk  Place.  There 
is  death  occurred  June  15,  1849. 

Mr.  Polk  Avas  not  a man  of  great  brilliancy  of  intellect,  and  possessed 
ttle  imagination,  yet  he  was  lively  and  sociable  in  his  disposition,  and 
ad  the  rare  power  of  communicating  his  own  enthusiasm  to  those  Avith 


740 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


whom  lie  came  in  contact.  He  was  well  versed  in  human  nature,  ant 
possessed  a memory  of  remarkable  retentiveness ; while  he  did  not  pos- 
sess the  force  of  character  of  Jackson,  the  rugged  native  ability  o 
Andrew  Johnson,  nor  the  far-seeing  statesmanship  of  John  Bell,  he  was 
distinguished  for  shrewdness,  quickness  of  perception,  firmness  of  pur 
pose  and  untiring  energy. 

In  his  selection  of  a companion  for  life  he  was  peculiarly  fortunate 
In  January,  1824,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Childress,  a daughter  of  Capt 
Joel  Childress,  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  She  was  only  fifteen  years 
of  age  at  that  time,  a lady  of  rare  beauty  and  culture.  She  accompanist 
her  husband  to  Washington  when  he  entered  Congress  in  1825,  and  was 
with  him,  with  the  exception  of  one  winter,  during  his  entire  eighteen 
years’  residence  in  that  city.  Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Polk  she  Las 
resided  at  Polk  Place,  but  has  seldom  appeared  in  society. 

William  Gannaway  Brownlow  was  the  eldest  son  of  Joseph  A.  Brown- 
low,  who  was  born  and  raised  in  Rockbridge  County,  Va.,  and  died  ir 
Sullivan  County,  Tenn.,  in  1816.  The  father  was  a man  of  good  sense  ant 
sterling  integrity,  and  served  in  a Tennessee  company  during  the  war  ol 
1812.  Two  of  his  brothers  were  at  the  battle  of  the  Horseshoe,  and  twc 
others  died  in  the  naval  service.  His  wife  was  Catharine  Gunnaway 
also  a native  of  Virginia,  who  was  left  at  her  husband’s  death  with  fiv( 
helpless  children.  She  survived,  him,  however,  less  than  three  months 

William  was  born  in  Wythe  County,  Va.,  August  29,  1805,  and  con- 
sequently was  only  about  eleven  years  of  age  when  his  parents  died.  He 
was  taken  by  his  mother’s  relatives,  by  whom  he  was  reared  to  hard  laboj 
until  he  was  eighteen  years  old,  when  he  removed  to  Abingdon,  Va.,  anc 
apprenticed  himself  to  a house  carpenter.  He  early  education  had  beei 
imperfect  and  irregular,  and  after  completing  his  apprenticeship  ht 
labored  until  he  acquired  the  means  of  again  going  to  school.  He  after- 
ward entered  the  traveling  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  trav- 
eled for  ten  years  without  intermission,  all  the  time  studying  and  improv 
ing  his  limited  education. 

In  1828  he  began  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  politics  of  Tennessee 
advocating  the  re-election  of  John  Quincy  Adams  to  the  Presidency.  H< 
seemed  to  have  a natural  love  for  controversy,  and  while  the  vigorou; 
sectarian  discussions  of  that  day  were  congenial  to  him,  he  found  a bet 
ter  field  for  his  peculiar  talents  in  politics  than  in  the  ministry  Xi 
either  position  he  was  fearless  in  the  expression  of  his  opinion,  and  ii 
1832,  while  traveling  a circuit  in  South  Carolina  in  which  John  C.  Cal 
houn  lived,  he  publicly  denounced  nullification.  In  1837  he  began  tin 
publication  of  the  Whig  at  Jonesboro,  but  in  a short  time  removed  t< 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


741 


noxville,  wliere  he  soon  secured  for  it  a very  large  circulation.  In 
343  he  became  a candidate  for  Congress  against  Andrew  Johnson,  but 
as  defeated.  In  1850  he  was  appointed  by  Fillmore  one  of  the  several 
unmissioners  to  carry  out  the  congressional  provisions  for  the  improve- 
ent  of  the  navigation  of  the  Tennessee  River. 

For  thirty  years  preceding  the  civil  war  he  participated  in  nearly 
ery  political  and  religious  controversy  which  occurred,  and  became 
iclely  known  as  the  “Fighting  Parson.”  In  1856  he  wrote  a book  en- 
ded “The  Great  Iron  Wheel  Examined  and  its  False  Spokes  Ex- 
acted,” it  being  a vindication  of  the  Methodist  Church  against  the 
lacks  of  Rev.  J.  R.  Graves,  in  a work  called  “The  Great  Iron  Wheel.” 
\vo  years  later  he  was  engaged  in  a debate  upon  the  slavery  question  in 
liiladelphia  with  Rev.  Abram  Pryne,  of  New  York,  in  which  he  de- 
eded the  institution  of  slavery  as  it  existed  in  the  South.  Although  a 
rjng  pro-slavery  man,  his  love  for  the  Union  was  intense,  and  when 
te  secession  movement  of  1860  began  he  severely  denounced  it.  Even 
rfcer  troops  began  to  pass  through  Knoxville  he  did  not  in  the  least 
Mate  his  denunciations,  and  kept  a Federal  flag  floating  over  his  house. 

October,  1861,  his  influence  had  become  so  dangerous  to  the  cause  of 
>e  Confederacy  in  East  Tennessee  that  the  publication  of  his  paper  was 
: spenefed  and  the  office  outfit  destroyed.  He  was  forced  to  leave  the 
tsvn  and  seek  safety  in  the  mountains.  After  remaining  in  seclusion 
1 r three  or  four  weeks  he  was  induced  to  return  upon  the  promise  of 
te  Confederate  authorities,  that  he  should  be  sent  within  the  Union 
he.  This  promise  was  violated,  however,  and  on  December  6,  upon  a 
arrant  issued  by  J.  C.  Ramsay,  Confederate  States  District  Attorney, 
1 was  arrested  and  placed  in  jail  where  he  remained  until  January  1, 
uen  he  became  seriously  ill.  On  the  order  of  his  physician  he  was 
ien  moved  to  his  home,  where  he  remained  under  a strong  guard  until 
arch  2.  He  was  then  sent  with  an  escort  to  Nashville,  then  in  posses- 
on  of  the  Federal  forces.  After  remaining  a short  time  he  went  on  a 
fir  through  the  Northern  States,  visiting  several  of  the  large  cities  and 
fivering  addresses  to  large  audiences.  In  April,  1862,  his  wife  and 
iuily  were  also  sent  out  of  the  Confederacy,  and  remained  in  the  North 
i til  after  the  occupation  of  East  Tennessee  by  Gen.  Burnside  in  the  fall 
1 1863.  Mr.  Brownlow  then  returned  to  Knoxville,  and  in  November 
j that  year  resumed  the  publication  of  his  paper.  On  March  4,  1865, 

' was  elected  governor,  and  in  August,  1867,  re-elected,  defeating  Em- 
< son  Etheridge.  Before  the  expiration  of  his  second  term  he  was  elected 
i a seat  in  the  United  States  Senate,  in  which  body  he  served  from 
arch  4,  1869,  to  March  3,  1875.  During  the  greater  part  of  that  time 


742 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


he  was  a confirmed  invalid,  and  liad  to  be  carried  to  and  from  his  seat  h 
the  Senate  chamber.  At  the  close  of  his  term,  he  returned  to  Knoxvill 
where  after  an  illness  of  only  a few  hours  he  died  April  29,  1877. 

Gov.  Brownlow  was  a unique  character.  He  can  be  compared  witl 
no  other  man.  He  was  made  up  of  antagonistic  qualities,  yet  no  one  wa 
ever  more  consistent  in  his  course  of  action.  In  his  political  animositie: 
and  religious  controversies  he  was  bitter  and  unrelenting.  He  was  ; 
master  of  epithets  and  a reservoir  of  sarcasm.  In  his  choice  of  a won 
he  cared  nothing  except  that  it  should  reach  its  mark,  and  it  rarely  failed 
In  private  life  to  his  friends  and  neighbors  he  was  ever  polite,  kind  an< 
charitable.  A friend  said  of  him:  “The  heart  of  the  fearless  politician 
who  in  excitement  hurled  the  thunderbolts  of  burning  invective  at  Li 
antagonists,  and  was  willing  even  in  his  zeal  temporarily  to  lay  aside  hi 
religious  creed  and  enforce  arguments  with  something  stronger  tin, 
words,  could  bleed  in  the  presence  of  a child’s  grief.  Nothing  in  Li 
career  seemed  to  alienate  him  fi’orn  the  affections  of  his  neighbors  am 
friends.  They  overlooked  and  forgave  the  faults  springing  from  hi 
impetuous  nature,  for  they  knew  something  of  the  heart  which  Lea 
within.” 

Shadrack  Forrest,  the  great-grandfather  of  Gen.  Forrest,  was  c 
English  extraction,  and  moved  from  West  Virginia,  about  1730,  f 
Orange  County,  N.  C.  Nathan  Forrest,  grandfather  of  N.  B.  Forres 
left  North  Carolina  about  1806,  and  settled  with  his  large  family  for 
time  in  Sumner  County,  but  soon  after  moved  to  Bedford  County.  Natlia 
Forrest  married  a Miss  Baugh,  a lady  of  Irish  descent.  The  eldest  so 
of  this  marriage  was  William  Forrest,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  th; 
sketch.  William  Forrest  married  Mariam  Beck  in  1800.  Mr.  and  Mr: 
Forrest  were  the  parents  of  seven  sons  and  three  daughters.  The  youni 
est  son,  J.  Forrest,  was  born  after  the  death  of  the  father.  In  183 
William  Forrest  moved  with  his  family  to  near  Salem,  Tippah  County,  i 
the  northern  part  of  Mississippi.  This  country  had  been  recently  opene 
to  immigrants  by  a treaty  with  the  Chickasaw  Indians.  Here  Wiiliai 
Forrest  died  in  1837,  and  left  N.  B.  the  care  of  his  widowed  mother  an 
her  large  family  of  little  children.  By  that  diligence  and  energy  th: 
characterized  his  whole  life  he  soon  succeeded  in  placing  the  family  aboy 
want.  His  opportunities  for  an  education  were  very  limited,  barely  co 
ering  the  rudiments  of  the  elementary  branches.  In  1840  he  lost  two  ■ 
his  brothers  and  his  sisters  of  disease,  and  came  near  dying  himself.  1 
1841  he  joined  Capt.  Wallace  Wilson’s  company  to  go  to  Texas  to  assi 
in  the  cause  of  freedom  there.  The  expedition  was  badly  managed,  ai 
the  majority  of  the  men  returned  from  New  Orleans.  A few  of  the  mu 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


743 


>er,  however,  went  on  to  Austin  to  find  no  employment  and  that  their 
ervices  were  not  needed.  He  returned  home  to  pass  through  a very 
evere  spell  of  sickness. 

In  1842  he  engaged  in  business  with  his  uncle  at  Hernando,  Miss, 
le  became  engaged  in  an  affray  with  three  brothers,  Maleck,  for  espous- 
nc  the  cause  of  his  uncle.  He  alone  fought  and  defeated  them,  but  his 
incle  was  killed.  J.  K.  Moore,  a lawyer,  was  killed  while  riding  in 
ompany  with  Gen.  Forrest  by  a desperado  named  Dyson.  Forrest’s  life 
(ras  threatened,  but  his  courage  and  revolver  saved  him.  September  25, 
825,  Gen.  Forrest  married  Mary  Ann  Montgomery,  a distant  relative  of 
dm  who  fell  at  Quebec  in  1775.  In  1849  he  met  with  financial  reverses 
n Hernando,  but  instead  of  despairing  he  only  redoubled  his  exertions, 
le  came  near  losing  his  life  in  1852  in  the  explosion  of  the  steam-boat 
•Farmer”  within  a few  miles  of  Galveston.  In  1852  he  moved  to  Mem- 
ihis  and  began  dealing  in  real  estate ; he  also  dealt  largely  in  slaves, 
le  was  elected  alderman  of  the  city  in  1857,  and  re-elected  in  1859.  By 
! 859  he  had  accumulated  a good  fortune,  and  in  1861  he  had  several  large 
dantations,  and  raised  his  1,000  bales  of  cotton.  On  the  outbreak  of  the  war 
e volunteered  as  a private  in  Capt.  J.  S.  White’s  company,  on  June  14, 1861. 
n July  Forrest  was  ‘asked  by  Gov.  Harris  and  Gen.  Polk  to  recriut  a 
egiment  for  the  cavalry  service.  This  he  proceeded  at  once  to  do.  On 
uly  20  he  went  to  Louisville,  where  he  procured  a partial  outfit  foi- 
ls men,  consisting  of  500  Colt’s  revolvers,  100  saddles  and  other  sup- 
lies.  The  regiment  was  organized  at  Memphis,  in  October,  1861,  by 
lecting  N.  B.  Forrest,  lieutenant-colonel;  D.  C.  Kelley,  major;  C.  A. 
ichuyler,  adjutant;  Dr.  S.  M.  Van  Wick,  surgeon,  and  J.  P.  Strong, 
ergeant-major.  The  regiment  consisted  in  the  aggregate  of  650  men, 
rganized  into  eight  companies.  The  first  fighting  done  by  Col.  Forrest 
/as  in  Kentucky.  His  men  attacked  and  defeated  the  gun-boat  “Cones- 
oga”  in  the  Cumberland  River,  near  Canton,  Ky.  A superior  force 
f the  enemy  was  defeated  at  Sacramento  by  a brilliant  charge.  He 
lined  the  forces  at  Fort  Donelson  on  the  12th.  He  contributed  largely 
0 what  success  there  was  connected  with  that  unfortunate  affair,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  bringing  away  his  regiment  with  little  loss.  He  displayed 
;reat  ability  here.  He  next  covered  the  retreat  from  Nashville. 

On  the  6th  and  7th  of  April  he  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh. 
Forrest,  who  was  now  colonel,  contributed  as  much  to  the  success  of  that 
>attle  as  any  other  man.  His  regiment  was  the  last  to  leave  the  field, 
n a charge  near  the  close  of  that  engagement  he  was  wounded.  From 
fittsburg  Landing  to  Corinth  the  regiment  was  engaged  almost  daily. 
Arrest  made  a brilliant  dash  and  captured  Murfreesboro,  with  a garrison 


744 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


equal  to  liis  whole  force.  He  captured  pickets  around  Nashville  and 
took  part  in  the  campaign  in  Kentucky.  He  made  a raid  through  West 
Tennessee,  and  returned  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River. 
He  was  almost  daily  engaged  in  skirmishing  in  Middle  and  East  Ten- 
nesse  till  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20,  1863.  He 
was  next  sent  to  the  Army  of  Northern  Mississippi.  He  then  entered 
West  Tennessee  with  a few  men,  and  in  a short  time  had  increased  his 
force  to  about  3,500.  Engagements  were  fought  at  Somerville,  Tenn.,  De- 
cember 20;  at  Colliersville,  December  27;  at  West  Point,  Miss.,  Febru- 
ary, 1864;  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  March  25;  at  Fort  Pillow,  April  12;  at  Bol- 
ivar, May  2;  at  Tishomingo  Greek,  June  10;  at  Harrisburg,  Miss.,  July 
14;  at  Town  Creek,  July  15;  at  Oxford,  Miss.,  in  the  early  part  of 
August;  at  Memphis,  August  21,  and  in  the  raid  through  Middle  Ten- 
nessee and  the  capture  of  Athens,  Ala.  In  Hood’s  advance  into  Ten- 
nessee Forrest  joined  him  at  Florence,  Ala.  From  the  time  of  crossing 
the  Tennessee  to  the  recrossing  of  that  stream  in  that  disastrous  cam- 
paign his  men  were  in  thirteen  engagements.  Had  Forrest’s  advice  been 
followed  at  Franklin,  November  30,  the  fruits  of  that  victory  would  have 
been  attained  without  its  terrible  cost. 

To  his  skill  in  covering  the  retreat,  and  advice  in  its  management 
was  the  army  saved  from  greater  rout.  After  the  retreat  of  Hood  from 
Tennessee  Forrest  was  engaged  at  Centerville,  Ala.,  March  31,  1865,  and 
at  Ebenezer  Church  April  1.  His  forces  were  engaged  in  the  defense  of 
Selma,  as  a cover  for  Mobile.  April  2 closed  his  military  career,  ou  the 
fall  of  Selma.  Few  men  ever  made  so  brilliant  a military  record  iu  so 
short  a time.  Without  book  knowledge  he  made  a study  of  men,  and 
took  in  the  military  situation  of  the  country  at  a glance.  His  dash,  un- 
tiring energy,  industry  and  power  of  endurance  were  remarkable.  He 
had  the  happy  faculty  of  inspiring  his  men  with  confidence  in  himself  us 
a leader.  He  seemed  to  grasp  the  most  minute  details  of  an  army  and 
its  wants,  and  had  a wonderful  fertility  of  resource.  He  seldom  if  ever 
blundered,  and  never  failed  to  extricate  his  men  from  the  most  perilous 
positions.  It  might  be  questioned  whether  Forrest  could  have  succeeded 
so  well  with  a large  body  of  men,  or  in  other  words  whether  he  had  the 
capacity  for  maneuvering  large  bodies.  To  this  it  may  be  answered  that 
he  made  no  mistakes,  whether  commanding  a battalion  of  a few  hundred 
or  a division  of  5,000  men.  His  quick  fiery  temper  suited  him  for  a 
cavalry  leader  rather  than  for  the  leader  of  the  more  sluggish  infantry 
columns.  Had  all  other  commanders  been  as  successful  as  was  txen. 
Forrest  the  result  would  have  been  very  different.  He  was  made  a briga- 
dier-general in  1862,  a major-general  in  1863  and  a lieutenant-general 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


i 4:0 

jarly  in  1865.  He  laid  aside  his  arms  as  quickly  and  quietly  as  he  had 
aken  them  up.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  his  home,  accepted 
he  situation,  and  did  his  best  to  heal  the  wounds  left  by  the  war.  Before 
lis  death  he  became  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
n which  faith  he  died. 

Andrew  Johnson,  the  seventeenth  President  of  the  United  States, 
vas  born  in  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  December  29,  1808.  His  father,  Jacob 
Tohnson,  who  died  in  1812,  was  city  constable,  sexton  of  a church  and 
Sorter  of  the  State  bank.  Extreme  poverty  prevented  Andrew  from  re- 
viving any  education,  and  at  the  age  of  ten  he  was  apprenticed  to  Mr. 
Selby,  a tailor.  In  1824,  a short  time  before  the  expiration  of  his  ap- 
nenticeship,  having  committed  some  little  misdemeanor,  he  ran  away 
nd  went  to  Laurens  Court  House,  S.  C.  He  obtained  work  as  a journey- 
nan  and  remained  there  until  May,  1826,  -when  he  returned  to  Ealeigh. 
luring  the  following  September,  accompanied  by  his  mother,  he  came  to 
Tennessee  and  located  at  Greeneville,  where  in  a short  time  he  married. 

Up  to  this  time  his  education  was  limited  to  reading,  but  under  his 
Ivife’s  tuition  he  learned  to  write  and  cipher.  In  1828,  taking  an  interest 
n politics,  he  organized  a workingmen’s  party  in  opposition  to  the  aris- 
ocratic  element,  which  had  before  controlled  the  town  of  Greeneville. 
le  was  elected  alderman,  and  two  years  later  was  made  mayor.  During 
his  time  a village  debating  society  was  formed,  and  he  took  a prominent 
>art  in  its  discussions,  manifesting  much  of  the  ability  which  he  after- 
ward displayed.  In  1835  he  offered  himself  as  a candidate  for  a seat  in 
he  lower  house  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  after  a vigorous  canvass 
was  elected.  During  the  following  session  his  opposition  to  the  internal 
'improvement  bill  temporarily  lost  him  his  popularity,  and  at  the  next 
lection  he  was  defeated.  Succeeding  events,  however,  proved  his  views 

0 have  been  correct,  and  in  1839  he  was  returned  to  the  Legislature, 
from  this  time  forth  he  was  almost  continuously  in  public  life.  He  was 
n elector  for  the  State  at  large  on  the  Yan  Buren  ticket  in  1840,  and  in 
841  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate.  Two  years  later  1m  took  his  seat 
a Congress  as  representative  from  the  First  District  of  Tennessee,  a 
'osition  which  he  continued  to  hold  by  re-election  for  ten  years.  During 
his  time  he  advocated  the  annexation  of  Texas,  the  war  with  Mexico  and 
he  tariff  of  1846. 

In  1853  he  was  elected  governor  of  Tennessee  over  G.  A.  Henry,  the 
Vkig  candidate,  and  again  in  1855  over  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  after  one 

1 the  most  exciting  campaigns  ever  witnessed.  In  December,  1857,  he 
ook  his  seat  in  the  United  States  Senate,  to  which  he  had  been  elected 
>y  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee.  He  soon  distinguished  himself  as  the 


740 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


advocate  of  tlie  homestead  law,  which  was  vetoed  by  President  Buchanan 
Although  he  usually  voted  with  the  Southern  members  on  the  slaver) 
question,  he  was  not  strongly  in  sympathy  with  them.  In  the  canvass  of 
1860  he  supported  Breckinridge  and  Lane,  but  when  secession  was  openly 
proposed  lie  opposed  it  with  all  of  his  ability.  This  caused  many  of  his 
former  adherents  to  denounce  him  as  a traitor  to  his  State  and  party,  and 
in  almost  every  city  in  the  State  he  was  burned  in  effigy.  March  4,  1862 
he  was  nominated  military  governor  of  Tennessee  by  President  Lincoln, 
and  on  the  12tli  of  the  same  month  he  arrived  in  Nashville.  He  con- 
tinued as  military  governor  until  March,  1865,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  William  G.  Brownlow. 

On  June  7,  1864,  the  Republican  Convention  at  Baltimore  nominated 
him  for  the  vice-presidency,  and  on  the  4th  of  the  March  following  he 
was  inaugurated.  Upon  the  assassination  of  President  Lincoln  he  im- 
mediately took  the  oath  of  office  and  entered  upon  his  duties  as  Presi- 
dent. From  his  public  utterances  it  had  been  inferred  that  he  would 
treat  the  Southern  leaders  with  great  severity,  but  his  course  was  quite 
the  reverse,  and  then  began  the  difficulty  between  himself  and  Congress 
which  ended  in  his  impeachment  trial.  After  a long  contest  he  was 
finally  acquitted,  on  a vote  of  thirty-five  for  conviction  to  nineteen  for 
acquittal. 

At  the  Democratic  Convention  of  1868  he  was  a candidate  for  nomi- 
nation for  the  Presidency,  but  received  little  support.  In  March,  1869. 
he  returned  to  his  home  at  Greeneville,  Tenn.,  and  the  nest  year  be- 
came a candidate  for  the  United  States  Senate.  He  lacked  two  votes  of 
an  election.  In  1872  he  was  a candidate  for  congressman  at  large,  but 
dividing  the  vote  of  his  party  with  B.  F.  Cheatham  was  defeated  by 
Horace  Maynard.  In  January,  1875,  he  was  elected  to  the  United  Stater 
Senate  for  the  full  term  of  six  years,  and  at  the  extra  session  in  March,  of 
that  year,  took  his  seat.  He  died  suddenly  of  paralysis  on  July  31, 1875, 
at  the  residence  of  his  daughter  in  Carter  County,  Tenn.  Mr.  John- 
son was  essentially  combative  in  his  temperament,  and  was  rather  im- 
patient of  opposition.  That  he  had  the  courage  of  his  convictions  is 
evident  from  his  course  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  when  for  a South- 
ern Democrat  to  champion  the  cause  of  the  Union  was  to  sacrifice  both 
friends  and  reputation.  He  cannot  be  said  to  have  enjoyed,  to  any 
great  degree,  the  personal  good-will  and  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens, 
but  he  never  failed  to  inspire  their  confidence  and  respect.  He  possessed 
no  personal  magnetism,  wit  nor  brilliancy,  and  his  countenance  usually 
wore  an  expression  bordering  on  sadness. 

The  following  by  one  of  his  colleagues  in  Congress  is  a fitting  tribute 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


747 


> liis  character:  “If  I were  to  write  the  epitaph  of  Andrew  Johnson,  I 

ould  inscribe  on  the  stone  which  shall  mark  his  last  resting  place, 
Here  lies  the  man  who  was  in  the  public  service  for  forty  years,  who 
3Ver  tried  to  deceive  his  countrymen,  and  died  as  he  lived,  an  honest 
an — ‘the  noblest  work  of  God.1  ” 

Gen.  Felix  Kirk  Zollicoffer  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  May  17, 
312,  and  was  the  son  of  John  J.  and  Martha  (Kirk)  Zollicoffer.  The 
ther  was  a native  of  North  Carolina.  He  was  descended  from  an  il- 
jstrious  Swiss  family,  which  included  several  of  the  most  distinguished 
ilitary  men,  divines  and  scholars  of  that  nation.  Several  centuries  ago 
ree  Zollicoffer  brothers  were  granted  a patent  of  nobility  on  account  of 
istine'uished  service  rendered  to  the  Government,  and  from  them  de- 
: ended  the  Zollicoffers  of  Switzerland  and  of  America.  The  latter  branch 
1 the  family  immigrated  to  this  country  probably  near  the  close  of  the 
fiventeenth  century. 

Gen.  Zollicoffer,  after  having  received  such  an  education  as  the 
i bools  of  his  native  county  afforded,  learned  the  printer’s  trade,  and  at 
e age  of  seventeen,  in  company  with  two  other  young  men,  began  the 
[Plication  of  a paper  at  Paris,  Tenn.  Their  enterprise  proving  a fail- 
i e young  Zollicoffer  went  to  Knoxville,  where  he  found  employment  and 
i oiained  until  1834,  when  he  removed  to  Huntsville,  Ala.  He  was  em- 
pyed  at  that  place  in  the  office  of  the  Southern  Mercury  for  a short 
ae,  after  which  he  returned  to  Maury  County  and  located  at  Columbia, 
fpng  charge  of  the  Observer.  On  September  24,  1835,  he  was  united 
i marriage  with  Louisa  P.  Gordon,  of  Hickman  County,  a daughter  of 
3 brave  Indian  scout,  Col.  John  Gordon.  The  next  year  he  volunteered 
f a soldier,  and  served  with  the  Tennessee  troops  during  the  Seminole  war. 

1 the  early  part  of  1837  he  returned  and  resumed  his  connection  with  the 
(Si server,  of  which  he  continued  the  editor  until  after  the  campaign  of 
1 40,  strongly  opposing  the  election  of  Mr.  Yan  Buren.  As  editor  of 
te  Nashville  Banner , he  entered  upon  his  duties  January  3,  1842,  and  at 
1 ce  made  a decided  impression.  During  the  gubernatorial  campaign  of 
fe  following  year  he  contributed  much  to  the  election  of  James  C.  Jones 
cer  James  K.  Polk.  For  some  time  he  had  been  a sufferer  from  an 
apurism  of  the  aorta,  that  daily  threatened  his  life,  and  after  the  elec- 
n he  retired  from  the  editorial  chair.  On  the  1st  of  November  follow- 
i|  he  was  elected  by  the  Legislature  comptroller  of  the  State,  a position 
continued  to  hold  by  re-election  until  1849.  In  August  of  that  year 
was  chosen  to  represent  Davidson  County  in  the  State  Senate,  and 
"irng  the  session  made  himself  one  of  the  leaders  of  that  body. 

In  January,  1851,  he  again  connected  himself  with  the  Banner. 


748 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


He  succeeded  in  inducing  Gen.  ‘William  B.  Campbell  to  accept  the 
nomination  for  governor,  and  the  brilliant  victory  which  was  secured 
was  due  more  largely  to  his  efforts  than  to  those  of  any  other  man.  The 
result  of  this  canvass  added  greatly  to  the  influence  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer. 

The  nest 'year  occurred  the  contest  for  the  Presidency  between  Gens. 
Scott  and  Pierce.  Gen.  Zollicoffer  had  favored  the  nomination  of  Mil- 
lard Fillmore,  and  attended  the  National  Convention  at  Baltimore  to 
advocate  it,  but  when  Gen.  Scott  was  chosen  as  the  leader  of  the  Whigs 
he  supported  him  with  his  accustomed  vigor  and  ability,  and,  although 
the  candidate  was  decidedly  unpopular  with  the  Whig  party,  Tennessee 
was  brought  to  his  support. 

On  April  20,  1853,  having  received  the  Whig  nomination  for  Con- 
gress in  his  district,  he  severed,  for  the  last  time,  his  connection  with  the 
press.  He  was  elected  after  a brilliant  canvass  and  served  for  three  suc- 
cessive terms.  He  then  voluntarily  retired  to  private  life.  During  the 
early  part  of  1801  Gen.  Zollicoffer  did  all  in  his  power  to  prevent  the 
dissolution  of  the  Union,  and  was  a member  of  the  Peace  Conference  at 
Washington,  but  after  the  call  for  troops  by  President  Lincoln  he  es- 
poused the  cause  of  the  South  and  advocated  secession.  Upon  the  organ- 
ization of  the  State  military  Go.v.  Harris  called  him  to  his  aid,  and  com- 
missioned him  brigadier -general.  He  was  placed  in  command  of  the  forces 
in  East  Tennessee,  where,  during  the  fall  of  1861,  he  gathered  an  army  of 
about  4,000  men  and  took  part  at  Cumberland  Ford.  Opposed  to  him 
were  about  double  that  number  of  troops  under  Gen.  Thomas.  On  Jan- 
uary 19,  1862,  deceived  as  to  the  strength  and  position  of  the  enemy  he 
unfortunately  ordered  an  attack,  and  during  the  engagement  was  killed. 
Various  accounts  of  the  death  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer  have  been  published, 
but  the  most  authentic  is  about  as  follows : 

Gen.  Zollicoffer  while  inspecting  his  lines  found  himself  between  a 
Mississippi  regiment  and  the  Fourth  Kentucky  Federal  Begiment  under 
Col.  Fry,  who  was  about  to  lead  them  in  a charge  upon  the  Confederate 
lines.  Gen.  Zollicoffer  thinking  the  latter  regiment  a part  of  his  own 
command,  accompanied  by  his  aid,  rode  up  to  Col.  Fry  and  said.  Won 
are  not  going  to  fight  your  friends,  are  you?  These  men”  (pointing  to 
the  Mississippi  regiment),  “are  all  your  friends.”  In  the  meantime 
Zollicoffer’s  aid,  perceiving  their  mistake,  fired  at  Col.  Fry,  killing  hnj 
horse.  Col.  Fry  sprang  to  his  feet  and  fired  at  Gen.  Zollicoffer,  Killing 
him  instantly.  The  troops  thus  deprived  of  their  trusted  leader  retreatet: 
in  confusion.  Gen.  Zollicoffer  left  a family  of  sis  daughters,  five  oi 
whom  are  still  living;:  Mrs.  Zollicoffer  died  in  1857. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


749 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


A SUPERFICIAL  view  of  the  county  would  present  the  picture  of  a section  of  a river 
\ valley,  running  almost  due  east  and  west,  with  the  dip  to  the  west,  and  fringed  to 
toe  north  and  south  by  smaller  valleys  which  furrow  the  sides  of  irregular  ranges  of  knobs 
,nd  hills  which  lie  along  the  northern  and  southern  boundaries.  To  the  west  these  hills 
roaden  out  into  the  uplands  known  as  the  “Barrens,”  forming  a part  of  the  Highland 
;im.  The  bed  of  this  valley  is  occupied  by  Duck  River,  which  flows  through  the  whole 
'xtent  of  the  county,  dividing  it  almost  equally.  The  river  drains  the  entire  county,  as 
11  the  other  streams  flow  into  it.  The  river  is  not  navigable  through  the  whole  extent  of 
le  county.  The  river  was  much  used  formerly  for  flat-boats  and  barges.  It  is  still  much 
sed  in  floating  out  rafts  during  high  water.  The  great  value  of  Duck  River  is  in  its  ex- 
-llent  water-power,  which  drives  the  numerous  grist  and  saw-mills  that  line  its  banks, 
he  county  is  well  drained.  In  several  creeks  in  the  western  part  of  the  county  are  some 
•autiful  waterfalls.  On  the  northwest  and  south  the  rim  which  borders  the  county  is 
ashed  by  narrow  and  beautiful  valleys  of  extreme  richness;  the  remaining  portion  of  the 
iunty  is  of  a gently  rolling  surface,  stretching  out  toward  the  west  and  south  of  the  river 
to  almost  a plain-like  smoothness. 

Except  the  small  portion  around  the  northern,  western  and  southern  edges,  invaded 
j the  Highland  Rim,  the  entire  county  is  of  limestone  formation.  It  is  by  no  means  of 
iie  uniform  variety,  nor  is  the  soil  the  same  over  the  county.  The  soil  generally  is  dark 
id  friable,  and  exceedingly  rich.  The  subsoil  is  generally  a stiff,  dark-colored  clay, 
hich  weathers  rapidly  into  a rich  soil.  But  the  characteristic  of  the  county  is  the  cedar 
nber,  which  abounds  in  some  places  so  thickly  as  to  exclude  all  undergrowth  and  to  shut 
it  every  ray  of  the  sun  as  effectually  as  the  darkest  clouds  of  winter.  In  “the  cedars’’ 
!e  rock  comes  to  the  surface.  The  soil  is  admirably  suited  to  wheat  and  grasses,  and 
ach  trees  do  finely  in  it. 

The  original  settlers  in  Zion  Church  neighborhood  came  from  Williamsburg  District, 
C.  They  came  in  a kind  of  colony,  led  by  Squire  John  Dickey,  who  brought  about 
enty  families  with  him.  A portion  of  these  arrived  in  1807,  and  others  in  1808.  Five 
ousand  acres  of  land  were  purchased  of  the  Gen.  Greene  Survey,  at  $3  per  acre.  Around 
is  as  a nucleus  clustered  the  little  colony.  Among  the  settlers  were  Squire  Dickey,  Moses 
rierson,  James  Blakeley,  William  Frierson,  Eli  Frierson,  James  Armstrong,  Thomas 
ephenson,  Nathaniel  Stephenson,  “Old  Davy”  Mathews,  Samuel  Witherspoon,  John 
ephenson,  James  Frierson,  P.  Fulton,  Alexander  Dobbins,  Moses  Freeman,  the  Flem- 
ings and  Mayes.  Mr.  J.  S.  Mayes,  who  is  four  score  and  ten,  and  still  vigorous,  lives  in 
e Mount  Zion  neighborhood,  and  was  one  of  the  original  settlers,  and  has  a very  distinct 
collection  of  the  first  settlement.  Like  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  the  first  thing  they  did  on 
eir  arrival  was  the  erection  of  a church.  A place  wTas  selected,  as  near  as  could  be  judged, 
i the  center  of  the  purchase  for  the  church  site,  which  proved  almost  the  exact  mathe- 
itical  center.  Here  was  erected  a rude  log  church  some  time  in  1807,  which  is  supposed 
1 have  been  the  first  church  erected  in  Maury  County.  Near  the  church  was  laid  out  a 
lave -yard  in  which  the  body  of  Robert  Frierson  was  consigned  in  August,  1808,  the  first 
i that  vicinity.  In  this  rude  church,  in  the  midst  of  the  canebrakes  and  shades  of  the 
l est,  the  little  band  of  pioneers  met  regularly  every  week  to  hear  sermons  by  the  Rev. 
muel  Frierson  or  William  Frierson,  who  poured  forth  the  truths  of  the  gospel  with 
astolic  zeal  and  simplicity.  In  a short  time  the  Rev.  James  N.  Stephenson,  who  had 
An  pastor  of  the  church  in  South  Carolina,  became  the  pastor  at  Mount  Zion.  The  old 
1'  church  stood  till  1814  or  1815,  and  was  replaced  by  a brick  church  of  peculiar  shape. 

47 


750 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


It  was  arranged  with  the  pulpit  at  the  side  with  the  main  part  of  the  building  arranged  for 
the  whites,  and  a kind  of  transept  at  the  end  for  the  colored  people.  The  old  brick  house 
stood  till  1831,  when  a small  body  of  ground  was  purchased  near  the  old  house  and  anew 
building  erected.  This  house  still  stands,  although  it  has  several  times  been  repaired  and 
improved.  The  people  of  the  Zion  neighborhood  were  largely  members  of  the  Mount 
Zion  Church,  and  being  an  intelligent  class  of  people  have  always  maintained  a talented 
ministry.  After  the  retirement  of  Dr.  Stephenson,  before  mentioned,  the  Rev.  James  M. 
Smell  was  called  to  the  pulpit,  who  remained  till  1850;  the  next  was  the  Rev.  Daniel  G. 
Doak,  who  remained  till  1853,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  A.  A.  Doak.  Rev.  Doak 
remained  but  a short  time,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  T.  Hendrick,  whose  death  oc- 
curred in  1860.  Rev.  Hendricks  was  succeeded  in  1860  by  Dr.  Mack,  of  Columbia,  who 
served  the  church  till  1863,  and  then  gave  place  to  Rev.  C.  Foster  Williams,  who  still 
preaches  occasionally.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  W.  Mitchell,  who  still  serves  the 
church. 

Inseparably  connected  with; the  settlement  of  Mount’iZion  neighborhood  were  the  schools 
of  that  section.  The  old  church  was  used  for  a schoolhouse.  Parson  Henderson  started 
a Latin  school  there  at  an  early  day.  Many  of  the  young  men  of  the  neighborhood 
attended  his  school.  Among  them  was  J.  M.  S.  Mayes,  who  has  distinct  recollections  of 
the  boyhood  days  of  President  James  K.  Polk,  who  also  was  one  of  his  pupils.  Among 
the  teachers  who  have  taught  at  or  near  Mount  Zion  are  Elias  J.  Armstrong,  Alexander 
Dobbins  Park,  White  McCollough,  T.  A.  Flemming,  Dr.  Thomas  J.  Kennedy,  Simeon  Smith, 
James  A.  Frierson,  L.  Oatman,  J.  B.  Frierson,  Stephenson,  J.  W.  Logan,  D.  R.  Arnell, 
Prof.  J.  S.  Beecher,  A.  W.  Mayes  and  James  Creighton.  Many  eminent  physicians  have 
also  lived  in  that  neighborhood,  the  most  noted  of  whom  are  mentioned  elsewhere. 
Among  them  may  be  mentioned  Drs.  Samuel  Mayes,  D.  N.  Sansom,  J.  C.  O’Reiley,  E.  M. 
Ford,  J.  W.  S.  Frierson,  J.  N.  Brown,  C.  G.  R.  Nichols,  William  Armstrong,  and  Theo- 
odore  Frierson,  now  of  Columbia.  Moses  Frierson  built  a small  water-mill  on  Lick  Creek 
in  the  same  neighborhood.  This  was  the  first  mill  in  the  vicinity  for  some  time.  Before 
this  each  family  ground  their  grain  on  hand-mills  kept  by  every  family. 

Not  far  from  Zion  is  the  Polk  settlement.  The  first  settler  in  this  place  was  William 
Dever,  a bachelor,  and  a maiden  sister.  They  settled  in  this  vicinity  in  1807,  and  were 
the  first  settlers  between  Columbia  and  Mount  Pleasant.  They  settled  on  a 5,000-acre  tract 
that  was  given  by  North  Carolina  as  a military  grant.  This  fell  to  Col.  William  Polk  by 
purchase.  The  Devers,  by  parsimonious  habits,  accumulated  considerable  means.  Col 
Polk,  who  was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  divided  this  estate  among  the  following  four  sons. 
Bishop  Leonidas  Polk,  Lucius  J.,  George  N.  and  Rufus  K.  Polk.  The  other  two  sons  re- 
ceived estates  elsewhere.  This  was  known  as  the  “ Polk  neighborhood.”  The  most  of! 
this  talented  family  are  now  gone.  Not  far  from  this  is  what  was  the  former  house  of| 
Gen.  Gideon  J.  Pillow.  Hard  by  is  the  old  church,  St.  John’s  Episcopal,  ivy  grown  with 
age.  This  church  is  a brick  building,  and  was  erected  in  1841.  Here  Leonidas  Polk  uid 
his  first  preaching,  and  by  his  vigor  and  talent  rose  to  the  rank  of  bishop.  He  was  weli 
known  as  a minister,  lecturer  and  educator.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  held  a lieutenam 
generalship  in  the  Confederate  Army.  He  was  killed  by  a cannon  ball  at  Kenesaw  Moan ; 
tain,  Georgia,  during  the  Atlanta  campaign,  in  the  summer  of  1864.  Ashwood  Cemetery 
is  the  Polk  family  burying  ground.  Here  are  buried  all  of  the  family  who  have  died  in 
that  vicinity,  the  first  having  been  Rufus  K.  Polk.  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Otey  here  has  a rest- 
ing place.  Here,  too,  were  consigned  the  bodies  of  Gens.  Cleburne,  Granberry,  Gbi- ; an< 
Shahl,  who  were  killed  at  Franklin  November  30,  1864. 

The  early  settlers  on  Knob  Creek  were  the  Sellers,  Hanks,  McLeans,  Williamses 
Gwynns,  Badgetts  and  Partees.  At  a later  date  came  the  Goodwins,  Yestals,  Powells 
Neeleys,  Coopers  and  Hudspeths.  Perhaps  no  list  of  families  has  been  perpetuated  non 
fully  than  these.  The  first  horse-mill  on  Knoll  Creek  was  built  by  John  Gwynu,  tin 
first  water-mill  by  the  Partees.  The  first  ministers  were  Thomas  Hanks,  Elijah  Hank 
and  Mr.  Dodson.  Through  the  influence  of  these  men  Hanks’  church  was  built.  Thi 


/ 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


751 


,vas  what  was  known  as  an  “Old or  Hardshell  Baptist  Church.”  A schism  occurred,  and 
i division  headed  by  Elijah  Hanks  joined  the  Missionary  Baptists.  Elder  Hanks  was 
recognized  as  a leading  spirit  in  building  up  the  missionary  cause  in  the  county.  Near 
he  mouth  of  Greene’s  Lick  is  Hunter’s  ford,  an  old  and  favorite  crossing  place  for  the 
ndians  and  early  settlers. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Leiper  Creek  were  the  Hamiltons,  Crawfords,  Oakleys,  Neathering- 
ons,  Edgars,  Mayes,  McCallums,  Wrens  and  Lyons.  On  the  farm  formerly  owned  by 
daj.  John  Brown,  is  a sulphur  spring  that  was  resorted  to  for  a time  as  a health  spring. 

■lear  the  same  place  Mr.  Goodrich  made  a boring  of  900  feet  in  depth  for  oil,  but  without 
uccess.  In  the  vicinity  of  Bear  Creek  lived  Gen.  Isaac  Roberts,  well  known  in  the  coun- 
y’s  history  and  development.  Also  Daniel  Evans,  Joseph  Hernden,  James  M.  Lewis  and 
)r.  James  C.  O’Reiley,  who  is  mentioned  in  the  article  on  physicians.  The  Gordon  fam- 
ly,  also  the  Crawfords,  settled  in  the  same  vicinity. 

Maury  County  was  named  in  honor  of  Maj.  Shaw  Maury,  of  Williamson  County,  who 
^presented  Williamson  County  in  the  lower  house  of  the  General  Assembly  in  1823-24, 
nd  again  in  1842-43.  He  also  saw  military  service  under  Gen.  Jackson  in  1812  and  was 
onnected  with  one  of  the  best  families  of  the  county.  The  act  creating  the  county  passed 
he  General  Assembly  November  16,  1807,  and  was  entitled  “An  act  to  reduce  Williamson 
bounty  to  its  constitutional  limits.”  Section  2 reads:  “Beginning  at  the  above  described 
ioint,  it  being  the  southwest  corner  of  Williamson  County;  thence  south  to  the  Columbia 
oad;  thence  with  said  road  as  it  meanders  to  a point  where  the  Indian  boundary  line 
saves  the  same;  thence  with  said  line  to  the  dividing  ridge  that  divides  the  waters  of 
)uck  River  from  the  Elk;  thence  with  said  ridge  to  a point  thirteen  miles  and  fifty-six 
bains  and  a half  east  of  the  line  of  the  congressional  reservation  hitherto  run  and  marked; 
hence  north  to  the  Williamson  County  line;  thence  with  said  line,  to  the  place  of  begin- 
ing,  to  be  called  Maury  County.”  The  survey  was  made  by  Henry  Rutherford  in  the 
all  of  1807,  by  order  of  Peter  R.  Booker,  Gideon  Pillow,  John  B.  Porter  and  John  Lind- 
ey.  These  boundaries  embraced  a much  larger  area  than  now  belongs  to  Maury  County, 
t originally  embraced  parts  or  all  of  Lewis,  Lawrence,  Giles,  Marshall  and  Bedford 
bounties;  as  it  is  now  limited  it  contains  386,309  acres.  Section  11,  of  the  act  above 
uoted,  declared  Maury  County  to  be  a part  of  the  Mero  District,  with  as  full  and  ample 
owers  as  other  parts  of  said  district.  Another  section  of  the  same  act  appointed  James 
lideon  to  run  the  line  between  Maury  and  Williamson.  He  was  allowed  $2  per  day  for 
is  services  and  was  empowered  to  employ  two  chain  carriers,  the  expenses  of  the  above 
amed  work  to  be  borne  equally  by  Maury  and  Williamson  Counties. 

As  is  well  known,  the  statutes  require  the  division  of  the  counties  into  districts  accord- 
ig  to  the  number  of  population,  twenty-five  being  the  maximum  number.  Under  the  first 
onstitution,  this  division  was  not  made  on  the  population  alone  but  upon  the  number 
elonging  to  the  various  militia  companies;  these  of  course  to  some  extent  represented  the 
umber  of  population.  Tax  listers  were  chosen  or  elected,  not  for  a certain  district  but 
>r  a certain  captain’s  company.  The  growth  of  population  caused  an  increase  in  the  num- 
sr  of  companies.  These  were  changed  every  two  years.  The  first  available,  and  possi- 
ly  the  first  division  made,  wTas  in  1809,  the  following  being  the  heads  of  companies: 
apt.  William  Polk,  Cap*!.  Sellars,  Capt.  Whitson,  Capt.  Scott,  Capts.  James  Isom,  John 
ioorehead,  Moses  Smith,  Eli  Frierson,  James  Rutledge,  George  W.  McGahey,  William 
aniels,  IsaacBills,  Thomas  Shannon,  and  Adongah  Edwards;  fourteen  companies  or  dis- 
icts.  In  1811  the  following  were  the  captains  of  companies:  Capts.  Scott.  Whitson, 
ooker,  Polk,  Boyer,  Davis,  Kirkpatrick,  Fitzpatrick,  Daniels,  Reynolds,  Bills,  Rutledge, 
cGahey,  Jones,  Smith,  Gurley,  Isom  and  Moorehead — seventeen  in  all.  In  1813  there  . 
ere  Capts.  Looney,  Gholson,  Faruey,  Reading,  Hurt,  May,  Osburn,  McIntyre,  Young, 
irk,  Summers,  St ockard,  Watkins,  Kilpatrick,  Campbell,  Chisholm,  Me  Niell,  McLean, 
itchell,  Hanks,  McCarkin  and  Dickson.  In  1819  the  number  of  divisions  had  increased 
> twenty-six,  viz;  Capts.  Cockburn,  Gholson,  McNutt,  Ewing,  Dooley,  Wilkes,  An- 
:eas,  Cathel,  Allen,  Hanna,  Crawford,  McCarty,  Kiley,  Short,  Torn,  Campbell.  Bavirey, 


752 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Middleton,  Powell,  Polk,  Hamlett,  Seargrove,  Mills,  Cheairs,  Gamon  and  Slierrod  Just 
before  the  new  constitution  went  into  operation  there  were  military  districts  of  Capt.  F. 
S.  Alderson  of  the  Columbia  Company  and  Capts.  Kerr,  Woods,  Gill,  Edwards,  Worth- 
man,  Kennedy,  Chaffin,  King,  Martin,  Steele,  Garrit,  Tollman,  Dearens,  Dyer,  Foster 
and  Mitchell  of  the  Ninety-third  Regiment.  The  Mount  Pleasant  Company  of  Capt. 

B.  Boyd'and  Capts.  McKee,  Cockrill,  Oaks,  Grimes,  Craig,  McMakin,  Baxter,  Graham,  Fri- 
erson, Stringham  and  Sites  of  the  Fifty-first;  and  Capts.  Sparkman,  Harbison,  Cathey, 
Mitchell,  Smith,  Black,  Oliphant,  Kerford,  Brown,  Ledbetter,  Jarrit,  Laird  and  Crawford  of 
the  Forty-sixth  Regiment.  Under  the  new  constitution  these  divisions  came  to  be  known 
by  the  ordinal  numbers.  Various  changes  have  been  made  in  the  county  boundaries  since 
the  organization  and  much  more  numerous  changes  in  the  civil  districts.  In  February,  1853, 
Nathan  B.  Akin,  Robert  M.  Cooper,  James  Farris,  Alfred  P.  Buckner,  C.  Y.  Hudson,  were 
appointed  commissioners  to  lay  off  that  part  of  Lewis  County  which  had  been  attached  to 
Maury  into  districts.  These  districts  at  that  time  were  Nos.  11,  12  and  13.  The  numbei 
of  districts  as  now  limited  is  twenty-five. 

Private  houses  were  used  as  court  houses  till  1810;  the  place  of  meeting  was  at  Col 
Joseph  Brown’s.  The  session  of  1808  was  opened  December  21,  in  Columbia.  The  build- 
ing used  was  a small  log  shanty  which  stood  on  the  east  side  of  the  Square  about  where 
East  Market  Street  enters  the  Square.  The  act  of  1807  required  of  the  commissioners  of 
Columbia  that  they  should  contract  for  the  building  of  a court  house,  prisons  and  stocks. 
They  were  to  use  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  lots  not  otherwise  appropriated.  In 
case  there  was  not  sufficient  money  they  were  empowered  with  authority  to  levy  a tax  ol 
12|  cents  on  each  white  poll,  25  cents  on  each  black  poll,  25  cents  on  each  town  lot,  $5  on 
each  merchant  and  peddler  or  banker,  to  be  collected  by  the  collector  of  public  taxes.  The 
first  building  was  built  of  brick,  within  the  square,  and  was  completed  in  1810. 

The  above  building  stood  till  1845,  after  having  been  repaired  and  improved  many 
times.  At  the  April  term  of  1844  a majority  of  the  justices  decided  to  build  a new  conn 
house,  provided  the  same  could  be  built  at  a cost  not  exceeding  $15,000,  provided  said  sum 
should  be  taken  in  the  claims  for  taxes  then  held  by  Nimrod  Porter.  A committee  Consist- 
ing of  J.  B.  White,  James  Brown,  Parke  Street,  Thomas  Worthams  and  E.  C.  Frierson  was 
appointed  for  making  a contract  for  the  erection  of  a house.  The  contract  was  closed  with 
Nimrod  Porter  for  $15,000,  $9,100  were  already  held  by  him  in  tax  receipts,  and  the  re- 
mainder was  to  be  in  money.  A bond  was  executed  in  the  amount  of  $30,000  by  Nimrod 
Porter,  B.  W.  Porter,  Hugh  Bradshaw,  George  Lipscomb,  G.  W.  Gordon,  W.  H.  Pillow 
and  Joseph  Brown.  By  this  contract  the  county  was  enabled  to  secure  $9,100  of  doubtful 
value.  The  house  now  standing  was  built  according  to  the  plans  and  specifications  of  this 
contract.  The  house  was  to  be  87x49  feet  and  two  stories  high.  After  the  house  was  well 
under  way  it  was  concluded  best  to  build  an  additional  story.  This  was  accordingly  or- 
dered at  an  additional  cost  of  $4,000,  making  the  total  cost  $19,000.  The  old  house  was 
sold  to  J.  L.  Smith  for  $10,  who  was  allowed  one  and  two  years  time.  Smith  failed  to 
meet  his  obligation,  and  it  was  accordingly  resold.  While  the  new  court  house  was  in 
course  of  construction,  court  met  in  the  old  market-house.  The  court  house  thus  erect’d 
is  still  doing  service,  but  will  doubtless  soon  be  replaced  by  one  more  in  accordance  with 
the  wealth  and  taste  of  the  people  of  the  county.  The  first  jail  was  erected  by  the  com- 
missioners of  Columbia,  who  were  empowered  with  authority  to  build  a jail.  This  was 
erected  about  1810,  and  was  of  brick,  and  stood  near  the  second  jail  site.  It  was  afterward 
changed  to  a family  residence. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  the  citizens  of  Maury  were  granted  authority  to 
build  a new  jail.  At  the  February  term  of  court  in  1837  James  R,  Plummer,  Joseph  Hern- 
don, Tazwell  S.  Alderson,  Patrick  McGuire  and  A.  Zillner  were  made  a committee  for  ike 
erection  of  a new  jail.  Lot  46  of  the  original  plan  of  Columbia  was  purchased  for  $1  20n 
as  a jail  site.  A special  levy  of  taxes  was  laid  for  the  purpose  of  raising  $3,000  for  jail 
purposes,  but  the  cost  greatly  exceeded  that  amount.  The  work  was  completed  in  1838. 
The  allowances  for  the  jail  at  the  January  term  of  1839  will  indicate  the  cost.  There  were 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


753 


illowed  to  Walter  & Benner,  $2,385.26;  to  Thomas  W.  Ament,  $2,832.34;  to  William  Hors- 
ey, $1,399.07;  to  T.  W.  Ament,  a claim  for  foundation  for  $929.50.  This  jail  served  till 
1883,  when  steps  were  taken  for  building  a new  one.  At  the  October  term  of  court  a com- 
nittee  was  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  the  proposed  building.  In  January  the 
Committee  organized  by  electing  W.  0.  Gordon,  chairman,  and  Robert  M.  McKay,  secre- 
ary.  The  committee  purchased  the  “Thompson  property”  for  $500,  and  exchanged  it  for 
he  lot  at  the  head  of  Embargo,  fronting  Sixth  Street;  they  also  bargained  for  a lot  adjoin- 
ng  with  Z.  R.  Gillespie  for  $710.  The  committee  were  instructed  to  advertise  for  plans 
md  specifications,  the  cost  not  to  exceed  $22,500.  The  committee  did  its  work,  and  the 
ontract  was  let  to  McDonald  & Bro.,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  whose  bid  was  considered  the 
nost  favorable  among  six  competitors.  The  fine  three-story  jail  and  residence  is  the  re- 
,ult  of  this  contract.  Warrants  on  the  county  were  sold  to  the  amount  of  $22,500,  and 
ashed  by  the  First  National  Bank  of  Columbia  for  94  cents  on  the  dollar. 

A common  mode  of  punishment  in  former  days  was  by  placing  prisoners  in  the  stocks, 
fhese  were  erected  by  the  town  commissioners  about  1808.  They  were  erected  on  the 
Square,  and  consisted  of  timbers  cut  with  a groove,  so  as  to  clamp  around  the  wrist  and 
nkles.  Thus  confined  the  prisoner  was  so  placed  that  he  could  move  neither  hand  nor 
oot.  Not  unfrequently  the  prisoner  fainted  from  stagnation  of  the  blood,  caused  by 
he  pressure  of  the  clamps.  Previous  to  1830  the  poor  of  the  county  were  farmed  out  to 
he  lowest  responsible  bidder.  In  that  year  twelve  and  a half  acres  of  land  were  purchased 
or  the  purpose  of  establishing  a permanent  poor  farm.  In  October,  1841,  an  additional 
hirty  acres  were  purchased  from  Dr.  Smith  for  $400,  since  which  time  the  poor  farm  has 
ecome  one  of  the  fixed  institutions  of  the  county. 

The  first  turnpike  chartered  in  Maury  County  was  in  1831.  It  was  called  the  Franklin 
i Columbia  Turnpike;  a new  charter  was  granted  October  22,  1833.  This  road,  how- 
ver,  was  not  built  till  many  years  after  this.  The  road  is  now  known  as  the  Columbia  & 
anta  Fe  Pike,  and  is  an  excellent  road  of  eleven  miles  in  length.  The  Columbia  & Haw- 
asture  Turnpike  was  chartered  by  William  E.  Kennedy  and  others  January  23,  1850, 
nd  five  miles  of  the  road  were  built  in  1856-57.  The  road  was  rechartered  May  23,  1856, 
nd  the  road  extended  to  twelve  miles  in  length.  The  Columbia  Central,  i.  e.  the  Maury 
Antral,  was  also  chartered  in  1856.  The  charter  was  granted  to  Granville  A.  Pillow,  pres- 
lent,  and  William  Gallaway,  E.  C.  Frierson  and  John  M.  Francis.  The  company  had 
le  privilege  of  erecting  toll-gates  every  five  miles.  The  road  is  now  twelve  miles  long, 
'he  Columbia  & Mount  Pleasant  Pike  is  sixteen  miles  long,  and  runs  through  the  finest 
ortion  of  the  county,  if  not  of  the  State.  The  Columbia  & Little  Bigby  is  a good  road, 
nd  is  ten  miles  in  length.  It  received  its  charter  in  1880.  The  Carter’s  Creek  Turnpike 
ras  chartered  in  1880,  and  an  extension  granted  in  April,  1883.  There  are  also  the  Colum- 
ia  & Pulaski  Pike  of  five  miles,  and  the  Columbia  & Sawell  Mill  Pike,  of  five  miles  in 
mgth.  The  charter  to  the  Columbia  & Culleoka  Turnpike  Company  was  granted  to  J. 

..  Akin,  A.  F.  Brown,  W.  J.  Moore,  J.  J.  Flemming,  J.  E.  Gordon  and  James  T.  Akin 
November  11,  1879.  On  September  8,  1883,  the  Culleoka  & Mooresville  Pike  was  char- 
ged by  R.  A.  Walker,  W.  K.  Stephens,  J.  A.  Coffey,  O.  N.  Fry  and  W.  A.  Bryant.  Maury 
ounty  now  has  about  100  miles  of  pike. 

The  first  steps  taken  to  build  a railroad  through  Maury  County  were  some  time  between 
MO  and  1850,  when  a charter  was  obtained  for  what  was  called  the  “ Columbia  & Tennes- 
:e  River  Railroad.”  The  road  was  surveyed  and  estimates  made  and  stocktaken,  but 
a resurvey  it  was  found  that  the  estimates  were  far  from  correct,  and  the  enterprise 
died.  In  1852  a charter  was  obtained  for  the  Central  Southern  Railroad,  and  soon 
fter  for  the  Tennessee  & Alabama  Road.  In  October,  1855,  the  county  voted  $200,000 
ock  in  the  last  named  road,  and  in  November  of  the  same  year  $140,000  was  voted  in 
le  foimer  road.  A charter  was  also  obtained  for  a road  from  Nashville  to  Mount  Pleas- 
at.  This  was  afterward  changed  to  Columbia.  The  road  was  completed  in  1859,  and  was 
died  the  Nashville  & Decatur  Road.  A branch  road  of  eleven  miles  in  length  was  soon 
her  built  to  Mount  Pleasant  through  some  very  fine  country.  The  branch  was  torn  up 


754 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


during  the  war,  and  the  iron  taken  for  other  roads  by  the  Federals.  Within  the  last  decade 
this  road  has  been  rebuilt  and  put  in  good  condition,  and  a narrow  gua'ge  road  built  from 
Columbia  to  Fayetteville.  In  April,  1866,  the  Tennessee  & Alabama  Southern  Road  ob- 
tained control  of  the  Nashville  & Decatur  by  lease,  and  in  1884  the  whole  system  of  roads 
in  the  county  passed  into  the  hands  of  t-he  Louisville  & Nashville  Company.  Since  tin.) 
have  assumed  control  the  road  has  been  greatly  improved  and  its  business  extended. 

The  wealth  of  Maury  County  and  eligible  site  of  Columbia,  and  the  unsettled  question 
of  the  State  capital  led  the  people  of  this  county  not  only  to  aspire  but  to  expect  the  cap- 
ital to  be  located  at  Columbia.  While  the  General  Assembly  was  meeting  at  Murfrees- 
boro it  was  thought  that  if  good  communication  could  be  had  with  the  Tennessee  it  would 
further  the  claims  of  Columbia  for  the  State  capital.  With  this  as  one  of  the  motives  in 
view,  a company  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of  opening  a public  highway  from  Columeia 
to  Cliftou,  or  some  other  point  on  the 'Tennessee,. and  from  that  point  a steam-boat  was  to 
run  to  New  Orleans,  thus  opening  rapid  and  direct  transit  to  that  city.  The  company 
was  formed  about  1820.  Among  the  members  were  Peter  R.  Booker,  Patrick  McGuire. 
Maj.  Samuel  Polk,  David  Gillespie,  Dr.  McNiel,  James  Walker,  Edward  B.  Littlefield. 
John  Hodge,  John  T.  Moore,  Maj.  John  Brown,  William  Bradshaw7,  Joseph  B.  Porter. 
William  Frierson  and  some  others.  A steam-boat  was  built  at  Pittsburgh  and  purchased  by 
the  company  for  about  $40,000.  Edward  B.  Littlefield  being  a son-in-law7  of  Geu.  Na- 
thaniel Greene, of  Revolutionary  fame,  and  one  of  the  heaviest  stockholders  in  the  company 
the  boat  in  deference  to  him  was  called  the  “ Gen.  Greene.”  It  is  remembered  that  I.  P 
Minor  was  captain  of  the  “Gen.  Greene;’’  Lemuel  Duncan,  clerk,  and  William  J.  Dak- 
prominent  citizen  and  retired  merchant  of  Columbia,  was  assistant.  The  “Gen.  Greene’’  v 
an  unprofitable  investment,  and  it  was  afterward  sold  for  about  one- fourth  of  its  original 
cost.  The  “Gen.  Greene”  brought  neither  wealth  to  the  company  nor  the  capital  to 
Columbia.  This  was  in  the  days  when  to  be  a steam-boat  captain,  clerk  or  even  cabin  hoy 
was  a “consummation  devoutly  to  be  wished.” 

Before  the  introduction  of  the  steam-boat  the  produce  was  conveyed  to  New  Orleans 
by7  means  of  flat-boats.  These  sluggish  vessels  were  laden  with  deer  saddles,  skins,  furs, 
pork,  corn  and  other  articles  of  commerce,  and  floated  to  New  Orleans,  where  its  owner 
sold  it  with  its  cargo  and  returned  home  on  foot.  He  would  travel  through  the  cane 
brakes  of  Louisiana  and  Mississippi  till  striking  the  “Old  Natchez  Trace”;  thence  by  tins 
“ through  the  far  resounding  forest”  he  reached  home  after  a month  or  more’s  absence 
Not  infrequently,  however,  he  exchanged  his  cargo  for  coffee,  sugar,  rice,  salt  or  other 
necessaries,  and  returned  by  water  in  a keel-boat,  propelled  by  oars,  pushed  by  poles  or 
drawn  by  ropes  fastened  to  trees  in  front.  The  navigation  of  Duck  River  received  the 
attention  of  the  Legislature  at  a very  early  day.  An  act  was  passed  Novembers,  180!) 
forbidding  the  obstruction  of  the  river  for  “boats,  rafts  and  flats  at  least  twelve  feet  wide, 
and  another  passed  September  30,  1811,  forbidding  bridges  below  Shelbyville  that  wcuid 
obstruct  the  river.  By  an  act  of  November  17,  1813,  Alexander  Gray,  Garret  Lone, 
of  Hickman,  and  Robert  Ilill,  William  Cathey  and  William  Stockard,  of  Maury  County 
were  made  “commissioners  of  Duck  River  navigation  from  Gordon's  Ferry  to  the  mot  h! 
of  the  river.” 

Section  4 of  the  same  act  gave  them  power  to  call  upon  the  commissioners  ot  the  to7-'  n 
of  Columbia  for  $1,050  of  moneys  arising  from  the  sale  of  lands,  not  otherwise  appropn 
ated.  Jonathan  Webster,  Isaac  Roberts  and  Samuel  Smith  were  the  commissioners  to  ’ re- 
prove the  river  from  the  Bedford  line  to  Gordon’s  Ferry7.  On  November  9,  1815,  Thomas 
Jones,  John  Brown  and  Richard  McMahan  were  the  commissioners.  These  were  changed 
from  year  to  year  as  necessity  required.  Among  the  noted  flat-boat  men  of  Duck  River 
were  Edwin  H.  Baird,  Moses  A.  Wiley7,  Alexander  Farris,  Andrew  T.  Gray,  John  Wi 
don,  Gabe  Brown,  William  Brown,  James  D.  Freeland,  Archibald  Wray,  Powhattan  Goi 
don  and  Elijah  Reeves. 

The  increased  amount  of  produce  in  the  county  brought  about  the  necessity  for  a b( 
ter  outlet  to  the  outside  world.  To  meet  this  demand  the  Duck  River  Steam  Navigation 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


755 


Company  was  organized  and  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  January  27, 
1840,  with  an  authorized  capital  stock  of  $500,000  divided  into  shares  of  $100  each.  The  fol- 
lowing persons  were  appointed  to  open  books  in  Columbia  for  subscriptions  of  stock:  R. 
B.  Mayes,  James  Walker,  Gardner  Frierson,  H.  Langtry,  Robert  P.  Webster,  JohnB.  Ham- 
ilton and  Robert  Campbell,  Jr.  At  Centerville  there  were  B.  Gordon,  Samuel  B.  Moore, 
David  B.  Warren,  Edwin  M.  Baird  and  John  Studdart.  Books  were  to  be  opened  on  the 
first  Monday  in  March  in  1840,  and  when  $150,000  were  subscribed  the  commissioners  at 
Columbia  were  to  give  notice  that  an  election  of  directors  would  be  held  at  such  time  and 
place  as  they  deemed  proper.  An  act  passed  January  20,  1844,  by  which  William  J.  Ran- 
kin, Meredith  Helm  andRobert  Campbell  at  Columbia ;Powhattan  Gordon,  Abraham  Church 
'and  Samuel  S.  Porter  at  Williamsport,  and  Samuel  B.  Moore,  Robert  Shegoy  and  Boling 
Gordon,  at  Centerville,  were  appointed  commissioners  to  open  books  of  subscription  for  a 
joint  stock  company  with  a capital  not  to  exceed  $200,000  for  the  purpose  of  navigating 
Duck  River  with  steam-boats.  The  insufficiency  of  water  in  Duck  River  led  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Duck  River  Slack  Water  Navigation  Company.  The  company  was  incorpor- 
ated January  15,  1846,  and  the  capital  limited  to  $650,000  in  shares  of  $50  each.  The  com- 
pany was  granted  the  exclusive  privilege  for  fifty  years  after  the  passage  of  the  act,  to  nav- 
gate  Duck  River  with  steam-boats,  barges  and  keels.  The  work  was  to  be  completed  with- 
n twenty  years  else  the  charter  was  to  become  void.  The  following  persons  were  the  mem- 
bers appointed  to  open  books  for  subscriptions:  Robert  Campbell,  Jr.,  Christopher  Todd, 
R.  B.  Mayes,  James  Smizer,  Gideon  J.  Pillow,  George  W.  Gordon,  Robert  T.  Webster, 
William  F.  Rankin,  Meredith  Helm,  Abraham  Church,  Edwin  Baird,  M.  C.. Napier,  John 
Montgomery,  D.  G.  Jones,  JohnB.  Gray,  Joseph  Blackwell  and  Henry  G.  Cummings. 

A large  amount  of  stock  was  soon  subscribed  and  a civil  engineer  was  employed  who 
made  a survey  of  Duck  River  from  Columbia  to  its  mouth.  According  to  the  engineer’s 
Estimate,  fourteen  or  fifteen  locks  were  all  that  were  necessary.  It  was  afterward  found 
hat  this  estimate  was  only  about  half  the  number  required.  This  was  not  learned,  how- 
ever, until  one  lock  had  been  completed  and  that  at  about  double  its  estimated  cost.  The 
lock  completed  seemed  satisfactory  but  for  the  immense  cost.  Under  these  discouraging 
circumstances  suits  of  injunction  began  to  be  filed  against  the  further  prosecution  of  the 
work.  Before  the  formation  of  either  of  the  above  companies,  the  steam-boat,  “Madison” 
ame  up  Duck  River.  This  was  in  1839,  as  is  learned  from  an  old  file  of  the  Observer  pub- 
dshed  at  the  time. 

Before  the  establishment  of  the  county  courts,  roads  or  highways  were  opened  by  au. 
horityof  the  State  to  different  settlements  or  by  the  General  Government  for  military  pur- 
poses. Among  the  last  named  was  the  “Old  Natchez  Trace,”  called  by  the  older  settlers 
f Notchy  Trace.”  This  is  supposed  to  have  originally  been  marked  by  the  Indians  in  go- 
ing from  one  tribe  to  another  or  to  have  been  worn  by  buffalo.  The  trace,  or  the  military 
■oad  which  followed  the  trace  a portion  of  the  way,  was  cut  out  by  a detachment  of  sol- 
liers  under  command  of  Capt.  Thomas  Butler  and  Lieut.  E.  P.  Gaines,  afterward  Maj.- 
Jen.  Gaines.  This  -was  done  by  order  of  President  Jefferson  in  1801-02.  The  object 
was  to  open  easy  communication  with  Indian  nations  and  the  Spanish  settlements.  The 
:erminus  at  one  end  was  Nashville;  the  other  was  at  a point  about  twenty-five  miles 
ibove  Port  Hudson.  The  route  is  described  as  leading  from  “Nashville  by  Gen.  Harding’s 
place,  thence  through  the  Perkins  settlement,  passing  about  three  miles  east  of  Franklin, 
rossing  Duck  River  at  Gordon’s  Ferry;  thence  by  Debbin’s  stand  on  Big  Swan  Creek; 
hence  to  Grinder’s  old  stand  on  Little  Swan;  thence  by  John  McClish’s;  thence  across  the 
Tennessee  at  Colbert’s  Ferry;  thence  to  Buzzard  Roost  on  Big  Bear  Creek;  thence  crossing 
Irown’s  Swamp  to  the  Chickasaw  agency;  thence  south  a little  west  of  Jackson,  Miss.; 
hence  at  or  near  Canton  and  south  to  Line  Creek.”  This  was  the  main  thoroughfare  from 
lashville  to  the  lower  Mississippi.  A branch  of  this  road  led  into  Columbia  from  the 
jouth ; it  passed  through  the  Athenaeum  grounds.  It  was  by  this  route  that  Gen.  Jackson 
eiurnedwith  his  army  from  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  It  was  on  the  old  trace  that  Mer- 
iwether Lewis  committed  suicide.  It  was  along  the  old  route  that  Aaron  Burr  traveled 


756 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  1806  on  his  way  from  Louisiana  to  meet  Jackson  at  the  Hermitage  and  Blennerhassett 
in  his  island  home. 

The  Davis  Ford  road  was  the  principal  thoroughfare  from  Nashville  to  Huntsville. 
This  road  crossed  the  river  at  Davis’  Ford  below  the  mouth  of  Fountain  Creek  and  passed 
near  Hurricane  and  Culleoka;  thence  across  Elk  Ridge  near  Dodson’s  Gap  where  the  rail- 
road now  crosses.  This  road  took  its  name  from  a Mr.  Davis  who  lived  on  McCutchin’s 
Island  near  the  Indian  trail.  At  the  ford  Capt.  McCutchin  overtook  and  destroyed  a ma- 
rauding band  of  Indians,  and  their  bodies  were  buried  on  the  river  bank  on  the  north  side. 

The  first  bridge  across  Duck  River,  at  Columbia,  was  built  by  Edward  B.  Littlefield- 
Peter  R.  Booker  and  David  Craighead.  The  consideration  for  the  bridge  was  $15,000.  It 
was  let  August  31,  1820,  and  the  contract  called  for  a bridge  with  stone  pillars,  the  bridge  to 
be  covered,  weather-boarded,  the  boarding  to  be  painted  white  and  the  roof  red.  The  pay- 
ments were  in  installments  of  $5,000  each,  the  first  due  at  the  time  of  beginning,  the  second 
September  1,  1821,  and  the  third  September  1,  1822,  the  date  of  completion.  The  sureties 
were  Robert  Mack,  James  Walker,  John  Brown,  James  T.  Sandford  and  Nimrod  Porter 
The  bond  was  fixed  at  $30,000.  How  well  the  work  was  done  is  shown  by  the  fact  that 
the  same  pillars  still  stand,  but  the  bridge  was  burned  in  the  retreat  of  the  Confederates 
before  Buell  in  1862.  This  was  improved  and  temporarily  repaired  till  1870,  when  a contract 
was  let  to  Moore  & Vaughn  for  a new  bridge,  except  the  pillars  and  abutments.  The  new 
bridge  was  completed  within  the  first  few  days  of  1872.  Strong  efforts  are  now  being  made  to 
have  a new  iron  bridge  constructed  below  the  old  bridge.  An  effort  was  made  in  1824  to 
have  the  bridge  a toll-bridge,  but  was  defeated  January  26,  of  that  year,  by  a vote  of 
thirty-three  “against”  and  six  “for”  a toll-bridge.  In  1838  the  vote  was  again  taken,  and 
it  became  a toll-bridge,  with  rates  ranging  from  1 cent  to  50  cents.  J.  S.  Alderson,  John 
Brown  and  Joseph  Herndon  were  appointed  a committee  to  employ  a bridge-keeper,  the 
first  money  to  be  used  in  repairs  on  the  bridge.  As  a toll-bridge  it  was  soon  discontinued 

The  first  cemetery  was  laid  ojf  by  the  commissioners  of  Columbia  in  1807.  This  lies 
on  the  bank  of  Duck  River,  north  of  the  city.  This  is  known  as  “ Greenwood,”  and  is 
a beautiful  resting  place  after  “life’s  fitful  fever.”  It  contains  the  remains  of  many  of  the 
early  settlers.  “Rose  Hill”  Cemetery  was  chartered  in  1854  by  John  B.  Hamilton,  John 
Baird,  W.  J.  Dale.  Thomas  J.  Kelly,  Nathan  Vaught  and  James  Andrews.  Many  dis- 
tinguished dead  sleep  on  Rose  Hill,  among  them  Judge  Dillahunty  and  Gen.  John  C.  Car- 
ter, who  fell  at  Franklin.  A large  number  of  Federal  soldiers  were  buried  here,  but  they 
have  been  removed  to  Nashville  and  Murfreesboro,  or  other  places,  and  interred  in 
national  cemeteries.  Over  100  Confederate  dead  are  buried  in  “Rose  Hill”  Cemetery.  In 
honor  of  these  heroes  is  erected  a beautiful  monument,  which  is  surmounted  by  a full-sized 
soldier,  who  looks  with  pathos  and  with  downcast  eye  upon  his  fallen  comrades. 

The  physicians  of  1808*  were  Dr.  Samuel  Mayes,  who  was  born  in  Carlisle,  Penn.,  in 
1759,  graduated  from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  and  settled  in  South  Carolina.  He 
moved  to  this  county  in  1808,  where  he  died  in  1841.  He  saw  service  in  the  Revolutionary 
war.  Dr.  L.  B.  Estes,  well  known  in  the  early  history  of  the  county,  was  born  in  Virginia 
in  1774,  graduated  from  the  University  of  Virginia,  and  came  to  Maury  County  in  1808 
where  he  died  in  November,  1814.  Dr.  James  O’Reiley  was  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland,  in 
1776,  graduated  at  the  university  of  the  same,  married  in  North  Carolina  in  1805,  and  came 
to  Maury  County  in  1809.  He  was  noted  for  his  boldness  and  originality  both  in  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  and  surgery.  He  was  well  known  to  the  business  world.  He  died  in 
1850.  Dr.  G.  T.  Greenfield  was  born  in  Virginia,  graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennsyl 
vania  and  came  to  Maury  County  in  1812.  He  abandoned  the  profession  and  became  a 
cotton  planter,  and  grew  rich.  He  was  a noted  politician.  His  death  occurred  in 
1847.  Dr.  William  Fort  Brown  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  where  he  was  bom  in 
1790.  He  was  a student  under  Dr.  O’Reiley;  also  a partner  for  a time.  He  was  vbry  much 
addicted  to  drink,  yet  such  was  the  confidence  of  the  people  in  him  that  they  would  send 
and  bring  him  to  their  houses  and  lock  him  up  until  sufficiently  sober  to  prescribe.  His 


*From  an  article  by  Dr.  J.  M.  Towler. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


757 


eath  occurred  in  1859.  Dr.  Thomas  Brown  was  born  in  Wilkes  County,  N.  C.,  in  1784, 
nd  was  a graduate  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  He  came  to  Maury  County  in 
814;  was  a popular  physician.  He  died  of  cholera  in  1834.  Dr.  Isaac  J.  Thomas  was  a 
ative  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  1781,  and  came  to  this  county  in  1814,  where  he  remained 
ill  his  death  in  1844.  Dr.  John  B.  Hayes  was  born  in  Rockbridge  County,  Ya.,  in  1796, 
raduated  at  the  University  of  New  York  and  settled  in  Maury  County  in  1816.  He  is 
escribed  as  a close  student,  an  acute  observer,  generous,  genial,  high-toned,  “a  fellow  of 
ofinite  jest  that  was  wont  to  set  the  table  in  a roar.”  He  related  a story  that  well  illus- 
rates  the  superstition  of  the  time;  “A  member  of  a family  living  twelve  miles  in  the  coun- 
ry  was  affected  with  the  shingles;  the  remedy  at  the  time  was  the  blood  from  the  tail  of  a 
lack  cat.  Efforts  were  made  to  procure  the  coveted  black  cat,  but  none  could  be  found, 
tie  disease  became  alarming  and  a runner  was  started  to  town  with  the  following  instruc- 
ions  from  the  old  lady  of  the  house;  ‘Johnny,  when  you  get  to  town  try  to  get  a black 
at,  but  if  you  can’t  get  one,  bring  Dr.  Hayes.’  ” Dr.  Hayes  died  after  a successful  prac- 
ice  of  fifty-two  years.  In  1816  Drs.  Gale  and  James  G.  Smith  came  to  this  county;  both 
;ere  from  Maryland.  Between  1816-20  Drs.  J.  B.  Sanders,  Dowell  N.  Sansom  (Horatio 
)epriest?),  McDowell,  Silas  M.  Caldwell,  John  W.  McJimsey,  Gillespie  and  William  Mc- 
leil;  of  these  Dr.  Depriest  committed  suicide,  and  all  were  well  known  in  their  profession 
nd  in  the  social  circle.  Dr.  George  W.  Campbell  started  out  full  of  promise,  but  died 
arly  in  life  from  septicaemia,  originating  from  a wound.  Dr.  Grevor  abandoned  the  pro- 
sssion  for  business,  and  died  at  New  Orleans  of  yellow  fever.  Of  the  same  period  were 
)rs.  Cooper,  Ford,  Turner  and  Crawford.  Dr.  J.  W.  S.  Frierson  was  born  in  Sum- 
jr  District,  S.  C.,  in  1801,  graduated  at  Greeneville  College,  and  was  made  a doctor  of 
aedicine  at  Transylvania  in  1824,  and  from  that  time  till  his  death,  in  1872,  was  in  active 
ractice.  He  was  an  ornament  both  to  the  profession  and  to  society.  He  was  succeeded 
i the  profession  by  his  son,  Dr.  Samuel  W.  Frierson.  Dr.  John  Baptiste  Alexander 
'hevenot  was  born  in  Paris,  France,  February  26,  1793,  and  graduated  at  the  early  age  of 
ighteen;  was  surgeon  for  a time  in  the  army  of  Napoleon.  He  settled  at  Mount  Pleasant 
1 1824,  where  he  died  of  cholera  in  1834.  He  was  a noted  linguist,  something  of  a poet 
nd  author,  and  was  regarded  as  a brilliant  and  eccentric  practitioner.  Dr.  Jonathan  S. 
lunt  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  where  he  was  born  in  1790,  moved  to  Williamson 
bunty  in  1820,  graduated  at  Transylvania  in  1822,  and  moved  to  Maury  County  in  1824, 
nd  there  remained  till  his  death  in  1860.  Dr.  Samuel  Porter  was  born  in  Chesterville, 

. C.,  February  3,  1793,  graduated  at  Transylvania  in  1821,  and  began  practice  in  this 
ounty  in  1826.  He  held  an  extensive  practice  about  Williamsport  till  his  death  in  1873. 
>r.  Zebina  Conkey  and  A.  G.  Tracey  came  to  Maury  County  from  New  York  in  1826. 
ibout  the  same  time  there  came  Drs.  Hillard  Myrick,  Mervin  Daniel  and  John  Henry 
'risp;  the  two  former  were  graduates  of  Transylvania,  and  the  latter  was  a native  of  North 
!arolina  and  a graduate  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  Dr.  Amos  Gray  was  born  in 
’rince  William  County,  Va.,  in  March,  1800.  He  was  graduated  at  Transylvania  in  1827, 
nd  at  once  began  practice  at  Santa  Fe.  He  died  October  5,  1870.  Dr.  John  S.  Law  was 
orn  in  Liberty  County,  Ga.,  in  1802,  graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1827, 
loved  to  Maury  County  in  1833,  and  died  of  black  tongue  in  1844.  Between  1828-30  there 
ettled  in  Maury  County  Drs.  P.  P.  Barbour,  John  Littlefield,  Eskew,  H.  S.  Roberts, 
’lacebo.  Bills  and  Bracken.  Between  1830^0  there  were  Drs.  A.  H.  Buchanan,  S.  T. 
IcMurray,  of  Spring  Hill,  and  Wharton  White,  who  was  born  in  Nashville,  January  23, 
819,  graduated  at  Louisville  in  1839,  and  died  in  1859.  Dr.  G.  T.  Harris  was  a native  of 
lutherford  County,  where  he  was  born  in  1806,  was  a student  of  Dr.  O’Reiley,  before 
lentioned,  and  graduated  at  Transylvania  in  1826.  His  death  occurred  in  1866.  Since 
840  there  have  been  the  following;  Drs.  A.  M.  Kellar,  A.  M.  Hamner,  N.  W.  B.  Wortham, 
ames  H.  Frierson,  a native  of  Maury,  born  in  1812,  graduated  at  Transylvania  and  died 
a 1846;  Milton  B.  Frierson,  James  Leach,  James  E.  Sealey,  Calvin  H.  Walker,  who  was 
orn  in  Columbia  in  1823,  and  graduated  at  Jefferson  College,  Philadelphia,  in  1847.  He 
?as  a gallant  colonel  of  a Confederate  regiment  in  the  late  war,  and  was  killed  by  a shell 


758 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


near  Marietta,  Ga.  Dr.  Wiley  T.  Perry  first  saw  the  light  in  this  county  in  1830,  gradu- 
ated at  Louisville  and  died  in  1869.  Dr.  F.  S.  Woldridge  -was  horn  in  Franklin  in  1826, 
graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1850  and  died  in  1870.  A.  W.  Byers  was 
horn  in  1815,  graduated  at  Louisville  in  1840.  and  died  in  1870.  D.  J.  McCallum  was  born 
in  Giles  County  in  1826,  graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1853,  and  died 
in  1864.  Dr.  Gomar  Wing  was  from  Maine,  and  was  a successful  practitioner  for  many 
years  at  Spring  Hill.  In  addition  there  were  Drs.  A.  and  J.  W.  Leftwick,  Satterfield  and 
the  brothers  Kilpatrick,  also  Dr.  McKeithen,  who  -was  from  North  Carolina,  and  who  lived 
with  Gen.  Lucius  J.  Polk  at  his  plantation  near  Spring  Hill.  He  was  regarded  as  a well 
read  physician. 

The  first  epidemic  in  the  county  was  the  black  tongue  in  1813.  Gen.  Roberts, 
county  surveyor,  had  a son  die  of  the  disease  in  Nashville.  He  and  another  son 
brought  the  corpse  home  for  interment.  In  a short  time  that  son  took  the  disease  and 
died.  The  disease  spread  and  was  more  fatal  in  proportion  to  its  extent  than  the  one  in 
1844.  The  epidemic  of  1844  occurred  early  in  February,  the  first  case  being  a young  lady 
who  bad  been  visiting  Nashville.  A great  many  died  of  this  disease,  among  them  Col. 
Dew  and  Dr.  Law.  The  disease  manifested  itself  in  different  ways:  sometimes  in  acute 
pains,  and  in  others  in  nervous  and  muscular  depression  without  pain.  It  was  very  fatal 
among  negroes.  It  prevailed  both  in  town  and  country7.  It  was  what  is  now  known  as 
cerebro  spinal  meningitis.  An  epidemic  of  scarlet  fever  of  remarkable  fatality  prevailed 
in  1837.  Cholera  has  never  prevailed  in  Columbia,  although  it  has  visited  various  parts 
of  the  county  several  times  with  its  wanton  violence.  Each  time  imported  or  sporadic 
cases  occurred  in  turn,  but  it  invariably  died  out  of  itself.  In  1834  Col.  Whittaker,  a 
planter  living  seven  miles  southeast  of  Columbia,  on  bis  return  from  Nashville,  was. 
attacked  by  the  disease  at  midnight  and  died  the  following  day.  Dr.  Brown  who  in- 
tended him  died,  also  seven  of  his  negroes,  one  of  whom  died  in  the  office  of  Drs.  Brown 
& Buchanan,  whither  he  had  gone  for  a physician.  It  was  introduced  at  Mount  Pleasant 
in  the  same  way,  from  Nashville,  and  prevailed  with  its  usual  fatality,  Dr.  Thevenot 
being  one  of  its  victims.  At  midnight  on  Saturday,  August  14,  1835,  it  suddenly  fell  upon 
the  little  town  of  Williamsport,  and  by  the  morning  of  the  15th  several  were  dead  or 
dying  and  many  writhing  under  its  torturing  cramps.  Twelve  citizens  of  the  place  died 
and  as  many  from  the  country.  In  every  case  the  individuals  had  been  visiting  or  doing 
business  in  that  portion  of  the  town  situated  in  a low,  damp  flat,  nor  were  any  attacked  in 
the  country  who  had  not  visited  that  spot  of  the  village  on  the  fatal  Saturday.  In  .Tune 
1849,  Dr,  Hays  was  summoned  to  the  bedside  of  ex-President  Polk.  He  went  in  the  old 
Polk  family  carriage  driven  by  Old  Joe,  the  favorite  coachman.  On  Joe’s  return  he  was 
suddenly  seized  with  the  cholera  and  died  in  a short  time,  but  no  other  cases  followed. 
In  July,  1850,  Jim  Brown,  who  kept  a wagon-yard  in  the  lower  part  of  town,  was  sudden- 
ly seized  with  the  cholera  on  his  return  from  Nashville.  He  recovered  after  intense 
suffering,  but  two  colored  women  caught  the  disease  and  died.  Those  were  the  last  cases 
of  cholera. 

Sheriffs:  John  Spencer  was  chosen  sheriff  in  1807  and  held  the  position  til!  iffiO. 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Samuel  H.  Williams,  who  held  the  position  till  1812.  William 
Bradshaw  then  held  the  office  from  1812  till  1818,  at  -which  time  Nimrod  Porter  was 
elected  and  held  the  office  till  1842.  Porter  was  succeeded  by  J.  E.  Thomas,  who  held  the 
office  till  1846,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mumford  Smith,  who  held  the  office  till  1850. 
Richard  B.  Moore  was  elected  to  succeed  Smith  and  held  the  position  till  1854,  when 
Smith  was  again  elected  and  held  the  office  till  1856;  he  was  then  succeeded  by  Samuel 
Id.  Jones,  who  held  the  office  till  1860.  Thomas  J.  Cristy  held  the  office  from  1860  to 
1864,  when  William  M.  Sullivan  took  the  office  and  held  it  till  1868.  Robert  D.  Rickch 
held  the  office  from  1868  till  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  in  1870.  Sims  Lutta 
held  the  office  from  1870  to  1874,  and  was  succeeded  by  William  A.  Alexander,  who  held 
the  office  till  1878.  Mr.  Alexander  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Davis,  and  he  by  W.  0. 
Witherspoon,  who  held  it  till  1884,  and  was  succeeded  by  N.  Bleheairs.  Circuit  clerks: 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


759 


ohn  M.  Taylor  held  the  office  from  1810  till  1813,  and  was  succeeded  by  Horatio  Depriest, 
rho  resigned,  and  George  M.  Martin  was  appointed  in  his  place  and  held  the  office  till 
/larch  11.  1836,  when  he  resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  J.  A.  Walker,  and  he  by  Pleas- 
nt  Nelson.  Mr.  Nelson  was  succeeded  by  James  O.  Potter,  who  was  succeeded  by  Caleb 
. Dickerson;  upon  his  death  he  was  succeeded  by  Lemuel  H.  Phillips,  and  he  by  Thomas 
I.  Witherspoon,  who  was  succeeded  by  Samuel  P.  McGaw.  Mr.  McGaw  was  succeeded  by 
he  Hon.  William  B.  Wilson,  and  Mr.  Wilson  by  W.  J.  Whitthorne.  Mr.  Whitthorne 
Vas  succeeded  by  E.  T.  Pillow.  County  court  clerks:  Joseph  B.  Porter  was  chosen  clerk 
u 1S07,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,‘,T.  J.  Porter,  and  he  by  William  E.  Erwin.  Mr. 
Irwin  was  succeeded  in  1870  by  John  M.  Hickey,  and  Mr.  Hickey  by  A.  N.  Akin  in  1874, 
,'ho  sfeill  holds  the  office.  Clerks  and  masters  in  chancery:  On  the  organization  of  the 
hancery  court  in  1834-35,  George  M.  Martin  became  master  and  held  the  position  till 
844,  and  was  succeeded  by  Hon.  William  P.  Martin,  his  son.  Mr.  Martin  was  succeeded 
■y  Rev.  John  B.  Hamilton,  and  he  by  A.  M.  Wingfield.  The  next  master  was  Joshua  I. 
■Villiams,  followed  by  D.  B.  Cooper:  after  D.  B.  Cooper  came  Horace  S.  Cooper.  The 
■resent  incumbent  is  Mr.  George  Childress. 

Representatives  in  the  lower  house  of  the  General  Assembly:  Moses  Frierson,  1809-11; 
Linos  Johnson,  1811-23;  I.  J.  Thompson,  1823-27;  * * * ; A.  0.  P. 

Tickolson,  1831-35;  James  E.  Thomas,  1835-39:  James  E.  Thomas  and  Barclay  Martin, 
839-41:  Barclay  Martin,  1841-42;  William  H.  Polk  and  Powhattan  Gordon,  1843-44;  Pow- 
attan  Gordon  and  R.  A.  L.  Wilkes,  1845^=6;  R.  A.  L.  Wilkes  and  Barclay  Martin,  1S47-4S; 
jfeorge  Gantt  and  W.  Stringham,  1S49-50;  Barclay  Martin  and  J.  L.  Miller,  1851-52; 
Tank  Hardeman,  1853-54;  A.  M.  Looney,  1S55-56;  W.  H.  Polk,  1857-5S;  W.  C.  Whit- 
iliorne,  1859-60;  J.  Gilmer,  1865-67;  W.  B.  Wilson,  1869-73;  A.  P.  Glenn,  1873-77;  J.  Lee 
luliock,  1877-79;  John  Ballanfaut,  1879-SI ; R,  A.  Wilkes,  18S1-83;  Maj.  J.  T.  Williamson 
nd  W.  T.  Porter,  1SS3-84;  George  C.  Taylor,  F.  A.  Burke  and  E.  W.  Carmack,  1S84-85. 
enators:  Thomas  H.  Benton,  1807-11;  Newton  Cannon,  1811-15;  Thomas  Coleman, 
815— 19 ; Benjamin  Reynolds,  1819-23;  Robert  Weakley,  1823-27;  Edward  B.  Little- 
ekl,  1827-31;  Lucius  J.  Polk,  1831-39;  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson,  1839—13;  James  E.  Thomas, 
843-47;  T.  M.  Jones,  1847-51;  E.  R.  Osborne,  1851-55;  S.  B.  Moore,  1855-59;  Thomas 
IcNeilly,  1865-69;  J.  B.  Frierson,  1869-73;  T.  J.  P.  Allison.  1873-77;  A.  T.  Boyd,  1877-81; 
l.  M.  Looney,  1883-84.  Population  by  decades:  1810,  7,722;  1820,  15,620;  1830,  18,200; 
340,  17,090  white;  1850,  16,759;  1860.  17,701;  1870,  20,022;  1880,  21,731  whites  and  18,173 
olored. 

The  first  court  in  Maury  County"  met  at  the  house  of  Col.  Joseph  Brown,  about  three 
files  south  of  Columbia  on  December  21,  1807.  A court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions 
/as  organized  by  the  justices,  who  had  previously  been  appointed  by  the  General  Assem- 
ly.  They  were  John  Dickey,  John  Miller,  William  Gilchrist,  William  Frierson,  Isaac 
loberts,  John  Spencer,  John  Lindsey,  Joshua  Williams,  James  Love,  Lemuel  Pruett, 
nd  William  Dooley.  The  commissions  of  these  justices  were  signed  by  John  Sevier,  the 
overnor  of  the  State  at  that  time.  It  appears  that  John  Dickey,  John  Miller  and  Will- 
im  Gilchrist  were  not  present  at  the  opening  of  the  court.  The  first  act  of  this  court  was 
ie  election  of  Isaac  Roberts,  presiding  justice.  Mr.  Roberts  afterward  became  the  noted 
i-en.  Roberts.  Joseph  B.  Porter  was  chosen  clerk;  John  Spencer,  sheriff;  Edmond  Har 
s,  coroner;  William  W.  Thompson,  register;  Joseph  Brown,  ranger;  Peter  R.  Booker, 
fiicitor,  and  Benjamin  Thomas,  treasurer.  Bonds  were  required  of  these  in  sums  ranging 
•om  $2,000  to  $10,000.  By  order  of  the  General  Assembly  this  court  was  to  meet  at  Jo- 
?ph  Brown’s  on  the  third  Mondays  in  December,  March,  June  and  October  of  each  year 
11  the  completion  of  the  court  house  in  Columbia.  John  Spencer  returned  the  following 
ary:  Ephraim  McLean,  Jr.,  Alexander  Gillespie,  Robert  Hill,  Charles  McLean.  James 
i elsh,  Griffin  Cathey,  Thomas  Whiteside,  William  Irvine,  Alexander  Irvine,  Amos  John 
on.  William  Dever,  S.  Frierson,  W.  J.  Frierson,  C.  McGee,  Bryant  Nolin,  Martin  Tjardin 
>aniel  Evans,  Josiah  Goforth.  William  Kilcrease,  David  Love.  William  Daniel,  John  My- 
ick,  Thomas  Gill,  Enos  Pipin,  John  Campbell,  Samuel  Polk.  A.  J.  Turner,  Aaron  Cunning- 


760 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


ham,  James  Huey,  James  Craig,  David  Copeland,  A.  B.  Hudson,  George  Breckenridge 
Isaac  Bills,  Samuel  Smith,  James  M.  Lewis,  Andrew  Boyd,  Silas  Alexander  and  John 
Davidson.  This  court  seems  to  have  been  invested  with  both  appellate  and  original  juris- 
diction. Cases  being  much  less  numerous  than  now,  this  court  was  sufficient  for  all  cases. 
Peter  R.  Booker,  the  first  solicitor  seems  to  have  been  a practicing  attorney  at  the  time  of 
the  organization  of  this  court,  and  to  have  received  his  office  by  appointment.  His  name 
is  met  with  but  a short  time  as  counselor  but  frequently  as  a business  man.  He  became 
quite  wealthy  and  died  in  1839.  Joseph  Herndon  was  the  first  resident  lawyer  admitted 
to  the  bar  of  this  court.  He  began  practice  in  1808  and  continued  before  the  bar  for  many 
years,  and  died  in  Columbia  in  1862  at  a very  advanced  age.  Like  Booker  he  was  looked 
upon  as  a very  high-toned  honorable  gentleman.  This  court  was  mainly  occupied- in  re- 
ceiving wills  for  probate,  ordering  new  roads,  recording  stock  marks,  and  granting  fury 
license,  providing  for  the  erection  of  mills,  and  permitting  the  keeping  of  ordinaries.  The 
keepers  of  these  ordinaries  provided  food,  lodging  and  shelter  and  feed  for  horses.  The 
“rates”  were  fixed  by  the  court.  The  following  was  the  customary  price:  “Each  diet  25 
cents;  lodging  per  night,  6£  cents;  horse  per  feed,  12£  cents;  fodder  and  hay  all  night,  12? 
cents;  peach  brandy  or  whisky,  12-1  cents  per  half  pint.  According  to  the  custom  of  the 
time  drinks  were  for  sale  at  these  houses  of  entertainment.  A bond  was  given  that  the 
keeper  of  such  house  would  not  suffer  or  permit  gambling,  nor  on  the  Sabbath  Jay 
suffer  any  person  “to  tipple  or  drink  more  than  necessary.”  The  December  term  of  court 
in  1808  was  held  in  the  town  of  Columbia. 

Similar  cases  as  above  mentioned  were  tried;  among  the  punishments  iuflicted  were 
twenty-five  lashes  upon  the  bare  back  for  petit  larceny7.  By  an  act  of  November  16, 1809, 
the  circuit  court  system  was  established  for  Maury  County.  This  court  took  upon  itself 
a great  deal  of  the  work  formerly  done  by  the  county  court.  The  county  court  continued 
to  have  jurisdiction  over  questions  pertaining  to  the  county,  such  as  the  erection  of  pub- 
lic buildings,  bridges,  dams,  ferries,  fixing  the  rate  of  taxation,  changing  or  making  nev/ 
roads,  the  appointment  of  committees  on  matters  of  public  interest,  changing  the  civil 
districts,  etc.;  it  also  had  both  original  and  appellate  jurisdiction  over  petty  offenses 
against  the  State.  The  first  circuit  court  was  opened  in  the  court  house  in  Columbia  on 
November  25,  1810,  with  the  following  officers:  Hon.  Thomas  Stuart,  judge  of  the  jucli 
cial  circuit;  John  M.  Taylor,  clerk;  Samuel  H.  Williams,  sheriff.  The  first  jurors  were  J. 
M.  Lewis,  James  Smith,  Benjamin  Smith, Thomas  Edwards,  John  Lindsey,  John  Matthews. 
Moses  G.  Frierson,  John  J.  Zollicoffer,  James  Birmingham,  Amos  Johnson,  John  Camp- 
bell, Samuel  Witherspoon,  William  M.  Berryhill,  Lemuel  Pruett,  William  Frierson, 
James  Love,  John  Miller,  James  Sanford,  Robert  Hill,  Samuel  Polk,  Thomas  Whiteside. 
Abner  Franklin,  Anthony  I.  Turner,  Samuel  Lusk,  Alexander  Cathey  and  Joseph  Rrown. 
Of  these  J.  M.  Lewis  was  chosen  foreman,  and  at  the  same  time  William  Webb  was  made 
constable  to  attend  on  the  grand  jury.  The  first  case  taken  from  this  court  on  appeal  was 
a suit  of  David  Wood  against  Robert  Steele,  in  which  the  plaintiff  recovered  $8  cost  with 
12  per  cent  on  judgment.  The  case  was  taken  to  the  superior  court  of  the  “Mero  Dis- 
trict.” On  November  28,  1811,  Felix  Grundy  was  admitted  to  practice  law  befor . the 
“inferior  and  superior  courts.”  The  character  and  standing  of  this  distinguished  md; 
vidua!  is  too  well  known  to  require  further  notice  here.  At  the  same  time  appears  tae 
name  of  Alfred  Balch  as  attorney  for  the  State.  Courts  and  lawyers  were  as  sadly  afflicted 
with  “quiddities,  quillets,  cases,  tenures  and  tricks”  formerly  as  now.  James  Sellars  was 
refused  a new  trial  in  a suit  with  Andrew  Lewis,  in  which  himself  was  defendant  because 
the  exact  time  for  filing  his  plea  had  been  neglected.  Suits  for  assault  and  battery  were 
formerly  very  numerous.  Robert  Pearce,  Andrew  Lewis,  Joseph  Davis  and  Abner 
Scott  were  each  given  nominal  fines  by  throwing  themselves  upon  the  “grace  & mercy 
of  the  court.  By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  November  23,  1809,  the  judges  of  '.be 
Third  and  Fourth  Circuits  were  allowed  to  exchange  sittings.  Judge  Nathaniel  Williams, 
of  the  Third  Circuit,  first  appears  on  the  records  of  Maury  County  on  November  27. 1811 
Judge  Thomas  Stuart,  the  first  circuit  judge,  was  a resident  of  Franklin,  Williamson 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


761 


lounty.  He  continued  to  preside  over  the  courts  of  Maury  County  till  1822,  when  the  cir- 
uit  was  changed,  yet  he  continued  to  sit  as  judge  in  the  other  circuit  for  a number  of 
-ears  afterward.  He  is  described  as  a man  of  profound  legal  learning  and  of  high  moral 
ntegrity.  He  leff.  no  issue  to  perpetuate  his  name.  On  November  25,  1812,  appears  a 
ase  on  record  in  which  J.  B.  Hardin  was  plaintiff  and  W.  L.  Hannum  was  defendant:  the 
ase  was  settled  by  arbitration.  The  following  is  the  verdict:  “The  undersigned,  Thomas 
I.  Benton  and  Alfred  Balch,  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  said  Isaac  B.  Hardin  recover  of 
Yashington  L.  Hannum  one  hundred  dollars.  Witness  our  hands  and  seals  the  day  and 
ear  last  written.  Thomas  H.  Benton,  Alfred  Balch.”  It  is  needless  to  say  the  former 
ecame  a distinguished  senator  from  Missouri,  and  the  latter  the  attorney-general  for 
he  Fourth  District.  This  somewhat  peculiar  entry  is  made  at  the  September  term  of  the 
ounty  court  in  1810:  “Entered  one  dollar  fine  against  Thomas  H.  Benton  for  profane 

wearing  in'presence  of  the  court,  and  the  fine  was  received  by  the  clerk.” 

The  grand  jury  to  inquire  “into  the  body  of  the  county”  for  1811  were  Amos  John- 
on,  Robert  Scott,  Joseph  Shoat,  John  Lindsey,  William  Byers,  Isaac  Roberts,  Daniel 
irown,  Samuel  Smith,  Simpson  Harris,  Ezekiel  Polk,  John  Campbell,  A.  Franklin, 
’homas  Hudspeth  and  James  Lewis.  James  Whiteside  became  a practicing  attorney  in 
811,  and  in  the  same  year  the  first  suit  between  these  two  celebrated  litigious  characters, 
ohn  Doe  and  Richard  Roe,  was  begun,  without  whom  it  was  thought  impossible  to  con- 
uct  a case.  On  the  opening  of  court  in  November,  1813,  appears  the  name  of  Archibald 
loane  as  presiding  judge.  He  continued  to  sit  from  time  to  time  on  the  Maury  County 
ench  for  a number  of  years.  His  opinions  appear  clear  and  pointed,  and  without  effort 
t display  of  self.  The  following  rules  were  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  court  in 
Lpril,  1814:  “All  cases,  except  actions  of  ejectment,  shall  be  taken  up  and  tried,  or  cou- 
nued  on  the  first  day  of  each  term,  and  the  parties  shall  not  be  compelled  to  attend  suits 
f ejectment  till  the  second  day.”  The  first  suits  for  divorce  appear  on  docket  in  Octo- 
er,  1815,  the  parties  to  the  suits  were  Susannah  Adams  against  William  Adams;  R.  B. 
Id  wards  against  Margaret  Edwards,  and  Sarah  M.  Napier  against  John  M.  Napier.  The 
3cital  of  their  domestic  infelicity  would  be  about  on  a par  with  a case  at  present.  James 
lagill  was  arraigned  on  the  charge  of  murdering  Dr.  Simpson  April  21,  1816.  The 
;ase  was  brought  to  Columbia  on  a change  of  venue.  The  defendant  was  in  a fair  way  to 
jffer  the  extreme  penalty  of  the  law,  when  the  sickness  of  James  Johnson,  one  of  the 
urors,  caused  a delay  in  the  trial  and  the  prisoner  escaped  by  cutting  his  way  out  of  jail. 
|.  M.  Bramlett  became  an  attorney  before  the  court  October  24,  1816.  At  the  same 
hurt  Benjamin  Rutledge  stood  charged  with  murder  by  the  State,  and  the  following  “good 
nd  lawful”  men  decided  he  was  guilty  as  charged:  Joseph  Brown,  John  Zollicoffer, 
filliam  Daniel,  John  Mathews,  James  Love,  Alexander  Cathey,  John  Spencer,  Robert  I. 
'oorhies,  Robert  Kelsey,  Thomas  Stephenson  and  James  Purceli.  Before  passing  sen- 
dee he  plead  the  “benefit  of  the  clergy,”  and  received  as  his  punishment  a brand  of  the 
jitter  “M  upon  the  brawn  of  the  left  hand.”  The  punishment  was  executed  upon  him 
lovember  26,  1816,  at  the  court  house  in  Columbia;  he  was  further  remanded  to  jail  till 
osts  of  the  suit  were  paid.  On  October  25,  1817,  Richard  Hardin  was  charged  by  the 
date  with  petit  larcery,  to  which  he  answered  that  he  could  not  deny  his  guilt,  but  threw 
imself  upon  the  “grace  and  mercy”  of  the  court,  and  for  a sentence  got  three  months 

1 the  county  jail  and  ten  lashes  upon  his  bare  back.  Jesse  Faulkner  received  the  very 
ght  sentence  of  $2  fine  for  horse-stealing.  Horatio  Depriest  resigned  his  office  as  circuit 
aurt  clerk  December  1,  1818,  and  George  M.  Martin  was  appointed  in  his  place.  Ed- 
mnd  Kelly,  a native  of  Ireland  and  a subject  of  Great  Britain,  took  out  naturalization 
apers  on  the  oath  of  Daniel  Graham.  Joseph.Brown  and  Micajah  Brooks  each  received 

2 fines  for  failing  to  appear  as  jurors  in  answer  to  a legal  summons.  The  name  of 
'arry  W.  Humphreys  first  appears  as  judge  over  the  Maury  Court.  On  December  23, 
^l,  S.  S.  Record  was  put  under  a bond  of  $1,000  for  offering  a challenge  to  fight  a duel, 
-t  the  June  term  of  1821,  Edmond  May  and  Robertson  Rose  each  applied  for  pensions  under 
ie  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress  passed  March  17,  1815.  The  applications  were  made 
efore  Judge  Parry  W.  Humphreys. 


762 


HIST01XY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Robert  Mack  appeared  on  the  bench  June  18,  1822,  as  successor  to  Judge  Thomas 
Stuart.  The  vacancy  in  the  judgeship  was  caused  by  the  formation  of  a new  cir- 
cuit. Judge  Mack  remained  on  the  bench  till  in  1828.  He  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  was  born  in  1772;  lived  in  Kentucky  for  a time,  where  he  taught  school  and 
studied  law.  He  became  a resident  of  Columbia  about  1809-10,  and  there  began  the  prac- 
tice of  law.  He  was  a brother-in-law  of  Gov.  Aaron  Y.  Brown,  a distinguished  lawyer 
and  politician.  After  retiring  from  active  life  Judge  Mack  devoted  himself  to  literary 
pursuits.  The  result  of  bis  works  were  two  volumes  of  poems.  The  first  was  called 
“Kyle  Stuart,  and  Other  Poems”;  the  second,  “ The  Moriad,”  an  epic  in  twelve  cantos, 
a story  founded  upon  the  capture  and  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  Titus.  Judge  Mack 
accumulated  abundant  means,  and  lived  to  enjoy  the  fruition  of  his  legal  and  other  liter- 
ary pursuits  to  the  age  of  ninety-three.  He,  like  Judge  Stuart,  left  no  offspring,  but  what 
was  better  a name  and  fame  to  be  cherished  by  coming  ages.  In  1822  the  Hon.  Josnm 
Haskell  occupied  a seat  on  the  bench  for  one  term  and  the  following  attorneys  were  ad- 
mitted: A.  O.  P.  Nicholson,  J.  H.  Thomas,  W.  II.  Polk,  Bradley  Martin  and  Roberi 
Prince.  Another  example  of  old  style  of  justice  was  a fine  of  $50,  one  month’s  impris- 
onment and  ten  lashes  upon  the  bare  back  of  Peter  Powell,  for  a small  offense  against 
the  State.  The  latter  part  of  the  punishment  was  inflicted  by  the  sheriff,  at  the  hour  of 
12  on  December  24,  1823.  Polly  Hicklin  was  granted  a divorce  from  A.  M.  Hicklin  for 
flve  years’  “ abandonment  without  cause.”  Berry  White,  an  old  Revolutionary  soldier, 
made  application  for  a pension  at  the  December  term  of  court  in  1824.  On  January  5, 
1827,  the  court  adopted  the  following  rule:  “All  cases  of  action  for  debt  not  really  liti- 
gated shall  be  first  on  trial,  the  facts  to  be  ascertained  from  the  attorneys  on  both  sides 
The  first  suit  for  bigamy  was  brought  against  W.  D.  Mitchell  December  29,  1327. 

About  this  time  was  witnessed  the  close  of  the  much  litigated  case  of  Jones  Kendrick 
et  al.  against  Dallum.  From  a condensed  statement  of  the  case  at  hand  and  from  the  very 
long  record,  it  is  learned  that  the  suit  grew  out  of  a disputed  title  to  land,  and  it  maybe 
here  remarked  that  that  arose  from  the  vague  terms  given  to  the  original  descrip- 
tion. In  1783  Jones  Kendrick  made  entry  in  the  land  office  of  John  Armstrong  in  the 
following  words:  “Jones  Kendrick,  5,000  acres  of  land  on  the  west  fork  of  the  second 
creek  above  Gen.  Greene’s  land,  that  empties  into  Duck  River  on  the  south  side,  beginning 
near  the  fork  of  said  creek,  and  extending  up  the  west  fork  for  complement.”  A few 
days  later  Elijah  Robertson  made  three  entries  in  the  same  office  for  5,000  acres,  each 
lying  in  the  same  neighborhood.  Grants  were  issued  for  these,  and  one  of  them  -was 
transferred  to  Dallum  in  1790.  The  portions  of  the  lands  of  Kendrick  and  Dallum  had 
passed  into  the  hands  of  innocent  purchasers.  The  original  suit  arose  as  to  right  of  Ken 
drick  or  Dallum  to  make  proper  title.  The  main  suit  was  carried  to  the  supreme  court 
twice,  once  in  1812  and  referred,  and  again  in  1813.  The  principal  attorneys  in  the  case 
were  Judge  Haywood  and  Judge  Mack  for  plaintiffs,  and  Hayes,  Dickinson,  Whiteside 
and  Cocke  for  defendants.  Numerous  suits  followed,  several  of  which  were  taken  tc  the 
supreme  court.  The  final  decisions  were  favorable  to  Kendrick’s  claim. 

By  the  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1809,  which  established  the  circuit  courts,  a 
“supreme  court  of  errors  and  appeals”  was  also  established.  This  was  composed  of  two 
judges  in  error  and  one  circuit  judge.  By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  passed  in  D ” 
while  in  session  at  Murfreesboro,  Columbia  was  designated  as  one  of  the  places  of  holding 
the  supreme  court.  The  first  session  met  in  Columbia  March  4,  1822;  the  judges  pm-.-  ni 
were  John  Haywood,  Thomas  Emmerson  and  Robert  Whyte.  The  second  term  was  held 
in  September,  1822,  at  which  were  present  John  Haywood,  Jacob  Peck  and.  W.  I. 
Brown.  The  next  term  was  in  September,  1823.  The  judges  present  were  Robert 
Whyte,  W.  L.  Brown,  John  Haywood  and  John  Peck.  The  next  and  last  session  opened 
September  14,  1824.  On  June  22,  1826,  the  grand  jury  returned  “a  true  bill"  for  mur- 
der against  J.  R.  Bennett.  A jury  of  good  and  lawful  men,  Samuel  H.  Williams,  W iiliam 
Allen,  John  O.  Davidson,  John  Farney,  E.  E.  Davidson,  William  Kerr,  William  Pillow, 
Arthur  M.  Copeland,  William  Voorlries,  Thomas  Gill,  F.  R.  Houston  and  William  Jen- 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


763 


ino-s  found  him  guilty  as  charged  in  the  indictment.  Judge  Mack  ordered  that  “James 
i>.  Bennett  he  remanded  to  the  county  jail  of  Maury  County  for  safe  keeping  till  Tliurs- 
,ay,  the  26th  day  of  September,  1826,  on  which  day  he  shall  be  conveyed  by  the  sheriff  of 
laury  County  to  a gallows  erected  on  the  common  of  Columbia,  and  then  hung  by  the 
:eck  until  dead,  and  may  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  his  soul.”  This  execution  was  strictly 
arried  out. 

On  October  24,  1831,  Gideon  J.  Pillow  resigned  as  solicitor  and  Edmund  Dillahunty 
ras  appointed  in  his  place.  In  the  same  month  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson  was  admitted  as  an 
ttorney,  and  in  April  preceding  Hugh  W.  Wormley  was  admitted  on  motion  of  Gideon 
Pillow.  Whether  by  chance  or  otherwise  the  name  of  Gideon  J.  Pillow  appears  more 
•equently  than  any  other  in  assisting  young  attorneys  to  a position  before  the  bar.  It  is 
eedless  to  say  that  this  was  the  distinguished  Gen.  Pillow,  whose  reputation  became 
National  in  the  Mexican  war  as  well  as  in  the  late  war.  After  the  close  of  the  struggle  he 
pened  a law  office  in  Memphis,  where  he  resided  until  his  death.  William  E.  Kennedy 
■ho  succeeded  Judge  Mack,  held  his  first  term  of  court  in  Columbia  in  December,  1828. 
[e  was  judge  only  till  1883.  He  was  considered  a profound  lawyer,  an  able,  conscien- 
ces and  upright  judge,  and  a man  of  high  moral  character.  Although  a married  man  he 
■ft  no  children  to  survive  him,  He  died  about  1864.  These  three  coincidences  seem 
eculiar  to  Judges  Stuart,  Mack  and  Kennedy;  they  all  lived  to  be  very  old,  left  no  chil- 
ren,  and  were  faithful  members  i of  the  church.  Judge  William  Fleming  occupied 
udge  Kennedy’s  seat  for  a time  in  1832.  Judge  L.  M.  Bramlett,  who  had  previously  been 
dmitted  to  the  bar,  succeeded  Judge  Kennedy  on  the  bench  of  the  circuit  court  Octo- 
er  21,  1833,  and  remained  till  October  31,  1835.  Judge  Bramlett  was  a resident  of 
ralaski,  Giles  County,  and  under  the  new  constitution,  adopted  August  30,  1834,  he 
ecame  the  first  chancellor.  Chancery  courts  had  been  held  as  eariy  as  1829,  and  from 
pat  time  till  1836,  when  the  new  constitution  went  into  full  effect,  there  had  been  occa- 
onal  terms  of  chancery  court.  Those  who  held  chancery  court  to  this  date  were  Will- 
im  E.  Anderson,  W.  A.  Cook,  W.  B.  Reese  and  Nathan  Green.  On  the  adoption  of  the 
ew  constitution  Judge  Bramlett  became  chancellor,  a position  which  he  held  till  1844. 

This  observation  is  noticed  in  regard  to  a motion  to  quash  indictments:  Previous 
o about  1835  such  motions  were  not  offered  till  after  trial  or  after  sufficient  progress  had 
een  made  to  develop  the  weakness  of  the  case.  A very  efficient  weapon  had  thus  been 
eglected.  Numerous  cases  of  “selling  liquor  to  slaves,  case,  debt,  vi  et  armis,  horse 
sealing,  divorce,  larceny,”  were  of  almost  daily  occurrence,  but  anew  indictment  appears 
ow  for  the  first  time,  i.  e.,  “betting  on  elections.”  In  1838  James  Hudspeth,  John  Patten, 
i.  D.  Morgan,  George  W.  Kee,  W.  P.  Smith,  William  Wood,  John  Thomas  and  William 
[.  Polk  received  $5  fines  for  such  offense.  At  the  May  term  of  1836  Judge  Dillahunty, 
efore  mentioned,  became  circuit  judge,  which  position  he  held  till  his  death  in  1852.  For 
;veral  years  before  his  death  he  was  frequently  called  upon  to  give  place  to  others  on 
ccount  of  ill  health.  He  is  described  as  a “profound,  clear-headed,  common-law  law- 
er,  an  able  and  pure  judge.”  He  was  a benevolent,  social,  public-spirited,  Christian 
gentleman.  He  was  the  son-in-law  of  Abraham  Looney,  the  head  of  a prominent  and 
ispectable  family.  He  lived  a happy  and  congenial  married  life  but  left  no  children. 

The  first  suits  of  usury  began  about  1840;  be  this  said,  however,  they  were  not  num- 
■ous.  On  March  31,  1843,  appeared  this  suit:  James  K.  Polk,  governor,  to  the  use  of  the 
resident  and  directors  of  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  vs.  Henry  Turney,  J.  B.  Johnson,  Sam- 
el H.  Duncan  and  James  R.  Plummer.  The  jury  gave  judgment  for  plaintiff  in  the  sum  of 
22,396,  and  further  against  defendants,  except  as  to  J.  R.  Plummer,  in  the  sum  of  $100,- 
)0,  and  that  judgment  issued,  etc.  Numerous  suits  were  brought  between  the  Union 
ank  of  Tennessee  and  individuals,  also  between  the  Planters'  Bank  of  Tennessee  and 
rivate  parties  till  the  war,  and  some  years  after  the  war. 

In  1844  the  grand  jury  to  inquire  into  the  body  of  the  county  found  that  “William  A. 
aldwell,  late  of  said  county,  laborer,  not  having  the  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes,  but  being 
loved  and  seduced  by  the  Devil  on  the  28th  day  of  October,  1844,  with  force  and  arms,  did 


764 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


assault  Patrick  Hornard,  in  the  peace  of  God  and  of  the  State,  then  and  there  being  feloni- 
ously, wilfully,  deliberately,  maliciously,  premeditatedly,  with  malice  aforethought,  to 
kill  and  commit  murder  in  the  first  degree  with  a certain  gun  of  the  value  of  $5,  loaded 
with  gun-powder  and  divers  leaden  shot,  which  he,  William  A.  Caldwell,  did  then  and 
there  hold,  etc.”  The  prisoner  was  put  under  bond,  and  escaped  trial  by  forfeiture  of 
recognizance.  Exacting  justice  required  of  Ferdinand  Manny,  who  had  stolen  eleven 
knives  of  the  value  of  $3.30  and  had  returned  but  three  of  them  and  60  cents,  should 
get  two  years  at  hard  labor  in  the  ‘‘jail  house  of  the  penitentiary”  and  pay  a fine  of  $2.70. 
Among  the  lawyers  not  specially  mentioned  who  were  before  the  Columbia  bar 
were  Doud.  Thomas  and  James  B.  Craighead,  Robert  C.  Foster,  Allen  Brown,  Francis  B 
Fogg,  Alfred  Balch  and  Robert  L.  Cobb,  all  attorney-generals  for  this  district.  Francis 
B.  Fogg,  J.  Egnew,  Madison  Caruthers  and  R.  H.  Almire,  gentlemen,  were  admitted  in 
1818.  Judges:  -Samuel  S.  Frierson,  Terry  H.  Cabal,  William  P.  Martin,  A.  0.  P.  Nichol- 
son. Others  were  James  Iv.  Polk,  W.  D.  Mitchell,  J.  H.  Thomas,  W.  H.  Polk,  Robert 
Prince,  Barclay  Martin,  Walter  Coleman,  J.  B.  White,  Russell  Houston,  John  H.  Dew,  M, 
S.  Frierson,  G.  W.  Gordon,  Nathaniel  Baxter,  J.  K.  Walker,  W.  S.  Rainey,  J.  H.  Ros- 
borough,  W.  F.  Cooper,  W.  C.  Whitthorne,  W.  S.  Flemming,  R.  G.  Payne,  L.  D.  Myers, 
George  Gantt,  W.  J.  Sykes,  Hillary  Ward,  Amos  Hughes,  R.  F.  Looney,  A.  M.  Looney, 
W.  V.  Thompson,  F.  C.  Dunnington,  N.  R.  Wilkes,  J.  L.  Bullock,  J.  H.  Fussel],  0.  P. 
Frierson,  J.  T.  L.  Cochran,  J.  H.  Dew,  W.  B.  Gordon,  N.  H.  Burt,  William  Voorhies,  T. 
J.  Sprinkle,  J.  M.  Sidberry,  J.  M.  Arnold,  Nathan  Allen,  N.  R.  Wilkes,  Nathaniel  Arm- 
strong, Mr.  Hughes,  H.  B.  Estes,  J.  W.  Allen,  Joe  E.  Johnston,  J.  S.  Bullock,  W.  B, 
Gordon,  W.  L.  Pope  and  H.  T.  Osborn.  Some  of  these  will  be  mentioned  more  fully 
farther  on.  Terry  II.  Cabal,  who  succeeded  Judge  Bramlett  as  chancellor  in  1844,  and 
served  in  that  capacity  till  his  death  in  1851,  was  a man  of  strong  and  vigorous  intellect, 
A committee  of  the  bar  of  Columbia,  of  which  S.  D.  Frierson  was  chairman,  resolved 
May  7,  1851,  that  “Terry  H.  Cabal  was  a man  of  noble  and  generous  character,  and  had  a 
heart  full  of  generous  impulses.  If  he  was  impulsive  and  ambitious  (and  we  know  he 
was),  he  was  possessed  of  a generous  heart;  while  he  was  courageous  and  fearless,  he  was 
ready  to  forgive  and  to  acknowledge  his  own  faults;  a warm-hearted  companion,  a devoted 
friend,  a liberal  lawyer  at  the  bar  and  a devotee  to  his  profession.  He  was  useful  in  the 
Legislative  councils,  and  brave  upon  the  battle  fields  of  Florida.  His  traits  were  how 
ever,  not  sufficient  to  avert  the  arrow  of  death,  which  truly  ‘loves  a shining  mark,' 
After  the  retirement  of  Chancellor  Bramlett  the  office  was  tilled  by  special  appointment, 
first  by  S.  D.  Frierson,  and  afterward  by  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson.  Judge  J.  S.  Brine  wasmade 
chancellor  in  1852,  which  position  he  held  till  1854,  and  then  resigned  to  resume  the  prae 
tice  of  the  law.  As  a judge,  Chancellor  Brine  gave  eminent  satisfaction.  ; On  the  death 
of  Judge  Dillahunty,  of  the  circuit  court,  the  Hon.  William  P.  Martin  became  circuit 
judge,  and  held  the  position  till  the  courts  were  closed  by  the  war,  which  was  in  Seprem- 
her,  1861.  Hou.  John  C.  Walker  was  appointed  circuit  judge  in  1864  in  this  district,  and 
held  the  position  till  1866,  but  no  courts  were  held  during  that  time.  The  last  jurors  sum- 
moned before  the  war  were  William  Adkinson,  E.  P.  Mays,  G.  A.  Kennedy,  Simpson 
Le°^ett,  A.  W.  Denham,  Henry  Hartin,  J.  L.  Renfroe,  C.  A.  Thompson,  J.  B.  Stockam. 
J.  N°  Alexander,  L.  Smith,  G.  W.  C.  Maxwell,  A.  E.  Neeley,  W.  L.  Colquit,  J.  L.  Baird, 
*W.  B.  Wormley,  J.  H.  Joyce,  J.  H.  Frierson,  J.  H.  Coffey,  A.  Williams,  Munford  Smith, 
Richard  Blecker,  T.  J.  Smith,  D.  McClanahan,  J.  J.  Bingham,  S.  Goodwin,  J.  Adkinson, 
Willis  Nichols,  William  Roberts,  D.  R.  Dortch,  A.  J.  Turner,  W.  H.  Davidson,  W.  J). 
Brvant,  A.  S.  Dyer  and  Thomas  Hardeman.  The  first  court  after  the  war  was  opened  >y 
Hon  Henry  Cooper,  in  exchange  seats  with  Judge  Hillary  Ward.  The  following  jurors 
were  summoned  ; P.  C.  Church,  W.  C.  Kennedy,  J.  J.  Williams,  Robertson  Bryant,  Yv . . 
Patton  C.  A.  Tomlinson,  W.  II.  Holt,  Samuel  W.  Scott,  J.  G.  Dobbins,  Benjamin  Ham  - 
son  E C.  Frierson,  A.  W.  Hill,  A.  J.  Lindsley,  J.  R.  Thomason,  W.  J.  Cecil,  J-  H.  hm- 
seii’  Daniel  McKannon,  Thomas  Baird,  II.  C.  Kirk,  J.  P.  Adkins,  J.  G.  Robinson,  J-  L 
Brown,  E.  Kirby,  M.  G.  Allen,  J.  M.  Foster,  W.  F.  Moore,  C.  H.  Gray,  John  Glenn,  t l 
Jones,  John  Nicholson,  Sr.,  and  Duncan  McKea. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


765 


Soon  after  the  assembling  of  court  the  bar  was  called  upon  to  offer  suitable  memo- 
als  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Chancellor  S.  D.  Frierson,  who  was  the  successor  of 
rdge  Brine.  Judge  Frierson  died  March  11,  1866,  while  holding  a term  of  court  at 
ulaski.  Judge  Frierson  was  a native  of  Williamsburg  District,  S.  C.,  where  he  was  born 
| 1803,  immigrated  to  Maury  County  in  1807,  graduated  at  Transylvania  University  in 
j’,21,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  [in  1824,  and  elected  chancellor  in  1853.  The  committee, 
nsisting  of  Judge  W.  P.  Martin,  W.  S.  Flemming,  S.  D.  Myers,  J.  H.  Thomas  and  S.  S. 
jerrill,  said  of  him  that  he  was  a man  of  “classic  education,  extensive  reading,  thorough 
dd  critically  learned  as  a lawyer,  and  was  master  of  the  great  principles  of  equity  juris- 
udence.”  On  the  death  of  Judge  Frierson.  Judge  David  Campbell,  of  Franklin,  was 
pointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  after  acting  about  one  year,  was  succeeded  by  Judge  H. 
Harrison,  who  took  his  seat  in  April,  1867.  He  also  resigned  in  a short  time,  and  was 
, cceeded  by  Judge  John  C.  Walker  by  appointment.  This  position  he  held  till  the  August 
Uction  in  1870,  when  Hon.  W.  S.  Flemming  was  elected.  Judge  Flemming  will  have  re- 
ed from  the  bench  in  August,  a position  which  he  has  held  with  eminent  credit  to  liim- 
; f and  satisfaction  to  his  constituents  for  the  last  sixteen  years.  In  November,  1867, 
M.  Hughes  became  circuit  judge  and  held  the  position  till  1870,  when  Judge  Martin 
l'came  circuit  j udge  under  the  new  constitution.  In  1872  a criminal  court  was  established, 
imposed  of  the  counties  of  Maury,  Williamson,  Giles  and  Marshall.  The  Hon.  William 
AIcLemore,  of  Williamson  County,  was  elected  judge  of  this  court,  a position  which  he 
I holds. 

James  K.  Polk,  a prominent  practicing  attorney  at  the  Columbia  bar,  was  elected 
t Congress  in  1825,  where  he  served  till  1839.  He  was  speaker  of  the  House  from 
3 cember  5,  1836,  to  March  4,  1837,  and  again  from  December  4,  1837,  to  July  9,  1838. 
(her  congressmen  from  Maury  County  were  Barclay  Martin,  James  H.  Thomas,  William 
3 Polk  (brother  of  President  Polk)  and  W.  C.  Whitthorne,  recently  appointed  to  the 
1 ited  States  Senate  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Senator  Howell  E.  Jackson,  who 
i igned  to  accept  a United  States  District  Circuit  Judgeship.  A.  O.  P.  Nicholson  was  a 
:ive  of  Williamson  County,  where  he  was  bora  August  81,  1808.  He  spent  his  early 
vtrs  near  Spring  Hill,  graduated  at  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C.,  in  1827,  attended  a course  of  med- 
1 lectures  in  Philadelphia  in  1828,  and  began  the  practice  of  law  in  1831.  He  was  sent 
lie  Legislature  in  1833,  and  was  for  a time  one  of  the  editors  of  The  Western  Mercury. 
Ltook  an  active  part  in  organizing  the  government  under  the  constitution  of  1834,  and 
cutting  into  operation  the  internal  improvements,  banking  and  common  school  system 
1 ■ 1837.  In  1836  he  assisted  in  the  compilation  of  the  statutes  of  the  State.  In  1835  he 
\s  appointed  land  commissioner  for  Mississippi  by  President  Jackson,  but  refused  the 
ice.  In  1840  he  was  presidential  elector  on  the  Van  Buren  ticket,  and  in  1841  was  ap- 
■ated  United  States  senator  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Felix  Grundy. 
‘1844  he  canvassed  the  State  for  James  K.  Polk,  and  in  1845  removed  to  Nashville  and 
1 ame  editor  of  the  Union.  He  returned  to  Columbia  in  1850,  and  was  appointed  ckan- 
-(or  by  Gov.  Trousdale,  but  resigned  at  the  end  of  the  year.  In  1852  he  was  presidential 
■ 'tor  for  Franklin  Pierce,  and  in  1853  became  editor  of  the  Washington  Union,  and  in 
iort  time  was  elected  public  printer.  He  became  United  States  senator  again  in  1857, 
served  till  the  State  seceded  in  1861.  He  was  a member  of  the  constitutional  conven- 
i of  1870,  and  was  the  same  year  elected  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court,  and 
>"  chosen  by  that  body  as  chief  justice,  a position  which  he  held  till  his  death  March 
•’H876. 

Hon.  W.  F.  Cooper,  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Tennessee,  was  bora  in  Maury  County, 
-i  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1838,  and  at  once  began  practice  with  Hon.  S.  D.  Frier- 
In  1861  he  was  elected  one  of  the  supreme  judges,  but  never  took  his  seat  on  account 
• he  war.  He  was  appointed  chancellor  of  the  Nashville  District  in  1872,  and  elected 
tcae  same  position  in  1874.  In  1878  he  was  elected oneof  the  supreme  judges,  a position 
v eh  he  still  holds.  A fuller  sketch  of  him  will  be  found  in  this  volume. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  in  the  year  1807  a board  of  commissioners  was  created 


766 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


for  the  purpose  of  selecting  a site  for  a county  seat.  The  language  of  Section  3 of  said 
act  is  “Joshua  Williams,  William  Frierson,  Isaac  Roberts,  John  Lindsey  and  Joseph 
Brown  are  hereby  appointed  commissioners,  who  or  a majority  of  whom  shall,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  fix  a place  most  convenient,  on  or  as  near  Duck  River  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will 
admit,  for  a courthouse,  prisons  and  stocks  for  the  use  of  said  county  of  Maury,  which 
place  shall  not  exceed  three  miles  from  the  center  east  or  west,  and  after  agreeing  on  a 
place  they  shall  proceed  to  purchase  or  otherwise  procure  not  less  than  one  hundred  acres  of 
land,  for  which  they  shall  cause  a deed  or  deeds  to  be  made  to  themselves  or  their  successors 
in  office  by  a general  warranty,  on  which  they  shall  cause  a town  to  be  laid  off,  with  neces- 
sary streets  and  alleys,  neither  of  (which  streets  shall  be  less  than  one  hundred  feet  wide, 
reserving  two  acres  as  near  the  center  as  may  be,  on  which  the  court  house,  prison  and 
stocks  shall  be  erected,  which  town  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  Columbia.”  One  halt 
the  lots  near  the  square  were  to  be  sold  to  the  highest  bidder  at  public  auction  on  twelve 
months  credit.  The  sale  was  to  be  advertised  for  sixty  days  in  the  Nashville  Gazette  and 
Impartial  Review.  The  money  arising  from  the  sale  was  to  be  used  in  the  erection  of  the 
court  house,  prison  and  stocks,  and,  in  case  there  was  not  sufficient  money  obtained,  the 
commissioners  had  power  to  levy  a tax  of  12|  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land,  the  same 
amount  on  each  white  poll  and  double  that  amount  on  each  black  poll  and  $5  on  each 
merchant  or  peddler,  to  be  collected  by  the  collector  of  public  taxes.  On  May  30  1808, 
the  commissioners  received  a deed  from  John  White  for  150  acres,  more  or  less, of  laud,  for 
which  White  received  $500.  The  land  is  described  as  “situate  and  lying  on  the  south  side 
of  Duck  River,  being  a part  of  5,000  acres  granted  to  Nicholas  Long,  bounded  on  the  we  s' 
by  General  Greene’s  Survey.”  The  land  was  conveyed  by  Congress  to  Long,  and  by  Long 1 
Arthur  Bledsoe,  and  by  Bledsoe’s  heirs  to  John  White,  and  by  White  to  the  commission"! 
aforesaid.  The  land  adjoined  the  lands  of  Joseph  McDowell  and  were  a part  of  Grant  -16. 
The  sale  of  lands  began  August  1,  1808.  The  following  were  the  original  purchasers 
Peter  Bass,  John  Caruthers,  Lawrence  Thompson,  William  Daniel,  Kavanaugh  k Ber 
John  Williams,  Lucy  White,  Joe  Brown,  William  Berry,  Peter  Cheatham,  Hezekiah  A! 
mont,  James  Bruce,  Zilman  Spenser,  B.  F.  Spenser,  Nelson  & Cannon,  Stump  & Johnson, 
John  Spenser,  J.  B.  Porter,  Richard  Garret,  Joseph  Lemaster,  John  Bell,  Robert  Weakley 
William  Frierson,  Britton  Bridges,  John  Lyon,  Nicholas  Cobler,  Henderson  & Rutledge, 
Samuel  Taylor,  William  and  Abner  Pillow,  McPhail  & McGilray,  Bird  Hurt,  'Tboma; 
Hardin,  J.  Neulin,  Nicholson  & Goodloe,  John  M.  Goodloe,  Gabriel  Benson,  A.  C Yates 
James  Gullett,  Moses  Chaffin,  George  Cockburn,  Alfred  Balch,  Isaac  Roberts.  Join 
Keenan,  McGee  & King,  Thomas  Deaderick,  Berryliill  King,  Edward  McGafferty,  Duvi 
Nolen,  Samuel  Polk,  Edwin  Mangrum,  John  Lindsey,  E.  W.  Dale,  H.  Depriest,  Patrick1 
McGuire,  William  Wallace,  William  Auderson,  L.  B.  Mangrum,  E.  B.  Littlefield.  William 
Wood,  Meredeth  Helm,  W.  T.  Lewis,  S.  P.  Maxwell  R.  D.  Shackleford,  James  Pearsball 
J.  W.  Egnew,  Jethro  Brown,  John  Woodruff,  Elisha  Uzzell,  John  Wormley.  W A 
Johnson,  Isaac  Bills,  James  LIuey,  Abraham  Whitelock,  Richard  Hanks,  Joseph  Love  an< 
A.  R.  Alexander.  By  an  act  of  Section  2,  approved  November  14,  1809,  the  commission 
ers  were  to  appropriate  two  acres  of  ground  unsold  for  a church  and  burying  ground 
This  ground  was  called  “Greenwood,”  and  lies  on  the  left  bank  and  on  the  south  side  oj 
the  river.  This  was  the  chief  burying  place  for  the  people  of  Columbia  till  1854,  wire: 
the  new  cemetery  was  chartered. 

Section  3 of  the  above  act  required  the  commissioner  to  cause  a jail  to  be  built  “o 
some  part  of  a lot  not  sold,  not  on  the  square,  other  laws  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 
Section  5 required  the  commissioners  to  build  a market-house  on  the  Public  Square  fror 
the  sale  of  lots.  On  November  14,  1809,  the  commissioners  of  Columbia  were  authorize 
to  ; appropriate  money  from  the  sale  of  lots  to  purchase  a bell  aud  clock  for  the  com 
house.  The  exact  location  of  the  county  seat  was  attended  with  much  difficulty,  as  con 
flicting  interests  divided  the  opinions  of  the  commissioners.  The  places  taken  uni" 
serious  advisement  were  the  present  site  of  Columbia,  and  the  place  owned  by  Gen.  Hoi 
erts,  a few  miles  from  Columbia,  on  the  north  side  of  the  river.  It  is  claimed 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


767 

received  a majority  vote  of  the  commissioners,  but  on  reconsideration  the  vote  was  given 
for  Columbia. 

The  place  selected  was  either  covered  with  heavy  timber  or  around  the  three  large 
ponds;  one  marked  by  the  site  of  the  Bethell  House  was  covered  with  heavy  canebrakes, 
where  grew  very  tall  cane.  Where  the  Masonic  Temple  stands  was  a crossing  of  timber 
for  footmen  over  one  of  these  ponds.  The  timber  was  soon  cleared  away,  the  cane  de- 
stroyed and  the  ponds  filled  or  drained,  and  the  infant  city  started.  One  of  the  first 
business  houses,  erected  in  Columbia  was  the  indispensable  inn.  Jeremiah  Cherry  owned 
a large  inn  in  Columbia  in  1810;  how  much  earlier  it  was  built  is  not  known.  Peter 
Cheatham  built  an  inn  a little  later  near  where  Black’s  livery  stable  now  stands,  but  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  street.  Maj.  Lewis  kept  a house  of  entertainment  near  where  the  Guest 
'Bouse  now  stands,  over  half  a century  ago.  He  was  followed  in  the  same  house  by  a 
Ur.  Ransom.  The  first  store  in  the  place,  it  is  thought,  was  built  by  John  Hodge.  This 
itood  where  Mr.  Taylor  Yoss  now  lives,  and  was  a three-cornered  brick,  the  first  of  the 
and  in  the  place/and  stood  on  the  south  side  of  the  Square.  The  main  building  of  Hodge 
vas  of  logs,  and  the  brick  was  added  to  it.  William  W.  Berryhill,  another  store-keeper, 
lad  a store  also  on  the  south  side  of  the  Square.  Berryhill’s  building  was  of  logs,  and 
vas  two  stories  in  height.  Peter  Coliea  kept  what  was  called  the  Indian  store.  Here 
nost  of  the  Indians  did  their  trading.  They  came  in  droves,  with  their  pack  ponies 
oaded  with  peltries  and  such  articles  as  they  had  for  traffic.  They  would  remain  a num- 
>er  of  days  in  town,  and  would  spend  what  money  and  trade  they  might  have  in  whisky 
nd  trinkets.  They  were  particularly  fond  of  chinaware.  Another  store  was  kept  by  a 
ridow,  Mrs.  McCain,  as  early,  it  is  thought,  as  1818.  She  had  two  sons,  John  and  Joseph, 
Vho  assisted  her  in  her  work.  She  was  the  first  female  store-keeper  in  the  town  or  county, 
nd  was  a woman  of  taste  and  culture.  Her  house  was  a favorite  resort  at  the  time  for 
he  ladies  for  tea  parties  and  social  gatherings.  Simon  Johnson  was  another  pioneer 
merchant  in  Columbia,  whose  place  of  business  was  on  East  Market  Street  near  Black’s 
‘very  stable.  David  Martin  had  a small  store  near  the  present  site  of  the  Gust  House, 
fatrick McGuire  kept  a store  near  the  present  place  of  Titcomb  & Frierson’s  drug  store, 
le  became  quite  wealthy,  and  was  the  owner  of  a large  quantity  of  real  estate.  Other 
otel  keepers  not  mentioned  above  were  John  Anderson,  the  father  of  a veiy  prominent 
irnily  well  known  throughout  the  county,  and  Mrs.  Hocks,  whose  domineering  over  her 
usband  is  remembered  to  this  day. 

The  first  physicians  were  Drs.  Estes  and  O’Reilly,  who  located  in  or  near  Columbia 
,Jout  the  time  the  town  was  laid  out.  These  were  both  good  physicians  and  high-toned 
mtlemen.  Dr.  DePriest  settled  in  Columbia  in  1809,  and  was  a man  of  promise,  but 
immitted  suicide.  Two  others  were  Drs.  McNiel  and  Sansom,  each  of  whom  came  to 
plumbia  in  1810.  In  addition  to  these  were  Dr.  McJimsey,  who  came  about  1813,  and 
r.  Graves,  a man  of  very  fine  ability, who  came  some  years  later.  A paper-mill  was  run 
7 a Mr.  Whiting,  but  the  date  is  not  remembered.  There  was  a coppersmith,  by  the 
ime  of  Monroe  or  McMunn;  his  shop  stood  where  William  Woods’  shop  now  stands.  He 
as  considered  a very  fine  workman,  and  manufactured  materials  for  copper  stills. 

The  first  hatter  wras  Elisha  Uzzell.  As  imported  hats  were  not  of  easy  access  his 
ork  was  in  great  demand.  A man  named  Burns  was  a leather-dresser  and  glove-maker, 
s deer  were  then  plentiful  his  work  was  largely  confined  to  the  dressing  of  deer-skins, 
arns’  Spring  was  named  in  honor  of  Burns.  The  first  saddlers  were  William  and  Peter  I. 
torhies,  John  Lowder,  and  a Mr.  Kirkpatrick.  The  first  cabinet  workmen  were  Mathias 
arfield  and  Purcell,  the  latter  was  also  a carpenter,  and  did  a considerable  business, 
r.  Vaught,  who  came  to  Columbia  in  1809,  was  tutored  by  Mr.  Purcell,  and  followed  his 
ide  till  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  and  was  rendered  unfit  for  work  by  age.  It  is  claimed 
r him  that  he  built  more  houses  in  and  around  Columbia  than  any  other  man  in  the 
uiity.  At  an  early  period,  1814,  there  were  two  rope  factories;  one  of  these  was  owned 
f a man  named  McQuidlev,  and  stood  where  Shepard’s  grocery  store  stands.  Mebley 
ilt  a powder-mill  at  White’s  Spring,  a place  well  suited  by  nature  for  the  mill.  The 


768 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


saltpeter  was  obtained  at  a place  about  twelve  miles  southwest  of  Columbia.  The  first 
mill  was  built  by  Mr.  Henderson,  and  it  stood  where  the  jail  now  stands.  This  was  a 
horse-mill,  and  was  afterward  changed  into  a cotton-gin.  The  first  water-mill  was  built 
by  Mr.  Wallace,  near  where  Sewell’s  mill  now7  stands. 

The  first  silversmith  was  a man  named  Cressy,  wrho  came  to  the  place  about  1814;  he 
rvas  followed  by  James  Wilkins,  in  1816,  who  reached  the  age  of  almost  four  score  and  ten 
years.  Samuel  Northen  took  up  his  residence  in  Columbia  in  1820.  Soon  after  him  came 
two  of  his  relatives,  James  and  William  R.  Hedge.  These  men  prospered  in  their  busi- 
ness and  became  wealthy.  At  this  period  nearly  every  man  was  his  own  shoe-maker,  ami 
frequently  furnished  hides  to  the  numerous  tan-yards,  with  which  every  neighborhood 
abounded;  there  were  three  of  these  near  Columbia.  One  of  these  was  owned  by  Joseph 
Hart,  near  what  has  since  been  called  Noah’s  Ark,  and  another,  further  down,  owned  by 
Capt.  M.  Helm.  The  latter  wTas  run  till  a comparatively  recent  date;  a third  one  wa- 
owned  by  John  M.  Smoot.  The  last  named  stood  near  White’s  Spring.  Alexander  Laird 
has  the  honor  of  having  been  the  first  brick-mason,  and  Thomas  Norton  the  first  plasterer 
and  painter.  The  business  men,  as  late  as  1820,  w7ere  Patrick  McGuire,  William  Berry- 
hill,  Caleb  Longley,  John  T.  Moore,  Edward  W.  Dale,  John  Hodge,  James  Leftwick,  E.  H. 
Chaffin,  David  Gillespie,  James  Walker  and  R.  A.  Vail.  Between  1820  and  1830  there  were, 
in  addition  to  a portion  of  the  above,  Samuel  McDowell,  Cooper  & Hill,  Joseph  Hern- 
don, Evan  Young,  James  R.  Plummer,  Henry  Langtry,  Adlai  0.  Harris,  J.  S.  Walker, 
Patrick  McGuire,  Abram  Looney  and  W.  J.  Dale.  From  1830  to  1840  there  were  W.  J. 
Dale,  Looney  & Sons,  .T.  S.  Walker,  Frierson  & Co.,  Evan  Young,  Henry  Langtry,  Jam  ■- 
R.  Plummer  and  W.  J.  Dale.  These  were  all  general  stores,  the  divisions  into  special 
lines  not  having  yet  been  made.  From  a paper  at  hand  it  is  learned  that  in  1834  Colim 
bia  contained  1,500  inhabitants,  had  1 college,  1 academy,  4 common  schools,  1 printing 
office,  3 churches,  3 divines,  13  lawyers,  5 doctors,  20  stores,  3 taverns,  2 groceries,  4 black- 
smiths, 3 brick-layers,  8 carpenters,  4 cabinet-makers,  3 gunsmiths,  2 hatters,  2 painter-, 
4 saddlers,  4 shoe-makers,  3 silversmiths,  4 tailors,  2 tanners,  2 tinners,  2 wagon-maker? 

1 cotton-gin,  2 carding  machines  and  1 bank — Union  Bank.  From  1840  to  1850  the  lead- 
ing business  men  were  W.  J.  Dale,  A.  O.  Harris,  Frierson  & Co.,  Evan  Young,  James  11 
Plummer,  Henry  Langtry,  Looney  & Bros.,  J.  B.  Graves,  J.  & A.  Morgan,  Porter  & 
Partee,  Hayden  & Fisher,  J.  W.  Gamelin  and  John  H.  Ewin. 

Between  1850  and  1860  there  were  W.  J.  Dale,  James  Akin,  James  M.  Larkin,  James 
R.  Plummer,  Smith  & Davidson,  Gardner  Frierson,  L.  LI.  Duncan.  The  present  principal 
business  men  and  houses  of  Columbia  are  as  follows;  Dry  goods — Mayes  & Frierson. 
McEwen  & Dale,  O.  Cower,  A.  Gross,  George  Hedge,  Most  Hedge.  Clothing— Rosenthal 
& Bro.,  L.  Ottenross  and  Mayes  & Frierson.  Groceries — E.  W.  Gamble  (wholesale  and 
retail),  Chaffin  & Bro.,  Nichlls  & Nichols,  Watt  Embry,  R.  Holding,  Hinds  <fc  Peters 
Furnishing  goods — George  Wilkes.  Boots,  shoes,  hats  and  caps — R.  W.  Walkins.  Hard 
ware — Elam  & Ewing,  Street,  Embry  & Co.,  Andrews  & McGregor.  Furniture— W J. 
Oakes.  Drug  stores — Rains  & Son,  Titcomb  & Frierson,  Joseph  Towler,  W.  P-  Bal- 
dridge. Millinery  stores — Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs.  Ruttle  and  J.  B.  Munter.  Book  store— S.  * 
Comstock.  Livery  stables— Mayes,  Dodson  & Coperton,  Moore  & Prewett,  J.  P.  Me(<v 
and  W.  A.  Ruttle  & Co.  Grain  dealers — McLemore  & Bro.,  E.  W.  Gamble  and  R Hold- 
ing & Cochran.  Saw  and  planing-mill — R.  C.  Brown.  Hotels— Bethell  House,  Guest 
House  and  Nelson  House.  Jewelers— W.  Abe  Smith,  J.  H.  James. 

The  act  incorporating  Columbia  passed  the  General  Assembly  November,  17,  181 0 T 
which  it  became  a body  corporate  and  politic  under  the  name  and  style  of  mayor  and  siclci  - 
men  of  the  city  of  Columbia.  Various  acts  pertaining  to  the  city  have  passed  the  General 
Assembly  at  different  times.  A somewhat  extended  charter  was  passed  in  1848  and  farther 
changes  were  made  in  1850,  1856  and  again  in  1870.  A destruction  of  the  records  rendei 
it  impossible  to  follow  the  city  government  through  all  its  changes.  The  record  shows  diai 
the  city  has  between  5,000  and  6,000  inhabitants,  and  a taxable  property  of  more  than 
$1,500,000,  and  a debt  of  less  than  $50,000.  The  city  government  consists  of  a mayor, 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


769 


recorder,  city  attorney,  marshal,  each  elected  yearly,  and  a board  of  aldermen  each  of 
whom  is  elected  for  three  years.  The  present  executive  officers  are  Joseph  Towler, 
mayor;  L.  B.  Lander,  recorder;  W.  C.  Taylor,  attorney  and  John  Latta,  marshal. 

Bv  an  act  of  the  Legislature  passed  April  23,  1807  and  approved  October  11,  1809,  it 
was  enacted  by  the  State  of  Tennessee,  “That  Isaac  RobertsqJohn  Spencer,  William 
Bradshaw,  Joseph  Brown,  William  Berryhill,  William  W.  Thompson,  Simon  Johnson, 
Abraham  Whitefield  and  L.  B.  Estis,  and  their  successors  in  office  be  and  are  hereby  con- 
stituted a body  corporate  and  politic  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Columbia  Water 
Company,  and  by  that  name  may  sue  and  be  sued,  etc.”  Section  3d  provided  that  they 
might  draw  $300  from  the  commissioners  of  Columbia,  from  the  sale  of  lands,  the  receipt 
of  the  company  being  a sufficient  voucher  for  the  money.  Additional  members  were  added 
to  the  company  September  30,  1811,  viz.:  John  Hodge,  William  McNiel,  Samuel  Craig, 
Jeremiah  Cherry,  Peter  Cheatham,  Isaac  Harden  and  John  M.  Taylor.  Similar  powers 
were  extended  to  these  as  to  the  former  members.  Water  was  to  be  conveyed  by  some 
means  to  the  Public  Square.  It  is  believed  no  material  steps  were  taken  to  effect  a supply 
of  water  for  the  city  till  between  1825  and  1830,  when  Arnold  Zillner,  a practical  mechanic, 
constructed  a rather  rude  system  of  works.  Water  was  conveyed  from  White’s  spring  by 
means  of  a water-wheel  to  a reservoir  placed  near  the  spring.  The  water  being  insufficient 
in  quantity  a larger  wheel  was  placed  at  the  river.  A dam  was  constructed  and  by  means 
of  the  fail  of  a large  quantity  of  water  sufficient  force  was  obtained  to  elevate  all  the 
water  necessary  for  the  town.  The  water  was  at  first  conveyed  by  means  of  cedar  pipes, 
which  were  afterward  supplanted  by  leaden  ones  and  these  still  later  by  iron  pipes.  In 
winter,  and  when  the  river  was  too  high  for  the  wheel  at  the  river  to  work,  the  one  kept  at 
Lhe  spring  was  brought  into  use.  After  dong  service  for  a great  many  years  the  old  water- 
wheels were  supplanted  by  a steam-engine.  A reservoir  was  constructed  so  as  to  hold  all 
he  water  from  White’s  Spring,  which  by  this  means  afforded  a sufficiency  of  water. 

An  ordinance  was  passed  April  30,  1883,  and  submitted  to  a vote  of  the  citizens  of  the 
own  and  ratified  by  them  April  12,  1883.  The  company  is  known  as  the  Columbia  Water 
Company.  For  the  consideration  of  $1  the  pump  house  was  allowed  to  be  erected  on 
Duck  River,  the  water  to  be  drawn  from  above  the  sewerage  of  the  city.  For  the  same 
consideration  the  reservoir  was  allowed  to  be  erected  on  Mount  Parnassus  Knob,  about 
100  feet  above  the  level  of  Duck  River.  The  contract  was  made  with  Travers  Daniel,  of 
Jlarksville,  Tenn.,  and  the  mayor  and  aldermen  for  the  city  of  Columbia.  The  company 
?rected  an  engine  of  almost  100  horse-power,  with  a pumping  capacity  of  1,153,000  gallons 
ler  day.  The  reservoir  has  a capacity  of  about  2,000,000  gallons.  The  company  have 
'aid  about  six  miles  of  mains,  and  have  forty-four  double-nozzle  fire  hydrants,  for 
vkich  the  city  pays  $3,000  per  annum.  The  company  have  water  privilege  for  fifty  years, 
)ut  at  the  end  of  each  ten  years  the  city  has  the  privilege  of  purchasing  the  works  at  a 
nice  agreed  upon  by  a board  selected  for  that  purpose. 

June  14,  1883,  a steam  fire  department  was  organized.  It  consists  of  one  steam  fire- 
■ngine,  one  hose  carriage  and  other  apparatus.  The  company  consists  of  one  captain, 
irst  and  second  pipemen,  and  first  and  second  assistant  pipemen,  one  engine  driver,  one 
lose  driver  and  volunteers  not  to  exceed  twenty-five  men.  The  Steam  Fire  Company  and 
lie  Columbia  Water  Company  afford  very  ample  protection  against  fire. 

The  Columbia  Gas  Company,  was  incorporated  in  1883  by  Henry  Cooper,  A.W.  Stockell, 
8-  W.  Gamble,  J.  L.  Jones,  H.  D.  Fitch  and  others.  The  exclusive  privilege  for  furnisk- 
ng  gas  light  to  the  city  was  granted  to  the  company  for  ten  years,  with  some  restrictions, 
it  was  known  as  the  Chess-Carley  Company.  By  the  contract  the  company  was  compelled 
o begin  work  within  six  months  and  complete  the  work  within  twelve  months.  The 
ompany  erected  a reservoir  of  40,000  cubic  feet  capacity,  and  make  a gas  called  “fixed  oil 
;as.”  There  were  erected  at  first  twenty-five  lamps  of  fourteen  candle-power,  for  which 
he  city  was  to  pay  1 cent  per  hour  while  burning,  and  $3  to  the  company  for  each  lamp 
or  keeping  the  same  in  repair.  Some  changes  have  since  been  made  in  the  contract, 
the  city  is  kept  well  lighted.  January  13,  18S0,  an  electric  light  company  was  organized 


770 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  chartered.  The  company  was  composed  of  J.  B.  Rains,  Calvin  Morgan,  Lucius  Frier 
son,  J.  B.  Childress,  George  L.  Thomas  and  J.  M.  Mayes.  The  company,  however,  did 
not  begin  operations. 

The  difficulty  of  procuring  ice  led  to  the  formation  of  the  Columbia  Ice  Company. 
The  charter  was  granted  February  18,  18S0,  to  M.  J.  Rushton,  E.  W.  Gamble,  R.  Holdin- 
L.  W.  Black,  J.  M.  Mayes  and  Lucius  Frierson.  The  company  at.  once  began  work,  and 
since  its  organization  has  erected  new  buildings  and  procured  new  machinery,  and  are 
now  able  to  supply  all  demands  for  ice.  The  officers  of  the  company  are  Lucius  Frier 
son,  president;  E.  W.  Gamble,  secretary  and  treasurer,  aud  II.  L.  White,  manager. 

The  Columbia  Cotton  Mill  Company  was  chartered  February  9,  1884,  by  W.  C.  .Jones. 
J.  M.  Mayes,  J.  P.  Street,  A.  W.  Stocked,  R.  M.  McKay,  George  Childress  and  G.  T. 
Hughes.  The  capital  stock  is  $100,000.  The  buildings  are  100x300  feet,  one  story  high, 
and  contain  5,000  spindles  and  124  looms,  and  the  machinery  is  driven  by  an  engine  of 
200  horse-power.  The  directors  of  the  company  own  about  twenty  acres  of  land,  and  on 
this  the  100  operatives  live  in  nice  cottages  erected  for  their  comfort..  The  officers  of  tin- 
company  are  J.  M.  Mayes,  president;  W.  C.  Jones,  general  manager  and  treasurer;  George 
Childress,  cashier,  and  C.  T.  Jones,  book-keeper.  The  product  of  the  mills  is  about  0,00(1 
yards  daily",  consisting  of  sea  island  cotton,  seamless  bags,  cotton  yarns  and  battings.  For 
this  the  company  find  a ready  market. 

The  Maury  County  Building  & Loan  Association  was  organized  in  August.  1881,  and 
held  its  first,  loan  meeting  in  October  of  that  year.  The  officers  were  J.  P.  Street,  presi 
dent;  C.  W.  Witherspoon,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Robert  M.  McKay,  attorney;  G.  I. 
Hughes,  E.  W.  Gamble,  S.  G.  Comstock,  Joseph  Towler,  A.  D.  Frierson,  W.  M.  Embry 
and  J.  P.  Street,  board  of  directors.  The  Columbia  Homestead  Building  Association  u n- 
incorporated April  17,  1882,  by  W.  J.  Andrews,  C.  C.  Gross,  E.  W.  Carmack,  J.  H 
Andrews,  A.  Sinclair,  R.  Holding,  S.  G.  Comstock,  W.  A.  McGregor,  Joseph  Towler  am! 
W.  R.  Elam.  The  Columbia  Manufacturing  Company  was  chartered  on  August  20 
1881,  by  J.  M.  Hedge,  G.  D.  Hedge,  W.  C.  Taylor,  Caleb  Taylor  and  L.  Taylor  for  the 
manufacture  of  buckets,  churns,  dishes,  etc.  On  April  17,  1883,  was  chartered  the  Colum 
bia  Horseshoe  Manufacturing  Company  by  W.  J.  Embry,  T.  H.  Watkins,  A.  B.  Rains, 
Lucius  Frierson,  E.  W.  Gamble  and  J.  B.  Herndon,  and  on  January  4,  1884,  a charter  u n- 
issued to  the  Columbia  Horseshoeing  Company  on  application  by  A.  B.  Rains,  Lucius 
Frierson,  George  L.  Thomas,  George  Childress  and  J.  P.  Street.  Columbia  is  also  tin 
headquarters  of  the  “Blue  Grass  Cheese  & Butter  Association,”  the  “ Copolquin  Mining 
Company  chartered  in  1877,  the  “ Napier  Iron  Company  ” chartered  in  1879. 

The  Columbia  Jersey  Cattle  Company  was  incorporated  October  16,  1882,  by  Camp- 
bell Brown,  W.  J.  Webster,  J.  N.  Figures,  H.  P.  Figures,  A.  T.  Brown  and  W.  S.  Rainey 
Other  members  have  since  been  added  and  the  company  now  own  some  very  tine  stock 
The  fii-m  of  T.  N.  Figuers  & Co.  was  organized  in  1884  for  the  purpose  of  importing  and 
breeding  Holstein-Friestan  cattle.  Their  stock  are  kept  on  the  “Oak  Lawn  Holstein 
Farm.”  about  two  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Columbia.  The  Jersey  Stock  Company 
was  chartered  April  26,  1883,  by  J.  E.  R.  Carpenter,  J.  G.  Bailey,  J.  H.  Howard,  J. 

S.  Ridley,  J.  R.  Orr,  W.  J.  Embry  and  W.  V.  Wilson.  This  company"  embraces  some  ot 
the  best  stock  men  in  the  county.  The  Maury  Live  Stock  & Agricultural  Association  was 
chartered  November  21,  1879,  by  Campbell  Brown,  Thomas  Gibson,  Y.  Polk,  Will  Polk 
and  A.  N.  Akin.  The  company  use  the  old  fair  grounds  and  have  fine  track  for  training 
fast  horses.  Many  of  the  finest  horses  in  the  county  are  wintered  at  the  company  s 
stables.  The  Tennessee  Trotting  Horse  & Breeding  Association  was  incorporated  in  ! " 
cember,  1882,  by  Will  Polk,  V.  L.  Polk,  Campbell  Brown,  G.  W.  Polk,  J.  E.  R.  Carpen- 
ter and  W.  ,J.  Embry. 

The  Bet, hell  Hotel  Company  was  chartered  May  24,  1880,  by  P.  C.  Bethell.  W 
Bethell,  Lucius  Frierson,  Eugene  Pillow,  J.  M.  Mayes  and  L.  W.  Black.  The  Bethell  >'as 
open  for  business  in  May,  1882.  It  is  considered  the  third  house  in  size  and  finish  in  the 
State.  It  has  recently  passed  into  the  hands  of  private  individuals, Messrs. Mayes  & Dodson 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


771 


The  Columbia  Stock  Yards  was  chartered  in  1883,  with  a capital  stock  of  §30,000. 
Its  officers  were  J.  W.  Howard,  president;  E.  W.  Gamble,  vice-president;  T.  W.  Keesee, 
pen  era!  manager;  Columbia  Banking  Company,  treasurer,  and  J.  G.  Bailey,  secretary. 
The  company  handle  an  average  of  about  8,000  mules  per  annum.  The  first  four  months 
j0f  the  company’s  existence  it  handled  over  12,000  head  of  stock. 

The  charter  for  the  “ Exchange  ” was  granted  on  January  22,  1885,  on  application  by 
W.  J.  Andrews,  E.  W.  Gamble,  A.  B.  Rains,  W.  R.  Elam,  George  W.  Wilkes,  A.  D. 
Frierson  and  H.  Harpold.  The  Exchange  embraces  the  most  substantial  and  energetic 
business  men  of  Columbia,  and  has  for  its  object  and  purpose  the  “collection,  preserva- 
tion and  circulation  of  valuable  information  relating  to  the  business  and  progress  of  the 
city  of  Columbia,  and  its  commercial  connections  and  especially  the  facts  relating  to  the 
manufacturing  and  commercial  interests.” 

The  Century  Club  received  its  charter  February  14, 1884.  Rs  officers  are  G.  L.  Thomas, 
president;  Horace  Frierson,  first  vice-president;  Walter  P.  Woldridge.  second  vice-presi- 
dent, and  Horace  L.  Cooper,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Club  has  magnificent  rooms  in 
the  Masonic  Building  and  is  composed  of  nearly  one  hundred  of  the  leading  men  of  the  city. 

A charter  was  granted  the  Cantrell  Light  Artillery  on  June  3,  1885,  to  E.  D.  Wilson, 
W.  A.  Ruttle,  R.  E.  Andrews  and  A.  A.  Hodge,  and  one  or  two  others.  The  officers  are 
E.  D.  Wilson,  captain;  W.  A.  Ruttle,  first  lieutenant,  and  R.  E.  Andrews,  first  ser- 
geant. The  Witt  Rifle  Company  was  chartered  on  June  13, 1885,  on  application  by  Ira  C. 
Witt,  W.  Y.  Thompson.  C.  M.  Gamble,  T.  A.  Thompson  and  R.  C.  Ewing.  The  officers 
are  Ira  C.  Witt,  senior  captain;  W.  V.  Thompson,  captain;  C.  M.  Gamble,  first  lieuten- 
ant: T.  A.  Thompson,  second  lieutenant;  Alf  Horsley,  first  sergeant. 

Under  the  law  governing  the  Bank  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  books  were  opened  in 
Columbia,  for  the  purchase  of  800  shares  of  §50  each,  of  stock  in  said  bank.  Notice  was 
given  in  the  paper  for  thirty  days.  Section  27,  of  the  act  provided,  that  when  the  citizens 
of  Maury  County  had  subscribed  $20, 000  a branch  of  the  bank  should  be  opened  in  Colum- 
bia, under  the  same  laws  as  the  State  bank;  it  was  further  provided  that  the  citizens 
might  subscribe  “ as  much  as  they  were  able  to  pay  for;”  and  further,  after  120  days,  if 
the  directors  refuse  to  establish  said  branch  bank,  the  citizens  of  Maury  might  organize  one 
of  their  own.  The  bank  to  be  organized  was  to  be  called  the  “ Columbia  Tennessee 
Bank,”  and  to  be  governed  the  same  as  the  Gallatin  bank.  The  directors  were  William 
Frierson,  Samuel  Polk,  Horatio  Depriest,  Dorrel  N.  Sansom,  William  McNiel,  Patrick 
McGuire,  Samuel  McDowell,  William  Bradshaw  and  Joseph  Brown.  The  time  to  which 
they  were  limited  to  start  this  bank  was  January  1,  1820.  This  was  what  was  called  a 
loan  bank,  but  soon  failed.  The  bank  was  organized  April  19,  1819,  by  electing  D.  N. 
Sansom,  president.  The  capital  stock  at  that  time  was  $15,000.  The  results  were  as  above 
stated.  The  Union  Bank  was  established  'in  1832,  and  the  branch  for  Middle  Ten- 
nessee was  opened  in  Columbia.  This  bank  had  a successful  run  and  its  affairs  were 
not  entirely  wound  up  till  since  the  war.  A branch  of  this  bank  was  opened  in  Colum- 
bia, in  1834,  in  the  building  on  the  south  side  of  the  street  opposite  the  Bethell  House. 
The  Planters  Bank  was  chartered  in  1833,  with  a capital  stock  of  $2,000,000.  The  follow- 
ing were  appointed  to  open  books  for  stock  in  Columbia  on  January  1,  1834:  James 
Yvalker,  William  NcNeill,  J.  B.  Groves,  D.  P.  Frierson,  E.  W.  Dale  and  James  R.  Plummer. 
The  bank  opened  for  business  in  Columbia,  in  1838.  The  building  occupied  was  the  one 
which  now  stands  near  the  Guest  House;  this  bank  was  closed  by  the  war. 

The  Shelby  Savings  Institution  was  organized  under  charter  in  1868;  by  special  act  of 
.the  Legislature,  its  name  was  soon  changed  to  the  Bank  of  Columbia.  The  capital  stock 
of  the  bank  is  $100,000,  of  which  $50,000  is  paid  up  capital  and  $50,000  surplus.  The  of- 
ficers of  the  bank  are  W.  P.  Ingram,  president;  Knox  Fleming,  teller:  Leslie  Cullum  and 
J.  E.  Ingram,  book-keepers. 

The  Columbia  Banking  Company  began  business,  in  1869,  as  the  First  National  Bank, 
and  continued  as  such  until  July  21,  1885,  when  it  received  its  charter  as  the  Columbia 
Banking  Company.  The  capital  stock  of  the  company  is  $100,000,  with  $20,000  surplus. 


772 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  officers  are  J.  M.  Mayes,  president;  J.  C.  Wooten,  vice-president;  Lucius  Frierson, 
cashier. 

The  Second  National  Bank  was  chartered  in  October,  1881.  The  capital  stock  and 
surplus  of  this  bank  is  about  $100,000.  The  officers  of  the  bank  are  R.  A.  Ogilvie,  presi- 
dent; Robert  M.  McKay,  vice-president;  George  Childress,  cashier.  -The  board  of  direc- 
tors are  R.  A.  Ogilvie,  R.  J.  Banguss,  Robert  M.  McKay,  W.  R.  Webb,  A.  D.  Frierson, 
W.  E.  Baird,  F.  J.  Ewing,  and  O.  C.  Owen. 

Columbia  Lodge,  No.  31,  F.  & A.  M.,  was  organized  by  a dispensation  from  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Tennessee,  dated  November  10,  1819.  The  officers  pro  tempore  were  W.  G. 
Dickerson,  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Tennessee,  W.  M. ; Harry  Hill,  S.  W.;  James  G.  Craig, 

J.  W. ; John  Brown,  S.  and  T. ; Nathaniel  Ives,  S.  D. ; John  J.  Williamson,  J.  D.,  and  Alfred 
Hunt,  Tyler.  The  lodge  was  opened  in  the  first  degree  of  Masonry  when  the  names 
of  Dowell  N.  Sanson  and  Robert  L.  Cobbs  were  presented,  praying  to  be  initiated.  The 
lodge  considering  an  emergency  existing  proceeded  to  ballot  and  elect  the  candidates  in 
due  form.  The  lodge  was  next  opened  in  the  Second  or  Fellow  Craft  Degree,  when  the 
name  of  Dowell  N.  Sanson  was  entered  and  he  was  passed  to  that  degree.  The  Columbia 
Lodge,  No.  31,  was  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  in  1827,  with  the  usual  power.  On 
November  12, 1828,  the  lodge  bought  of  M.  D.  Cooper  the  lot  where  the  hall  now  stauds 
for  $600.  The  same  had  been  purchased  of  Mrs.  R.  G.  Houston  on  May  11,  1827,  by  Mr. 
Cooper.  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  September  28,  1824,  Peter  R.  Booker,  Patrick  Mc- 
Guire, Pleasant  Nelson,  Henson  Grove  and  E.  W.  Dale  were  appointed  trustees  to  manage 
a lottery  for  raising  a sum  not  to  exceed  $8,000,  to  build  a Masonic  hall  for  Columbia 
Lodge,  No.  31.  The  drawing  took  place  the  first  Monday  in  May,  1825.  The  capital 
prize  was  $6,000,  and  the  tickets  were  $10.  The  lodge  drew  the  capital  prize,  but  not 
realizing  sufficient  means  a new  scheme  was  gotten  up,  in  which  the  drawing  took  place 
the  first  Monday  in  May,  1826.  The  capital  prize  in  the  second  scheme  was  $3,000,  and 
the  tickets  $3  each.  As  in  the  other  case  the  lodge  drew  the  prize.  The  corner- 
stone of  the  hall  was  laid  with  Masonic  ceremonies  June  16,  1827.  The  building  was 
of  brick,  47x55  feet  and  two  stories  high.  The  building  was  erected  by  Levi  Ketckum 
and  H.  Ward,  and  was  completed  in  1828.  The  new  magnificent  hall  was  erected  in  1883, 
and  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  State.  The  lodge  now  numbers  between  seventy-five  and 
100.  The  following  Grand  Masters  have  been  furnished  by  Columbia  Lodge,  No.  31: 
Mathew  D.  Cooper,  October,  1826-27;  William  E.  Kennedy,  1828-29;  Edmund  Dilla- 
hunty,  1845-46;  Charles  A.  Fuller,  1851-52,  and  again  in  1865;  A.  M.  Hughes,  1853-54. 

De  Molay  Commandery  No.  3,  K.  T.,  was  organized  December  19,  1858.  The 
following  are  the  charter  members:  Lucius  J.  Polk,  E.-  C.;  A.  M.  Hughes,  G.;  J.  B. 
Hamilton,  C.  G. ; J.  M.  Towler,  Prelate;  J.  H.  Devereux,  S.  W. ; L.  H.  Hankins,  J W. ; 
W.  H.  Whiton,  Recorder;  William  R.  Hodge,  Treas.;  W.  J.  G.  Hunter,  Warden;  S.  II. 
Jones,  S.  B.;  C.  Foster  Williams,  S.  B.,  and  Jesse  Oakes,  Sentinel.  Later  officers  were 
Dr.  Robert  Pillow,  E.  C. ; Robert  M.  McKay,  G. ; S.  D.  F.  McEwen,  C.  G. ; H.  L.  Hendley, 

R.  ; H.  B.  Cochran,  Treas.  The  following  Grand  Commanders  have  been  furnished  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  the  State:  Sir  Charles  A.  Fuller,  in  1859;  Sir  Lucius  J.  Polk,  in 
1860,  and  Sir  J.  M.  Towler,  in  1868-69.  Columbia  Lodge,  No.  3,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  insti- 
tuted October  4,  1841.  The  following  were  the  charter  members:  Lee  Holman,  James  R. 
Shelton,  George  W.  McQuiddy,  Charles  Brandon  and  James  White.  Phinteas  Lodge, 

K.  of  P. : J.  H.  Fussell,  C.  C. ; J.  G.  Bailey,  V.  C. ; M.  G.  Frierson,  K.  R.  and  S. ; 
J.  J.  Elam;  M.  of  E.  Uniform  Rank:  J.  W.  Fussell,  S.  K.  C.;  J.  G.  Bailey,  L.  C. ; E.  E. 
Erwin,  Treas.,  and  William  Mayes,  Sec.  Knights  of  Honor:  M.  Ruttle,  Dictator;  W.  D 
Cameron,  Y.  D.;  A.  S.  James,  Reporter;  W.  A.  Quarterman,  F.  R. ; J.  P.  Street,  Treas.; 
Dr.  J.  H.  Wilkes,  M.  E.;  T.  P.  White,  Sentinel;  M.  L.  Frierson,  Guide.  Royal  Arcanum; 

S.  D.  F.  McEwen,  P.  R.;  J.  H.  Dew,  R.;  W.  J.  Dale,  Jr.,  Y.  R. ; H.  B.  Cochran,  Sec.;  W. 
F.  Embry,  Collector;  Lucius  Frierson,  Orator;  Dr.  D.  B.  Harlan,  M.  E. ; Horace  Frierson  > 
Treas.;  J.  P.  McGaw,  Chaplain;  J.  J.  Elam,  Guide.  A.  O.  U.  W. : E.  W.  Gamble,  M.  W ; 
S.  G.  Comstock,  Recorder;  I.  L.  Cochran,  Overseer;  T.  J.  Fleming,  Financier. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


773 


The  beginning  of  newspaper  enterprises  in  Columbia  was  in  the  year  1811.  The  man 
to  whom  the  credit  is  due  was  James  Walker,  a native  of  Kentucky,  but  who  learned  his 
trade  in  Nashville.  He  was  entrusted  with  a printing  press  by  Mr.  Estin,  his  employer, 
and  began  work  in  Columbia  at  the  age  of  twenty  years.  Mr.  Walker’s  paper  was  called 
the  Western  Chronicle;  this  was  a small  weekly  paper,  and  was  edited  and  managed  by 
Mr.  Walker  for  many  years.  Like  all  papers  at  that  time,  it  devoted  the  major  part  of  its 
space  to  foreign  news  and  incidents  in  remote  parts  of  the  United  States  rather  than  home 
news.  In  1813  the  editor  married  Miss  Jane  M.  Polk,  daughter  of  Maj.  Samuel  Polk,  who 
was  the  father  of  President  James  K.  Polk.  Mr.  Walker  died  in  1864. 

Andrew  Hayes  purchased  the  press  of  Mr.  Walker  and  edited  the  paper  for  some  time, 
assisted  by  Mr.  Williamson.  About  1833  the  paper  passed  into  the  hands  of  Hon.  A.  O. 
P.  Nicholson  and  Hon.  Samuel  D.  Frierson,  both  of  whom  made  national  reputations  on 
the  bench  and  in  other  fields  of  usefulness.  The  paper  at  this  time  was  called  The  West- 
ern Mercury.  Gen.  Felix  K.  Zollicoffer  was  for  a time  editor  of  the  Columbia  Observer. 
Associated  with  him  for  a time  was  Field,  the  editor  and  compiler  of  the  Scrap  Book.  On 
January  1,  1839,  this  paper  was  begun,  it  is  believed  by  C.  P.  Bynum.  About  the  begin- 
ning of  1837  a paper  called  the  Southern  Cultivator  was  started  by  David  Clayton.  This 
was  strictly  an  agricultural  paper,  and  was  devoted  largely  to  stock  raising  and  agricult- 
ural associations.  The  Guardian  was  begun  in  1841  by  the  Rev.  F.  G.  Smith,  of  the  Fe- 
male Institute.  Ostensibly  the  paper  was  published  in  the  interest  of  the  school,  but  its 
matter  covered  a wide  field,  and  the  Guardian  was  filled  with  the  choicest  literature  and 
was  widely  circulated.  The  paper  is  still  issued  by  the  Smith  Bros.,  but  rather  as  a vis- 
itor to  old  pupils  and  friends.  It  was  issued  at  first  from  the  otfice  of  Rosborough  & Kidd, 
of  the  Observer.  Other  editors  not  already  mentioned  were  C.  J.  Dickerson,  S.  W. 
Mitchell,  James  O.  Griffin,  John  E.  Hatcher,  J.  J.  McDaniel,  W.  S.  Fleming,  N.  R. 
Wilkes,  James  E.  Johnson,  Hunter  Nicholson  and  W.  L.  Arnell. 

Judge  Stanley  Mathews,  of  the  United  States  Supreme  Court,  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  Columbia  in  September,  1843,  and  resided  in  Columbia  for  some  time,  and  while 
living  in  Columbia  edited  the  Tennessee  Democrat.  The  Columbia  Herald  was  established 
in  1850,  and  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  short  intervals  has  had  a continuous  exist- 
ence. Another  paper  called  the  Mail  was  consolidated  with  the  Herald,  with  A.  S.  Hors- 
ley as  editor  and  proprietor.  In  1876  the  Columbia  Journal,  owned  and  edited  by  A.  B. 
Upshaw,  and  the  Maury  Sentinel  were  consolidated  and  became  the  Columbia  Herald.  In 
1881  the  Columbia  Herald  was  purchased  by  the  Columbia  Herald  Company,  composed  of 
A.  S.  Hendley,  A.  W.  Stockard,  A.  B.  Upshaw,  W.  J.  Embry,  Horace  Frierson,  J.  B. 
Rains.  A.  N.  Akin,  H.  Williams,  H,  B.  Cochran,  J.  M.  Mayes,  E.  W.  Gamble,  W.  P.  In- 
gram, L.  Marks,  R.  Holding,  Joseph  Towler,  J.  Joseph,  J.  P.  Street,  A.  Rosenthal,  W.  P. 
Woldridge,  C.  Brown,  W.  C.  Gordon,  W.  R.  Webb,  O.  C.  Owen,  J.  R.  E.  Carpenter,  J. 
W.  S.  Ridley,  W.  J.  Rushton,  H.  S.  Cooper,  J.  H.  Fussell,  R.  D.  Smith  and  J.  L.  Jones. 
The  president  of  the  company  now  is  E.  C.  McDowell,  and  J.  L.  Jones  is  secretary.  The 
managers  of  the  paper  are  HoraceS.  Cooper  and  E.  E.  Erwin.  The  Herald  is  on  a sound 
financial  basis,  is  Democratic  in  politics,  but  is  devoted  more  to  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  the  county  than  to  the  discussion  of  partisan  political  questions.  The  Maury 
Democrat  was  established  in  the  summer  of  1882  by  J.  P.  and  J.  F.  Tucker,  both  natives 
of  Maury  County.  Mr.  J.  F.  Tucker  was  for  a number  of  years  local  editor  of  the  Herald, 
and  was  for  a time  connected  with  the  Park  City  Times , of  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Maj. 
John  T.  Williamson,  a public-spirited  citizen,  has  been  connected  with  the  Democrat  for  a 
number  of  years,  to  which  he  devotes  his  time  and  talents.  The  Democrat  is  a liberal  and 
progressive  paper. 

The  first  settlements  in  and  about  Spring  Hill  began  about  1808.  Abram  Hammond, 
one  of  the  first  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  county,  moved  from  Maryland  to  Kentucky, 
where  he  married  a Miss  Wells;  thence  he  moved  and  settled  within  one  mile  of  where 
Spring  Hill  now  stands.  He  was  the  father-in-law  of  Nimrod  Porter,  who  was  sheriff  of 
the  county  from  1818  to  1842.  Col.  Russell  in  an  early  day  cleared  the  land  where  Spring 


.1 


774  HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 

Hill  now  stands,  and  built  a residence  on  the  eminence  just  above  the  big  spring,  from 
which  the  town  took  its  name.  The  Russell  estate  was  sold  to  Maj.  Winters,  who  sold  it 
to  James  Peters,  from  whom  it  passed  to  his  son,  James  P.  Peters.  Peters’  Camp  Ground 
was  a gift  from  the  elder  Peters,  and  lay  within  the  present  limits  of  Spring  Hill.  This 
was  at  one  time  the  most  popular  Methodist  camp  ground  in  Middle  Tennessee,  and  was 
the  resort  of  thousands  at  their  annual  gatherings.  Another  very  prominent  one  of  the 
early  settlers  in  this  vicinity  was  Nathaniel  Cheairs,  who  settled  on  the  old  Cheairs  home-  :i 
stead  in  1810.  Mr.  Cheairs  came  with  his  good  wife  whom  he  had  married  in  North  Caro- 
lina some  years  before  coming  to  Tennessee.  Mr.  Cheairs  was  the  father  of  eleven  children, 
nine  of  whom  lived  to  manhood  and  womanhood.  Of  these  Col.  Martin  T.  Cheairs,  who 
still  lives,  is  a venerable  and  honorable  representative  of  the  family.  He  is  now  in  his 
eighty-second  year,  and  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  the  in- 
fant State.  .John  W.  Cheairs  is  the  father  of  John  W.  Cheairs,  merchant  of  Spring  Hill 
and  the  present  sheriff;  was  for  many  years  a prominent  merchant  of  Spring  Hill.  Maj. 
Nat  F.  Cheairs,  the  younger  brother  of  the  three  still  living,  has  been  all  his  life  an  ex 
tensive  farmer  of  the  neighborhood.  Near  the  same  place  settled  the  families  of  the 
Wades,  Bonds,  Capertons  and  Pointers.  James  Black,  who  lived  near  Spring  Hill,  was 
the  grandfather  of  Henry  Waterson,  of  the  Courier-Journal , and  fatlier-inJaw  of  Judge 
Stanley  Mathews,  of  the  supreme  bench,  ■who  resided  in  Columbia  in  1843-44.  Near  Black 
was  the  magnificent  estate  of  Gen.  Lucius  J.  Polk.  On  Carter’s  Creek  lived  the  Carters, 
for  whom  the  creek  was  named.  Among  them  was  Daniel  F.  Carter,  a Revolutionary 
soldier  and  owner  of  a 5,000-acre  grant.  Near  these  were  the  Rollands.  The  Sandfords,  | 
Yanceys,  Browns,  Wellses,  Blairs,  Chapmans,  Crawfords,  Stephensons  and  Dunlaps  lived 
either  south  or  southeast  of  Spring  Hill.  A number  of  very  distinguished  persons  are  na- 
tives of  this  place.  A.  O.  I5.  Nicholson,  the  distinguished  judge  and  United  States  senator 
in  1841-42,  was  born  at  Old  Sand  Spring,  where  his  parents  resided.  William  Park  ham. 
step-father  of  II.  R.  W.  Hill,  who  became  a merchant  prince  of  New  Orleans,  lived  near  here 
so.  Fields,  the  compiler  of  the  Scrap  Book,  was  raised  near  here.  The  first  storc- 
the  neighborhood  was  owned  by  a man  named  Brewster,  who  was  afterward  the  pioneer 
merchant  where  Mount  Pleasant  now  stands.  His  store  was  on  the  farm  and  on  the  south 
side  of  the  old  Davis  Ford  road,  near  the  residence  of  Abram  Hammonds.  Col.  William 
Mc-Kissack  was  one  of  the  earliest  merchants  in  Spring  Hill;  in  fact  he  began  selling  goods 
there  about  the  time  the  place  came  into  being — about  1825.  Dr.  S.  McKissack,  a 
brother  of  the  above,  was  an  early  settler  and  a son-in-law  of  the  elder  James  Peters,  and 
was  a man  of  wealth  and  influence.  William  Peters  was  one  of  the  earliest  merchants, 
and  for  him  Col.  Israel  McCarroll  was  clerk.  Old  Daniel  Brown  kept  a hotel  or  stand  for 
the  traveling  public  about  one  mile  south  of  Spring  Hill,  near  the  grave-yard  in  M.  T 
Cheairs’  field.  An  effort  was  made  to  call  Spring  Hill  Petersburg,  in  honor  of  James 
Peters,  but  his  puritanic  ideas  forbade  it,  and  the  name  of  Spring  Hill  was  given  it.  Mary 
Doherty,  the  widow  of  George  Doherty,  together  with  her  son-in-law,  George  Bond,  moved 
from  North  Carolina  about  1808,  and  settled  on  a 5,000-acre  grant,  made  by  the  State  of 
North  Carolina  to  her  husband,  George  Doherty,  for  his  services  as  a major  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  The  land  lay  between  Spring  Hill  and  Thompson  Station,  a little  north  of 
Spring  Hill.  On  a creek  near  where  Dr.  Sharber  now  lives  was  a little  mill  at  averyeaily 
time,  the  only  one  in  the  vicinity.  About  it  this  tradition  prevails:  “Maj.  Samuel  Polk, 
father  of  the  President,  in  company  with  several  gentlemen  visited  this  mill  and  examined 
it,  and  when  through  Maj.  Polk  remarked  to  the  others;  ‘A  man  may  fall  down  and  wor- 
ship that  mill  and  not  commit  sacrilege,  because  there  is  no  likeness  of  it  neither  iu  the 
heavens  above,  nor  in  the  earth  beneath,  nor  in  the  waters  under  the  earth.’  ” The  first 
water-mill  of  any  character  was  built  by  Isham  Bunch  on  Rutherford  Creek,  and  it  is  st.iil 
in  good  running  order.  He  also  built  a distillery  at  the  same  place.  Maj.  Robert  Camp- 
bell had  a distillery  in  the  same  neighborhood,  as  did  also  Esq.  Black. 

The  first  church  in  this  vicinity  was  built  by  the  Presbyterians  about  1814.  This  was  a 
hewed  log  house,  and  stood  on  the  land  of  Col.  Sanford,  near  where  Jackson  College  stood 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


no 


at  a later  date.  Among  the  leading  ones  engaged  in  the  erection  of  this  house  were  Col. 
Sanford,  Col.  Hugh  Brown,  George  Blair,  Samuel  Dunlap,  and  others.  This  house  has 
long  since  been  replaced  by  a substantial  brick  structure.  The  leading  Presbyterian  min- 
ister in  that  early  day  was  the  Rev.  Duncan  Brown,  whom  many  now  living  have  heard 
with  delight,  also  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn. 

The  leader  and  founder  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  vicinity  of 
Spring  Hill,  was  the  Rev.  James  B.  Porter.  The  labors  of  the  Rev.  Porter  were  not  con- 
fined to  the  one  church,  but  to  the  establishment  of  this  infant  denomination  throughout 
Middle  Tennessee.  He  was  active  in  founding  churches  and  in  founding  camp  grounds 
so  popular  in  the  early  history  of  the  church.  At  a very  early  period  the  Methodists  es- 
tablished Peter’s  Ground,  before  mentioned.  Among  those  who  labored  for  the  Method- 
ist cause  may  be  mentioned  the  Rev.  Donaldson  Potter,  whose  labors  were  untiring  and 
brought  their  reward. 

The  first  important  school  taught  in  this  vicinity  was  kept  by  William  L.  Williford 
before  1820.  The  school  was  near  Col.  M.  T.  Cheair's  place.  Here  attended  the  Russells, 
Cheairs,  Winters,  Nicholsons,  Bonds,  Hammonds,  and  others.  Near  the  same  ground,  a 
short  time  afterward,  was  built  Jackson  College,  which  afterward  became  Union  Semin- 
ary. Spring  Hall  now  contains  Beachcroft  Academy,  a female  school  conducted  by  Mrs. 
Estes,  and  the  male  college  of  Prof.  Morton.  The  place  now  contains  a Presbyterian,  a 
Methodist,  a Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  an  Episcopal  Church;  and  near  there  is  a 
Christian  Church;  also  two  colored  churches,  one  Methodist,  the  other  Baptist.  Business; 
General  stores,  J.  W.  Alexander,  Campbell  & Harman,  W.  A.  Odill;  drygoods  and  cloth- 
ing, J.  W.  Cheairs;  drug  stores,  Alonzo  McKissack  and  John  Martin;  physicians,  Drs. 
J.  0.  Hardin,  J.  W.  Sharber  and  E.  W.  Martin. 

A short  distance  south  of  Spring  Hill,  on  the  railroad,  is  Ewell’s  Station,  and  here  is 
the  well  known  Ewell  farm.  Here  lived  the  distinguished  Confederate  general,  Richard 
S.  Ewell,  who  took  up  his  residence  at  this  place  after  the  war  and  who  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  was  devoting  his  energies  to  the  breeding  and  improvement  of  stock.  The  some- 
what romantic  marriage  of  him  and  his  estimable  wife  and  the  coincidence  of  their 
deaths  are  almost  fit  for  a novel.  At  this  place  now  resides  Maj.  Campbell  Brown,  step- 
son of  the  former.  Maj.  Campbell  Brown  is  the  well-known  breeder  of  fine  stock.  In  the 
Twenty-second  District,  in  addition  to  Spring  Hill  and  Ewell’s,  there  is  Woodlawn  post- 
office,  a beautiful  place  on  the  railroad  and  Neapolis,  the  seat  of  an  academy. 

Santa  Fe  is  near  the  center  of  District  No.  22.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  settlements  in 
the  county.  The  Indian  title  having  been  extinguished  north  of  the  river  before  they 
were  south  of  it,  settlements  began  there  earlier.  The  following  families  are  said  to  have 
settled  in  the  county  in  1806;  the  Cauglirons,  Brookes,  on  Snow  Creek,  McLeans,  Neeley, 
Cinders,  Griffins,.  Mitchells,  Fitzgeralds,  Dotys,  Aydelott.es.  Piggs,  Ayers,  Bakers,  Hills, 
Ladds,  Seagraves,  Lockharts,  Owens  and  Edmistons.  In  1807  came  the  Reaves,  Bing- 
hams, Wrens,  Hunters  and  McCrackens.  It  is  said  the  first  white  child  born  on  Snow 
Creek  was  Samuel  H.  Wiliams.  The  first  mill  was  owned  by  Andrewr  Mitchell;  this  was 
a horse-mill.  The  first  water-mill  was  owned  by  Spencer  Griffith.  The  first  blacksmith 
was  Thomas  Aydlotte.  Carter  Linsey  was  a smith  and  augur-maker.  The  first  mer- 
chant was  Jonathan  Bullock;  the  first  teacher  was  Richard  Passmore;  Mr.  Hopkins  was 
also  an  early  teacher.  The  first  physician  was  Dr.  Stribbling,  followed  in  order  by  Drs. 
Thomas  W.  and  Samuel  Kilpatrick,  Dr.  Douglas,  Dr.  Nicholas  Scales,  Dr.  Bateman.  Dr.  W. 
W.  Dabney,  Dr.  John  Vestal,  Dr.  Satterfield,  Dr.  L.  B.  Forgey,  Dr.  Samuel  Godwin,  Dr. 
James  Ragsdale  and  Dr.  Sebastian,  all  of  whom  are  now  gone.  The  first  minister  in 
Santa  Fe  was  the  Rev.  John  Crane,  a Methodist,  who  came  there  as  early  as  1807  and  died 
in  1813  and  was  buried  at  Goshen  Church,  the  first  burial  at  that  place.  The  Cumberland 
Church  was  organized  at  Santa  Fe  at  a much  later  date.  It  is  said  Santa  Fe  was  called 
Pinhook  at  first  but  was  changed  later  to  Benton,  but  on  application  for  a postoffice,  an- 
■other  change  became  necessary  and  it  was  given  its  present  name — Santa  Fe. 

Mount  Pleasant  is  at  the  terminus  of  a branch  of  the  Louisville  & Nashville  Railroad, 


776 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


which  leads  from  Columbia  to  Mount  Pleasant.  The  country  surrounding  Mount  Pleasant 
is  claimed  to  be  the  finest  in  the  State.  To  strangers  visiting  Maury  County  this  question 
is  always  put:  “Have  you  been  out  on  the  Mount  Pleasant  Pike?’’  Mount  Pleasant  was. 
founded  about  1820.  Old  Father  Hunter,  a famous  bear  hunter  and  Primitive  Baptist 
preacher,  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  that  vicinity.  Other  settlers  were  the  McGees, 
Griffiths,  Craigs,  Coopers,  Mitchells,  Stockards,  Pickards  and  Baileys.  Not  far  from 
these  were  the  Nixons,  Buckners  and  Grimeses.  The  first  merchant  in  Mount  Pleasant  was- 
Lyman  D.  Brewster,  who  moved  from  Spring  Hill  to  that  place  about  1820.  There  were 
formerly  some  very  large  landed  estates  lying  in  the  vicinity  of  Mount  Pleasant,  but  these 
have  mostly  been  divided  up  into  smaller  farms. 

Among  the  early  business  men  of  Mount  Pleasant  were  Hervey  Hoge,  Lemuel  Lotig 
Samuel  P.  Lea,  Messrs.  Willson  & Jennings.  Among  the  later  ones  were  Henry  A.  Miller, 
Ephraim  Dickson,  Alex  Williams  and  E.  O.  Cross.  Among  the  noted  physicians  are 
noticed  Dr.  Hamilton,  Dr.  Thorenot  (who  died  of  cholera  in  1834),  Dr.  Sprinkle,  Dr. 
Stockard,  Dr.  Sansom  and  Dr.  Jordan,  who  is  believed  to  be  the  oldest  man  in  the  county, 
and  still  vigorous.  Among  the  later  physicians  are  Dr.  Hunter,  Dr.  Long  and  Dr.  Will 
iams.  Hunter’s  Church,  about  .one  mile  south  of  Mount  Pleasant,  is  contemporary  with 
Zion,  and  was  built  about  1810.  The  first  Presbyterian  ministers  here  were  Duncan 
Brown,  Hugh  Shaw  and  John  S.  Frierson.  A new  church  has  since  been  built  at  Mount 
Pleasant  and  the  membership  of  the  church  transferred  there.  The  early  Methodist  min.  || 
isters  were  John  Akin,  John  Daniel,  John  Nixon,  Kesterson  and  Tidwell.  This  denomi- 
nation has  a large  and  flourishing  church  at  Mount  Pleasant.  There  are  also  quite  a 
number  of  Cumberland  Presbyterians  in  this  section,  and  these  people  have  an  old  camp 
ground  and  church  at  Mount  Joy,  on  the  west  fork  of  Bigby,  about  three  miles  from 
Mount  Pleasant.  Good  schools  have  been  maintained  at  Mount  Pleasant  for  more  than  a 
half  century.  Mathew  D.  Cooper  is  said  to  have  taught  school  there  as  early  as  1809-10 
Further  notice  of  the  schools  of  Mount  Pleasant  and  Mount  Joy  will  be  made  under  the  ji 
head  of  “Schools.”  Cross  Bridge  is  the  name  of  a little  place  about  ten  miles  from 
Columbia,  on  the  Columbia  & Hampshire  Pike.  At  this  place  is  a store,  postoffice  and 
an  academy.  Hampshire  is  a small  village  in  District  No.  15,  and  is  about  fifteen  miles 
■west  of  Columbia,  and  is  situated  on  Cathey’s  Creek.  Lands  in  this  neighborhood  were  I 
settled  in  1807.  The  first.  settlers  in  the  neighborhood  were  the  Akins,  Loves,  Farises, 
Whitesides,  Lusks,  Williamses,  Erwins,  Alexanders,  Peytons,  Bells,  Isoms,  Billies  and 
Burnses.  Hampshire  is  a place  of  some  wealth  and  business.  Game  in  this  vicinity  was 
formerly  very  abundant.  It  is  said  that  the  wife  of  William  Alexander  killed  a deer  with 
a smoothing  iron  in  1808.  Near  Hampshire  on  the  creek  below'  were  settled  the  Kennedys, 
Malones  and  Catheys,  the  latter  giving  the  name  to  the  stream.  The  first  Presbyterian 
church  in  this  neighborhood  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  James  White  Stephenson,  who 
was  then  pastor  of  Zion  Church.  The  first  church  of  the  Primitive  Baptists  was  organ- 
ized by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McCaleb,  who,  with  the  Rev,  McConico,  was  the  first  minister  of 
that  persuasion.  The  first  Methodist  preacher  wras  the  Rev.  John  Akiu.  In  the  Cathey 
neighborhood  are  a Presbyterian  and  a Christian  Church;  the  latter  has  quite  a large  con 
gregation.  The  first  school  teachers  in  the  neighborhood  were  Rev.  John  Akin,  Asoph 
Enloe  and  Henry  Young.  Bigbyvilie  is  about  nine  miles  south  of  Columbia.  The  origin 
of  the  place  dates  about  1834  or  1835.  The  village  is  quite  small,  and  has  made  little 
progress,  in  a commercial  sense,  for  a number  of  years.  It  was  incorporated  a number  of 
years  ago,  but  in  April,  1882,  it  surrendered  its  charter.  Settlements  began  in  the  vicinity 
of  Bigbyvilie  about  1807.  Among  the  early  settlers  were  the  Hendersons,  Reeses,  Alex- 
anders, Smiths,  Matthews,  Hannas,  McCains,  Perrys,  Scotts  and  Zollicoffers.  John 
J.  Zollicoffer,  father  of  Gen.  Felix  K.  Zollicoffer,  died  on  his  farm  near  Bigbyvilie,  and 
here,  too,  the  General  was  born.  Frederick  Zollicoffer,  a brother  of  the  General,  was  one  ,i 
of  the  first  merchants  in  Bigbyvilie.  The  place  contains  the  usual  number  of  business 
houses  of  a place  of  its  size;  also  a Methodist  church  and  a Masonic  hall. 

Not  far  from  Bigbyvilie,  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Little  Bigby,  is  what  is  calle 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


777 


Southport,.  William  McConnell  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  settler  in  this  vicinity.  He 
built  a tannery  near  where  the  village  stands.  Near  the  place  were  the  McKnights,  Gal- 
low  ays,  Mathewses  and  Ralstons.  Near  here  also  lived  and  died  Col.  William  Pillow.  The 
Methodists  have  a church  here  and  the  Christians  have  one  near  the  place.  The  first 
lodge  of  Good  Templars  in  Maury  County  was  organized  at  Southport  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hensley  in  1S68.  Near  the  dividing  line  between  Maury  and  Giles  Counties,  at  source  of 
Little  Bigby,  is  a cave  of  considerable  size.  Here  saltpetre  was  obtained  for  the  powder- 
mill  that  first  stood  in  Columbia. 

Williamsport  is  situated  in  the  western  part  of  the  county  on  Duck  River.  The  land 
where  the  town  now  stands  was  entered  by  Edward  Williams  and  a ferry  was  established 
by  him  at  that  place  called  “Williams’  Ferry.”  The  town  -was  laid  out  in  1817  by 
Edward  Williams,  and  being  on  the  river  was  very  naturally  named  Williamsport.  The 
town  was  incorporated  in  1817  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  but  the  charter  was  allowed 
to  lapse  after  a time,  but  was  re-incorporated  in  November,  1845,  and  the  charter  amended 
in  1855.  Among  the  early  settlers  in  and  about  Williamsport  were  the  Cooks,  Williamses, 
Pools, Edwardses,  Comptons, Oliphants,  Bullocks  and  Englishes.  Across  the  river  were  the 
Leipers,  Greenfields  and  Colemans.  Hugh  Leiper  gave  name  to  Leiper’s  Creek.  The 
first  physician  of  Williamsport  was  Dr.  James  G.  Smith,  who  came  to  the  county  with  the 
Greenfields.  Dr.  Thomas  Greenfield  came  out  from  Maryland  and  settled  Greenfield 
Bend.  Williamsport  was  in  an  early  day  an  important  shipping  point,  being  on  the  river 
as  it  was.  The  boats  used  were  flat-boats,  keel-boats  and  pirogues.  John  Muirhead,  wTio 
lived  south  of  Gordon’s  Ferry,  and  Samuel  Oliphant  are  said  to  have  built  the  first  flat- 
boat  that  ever  flokted  out  of  Duck  River  to  New  Orleans.  Maj.  John  Bullock,  John  O. 
Cook  and  James  Blakely  are  said  to  have  brought  the  first  salt  from  the  famous  “ saline 
works,”  near  Shawneetown,  111.  This  was  as  early  as  about  1814.  The  first  merchant  in 
Williamsport  was  George  Hicks.  Several  distinguished  business  and  professional  men 
have  lived  in  Williamsport;  among  them  were  Powhattan  Gordon,  Abraham  Church  and 
Dr.  Samuel  S.  Porter.  Although  in  a healthful  section  of  the  country,  Williamsport  wras 
scourged  by  cholera  in  1835.  The  town  is  surrounded  by  good  farming  country  and  has 
its  complement  of  churches,  schools,  business  and  professional  men.  In  the  same  district, 
No.  14,  is  a village  or  settlement  called  Saw  Dust  Valley,  the  center  of  a prosperous  com- 
munity. In  this  vicinity  is  the  well-known  old  Methodist  camp  ground  called  Mount  Nebo. 
Near  the  old  camp  ground  is  the  modern  church  of  Mount  Nebo. 

In  the  First  District,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  county,  is  a settlement  called 
Kinderhook.  The  particular  place  mentioned  lies  on  the  line  of  the  old  Natchez  Trace. 
The  first  settler  in  that  region  is  said  to  have  been  a man  named  Kersey.  A county  may 
fail  to  name  some  insignificant  place  Boston  or  Charleston,  but  it  never  fails  to  have  a 
Kinderhook. 

On  a branch  of  the  Big  Bigby,  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  county,  is  New  York. 
It  is  more  the  name  of  a settlement  than  a town.  It  contains  a store,  Scott  Mill,  and  one 
or  two  shops.  Near  the  place  is  a Presbyterian  Church,  and  about  one  mile  from  the 
place  is  a Methodist  Church.  In  the  Eleventh  District  is  a neighborhood  called  Enter- 
prise. There  was  formerly  a store  and  business  shop  and  a mill  there.  The  place  is  too 
far  from  railroad  communication  to  thrive,  although  surrounded  as  it  is  by  fine  lands.  In 
the  vicinity  of  Enterprise  are  a Methodist  and  a Baptist  Church.  Rally  Hill  lies  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  county,  about  fifteen  miles  from  Columbia.  The  early  settlers  in  this 
district,  the  Twenty-fifth,  were  the  Hardisons,  Boyds,  Peays,  Billingtons,  Strattons, 
Hurts,  Derryberrys,  Smiths,  Hueys,  Foglemans  and  others.  Other  centers  in  the  Twenty- 
fifth  District  are  Glenn’s  Store,  where  there  is  also  a postoffice,  Hurt’s  Cross  Roads,  Orr’s 
Cross  Roads;  the  latter  contains  an  academy  and  a church,  and  Hardison’s  Mill’s.  There 
is  a postoffice  at  the  last  named  place.  In  former  days  the  settlers  about  Bear  and  Flat 
Creeks  were  wont  to  come  to  Columbia  and  meet  their  rivals  from  the  vicinity  of  Culleoka 
and  engage  them  in  the  “ manly  art  ” of  fisticuff.  These  contests  were  often  long  and 
sometimes  bloody,  but  were  simply  tests  of  muscle. 


778 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Among  the  first  settlers  in  the  vicinity  where  Culleoka  now  stands  was  David  Love 
who  built  a mill  on  Fountain  Creek.  This  was  long  known  as  Love’s  mill.  Lemuel 
Prewett  settled  at  Cave  Hill,  west  of  Culleoka,  in  1807.  Col.  Joe  Brown  was  another 
early  settler  in  that  locality.  John  Toombs  was  au  early  settler  near  Culleoka.  He  once 
built  a distillery  near  the  present  site  of  the  county  poor-house.  Near  Culleoka  was  the 
old  Pleasant  Grove  Academy;  near  this  is  the  old  Wilkes’  Camp  Ground  and  Church.  A 
short  distance  east  of  Culleoka  is  a Baptist  Church.  At  the  village  of  Culleoka  is  the  well 
known  school  of  the  Wells  brothers.  This  school  has  long  since  swallowed  up  the  old 
Pleasant  Grove  Academy.  In  addition  to  this  well-known  school  Culleoka  contains  a 
Methodist  and  a Presbyterian  Church,  a Masonic  hall,  a hotel  and  numerous  business 
houses. 

Hurricane  Switch  lies  six  miles  beyond  Columbia.  The  village  contains  two  or  three 
stores,  a postoffice,  several  shops  and  a Methodist  Church  and  camp  ground.  Pleasant 
Grove  Depot  lies  on  the  railroad,  ten  miles  from  Columbia.  This  place  contains  several 
stores,  a steam  flouring-mill,  a hotel  and  other  buildings.  Campbell’s  Station  lies  three 
miles  beyond  Culleoka,  on  the  railroad.  This  was  named  from  the  family  of  Campbells 
who  settled  there  in  an  early  day.  Among  the  early  settlers  near  there  were  the  Camp- 
bells, Gills,  Davis  Kerr  and  Amis.  Besides  a few  business  houses  there  is  a Christian  I 
Church  near  Campbell’s  Station.  Formerly  there  was,  near  this  place,  Shane’s  Church 
and  Grave-yard.  Mark  Jackson,  an  old  Revolutionary  soldier,  was  buried  here,  as  well  as 
many  of  the  old  settlers. 

By  an  act  passed  November  23, 1809,  William  Berryhill,  William  W.  Thompson,  Lud- 
well  B.  Estes,  Isaac  Roberts,  William  Bradshaw,  Joseph  Brown,  William  Dooley  am! 
Samuel  Witherspoon  were  constituted  a body  politic  and  corporate  to  be  known  by  the 
name  of  the  trustees  of  the  Woodward  Academy,  in  the  county  of  Maury.  Iu  a few  days 
after  Andrew  Henderson  and  Ebenezer  Leath  were  added  to  the  committee  to  act  with 
above  committee.  October  22, 1811,  the  trustees  were  ordered  to  draft  a scheme  for  a lot 
tery  andJ  publish  the  same.  The  tickets  were  to  be  of  four  classes,  and  the  sum  to  hi 
raised  was  not  to  exceed  $5,000.  The  trustees  were  to  enter  bond  with  the  chairman  of 
the  Maury  County  Court  into  a bond  of  double  the  amount  to  be  invested  in  the  lottery 
and  in  case  the  lottery  failed  the  money  was  to  be  returned  to  the  purchasers  of  tickets 
within  six  years.  It  was  further  ordered  that  when  a sufficient  number  of  tickets  had 
been  sold  notice  should  be  given  for  three  weeks  in  the  Western  Chronicle,  and  the  trust- 
ees were  themselves  allowed  to  purchase  tickets  subject  to  the  option  of  the  superintend- 
ent of  the  drawing.  The  act  further  allowed  a small  fee  to  the  trustees  for  their  services. 
Woodward  was  located  a little  east  of  Columbia,  near  what  is  known  as  Burns’  Spring 
This  institution  was  in  a flourishing  condition  for  many  years.  There  were  no  buildings 
erected  for  Woodward  till  1815.  November  22  of  that  year  Isaac  Roberts,  Joseph  Brown, 
John  C.  Wormley,  William  Dooley,  John  Mathews,  William  Bradshaw,  Horatio  Depriest 
and  David  Ogilvie,  who  were  then  trustees,  purchased  two  acres  of  land  for  $500.  The 
lot  is  described  as  “lying  on  the  east  of  Joseph  C.  McDowell,  six  poles  and  nine  links  to 
the  chimney  of  the  house  built  by  Horatio  Depriest,  where  Samuel  Craig  now  lives. 
Woodward  was  the  only  institution  of  the  kind  for  many  years  in  the  vicinity  of  Colum 
bia.  Here  attended  the  rising  young  men  of  the  community,  among  them  A.  O P.  Nich- 
olson, Thomas  J.  Porter,  W.  P.  Martin,  George  W.  Gordon  and  many  others.  Among 
the  teachers  now  remembered  are  David  Weir  and  Dr.  S.  P.  Jordan,  who  is  still  living- 
near  Mount  Pleasant.  Dr.  Jordan  taught  in  Woodward  about  1821. 

It  is  believed  that  Spring  Hill  Academy  was  in  operation  before  the  Manual  of  Labor 
Academy  or  Jackson  College;  in  fact  it  is  claimed  the  latter  succeeded  the  former  A 
successful  school  had  been  conducted  by  Dr.  Harbin  and  Prof.  Williford  at  Spring  Hi!1  be- 
fore this  time.  It  is  a matter  of  record  that  Henry  Wade  made  a deed  of  two  acres  of  laud 
to  Henry  Pointer,  Henry  L.  Crutcher,  J.  W.  Cheairs,  M.  D.  Thompson  and  Henry 
Wade,  as  trustees  of  Spring  Hill  Female  Academy  on  February  17,  1839. 

On  the  sale  of  the  lands  of  Jackson  College,  or  the  Manual  of  Labor  Academy,  the 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


779 


original  purchase  of  eleven  and  three-fourth  acres  was  retained  and  a school  continued  as 
Union  Seminary.  September  14,  1840,  an  additional  purchase  was  made  by  the  trustees 
of  Union  Seminary  of  fifty-three  acres  of  P.  H.  Junkins,  Robert  Campbell  and  J.  C. 
Mitchell.  Union  Seminary  continued  as  a prosperous  school  for  many  years.  Dr.  Har- 
din, the  president  of  Union  Seminary,  resigned  in  1840,  and  was  succeeded  by  R.  C.  Gar- 
rison. The  other  teachers  were  J.  H.  and  G.  H.  Blair. 

Jackson  College  was  formerly  called  the  Manual  of  Labor  Academy.  On  November 
11, 1830,  James  T.  Sanders  made  a deed  of  eleven  and  three-fourths  acres  of  land  for 
$297.65  to  John  Brown,  Obediah  Jennings,  Ephraim  W.  Foster,  James  T.  Sandford, 
Phillip  Lindsley,  Newton  Cannon,  James  W.  Brooks,  Duncan  Brown,  William  L.  Wilford, 
Robert  Hardin,  G.  M.  Martin,  Thomas  J.  Hall,  Samuel  J.  Calvert,  Hugh  Brown,  John 
Allen,  Mathew  Rhea,  Hugh  Barr,  D.  A.  Smith,  John  White,  John  Hall,  Amzi  Bradshaw, 
Robert  M.  Ewing,  George  Newton,  Daniel  Gilchrist,  James  M.  Linn,  John  Glass,  George 
W.  Ashbridge,  James  Ellet,  Ebeuezer  McEwin,  Alexander  Campbell,  David  Wier,  Thomas 
Lynch,  Edward  Ward,  James  Campbell,  Benjamin  Carter,  Benjamin  McCullough,  W.  J. 
Frierson,  Thomas  Brown,  William  Leach  and  Moses  Stephens  as  trustees  of  said  institu- 
tion. This  was  chartered  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  on  November  16,  1829,  and 
October  28,  1838,  a purchase  of  268  acres  of  land  was  made  on  Rutherford  Creek  for 
$3,874.  The  location  not  suiting  the  trustees,  they  sold  2564  a^cres  of  the  land  for  $5,386 
to  P.  H.  and  B.  W.  Junkins.  The  sale  was  made  on  May  8,  1836,  and  the  college  moved 
to  Columbia  and  was  afterward  known  as  Jackson  College.  The  new  college  was’opened 
in  1837,  near  the  railroad,  and  continued  in  operation  till  broken  up  by  the  war.  The 
building  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1863,  and  has  never  been  rebuilt,  and  the  grounds  have 
been  sold  and  private  residences  erected  thereon.  The  presidents  of  Jackson  College  in 
order  were  Benjamin  Larabee,  Dr.  Sherman,  Dr.  Mack,  B.  Ragsdale,  Joseph  Crawford, 
Dr.  Mack  (a  second  time)  and  Benjamin  F.  Mitchell.  Among  the  prominent  professors 
maybe  mentioned  James  O.  Griffin,  David  Maxwell,  Dr.  C.  N.  Ordway,  McClary  Blair, 
S.  W.  Mitchell  and  0.  TI.  P.  Bennett;  the  latter  occupied  the  chair  of  mathematics.  In 
1848  Jackson  College  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Masonic  bodies  of  the  county,  and  was 
managed  by  them,  i.  e.,  Lafayette  Chapter,  No.  4;  Columbia  Lodge,  No.  31;  Benton  Lodge, 
No- 111;  Pleasant  Grove  Lodge,  No.  138;  Spring  Hill  Lodge,  No.  124;  Mount  Pleasant 
Lodge,  No.  57,  and  St.  James  Lodge,  No.  105.  The  following  was  the  board  of  trustees: 
W.  R.  Hedge,  R.  Smith,  W.  F.  Moore,  W.  Galloway,  J.  O.  Church,  Edmund  Dillaliunty, 
Nathan  Wright,  J.  S.  Campbell,  A.  M.  Hughes,  Hugh  Forgey,  S.  C.  Newell,  J.  N.  Bills, 
A.  J.  Boyd,  Nathaniel  F.  Cheairs,  James  O.  Potter,  J.  O.  Griffith,  William  J.  Hunter,  W. 
W.  Coleman  and  W.  W.  Jassey. 

The  Columbia  Female  Institute  was  begun  in  1835,  but  did  not  become  a chartered 
institution  till  in  February,  1836.  The  building  and  the  early  success  of  this  institute  is 
due  largely  to  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith  and  his  estimable  wife.  Dr.  Smith  came  to 
Columbia  from  Lynchburg,  Ya.,  and  began  at  once  to  devote  his  energies  to  the  up  build- 
ing of  the  institute.  The  buildings  were  erected  in  1837-38,  and  were  designed  and  con- 
structed by  Messrs.  Drummond  & Lutterloh,  and  are  a model  of  architectural  beauty  aud 
skill  to  this  day.  The  institute  stands  on  a four-acre  lot,  and  is  120  feet  front  with  high  tur- 
rets. The  grounds  contain  fine  old  forest  trees,  and  are  well  set  in  blue  grass.  Some  very 
fine  statuary  adorn  the  front  yard  of  the  building.  The  buildings  are  owned  and  controlled 
by  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Tennessee.  Soon  after  its  erection  it  took  a high  position  among- 
educational  institutions  of  the  country.  In  1838  the  Rt.  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk,  D.  D.,  was 
its  president.  Evans  Young,  S.  D.  Frierson,  James  Walker,  G.  S.  Skipwith,  Hillary 
Langtry,  Patrick  McGuire,  Lucius  J.  Polk,  Adlai  O.  Harm  and  P.  R.  Booker  were  trustees, 
and  Rt.  Rev.  James  H.  Otey,  visitor.  The  institute  continued  under  the  immediate  con- 
trol of  Rector  Smith,  who  managed  both  its  educational  and  financial  affairs  till  1852, 
when  a difficulty  arose,  which  caused  the  resignation  of  Rector  Smith.  He  immediately 
began  the  Atheneum  as  a private  enterprise.  The  institute  is  still  in  a flourishing  condi- 
tion, and  has  a large  patronage  from  abroad,  particularly  from  Mississippi  and  Louisiana. 


780 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


In  the  last  two  decades  the  Rev.  George  Beckett  has  been  at  the  head  of  this  institute. 
He  formerly  had  control  of  a female  school  in  Kentucky.  There  is  an  excellent  corns  of 
teachers  in  all  the  departments  of  the  institute.  The  course  embraces  all  that  is  usually 
taught  in  an  institute  of  its  kind. 

The  Columbia  Atheneum  was  founded  by  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith  immediately 
after  his  separation  from  the  institute.  The  name  and  fame  of  Dr.  Smith  was  sufficient 
guaranty  for  the  success  of  the  Atheneum  notwithstanding  the  embarrassing  circumstances 
surrounding  its  beginning.  The  school  has  had  an  uninterrupted  course  since  its  founda- 
tion, even  the  ravages  of  war  and  wantonness  of  the  soldiery  were  not  sufficient  to  close  its 
doors.  Mrs.  Smith  for  a time  taught  a few  pupils  alone,  and  thus  prevented  the  appropria- 
tion of  the  buildings  for  hospital  or  other  military  purposes.  The  school  was, conducted  by 
Rector  Smith  till  his  death  in  1866  and  then  by  his  widow  till  1871,  when  at  her  death  tin? 
Atheneum  fell  into  the  hands  of  their  sons  Capt.  Robert  D.  Smith,  Dr.  William  A.  Smith 
and  Prof.  Frank  IT.  Smith.  The  former  is  its  business  manager.  The  present  manage 
ment  began  under  very  trying  circumstances,  but  by  energy  and  skill  the  Atheneum  is  iu 
a very  flourishing  condition.  The  principal  buildings  are  the  Atheneum  proper,  the  Davis 
Hall,  Orient  and  Rectory.  These  buildings  are  surrounded  by  a lot  of  twenty  two  acres  of 
beautiful  lands  covered  with  forest  trees  and  well  set  in  grasses.  The  school  is  divided 
into  these  departments:  the  pestalozzian  or  primary  (one  grade),  the  junior  (four  grades?, 
and  the  senior.  The  senior  is  divided  into  twelve  schools  as  follows:  1,  The  school  of 
ancient  languages  and  literature.  2,  The  school  of  modern  languages,  including  the 
German,  Italian,  Spanish,  and  Anglo-Saxon  and  their  literature.  3,  The  school  of  modern 
philosophy.  4,  The  school  of  civil  history.  5,  The  school  of  general  literature.  6,  The 
school  of  elocution.  7,  The  school  of  English.  8,  The  school  of  mathematics.  9,  The 
school  of  natural  philosophy  and  chemistry.  10,  The  school  of  natural  history.  11,  The 
school  of  music,  embracing  instrumental,  vocal  and  harmony.  12,  The  school  of  art.  The 
discipline  and  management  seem  to  be  of  the  highest  character,  and  the  instructions  are 
by  specialists  in  their  respective  departments.  Aside  from  the  large  patronage  from  home 
and  the  States  immediately  surrounding,  a very  large  number  each  year  attend  from  Texas. 
The  books  of  the  Smith  Bros,  show  that  since  the  family  began  teaching  in  Columbia 
over  10,000  girls  and  young  ladies  have  received  instructions  from  them  and  over  1,000 
have  graduated.  The  register  for  1884-85  shows  an  enrollment  of  171  pupils.  The  register 
for  1885-86  will  show  an  increased  number. 

The  present  public  school  building  of  Columbia  was  erected  for  the  “ Columbia  Fe- 
male Conference  College,”  under  the  auspices  of  the  Methodist  Church  in  1851-52.  Rev 
J.  O.  Church  was  its  president,  and  for  a number  of  years  the  school  was  in  a prosperous 
condition.  It  was  largely  patronized  by  the  church  and  by  others.  As  a female  school  it 
was  closed  about  the  beginning  of  the  war.  The  building  was  longjknown  as  the  Andrew-- 
School  Building.  After  the  war  the  Smith  Bros,  of  the  Atheneum  purchased  the  build- 
ing and  converted  it  into  a male  high  school.  It  was  under  the  management  of  Dr,  W. 
A.  Smith  and  Prof.  John  S.  Beecher.  In  1881  the  school  board  purchased  the  building 
from  the  Smith  Bros,  and  remodeled  it  for  the  public  schools.  The  building  cost  about 
$14,000,  and  was  called  Andrew’s  Building  in  honor  of  one  of  Columbia’s  citizens  who  took 
great  interest  in  the  establishment  of  the  public  schools  of  Columbia.  The  schools  were 
under  the  superintendence  of  Prof.  Robert  D’Sliiel  Robertson  from  September,  1381,  until 
September,  1884.  Since  that  the  public  schools  have  been  under  the  management  of  Prof 
S.  M.  Arnell,  who  has  done  much  to  popularize  the  public  school  system.  Like  the  giant 
oak  from  the  little  acorn  the  schools  of  Columbia  have  had  a wonderful  growth.  From  a 
meeting  on  a dreary  winter  evening  in  the  chancery  court  room,  lighted  by  tallow  can 
dies,  the  schools  had  their  origin.  Here  met  James  Andrews,  E.  Kuhn,  D.  T.  B.  Rains 
Dr.  Theodore  Frierson,  W.  J.  Andrews,  S.  N.  Arnell  and  possibly  one  or  two  others.  At 
the  time  there  was  not  only  great  indifference  if  not  strong  prejudice  against  the  common 
school  system.  The  schools  now  enroll  over  800  pupils,  white  and  black,  and  are  taught  by 
twelve  teachers  besides  the  superintendent.  The  board  has  under  advisement  the  erec- 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


781 


tion  of  a fine  building  for  the  colored  schools,  a special  appropriation  of  $3,000  having 
been  set  apart  for  that  purpose  by  the  town  corporation.  The  city  of  Columbia  has  been 
quite  liberal  in  its  appropriations  for  its  schools.  The  tax  including  State,  county,  and 
city,  amounts  to  TO  cents  on  the  $100,  or  something  over  $8,000  for  school  purposes,  in 
consequence  of  which  the  schools  extend  over  a period  of  ten  months.  The  course  em- 
braces nine  grades  of  one  year  each,  and  is  intended  to  fit  boys  and  girls  for  the  various 
businesses  of  life. 

The  Robertson  Male  High  School  was  established  September  7,  1885,  by  Robert 
D'Shiel  Robertson,  to  fill  a space  between  the  public  school  and  the  college  or  university. 
The  design  at  first  was  to  limit  the  number  of  people  to  twenty-five,  but  the  pressure 
being  so  great  a much  larger  number  was  admitted  and  assistants  employed.  While  the 
school  is  comparatively  a new  institution,  the  varied  experience  of  Mr.  Robertson  in  the 
University  of  Nashville,  three  years  in  the  law  department  of  the  Vanderbilt  University, 
three  years  as  superintendent  of  the  Knoxville  City  schools,  besides  the  work  done  in 
Columbia  ought  to  eminently  fit  him  for  the  work  in  his  male  high  school. 

Ingleside  Academy  has  been  under  the  management  of  Mrs.  S.  B.  Mack  for  a great 
many  years.  It  is  a private  institution,  and  is  devoted  to  female  education.  Mrs.  Mack 
has  been  engaged  in  the  education  of  females  all  her  life,  a work  for  which  she  is  emi- 
nently fitted. 

The  present  system  of  public  schools  of  the  county  was  organized  in  the  county  in 
1872.  The  county  now  employs  135  teachers,  of  whom  forty-nine  are  male  white,  and 
thirty-eight  are  female  white;  thirty-six  are  male  colored,  and  twelve  female  colored 
teachers.  The  average  length  of  the  school  term  is  about  seventy  days,  although  this  dif- 
fers considerably  in  some  of  the  various  districts.  The  total  amount  of  school  money 
received  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  July  1,  1885,  was:  From  State,  $3,568.70;  from  county, 
$21,502;  from  other  sources,  $6.S20.35.  The  scholastic  population  for  the  same  time  was 
male  white,  4,147;  female  white,  3,445;  male  colored,  3,862;  female  colored,  3,609;  total, 
15,063.  The  enrollment  was  male  whites,  2,488;  females,  2,317;  colored  males,  2,067; 
bolored  females,  2,165;  total,  9,037.  The  average  attendance  of  xvhites  was  3,603;  of  col- 
ored children,  3,174,  making  an  average  attendance  of  6,777.  The  schools  are  divided  into 
.ncorporated,  cousolidated  and  common  school  proper,  and  of  the  last  named  there  is  in 
:he  south  district  one  graded  school. 

Mount  Pleasant  Academy  was  built  on  the  lands  of  Elijah  Harbin  in  1835.  The  fol- 
owing  trustees  were  appointed  at  that  time:  Willis  Ridley,  John  Dawson  and  Henry  Hays. 
These  were  changed  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  demanded.  Schools  of  high  grade  have 
Seen  maintained  there  for  over  a half  century.  Among  the  prominent  men  who  have 
aught  here  are  Hon.  William  F.  Kercheval,  R.  B.  Kercheval,  M.  Ferguson  and  Chan- 
cellor William  S.  Fleming.  For  the  last  fifteen  or  sixteen  years  the  Messrs.  Webb  have 
ieen  managing  a successful  school  at  Culleoka.  This  is  a school  for  boys,  and  is  known 
Tar  beyond  the  confines  of  the  State.  Under  the  “four  mile  ” law  the  Culleoka  Academy 
vas  incorporated  March  29,  1884.  Those  in  whose  names  the  charter  was  granted  are  J.  L. 
Joore,  J.  M.  Stephens,  W.  H.  Wilkes,  W.  R.  Webb,  Joseph  Love,  C.  Taylor,  J.  J.  Heu- 
jett,  N.  I.  Moore  and  R.  A.  Wilkes.  This  school  is  in  a flourishing  condition.  Nebo 
Icademy  was  incorporated  December  19,  1877,  by  W.  W.  Joice,  W.  R.  McKennon,  W.  P- 
fantt,  L.  King,  George  N.  McKennon,  William  F.  Kinzer  and  George  Whit  Kinzer.  Oak 
hove  was  built  in  1878  and  chartered  by  Hardin  Mayberry,  Sampson  Liggett,  W.  C.  Lig- 
;ett,  Samuel  Clymer,  T.  M.  Saveli,  W.  C.  Derryberry,  John  Craig,  H.  Green,  J.  W.  Smee, 
;.  S.  Richerson,  T.  H.  Richerson  and  R.  W.  Tindell.  Oak  Grove  [is  in  the  Third  Dis- 
rict.  Cross  Bridges  Academy  was  incorporated  April  5,  1880,  by  C.  Nicholls,  Henry 
larlan,  A.  Bowen,  J.  C.  Webster  and  J.  L.  Beard.  Spring  Hill  Male  College  was  char- 
jered.  December  19,  1881.  Those  named  in  the  charter  are  Campbell  Brown,  J.  T.  S. 
Thompson,  W.  C.  Campbell,  J.  W.  Cheairs,  J.  W.  Alexander,  A.  M.  Kissack,  J.  T.  Wade, 

• M.  Moore,  Thomas  Gibson,  A.  M.  Bailey  and  W.  A.  Bailey.  This  is  now  a flourishing 
-hool,  and  is  under  the  control  of  Prof.  Morton. 


49 


782 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Beacheroft  is  the  female  academy  of  Spring  Hill.  This  large  female  school  is  under 
the  management  of  Mrs.  Estes,  and  is  largely  attended  outside  of  the  State.  A charter  for 
Beachcroft  was  granted  January  11,  1884,  to  M.  C.  Campbell,  Campbell  Brown,  H.  A. 
Brown,  J.  O.  Hardin,  J.  T.  Thompson,  J.  M.  Gray,  J.  W.  Cheairs,  J.  W.  Alexander,  W 
M.  Cheairs,  H.  P.  Wade  and  H.  P.  Pointer. 

Stephenson  Academy  is  a very  old  one  and  was  chartered  in  1848  by  Duncan  Brown, 
James  M.  Arnell,  Leonidas  Polk,  E.  W.  Dale,  J.  S.  Flemming,  J.  B.  Frierson  and  J.  W 
Frierson,  Cave  Hill.  Cave  Hill  School  was  incorporated  July  9, 1878.  The  men  to  whom 
the  charter  was  given  were  Jerry  C.  Notgrass,  W.  W.  Neeley,  S.  M.  Neeley  and  W.  M. 
Sullivan.  Pleasant  Mound  is  located  in  the  Twenty -fifth  District  and  was  incorporated 
about  the  same  time  as  Cave  Hill.  Mount  Joy  School  was  incorporated  in  June,  1881, 
by  S.  Williams,  P.  C.,'  Bailey,  Thomas  Durham,  W.  H.  Bailey,  J.  H.  King,  A.  C.  Sims,  B. 

B.  Craig,  William  T.  McCain  and  T.  P.  Holmes.  Mount  Zion  Academy  was  incorporated 
by  charter  January  1,  1880,  by  W.  T.  Hadley,  P.  H.  Southall,  B.  L.  Mayes,  G.  H.  Fitz- 
gerald, W.  S.  Alderson,  D.  Harling,  S.  E.  Witherspoon  and  W.  T.  Dodson.  In  connec- 
tion with  this  school  is  a chartered  literary  society.  Mount  Zion  is  in  the  Nineteenth  Dis- 
trict and  has  maintained  a school  of  some  kind  for  nearly  three  quarters  of  a century 
Neapolis  Academy  is  in  the  Twenty-second  District  and  was  incorporated  in  January, 
1880.  The  charter  was  granted  to  W.  A.  Bailey,  E.  A.  Denton,  R.  C.  Allen,  W.  C.  Rad 
ley  and  W.  T.  Bassham. 

In  addition  to  the  incorporated  schools,  schools  chartered  under  the  “four  mile  ” law, 
there  are  thirteen  consolidated  schools,  schools,  however,  in  which  private  schools  are  taught, 
supplementary  to  the  public  schools.  There  is  in  the  Ninth  District  a graded  school  of  two 
departments.  The  remaining  schools  are  the  ordinary  county  schools.  The  awakening 
of  the  people  to  the  importance  of,  an  efficient  school  system  indicates  that  they  believe 
the  common  schools  are  the  “hope  of  our  country.” 

The  Synod  of  Kentucky,  in  October,  1810,  ordered  that  a portion  of  Transylvania  be 
cut  off  and  a new  presbytery  formed  to  be  called  the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee, 
consisting  of  Rev.  Messrs.  James  W.  Stephenson,  Samuel  Donald,  Duncan  Brown  and 
Samuel  Hedge.  This  presbytery  was  duly  organized  at  Bethsaida  Church,  March  27, 
1811.  The  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn  and  Rev.  John  Gillespie  were  received  as  members  at 
this  meeting.  Presbyterianism  began  with  the  settlement  of  the  State.  The  following 
churches  had  been  organized  a number  of  years  before  the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee 
was  formed:  Bethesda,  Bethsaida,  Rocky  Mount,  Ebenezer,  Swan  Creek,  Sugar  Creek, 
Flat  Creek,  Betherci,  Nashville  and  Franklin.  The  one  at  Columbia  was  formed  about 
1811.  The  boundaries  of  West  Tennessee  were  minutely  defined  on  the  north  and  east, 
but  on  the  west  they  extended  to  Missouri  and  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  southward  to 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  old  records  show  that  as  early  as  1813  the  presbytery  had  its 
missionaries  in  the  Territories  of  Missouri,  Mississippi  and  West  Florida.  So  rapidly  did 
Presbyterianism  grow,  and  the  difficulty  of  attending  so  large  a territory  so  great,  that  the  |i 
Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee  soon  became  the  mother  of  those  of  Shiloh,  Mississippi, 
Obion,  Nashville  and  Western  District.  Mention  should  be  made  of  Gideon  Blackburn. 
James  W.  Stephenson  and  Robert  Henderson  as  active  members  of  the  presbytery.  The 
Presbytery  of  Columbia  embraces  the  counties  of  Maury,  Giles,  Marshall  and  Lincoln.  It 
has  under  its  care  twenty-five  churches  with  thirteen  ordaiued  ministers  and  a member- 
ship of  about  2,000. 

The  first  church  organization  in  Columbia  was  Presbyterian.  The  date  of  the  organ- 
ization is  not  exactly  known  as  the  records  have  been  destroyed,  but  it  was  not  far  from 
the  organization  of  the  county,  i.  e.  1807.  The  church  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  Gideon 
Blackburn,  well  known  as  an  eloquent  preacher  and  a classic  teacher  of  Franklin.  The 
first  regular  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Robert  Henderson,  well  known  as  a pulpit  orator, 
teacher  and  scholar.  The  first  brick  church  erected  in  Columbia  was  in  1822-23,  on  the  i 
same  lot  where  the  church  now  stands.  Previous  to  the  erection  of  this  church  private 
houses  or  the  court  house  were  used  for  church  services.  The  church  membership  jj 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


783 


embraced  many  of  the  leading  families  in  Columbia.  Among  the  early  elders  were  Dr. 
William  McNiell,  John  Thomas,  John  Dodge,  Benjamin  Thomas,  Samuel  McDowell, 
George  M.  Martin,  Maj.  John  Brown,  John  Frierson,  Dr.  J.  W.  S.  Frierson  and  Dr.  John 
S.  Law.  Dr.  Henderson  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Robert  Hardin  about  1830,  who  was  also 
for  a time  president  of  Jackson  College  while  it  was  located  near  Spring  Hill.  The  next 
minister  was  the  Rev.  Thomas  Scott,  who  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Sherman, 
who  became  the  second  president  of  Jackson  College,  after  its  removal  to  Columbia.  Dr. 
Sherman,  as  is  well  known,  lost  his  life  by  accident  at  Nashville  in  1849.  Rev.  Sherman 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  C.  P.  Wing,  who  remained  till  1843,  when  the  Rev.  William  Mack 
took  charge  and  continued  till  1858.  Dr.  Mack  was  twice  president  of  Jackson  College 
and  was  widely  known  both  as  a minister  and  educator.  Rev.  A.  Hartpence  succeeded 
Dr.  Mack  in  1858,  and  he  gave  place  to  Rev.  A.  L.  Kline  about  1860.  Rev.  A.  L.  Kline 
was  succeeded  in  1868  by  Rev.  J.  M.  P.  Otts.  The  Rev.  J.  C.  Mitchell  became  pastor  in 
1873,  and  he  still  has  charge  of  the  church.  The  present  Presbyterian  Church  was  erected 
in  1843,  but  was  remodeled  and  repaired  in  1874.  This  church  is  now  well  furnished  with 
seats  and  has  an  excellent  pipe  organ.  The  church  membership  is  251. 

The  first  Methodist  class  was  formed  in  Columbia  some  time  between  1815  and  1820, 
although  there  were  a few  members  as  early  as  1815.  The  first  class  meeting  was  held  at 
the  house  of  Thomas  White,  on  Embargo  Street.  The  first  church  house  was  built  on 
South  Main  Street,  near  E.  W.  Gamble’s  large  grocery  store.  This  was  a frame  structure 
about  35x50.  According  to  Mrs.  White  the  building  was  erected  in  1818,  although  it  is 
claimed  by  some  not  to  have  been  built  till  1821.  This  house  was  changed  to  a dwelling 
and  stood  till  a few  years  ago.  The  first  regular  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Thomas  Madden, 
who  came  to  Columbia  in  1820.  A revival  greatly  strengthened  the  church.  Dr.  Madden 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Hartwell  H.  Brown  in  1822.  Dr.  Madden  was  recalled  in  1823 
and  remained  till  1825,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  W.  B.  Beck.  The  first  Sunday- 
school  was  organized  by  Dr.  Madden,  in  1823  or  1824.  The  trustees  of  the  first  church 
were  John  Gordon,  Robert  Doak,  Levi  Covey,  James  Gullett,  John  T.  Moore,  Elisha 
Uzzell  and  Edward  W.  Dale.  These  to  a great  extent  represented  the  families  belonging 
to  the  church.  The  trustees  for  the  new  church  were  E.  W.  Dale,  James  R.  Plummer, 
Joseph  Herndon,  Nathan  Yaught,  G.  I.  Voorhies,  Rev.  William  Horsley,  John  H.  Terrill, 
Samuel  A.  Hamner  and  Rev.  H.  H.  Brown.  A new  brick  church  was  erected  in  1836,  but 
this  was  accidentally  destroyed  by  fire  in  1874  and  was  rebuilt  in  a few  years.  The  present 
elegant  structure  is  the  fruit  of  that  work.  Preaching  had  been  held  in  Columbia  some 
time  before  any  church  was  erected.  Preaching  was  had  either  in  the  court  house  or  in 
the  grove.  One  place  remembered  was  the  Atheneum  grounds,  where  the  celebrated 
Lorenzo  Dow  preached.  The  Methodist  is  one  of  the  strongest  churches  in  the  city,  the 
membership  numbering  about  350. 

The  Episcopal  Church  of  Columbia  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  James  H.  Otey,  who 
afterward  became  bishop  in  1829.  The  first  paster  was  Dr.  Stephens,  who  was  a teacher, 
as  was  his  son  and  daughter.  The  first  church  edifice  was  erected  just  back  of  the  Ma- 
sonic Hall.  Tho  present  elegant  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1860-61.  The  church 
has  a membership  of  149.  Rev.  George  Becket,  of  the  Institute,  has  been  rector  nf  this 
church  for  the  last  nineteen  years. 

The  Cumberland  Presbyterians  built  their  church  in  Columbia  in  1848,  with  the  as- 
sistance of  the  Odd  Fellows . The  symbols  of  that  order  are  still  to  be  seen  over  the  doors 
of  the  church.  This  house  is  still  standing,  and  is  in  a good  state  of  preservation. 

The  Baptists  and  Christians  each  have  elegant  brick  churches  on  High  Street.  The 
former  has  a new  building  in  course  of  construction.  The  date  of  the  organization  of 
these  churches  is  later  than  any  of  the  former  mentioned. 

Like  most  all  the  counties  in  Middle  Tennessee,  Maury  was  settled  largely  by  Revolu- 
tionary soldiers  or  their  descendants.  The  population  of  the  county  in  its  early  history 
was  largely  from  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina  and  Virginia.  North  Carolina  gave 
grants  to  her  soldiers  for  military  services  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  These  grants  were 


784 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


located  mainly  in  Middle  Tennessee,  from  which  cause  large  numbers  of  North  Carolina 
soldiers  settled  in  that  part  of  the  State,  and  not  a few  in  Maury  County.  These  grants 
varied  in  size  in  this  county  from  200  acres  to  25,000  acres,  as  was  the  case  with  Gen. 
Greene’s  grant.  Among  those  who  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war  were  Maj.  James  Hol- 
land, who  died  May  19,  1823,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two;  he  served  in  the  Legislature  of 
North  Carolina,  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States;  he  was  buried  about  nine  miles 
east  of  Columbia.  William  Renfro  served  through  the  war,  and  died  in  1830  at  the  age  of 
ninety-six,  leaving  a number  of  descendants  in  the  county.  Thomas  Wren,  the  ancestor 
of  a large  family,  was  buried  north  of  the  river  on  the  farm  where  he  lived.  James 
White  Stephenson  was  a South  Carolinian,  and  settled  near  Zion,  of  which  church  he  was 
many  years  pastor.  He  was  a distinguished  minister,  educator,  and  a valued  citizen.  Dr. 
Samuel  Mayes  was  a soldier  at  King’s  Mountain,  and  other  important  battles.  He  was  an 
elder  in  Zion  Church,  and  was  buried  at  that  place.  James  Armstrong,  who  was  a mem- 
ber of  Lee’s  Legion,  came  to  Maury  County  in  1807.  He,  too,  was  buried  at  Zion.  An- 
other soldier  buried  at  Zion  was  David  Matthews,  who  served  under  Gen.  Marion.  Mark 
Jackson  and  Aaron  Reynolds,  two  old  Revolutionary  soldiers,  were  buried,  one  at 
“Shane’s”  grave-yard  and  the  other  in  a private  grave-yard  near  by.  Gen.  Richard  Winn 
was  a soldier  and  officer  from  South  Carolina.  He  served  in  the  Legislature  of  his  native 
State,  also  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  He  was  buried  near  Williamsport.  His 
grave  was  unmarked,  and  until  a few  years  ago  his  burial  place  was  in  question.  Robert 
Caruthers,  an  early  settler  of  the  county,  was  also  a Revolutionary  soldier.  The  prinei 
pal  Indian  fighters  were  Col.  William  and  Gideon  Pillow  and  Col.  Joseph  Brown  These 
men  are  distinctly  mentioned  in  the  settlement  of  Middle  Tennessee  by  Putnam.  Col. 
Brown  had  been  a prisoner  among  the  Cherokee  Indians,  and  having  learned  their  Lan- 
guage he  became  an  effective  guide  against  them  afterward.  He  served  as  a guide  against 
the  Indians  in  the  expedition  against  Nickajack.  In  later  years  he  became  a distinguished 
Presbyterian  minister.  Pillow  killed  the  Indian  chief  Big  Foot  in  an  expedition  against 
the  Indians.  In  the  Creek  war  of  1812-14,  Col-  Pillow  commanded  a company,  and  was 
severely  wounded  at,  Talladega*  Both  Pillow  and  Brown  died  in  the  county  at  the  age  of 
nearly  one  hundred  years.  Cols.  Roberts  and  Gordon  were  also  distinguished  leaders  in 
that  campaign.  Among  the  last  survivors  of  that  campaign  were  Col.  Roberts,  M.  Cooper, 
Maj.  John  D.  Fleming  and  George  Donelson. 

On  the  outbreak  of  the  first  Seminole  war  in  1817,  Capt.  John  Gordon  raised  a spy 
company  which  he  commanded  in  that  war.  It  is  well  known  in  this  war  the  climate  and 
hardships  were  far  more  destructive  than  the  bullet  and  tomahawk  of  the  Indians.  The 
last  survivors  of  that  war  were  T.  S.  Pickard  and  David  Hamilton.  Soon  after  the  massa 
ere  of  Maj.  Dade  and  his  men  in  the  Walioo  Swamp,  and  the  killing  of  Gen.  Thompson  on 
December  28,  1835,  Gov.  Cannon  called  for  volunteers.  Two  companies  were  raised  in 
Maury  County;  one  commanded  by  William  J.  Frierson  was  raised  in  the  vicinity  of  Tien 
and  Bigbyville,  and  the  other  was  commanded  by  Capt.  John  B.  Hamilton  and  later  by 
George  Lipscomb.  This  company  was  recruited  mainly  in  the  neighborhood  of  Cathey 
Creek.  These  companies  were  attached  to  the  First  Regiment,  of  which  A.  F.  Bedford 
was  chosen  colonel;  T.  H.  Cabal,  lieutenant-colonel;  Powhattan  Gordon,  major  First 
Battalion,  and  A.  C.  Goff,  major  of  Second  Battalion;  W.  G.  Dickinson,  surgeon  and  A. 
II.  Brown,  assistant  surgeon.  The  company  commanded  by  Capt.  Frierson  consisted  of 
101  or  102  men  and  Capt.  Hamilton’s  company  contained  105  men.  The  only  loss  sustained 
by  these  companies/was  one  man  who  died  of  measles  and  a negro  belonging  to  J.  M.  8. 
Mayes,  who  was  killed  by  accident.  Mr.  Mayes  is  believed  to  be  the  only  survivor  of  that 
war  now  in  the  county.  The  powder-horn  carried  by  him  is  now  in  possession  of  the  His- 
torical Society.  A full  report  of  this  campaign  is  given  elsewhere. 

In  the  war  with  Mexico  in  1846-47,  the  call  for  troops  was  so  quickly  filled  that  but  a 
small  portion  of  those  volunteering  were  accepted.  Several  companies  were  tendered  the 
State,  but  one  only,  Capt.  Albert  G.  Cooper’s  company,  was  accepted.  This  was  a cavalry 
company  and  was  attached  to  the  regiment  of  which  J.  E.  Thomas  was  colonel,  Richard 


MAURY  COUNTY, 


785 


Allison,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  Richard  Waterhouse,  major.  Gen.  Gideon  J.  Pillow, 
of  Maury  County,  commanded  a brigade  in  that  war.  He  was  at  Matamoras,  Yera  Cruz, 
Cerro  Gordo,  where  he  was  wounded;  also  in  the  battles  near  the  City  of  Mexico.  In  that 
war  as  given  under  that  head,  he  made  a national  reputation  for  skill  and  gallantry. 

In  the  war  between  the  States  Maury  was  slow  to  sever  the  ties,  but  when  in  her 
whole  force  was  thrown  on  the  side  of  the  South.  On  May  6,  1861,  the  county  court  ap- 
propriated $1,000  for  the  benefit  of  the  families  of  soldiers  who  were  then  in  the  service. 
This  was  to  be  distributed  by  the  justices  in  their  respective  districts.  By  the  report 
of  October  7 it  is  shown  that  $1,349.02  had  been  thus  expended.  This  sum  was  dis- 
tributed in  the  various  districts  in  sums  varying  from  $1  to  $539.29.  A tax  of  10  cents 
on  each  $100  was  levied  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  up  this  aid.  In  the  call  for  55,000 
men,  2,500  of  whom  were  for  active  service,  the  county  promptly  furnished  her  quota. 
Home  guard  companies  in  each  of  the  twenty-five  districts  were  quickly  enrolled  and  or- 
ganized by  the  selection  of  their  officers.  Space  prevents  our  giving  these  officers  and 
men.  On  May  20,  1861,  the  court  decided  that  the  home  guards  should  serve  without  pay 
as  it  was  the  duty  of  “all  good  citizens  to  serve  in  times  of  peril  free  of  charge.” 

The  first  regular  troops  for  the  service  from  this  county  were  Company  B,  of  the  Sec- 
ond Confederate.  This  regiment  was  organized  May  5, 1861,  at  Nashville,  by  electing  W. 
B.  Bate,  colonel;  D.L.  Goodall,  lieutenant-colonel;  William  Doak,  major;  William  Driver, 
adjutant;  M.  W.  Clusky,  assistant  quartermaster;  J.  A.  Moore,  assistant  commissary-ser- 
geant; Dr.  T.  J.  Kennedy,  surgeon  and  Rev.  D.  Joseph  Cross,  chaplain.  The  regiment 
was  moved  to  Lynchburg,  Va.,  where  it  was  soon  after  mustered  into  the  Confederate  serv- 
ice by  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith.  Company  B was  made  up  at  Columbia  and  joined  the  reg- 
iment at  Nashville.  The  captains  of  Company  B were  John  G.  Anderson,  John  A. 
Mackey  and  Edmund  O'Neil.  The  roll  of  honor  of  Company  B is  J.  M.  Cathron,  died  at 
Frearicksburg,  July  16, 1861;  John  E.  Sharber,  died  at  Stafford  Court  House;  John  W.  Gee, 
killed  at  Richmond,  Ivy.,  August  30,  1862;  William  Edwards  died  at  Columbus,  Miss.  A 
full  sketch  of  this  regiment  is  given  elsewhere. 

The  Third  Tennessee  Infantry  contained  three  companies  from  Maury  County,  viz.; 
Conpanies  C,  E and  F.  Company  C contained  an  aggregate  of  119  men.  The  following 
were  its  commissioned  officers:  Captains,  D.  F.  Wade  and  R.  T.  Cooper;  first  lieutenant, 
J.  D.  Moss;  second  lieutenant,  Johnson  Long;  junior  second  lieutenant,  W.  S.  Jennings. 
Company  E,  from  both  Maury  and  Williamson,  contained  100  men;  captains,  N.  F. 
Cheairs  and  H.  P.  Pointer;  first  lieutenant,  Campbell  Brown;  second  lieutenant,  Thomas 
Tucker;  junior  second  lieutenant,  J.  T.  S.  Thompson.  Company  F contained  ninety-eight 
men.  The  officers  were  G.  W.  Jones,  captain;  J.  B.  Murphy,  first  lieutenant;  B.  G.  Dar- 
den, second  lieutenant;  John  T.  Williamson,  junior  second  lieutenant,  John  C.  Brown 
was  elected  colonel  of  the  regiment;  Thomas  M.  Gordon,  lieutenant-colonel;  N.  F. 
Cheairs,  major,  and  T.  M.  Tucker,  adjutant.  The  roll  of  honor  of  Company  C was  thirty- 
six  men;  of  Company  E eight  men,  and  of  Company  F was  sixteen  men.  This  is  hot  a 
true  index  of  the  losses  of  each,  but  is  given  as  the  only  available  record.  A complete 
history  of  this  entire  regiment  is  found  elsewhere. 

The  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry  was  made  up  largely  from  Maury  County,  six 
companies  in  all.  The  regiment  arrived  at  Camp  Maury,  near  Nashville,  December  12, 
1361.  It  was  soon  divided  into  detachments  and  sent  to  guard  the  Cumberland  and 
Tennessee  Rivers  and  railroad  bridges  in  the  vicinity  of  and  leading  to  Forts  Henry  and 
Donelson.  Upon  the  approach  of  the  Federals  the  regiment  was  concentrated  at  Fort 
Henry.  In  the  retreat  upon  Fort  Donelson  the  regiment  lost  its  clothing  and  baggage. 
A detail  was  sent  from  each  company  to  collect  supplies.  In  the  surrender  of  Donelson 
the  regiment  lost  360  men.  The  field  officers  were  sent  to  Fort  Warren,  Massachusetts; 
the  line  officers  to  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  but  on  the  1st  of  May  were  sent  to  Johnson’s  Island, 
Lake  Erie;  the  enlisted  men  were  sent  to  Camp  Douglas,  Illinois,  but  in  August  they  were 
sent  to  Vicksburg  and  exchanged.  The  sick,  those  on  furlough,  and  those  on  detached 
duty  were  not  captured,  but  were  consolidated  into  a new  organization.  T : these  were  at- 


786 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


tached  a few  new  companies,  and  tlie  whole  took  the  name  of  Nixon’s  Forty-eighth,  or  the 
little  Forty-eighth.  This  body  was  attached  to  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith’s  corps,  and  took 
part  in  the  whole  of  the  Kentucky  campaign,  taking  a prominent  part  in  the  battle  of  Rich- 
mond, Ky.  It  was  with  the  Army  of  Tennessee  at  Perryville,  on  October  8,  and  at  Mur 
freesboro,  Tenn.,  at  the  close  of  the  year.  Its  conduct  was  such  as  to  receive  special  men 
tion  by  its  brigade  and  division  commanders. 

After  the  exchange  of  those  captured  the  regiment  was  reorganized  at  Jackson,  Miss. 
An  election  of  officers  resulted  in  the  re-election  of  W.  M.  Yoorhees,  colonel;  A.  S.  Godum, 
lieutenant-colonel;  A.  J.  Campbell,  major.  Field  officers,  line  officers  and  non-commis- 
sioned officers  were  sent  home  to  recruit.  Capts.  Howard  and  Love’s  companies  had  been 
attached  to  the  Third  Tennessee,  and  were  encamped  at  Holly  Springs.  These  were  or 
dered  to  Port  Hudson  in  October,  and  December  27  they  were  joined  by  their  old  com 
rades,  who  had  been  exchanged,  and  many  recruits.  They  were  now  reunited.  The  reg- 
iment formed  a part  of  Gen.  S.  B.  Maxey's  brigade.  The  regiment  was  at  the  bombard- 
ment of  Port  Hudson  on  the  nights  of  the  13th  and  14th  of  March,  by  Farragut’s  fleet. 
The  regiment  left  Port  Hudson  May  3,  1863,  to  assist  in  the  campaign  against  Grant 
around  Vicksburg.  On  the  fall  of  Vicksburg  the  regiment  was  sent  to  the  Gulf  Depart- 
ment, where  it  did  guard  duty  from  Mobile  to  Pascagoula.  The  regiment  was  sent  lo 
Dalton,  Ga.,  in  November,  and  again  sent  to  Mobile,  in  which  department  it  remained  til1 
ordered  to  join  the  Army  of  Tennessee.  It  united  with  that  army  May  27,  at  New  Hope 
Church,  near  Marietta,  Ga.  Before  being  sent  to  this  department  Gen.  Maxey  had  been 
transferred  to  the  Trans-Mississippi  Department,  and  the  brigade  placed  under  Gen 
Quarles.  In  the  meantime  Maj.  A.  J.  Campbell  had  died,  and  Capt.  J.  D.  Howard  had 
been  promoted  to  major.  The  regiment  took  part  in  the  battles  of  New  Hope  Church, 
Lost  Mountain,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  around  Atlanta.  The  regiment  was  a 
part  of  Loring's  division  of  Polk’s  corps.  After  the  death  of  Polk  it  was  in  the  division 
of  Walthall  of  Stewart’s  corps.  The  regiment  met  with  frightful  losses  on  the  28th,  los- 
ing more  than  half  its  men.  The  regiment  was  soon  detached  to  protect  the  railroad, 
which  was  threatened  by  the  Federal  cavalry.  The  regiment  was  under  the  command  of 
Lieut. -Col.  A.  S.  Godum.  There  was  some  severe  fighting  around  Lovejoy  Station  and 
Jonesboro,  in  which  the  regiment  met  with  loss,  but  inflicted  severe  punishment  upon  the 
enemy.  The  regiment  was  with  Hood’s  advance  into  Tennessee,  and  on  its  arrival  in 
Maury  County  the  men  were  allowed  a three  days’  leave  of  absence,  in  consequence  of 
which  the  regiment  escaped  the  battle  of  Franklin  and  doubtless  many  escaped  death 
there.  Capts.  Love  and  Tomlinson  have  furnished  the  following  account  of  the  action 
of  the  regiment  at  Nashville,  for  Dr.  Lindsley’s  work:  “ Early  in  the  morning  of  Decern 

her  15  Capt.  Love  was  put  in  command  of  a force  to  complete  a fort  on  Hood’s  left,  on  the 
Granny  White  Pike.  About  noon  he  was  ordered  to  report  to  his  regiment  near  by,  and  a 
detail  from  Quarles’  brigade,  under  Maj.  T.  E.  Jamison,  was  sent  to  occupy  the  work. 
Scarcely  had  the  brigade  moved  away  before  a strong  cavalry  force  attacked  the  fort,  but 
was  drjven  away  with  great  loss.  Shortly  they  were  attacked  by  infantry.  Our  men  stood 
heroically;  many  of  them  were  barefooted  in  the  snow,  and  when  overpowered,  fought 
with  clubbed  muskets.  Sergt.  William  Trousdale,  Charley  Jones  and  Lieut.  Maclin  cut 
their  way  out  and  joined  their  commands  that  night;  Maj.  Jamison  was  severely  wound- 
ed in  the  thigh  and  captured  and  sent  as  a prisoner  to  Fort  Delaware,  where  he  was  kept 
till  August.  1865.  Our  brigade  took  position  behind  a stone  wall;  soon  the  enemy  cap 
tured  another  fort  in  our  front  and  turned  our  guns  upon  us,  and  a brigade  of  the  enemy 
was  rapidly  moving  on  our  flank.  We  fell  back  in  good  order  through  a recently  plowed 
field.  Here  Capt.  J.  P.  Churd  had  his  leg  shot  off.  The  next  day  we  occupied  an  ex- 
posed space  to  the  right  of  Finley’s  brigade,  with  no  protection.  The  Federal  line  was 
within  seventy  yards  of  us  and  we  were  compelled  to  lie  down,  as  the  least  exposure  was 
sure  to  result  in  death.  All  day  long  we  could  see  the  Federals  encircling  us.  We  saw 
our  line  give  way  on  the  hill  above  us.  Soon  the  Federals  had  full  possession  of  the  fort, 
then  our  whole  line  gave  way.”  The  regiment  formed  a part  of  the  rearguard,  undei 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


787 


Forrest,  in  Hood's  retreat.  It  took  part  in  the  severe  skirmish  near  Pulaski,  where  a Fed- 
eral battery  was  captured.  The  regiment  joined  Bragg’s  forces  at  Kingston,  N.  C.;  a de- 
tachment under  Capt.  Love  took  part  in  an  engagement  there.  The  regiment  then  went 
to  Goldsboro,  thence  to  Bentonville,  where  it  fought  its  last  engagement.  It  surrendered 
March  19,  1865. 

For  the  Ninth  Battalion  Maury  County  furnished  Companies  A,  B and  E.  This  body 
was  organized  in  December  at  a camp  near  Nashville.  The  officers  of  Company  A were 
J.  N.  Walker,  captain;  E.  N.  H.  Foster,  first  lieutenant;  Frank  J.  McLean,  second  lieu- 
tenant; Joe  A.  Irvine,  junior  second  lieutenant.  The  officers  of  Company  B were  R.  N. 
Moore,  captain;  T.  L.  Porter,  first  lieutenant;  J.  B.  Galloway,  second  lieutenant;  W.  H. 
McFalls,  junior  second  lieutenant.  The  officers  of  Company  E.  were  J.  H.  Akin,  captain; 
A.  B.  Biffle,  first  lieutenant;  A.  A.  Kennedy,  second  lieutenant;  A.  J.  Pugh,  junior  second 
lieutenant.  The  field  and  staff  officers  were  George  Gantt,  lieutenant-colonel:  B.  W.  Por- 
ter, major;  Hunter  Nicholson,  adjutant.  On  the  reorganization  in  September,  1862,  George 
Gantt  was  re-elected  lieutenant-colonel;  J.  H.  Akin,  major,  W.  V.  Thompson,  adjutant. 
The  Ninth  lost  by  sickness  and  by  bullets  of  the  enemy  380  men.  For  a full  account  of 
the  Ninth  Battalion  see  elsewhere.  Two  batteries  of  artillery  and  some  detached  com- 
panies make  up  the  men  furnished  by  Maury  County,  in  all  twenty-one  companies. 


HE  surface  of  the  county  in  the  Basin  is  generally  undulating,  rising  in  some  places 


into  high  bluffs  or  knobs  several  hundred  feet  in  height.  The  water-shed  is  from 
southeast  to  northwest.  One  range  of  hills  or  elevated  lands  rises  in  Rutherford  County, 
near  Stewart’s  Creek,  and  extends  southwesterly,  but  gradually  sinks  into  a level  a short 
distance  from  Franklin.  The  waters  from  the  northern  slope  of  this  range  flow  into  Mill 
Creek,  so  named  from  its  early  and  numerous  mills  thereon.  This  drainage  extends  over 
the  fertile  lands  of  the  Sixteenth  and  Seventeenth  Districts.  The  higher  lands  afford  ex- 
cellent timber  of  cedar  and  other  valuable  timbers.  Separating  the  Thirteenth  and 
Twenty-first,  from  the  Twelfth  and  Twenty-second  Districts  is  Duck  River  Ridge,  which 
is  the  water-shed  between  the  waters  of  Big  Harpeth  and  the  head  waters  of  Rutherford 
and  Flat  Creeks.  The  principal  drainage  of  the  county,  however,  is  by  the  Harpeth  and 
its  branches.  This  embraces  a very  large  portion  of  the  county.  The  Big  Harpeth  enters 
the  county  at  College  Grove,  near  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county,  and  leaves  it  near 
the  northwestern  part.  Not  far  from  Mount  Carmel  rises  West  Harpeth,  a stream  which 
flows  almost  parallel  with  Big  Harpeth,  but  unites  with  it  a short  distance  northwest  of 
Franklin.  Each  of  these  streams  receives  small  tributaries,  the  largest  and  best  known 
being  Leiper’s  Creek,  which  enters  West  Harpeth  not  far  from  Hillsboro.  Within  the  val- 
ley of  these  small  rivers  is  seen  some  very  line  country.  It  is  even  questioned  if  it  can  be 
surpassed  anywhere.  Formerly  it  was  densely  covered  with  heavy  forest  trees  or  a rank 
growth  of  cane.  A short  distance  beneath  the  surface  is  a bed  of  limestone,  but  the  soil 
along  the  river  is  a rich,  black  loam,  capable  of  supporting  a luxuriant  growth  of  all  the 
cereals  known  to  the  temperate  climate,  as  well  as  other  vegetable  products,  nor  has  the 
cultivation  of  these  been  wanting,  for  the  late  statistics  show  Williamson  to  afford  the  larg- 
est yield  of  wheat  of  any  county  in  the  State. 

Little  Harpeth,  which  flows  near  the  well  known  Hollow  Tree  Gap,  drains  a much 
smaller  amount  of  land  than  the  other  Harpeth,  but  none  the  less  rich.  South  Harpeth 
cuts  its  way  through  the  Rim  or  highlands  in  the  extreme  western  part  of  the  county. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


788 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


This  is  bordered  by  high  hills  and  precipitous  rocks,  with  an  ever-changing  bed.  This 
feature  of  these  rivers  is  noticeable  within  the  recollections  of  men;  they  are  much  wider 
than  formerly  and  not  so  deep;  their  rise  is  much  higher  and  quicker  than  formerly,  and 
their  subsidence  is  much  more  rapid.  The  name  Harpeth  is  said  to  have  originated  from 
two  noted  outlaws,  who  had  their  headquarters  on  Big  Harpeth.  Their  names  were  Harp 
and  from  their  size  were  designated  Big  and  Little  Harp.  After  bidding  defiance  to  the 
law  and  force  for  many  years  they  were  at  last  brought  to  punishment.  The  country 
lying  along  the  South  Harpeth  is  quite  broken  and  is  sparsely  settled.  Covering  a large 
portion  of  districts— first,  second,  third  and  sixth — is  a heavy  growth  of  timber  almost  in 
its  primitive  luxuriance.  In  some  portions  of  the  count3r  there  is  a sandy  soil,  from  which 
there  is  a he^vy  growth  of  cedar,  and  in  other  parts  there  is  a fine  growth  of  white  oak. 
Fine  springs  abound  in  almost  every  part  of  the  county;  these,  with  the  fine  grasses 
grown,  make  this  an  excellent  stock-raising  county,  to  which  attention  has  been  largely 
attracted  since  1871.  Besides  the  numerous  other  springs  the  county  abounds  in  various 
medical  springs.  These  are  known  as  Smith’s  Springs,  Cayce’s  Spring,  and  the  best 
known  of  these  now  is  the  Fernvale  Spring,  owned  by  J.  B.  McEwen.  Analyses  of  the 
water  of  the  last-named  spring  have  been  made  by  several  eminent  chemists.  These  all 
show  the  water  to  possess  high  medical  properties. 

A comparison  of  the  amount  of  cereals  grown  in  Williamson  County  in  1870  and  in 
1885  will  show  the  rapid  increase  in  these  products,  and  also  the  amount  of  these  products 
grown  in  the  county.  The  product  of  corn  in  bushels  in  1870  was  1,010,443;  of  wheat., 
227,294;  of  rye,  4,662;  of  oats,  99,933;  of  barley,  10,536.  The  corresponding  cereals  in 
1885  were  as  follows:  Indian  corn,  in  bushels,  1,439,445;  wheat,  315,966;  rye,  2,265;  oats,  j! 
585,522;  barley,  499.  The  number  of  domestic  animals  for  the  same  years  were  as  follows: 
The  number  of  horses  and  mules  for  1870  were  10,314;  cattle,  6,988;  sheep,  15,226,  hogs, 
41,703.  The  same  animals  in  1885  were  as  follows:  Horses  and  mules,  11,442;  cattle, 
12,906;  sheep,  15,809;  hogs,  43,132. 

In  regard  to  the  first  settlers  of  Williamson  County,  there  is  an  interesting  tradition; 
in  fact  it  must  be  traditional  in  part,  at  least,  as  Haywood,  Ramsey  and  Putnam  do  not 
give  it.  It  is  to  the  effect  that  in  1797  three  men,  named,  respectively,  Graham,  Brown 
and  Tindel,  accompanied  by  a negro  and  a dog,  went  out  on  an  exploring  expedition  to 
the  vicinity  about  Franklin.  The  men  were  absent  some  time,  and  did  not  return,  neither 
any  tidings  of  them.  A party  was  sent  in  search  of  the  men  but  no  trace  of  them  was 
found  until  their  arrival  at  Hollow  Tree  Gap,  where  the  party  met  the  dog  in  a half 
starved  condition.  True  to  the  instincts  of  his  nature  the  dog  led  the  party  to  where  lay 
the  remains  of  his  masters.  It  seems  the  party  had  found  traces  of  a bear,  which  they 
had  followed  some  distance  from  their  course  before  they  came  up  with  the  animal.  The 
bear  was  killed  and  the  party  had  encamped  on  the  spot.  Attracted  by  the  firing  upon  the 
bear  or  by  the  camp  fire,  a party  of  Indians  found  the  lonely  party  and  surrounded  the 
camp  and  killed  the  entire  number.  Fate  was  generous  enough  to  make  these  men  fight 
desperately  and  slay  several  times  their  number  of  Indians.  The  faithful  dog  had  kept, 
vigil  over  his  dead  companions  until  driven  away  by  hunger. 

The  Indian  titles  being  extinguished  north  of  Duck  River  very  early  settlers  began  :.o 
enter  the  territory  of  Williamson  before  1800.  David  McEwen,  of  Statesville,  N.  0. 
with  several  families,  moved  to  Nashville  in  1796,  but  owing  to  the  disturbances  by  the  In- 
dians, did  not  proceed  on  their  journey  till  1798.  In  that  year  Mr.  McEwen  passed  through 
Hollow  Tree  Gap  and  on  to  Roper’s  Knob,  where  he  settled.  Mr.  McEwen  was  the  father 
of  a large  and  influential  family  that  has  been  prominent  in  Williamson  County  since  its 
inception.  William  Demumhane,  son  of  Capt.  Demumhane,  the  pioneer  settler  of  Nash 
ville,  was  born  at  the  mouth  of  Mill  Creek,  on  the  Cumberland.  Leaving  his  parents 
when  quite  young  he  passed  through  the  wilderness  of  woods  and  canebrakes  and  settled 
near  College  Grove,  where  he  became  a wealthy  planter. 

Mr.  Sledge,  who  catne  to  the  county  about  the  time  of  De  Munbreun, brought  only  his 
wife  and  a few  household  utensils  on  a pack-horse,  and  settled  near  Peytonsville.  Here  he 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


789 


lived  several  years  under  a temporary  shelter.  Samuel  Crockett,  John  Wilson  and  David 
McEwen,  mentioned  above,  had  each  settled  and  built  a cotton-gin  before  1804,  as  appears 
from  Dr.  Ramsey.  In  1798  Andrew  Goff,  William  McEwen,  George  Neeley  and  a number 
of  others  settled  on  Spence’s  Creek.  Thomas  H.  Perkins  and  Mr.  McConnico  settled  at 
the  fork  of  the  West  and  Big  Harpeth  Rivers  about  1810.  About  the  same  time  came 
Matthew  Johnson  and  William  Edmondson.  Thomas  Spence,  Daniel  McMahan  and 
Thomas  Williamson  each  settled  on  the  creek  bearing  the  name  of  the  former  in  1800. 
Ewen  Cameron  is  said  to  have  built  a house  in  Franklin  in  1797.  Abram  Maury,  upon 
whose  land  the  city  of  Franklin  was  built,  and  Thomas  McKay,  at  whose  house  the  first  court 
was  held,  were  both  residents  before  1800.  Byrd  Hamlet,  who  settled  near  Nolensville, 
has  the  credit  of  having  raised  the  first  hogshead  of  tobacco  in  Middle  Tennessee.  The 
following  persons  had  made  settlements  previous  to  1800,  the  most  of  whom  were  con- 
nected with  the  county  officially:  James  Buford,  James  Scurlock,  Nicholas  Perkins,  Ed- 
mond Wall,  Chapman  White,  Solomon  Brent,  Stephen  Childress,  William  Hulme.  William 
Smith,  Sion  Hunt,  Robert  Caruthers,  R.  P.  Currin,  Richard  Hightower,  James  Neeley, 
John  Harness  and  many  others.  Joel  Parish  was  one  of  the  first  to  erect  a mill  on  Har- 
peth; he  was  also  prominently  connected  with  other  business  interests  of  the  county. 
The  increase  of  population  of  the  county  for  the  first  decade  is  remarkable,  the  popula- 
tion in  1810  amuonting  to  over  13,000,  while  in  1800  it  was  numbered  by  the  hundreds. 
The  county  in  1810,  however,  embraced  a much  larger  area  than  now. 

The  act  establishing  Williamson  County  passed  the  General  Assembly  October  26, 
1799.  The  territory  was  cut  off  from  Davidson  County,  and  embraced  the  following 
boundaries:  “ Beginning  at  a point  forty  poles  due  north  of  the  dwelling  house  of  David 
McClory  on  the  waters  of  Little  Harpeth,  running  thence  east  two  miles  and  one  hundred 
and  four  poles;  thence  south  seventy  degrees,  east  sixteen  miles  and  two  hundred  and 
seventy  poles;  thence  due  south  to  the  Indian  boundary  line;  thence  with  said  line  west- 
erly to  the  Robertson  County  line;  thence  north  with  said  line  to  a point  due  west  of  the 
mouth  of  Little  Harpeth;  thence  in  a direct  line  to  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Harpeth; 
thence  along  said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning,  to  be  known  as  Williamson  County.” 
The  county  was  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Williamson,  of  North  Carolina.  John  John- 
son, Sr.,  Daniel  Perkins,  James  Buford,  William  Edmonsou  and  Capt.  James  Scurlock 
were  appointed  commissioners  to  select  a site  for  the  county  seat  and  to  erect  a court 
house,  jail  and  stocks.  Henry  Rutherford  and  John  Davis  were  appointed  to  run  the 
boundary  line  where  not  sufficiently  designated  by  nature. 

By  the  same  act  of  the  General  Assembly  establishing  Williamson  County  and  ap- 
pointing the  commissioners  for  the  town  of  Franklin,  the  commissioners  were  empowered 
with  authority  to  reserve  two  acres  of  ground  for  a Square,  on  which  they  were  to  erect 
a court  house.  This  building  was  erected  some  time  between  the  erection  of  the  county 
and  establishing  the  seat  of  justice  for  the  same  and  the  year  1801.  The  order  for  its  erec- 
tion, the  size,  dimensions,  cost  or  contractors  are  not  matters  of  record;  however,  the 
county  court  met  in  regular  session  November  3,  1800,  in  the  “new  court  house.”  This 
house  was  a square  brick  building,  and  stood  in  the  center  of  the  Public  Square.  This 
building  was  a very  substantial  structure  and  served  for  a court  house  until  1857.  The 
first  steps  taken  for  the  erection  of  the  new  building  was  April  1,  1855,  by  the  appointment 
of  John  S.  Claybrook,  John  B.  McEwen,  Samuel  Farmer  and  C.  W.  Davis  as  a committee 
to  investigate  the  needs  of  the  county.  This  committee  made  its  report,  and  a new  com- 
mittee, with  full  power  to  contract  for  and  let  the  new  court  house,  was  appointed.  This 
committee  consisted  of  John  W.  Miller,  T.  F.  Atkinson,  John  S.  Claybrook,  Park  Street 
and  B.  B.  Irvin.  July  1,  the  lot  on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Square  was  purchased  of 
Ferdinand  Stitt  for  $1,000;  the  court  at  the  same  time  appropriated  $3,000  to  commence 
work  on  the  house.  Other  appropriations  followed  from  time  to  time  as  the  work  pro- 
ceeded. The  present  house  is  a plain  brick  structure  with  stone  basement.  The  portico 
is  supported  by  long,  heavy  iron  columns.  The  offices  are  supplied  with  substantial  fire- 
proof vaults  for  the  records.  The  work  on  the  court  house  not  being  entirely  completed 


790 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


when  the  war  broke  out  and  the  neglect  during  that  period  required  the  expenditure  of 
$3,000  in  repairs  in  1867.  This  was  done  through  a committee  of  R.  S.  Ballow,  J.  B.  Me 
Ewen  and  S.  S.  House.  Prison  bounds  for  insolvent  debtors  were  established  in  1803 
The  bounds  were  described  as  “Beginning  at  the  the  ‘race  path,’  thence  up  Main  Street 
and  running  so  as  to  include  John  White’s  Mill;  thence  to  include  the  court  house,  juil 
and  down  Main  Street,  and  back  to  the  place  of  beginning.” 

The  first  jail  was  a rude  structure,  and  stood  on  the  Square  near  the  market  house. 
This  was  a very  insecure  jail,  as  prisoners  were  frequently  taken  elsewhere  for  safe  keep- 
ing. Steps  were  taken  October  8,  1816,  for  the  creation  of  a new  jail,  and  a committee  of 
Robert  P.  Currin,  Charles  McIntyre,  H.  Petway,  Stephen  Childress  and  W.  T.  Perkins 
was  appointed,  whose  duty  it  was  to  sell  the  old  jail  and  market  house,  and  to  purchase  a 
more  desirable  lot  within  the  corporate  limits.  To  aid  in  the  erection  a jail  tax  equal  to 
the  State  tax  was  levied.  A new  jail  was  accordingly  erected,  which  was  composed  of 
wood  and  brick,  near  where  the  present  one  stands.  In  November,  1828,  a committee  of 
H.  L.  White,  E.  T.  Collins  and  William  Johnston  made  the  following  report;  “We  find 
that  William  Clark,  jailer,  and  his  family  have  conducted  themselves  so  ridiculous  and 
have  also  become  a nuisance  to  their  neighbors,  and  on  his  family’s  account  we  have 
thought  proper  to  remove  the  said  Clark  and  substitute  Joel  Childress  in  his  place.”  The 
committee  found  that  the  jail  was  considerably  out  of  repair,  that  the  family  part  of  said 
jail  was  open  and  torn  to  pieces,  and  the  “whole  requires  considerable  work  and  consirt 
erable  improvement,  which  we  believe  to  be  of  considerable  importance  to  the  county  " 
This  jail  stood  till  1858,  when,  April  19,  a new  committee  was  selected,  whose  duty  it  was 
to  report  on  the  propriety  of  building  a new  jail.  This  committee  was  composed  of 
John  B.  McEwen,  John  M.  Winstead  and  Samuel  Farmer.  The  committee  recommended 
that  a new  jail  of  stone  and  brick  should  be  built.  The  committee  visited  the  Nashville 
jail  and  got  all  the  information  they  could,  and  flattered  themselves  that  “we  will  have  a 
first-rate  jail.”  The  dimensions  of  the  new  jail  were  to  be  40x46  and  24  feet  high.  There 
were  to  be  two  cells  below  and  two  above,  and  two  passages  through  the  building  each 
10x40  feet.  The  whole  building  was  to  be  fire-proof.  The  contract  was  let  to  Robert  H 
Bradley  for  the  aggregate  sum  of  $8,000,  to  be  completed  July  18,  1859,  which  time  was 
afterward  extended  to  January  1,  1860. 

Previous  to  1829  the  poor  of  the  county  were  farmed  out  to  the  lowest  bidder  and 
allowances  made  for  them.  On  October  5,  1829,  a committee  of  John  Thompson,  Jabez 
Owen,  William  Ditto,  Robert  McCutchen,  G.  Marshall  and  David  C.  Kinnard  reported 
that  they  had  bought  of  Andrew  L.  Andrews,  a tract  of  forty  acres  of  laud  for  $350,  a 
tract  of  twenty  acres  from  Mark  L.  Andrews  for  $90,  and  contracted  with  Mark  L 
Andrews  to  erect  and  improve  the  buildings  on  the  land  purchased  of  Andrew  L 
Andrews,  to  the  amount  of  $350.  In  1840  W.  S.  Webb,  Mike  Kinnard  and  R.  W.  Robison, 
a poor-house  committee,  bought  additional  lands  to  the  amount  of  about  550  acres.  At 
the  August  term,  1867,  a committee  consisting  of  Park  Street,  W.  A.  Rodgers  and  John  M 
Winstead  were  appointed  a committee  to  enquire  into  the  propriety  of  selling  a portion 
of  the  poor-farm.  The  report  was  to  the  effect  that  the  county  owned  more  land  than 
was  profitable.  Six  small  tracts,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  130  acres,  were  sold,  j 
These  were  purchased  by  S.  S.  Short,  Thomas  Short,  J.  B.  Gray,  G.  W.  Davis,  H-  8. 
Reynolds  and  IJ.  Hanks,  respectively.  The  purchases  amounted  to  the  sum  of  $2,750. 
The  farm  yet  contains  413  acres  of  good  land,  and  has  good  buildings  thereon  and  is 
managed  with  little  expense  to  the  county. 

The  date  of  the  building  the  first  market  is  rather  an  uncertain  quantity,  as  no  order 
for  the  erection  can  be  found  further  than  the  general  order  given  to  the  commissioner  of 
Franklin  for  the  erection  of  a court  house,  market,  jail  and  stocks.  As  the  others  were 
built  during  the  first  year  of  the  present  century,  it  is  presumed  the  market-house  was  also 
built  then,  as  frequent  orders  were  given  for  its  government  in  the  first  years  of  the  pres- 
ent century.  This  was  not  only  the  place  of  sale  for  provisions'of  all  kinds,  but  also  of 
public  sales  of  various  kinds  of  property,  such  as  slaves,  goods,  chattels,  etc.  Within 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


791 


this  also  was  the  pillory,  a favorite  mode  of  punishment  for  criminals  previous  to  the  pas- 
! .sage  of  the  penitentiary  law  in  1829.  This  market-house  stood  till  1831,  when,  on  January 
4,  “on  motion  it  was  ordered  by  the  county  court  that  the  mayor  and  aldermen  be  per- 
mitted to  erect  a market-house  on  the  Square  of  the  town  of  Franklin,  or  any  other  build- 
ing they  think  forthe  general  good  of  the  public,  but  the  sheriff  is  hereby  instructed  to  see 
that  all  rubbish  is  removed  from  the  Square  and  streets.”  This  house  stood  till  the  Square 
was  cleared  of  public  buildings  in  1858,  when  the  old  court  house  and  market  were  re- 
moved from  the  Square. 

Members  of  the  State  Legislature:  Senate — Robert  Weakley,  1801-05;  Chapman 
White,  1805-07;  N.  T.  Perkins,  1807-09;  Thomas  H.  Benton,  1809-11:  Newton  Cannon, 
1811-15;  Amos  Johnson,  1815-17;  John  Bell,  1817-19;  Joel  Parrish,  1819-21;  Stealing  Brown, 
1821-25;  Newton  Cannon,  1827-29;  Robert  Jetton,  1829-35;  Barclay  Martin,  1835-41;  W. 
H.  Sneed,  1841 — 45 ; Abram  Maney  and  J.  W.  Richardson,  1845-51;  W.  C.  J.  Burrus,  1851— 
53:  P.  O.  N.  Perkins,  1853-57;  W.  L.  McComico,  1857-59:  J.  W.  Richardson,  1859-60;  A. 
W.  Mess,  1865-66;  W.  Y.  Elliott,  1867-68;  D.  M.  McFall,  1868-70:  T.  F.  P.  Allison,  1871-73; 
A.  T.  Boyd,  1875-77;  W.  D.  Fullerton,  1877-79;  T.  F.  Perkins,  1879-81. 

House , 1801-05;  Chapman  White,  1 SOS— 05 ; Abram  Maney,  1805-07;  Moses 

Frierson,  1807-11;  Amos  Johnson,  1811-15;  William  Martin,  1815-21;  Abram  Maney,  Jr., 
1821-25;  Samuel  Perkins,  1825-27;  Newton  Cannon,  1829-31;  R.  C.  Foster,  1831-35;  M.  P. 
Gentry,  1835-39;  R,  C.  Foster,  1839-43;  A.  P.  Maney,  1843-44;  S.  Venable  and  R.  W.  H. 
Bestick,  1845-46;  J.  Robison  and  F.  Hardeman,  1847-48;  E.  Thompson  and  P.  G.  S.  Perkins, 
1849—50;  David  Campbell,  1851-53:  Frank  Hardeman,  1853-55;  C.  WT.  Beale,  1855-57:  W. 
L.  McComico,  1857-58;  W.  E.  Ewing,  1859-60;  J.  W.  Richardson,  1864-65;  D.  W.  McFall, 
1885-67;  Atha  Thomas,  1868-69;  Samuel  Perkins,  1875-76;  F.  M.  Lavender,  1877-79;  T.  E. 
Haynes,  1879-83. 

At  the  February  term,  1800,  the  county  court  ordered  the  following  roads  to  be  laid  off 
I and  cut  out,  Daniel  McEwen  was  to  oversee  the  road  from  Franklin  to  Hollow  Tree  Gap, 
and  the  road  was  ordered  to  be  called  the  Hollow  Tree  Gap  road.  All  persons  living  on 
I the  south  side  of  the  ridge  and  north  of  Big  Harpeth  were  ordered  to  assist  in  clearing  the 
road.  The  first  State  case  in  the  county  grew  out  of  this,  but  the  case  was  quashed  when 
it  was  shown  that  McEwen’slielp  failed  to  assist  him.  William  Edmunson,  William  Mar- 
shall, John  Cummings,  Patrick  McCutchen,  William  McGaugh,  John  Jordan,  John  Bu- 
I chanan  and  William  Walker  were  ordered  to  lay  off  the  road  from  the  mouth  of  Arring- 
ton’s Creek  to  Franklin.  Robert  Caruthers,  John  Ried,  John  Slocum,  Henry  Walker, 
Richard  Puckett  and  Jesse  Weathier  were  ordered  to  cut  out  the  road  from  Robert  Car- 
uthers’ to  Franklin,  and  to  the  place  where  the  commissioners’  trace  crosses  the  Big  Har- 
peth. This  road  is  what  was  called  the  Commissioners’  Trace  road  and  connected  with 
what  was  known  as  the  Commissioners  road  or  Natchez  trace.  c The  Buford’s  Ford  road 
was  cut  out  by  George  Neely,  Joseph  Porter,  John  McKinney,  Samuel  McClary  and 
David  Long.  This  road  extended  from  Franklin  to  Buford’s  Ford  on  the  Little  Harpeth. 
The  road  from  Hollow  Tree  Gap  to  the  Davidson  County  line  by  way  of  Joseph  White’s 
was  cut  out  by  direction  of  David  White  and  “all  those  living  on  the  west  side  of  the  road 
as  far  down  the  Little  Harpeth  as  the  Plum  Orchard  and  the  head  waters  of  Beech  Creek” 
were  ordered  to  assist.  The  McCutchen  Creek  road  was  marked  out  by  Samuel  McCut- 
chen, Samuel  Edmunson,  Ephraim  Brown,  M.  German,  John  McKay,  Thomas  Owens  and 
James  Scott,  This  road  extended  from  McCutchen  Creek  and  the  Big  Harpeth  to 
Franklin. 

Natchez  trace,  the  old  government  road,  entered  the  county"  from  the  south  near  old 
Harpeth  Church,  and  passed  a little  east  of  Beechville  postoffice;  thence  south  through 
Districts  Nos.  7 and  6;  thence  through  No.  3 byr  way  of  Hillsboro;  thence  into  No.  2 a little 
west  of  Boston  and  out  of  the  county  a little  east  of  White  Oak  postoffice. 

The  first  efforts  for  a railroad  to  Franklin  were  in  November,  1831,  when  books  were 
opened  to  receive  subscriptions  for  what  was  then  called  the  Nashville,  Franklin  & 

; Columbia  Railroad,  but  no  success  was  made  till  the  charter  was  granted  to  the  Tennessee 


792 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  Alabama  Railroad  in  1852.  The  first  road  asked  for  $200,000  to  be  raised  by  subscrip- 
tion  in  shares  of  $25  each.  Books  were  opened  at  Franklin  and  other  points  on  the  line. 
The  company  reserved  the  privilege  of  terminating  the  road  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Columbia. 
Spring  Hill  and  Franklin.  The  following  persons  were  made  a committee  on  subscrip- 
tion: Thomas  Park,  R.  G.  Foster,  John  Marshall,  J.  W.  Morton,  D.  B.  Cliffe,  J.  H.  Wil- 
son, S.  S.  Mayfield,  J.  H.  Bond,  R.  Ogilvie,  S.  D.  Foster,  W.  P.  Martin,  A.  Kinnard  and 
E.  Thompson.  The  next  call  for  assistance  was  made  in  January,  1853.  It  was  for  $100, 
000  of  stock  to  be  taken  by  the  county.  The  election  was  held  February  12,  1853,  under 
act  of  1853  granting  the  right  to  continue  to  take  stock  in  railroads.  This  also  failed 
when  the  company  again  asked  assistance  to  the  amount  of  $2,500  of  the  county  Septem- 
ber 11, 1855.  The  same  amount  was  also  asked  from  the  city  of  Franklin.  These  amounts  \ 
were  received  by  the  company.  The  road  was  not  completed  to  the  Alabama  line  till  1859. 
On  May  1,  1871,  it  was  leased  for  a period  of  'thirty  years  by  the  Louisville  & Nashville  J 
Company,  under  whose  management  it  is  now  controlled. 

The  Franklin  Turnpike  was  chartered  in  November,  1830.  The  first  installment  of 
stock  was  called  for  November  16,  1831.  The  call  was  for  $2.50  on  each  share  to  be  paid 
to  Shadrack  Myers  and  W.  S.  Childress.  The  road  extended  from  Nashville  to  Franklin, 
and  was  built  by  Messrs.  Black  & Live.  The  charter  was  granted  for  the  Franklin  & 
Columbia  Pike  in  1832.  Thomas  Peeples  had  charge  of  the  construction  of  a part  of  this 
road.  The  Nolensville  Pike  was  built  in  1841  of  which  II.  Blackman  was  president  at  that 
time.  The  county  is  now  well  supplied  with  pikes.  The  Nolensville  Pike  is  fifteen  miles 
in  length;  the  Nashville  & Franklin  ten  miles;  the  Franklin  & Spring  Hill,  fifteen 
miles;  the  Farmington,  ten  miles;  the  Carter’s  Creek,  ten  miles;  the  Wilson  & Harpeth. 
ten  miles;  the  Franklin  & Louisburg,  ten  miles;  and  the  Hillsboro,  ten  miles.  These 
are  in  good  condition  and  afford  excellent  means  of  transit  from  one  part  of  the  county  to 
another.  Instead  of  the  civil  districts,  as  now  represented,  the  county  previous  to  183:. 
was  separated  into  militia  companies,  and  over  each  company  was  a captain  appointed  by 
the  county  court  and  for  each  captain’s  company  was  appointed  a tax  lister.  The  county 
was  at  first  divided  into  three  divisions.  The  listers  for  these  divisions  were  Daniel  Per 
kins,  James  Scurlock  and  Chapman  White.  In  1801  the  divisions  had  increased  to  the 
companies  of  Capts.  Dooley,  Nelson,  Nolen,  Crockett,  Maney,  Moore  and  McMay.  Tin 
divisions  for  1802  were  Capts.  Crockett,  McMullen,  Hall,  Gordon,  Hill,  Morton,  Cannon 
and  Dooley;  for  1S03  there  were  Capts.  Hill,  Cannon,  Morton,  Crockett,  McMullen,  Kear- 
ney, Gordon,  Dooley  and  Hall.  In  1805  the  officers  were  Capts.  Nolen,  Wilson,  McEwen, 
Dooley,  Ogilvie,  Williams,  Harden,  Walker,  Miller,  Collins,  Louis,  Stone  and  Templer. 
The  heads  ofcompanies  in  1808  were  Capts.  Hargrave,  McEwen,  Templer,  Mayfield,  Stone, 
Neeley,  Sparkman,  Buford,  Kelly,  McKay,  Harden,  Fitzpatrick,  Ogilvie,  Wilson,  Nolen. 
M.  Johnson  and  William  Johnson.  In  1810  there  were  Capts.  Shannon,  Stone,  Estes, 
Sparkman,  McKay,  Wartman,  Cooke,  Patton,  Crawford,  Park,  Lawrence,  Dunn,  Robert- 
son, Simmons,  Buchanan,  Edmuston,  Neeley,  Ralston  and  Clifton.  The  officers  in  1815 
were  Capts.  Gantt,  Simpson,  Auglin,  Dalton,  Wells,  Carson,  Hooker,  Ridley,  Mebati  r. 
McCory,  Johnson,  Madden  and  Reeves.  These  went  on  increasing  as  population  in- 
creased. In  1822  there  were  Capts.  Johnson,  Hill,  Peper,  Dancey,  McEwen,  Thompson, 
Bate,  Orman,  Stacey,  Bateman,  Garrett,  Culbert,  Fox,  Stanfield,  Hall,  McLain,  Stanford, 
Munn,  Brooks,  Timberville,  Webb,  Price  and  Boyd.  The  captains  in  1834  were  TV  hit- 
field,  Childress,  Foster,  Atkison,  Porter,  Manley,  Peach,  Williamson,  Fleming,  McManriis, 
Fox,  Adams,  McEwen,  Thomas,  Matthews,  Wallace,  Jones,  Crockett,  Joice,  Hampson, 
Perkins,  Shannon,  Jackson,  Warren,  Pickard,  Shepard,  Hill  and  Nicholson. 

Under  the  new  constitution  the  divisions  were  numbered  according  to  the  ordinal 
numbers,  viz.:  First,  Second,  Third,  and  so  on  to  Twenty-fifth.  The  justices  presiding 
in  1836,  when  the  new  constitution  went  into  force,  were:  No  1,  Frederick  Ivy;  No. 
Thomas  Powell;  No.  3,  O.  D.  Moffitt:  No.  4,  Joseph  Burnett;  No.  5,  I.  W.  Briggs;  No.  6. 
R.  A.  Hunt;  No.  7,  J.  S.  Breathitt;  No.  8,  John  J.  McKay;  No.  9,  Holland  White;  No. 
10,  George  Lang;  No.  11,  Daniel  Baughn;  No.  12,  William  Crutcher;  No.  13,  Mike  Kin- 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


793 


nard;  No.  14,  G.  W.  Hunt;  No.  15,  Horatio  McNish;  No.  16,  J.  A.  Holland;  No.  17,  James 
Andrews;  No.  18,  John  Bostich;  No.  19,  R.  W.  Robinson;  No.  20,  M.  Marable;  No.  21, 
J.  W.  M.  Hill;  No.  22,  John  Hall;  No.  23,  J.  W.  Carson;  No.  24,  John  Richardson;  No. 
25,  S.  B.  Robinson.  The  work  of  the  division  of  the  districts  was  not  reported  to  the 
[court  till  February  4,  1836.  The  following  persons  were  designated  by  the  General  As- 
sembly for  laying  off  the  county  into  districts  of  convenient  size:  Richard  Hill,  James 
W.  Carson,  Isaac  Ivy,  Michael  Kinnard  and  John  L.  McEwen.  The  commissioners,  be- 
fore proceeding  to  make  the  division,  qualified  before  Gilbert  Marshall,  a justice  of  the 
peace  in  Williamson  County-  The  committee  found  that  the  county  contained  3,000 
voters,  and  on  that  basis  divided  the  county  into  twenty-five  districts.  After  making  the 
fiivisions  the  commissioners  designated  the  following  as  the  places  of  election  in  the  re- 
spective districts:  John  Graham’s,  in  No.  1;  Thompson  Davis’,  in  No.  2;  John  Adams’,  in 
Hillsboro,  in  No.  3;  Joseph  Yates’,  at  the  Sulphur  Springs,  in  No.  4;  James  Southall’s,  in 
No.  5;  Robert  Hill’s,  in  No,  6;  William  Leaton’s,  in  No.  7;  Mrs.  Gracy  Goff’s,  in  No.  8; 
icourt  house,  in  No.  9;  Douglass’  Camp  Ground,  in  No.  10;  M.  M.  Andrews’,  at  Pinkney’s 
ipostoffice,  in  No.  11;  Horton’s  Camp  Ground,  in  No.  12;  Andrew  Campbell’s,  at  “Snatch- 
ett,”  in  No.  13;  Mrs.  Holland  Davis’,  in  No.  14;  Alexander  Smith’s,  in  No.  15;  John  M. 
Winstead’s,  in  No.  16;  Sutherland  M.  Camp’s,  in  No.  17;  H.  P.  Bostick’s,  in  No.  18;  Ja- 
son Winsett’s,  in  No.  19;  Dr.  William  S.  Webb’s,  in  No.  20;  William  Munbreun’s,  in 
No.  21;  Isaac  Smith’s,  in  No.  22;  Chestly  William's,  in  Manchester,  in  No.  23;  Allen  N. 
McCord’s,  in  No.  24;  and  Robertson  & Ransom’s,  in  Versailles,  in  No.  25.  The  number 
of  districts  changed  from  time  to  time  to  suit  the  varying  population,  the  whims,  or  the 
[conveniences  of  the  people.  The  boundary  lines  have  been  frequently  changed.  The 
number  of  districts  was  first  twenty-five;  in  1864  the  number  was  twenty-three,  and  in 
1865  it  was  raised  to  twenty-four,  at  which  it  remained  till  1869,  when  it  was  reduced  to 
twenty-two,  at  which  it  has  since  remained.  * 

The  court  of  pleas  and  quarter  sessions  was  established  February  26,  1799,  while  the 
General  Assembly  was  in  session  at  Knoxville.  The  court  first  met  on  the  first  Monday 
in  February,  1800,  at  the  house  of  Thomas  McKay,  in  the  town  of  Franklin.  The  court 
continued  to  meet  here  till  November  3,  1800,  when  the  session  was  opened  in  the  court- 
house. The  first  justices  holding  court  were  John  Johnson,  Sr.,  James  Buford,  James 
Scurlock,  Chapman  White  and  Daniel  Perkins.  James  Scurlock, who  had  previously  qual- 
ified before  a justice  of  Davidson  County,  proceeded  to  administer  the  oath  to  the 
others.  The  court  organized  by  electing  Scurlock  chairman,  but  after  the  organi- 
sation he  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  by  Chapman  White.  The  court  then  pro- 
ceeded to  elect  a clerk,  when  N.  P.  Hardeman  was  chosen  and  gave  bond  in  the 
sum  of  |5,000.  Edmund  Hall  was  chosen  the  first  sheriff,  and  gave  bond  in  the  sum  of 
§10,000.  Chapman  White  was  made  register;  Francis  Hall,  solicitor;  Joseph  Porter, 
ranger;  Joel  Williams  and  John  Harness  were  chosen  constables;  Henry  Rutherford 
was  made  first  surveyor;  William  White,  William  Ashton  and  David  Logan  were  made 
“searchers  or  patrolers”  from  Parrish’s  mill  dam;  Big  Harpeth  to  the  mouth  of  West 
Harpeth;  thence  up  to  the  dividing  ridge;  Ed  Ragsdale  and  Spencer  Buford  for  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  county. 

The  following  constituted  the  first  jury:  James  Scott,  Samuel  McCutchen,  Samuel 
Edmunson,  Ephraim  Brown,  James  Hopkins,  Richard  Hightower,  Andrew  Goff,  James 
Heeley,  George  Neeley,  Joseph  Parke,  Thomas  McKay,  GeOrge  Stringham,  William  Ed- 
munson, Henry  Walker,  Isaac  Baleman,  Reuben  Parke,  Joseph  Stevens,  James  McComico, 
Peter  Edwards,  Samuel  McCrary,  David  McKinney  and  Henry  Childress.  The  jury  for 
the  superior  court  of  the  Mero  District  consisted  of  Henry  Rutherford,  David  McEwen, 
Thomas  McKay,  Abram  Maury  and  Richard  Hightower.  The  tax  listers  were  Daniel 
Perkins,  who  had  that  territory  “north  of  the  dividing  line  between  Big  and  Little  Har- 
peth,  thence  up  Little  Harpeth  to  Richard  Hightower’s  and  the  Davidson  County  line,” 
■James  Scurlock  all  “east  of  the  commissioner’s  trace”  and  Chapman  White  “all  west  of 
,the commissioner’s  trace.”  Patrick  McCutchen  appeared  the  first  day  and  recorded  his 


794 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


■stock  mark  as  a “crop  and  slit  in  tlie  right  ear  and  a half  under  crop  in  the  left.”  William 
Marshall  had  an  “underhit  in  each  ear.”  The  first  State  case  was  the  State  vs.  David  Mc- 
Ewen,  for  which  the  grand  jury  returned  a “true  bill,”  but  on  May  6,  1800,  the  case  was 
marked  “presentment  quashed.”  In  May,  1800,  Seth  Lewis,  Jessee  Wharten.  Joseph 
Herndon  and  John  Dickinson  were  admitted  as  attorneys,  and  John  McNutt  was  made 
solicitor  pro  tcm.  On  November  3,  1800,  Frances  Hall  offered  his  resignation  as  solicitor, 
and  Joseph  Herndon  was  appointed  in  his  place.  Edmund  Hall  also  resigned  his  office  as 
sheriff,  and  Henry  Childress  was  appointed  in  his  place.  The  court  allowed  Hall  $30  for 
ex  officio  services  as  sheriff.  Bennet  Searcy,  who  became  circuit  judge  a short  time  after, 
was  admitted  before  the  Williamson  bar  in  February,  1801,  and  William  Smith  at  a little 
later  date.  Henry  Rutherford  was  allowed  $24  for  running  the  line  between  Williamson 
and  Davidson  Counties.  In  1803  Parry  W.  Humphreys  and  G.  W.  L.  Manns  became  attor- 
neys, and  Thomas  Stewart,  who  became  the  first  circuit  judge,  resigned  as  solicitor,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Peter  R.  Booker.  Mr.  Booker  soon  after  moved  to  Columbia,  and 
finally  quit  practice  for  business.  In  1807  there  was  a trial  before  the  county  court  of 
Nelly,  a slave  of  Mr.  K.  Holcomb,  for  the  murder  of  her  child.  The  jury  was  composed 
of  James  Hicks,  Sion  Hunt,  Thomas  W.  Stockett  (a  justice  and  owner  of  slaves),  John 
Johnston,  Robert  Caruthers,  John  Soppington  and  David  Justice,  owner  of  slaves.  The 
jury  found  her  guilty  as  charged  in  the  indictment,  and  ordered  that  she  should  be  re 
manded  to  jail  till  Friday,  March  20,  1807,  when  she  should  be  taken  to  some  convenient, 
place  near  the  town  of  Franklin,  “with  a good  and  sufficient  rope  hung  by  the  neck  until 
dead,  dead,  dead,  and  may  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  her.”  A motion  for  an  appeal  was 
overruled.  Felix  Grundy  and  Thomas  H.  Benton  first  appear  on  the  records  here  as  at- 
torneys. From  1808  to  1811  or  1812,  the  name  of  Benton  is  connected  with  more  eases  jj 
than  any  other  lawyer.  In  1808  Henry  Martin  was  indicted  for  stealing,  but  found  not 
guilty  as  to  the  charge,  but  was  fined  the  cost  of  the  prosecution.  At  the  April  term,  1810 
L.  P.  Montgomery,  I.  Johnston  and  J.  W.  Eaton  were  admitted  as  attorneys,  and  Jacob 
Garrett  was  fined  $10  for  improper  conduct  and  “treating  the  court  contemptibly.” 

The  circuit  court  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  November  16, 
1809,  entitled  an  act  establishing  a circuit  court  and  a supreme  court  of  errors  and  appeals. 
By  order  of  the  General  Assembly  of  November  14,  1811,  Thomas  Stuart  became  judge  of 
the  Fourth  Judicial  Circuit  of  “law  and  equity.”  By  the  same  act  the  judge  was  com 
pelled  to  be  a resident  within  his  circuit.  Judge  Stuart  received  the  oath  of  office  before 
Justice  Robertson  in  the  court  house  in  Nashville.  Judge  Stuart,  the  well-known  judge  ; 
and  accomplished  scholar,  was  a resident  of  Williamson  County  near  Franklin.  He 
served  from  the  organization  of  the  court  till  1836.  The  officers  of  the  court  were  William 
Hulme,  sheriff;  William  Smith,  clerk,  with  Felix  Grundy,  R.  B.  Sappington,  Thomas 
Smith  and  Henry  Childress,  as  bondsmen.  Alfred  Balch  was  the  first  solicitor  before  tins 
court.  The  following  attorneys  appeared  and  took  the  oath  on  March  24,  1810;  Felix  jj 
Grundy,  T.  H.  Benton,  Peter  R.  Booker,  John  Reed  and  Nicholas  Perkins.  The  court 
announced  this  rule,  “ that  on  the  first  day  the  trial  of  issues  should  be  proceeded  with  as 
they  appear  on  the  docket  and  are  called,  and  on  the  second  day  suitors  shall  be  compelled 
to  try  or  contiuue  all  issues  at  law  except  cases  of  ejectment.”  The  sheriff  returned  the 
following  as  the  regular  jury  panel;  Jacob  Garrett,  John  Witherspoon,  Henry  Cook,  Dan 
iel  Perkins,  Thomas  McEwen,  Sion  Hunt,  George  Hulme,  Sherwood  Greer,  Nicholas 
Scales,  John  H.  Eaton,  James  Bruff,  Archibald  Lytle,  Newton  Cannon,  John  Bostick, 
James  Allison,  Guilford  Dudley,  Burwell  Temple,  John  Crawford,  William  Neeley, David 
Dickson,  Stephen  Childress,  Samuel  Perkins,  William  Bond,  Richard  Hightower,  Berry 
Nolen,  Charles  Boyles,  Hendley  Stone,  Thomas  Alexander,  John  Wilson,  Samuel  Morton, 
Thomas  Simmons,  William  Anthony,  R.  P.  Currin,  Thomas  Wilson,  Collin  McDaniel, 
Thomas  Gooch,  Thomas  Garrett  and  N.  T.  Perkins.  The  following  was  the  first  grand 
jury;  Stephen  Childress,  William  Boyd,  N.  T.  Perkins,  Hendley  Stone,  James  McEwen. 
Samuel  Morton,  Sr.,  Guilford  Dudley,  Sherwood  Greer,  William  Anthony,  Thomas 
Gooch,  John  Bostick,  Sion  Hunt,  Archibald  Lytle  and  David  Perkins. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


(95 


The  first  case  tried  on  appeal  was  a suit  of  Thomas  Talbott  against  John,  Thomas  and 
James  Wilson  and  Robert  and  James  Patton  in  a suit  for  debt  for  $3,200.  The  suit  was 
begun  in  the  county  court  on  July  18,  1807.  The  plaintiff  got  judgment  for  $800.  In 
November,  1810,  Walter  L.  Fountain  and  John  Hardeman  were  admitted  as  attorneys. 
The  trial  of  David  Magness,  Perry  Magness  and  Jonathan  Magness  for  the  murder  of 
Patten  Anderson  was  begun  November  14,  1810.  The  jury  was  composed  of  Henry 
Cook,  James  Gideon,  James  Hicks,  Samuel  McCutchen,  R.  Parks,  Andrew  Goff,  Robert 
McLellan,  Thomas  Ridley,  James  Hartgrove,  R.  Puckett,  Tom  Berry  and  Thomas 
Walker.  The  jury  found  David  Magness  not  guilty  of  “ wilful  murder,”  but  guilty  of 
“malicious  slaying,”  and  for  sentence  ordered  that  he  should  be  branded  in  the  left  hand 
with  the  letter  “M,”  and  to  lay  in  jail  till  costs  of  suit  were  paid.  At  the  first  term  of 
1811,  Nathaniel  W.  Williams  appeared  as  judge  by  “ mutual  agreement  ” with  Judge 
Stuart.  W.  W.  Cook  and  J.  Haskell  became  attorneys  before  the  bar  on  May  2,  1811. 
Joseph  Venable  was  charged  with  “ feloniously  stealing,  taking  and  carrying  away  ” from 
Samuel  Rodgers  twelve  Spanish  milled  dollars  of  the  value  of  twelve  dollars  current  cash 
of  the  United  States,  and  one-fourth  of  a milled  dollar  of  the  value  of  25  cents.  He  was 
found  “ not  guilty  ” of  the  above  amount,  but  was  found  guilty  of  taking  one-half  dime 
of  the  value  of  5 cents,  and  for  punishment  received  ten  lashes  on  the  bare  back  immedi- 
ately. The  first  term  of  court  in  1812  was  opened  by  Judge  Roane,  and  in  1813  by  Judge 
•John  F.  Jack.  Thomas  Moore  brought  suit  against  Thomas  Miles  for  slander,  and  by  a 
jury  was  awarded  $75.  Alfred  Balch  brought  suit  for  the  State  against  Samuel  Roll  for 
stealing  a woolen  great  coat,  who  received  for  sentence  twenty  lashes  upon  the  bare  back. 

At  the  November  term  Judge  Bennett  Searcy  presided,  and  John  Burkley  and  James 
Gordon  made  oath  that  they  desired  to  become  citizens  of  the  United  States.  At  the 
May  term  the  court  adopted  the  following  rules:  First.  On  the  first  day  of  each  term 
trials  shall  be  proceeded  with  as  they  stand  on  the  docket,  and  are  called,  but  no  suitor 
I shall  be  compelled  to  try  or  continue  any  suit  of  trespass  or  ejectment.  Second.  On  the 
second  day  suitors  shall  be  compelled  to  try  or  continue  cases  as  they  stand  on  the  docket. 

In  1816  Binkley  Donaldson  was  arraigned  for  the  murder  of  James  Skelly,  but  was 
found  guilty  only  of  “feloniously  slaying.”  He  prayed  the  benefit  of  the  clergy  and  was 
ordered  to  be  brought  before  the  bar  of  the  court  and  branded  with  the  letter  “M”  in  the 
left  hand.  Martin  Gurley  and  James  Bramblet  were  convicted  of  horse  stealing  and 
received  thirty-nine  lashes  upon  the  bare  back,  were  branded  “ H.  T.”,  and  were  compelled 
to  stand  in  the  pillory  two  hours  each  day  for  three  days,  were  rendered  infamous  and 
.sentenced  to  jail  for  six  months.  During  the  years  1817-19,  Judges  Nathaniel  W. 
Welhams,  Joseph  McMinn  and  Jacob  C.  Isacks  were  upon  the  bench.  John  Hardeman 
was  tried  for  horse  stealing,  but  when  brought  before  the  court  would  not  say  anything, 
pretended  that  he  could  not  talk.  The  court  found  that  he  acted  in  a “rude,  vulgar  and 
profane  manner,”  and  that  his  manner  was  not  caused  by  the  “visitation  of  God.”  He 
was  ordered  to  be  set  in  the  pillory.  The  punishment  did  not  seem  very  effective,  as  he 
still  refused  to  talk.  The  first  divorce  suit  was  filed  in  1821  by  Sally  Merrett  against  James 
Merritt;  however  the  prayer  of  the  plaintiff  was  not  granted.  April  14,  1823,  John  A. 
Murrell  was  fined  $50  for  “riot.”  John  A.  Murrell,  James  Murrell  and  William  Murrell 
were  bound  in  the  sum  of  $200  to  keep  the  peace,  on  the  oath  of  Thomas  Merritt.  The 
former  was  also  under  indictment  for  horse  stealing,  which  case  was  taken  to  Davidson 
County  on  a change  of  venue  in  1827.  This  was  the  celebrated  John  A.  Murrell,  so  well 
known  as  a thief,  robber  and  murderer,  but  who  turned  an  evangelist  in  his  latter  days. 
Indictments  for  “ gaming”  were  first  returned  in  February,  1825.  At  that  time  there  were 
eighteen  returned  against  Joel  Childress,  Archibald  Smith,  William  Clark,  Felix  Staggs 
and  others.  Each  were  fined  $5  and  costs.  The  following  is  a list  of  attorneys  practicing 
before  the  Williamson  bar  in  1825:  N.  P.  Perkins,  James  H.  Maney,  R.  C.  Foster,  N.  P. 
Smith,  C.  S.  Olmsted,  Thomas  Washington,  Samuel  Houston,  Jesse  Greer,  James  P. 
iClark,  John  Bell,  Andrew  Hays,  Felix  Grundy,  P.  H.  Dailey,  David  Craighead,  M.  W. 
Campbell,  A.  P.  Maney,  William  Thompson,  William  McGee,  John  Thompson,  W.  G. 


796 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Hunt,  William  Hadley,  G.  W.  Campbell  and  G.  S.  Yerger.  Previous  to  the  passage  of  the 
"penitentiary  law”  in  1829,  criminals  were  punished  by  branding  or  whipping  rather 
than  by  flues  and  imprisonment.  Joel  Watkins  was  found  guilty  of  feloniously  slaying 
Aaron  Curtis,  and  was  branded  with  the  letter  “M.”  in  the  presence  of  the  court.  John 
Hart  for  horse  stealing  was  given  twenty  lashes  on  the  bare  back  “well  laid  on,”  branded 
in  the  hand  with  “H.  T.”  ordered  to  stand  in  the  pillory  two  hours  for  three  days,  given 
six  months  in  jail,  and  be  rendered  infamous  and  pay  costs  of  his  prosecution.  George 
Sandford  was  fined  $250  for  forgery,  at  the  same  time  Daniel  Crenshaw  for  stealing  a “gray 
mare  ” from  N.  Woldridge  received  a similar  punishment  to  Hart  as  above.  John  Walker 
was  whipped  and  fined  for  counterfeiting.  Warner  Metcalf  got  the  full  penalty  for  horse 
stealing,  including  branding,  pillory,  jail,  fine,  whipping  and  rendering  infamous.  Sep- 
tember 11,  1831,  Francis  Smith  was  sentenced  to  the  penitentiary  for  two  years  for  steal- 
ing a “dark  colored  surtout  cloth  coat,  one  fur  hat  and  a branded  handkerchief”  of 
W.  M.  Wright.  This  was  the  first  sentence  to  the  penitentiary. 

On  October  12,  1830,  the  following  agreement  for  deed  to  land  was  made  between  R. 
P.  Currin,  W.  B.  Lewis,  Levi  Colbert,  James  Colbert,  George  Colbert,  James  Brown,  W. 
McGilvey,  Isaac  Alberson,  “ To  Keel  Ka  Ishto  Ke  yo  Katubler,  Ishtokecha  Im.me  houl  le  tubbe 
Ishto  ya  tubbe  Ah  te  Ko  wa,  In  lie  yo , Ghitubbe.  Immo  mo  la  Tubbe , Hush  ta  ta  be,  In  no 
wa  Ka  che,  Oh  lid  cubb , kin  hi  chi  tubbe,  Im  mo  la  Subbe,”*  and  J.  M.  McClish, representative 
of  the  Chickasaw  nation  of  Indians.  McClish  lived  at  one  of  the  fords  of  Duck  River, 
and  was  a half-breed.  McKilvey  wms  also  a half-breed.  It  is  believed  this  record  has  j 
never  been  disputed.  The  following  attorneys  were  admitted  at  the  dates  mentioned: 
Thomas  Hoge,  February  18,  1831;  John  Mason,  August,  1830;  Alexander  Hardin,  August, 
1831;  Preston  Hayes,  February,  1832;  John  Marshall,  1832;  Robert  Weldon,  August,  1881, 
and  George  Collinsworth,  February,  22,  1833.  J.  W.  Perkins  was  admitted  February  10, 
1834;  Nicholas  Perkins  March  16,  1836;  Charles  Scott  and  Richard  Hay,  March  13, 1837. 

The  Legislature  in  the  winter  of  1835-36  made  some  changes  in  judicial  circuits,  in 
consequence  of  which  Williamson  became  a part  of  the  Sixth  rather  than  the  Fourth  Cir- 
cuit, and  January  25,  1836,  Judge  William  V.  Brown  appeared  on  the  bench  in  place  of 
Judge  Stuart.  Judge  Brown  remained  on  the  bench  till  he  was  succeeded  b}r  Judge 
Thomas  Maney  in  1842.  As  a mark  of  an  epoch  in  financial  circles  in  1838,  there  were 
twenty-five  suits  against  individuals  brought  by  the  Union  Bank  of  Tennessee,  eighteen 
by  the  Planters’  Bank  and  thirteen  by  the  Union  Bank.  The  attorneys  between  1840 
and  1850  were  J.  L.  McEwen,  P.  G.  S.  Perkins,  T.  S.  Foster,  J.  B.  McEwen,  William 
McAllister.  Humphrey  Marshall,  R.  C.  Foster,  David  Campbell,  Haynes,  Hay,  Murfree, 
Figures,  Venable,  Ewing,  Nicholson,  Alexander,  Allen  Reed  and  Fauntleroy. 

In  the  earlier  period  of  the  bar  the  most  distinguished  men  were  Thomas  H.  Benton 
and  John  Bell.  The  latter  was  born  February  18, 1797,  and  came  to  Franklin  in  1816,  and 
was  sent  to  the  State  Senate  in  1817,  and  was  a presidential  candidate  in  1860.  His  popu- 
larity is  shown  by  the  fact  that  he  carried  the  State  by  a handsome  majority.  Judge 
Thomas  Stuart  occupied  the  bench  the  remarkable  period  of  twenty. seven  years — 1809  to 
1836.  For  clearness  of  insight,  liberality  of  construction  and  uprightness  of  decision  be 
had  few  superiors.  At  a later  date  were  such  men  as  N.  P.  Smith,  Nicholas  Perkins,  Peter 
N.  Smith,  Richard  L.  Andrews,  Richard  Alexander,  R.  W.  H.  Bostick,  R.  C.  Foster 
(“  Black  Bob  ”),  M.  P.  Gentry  and  Humphrey  Marshall.  In  1842  Thomas  Many  became 
circuit  judge  in  place  of  Judge  Brown,  which  position  he  held  till  1854,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Nathaniel  Baxter.  Among  the  lawyers  immediately  before  the  war  were  0.  A. 
Harris,  J.  P.  Campbell,  E.  Baxter,  R.  M.  Ewing,  M.  L.  McComico,  E.  T.  Andrews,  R F 
Hill,  W.  S.  McLemore,  E.  C.  Cook,  J.  B.  McEwen,  S.  Venable,  A.  Ewing,  David  Camp- 
bell, J.  Marshall,  R.  C.  Foster  and  W.  B.  Bate;  the  latter,  as  attorney-general,  resigned  | 
July  26,  1857,  and  was  succeeded  by  W.  S.  McLemore.  The  last  court  before  the  war  met 
March  10,  1862,  with  Judge  Baxter  in  the  chair,  H.  Hill,  sheriff,  and  M.  L.  Andrews,  clerk. 
The  last  jury  called  consisted  of  Zachariah  Green,  W.  A.  Rodgers,  Matthew  Meacham, 


*These  Chickasaw  names  are  quoted  verbatim  et  literatim  from  the  records. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


797 


John  Fitzgerald,  L.  J.  Johnson,  J.  B.  Gray,  H.  B.  Temple,  Thomas  Brown,  G.  W.  Arm- 
strong, W.  B.  Hulme,  Alexander  Moss,  W.  A.  McKay,  John  W.  Miller,  F.  G.  Ratcliff,  M. 

H.  Page,  M.  M.  Andrews,  William  Jones,  J.  E.  Tulloss,  T.  H.  Oder,  J.  C.  Owen,  H.  B. 
Fly,  E.  J.  Green,  C.  S.  Bostick,  W.  D.  Patton,  J.  B.  Lane  and  J.  W.  Neely.  On  April  4, 
1863,  Mark  L.  Andrews  made  this  entry:  “The  Federal  army  being  in  possession  of  the 
court  house,  I was  not  able  to  open  court.’'  The  first  court  after  suspension  by  the  war 
was  opened  by  Judge  M.  M.  Brien,  who  presented  his  certificate  from  Gov.  Andrew  John- 
son on  July  12,  1864.  On  July  31,  1871,  very  touching  resolutions  were  offered  on  the 
death  of  Hon.  S.  S.  House.  The  committee  consisted  of  David  Campbell,  Jesse  Wal- 
lace, J.  B.  McEwen,  W.  S.  McLemore,  H.  H.  Cook  and  T.  S.  Perkins.  It  is  questionable 
if  any  bar  and  bench  in  the  State  has  furnished  more  able  or  accomplished  representation 
than  that  of  Williamson  County.  Of  the  latter,  the  full  measure  has  been  filled  by  Judge 
W.  S.  McLemore  and  Chancellor  W.  S.  Flemming. 

A large  number  of  the  old  settlers  of  the  county  took  up  military  claims  of  grants 
made  by  North  Carolina  to  her  Revolutionary  soldiers.  It  was  of  this  element  that  the 
country  was  largely  peopled.  As  late  as  1832  the  following  Revolutionary  pensioners  were 
living  in  Williamson  County:  James  Turner,  William  Watkins,  Moses  Lindsey,  R.  Gra- 
ham, D.  McMahon,  Patrick  Campbell,  George  Neeley,  Robert  Guthrie,  Isaac  Ferguson, 
.John  Andrews,  Thomas  Razius,  Alex  Lister,  Charles  Allen,  Thomas  Cook,  Benjamin 
Ragsdale,  David  Joey,  George  Hulme,  Joseph  Witherington,  Roger  Mallory,  Robert  Par- 
rish, John  Beavert,  Jacob  Grimmer,  John  Pearce,  Henry  Cook  and  William  Kennedy. 

In  the  Creek  war  of  1812-14  a call  was  made  for  troops  to  assemble  at  Nashville  De- 
cember 10,  in  addition  to  those  that  had  been  sent  by  way  of  Fayetteville.  These  men 
were  to  be  transported  down  the  river  in  boats.  Owing  to  delay  in  procuring  supplies  and 
ransportation  the  men  did  not  embark  till  January  7.  The  entire  force  consisted  of  over 

I, 000  men.  Col.  John  Coffee  commanded  a cavalry  force  of  670  men.  Col.  William  Hall, 
)f  Sumner  County,  commanded  one  of  the  regiments,  and  Col.  Thomas  H.  Benton,  of 
Williamson,  the  other.  The  force  amounted  to  1,400  men.  The  cavalry  went  overland  to 
Natchez.  The  detachments  by  water  met  the  cavalry  force  at  Natchez  February  15,  and 
aoth  were  held  there  by  Gen.  Wilkinson,  awaiting  orders,  till  March  4,  when  they  were 
irdered  home,  as  their  services  were  not  deemed  necessary. 

The  Seminole  war  broke  out  in  1817 ; it  was  almost  a continuance  of  the  Creek  war  of 
t few  years  earlier.  After  some  pretty  severe  fighting  a treaty  was  made  with  the  Indians 
it  Moultrie  Creek  September  18,  1823,  by  the  stipulations  of  which  the  Indians  were  to  be 
estricted  to  a reservation.  This  treaty  was  never  satisfactory  to  the  Indians  and  difficul- 
ies  occurred  in  1828-29,  and  finally  another  treaty  was  made  by  Col.  Gadsden  at  Payne’s 
sanding,  May  9,  1832,  by  which  the  Seminoles  were  to  be  set  on  a reservation  with  the 
keeks.  A difficulty  occurred  between  Gen.  Thompson  and  Osceola,  a Seminole  chief, 
or  which  Osceola  was  imprisoned  in  Fort  King  for  six  days.  Burning  with  revenge 
Isceola  waylaid  Gen.  Thompson  near  Fort  King  and  killed  him  December  28,  1835.  On 
he  same  day  Maj.  Dade,  with  over  100  men,  was  waylaid  in  the  Wahoo  Swamp  and  the 
ntire  party  massacred.  Pursuant  to  a call  of  the  governor  two  regiments  of  troops  were 
ailed  for  to  serve  against  the  Seminoles.  One  company  was  recruited  from  Williamson 
bunty,  of  which  Joel  A.  Battle  was  chosen  captain;  the  lieutenants  were  Gabriel  Matlock 
nd  Hollingsworth.  These  men  were  enlisted  for  six  months,  and  were  attached  to  the 
lecond  Regiment.  They  were  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville.  The  regiment  was 
rganized  by  the  election  of  William  Trousdale,  colonel;  J.  C.  Guild,  lieutenant-colonel; 
oseph  Meadow,  major  of  First  Battalion,  and  William  L.  Washington,  major  of  Second 
lattalion.  Dr.  D.  Smith  was  made  regimental  surgeon,  and  J.  P.  Grundy  became  adjutant 
f the  regiment.  The  Second  Regiment  was  composed  of  the  companies  from  Sumner, 
mith,  Wilson,  Davidson,  Robertson,  Dickson  and  Williamson  Counties.  This  regiment 
as  brigaded  with  the  First  Regiment,  under  Col.  J.  B.  Bedford.  The  brigade  was  com- 
manded by  Gen.  Robert  Armstrong.  The  command  left  Fayetteville  July  4 for  the  seat 
f war.  For  a history  of  the  campaign  see  another  part  of  this  volume. 


50 


798 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


The  success  of  the  Texans  in  gaining  their  independence,  their  sufferings  and  indig 
nities  at  the  hands  of  the  Mexicans  were  such  as  to  excite  the  deepest  sympathy  of  the 
Americans.  On  the  call  for  troops  to  fight  the  Mexicans  the  enthusiasm  was  unbounded. 
It  became  a cpiestion  as  to  who  should  be  permitted  to  go.  Nearly  every  county  had  its 
political  club  at  the  opening  of  the  war,  and  these  largely  volunteered  their  services.  So 
many  offered  their  services  that  only  a portion  could  be  accepted.  The  Bethesda  Clay 
Guards  not  only  offered  their  services,  but  also  to  furnish  their  own  horses.  But  few  of 
these  were  accepted.  Those  who  were  received  were  mustered  into  service  at  Franklin  by 
Gen.  Bradley.  Only  about  a half  dozen  men  went;  of  these  Moses  Carter,  now  living 
in  Franklin,  was  one.  Only  one  or  two  more  are  still  living. 

On  the  issues  of  1860  the  people  were  almost  a unit  for  the  maintenance  of  the  integ- 
rity of  the  Union.  The  presidential  vote  in  1860  was  797  for  Breckenridge;  1,687  for  Beil, 
and  32  for  Douglass.  The  vote  clearly  indicates  the  feeling  of  the  people  at  that  time. 
A meeting  was  called  for  December  28,  1860,  to  beheld  January  11,  1861,  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  Union.  This  was  called  for  by  W.  L.  McComico,  S.  H.  Barley 
and  J.  A.  McNutt.  The  committee  on  resolutions  consisted  of  A.  W.  Moss,  J.  J.  Fogg,  S. 
S.  House,  W.  L.  Huff,  N.  J.  Haynes,  J.  W.  Neely  and  S.  H.  Barley.  The  meeting  ex- 
pressed great  lov.e  for  the  Union,  thought  the  South  had  great  cause  for  complaint,  but 
did  not  believe  in  secession,  and  resolved  tha^on  the  following  day  the  stars  and  stripes 
should  be  unfurled  from  the  summit  of  the  court  house.  Flags  were  brought  forth  at  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  county.  The  Franklin  Review  and  Journal  in  speaking  of  the  action 
of  the  people  of  South  Carolina  in  passing  ordinances  of  secession,  said:  “They  have 
been  taught  to  hate  the  Union.  If  every  demand  was  granted  they  would  not  willingly 
return  to  the  Union.  * * * They  ask  us  to  follow  them  like  sheep  follow 

their  leader,  but  we  must  not  suffer  them  to  drag  us  out  of  the  Union.” 

The  country  was  rapidly  drifting  into  war,  and  the  county,  true  to  its  teachings,  was 
soon  prepared  to  follow  the  fortunes  of  the  State.  By  an  act  of  the  special  session  of  the 
Legislature  in  April,  1861,  the  county  court  met  May  20,  and  made  a levy  of  4£  cents  on  each 
$100  for  a relief  fund  for  the  families  of  volunteer  soldiers.  The  justices,  by  unanimous  |j 
voice,  agreed  to  give  their  own  per  diem  till  January  following  for  the  same  cause.  The 
county  judge  was  ordered  to  issue  script  to  be  sold  to  the  Planters’  Bank  of  Franklin  for 
cash  to  be  used  for  the  immediate  relief  of  families.  The  home  guards  were  organized  in  jj 
the  various  districts,  John  M.  Winstead  being  chosen  general  commanding. 

The  first  regularly  organized  body  of  troops  from  Williamson  County  was  the  Will 
iamson  Greys.  This  body  constituted  Company  D,  of  the  First  Tennessee.  This  regiment  I 
was  composed  of  Companies  A,  B,  C,  E and  F,  of  Nashville;  Companies  G and  H,  of 
Maury;  I,  of  Rutherford,  and  K,  of  Giles.  The  regiment  was  organized  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  May  2,  1861,  by  electing  George  Maney,  colonel;  T.  F.  Sevier,  lieutenant-colonel: 1 
A.  M.  Looney,  major;  R.  B.  Snowden,  adjutant;  W.  L.  Nichol,  surgeon;  J.  B.  Buist,  as- 
sistant sui’geon;  S.  H.  Ransom,  assistant  quartermaster,  and  George  W.  Menees,  assistant 
commissary  surgeon.  After  organizing  the  regiment  was  ordered  into  Camp  Harris  at 
Allisona;  here  it  remained  a short  time  and  was  then  sent  to  Camp  Cheatham,  in  Robert- 
son County.  The  regiment  spent  some  time  in  drill  and  was  then  ordered  to  West  Virginia. 
It  sei'ved  under  Gens.  Lee  and  Loring  till  December,  1861,  when  it  was  sent  to  Winchester) 
to  report  to  Stonewall  Jackson.  The  regiment  was  ordered  to  Knoxville  February  2, 
1862,  and  soon  after  was  ordered  to  Corinth,  where  it  arrived  in  time  to  take  part  in  the 
battle  of  Shiloh.  The  regiment  was  in  the  campaign  thi-ough  Kentucky  and  in  fact  in  all 
the  important  engagements  in  Tennessee  and  the  Atlanta  campaign.  Company  D was 
commanded  by  Capt.  James  P.  Hanna.  In  April,  after  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  Lieut,  John 
L.  House  became  major,  and  Lieut.  Oscar  Adkison  became  captain.  The  roll  of  honor 
of  Company  D,  as  far  as  is  known,  consists  of  William  R.  Hughes,  McNairy  J.  Thompson, 
William  B.  Campbell  and  Thomas  A.  Anthony;  all  killed  October  8,  1862,  at  Perryville, 
Ky.  A complete  history  of  the  First  Tennessee  is  given  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

Company  E,  of  the  Third  Regiment  was  partially  made  up  in  Williamson  County.  The 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


799 


/ 


officers  of  this  company  consisted  of  N.  F.  Cheairs,  captain;  H.P.  Pointer,  first  lieutenant; 
Campbell  Brown,  second  lieutenant;  Thomas  Tucker,  third  lieutenant.  The  regiment 
was  organized  at  Lynnville,  Giles  County,  May  16,  1861.  The  roll  of  honor  of  Com- 
pany E consists  of  IV.  T.  Chatman,  killed  at  Fort  Donelson  February  13,  1862;  T.  M. 
Golden,  died  in  prison  April,  1862;  W.  J.  L.  Johnson,  died  at  Bowling  Green;  M.  V. 
Sharp,  died  at  Camp  Trousdale;  J.  T.  Thompson  and  W.  W.  White  died  at  Camp  Douglass; 
J.  T.  Lamb,  died  at  Nashville  in  October,  1861,  and  W.  A.  Polk,  killed  at  Shiloh.  (See 
State  History  for  sketch  of  the  Third  Regiment.) 

Battle’s  regiment,  the  Twentieth,  was  organized  at  Camp  Trousdale  in  the  early  part 
of  June,  1861.  The  regimental  officers  from  Williamson  County  were  Moses  B.  Carter, 
lieutenant-colonel;  Dr.  D.  B.  Cliff,  surgeon;  John  Marshall,  quartermaster;  Alex  Winn, 
adjutant;  John  Edmonson,  chaplain,  and  E.  L.  Jordan,  wagon-master.  Company  B of 
the  Twentieth  was  recruited  at  Nolensville  and  vicinity.  The  first  officers  were  Joel  A. 
Battle,  captain;  W.  M.  Clark,  first  lieutenant;  T.  B.  Smith,  second  lieutenant;  W.  H. 
Mathews,  third  lieutenant.  On  the  election  of  Battle  to-  the  colonelcy  Lieut.  Clark  Was 
chosen  captain.  In  1862  Capt.  Clark  was  made  regimental  surgeon  on  the  capture  of  Dr. 
D.  B.  Cliff.  At  the  appointment  of  Capt.  Clark,  T.  B.  Smith  became  captain.  He  after- 
ward rose  to  the  rank  of  brigadier-general,  and  was  wounded  in  the  head  by  a sabre  stroke 
after  he  had  surrendered  at  the  battle  of  Nashville.  From  the  effects  of  this  wound  he 
became  insane.  In  May,  1862,  Orderly  Sergt.  J.  F.  Guthrie  was  elected  captain,  who 
was  soon  after  made  major,  and  was  killed  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  August  31,  1864.  The  roll 
of  honor  of  Company  B was  Eugene  Street,  N.  M.  Johnson,  D.  G.  King  and  J.  G.  Nevins 
killed  at  Chickamauga;  Robert  Peel  and  William  Kellom,  at  Murfreesboro;  W.  S.  Battle, 
at  Shiloh;  George  Keith,  at  Fishing  Creek;  W.  A.  Hay,  at  Baton  Rouge,  and  N.  C.  Peay, 
at  Dalton,  Ga.  Those  who  died  of  disease  were  G.  A.  Jenkins,  William  McClarion,  B. 
Poke,  J.  H.  Potts,  J.  N.  Potts  and  Robert  Walden.  It  should  have  been  stated  that  on 
the  reorganization  C.  S.  Johnson  was  elected  first  lieutenant;  W.  J.  Murray,  second  lieu- 
tenant, and  T.  C.  Williams,  third  lieutenant.  On  the  promotion  of  Capt.  Guthrie,  John- 
son became  captain;  McMurray,  first  lieutenant,  and  Williams,  second  lieutenant; 
also  George  Pea  became  lieutenant  near  the  close  of  the  war.  The  company  roll 
showed  153  men  enrolled  from  first  to  last,  and  only  seven  men  at  the  surrender  at 
Greensboro,  N.  C.  Company  D.  was  made  up  in  the  vicinity  of  Triune  and  College 
Grove.  The  officers  of  this  company  were  William  P.  Rucker,  captain;  Fred  Clay- 
brook,  first  lieutenant;  Pinkston,  second  lieutenant,  and  A.  Hatcher,  third  lieu- 

tenant. Capt.  Rucker  resigned,  but  went  out  again  and  was  killed  in  Forrest’s  attack 
on  Fort  Donelson  in  1863.  Lieut.  Claybrook  was  elected  captain,  and  soon  after  became 
major,  but  was  killed  at  Horses  Gap.  P.  G.  Smithson  was  next  made  captain.  The 
dead  of  this  company  were  A.  B.  Gee,  J.  G.  Crutcher,  J.  W.  P.  Kent,  G.  ,H.  Murray, 
J.  M.  Smith,  B.  W.  Yeargin,  J.  B.  Buckman,  E.  A.  Austin,  T.  P.  Couch,  W.  J.  Col- 
lett, W.  R.  Hall,  W.  H.  Merritt,  C.  R.  Moxly,  E.  T.  Pinkston,  H.  H.  Russell,  D.  T. 
J.  Woods  and  J.  II.  Tucker.  Company  H was  recruited  in  Franklin  and  vincinity. 
M.  B.  Carter  was  elected  captain,  but  was  promoted  to  lieutenant-colonel.  F.  De 
Graffenried  then  became  captain.  He  was  succeeded  by  N.  W.  Shy,  who  passed 
the  grades  of  major,  lieutenant-colonel  to  colonel,  and  was  killed  at  Nashville.  Thomas 
Caruthers  was  next  chosen  captain,  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war.  Company  H lost 
J.  L.  Andrews,  Benjamin  Armstrong,  Daniel  Butt,  J.  S.  McAllister,  J.  G.  Boyd,  W.  E. 
Boyd,  J.  II.  Alexander,  F.  M.  Andrews,  N.  J.  Davis,  E.  T.  Edney,  K.  S.  Edney,  B.  M. 
Givens,  H.  P.  Harrison,  F.  D.  Ham,  H.  King,  W.  C.  Prichard,  Thomas  Puett,  J.  D. 
Prichard,  T.  J.  Sellers,  Thomas  Talley,  F.  A.  Truett.W.  E.  King,  A.  W.  Ivy,  C.  N.  Shel- 
ton, H.  Sawyers,  T.  W.  Stephens,  N.  Newcomb,  J.  T.  White,  F.Wray  and  T.  J.  York.  A 
complete  history  of  the  Twentieth  Regiment  is  given  elsewhere. 

The  Thirty-second  Regiment,  of  which  Capt.  Ed  C.  Cook’s  company  was  a part,  was 
organized  in  1861.  The  company  left  Franklin  October  14, 1861,  for  Nashville.  The  offi- 
cers of  the  company  were  Ed  C.  Cook,  captain;  Jake  Morton,  first  lieutenant;  R.  F. 


800 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


McCaul,  second  lieutenant,  and  Thomas  Banks,  third  lieutenant.  The  regimental  officers 
of  this  regiment  were  E.  C.  Cook,  colonel;  William  P.  Moore,  lieutenant-colonel;  W.  J. 
Brownlow,  major;  Calvin  Jones,  adjutant;  John  T.  Shepard,  quartermaster;  James  P. 
Grant,  surgeon;  James  F.  Finley,  chaplain.  A sketch  of  this  regiment  is  given  in 
another  part  of  this  work. 

A company  was  raised  in  Williamson  County  for  Holman’s  battalion  by  Capt.  Jacob 
T.  Martin  in  August,  1862.  The  comparry  consisted  of  140  men.  The  commissioned  offi- 
cers were  J.  T.  Martin,  captain;  Thomas  Banks,  first  lieutenant;  David  S.  Chaney,  second 
lieutenant;  A.  S.  Chapman,  third  lieutenant.  The  battalion  consisted  of  four  companies 
and  was  organized  at  Columbia  October  15,  1862,  by  Maj.  D.  W.  Holman.  The  battalion 
after  drilling  for  a time  was  attached  to  Gen.  Wheeler’s  command. 

Capt.  Thomas  F.  Perkins,  a youth  of  eighteen,  entered  the  service  in  June,  1861.  He 
became  first  lieutenant  of  a battery,  and  did  good  service  at  F5rt  Donelson,  where  the 
command  was  captured.  Capt.  Perkins  made  his  escape  and  returned  to  Williamson 
County,  where,  in  July,  1862,  he  raised  a company  of  cavalry  consisting  of  sixty-live  men. 
This  became  Company  I of  Douglass’  battalion.  The  commissioned  officers  of  this  com- 
pany were  Thomas  F.  Perkins,  captain;  John  C.  Bostick,  first  lieutenant;  Richard  Clous- 
tou,  second  lieutenant;  Malachi  Kirby,  third  lieutenant.  February  20,  1863,  Holman’s 
and  Douglass’  battalions  were  consolidated,  and  became  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry. 
The  history  of  these  two  bodies  is  given  under  that  regiment. 

Company  G of  the  Third  Cavalry  was  organized  May  25,  1862,  and  mustered  into  the 
'Confederate  service  May  26.  The  officers  of  this  company  at  the  organization  consisted 
of  James  W.  Starnes,  captain;  W.  S.  McLemore,  first  lieutenant;  Thomas  Allison,  second 
lieutenant;  G.  Harris,  third  lieutenant.  This  regiment  was  a part  of  Dibrell’s  brigade  o: 
Wheeler’s  cavalry  corps.  Company  G left  for  the  front  October  10.  Other  companies, 
as  organized,  were  the  following:  Light  Dragoons,  William  Ewing,  captain;  Burke  Bond, 
first  lieutenant;  T.  S.  House,  second  lieutenant.  Capt.  J.  W.  Hill’s  company,  of  which 
J.  T.  Wilson  was  first  lieutenant;  Samuel  Lea,  second  lieutenant,  and  W.  T.  Wade,  third 
lieutenant.  Capt.  John  A.  Wilson’s  company,  of  which  N.  H.  Lamb  was  first  lieutenant; 
John  A.  Cathey,  second  lieutenant,  and  W.  J.  White,  third  lieutenant. 

For  generations  to  come  Franklin  will  be  pointed  out  as  the  place  of  a terrible  con- 
flict on  November  30,  1864,  between  the  Confederate  forces  under  Gen.  John  C.  Hood,  and 
the  Federals under  Gen.  Schofield.  The  Federals  were  composed  of  the  Fourth  and  apart 
of  the  Twenty- third  corps,  the  former  commanded  by  Gen.  Stanley  and  the  latter  by  Scho- 
field. Schofield,  being  the  senior  officer,  gave  directions  to  the  whole  command.  The  ob- 
ject of  the  Federals  was  to  fall  back  as  slowly  as  possible  so  as  to  give  Thomas  time  to  J 
concentrate  his  forces  at  Nashville.  The  object  of  Hood  in  forcing  the  Federals  to  a stand  I 
was  to  defeat  them  in  detail — Schofield  first  and  Thomas  last.  Hood’s  army  was  composed 
of  the  corps  of  Lieut. -Gens.  Lee  and  Stewart  and  the  corps  of  Maj. -Gen.  Cheatham.  The 
Federal  Army  had  arrived  on  the  night  of  the  29th  and  on  the  30lh,  and  being  so  hard 
pressed  were  compelled  to  give  battle  to  save  their  trains.  The  Big  Harpeth  makes  abend 
around  Franklin  in  the  shape  of  a horseshoe,  and  from  point  to  point  of  this  the  Federals 
had  thrown  up  hastily  constructed  but  very  strong  works  and  well  covered  by  artillery. 

Hood’s  lines  were  arranged  with  Stewart’s  Corps  on  the  right,  Cheatham’s  on  the  left 
and  the  cavalry  under  Forrest  on  the  flanks,  the  main  body,  however,  being  under  For- 
rest in  person  on  the  right.  Only  a portion  of  Lee’s  corps  became  engaged;  that  of  John- 
son’s division  on  the  left. 

According  to  Hood’s  own  words  his  orders  were  “to  drive  the  enemy  at  the  point  of  J| 
the  bayonet  into  and  across  the  Big  Harpeth  River,  while,  if  successful,  Gen.  Forrest  was  to  | 
cross  the  river  and  attack  and  destroy  his  trains  and  broken  columns.”  At  4 P.  M.  the  lines 
advanced  to  the  attack.  Hardly  in  the  annals  of  military  pageantry  was  a sight  more  ; 
grand  than  the  steady  march  of  these  hostile  columns.  The  Federal  outposts  quickly  fell 
back  to  their  main  line.  Here  with  them  it  was  a question  of  life  or  death.  The  advanc- 
ing columns  were  soon  met  by  a storm  of  shot  and  shell— grape  and  cannister  and  mus-  j 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


801 


ketry,  the  roar  of  which  seemed  to  make  the  earth  itself  tremble.  The  conflict  was  of  the 
most  desperate  character  and  became  hand  to  hand;  columns  driven  back  reeling  and  stag- 
gering only  went  to  return,  if  possible,  with  more  desperation.  From  4 P.  M.  till  late  at 
night  the  battle  raged.  When  the  morning  sun  arose,  it  found  the  Confederates  masters 
of  the  gory  field.  In  evidence  of  the  terrible  conflict  it  may  be  said  that  Hood’s  report 
shows  his  loss  to  have  been  about  4,500.  Among  the  killed  or  mortally  wounded,  were 
Maj.-Gen.  P.  R.  Cleburne,  Brig.-Gens.  Strahl,  Carter,  Granbury  and  John  Adams;  while 
Maj.-Gen.  Brown,  Brig.-Gens.  Manigault,  Quarles,  Cockrell  and  Scott  were  wounded  and 
Brig.-Gen.  Gordon  was  captured.  Although  nearly  a quarter  of  a century  has  passed  since 
the  conflict,  many  marks  are  still  visible.  Between  2,600  and  2,700  Confederates  are 
sleeping  in  the  Confederate  cemetery  near  the  scene  of  this  conflict. 

On  the  organization  of  Williamson  County,  in  1799,  the  Legislature  appointed  a board 
of  town  commissioners  consisting  of  Samuel  Crockett,  Charles  McAllister,  David  Fig- 
ures, John  Sappington  and  E.  Cameron,  whose  duty  it  was  to  select  a site  for  a county  seat 
to  be  called  Franklin;  to  procure  a tract  of  land  for  that  purpose  either  by  purchase  or 
donation.  It  was  their  duty  to  erect  a court  house,  jail  and  stocks.  The  Public  Square, 
consisting  of  two  acres,  was  donated  to  the  commissioners  by  Peter  Perkins,  on  condition 
that  the  county  seat  should  be  located  at  Franklin.  The  name  was  given  to  the  place  in 
honor  of  Dr.  Benjamin  Franklin.  The  town  was  surveyed  and  laid  out  in  1800  by  Henry 
Rutherford,  who  was  chosen  county  surveyor  in  February  of  that  }rear.  The  plat  con- 
sisted of  between  100  and  200  lots.  The  most  of  the  lands  on  which  the  city  of  Frank- 
lin now  stands  were  entered  by  Abram  Maury, who  gave  name  to  the  sister  county.  Among 
the  purchasers  of  lots  in  1801  and  1803  were  William  Campbell,  J.  B.  Porter,  S.  Moore, 
Thomas  Harmon,  Samuel  McClary,  Ephraim  Brown,  Robert  Harmon,  Ewen  Cameron, 
William  Smith,  Samuel  Chapman,  Peter  Edwards,  James  Hicks,  Samuel  Mitchell,  Alex- 
ander Myers  and  John  McKay. 

The  first  house  is  said  to  have  been  built  in  Franklin  in  1797  by  Ewen  Cameron.  The 
court  house,  as  stated  elsewhere,  was  built  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1800.  Thomas 
McKay,  at  whose  house  the  first  court  met,  was  a resident  at  that  time.  Other  settlers 
followed  in  rapid  succession.  Benjamin  White  built  an  ordinary  on  the  lot  adjoining, 
where  Mr.  Gault  now  lives,  in  1803.  This  old  building  still  stands  though  in  a very  dilapida- 
ted condition.  He  with  his  sons  became  the  owners  of  a tavern,  wagon  yard,  wagon  shop, 
blacksmith  shop,  butcher  shop  and  gunsmith  shop.  Alexander  Myers  and  Phillip  Many 
obtained  tavern  license  in  1803.  Ordinaries  or  taverns  were  supposed  to  afford  food,  feed 
and  drinks.  The  following  were  the  rates  established  by  the  county  courts:  breakfast, 
dinner  and  supper,  each  25  cents;  one-half  pint  of  whisky,  12-J  cents;  one-lialf  pint  of 
peach  or  apple  brandy,  124  cents;  one-half  pint  of  rum  or  gin,  37|  cents;  one  horse  feed, 
12J  cents.  Other  tavern  keepers  during  the  first  decade  were  Henry  Lyon  and  Stephen  Bar- 
field.  The  bridge  across  the  Harpeth  was  sold  by  N.  Scales,  Thomas  Edmundson,  S.  Green, 
R.  Puckett,  D.  McEwen,  James  Boyd,  S.  Buford  and  George  Hulme  to  W.  Witherspoon, 
Jacob  Gantt,  John  Witherspoon,  Benjamin  Holen,  Thomas  McKinney  and  John  Black- 
man on  April  8,  1805.  In  1820  the  contract  for  paving  the  Public  Square  was  let  to  Stephen 
Childress,  John  Watson  and  Hinchey  Petwav  for  $1,600.  The  money  was  raised  by  a 
levy  on  the  county  for  $1,200,  and  on  the  town  for  $400  additional. 

The  act  of  incorporation  passed  the  General  Assembly  October  9,  1815.  The  act  reads 
as  follows:  “That  the  town  of  Franklin,  in  the  county  of  Williamson,  and  the  inhabi- 
tants thereof  are  hereby  constituted  a body  politic  and  corporate  by  the  name  of  the 
mayor  and  aldermen  of  the  town  of  Franklin,  and  shall  have  perpetual  succession,  and 
by  their  corporate  name  may  sue  and  be  sued,  * * * and  may  use  a town 

seal.”  It  was  given  power  to  employ  night  watches,  establish  streets,  restrain  gambling, 
regulate  amusements,  establish  and  regulate  markets,  fire  companies,  and  other  measures 
for  the  benefit  of  the  town.  The  act  provided  for  the  election  of  mayor  and  aldermen 
and  other  town  officers.  The  following  are  given  as  the  limits  as  included  in  the  char- 
ter: “ Beginning  in  the  center  of  the  old  Natchez  road  where  a small  branch  crosses  the 


802 


HISTOEY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


same,  about  150  yards  from  the  margin  of  said  towu;  thence  in  a direct  line  to  Big  Har- 
petli  River,  so  as  to  include  the  house  where  Nicholas  Perkins.  Jr.,  now  lives;  thence  down 
the  middle  of  said  river  with  its  meanders  to  the  mouth  of  Sharp’s  branch;  thence  up 
said  branch  until  it  receives  another  small  stream  on  the  east  side;  thence  up  that  small 
branch  to  the  beginning;  provided  that  no  land  or  lots  of  ground  included  within  the 
above  described  bounds  shall  be  subject  to  pay  a greater  tax  to  said  corporation,  etc.,  etc.” 
Amendments  were  made  to  the  charter  in  1833,  in  1836,  in  1837  and  in  1852.  The  by-laws 
of  Franklin  were  passed  in  1828  while  Nicholas  Perkins  was  mayor  and  Thomas  B.  White 
was  recorder.  Many  of  these  have  since  become  inoperative,  and  many  have  been  repealed. 
Among  the  many  laws  passed  was  one  requiring  every  owner  of  a private  house,  store- 
room or  office  to  procure  a leather  bucket  sufficient  to  hold  two  gallons  of  water;  the 
same  was  to  have  the  owner’s  name  placed  thereon,  and  to  be  hung  in  a convenient  place 
for  use  in  case  of  fire.  All  free  male  inhabitants  in  the  city  under  the  age  of  fifty-five 
were  organized  into  afire  company,  under  the  command  of  a captain  and  four  masters 
From  a copy  of  the  Western  Weekly  Review,  published  in  1831,  the  following  business 
cards  are  found.  G.  W.  Neeley  had  a cabinet  shop  at  the  north  end  of  Main  cross  street 
near  Perkin’s  tan-yard.  James  C.  Karr  also  had  a cabinet  shop  two  doors  above  the 
Franklin  Inn.  This  inn  was  what  is  now  the  Elliott  House;  this  was  kept  by  T.  L.  Robinson. 

A boot  and  shoe  store  was  kept  by  A.  C.  C.  Carter,  father  of  Moscow  Carter.  Hugh  Duif  j 
was  a painter  and  glazier;  he  was  noted  for  his  wit,  and  “was  a fellow  of  infinite  jest." 
William  Cayce  kept  a jewelry  store  on  Main  Street.  John  E.  Gadsey  and  Phillip  A 
Yancey  each  were  carpenters  and  joiners.  The  female  school  was  taught  by  Mrs.  Moore 
The  corporation  school  and  Harpeth  Academy  were  managed  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Otey  and  .1. 

A.  M.  E.  Stuart.  Tailor  shops  were  managed  by  William  Anderson  and  Peter  W.  Crouch, 
Porter  & Haffey,  Samuel  L.  Graham  and  John  S.  Allen.  A book  store  was  kept  by  J.  II 
McMahan  and  J.  Hogan,  Jr.  The  Franklin  Hotel  was  kept  by  Mrs.  Smith,  and  the  “Old 
Bell  Tavern”  by  Thomas  Miller  & Co.  General  stores  were  kept  by  H.  P.  Bostick, 
McComico  & Hamner,  Joseph  W.  Baughn  & Co.,  B.  S.  & E.  S.  Tappan  and  C.  G.  Oim- 
sted.  A music  store  was  kept  by  John  D.  McAllister,  a tin  and  coppersmith  shop  by  S. 

N.  Sharp,  and  a grocery  store  by  M.  C.  Cayce.  Perkin  & White  kept  hardware  and  cutlery. 
The  leading  blacksmiths  were  S.  Vaughn  and  G.  W.  Lane.  The  fire  company  was  under 
command  of  Thomas  Park.  An  ordinance  was  passed  excusing  firemen  from  militia  duty 
The  Independent  Blues  was  a militia  company  of  Franklin  for  many  years  of  which  com- 
pany E.  S.  Tappan  was  captain  and  James  Park  orderly  sergeant.  This  company  took 
part  in  the  reception  given  to  Gen.  Lafayette  on  his  visit  to  Nashville.  Before  this  time 
there  had  been  a blue  dye  factory  owned  by  Alexander  McCowen.  The  name  of  this  lias 
been  perpetuated  in  Indigo  Street.  There  had  also  been  a nail  factory,  but  this  closed 
operations  about  1820,  and  a brewery  kept  by  the  Daws  Bros.  The  following  attor- 
ney's were  living  in  Franklin  at  this  time:  G.  W.  & R.  C.  Foster,  John  Marshall,  P.  N.  A 
N.  E.  Smith,  G.  W.  Campbell,  John  Bell,  J.  S.  Jones,  N.  P.  Perkins,  J.  Swanson,  C 
A.  Harney  and  W.  PI.  Wharton.  It  is  shown  by  record  that  in  1835  Franklin  con 
tained  a population  of  1,500;  academies,  2 female  and  3 male;  4 churches;  3 clergymen 
8 physicians;  7 lawyers;  4 taverns;  5 blacksmith  shops;  6 bricklayers;  10  carpenters;  1 cab- 
inet workman;  1 gunsmith;  2 hatters;  3 saddlers;  4 shoe-makers;  3 silversmiths;  3 tailors. 

2 tanners;  1 tinner;  2 wagoners  and  13  merchants.  On  January  1,  1815,  a contract  was 
entered  into  between  John  Sample,  Robert  P.  Currin  and  Hinc.hey  Petway,  by  which  they 
purchased  of  Henry  Cook  twelve  acres  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  Big  Harpeth,  upon 
which  they  erected  a factory  for  the  manufacture  of  cotton-bagging,  etc. 

By  an  act  of  Legislature,  October  21,  1831,  a lottery  was  chartered  at  Franklin  for  i 
the  purpose  of  buying  a town  block.  There  were  2,024  tickets,  which  were  to  be  sold  at. 
$5,  making  a total  sum  of  $10,120.  The  capital  prize  was  $2,000.  The  committee  oa 
management  was  composed  of  R.  P.  Currin,  Thomas  Hardeman,  C.  G.  Olmsted  and  E. 
Breathitt.  The  tickets  were  put  on  sale  at  Hogan  & McMahon’s  book  store.  The  fond 
hopes  of  the  citizens  were  never  realized,  as  the  lottery  did  not  prove  a success.  Races 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


803 


at  the  Fairview  Course,  owned  by  John  Sweeny,  in  1831,  drew  out  the  following  horses 
on  the  first  day:  Mr.  Meek’s  Dart,  Mr.  Pankey’s  Division,  Mr.  Rice's  Alley  Conqueror;  the 
second  day  there  were  Pankey’s  Nelly -hoe;  Peeple’s  Graytail,  Sneed’s  Rappahannock  and 
Thweatt’s  gelding.  The  sweepstakes  premium  was  $200.  There  was  also  a sweepstakes 
premium  for  two-year-olds  of  twenty  barrels  of  corn.  On  July  4,  1831,  there  was  a 
celebration  at  Reader’s  Spring.  The  committee  of  arrangements  was  composed  of  J. 
Park,  W.  H.  Crouch,  B.  R.  White,  P.  Perkins  J.  Moore  and  A.  McGan.  Among  the 
prominent  men  living  in  Franklin  at  that  time  were  Newton  Cannon,  W.  G.  Childress, 
Thomas  Hardeman,  Nicholas  Perkins,  Abram  Maury,  William  Martin,  Christopher  Mc- 
Ewen  and  John  L.  McEwen. 

The  principal  business  men  between  1840-50  were:  Dry  goods  stores — J.  W.  Baughn. 
J.  H.  Otey,  George  Seabright  and  A.  & W.  Park.  Drugs — McPhailt  & English.  Boot  and 
shoe  store — Brown  & Littleton.  Carriages — H.  Eelbeck  and  R.  G.  Richardson.  Blacksmiths 
—Brock  & Cody.  Physicians — Drs.  S.  S.  and  A.  J.  Mayfield,  R.  Glass,  Reid  & Perkins 
and  Dr.  Crockett.  Business  men  from  1850  to  1860:  Drygoods — Horten  & Carl,  J.  R. 
Hunter,  L.  F.  Beech,  House  & Bro.,  Snyder  & Frizzell,  Shanner,  Broham  & Co.  Drug 
store — F.  S.  Wooldridge.  Merchant  tailors — Cummings  & Byers,  A.  W.  Moss,  Hyerone- 
mus  c%  Craig.  Livery  stables — J.  K.  & C.  R.  Richardson,  Neely  & Haynes.  Grocery 
stores— S.  H.  Bailey,  J.  M.  Casey.  Carriage  shop — W.  G.  D.  Boehms.  Furniture — R.  H. 
Teal  & Toon.  Iron  works — John  Pugh,  T.  P.  Pugh  &.C.  B.  Beech.  Produce  dealers — 
Beale  & Toon,  Spencer,  McCoy  & Co.  and  M.  S.  Royce.  Book  store — Thomas  Parkes. 
Cabinet  shop — Courtney  & Karr.  Business  men  immediately  following  the  war:  Dry 
goods— Joe  Frankland  & Co.,  M.  Kaufman,  J.  M.  Graverly,  J.  G.  Bliss,  T.  L.  Owen  and 
J.  & M.  House.  Drug  Stores — W.  G.  Clouster,  Crutcher  & Handy.  Groceries,  harness, 
etc.,  etc. — A.  C.  Vaughn,  J.  L.  Parkes,  Bostick,  Moreley  & Rozell.  Groceries — J.  J.  Pur- 
year  & R.  R.  Hightower,  Cook  & Westerfiel.  Tinware — James  Merrill.  Furniture — J. 
C.  Karr. 

The  present  business  is  as  follows:  Dry  goods  and  general  stores — Smithson,  Kennedy 
Haynes  & Co.,  Theo.  Owen,  Neely  & Campbell,  Joseph  Frankland.  Frank  Adle,  A.  Tlior- 
ner  and  Julius  Dietrich.  Groceries — Reynolds  & Wilson,  J.  W.  Bennett,  Will  Cody,  F.  Eel- 
beck,  Newton  Cannon,  John  Atwood,  Hearn  & Haynes,  Ed  Haynes  and  Mrs.  John  Mor- 
ton. Drug  Stores — Beech  & Son,  Thomas  Burns  and  — White.  Agricultural  implements — 
C.  V.  Holdeman  & Co.  and  W.  A.  Johnson  & Co.  Harness,  Saddlery,  etc.— A.  J.  Dennis 
& Co.  and  James  Russell.  Book  store — Emma  Eddy.  Livery  stables — Vaughn  & Son, 
John  Blackburn  and  Charles  Moss.  Hotels — Parrish  House  and  Elliott  House.  Flour- 
ing-mills — The  mill  owned  by  J.  B.  Lillie,  built  in  1870  at  the  head  of  Main  Street,  was 
built  at  a cost  of  about  $50,000,  and  has  a capacity  of  about  300  barrels  per  day;  the  Atlas 
Mills  were  built  in  1882  by  Hamilton,  Vaugh  & Turley;  the  mill  of  Y.  M.  Rezer  was  built 
the  same  year. 

A branch  of  the  Union  Bank  of  Tennessee  was  established  in  Franklin  in  1832.  The 
stock  allowed  for  the  bank  was  $200,000.  To  give  an  estimate  of  the  amount  of  business 
done  by  this  bank  in  its  early  history  it  is  shown  that  March  4,  1835,  there  were  discount- 
ed $26,000,  and  more  that  $80,000  were  offered.  This  bank  continued  in  operation  till  it 
was  closed  by  the  operations  of  the  war.  The  First  National  Bank  of  Franklin,  the  only 
banking  concern  in  the  place,  is  on  a good  financial  basis  and  is  well  managed. 

Hiram  Lodge,  No.  7,  F.  & A.  M.,  was  originally  Lodge  No.  55,  and  was  instituted 
under  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North  Carolina.  Authority  was  granted  by  Robert  Williams, 
Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  of  Ancient  York  Ma- 
sons. The  delegates  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  met  at  Knoxville  December  2, 1811,  were 
Archibald  Potter,  Stephen  Booker  and  John  A.  Rodgers.  At  this  meeting  a Grand  Lodge 
for  the  State  of  Tennessee  was  organized,  and  Hiram  Lodge,  No.  55,  now  became  Hiram 
Lodge,  No.  7,  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Tennessee.  The  present  lodge  building  was  erected 
some  time  between  1818  and  1825.  The  commandery  at  Franklin  is  called  DePayen,  No. 
11,  and  consists  of  thirteen  members.  Its  officers  are  J.  L.  Pai'kes,  E.  C. ; Altha  Thomas, 


804 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


G. ; T.  F.  Perkins,  C.  G.;  J.  P.  Hannes,  P. ; Burke  Bond,  S.  W.;  J.  P.  Hamilton,  J.  W. 

D.  B.  Cliffe,  Treas. ; T.  A.  Pope,  R.;  J.  H.  Rolffs,  S.  B.;  W.  Jones,  Sword  B.;  A.  Truett, 
Warden;  E.  T.  Wells,  Sentinel;  Altka  Thomas,  J.  P.  Hanner  and  J.  L.  Parkes,  Past  Com- 
manders. 

The  date  of  the  foundation  of  a paper  in  Franklin  is  a matter  of  some  uncertainty. 

It  was  some  time  near  1820,  but  neither  the  exact  date  nor  its  founder  is  known.  In  1831 
the  paper  was  called  the  Western  Weekly  Review  and  was  owned  by  J.  H.  McMahan  and 
J.  Hogan,  Jr.  and  was  edited  by  Thomas  Hoge,  of  East  Tennessee.  Soon  after  the  now 
venerable  Don  Cameron  became  editor.  In  1852  the  name  of  the  paper  became  The  Re- 
view and  Journal.  Don  Cameron  sold  the  paper  and  N.  J.  Haynes  and  D.  L.  Balcli  with 
S.  P.  Hildreth,  editor.  In  1858  Edwin  Paschall  became  editor  for  a very  short  time  and  was 
succeeded  by  Hildreth  again.  Judge  W.  S.  McLemore  was  editor  a short  time  in  1860  and 
to  June  13,  1861,  when  Mr.  Haynes  became  editor  and  proprietor.  In  1865  it  was  owned  by 
N.  J.  Haynes  & Son  and  in  1870  by  Haynes  & Bro.,  with  Burk  Bond  as  editor.  In  a 
short  time  T.  E.  Haynes  alone  became  editor  and  proprietor.  In  1873  Haynes,  Andrew 
& Co.  became  owners,  with  T.  Dick  Bullock  as  editor.  Mr.  Bullock  was  out  for  a time 
but  returned  again  in  1876  when  Haynes  & Andrews  became  editors  and  proprietors.  On 
accepting  the  postmastership  under  the  present  administration,  Mr.  T.  E.  Haynes  retired 
from  the  paper  and  Mr.  M.  L.  Andrews  became  sole  manager.  The  Review  and  Journal 
is  one  of  the  oldest,  if  not  the  oldest  paper  in  the  State  with  an  unbroken  management. 

It  has  always  been  a clean,  high-toned,  consistent  paper.  It  is  well  edited  and  is  good 
authority  on  Democratic  doctrines. 

Thompson  Station  is  located  about  seven  miles  south  of  Franklin,  in  District  No.  1. 

It  is  the  principal  shipping  point  for  that  section  of  the  county  over  the  Louisville  & 
Nashville  Railroad.  The  place  contains  from  100  to  200  inhabitants.  The  station  contains 
several  stores,  a cotton-gin  and  other  business  houses;  also  a Methodist  and  a Christian 
Church.  Historically  this  place  is  known  by  several  very  severe  engagements  fought  near 
it  in  the  late  war.  Breutwood  is  a station  on  the  Louisville  & Nashville  Railroad  near 
the  line  between  Williamson  and  Davidson  Counties.  It  is  beautifully  situated  and  con- 
tains several  business  houses,  a postoffice,  shops  and  a Methodist  Church.  A severe  skir- 
mish was  fought  here  in  Hood’s  retreat  from  Nashville.  Nolensville  is  situated  on  the 
head  waters  of  Mill  Creek  in  District  No.  17.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  one  of  the  oldest  j 
families  in  the  county.  It  is  surrounded  by  an  excellent  farming  country.  Nolensville 
dates  back  in  the  thirties.  The  pike  leading  to  Nashville  from  Nolensville  was  built  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  thirties  and  the  beginning  of  the  forties.  Nolensville  has  a large 
number  of  business  houses  for  a place  of  its  size.  It  also  has  a graded  school  of  three  de- 
partments and  a postoffice.  There  is  an  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge  also  a Masonic  Lodge  —a  Blue 
Lodge  and  Chapter.  Triune  is  the  name  of  a neighboring  postoffice  in  District  No.  18. 

It  is  on  the  pike  leading  from  Nolensville  to  College  Grove.  This  is  the  seat,  of  a church 
and  has  a consolidated  school  and  a cotton  gin  near  by.  This  place  is  situated  near  the 
head  waters  of  Wilson’s  Creek,  a tributary  of  the  Big  Harpeth.  Near  the  corners  of  Dis- 
tricts Nos.  14,  18  and  20,  is  a postoffice  called  Arrington.  On  Big  Harpeth,  near  the 
county  line  is  situated  College  Grove.  This  has  long  been  a pleasant  neighborhood  and 
the  seat  of  an  excellent  school.  It  now  contains  a school  of  three  departments,  a Presby- 
terian and  a Methodist  Church.  On  Grove  Creek  in  the  same  district  is  Jordan  Store  post- 
office.  In  the  southeast  corner  of  the  county,  in  District  No.  22,  is  Reed’s  Store  postoffice. 
Bethesda  postoffice  is  situated  near  the  center  of  District  No.  12  in  a thickly  settled  neigh- 
borhood. There  has  been  a church  at  the  place  since  1839.  There  is  also  an  academy  and 
one  or  two  business  houses. 

It  is  a matter  of  record  that  in  1836  Peytonsville  was  called  Snatchett,  or  as  the  public 
now  have  it — Snatch.  Its  name  originated  in  the  fact,  it  is  said,  that  one  individual  owed 
another  $10,  and  the  creditor  being  unable  to  collect  the  debt  seized  the  opportune- mo- 
ment and  snatched  the  money  from  the  unsuspecting  debtor.  One  of  the  first  settlers  at 
this  place  was  Andrew  Campbell.  Peytonsville  now  contains  one  store,  a postoffice  and  a 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


805 


blacksmith  shop.  It  also  contains  a Methodist  Church  built  in  1857,  and  a Christian 
Church  of  recent  construction.  There  is  also  a Masonic  hall,  Lodge  No.  337,  F.  & A.  M. ; 
other  neighborhoods,  points  and  postoffices  are  Williamsburg  in  the  Fourth  District;  Bos- 
ton postoffice,  White  Oak  postoffice  in  the  Second,  and  Leiper’s  Fork  or  Hillsboro  post- 
office  in  the  Third.  Hillsboro,  or  Hillsborough  as  formerly  spelled,  is  an  old  settlement; 
James  Adams  was  an  early  resident  at  that  place.  In  the  First  are  Christiana  postoffice, 
Basin  Springs  postoffice  and  Smith’s  Springs;  in  the  Fourth  is  West  Harpeth  and  in  the 
Seventh  is  Beechville. 

Harpeth  Academy  was  authorized  by  the  General  Assembly  in  1807,  under  the  laws 
passed  for  encouraging  popular  education.  The  trustees  appointed  for  Harpeth  were 
Abram  Maury,  Daniel  Perkins,  Nicholas  T.  Perkins,  G.  McComico,  Albert  Russell,  Ste- 
phen Childress,  William  Neeley,  Charles  Bayles,  Robert  P.  Currin  and  John  Hardeman. 
The  first  steps  toward  building  were  taken  in  February,  1810,  when  the  above  trustees 
purchased  eighty  square  poles  from  William  McRay.  This  land  lay  between  one  and  two 
miles  from  Franklin  near  the  Ball  estate.  From  its  vicinity  to  Harpeth  River  it  was  called 
the  Harpeth  Academy.  On  November  4,  1817,  an  act  was  passed  making  not  less  than  five 
trustees  a quorum,  and  added  to  the  number  of  trustees  William  Smith,  Andrew  Campbell, 
John  Watson,  John  Bell  and  John  White.  The  growth  of  Franklin  brought  about  the 
necessity  of  greater  facilities  for  schools  and  a desire  to  have  the  school  nearer  town.  Ac- 
cordingly Harpeth  Academy  was  sold  to  Randel  McGavack  in  1823,  and  a new  site  pur- 
chased on  Main  Street  consisting  of  ten  acres  of  ground. 

This  building  stood  till  it  was  destroyed  by  the  soldiers  during  the  war.  Perhaps  the 
most  noted  teacher  in  the  early  history  of  Harpeth  was  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn.  Many 
distinguished  educators  taught  in  Harpeth;  also  many  very  distinguished  sons  of  William- 
son County  were  educated  there. 

Harpeth  Union  Female  Academy  was  established  in  1828.  In  that  year  a deed  to  the 
grounds  was  made  by  Newton  Cannon  to  Samuel  Perkins,  W.  S.  Webb,  T.  D.  Porter,  John 
Bostick  and  Newton  Cannon  as  trustees  for  the  academy.  This  school  was  managed  with 
success  many  years.  In  February,  1837,  Lot  No.  134  in  Franklin  was  purchased  and  the 
foundation  laid  for  the  Franklin  Female  Academy. 

The  Franklin  Female  Institute  was  founded  in , and  was  successfully  managed  till 

broken  up  by  the  war.  This  institution  was  founded  as  a stock  concern  and  was  managed 
by  a board  of  trustees.  It  was  mainly  under  the  control  of  the  Presbyterians.  On  the 
organization  of  the  public  schools  under  the  present  system  the  institute  building  became 
to  be  used  as  the  public  school  building.  These  schools  are  under  the  management  of 
Superintendent  Wallace,  who  has  brought  them  to  a high  state  of  proficiency.  The  aver- 
age length  of  terms  is  ten  months.  A regular  course  is  maintained  and  the  graduates  are 
well  qualified  for  the  various  duties  of  life. 

In  1848  Moses  Cates  sold  a quantity  of  land  to  John  Matheral,  Joseph  Daus,  J.  W. 
Allen  and  James  Hardgrave  for  a house  for  a school  and  religious  worship.  This  was  on 
the  Big  Harpeth  near  William  Armstrong’s.  A church  and  school  was  built  on  Murfree’s 
Fork  of  Anderson’s  Big  Spring  at  about  the  same  time.  This  was  built  on  the  lands  of 
John  Pope  and  Samuel  Akin.  John  Moore  and  James  Patten  were  made  trustees. 

The  first  trustees  of  Owen  Hill  Female  Academy  were  appointed  November  22,  1850. 
They  were  William  Burner,  W.  M.  M.  Huley,  J.  P.  Allison,  E.  L.  Jordan,  J.  B.  Wilson, 
J.  Jordan  and  G.  C.  Kinman.  A public  school  was  built  on  the  lands  of  Thomas  Bu- 
chanan, in  1848.  The  trustees  were  S.  S.  Bradley,  F.  W.  Jordan  and  Robert  Carothers.  A 
schoolhouse  was  built  on  Nelson  Creek  in  1837.  The  first  trustees  appointed  were  Nelson 
Fields,  G.  Vernon,  David  Hampton,  William  Fields,  Henry  Jenkins  and  A.  Carmichael. 

College  Grove  was  founded  in  1861.  It  is  still  a very  flourishing  school.  Its  first 
trustees  were  W.  Jordan,  W.  W.  Healey,  A.  G.  Scales,  J,  L.  Casey  and  J.  P.  Allison. 

The  public  school  system  as  organized  under  the  new  constitution  was  put  into  oper- 
ation in  1872.  It  was  several  years  before  their  efficiency  became  very  marked  owing  to  a 
lack  of  schoolliouses  and  funds  for  paying  teachers.  Aside  from  private  schools  or 


806 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


schools  disconnected  with  the  public  school  system  the  schools  of  Williamson  are  divided 
into  graded  schools,  consolidated  schools  and  ungraded  common  schools.  The  graded 
school  as  here  used  means  schools  in  which  the  teacher  has  succeeded  in  arranging  pupils  |j 
in  classes  with  regard  to  their  advancement  and  kinds  of  text-books  without  reference  to 
the  number  of-  rooms  in  the  building  in  which  schools  are  taught.  The  ungraded  schools 
are  those  in  which  the  teacher  has  not  succeeded  in  eliminating  text-books  of  different 
kinds  from  the  school,  in  consequence  of  which  pupils  pursue  the  same  studies  of  th- 
same  advancement,  but  having  different  text-books  require  different  classes.  The  consol 
idated  schools  are  those  in  which  the  expenses  of  management  are  met  by  the  public  funds 
and  by  private  subscription.  The  benefit  derived  from  consolidated  schools  is  that  the 
school  terms  are  made  much  longer.  The  most  of  the  consolidated  schools  are  incorpor- 
ated under  the  “ four  mile  law; ” the  result  of  which  is  that  whisky  is  driven  from  the 
county  except  in  incorporated  towns.  In  the  following  schools  three  teachers  are  em- 
ployed: Trinity,  Nolensville,  Owen’s  Station  and  College  Grove.  The  following  schocls 
are  consolidated  schools:  Trinity,  Nolensville,  College  Grove,  Owen’s  Station,  Triune,  ! 
Forest  Hill,  Hillsboro,  Douglas  Church,  Mount  Carmel,  Perkins’  School  and  Boyd’s  Mill 
School.  From  the  superintendent's  report  for  both  1884  and  1885  it  is  learned  that  the 
scholastic  population  in  1885  was  male,  white,  2,880;  colored,  2,154;  female,  white,  2,164; 
colored,  2,076.  Total  scholastic  population  for  1884,  9,874.  The  same  for  1885  shows 
males,  white,  2,997;  female,  2,790;  colored,  male,  2,245,  female,  2,168.  Total  of  both. 
10,200.  As  a comparison  the  scholastic  population  for  1839,  which  of  course  did  not  include 
colored,  was  only  4,456.  Out  of  the  above  enumeration  the  total  enrollment  of  whites  and 
colored  for  1884  was  5,529,  and  ..the  daily  attendance  was  3,376.  The  same  item  for  1881 
shows  an  enrollment  of  5,204,  and  a daily  attendance  of  3,444.  The  total  number  of  while 
schools  for  1884  were  51;  colored,  20.  The  number  for  1885  was  54  and  28,  respectively 
The  total  length  of  schools  in  days  in  1884  was  108,  and  in  1885,  as  per  report,  104.  The 
total  amount  of  funds  expended  for  1884  was  $17,764.90;  for  1885  it  was  $20,683.21.  01 
these  amounts  there  was  expended  for  teachers’  salaries  for  1884  $11,610.75,  and  in  1885 
$13,557.35.  The  schools  of  Williamson  County  are  growing  in  efficiency  and  favor. 

The  Tennessee  Female  College  of  Franklin  was  founded  in  1856.  One  of  the  princi 
pal  men  engaged  in  establishing  this  school  was  John  Marshall.  A magnificent  building  1 
was  erected  and  able  instructors  were  employed.  The  school  soon  took  a high  rank 
among  the  educational  institutions  of  the  land.  The  school  has  had  a continuous  and 
prosperous  course  except  for  a brief  period.  The  school  finally  fell  into  the  hands  of  Bis- 
hop Hargrove, of  the  Methodist  Church.  The  buildings  were  recently  purchased  by  Prof. 
Edgerton,  who  has  been  conducting  a successful  school  in  all  the  departments  for  the  last 
year.  In  March,  1886,  the  beautiful  buildings  were  consumed  by  fire,  to  the  great  mis- 
fortune of  Prof.  Edgerton  and  the  community.  The  school  was  transferred  to  a large 
private  house,  where  the  school  year  was  finished.  The  school  for  1886  closed  with  the 
“ Thirty-sixth  Annual  Commencement,”  at  which  nine  young  ladies  were  graduated.  It 
is  a pleasing  fact  to  know  that  the  arrangements  have  been  consummated  for  the  rebuild 
ing  of  this  institute,  and  it  will  again  open  for  work  in  September,  1886. 

The  Baptist  Church  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  church  organized  in  the  county 
as  a record  of  Harpeth  Baptist  Church  is  found  in  1803.  It  is  claimed  it  was  built  in  1800. 

It  is  known  to  the  public  as  Old  Harpeth  Church.  Among  the  first  members  of  this  church 
were  Andrew  Goff  and  wife.  This  old  church  stood  about  four  miles  from  Franklin 
Liberty  is  the  name  of  another  Baptist  Church  in  the  county.  This  also  yvas  standing  as 
early  as  1803,  and  how  mnch  earlier  is  unknown.  Owing  to  a division  this  veryr  popular 
branch  has  been  greatly  weakened  in  this  county.  The  division  on  the  question  of  mis- 
sions led  to  the  two  branches  known  as  Old  or  Primitive  Baptists  and  the  Missionary 
Baptists.  There  was  formerly  a Baptist  Church  in  the  Perkins’  neighborhood,  but  it  no 
longer  stands.  The  Baptist  Church  in  Franklin  was  organized  in  1839,  and  an  excellent 
brick  church  erected  in  1849.  From  lack  of  numbers  preaching  is  not  maintained  regu 
larly  by  this  denomination. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


807 


The  Presbjderian  Church  at  Franklin  was  organized  January  8,  1811.  by  Rev.  Gideon 
i Blackburn.  The  elders  chosen  at  this  time  were  Alexander  White,  Samuel  Moore,  E. 
Hamilton  and  Robert  Harris.  There  were  at  that  time  forty-six  lay  members  and  an 
addition  of  seventeen  was  made  the  same  year  and  thirty-seven  in  1812.  Dr.  Blackburn 
remained  in  charge  of  the  church  except  the  interval  of  1817  till  1824.  In  1817  Rev.  David 
Wise  was  called  to  the  charge.  The  first  report  to  Presbytery  in  1818  showed  a member- 
ship of  ninety-three.  Dr.  Blackburn  only  gave  from  one-fourth  to  one-half  his  time  to 
the  church  at  Franklin.  In  1818  Dr.  Blackburn  and  Rev.  J.  T.  Hamilton  both  worked  on 
the  charge.  On  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Blackburn  his  son,  Rev.  J.  N.  Blackburn,  had 
, charge  of  the  church  a number  of  years.  In  1826  Rev.  Rob  Henderson  was  employed, 
who  gave  three-fourths  of  his  time  to  the  church  at  Franklin.  In  1832  Rev.  R.  H.  Lilly 
was  employed;  about  this  time  there  were  twenty-six  additions  to  the  church.  Rev.  M. 
M.Marshall  took  charge  in  1834  and  remained  till  1837,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  A.H. 
DesheiJ.who  remained  till  1840.  In  1840  R.  A.  Garrison  became  pastor  and  served  till  1843. 
The  church  at  that  time  numbered  132  communicants.  The  following  were  the  elders  who 
for  their  long  service  are  mentioned:  A.  Park,  T.  F.  Adkison,  William  O’N.  Perkins  and 
Don  Cameron.  In  1843  Rev.  A.  FT.  Cunningham  became  pastor  and  served  till  1858,  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Ira  Morey,  who  resigned  and  died  in  1864.  Among  the  pastors 
Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn  is,  perhaps,  best  known.  Many  distinguished  men  as  lay  mem- 
bers here  belonged  to  this  church.  Gilbert  Marshall  served  as  clerk  of  the  session  from 
1824  to  1852.  This  church  suffered  the  misfortunes  of  the  war,  and  after  the  battle  of 
Franklin  this  house  was  taken  as  a hospital  by  the  Federals,  during  which  time  it  w'as 
greatly  damaged.  The  first  pastor  after  the  war  was  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Rosser.  The  first 
church  built  in  the  place  was  built  by  the  Presbyterians,  around  which  many  historic 
events  cluster.  The  present  church  edifice  at  “ Five  Points  ” was  erected  in  1842. 

In  addition  to  the  church  at  Franklin,  the  Presbyterians  have  an  old  established 
organization  at  Little  Harpeth:  also  one  at  the  ridge  called  Ridge  Church. 

The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  in  Franklin  was  organized,  in  1871,  with  seven- 
teen or  eighteen  members,  by  the  Rev.  Gill,  of  Kentucky.  The  members  worshiped  at 
other  churches  till  1876,  when  they  erected  a very  elegant  church  on  Main  Street  at  an 
outlay  of  nearly  $8,000,  but  of  value  of  nearly  $10,000.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  with 
Masonic  ceremonies  and  the  dedicatory  sermon  preached  June  3,  1876.  This  is  one  of  the 
finest  churches  in  the  city.  This  denomination  is  not  strong  numerically,  yet  the  regular 
church  services  are  kept  up. 

The  first  Cumberland  Church  built  in  the  county  was  erected  at  Mount  Carmel  on  the 
Lewisburg  Pike  about  ten  or  twelve  miles  from  Franklin.  October  27,  1827,  Allen  Bugg 
made  a deed  to  three  and -one-half  acres  of  land  to  T.  E.  Kirkpatrick,  C.  Walker,  Newton 
Wall  and  W.  W.  Bond,  as  trustees  of  the  Cumberland  Church.  The  old  house  has  long 
since  been  replaced  by  a new  one.  There  is  still  a good  organization  maintained  at 
Mount  Carmel. 

At  a very  early  period  in  the  history  of  Cumberland  Presbyterianism  a church  was 
•built  near  where  Pleasant  Hill  now  stands.  This  was  a Union  Church  built  by  the  Meth- 
odists and  Cumberlands,  but  it  soon  after  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Methodists.  The 
ground  was  deeded  by  Moses  Cator  to  Stephen  Stockett  and  G.  W.  Armstrong,  N.  Mitchell 
and  Joseph  Manley.  There  is  still  a good  congregation  at  Pleasant  Hill. 

Hills  Camp  Ground  was  an  old  Cumberland  camp  ground.  The  families  of  David 
and  Robert  Hill  and  William  Byres  were  members  of  the  congregation  at  this  place.  The 
camp  grounds  were  established  about  1832.  Huts  were  built  and  an  open  court  or  an 
arbor  was  arranged  for  the  worshipers.  There  were  at  one  time  115  professors  of  religion 
at.  this  place  and  sixty  at  another.  A house  of  worship  was  afterward  built  at  Hills. 

The  church  at  McKay  was  built  mainly  through  the  efforts  of  William  and  John 
McKay.  It  was  built  about  1855  and  has  a beautiful  location  and  is  in  a prosperous  condi- 
tion. West  Harpeth  Church  was  built  on  lands  deeded,  in  April,  1857,  to  J.  Adams,  G.W. 
Mayberry  and  J.  B.  Carl,  as  trustees  of  West  Harpeth.  The  leading  families  belonging  to 
West  Harpeth  were  the  Binghams  and  Grays. 


808 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Moore’s  Chapel  was  built  through  the  instrumentality  of  Mrs.  Moore.  This  building 
was  erected  about  1850.  There  is  a Cumberland  Presbyterian  parsonage  and  a strong 
church  at  Bellview  about  nine  miles  from  Franklin  on  the  Murfreesboro  Pike.  This  is  one 
of  the  strongest  congregations  in  the  county.  The  pastor  of  Bellview  usually  preaches  to  |j 
the  congregation  at  College  Grove,  where  there  is  an  organization  but  no  house  of  wor- 
ship belonging  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians.  The  Cumberland  Presbyterians  also  | 
have  organizations  at  Pleasant  Dale,  Boiling  Springs  and  Nolensville. 

The  beginning  of  Methodism  in  Williamson  County  dates  back  to  near  the  beginning 
of  the  present  century.  The  first  conference  held  in  Franklin  was  on  October  20,  1816, 
the  presiding  bishops  being  Robert  R.  Roberts  and  Enoch  George.  This  was  held  in  a 
schoolhouse  near  where  the  old  Methodist  Church  afterward  stood.  Among  the  early 
members  were  Thomas  Olds,  wife  and  daughter;  William  Johnson  and  wife,  Sarah;  Will- 
iam Davis,  Mrs.  Foster,  Henry  Eelbeck,  Caleb  Maury  and  wife,  William  Manning  and 
sons,  Mrs.  Abram  Maury  and  Mrs.  James  Park.  The  first  church  built  in  Franklin  was 
built  on  a lot  deeded  by  James  Russell  to  J.  W.  McConan,  E.  T.  Collins,  James  Park,  Rob- 
ert Davis,  H.  R.  W.  Hill,  Hugh  McCabe,  William  Johnson,  Richard  Swanson  and  T.  L. 
Douglas  on  September  18,  1827,  as  trustees.  This  was  a brick  house,  and  stood  on  what 
was  formerly  called  Water  Street,  near  Mill  Street.  The  Methodists  of  Franklin  now  have 
an  elegant  house  of  worship,  and  maintain  a pastor  and  own  a parsonage.  Their  report 
shows  a membership  of  367,  and  they  have  a Sunday-school  of  155  pupils.  This  church  has 
given  to  foreign  missions  within  the  last  year  $253.55,  and  pays  its  pastor,  Rev.  J.  E.  Har- 
rison, a salary  of  $1,000. 

Douglas  Circuit  consists  of  four  churches:  Thompson  Station,  Bethel,  Colis  Chapel 
and  Douglas.  Douglas  Church,  near  the  old  Douglas  Camp  Ground,  was  built  in  1853. 
The  trustees  at  that  time  were  L.  Henderson,  J.  Hughes,  J.  Cove,  J.  W.  Williams,  Joseph 
Barnett,  P.  M.  Hughes  and  Frank  Hardeman.  The  old  camp  ground  was  established 
about  1827,  and  in  1836  was  made  a voting  precinct.  The  total  strength  of  the  circuit 
in  membership  is  386,  and  Sunday-school  pupils  175.  This  circuit  has  contributed  $152.35 
to  foreign  missions,  and  pays  its  pastor,  Rev.  W.  B.  Lowry,  a salary  of  $650,  and  owns  its 
parsonage. 

College  Grove  Circuit  contains  two  churches.  The  pastor  is  Rev.  J.  A.  McFerrin, 
The  total  membership  of  the  two  churches  is  230.  The  pastor  is  furnished  a parsonage 
and  receives  a salary  of  $600.  The  circuit  has  furnished  $80  to  missionary  funds,  ami  has 
120  Sunday-school  pupils. 

Brentwood  Circuit  has  two  churches:  Brentwood  and  Johnson  Station,  with  a mem 
bership  of  258,  and  of  Sunday-school  pupils  110.  It  owns  a parsonage  and  pays  its  pas- 
tor a salary  of  $400,  and  contributed  last  year  $128  to  the  missionary  fund.  The  first 
church  at  Brentwood  was  built  in  1857.  The  trustees  were  Robert  Reams,  T.  JI.  Odea, 
S.  B.  Frost,  D.  L.  Drake  and  Stephep  Tucker. 

The  Bethesda  Circuit  has  four  churches  and  a membership  of  384,  and  130  Sunday- 
school  scholars.  The  churches  have  given  $128.95  to  foreign  missions  within  the  last 
year.  They  own  their  own  parsonage  and  pay  their  pastor.  Rev.  Id.  O.  Moore,  $380 
Bethesda  is  one  of  the  old  churches  of  the  county.  The  first  church  was  built  in  1839. 
The  trustees  were  W.  Lavender,  John  McCurdy,  Mark  L.  Andrews,  H.  H.  Horton,  J. 
Fisher,  H.  G.  Padgett,  J.  L Morris,  H.  C.  Horton  and  Blythe  Spratt. 

Harpeth  Station  Circuit  has  two  churches.  It  has  a membership  of  244,  has  139  Sun- 
day-school pupils,  contributes  $116.25  to  foreign  missions  and  pays  its  pastor,  R.  P.  Ran- 
som, $400.  Harpeth  was  built  in  1847.  Its  trustees  were  Gideon  Ratcliff,  Richard  Swan- 
son, Richard  Reed,  Sandford  Allen,  Phillip  Burgh,  Isham  Lamb  and  H.  B.  North. 

Pope  and  Mount  Zion  Circuit,  of  which  Rev.  John  Burnett  has  charge,  has  a member 
ship  of  175,  has  thirty  Sunday-school  pupils,  pays  its  pastor  a salary  of  $250,  and  has  given 
$45  the  last  year  for  the  missionary  cause.  The  church  at  Pope’s  is  an  old  organization. 
Its  first  trustees  were  Samuel  Akin,  John  Moore  and  James  Patton. 

The  Nolensville  charge  contains  three  churches,  under  charge  of  Rev.  W.  T.  Rowland, 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


809 


jvho  receives  a salary  of  $450.  The  membership  of  this  charge  number  864,  and  Sunday- 
school  pupils  180,  who  haye  contributed  to  the  missionary  fund,  $186.55. 

The  Bethlehem  and  White  Circuit  consist  of  two  churches  under  R.  E.  Travis,  with 
i membership  of  203  and  forty-two  Sunday-school  pupils.  These  churches  have  con- 
itributed  $30.75  to  missions,  and  pay  their  pastor  a salary  of  $400. 

jjFernvale  Circuit  contains  four  churches  under  Rev.  J.  W.  Kitchen,  whose  salary 
s $125.  The  mission  fund  of  this  charge  is  $5._  The  number  of  membership  is  310; 
Sunday-school  pupils,  130.  There  are  in  the  county  10  pastors,  25  churches,  6 par- 
sonages, and  a membership  of  2,921.  The  following  is  a list  of  the  elders  given  in  order: 
M.  Lindsey,  B.  McHenry,  T.  L.  Douglas,  William  McMahan,  Rob  Paine,  James  McFerrin, 
Louis  Garrett,  James  McFerrin,  G.  D.  Taylor,  T.  L.  Douglas,  H.  E.  Pitt,  A.  L.  P.  Green, 
A.  F.  Driskill,  A.  S.  Riggs,  A.  L.  P.  Green,  W.  Burr,  R.  P.  Ransom  R.  K.  Hargrave,  J. 
W.  Hill  and  T.  A.  Kesley.  Early  pastors  were  A.  Monroe,  William  Adams,  R.  W.  Morris, 
Thomas  Madden,  H.  H.  Brown,  Rob  Paine,  R.  Ledbetter,  F.  P.  Scruggs  and  J.  B. 
.VlcFerrin. 

The  first  preaching  by  the  Christians  in  Williamson  County  was  in  September,  1833, 
oy  Revs.  A.  Craig  and  Joel  Anderson.  Soon  after  this  the  county  was  visited  by  the  cele- 
orated  Alexander  Campbell.  A meeting  of  several  days  duration  was  held  by  Revs. 
Absalom  Adams  and  Tolbert  Fanning,  at  which  there  were  fifteen  professions  and  an 
organization  of  seventeen  members  effected.  There  was  not  much  change  in  numbers  till 
1837,  when  Rev.  Tolbert  Fanning  settled  in  Franklin  and  remained  till  1841.  In  that  year 
James  C.  Anderson  became  pastor  of  the  church  in  Franklin,  and  soon  after  there  was  an 
addition  of  about  thirty  members.  In  1843  Rev.  Adolphus  Morse,  of  the  Western  Reserve, 
Ohio,  was  called  to  take  charge  of  the  church,  and  remained  about  one  year.  Several 
neetings  were  held  in  1844  by  Revs.  Wharton  and  Jones,  of  Nashville,  and  seven  additions 
were  made  to  the  church;  also  on  April  15  of  that  year  Rev.  W.  J.  Barbee  became  pastor, 
[n  the  year  1844  the  church  was  visited  by  Revs.  Ferguson,  Smith  and  Jones.  Notwith- 
standing the  difficulties  in  presenting  and  establishing  the  new  doctrine  it  soon  took  a 
leep  hold  upon  the  minds  of  the  people.  Unfortunately,  some  domestic  difficulties  em- 
barrassed the  church  for  a time,  yet  in  1845  the  membership  at  Franklin  numbered  100 
nembers,  48  males  and  52  females.  Worship  was  generally  held  in  private  houses  till 
1851,  when  an  elegant  church  was  erected.  At  a church  meeting  held  April  18,  1849,  it  was 
•esolvedto  erect  a house  of  worship,  and  voluntary  subscriptions  were  offered  at  once  for 
ibout  $1,500.  The  house  is  a brick  structure  about  40x60  feet,  and  is  elegantly  furnished. 
A baptistry  has  recently  been  added  to  the  building.  The  names  of  the  Campbells,  the 
>aigs,  the  Kirkpatricks,  Cayces,  Bennetts,  are  closely  connected  with  the  interest  of  the 
Christian  Church.  The  membership  of  this  popular  denomination  is  now  about  340. 

The  church  at  Leiper  For  k,  or  Hillsboro,  wasorganized  about  1840.  Among  the  early 
ninisters  there  was  Rev.  A.  Morse,  who  preached  there  in  1843.  Owing  to  a difficulty 
Detween  him  and  some  of  the  members  he  did  not  long  remain.  This  is  now  a very 
strong  and  flourishing  congregation.  The  Christians  have  a good  church  at  Thompson 
Station,  the  organization  dating  back  to  about  1845.  The  Thompsons  and  Hamiltons  were 
eading  members  of  this  church.  Boston  also  is  one  of  the  oldest  organizations  in  the 
bounty.  There  is  also  a large  church  at  Owen’s  Chapel,  a church  at  Berea,  built  in  1880, 
ind  a new  house  of  worship  at  Peytonsville,  erected  in  1885-86.  They  also  have  a church 
Duilding  and  an  organization  at  Riggs,  Cross  Roads,  and  a church  organization  at  South 
Sarpeth  and  Hill’s 'Chapel.  This  influential  denomination  has  a membership  of  from 
1,200  to  1,500  in  the  county. 

The  St.  Paul’s  Episcopal  Church,  of  Franklin,  was  organized  August  25,  1827,  at  the 
Masonic  Hall.  The  following  were  elected  wardens  or  vestrymen:  Thomas  Maney,  senior 
garden;  Thomas  Hardeman,  junior  warden;  William  Anderson,  B.  S.  Tappan  and  Peter  N. 
Smith, vestrymen.  Rev.  J.  H.  Otey  was  chosen  first  rector,  which  position  he  held  till  No- 
vember 23,  1835,  at  which  time  he  resigned.  Steps  were  taken  in  1831  for  the  erection  of  a 
:hurch  edifice,  for  which  purpose  B.  S.  Tappan  and  Thomas  Hardeman  were  chosen  a 


810 


HISTOEY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


committee  on  building.  The  committee  was  instructed  to  proceed  to  the  erection  of  a 
building  if  the  same  could  be  done  at  a cost  not  to  exceed  $3,000.  The  matter  was  dropped 
until  1834,  when  a new  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Dickson,  Hardeman  and 
Baldwin,  were  ordered  to  proceed  with  the  building,  the  church  in  the  meantime  having 
received  $550  from  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  The  corner-stone  of  the  church  had 
been  laid  on  Tuesday,  June  38,  1831,  by  Rev.  Bishop  Meade,  of  Virginia. 

On  the  resignation  of  Rector  Otey,  Rev.  N.  Watson  Monroe  was  called,  followed  by 
H.  T.  Leacock,  and  he  by  W.  P.  Sanders,  and  he  by  L.  S.  Sherwell.  J.W.  Rogers  was 
called  in  1845,  and  Rev.  A.  S.  Royce  in  1854.  Rev.  E.  Bradley  became  rector  in  18(19, 
and  remained  till  August,  1873,  when  Rev.  G.  N.  James,  became  rector.  On  the  death  of  J 
Rector  James,  August  16,  1881,  Rev.  Charles  M.  Gray  was  called  and  took  charge  Jan- 
uary 8,  1883.  In  1870  a neat  rectory  was  built  adjoining  the  church  edifice.  The  num- 
ber of  communicants  of  the  church  is  not  large. 


GEOGRAPHICALLY  speaking  Rutherford  County  occupies  the  exact  center  of  the 
State,  and  almost  the  exact  center  of  Middle  Tennessee.  Few  if  any  vertical  sec- 
tions of  any  great  depth  have  been  made,  and  it  is  believed  no  record  has  been  kept.  TV- 
county  embraces  an  area  of  over  500  square  miles,  the  outcrop  being  blue  limestone  and 
shales.  It  is  what  geologists  term  lower  Silurian.  It  is  probable  that  the  depth  of  this 
formation  extends  from  500  to  1,000  feet  with  occasional  thin  strata  of  other  formations. 

The  soil  of  this  county  is  exceedingly  fertile,  being  either  of  a black  or  brownish  red 
color;  the  latter  color  is  doubtless  due  to  the  iron  oxides  contained  in  it.  Although  there 
are  many  places  where  the  ground  is  apparently  covered  with  stone,  yet  by  careful  hus- 
bandry there  are  few  places  that  cannot  be  made  to  yield  a rich  harvest  to  the  careful  and 
industrious  husbandman.  Fields  that  have  been  cultivated  for  nearly  a century,  and  are 
apparently  worn  out  by  the  cultivation  of  corn  and  cotton,  are  soon  reclaimed  by  a few 
years’  growth  of  red  clover,  or  by  seeding  in  the  blue-grass  make  excellent  grazing  lands. 

The  native  growth  of  timber  embraces  almost  every  kind  grown  in  the  temperate  cli- 
mate. The  native  trees  that  are  valuable  in  the  markets  are  oak,  hickory,  walnut,  poplar  and 
cedar,  vast  quantities  of  the  latter  being  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  county,  and  until  within 
the  last  few  decades  was  almost  the  exclusive  article  of  produce  for  the  market;  an  ! 
it  is  still  more  largely  cultivated  than  any  other  one  thing,  yet  large  quantities  of  wheat 
and  corn  are  raised.  The  production  of  these  three  articles  is  almost  marvelous  in  some 
instances  with  a suitable  season.  The  intelligent  farmer  has  learned  the  necessity  of  a 
rotation  in  crops  for  the  improvement  of  the  land  and  to  guard  against  over  production  in 
some  articles  and  the  necessary  consequence — dull  prices  for  that  article.  His  crops  are 
now  more  varied,  more  wheat  and  corn  and  pasture  lands.  This  brings  about  a necessity 
for  more  stock,  and  such  is  now  seen.  The  county  is  now  largely  engaged  in  bpedmg 
fine  horses,  cattle  and  sheep.  These  are  bringing  rich  rewards  to  those  so  engaged.  Large 
quantities  of  rye,  oats,  barley,  tobacco,  potatoes,  hay,  peas,  beans,  wool,  butter  and  cheese 
are  also  produced.  The  product  of  the  orchard  and  garden  embraces  everything  from  the 
smallest  and  sweetest  berry  to  the  finest  apple.  The  quantity  is  only  limited  by  the  effort 
of  the  producer. 

The  east  fork  of  Stone  River  enters  this  county  near  Reddyville  in  the  eastern  pail 
of  the  county  and  flows  almost  in  a northwest  direction  through  its  entire  course.  It 
forms  a part  of  the  boundary  line  between  Districts  Nos.  17  and  19;  from  19  it  receives 
Andrew  and  McKnight  Creeks  as  tributaries.  At  the  corners  of  Districts  Nos.  17,  19 


COUNTY. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


811 


and  22,  it  receives  Cripple  Creek  (named  from  an  accident  befalling  a man  while  crossing 
it)  as  a tributary;  this  with  its  branches  rises  mainly  in  District  No.  22.  Stone  River 
passes  through  the  central  part  of  District  No.  22,  and  near  the  western  part  receives  Cave 
Creek  from  the  south  and  Bradley  Creek  from  the  north.  The  last  named  with  Stone 
River  forms  the  boundary  line  between  Districts  Nos.  22  and  15.  Near  the  central  part  of 
District  No.  21  it  receives  Bushman  Creek.  Stone  River  then  forms  the  boundary  line 
between  Districts  Nos.  15  and  5 on  the  north,  and  Districts  Nos.  22,  21,  9 and  6 on  the 
south,  where  it  unites  with  the  west  fork  of  Stone  River. 

The  west  fork  enters  this  county  near  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county,  and  forms 
a part  of  the  boundary  between  Districts  Nos.  21  and  25;  at  the  northern  extremity  of  Dis- 
trict No.  25  it  receives  the  waters  of  Long  Creek,  which  is  the  boundary  line  between  Dis- 
trict No.  25  on  the  east  and  Districts  Nos.  20  and  11  on  the  west.  The  main  stream  forms 
the  boundary  between  Districts  Nos.  18  and  11;  near  the  center  of  District  No.  11  it 
receives  the  waters  of  Lytle  Creek,  and  near  the  center  of  District  No.  11  it  receives  a 
tributary  of  its  own  name.  The  head  waters  of  the  last  named  is  called  Dry  Fork.  West 
fork  passes  through  Districts  Nos.  13  and  9;  near  Florence  Station  it  receives  the  waters 
of  Armstrong  Creek,  the  two  branches,  east  and  west  fork,  unite,  and  form  one  stream 
near  Jefferson.  The  river  passes  out  of  the  county  in  a northwest  direction;  from  the 
south  on  the  boundary  of  Districts  Nos.  6 and  2 it  receives  Stewart  Creek.  Stone  River 
was  discovered  and  explored  as  far  as  Jefferson  by  Gen.  Uriah  Stone  and  four  men  in 
1794.  It  was  for  Stone  that  the  river  was  named.  Other  streams  in  the  county  were 
named  in  honor  of  prominent  families. 

Previous  to  1780  the  Indians  held  undisputed  sway  in  this  county.  The  old  trace 
leading  from  Nashville  to  Chattanooga  is  yet  to  be  seen.  Along  this  route  the  Choctaws, 
Chickasaws,  and  particularly  the  Cherokees,  held  undisputed  sway  from  time  immemorial. 
Soldiers  sent  out  by  Gen.  Robertson  went  as  far  as  Black  Fox  Camp  Spring  in  1793.  In 
1794  Orris  expedition,  sent  out  by  Gen.  Robertson,  followed  the  trace  by  way  of  Murfrees- 
boro, and  September  7,  1794,  camped  near  Black  Fox’s  Spring.  This  expedition  extended 
as  far  as  Nickajack,  where  the  Indians  were  defeated.  Few  Indian  troubles  occurred  after 
that  time.  The  first  settlers  in  the  county  were  mainly  from  Virginia  and  North  Carolina. 
Those  coming  from  Virginia  came  mainly  by  water  by  way  of  the  Ohio  and  Cumberland 
Rivers;  those  coming  from  North  Carolina  over  the  mountains  on  pack-horses.  The  par- 
ent State,  North  Carolina,  as  an  inducement  to  have  the  lands  on  the  “ Cumberland  ” set- 
tled up,  offered  640  acres  to  each  head  of  a family  who  would  live  upon  the  land;  hence 
the  large  number  of  640-acre  grants. 

Samuel  Wilson,  grandfather  of  Col.  Jetton,  is  said  to  have  visited  the  vicinity  of  Jef- 
ferson as  early  as  1788-89,  and  marked  out  lands.  He  soon  after  returned  with  his  family 
and  settled  at  Wilson  Shoals  on  Stone  River.  He  has  the  honor  of  having  planted  the 
first  corn  within  the  forks  of  Stone  River;  also  of  having  killed  the  last  elk  in  the  county, 
near  Murfree  Spring.  He  left  a large  and  respectable  family  and  died  in  1827,  and  was 
buried  with  the  honors  of  war  near  where  the  United  States  Cemetery  now  is.  Thomas 
Nelson,  Thomas  Howell  and  William  Adkinson  settled  near  Stewart  Creek.  Col.  Robert 
Weakley  and  Robert  Bedford  each  owned  grants  at  the  confluence  of  the  east  and  west 
forks  of  Stone  River.  These  lands  were  taken  up  previous  to  1800.  It  was  largely 
through  the  influence  of  these  two  men  that  the  first  seat  of  justice  was  located  at  Jeffer- 
son. William  Nash,  who,  with  Col.  Weakley,  surveyed  the  line  separating  Rutherford 
from  Davidson,  is  said  to  have  owned  the  first  store  in  the  county.  It  was  he  who  admin- 
istered the  oath  of  office  to  the  justices  of  the  first  county  court.  Nimrod  Menifee  settled 
the  land  now  marked  by  the  United  States  Cemetery.  The  place  is  marked  by  two  historic 
events,  one  the  opening  of  the  second  year  of  the  couuty  courts,  and  the  other,  fifty-seven 
years  later,  within  a few  days,  the  opening  of  the  second  year  of  the  war  and  with  it  one 
of  the  bloodiest  battles  of  modern  times.  Robert  Overall  settled  near  Overall  Creek,  to 
which  his  name  was  given.  His  family  has  been  prominent  in  the  history  of  the  county 
since  its  inception. 


812 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE 


Another  early  settler  in  that  vicinity  was  Capt.  Richard  Ransom,  who  came  from 
North  Carolina  in  1810  and  settled  near  the  head  of  Overall  Creek.  Rev.  James  Bow- 
man was  another  settler  in  that  vicinity,  and  was  one  of  the  early  ministers  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  Each  of  the  last  was  the  head  of  a large  family.  Charles  Ready  settled 
near  Readyville,  to  which  his  name  was  given.  He  settled  in  the  county  about  1800,  and 
was  one  of  the  seven  justices  that  constituted  the  first  court  in  Rutherford  County;  also 
he  was  one  of  the  seven  commissioners  to  select  a new  county  seat,  appointed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  in  October,  1811.  Of  all  these  he  was  last  to  die.  Thomas  Rucker,  an- 
other one  of  the  seven  justices,  lived  between  Murfreesboro  and  Jefferson;  his  place  came 
in  one  vote  of  being  made  the  county  seat,  instead  of  Murfreesboro.  Richard  Sanders 
and  family  came  from  North  Carolina  about  1806,  and  settled  on  Stone  River,  in  the 
neighborhood  called  “Raleigh.”  In  the  same  vicinity  were  the  Floyds,  Brashears, 
Wights  and  Goodloes.  Murfreesboro  marks  the  settlement  of  Capt.  William  Lytle. 

The  great  natural  feature  of  this  county  caused  more  good  mills  to  be  erected  at  an 
early  day  than  was  the  case  in  other  places.  A few  tread-mills  were  established  in  the 
county,  but  the  vast  majority  of  the  mills  were  propelled  by  water-power.  Thomas 
Rucker  built  a mill  on  his  place  called  the  “Cave”  Mill  in  1799.  Louis  Anthony’s  mill 
was  built  on  Stone  River,  adjoining  Henry  Gilham’s  place,  in  1804.  Cumming’s  and 
Smith  mills  each  existed  at  the  beginning  of  1804.  John  M.  Tilford  built  a grist  and 
saw-mill  on  the  west  fork  of  Stone  River,  near  the  Salem  Pike,  in  1814-15;  a distillery 
was  added  to  this  later.  Samuel  Tilford  built  a mill  ou  the  east  fork  in  1815.  David 
Dic.kman  built  a mill  on  the  west  fork  in  1809,  and  in  the  same  year  James  Rucker  built 
a cotton-gin,  the  first  in  the  count}’.  Rates  then  were  fixed  by  law  as  follows:  Dinner,  25 
cents;  supper  and  breakfast,  20  cents  each:  lodging.  8J-  cents;  horse,  with  corn  or  oats  and 
fodder,  334  cents;  oats,  per  gallon.  8J-  cents;  whisky,  one-half  pint,  12£  cents;  peach  bran- 
dy, one-half  pint,  13|  cents;  French  brandy,  rum  or  wine,  one-half  pint,  50  cents.  The 
following  kept  ordinaries  previous  to  1820:  William  Mitchell,  William  Nash,  Harvey 
Pope,  Charles  O’Flynn,  Hugh  Good,  James  Hill,  William  Hansbrough,  W.  R.  Hearn 
Thomas  Mayfield,  Peter  Williams,  William  Rather  and  T.  Goodrich. 

It  is  claimed  that  William  Nash  started  the  first  trade-store  in  the  county.  This  was 
near  Jefferson  about  1803.  The  usual  stock  in  trade  consisted  of  a few  articles  of  dry 
goods,  some  groceries,  a little  powder  and  lead  and  the  inevitable  barrel  of  whisky. 
Money  being  scarce  a system  of  exchange  was  instituted.  Large  ox  hides  were  rated  at 
about  $4;  inferior  ones  proportionately  less:  wolf  scalps,  at  $2.50  each,  receivable  for 
taxes;  deer  skins,  50  cents;  deer  “saddles,”  50  cents  per  pair;  ’coon  skins,  25  cents  each. 
These,  with  other  produce,  were  sent  to  New  Orleans  by  flat-boat,  a journey  requiring  a 
month  or  more  to  complete.  Dollars  were  frequently  cut  into  halves  or  quarters  and 
given  for  change,  hence  two  “bits,”  four  “bits,”  etc.  Food  consisted  solely  of  the  proa 
uct  of  the  farm  and  forest.  A little  corn  was  raised,  and  either  eaten  as  hominy  or  made 
into  an  indifferent  meal,  and  then  into  bread.  Turkey,  deer  and  elk  abounded;  hogs  were 
allowed  to  run  at  large,  and  when  wanted  were  hunted  down  and  shot;  clothing  was 
made  of  the  coarsest  homespun.  A maid  dressed  after  the  fashion  of  the  day  looked  as 
lovely  to  her  rustic  lover,  though  dressed  in  a homely  garb,  with  cheeks  aglow  with 
health,  as  does  now  the  belie  of  fashion,  in  her  silks  and  jewels,  to  her  gay  suitor. 

Articles  of  household  furniture  were  simple  and  plain.  Gourds  and  cows'  horns  were 
dressed,  and,  with  a handle  adjusted,  were  used  for  drinking  vessels.  Stills  were  as 
numerous  as  the  mills,  and  the  whisky  barrel  as  common  as  the  meal  tub.  Instead  of  the 
social  “glass”  of  the  more  refined  society,  they  were  simply  asked  to  take  a “horn,”  i.  e. 
a drink;  hence  the  origin  of  the  expression  “take  a horn.”  Dr.  Thomas  Norman  was 
born  on  the  night  following  the  completion  of  the  survey  of  the  county,  which  had  been 
assigned  to  William  Nash  and  Col.  Robert  Weakley,  consequently  he  was  the  first  child 
born  in  Rutherford  County. 

Black  Fox  Camp  Spring  was  a marked  place  during  the  Indian  troubles.  There  is  a 
beautiful  tradition  of  the  celebrated  Black  Fox,  who,  when  he  was  overpowered  by  his 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


813 


enemies,  rather  than  fall  into  their  hands,  leaped  into  the  spring  with  his  arms  and  sank 
from  sight.  The  story  would  have  been  incomplete  had  he  not  come  to  light  again,  and 
■ the  tradition  that  buried  him  brought  him  out  alive  at  Murfree  Spring.  About  three  miles 
from  Murfreesboro  is  the  old  Bradley  race  track,  which  was  a famous  resort  for  sportsmen 
j since  1820.  Col.  Robert  Smith  was  a prominent  figure  in  those  races.  Betting,  card  play- 
ing, and  the  usual  accompaniment  were  common  at  those  races.  Near  this  old  race  track 
is  the  old  Indian  dance  ground,  which  is  a circular  track  dug  out  of  the  earth  and  rock. 
Neither  history  nor  tradition  tells  of  its  origin. 

As  the  law  now  is,  counties  having  a population  of  between  7,000  and  10,000  must  be 
divided  into  7 civil  districts;  those  between  10,000  and  15,000  into  12  districts;  those  be- 
tween 15,000  and  20,000  into  15  districts;  those  having  from  20,000  to  25,000  into  17  districts; 
those  having  from  25,000  to  30,000  into  20  districts,  and  those  above  30,000  have  25  districts. 
These  are  numbered  by  the  ordinal  numbers.  Previous  to  the  constitutional  convention 
in  1834  the  districts  were  named  from  prominent  families,  as  Sanders,  Ready,  May  and 
Murphy  Districts.  The  first  divisions  -were  made  in  1804.  The  county  was  then  divided 
into  three  divisions.  Thomas  Rucker,  John  Howell  and  Thomas  Mitchell  were  ordered  to 
make  the  divisions.  The  first  was  made  by  a line  along  the  west  fork  of  Stone  Kiver  to 
the  most  westerly  branch  to  the  Indian  “trace;”  thence  along  the  “trace”  to  the  Wilson  Coun- 
ty line;  thence  along  the  county  line  to  Smith’s  mill;  thence  on  a line  to  Cummings’  mill; 
thence  to  the  place  of  beginning.  The  second  contained  all  west  of  the  river  to  the  western 
boundary.  The  third  all  north  of  the  road  leading  from  Smith’s  and  Cummings’  mill  and  east 
of  Stone  River.  James  Rucker,  James  Howell  and  William  Lytle  were  appointed  cotton 
inspectors,  each  for  his  own  warehouse  or  district.  Tobacco  inspectors  were  appointed  after 
the  manner  of  cotton  inspectors.  Polls  were  listed  and  taxes  assessed  in  the  various  parts  of 
the  county  by  the  justices  of  the  respective  districts.  The  heads  of  families,  when  not  over 
age,  were  enrolled  into  militia  companies,  and  they  were  listed  by  companies.  The  first  of 
this  kind  was  in  1805,  when  Justice  John  Hill  listed  Capt,  John  Smith’s  company;  William 
Nash  listed  Capt.  Samuel  McBride’s  company;  W.  M.  Searsey,  W.  W.  Searsey’s  company; 
William  Lytle,  Capt,  John  John’s  company;  William  Smith,  Capt.  O.  M.  Benge’s  com- 
pany, and  Charles  Ready,  Capt.  Alexander  McKnight’s  company.  These  companies  varied 
vith  the  population.  In  1806  the  captains  of  companies  were  as  follows:  Capts.  Alex  Mc- 
knight, Peter  Noe,  R.  Ready,  Henry  McCoy,  Nimrod  Junkins,  William  Robinson.  Thomas 
Yardley,  W.  M.  Searsey,  W.  A.  Sublett,  Samuel  McBride  and  John  Smith.  The  districts 
mentioned  above  have  been  subject  to  many  changes  since  1834,  as  well  as  before  that 
ime,  this  depending  upon  the  whims  and  conveniences  of  the  people.  The  county  court 
wery  few  years  makes  a slight  change  in  these,  so  many  having  been  made  that  it  would 
be  too  tedious  to  follow  all.  The  usual  price  paid  for  listing  up  to  1834  was  $20  to  each 
lister.  In  1818  the  captains  of  companies  were  Webb,  Miller,  Doaks,  Ganaway,  Sublett, 
VIorris,  Cook,  Fox,  Thomas,  Robertson,  Gilfins,  Todd,  Welton,  Moore,  Haley,  Hubbel, 
'arson,  Patton,  McKnight,  Thomas  Harris,  Elliott  and  A.  Harris.  In  1821  the  number 
uul  increased  to  twenty- three  companies,  and  in  1824  to  twenty-six.  The  number  in- 
creased yearly  till  1833,  when  the  number  had  reached  thirty-six  companies.  They  -were 
is  follow's:  Capts.  McGregor,  Stevens,  Saunders,  Clement,  Finney,  Ridley,  Ferguson, 
Hair,  Traylor,  Murphy,  Harris,  Barlow,  McLean,  Norman,  Parrish,  Blanton,  Hicks,  Lil- 
t'd, Edwards,  Osborn,  Thomas,  Mather,  Smith,  Bird,  Ivy,  Hale,  Newman,  Rowland, 
loover,  Robertson,  Fowler,  Knox,  Prewitt,  Yourie,  Barnett  and  Brown.  From  this  time 
n the  respect  and  enforcement  of  the  militia  laws  gradually  grew  into  neglect. 

This  county  was  organized  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  then  in  session  at  Knox- 
ille,  October  25,  1803,  but  the  courts  for  the  county  were  not  organized  till  January 
1804.  The  county  was  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Rutherford,  of  North  Carolina,  wTho 
:,as  known  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  also  in  contests  with  the  Indians  within  the 
onfines  of  this  county.  It  will  not  seem  strange  that  the  county  should  have  been  named 
a honor  of  a North  Carolinian,  when  it  is  remembered  that  previous  to  1796,  Tennessee 
.'as  a part  of  that  territory.  Rutherford  County  was  formerly  included  in  Davidson  and 

5 I 


814 


HISTORY  OB  TENNESSEE. 


Williamson  Counties.  The  dividing  line  was  “on  the  extreme  height  of  the  ridge  between 
Mill  Creek  and  Stone  River;  thence  southwardly  to  the  eastern  boundary  of  Williamson; 
thence  with  the  line  of  Williamson  to  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State;  thence  with  the 
State  line  east  to  the  corner  of  Wilson  County;  thence  with  the  Wilson  County  line  north  to 
the  corner  of  Wilson;  thence  with  the  line  of  Wilson  6£°  west  to  the  southwest  corner  of 
Wilson;  thence  a direct  course  to  the  mouth  of  Sugg  Creek;  thence  a direct  line  to  the 
place  of  beginning;  that  the  county  so  laid  off  on  the  east' and  southeast  of  the  waters  of 
Stone  River,  etc.,  be  known  and  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Rutherford.” 

The  same  act  that  created  the  county  also  ordered  the  county  board  (justices)  to  meet 
in  March,  June,  September  and  December  annually.  Rutherford  County  was  declared  a 
part  of  Mero  District.  By  an  act,  November  7,  1803,  Samuel  Weakley  and  William 
Nash  were  appointed  to  fix  the  boundary  line  between  Davidson  and  Rutherford  Coun- 
ties. By  an  act,  August  3,  1804,  John  Hill,  Frederick  Barfield,  Mark  Mitchell,  Alexander 
McBright  and  Peter  Legrand  were  appointed  to  select  a central  site  for  a seat  of  justice 
for  the  new  county.  They  were  to  receive  by  purchase  or  donation  forty  acres  of  laud 
upon  which  they  were  to  erect  or  cause  to  be  erected  a “ court  house,  prison  and  stocks;' 
to  lay  out  a town  to  be  named  by  the  commissioners;  lots  were  to  be  sold  at  auction  to 
the  highest  bidder;  lots  were  to  be  advertised  in  the  Tennessee  Gazette,  and  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  sale  to  be  used  in  the  building  of  the  court  house,  jail  and  stocks.  On  De- 
cember 3,  1807,  Bedford  County  was  cut  off  from  Rutherford,  thus  reducing  the  latter  to 
the  constitutional  limits.  Minor  changes  were  made  in  1815,  1837,  1843,  1844,  1848,  1851, 
1852,  1854,  1856,  1860,  1867,  1868,  1870,  1871,  1877,  1879  and  1883. 

The  above  named  board  selected  a site  within  the  forks  of  Stone  River  for  a county 
seat.  The  town  was  regularly  laid  out  having  about  150  town  lots  and  a Public  Square  on 
which  was  erected  a good  brick  court  house  which  stood  till  1835.  The  town  was  named 
Jefferson.  The  following  prison  bounds  were  established:  “ Beginning  at  the  junction  of 
the  east  and  west  fork  of  Stone  River  running  up  the  west  fork  of  said  river  at  low  water 
mark  to  the  first  cross  street;  thence  south  to  the  south  boundary  of  Main  Street;  thence 
east  with  said  boundary  so  as  to  include  the  Public  Square  to  a post  ten  poles  below  Mitch- 
ell’s ordinary  on  the  south  boundary  of  said  street;  thence  north  to  the  low  watermark 
of  the  east  fork  of  Stone  River;  thence  down  the  same  to  the  place  of  beginning.' 
Norton  Green  was  appointed  overseer  of  the  streets  and  Public  Square.  The  following 
were  among  the  first  purchasers  of  lots  in  Jefferson:  Peter  Cook,  Theophilus  CannoD, 
Joseph  Bennett,  William  Carlisle,  Harrison  Gilliam,  John  Bell,  Samuel  Bell,  Daniel  Per-  | 
guson,  J.  A.  Lewis,  George  Douglas,  Robert  Weakley,  William  Howell,  Thomas  Stone, 
H.  H.  Harris,  Norton  Green  and  Mark  Mitchell,  who  kept  the  first  ordinary  in  the  place. 
The  rich  farming  lands  surrounding  Jefferson  and  river  transportation  gave  it  a prospect  of 
becoming  an  important  commercial  emporium  at  no  distant  day.  Some  very  distinguished  j| 
men  attended  court  at  Jefferson,  among  whom  were  Felix  Grundy  and  Thomas  H.  Benlon. 
Dissatisfaction  arose  as  to  the  location  of  Jefferson  as  a seat  of  justice;  a more  central  loca- 
tion was  desired. 

October  17,  1811,  the  Legislature  appointed  Charles  Ready,  Hugh  Robinson,  Hans 
Hamilton,  James  Armstrong,  Owen  Edwards,  Jesse  Brashears  and  John  Thompson  com 
missioners  to  select  a permanent  seat  of  justice  for  the  county.  They  were  directed  to 
have  due  regard  to  good  water  and  a central  location.  Sixty  acres  of  land  were  to  be  pro- 
cured by  purchase  or  donation.  A struggle  was  made  to  secure  the  seat.  Readyville  | 
Rucker's  place,  Black  Fox  Spring  and  Capt.  William  Lytles’  place  were  offered.  The ; 
commissioners  visited  the  various  places  mentioned.  Charles  Ready  prepared  a sumptuous 
dinner,  the  Rev.  Henderson  delivered  an  address,  toasts  were  drank  and  strong  efforts 
were  made  to  have  Rucker’s  place  chosen.  The  commissioners  were  also  entertained  by  II 
Lytle,  where  the  vote  was  taken  on  his  proposition  to  donate  sixty  acres  of  land  south  of 
“ Murfree  Spring  Branch  ” to  the  commissioners.  The  vote  stood  Robinson,  Hamilton, 
Edwards  and  Thompson — four  in  favor  of  Lytle’s  offer.  The  opposition  led  by  Ready  had  j 
Armstrong,  Brashears  and  Ready — three  votes  in  favor  of  Rucker’s  place.  Such  was  , 
their  chagrin  at  their  defeat  that  they  refused  to  sign  the  deeds  to  the  lots  sold. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


815 


All  of  the  original  deeds  simply  bear  the  names  of  Hugh  Robinson,  Hans  Hamilton, 
John  Thompson  and  Owen  Edwards.  The  only  reserve  made  in  the  deed  was  a mutual 
understanding  that  Lytle  should  have  one  lot  redeeded  to  him.  This  was  accordingly 
done  and  the  commissioners  gave  the  lot  on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Square.  The  land 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  commissioners  was  a part  of  the  lands,  originally  entered  by  Will- 
iam Lytle  and  Archibald  Lytle.  The  sale  of  lots  was  advertised  in  the  Knoxville  and 
Nashville  Gazette  to  begin  on  June  12,  1812.  The  lots  sold  at  auction  and  were  disposed 
of  rapidly.  George  Smith  received  Lots  12  and  15  for  $116.25.  Other  purchasers  were 
Daniel  Dickinson,  William  Lytle,  Samuel  Wilson,  Henry  Tratt,  Robert  Jetton,  John  M. 
Tilford,  Wilson  Kerr,  Bennett  Smith,  James  Henderson,  Blackman  Coleman,  Fred  Bar- 
field,  Hezekiah  Cartwright,  William  Bowen,  Hugh  Montgomery  and  Abe  Thompson. 
The  commissioners  as  soon  as  a site  was  fixed  were  to  effect  the  removal  of  records  to  the 
new  site.  Two  acres  of  ground  near  the  center  of  the  seat  were  to  be  reserved,  on  which 
were  to  be  built  a court  house  and  stocks,  and  another  lot  near  was  for  a jail.  The  pro- 
ceeds of  the  sale  of  lots  were  for  the  erection  of  the  buildings  above  mentioned.  The  act 
of  January,  1812,  ordered  the  commissioners  to  report  to  the  county  court;  also  allowed 
the  commissioners  pay  for  services  rendered,  and  ordered  the  records  removed.  By  an  act 
of  November  15,  amending  an  act  of  October  17, 1811,  the  name  of  the  new  county  seat 
was  changed  from  Cannonsburg  to  “Murfreesborough.”  An  act  of  October  15, 1813,  made 
Joel  Childress,  Joel  Dyer,  J.  M.  Telford,  Abram  Thompson,  Alex  Carmichael,  B.  Gana- 
way  and  Blackman  Coleman  commissioners  of  Murfreesboro.  This  act  was  repealed  in 
September,  1813,  and  seven  others  were  elected  by  the  people.  An  act  of  November  5, 
1813,  ordered  elections  to  be  held  at  Murfreesboro  instead  of  Black  Fox  Camp;  they  were 
also  to  be  held  at  Readyville  and  at  James  Johnson’s  house. 

The  first  court  house  built  in  the  county  was  at  JefEerson.  This  house  was  built  in 
1804^05.  It  was  cf  brick  and  was  built  at  a cost  of  between  $2,000  and  $3,000,  and  stood 
till  1835  or  1836,  when  it  was  sold.  It  was  erected  by  the  commissioners  of  Jefferson — Peter 
Legrand,  Mark  Mitchell,  John  Hill,  Alex  M.  Wright,  Fred  Barfield  and  James  Sharp.  In 
1812  a new  court  house  was  erected  on  the  present  site  of  the  court  house  on  the  Public 
Square  in  Murfreesboro.  This  seems  to  have  been  a very  indifferent  house,  as  in  March, 
1818,  the  court  appointed  Bennett  Small,  John  Hoover  and  John  Edwards  commissioners 
to  repair  the  same.  For  this  purpose  a tax  of  12|  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land,  25  cents 
on  each  house  and  lot,  25  cents  on  each  stud  horse,  25  cents  on  each  black  poll,  12^  cents 
on  each  white  poll,  and  $10  on  each  billiard  table  was  levied.  This  house  was  burned  in 
1822,  and  a call  session  in  August  of  1822  granted  premiums  for  a new  levy  of  taxes  for 
the  purpose  of  building  a new  house. 

On  September  11,  1822,  the  trustees,  Robert  McCombs,  J.  S.  Jetton,  Henry  Goodloe, 
Jacob  Wright,  David  Abbott,  Sol  Beasley,  John  Smith,  John  Dickson,  Alex  McEwen, 
0.  N.  Crocket,  Benjamin  Johnston,  John  Edwards,  Jacob  Wright,  John  Alexander  and 
•J.  Williams  levied  a tax  of  371  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land,  75  cents  on  each  town  lot, 
i 25  cents  on  each  free  poll,  50  cents  on  each  black  poll,  twice  the  season  for  each  stallion, 
$10  on  each  four-wheel  pleasure  carriage,  $5  for  each  two-wheel  carriage  and  $10  for  each 
• ordinary  where  liquors  were  sold.  They  were  ordered  to  pledge  the  taxes  thus  levied  for 
the  years  1823,  1824  and  1825,  after  deducting  costs  of  collection,  to  the  Nashville  Branch 
Bank  of  Murfreesboro  for  the  purpose  of  raising  $6,000  for  the  erection  of  a new  court 
house.  In  case  the  money  was  not  furnished  by  the  bank  the  commissioners  had  power  to 
procure  it  on  the  most  advantageous  terms  elsewhere.  The  money  was  accordingly  raised 
and  a brick  building  erected  in  due  course  of  time.  This  house  stood  until  the  present 
substantial  structure  was  erected,  in  1859.  The  present  building  was  erected  at  a cost  of 
i about  $50,000.  The  committee  which  was  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  propriety  of 
building  a new  court  house  was  appointed  January  3,  1859,  and  was  composed  of  Y.  D. 
Cowan,  F.  Henry,  W.  T.  Lytle,  George  Smith  and  E.  A.  Keeble.  The  committee  reported 
that  a new  court  house  was  necessary,  and  the  court  made  the  old  committee  a building 
1 committee  with  enlarged  powers.  The  present  fence  around  the  court  house  was  erected 
in  1867,  at  a cost  of  nearly  $4,000,  and  the  court  house  was  furnished  with  gas  in  1874. 


816 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  first  prison  bonds  have  already  been  described.  There  were  four  persons  impris- 
oned for  debt.  Stocks  were  also  built  at  Jefferson,  where  persons  were  bound  hand  and 
foot  for  lighter  offenses. 

A whipping  post  was  also  erected  on  the  corner  of  the  Square  for  the  punishment  of 
graver  offenses.  Samuel  McBride,  the  sheriff,  demanded  of  the  court  a suitable  jail  for 
prisoners  in  his  possession.  A temporary  jail  was  erected  at  the  organization  of  the  court, 
but  he  was  now  accommodated  with  a better  one.  On  moving  the  county  seat  to  Mur- 
freesboro a new  jail  was  built  by  the  commissioners  of  Murfreesboro  on  College  Street,  a 
little  north  of  the  present  jail.  This  building  was  of  brick,  two  stories  high  and  was 
erected  by  Mr.  Dickson.  This  building  was  used  as  a jail  till  1852,  when  it  was  sold  to 
William  Spence  for  $700.  On  October  4.  1850,  Mr.  J.  Lidsey,  W.  H.  Helms,  B.  Clayton, 
J.  E.  Dromgoole,  N.  W.  Carter  and  John  Burke  were  appointed  a committee  to  invest! 
gate  the  needs  of  the  county  in  regard  to  the  jail.  The  committee  reported  the  old  jail 
unfitted  for  repairs  and  that  a new  one  was  necessary.  The  contract  for  the  new  jail,  on 
the  present  site,  was  let  to  Thomas  J.  Bulgett  September  11,  1852.  The  total  cost  of 
the  building  was  $7,984,  with  some  unfinished  work  on  the  outside. 

Previous  to  the  passage  of  the  acts  of  1826-27  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  poor, 
whom  we  always  have  with  us,  were  kept  at  private  houses  and  allowances  were  made  by 
the  court  for  their  care  under  the  head  of  a “ poor  woman  ” or  a “ pauper.  ” On  Novem- 
ber 17,  1828,  the  board  of  justices  appointed  John  Fetcher,  Rob  Miller,  James  C.  Mitchell, 
Thomas  Powell  and  H.  D.  Jameson,  as  commissioners  “to  select  and  locate  an  institu- 
tion” for  the  poor.  The  sheriff,  U.  S.  Cummins,  was  ordered  to  give  notice  of  such 
action.  February,  1829,  they  reported  that  they  had  decided  to  purchase  100  acres  of 
land  within  eight  miles  of  Murfreesboro.  It  had  been  decided  to  purchase  a farm  of  100 
acres  of  land  and  to  build  a brick  house,  and  the  commissioners  accordingly  levied  a tax 
on  land  and  on  white  and  black  polls  for  that  purpose.  On  August  17,  1829,  the  com- 
missioners purchased  100  acres  of  land  where  “ John  Alexander  (deceased)  lived”  for 
$400,  and  in  their  report  stated  that  it  would  not  be  necessary  to  rebuild  as  $100  worth  of 
repairs  would  give  ample  accommodations.  The  report  of  the  commissioners  was  received 
and  met  the  approval  of  a majority  of  the  justices.  The  farm  lay  on  Cripple  Creek 
within  seven  miles  of  Murfreesboro. 

The  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Railway  was  completed  from  Nashville  to 
Murfreesboro  in  1851.  A large  subsidy  in  the  form  of  stock  was  voted  by  the  State,  and 
large  sums  were  given  by  private  citizens.  Among  those  most  influential  in  building  the 
road,  outside  of  the  county,  were  Gov.  James  C.  Jones,  Col.  Y.  K.  Stevenson  and  the 
distinguished  Robert  Y.  Hayne,  of  South  Carolina.  So  eager  were  the  people  for  the  road 
that  they  seemed  to  vie  with  each  other  as  to  who  should  donate  most  liberally  toward  the 
road.  The  first  passenger  coach  over  the  road  from  Nashville  arrived  on  the  4th  < f 
July,  1851.  Flowers  and  festoons  decorated  the  little  city,  and  a dinner  and  speeches 
commemorated  the  great  event.  A new  world  of  business  was  opened  up— a communica- 
tion between  the  manufacturing  cities  of  the  North  and  the  rich  fields  and  seaboard 
cities  of  the  South.  The  road  extends  through  the  county  a distance  of  nearly  thirty 
miles,  entering  near  the  northwest  corner  of  the  county  at  Lavergne  and  passing  out  near 
the  southeast  part  of  the  county  at  Fosterville.  This  road  is  one  of  the  best  and  most 
profitable  thoroughfares  of  the  country. 

The  first  turnpike  in  the  county  was  the  Nashville,  Murfreesboro  & Shelbyvilie  Pike. 
The  charter  was  granted  in  1831,  and  the  work  was  immediately  begun.  The  State  gave 
aid  to  the  amount  of  one-lialf,  and  the  remainder  was  soon  furnished  by  individuals 
Commissioners  were  appointed  and  the  road  was  surveyed  and  ready  for  work  in  a short 
time.  John  and  James  Holmes,  two  energetic  and  somewhat  eccentric  Irishmen, obtained 
the  contract  for  ten  miles  of  the  road  toward  Nashville.  Ground  was  broken  July  4 
1832.  Feasting,  toasting  and  speech  making  were  indulged  in  on  account  of  the  great 
event.  They  were  “wined  and  dined’’  and  lauded  over  their  enterprise.  Subsequently 
these  contractors  completed  five  miles  more  of  the  road  toward  Shelbyvilie.  The  road  was 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


817 


completed  and  gates  erected  and  ready  for  business  in  1842.  The  report  of  the  pike 
superintendent  for  1885  shows  an  old  balance,  gate  receipts,  etc.,  to  the  amount  of 
$10,315.50,  disbursed  on  repairs  and  dividend  $8,208.60,  leaving  a balance  on  hand  of 
$2,106.90,  and  the  road  in  good  condition.  The  Cumberland  & Stone’s  River  Pike  was 
chartered  by  the  Legislature  in  1836,  and  work  soon  after  begun.  Thomas  Buckley  con- 
tracted for  the  first  three  and  one-half  miles  from  Murfreesboro  for  $1,800,  one-half  paya- 
ble in  bonds.  After  many  difficulties  this  road  was  completed  and  is  now  one  of  the  best 
in  the  county.  The  Murfreesboro  & Manchester  Pike  was  chartered  about  the  same  time 
as  the  latter,  the  State  giving  aid  in  each  case;  the  receipts  for  this  road  for  the  last  year 
were  $2,408.50,  no  report  of  expenditures  of  the  road  are  at  hand.  The  Woodbury  Pike 
was  chartered  in  1851.  The  receipts  for  this  road  for  the  year  ending  January,  1886, 
were  $3,087.70;  expenditure,  $3,511.21,  being  an  excess  of  $423.51. 

The  Wilkerson  Cross  Roads  Pike  show  receipts  of  $936.90;  disbursements  of  $1,054.63, 
being  an  excess  of  $117.73.  This  road  was  chartered  in  1858  and  built  by  the  Wilkerson 
Turnpike  Company.  The  road  is  reported  in  good  condition.  The  Murfreesboro  & 
Salem  Road  is  reported  in  good  condition  with  receipts  at  $1,767,  and  expenditures  the 
same.  The  superintendent’s  report  shows  the  Eaglesville  & Salem  Road  to  be  in  good  con- 
dition, the  receipts  for  the  year  being  $1,233.34;  disbursements  $1,019.50,  leaving  a balance 
of  $213.84.  The  receipts  for  the  Eagleville,  Unionville  & Shelbyville  Pike  were  $1,086.75; 
expenditures  for  repairs,  $649.82  with  a balance  of  $436.93.  The  Murfreesboro,  Liberty 
via  Lascassas  Road  receipts  were  $1,633.10;  the  expenditures  $1,809.74,  being  an  excess  of 
$165.64.  The  Murfreesboro  & Bradyville  gave  receipts  of  $1,793.18,  and  called  for 
$1,560.78  expenditures,  with  a surplus  of  $232.50.  The  receipts  for  the  Jefferson  & Las- 
cassas Road  were  $1,208.71 ; expenditure  not  given.  The  Murfreesboro  & Liberty  Road  via 
Hall’s  Hill,  received  at  its  gates  $1,088.40  and  disbursed  $900,  the  remaining  surplus  still 
to  be  used  in  repairs.  From  the  above  it  will  be  seen  that  the  county  is  well  supplied  with 
pikes.  It  is  doubtful  if  any  county  in  the  State  can  boast  of  as  many  and  as  good  pikes  or 
more  efficient  and  accommodating  officials. 

The  Rutherford  County  Medical  Society  was  organized  in  Murfreesboro,  June  1,  1852, 
with  the  following  membership:  Drs.  B.  W.  Avent,  S.  B.  Robison,  J.  W.  Richardson,  M. 
Ransom,  B.  H.  Bilbro,  B.  S.  Wendel,  J.  J.  Abernathy,  W.  T.  Baskette,  L.  W.  Knight,  T. 
C.  Black,  W.  C.  Martin,  R.  J.  Powell,  C4.  W.  Burk,  and  H.  H.  Clayton.  The  following 
were  chosen  for  officers  for  the  first  year:  J.  W Richardson,  president;  J.  E.  Wendel, vice- 
president;  E.  D.  Wheeler,  recording  secretary;  S.  B.  Robison,  corresponding  secretary,  and 
B.  W.  Avent,  treasurer.  The  object  of  the  society  was  the  discussion  of  the  theory  and 
practice  of  medicine  and  the  collateral  sciences.  The  code  of  ethics  of  the  American  Med- 
ical Association  was  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  society.  The  regular  meetings 
are  on  the  first  Thursdays  of  May  and  November  of  each  year.  The  following  essays  and 
reports  have  been  read  before  the  Society  and  nearly  all  published  in  the  Nashville  Journal 
of  Medicine  and  Surgery.  In  1852,  Cholera  Infantum,  by  W.  T.  Baskette;  Statistics  of  Fifty 
Cases  of  Typhoid  Fever,  by  S.  H.  Wood;  A Case  of  Amaurosis,  by  H.  H.  Clayton.  In 
1853,  Paratitis  followed  by  Meningitis,  by  L.  W.  Knight;  Sanitation,  by  S.  B.  Robison; 
Reports  of  Casesof  Dysentery,  by  B.  H.  Bilbro;  Congestion  of  the  Brain,  by  R.  S.  Wendel. 
In  1857,  Croup,  by  L.  M.  Mason.  In  1858,  “Intersusception”  of  the  Bowels,  by  R.  S.Wen- 
del;  Yeratrum  Viride  by  T.  S.  Smith;  Acute  Mania  Treated  by  Chloroform,  by  B.  W. 
Avent;  Case  of  Puerperal  Fever,  by  M.  Ransom.  In  1859,  A Case  of  Spinal  Abcess,  by  J. 
B.  Murfree.  In  1859,  Syphilis,  by  L.  M Wasson;  Abortion  among  Negroes,  by  J.  II. 
Morgan;  Blood-letting,  by  J.  B.  Murfree.  In  1867,  Indications  for  Stimulants,  by  J.  W. 
Richardson.  In  1868,  Cholera  Infantum,  by  S.  B.  Robison.  In  1872,  Syphilis,  by  J.  B. 
Murfree.  In  1874,  Quinia  Sulphatis,  by  H.  H.  Clayton.  In  1877,  Dysentery,  by  W.  E. 
lourie;  Cholera  Infantum,  byP.  C.  Coleman;  Embolism,  and  Thrombosis,  by  G.  D.  Cros- 
thwait;  Diphtheria,  by  T.  D.  Miller;  Cholera  Infantum,  by  John  H.  White;  Diphtheria, 
by  R.  N.  Knox;  Stricture  of  the  Urethra,  by  H.  J.  Warmuth;  Erysipelas,  by  William 
Freeman;  Ostitis,  by  M.  B.  Murfree;  Malaria,  by  J.  H.  Dickson;  Bright’s  Disease,  by  G. 


818 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


W.  Overall,  and  Tuberculosis,  by  R.  N.  Knox;  the  two  latter  in  1878.  Dysentery,  by  M. 
H.  Bonner;  Cholera  Infantum,  by  A.  W.  Manire  in  1884.  Puerperal  Fever,  by  W:  E.  You- 
rie.  The  following  are  the  officers  for  1886:  William  Whitsen,  president:  J.  J.  Rucker, 
vice-president;  M.  H.  Bonner,  corresponding  secretary;  J.  B.  Murfree,  secretary  and 
treasurer.  Other  members:  M.  Ransom,  H.  H.  Clayton,  R.  S.  Wendel,  J.  F.  Rucker,  R. 
B.  Haines,  J.  E.  Manson,  T.  ,T.  Elam,  B.  M.  White,  T.  J.  Bennet,  J.  H.  White,  J.  F. 
Byrn,  M.  E.  Neeley,  J.  M.  Dill,  W.  E.  Yourie,  R.  N.  Knox,  L.  D.  Miller,  R.  W.  Reed, 
A.  W.  Mainre,  A.  P.  McCullough,  William  Freeman,  W.  C.  Martin,  J.  W.  Davis,  H.  J. 

Warmuth,  J.  N Bridges,  Dyke,  S.  N.  Crosthwait;  H.  Yeargan;  S.  D.  Crosthwait; 

W.  Hoover,  W.  H.  Lytle,  W.  D.  Robison,  J.  H.  Dickson. 

The  Tennessee  Central  Agricultural  and  Mechanical  Association  purchased  excellenr 
grounds  in  1868,  and  erected  suitable  buildings  for  the  association  and  held  several  semi- 
annual fairs,  at  which  there  were  fine  displays  of  live-stock,  products  of  the  field,  orchard 
and  garden;  also  exhibits  of  the  mechanical  and  fine  arts.  From  some  unknown  cause 
the  enterprise  was  not  a financial  success,  and  for  a number  of  years  the  county  was  with- 
out a fair.  In  1884  the  Rutherford  Fair  Association  purchased  the  grounds  and  buildings 
of  the  Tennessee  Central  Fair  Association  for  $5,000.  The  grounds  lie  on  the  Nashville, 
Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Railroad  and  the  Shelbyville  Turnpike  Road,  one  mile  south  of 
Murfreesboro,  and  embrace  thirty  acres  of  land.  The  track  is  one-half  mile  in  length  ami 
sixty  feet  wide,  and  within  is  the  show  ring  which  is  encircled  by  the  amphitheater.  The 
first  fair  under  the  present  management  began  September  24,  1884,  and  continued  in  ses- 
sion four  days.  The  officers  at  that  time  were  Col.  N.  C.  Collier,  president;  James  A 
Moore,  first  vice-president,  and  Frank  Avent,  recording  secretary.  So  successful  was  the 
management  that  a dividend  of  10  per  cent  was  declared  the  first  year.  Still  greater  was 
the  success  in  1885,  as  a dividend  of  15  per  cent  was  declared,  leaving  a reserve  divi- 
dend of  6 per  cent  still  on  hand.  The  association  point  with  just  pride  to  its  almost 
marvelous  success  since  its  organization.  All  the  departments  usually  represented  at 
fairs  were  well  represented  at  the  last,  besides  one  in  equestrianism  for  ladies.  The 
officers  for  1885  were  Col.  N.  C.  Collier,  president;  Col.  John  S.  Gooch,  Col.  W.  D.  Robi- 
son and  A.  W.  Blackman,  vice-presidents;  Frank  Avent,  permanent  secretary;  John  E. 
Richardson,  recording  secretary,  and  A.  M.  Overall,  treasurer.  The  Tennessee  State  Trot- 
ting Horse  Breeders’  Association  held  its  first  meeting  on  the  grounds  of  the  Rutherford 
County  Fair  Association.  Several  of  the  leading  members  of  the  County  Association  are 
also  members  of  the  State  Association. 

The  market  house  building,  though  distinctly  a part  of  the  town,  is  mentioned  here  as 
it  was  used  for  public  purposes.  The  building  stood  on  the  north  side  of  the  Square,  near 
the  public  well.  It  was  built  by  the  first  town  commissioners  in  1815.  It  was  simply  a 
shed  20x40  feet,  standing  on  brick  pillars  and  divided  into  stalls.  January  1,  1830,  Jona- 
than Huggins  secured  the  contract  for  enlarging  and  improving  the  building.  This  was 
the  common  place  of  auction  sales  by  constables,  sheriffs)  etc.,  of  negroes  and  other  prop- 
erty. The  building  was  destroyed  during  the  war. 

The  following  are  the  county  officers:  Sheriffs — Samuel  McBride,  1804-06;  O.  H. 
Benze,  1806-13;  U.  S.  Cummins,  1813-34;  G.  S.  Crockett,  1834-36;  William  P.  Watkins. 
1836-42;  William  B.  Lillard,  1842-48;  J.  M.  Tompkins,  1848-52;  A.  M.  McKnight.  1852-56; 
W.  N.  Mason,  1856-60;  * * A.  Jones,  1865-67;  G.  S.  Webb,  1867-70;  Ed  Anold, 

1870-76;  Richard  Ransom,  1876-82;  Benjamin  Baley,  1882-86.  County  court  clerks— Jo 
sepli  Herndon,  1804-13;  Blackman  Coleman,  1813-24;  John  R.  McLaughlin,  1824-34; 
R.  S.  Morris,  1834-44;  John  Woods,  1844-56;  John  Jones,  1856-60;  J.  D.  Wilson,  1865-70; 
J.  O.  Oslin.  1870-78;  W.  D.  Robison,  1878-86.  Registers — William  Mitchell,  1804;  * " 

John  Spence,  1819-23;  M.  G.  Reeves,  1824-36;  John  Woods,  1836 — 44 ; A.  T.  Reeves,  1844-54 

G.  W.  Holden,  1854-58;  B.  F.  Wharton,  1858-70;  Hardy  Murphy,  1870-78;  J.  B.  Jetton,  1878- 
86.  Circuit  court  clerks — William  Ledbetter,  1819-34;  Richard  Ledbetter,  1834-36;  Samupl 

H.  Hodge,  1836-46;  D.  D.  Wendel,  1846-61  (on  the  organization  in  1846  D.  D.  Wendel  was 
made  both  circuit  and  criminal  court  clerk,  which  he  held  till  the  war);  M.  L.  Fletcher, 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


819 


1864-70;  J.  B.  Fowler,  1870-78;  Peyton  Randolph,  1878-86.  Chancellors — L.  M.  Bram- 
blett,  1836-43;  B.  L.  Ridley,  1843-63;  J.  P.  Steele,  1864-73;  A.  S.  Marks,  1873-78;  J.  W. 
Burton,  1878-83,  Ed  Hancock,  1883-86.  Chancery  clerks — White  Jetton,  1836-40;  G.  S. 
Crocket,  1841-43;  G.  D.  Crosthwait,  1843-48;  D.  D.  Wendel,  1848-63;  Peyton  Randolph, 
1864^86.  Chairmen — William  Vincent;  Silas  Reed;  John  Fletcher,  1848;  Joseph  Lindsey, 
1848-68;  John  Woods,  1868-86.  Postmasters  at  Murfreesboro — Joel  Childress,  1813-17; 
David  Wendel,  1817-39;  D.  B.  Mallory,  1839-53;  E.  B.  McLean,  1853-56;  J.  M.  Leather- 

man,  1856-60;  W.  R.  Butler,  1860-62;  William  Burt,  1864;  George  Booker,  ; J.  W. 

Wilson,  1871-85;  Frank  White,  1886. 

First  District — A.  H.  Smith,  T.  H.  Carter;  Second — N.  W.  Mason,  J.  S.  Gooch;  Third 
— H.  H.  T.  Carter,  H.  Gregory;  Fourth— J.  W.  Hall,  L.  A.  Rogers;  Fifth — W.  A.  Rushing, 
A.  M.  Jones;  Sixth — J.  L.  Barber,  H.  H.  Macon;  Seventh — G.  W.  Smith,  J.  L.  Anderson; 
Eighth— R.  S.  Brown,  J.  T.  Wilson;  Ninth — Z.  T.  Dismukes,  J.  E.  Stockard;  Tenth — G. 
W.  Burns,  W.  W.  Lamb;  Eleventh — J.  S.  Webb,  W.  M.  Rucker;  Twelfth — C.  A.  Hill, 
W.  L.  Leathers;  Thirteenth — J.  T.  McKinley,  M.  M.  Henry,  A.  G.  Tompkins;  Fourteenth 
— W.  C.  Westbrook,  A.  W.  Leathers;  Fifteenth — J.  S.  Allen,  William  Hunt;  Sixteenth — 
W.  S.  Rhodes,  Samuel  Vaught;  Seventeenth — D.  M.  McKnight,  W.  G.  Mai  this;  Eighteenth 
— John  Woods,  W.  J.  Knox;  Nineteenth — P.  M.  Puryear,  B.  R.  Bivens;  Twentieth — M.  S. 
Lynch,  J.  D.  Gilmore;  Twenty-first — E.  B.  Fathera,  B.  T.  Johnson;  Twenty-second — W. 
A.  Jones,  J.  T.  Brown;  Twenty-third — F.  A.  McKnight,  C.  A.  McKnob;  Twenty-fourth — 
John  Gum,  A.  F.  Summers;  Twenty-fifth — G.  C.  Dromgoole,  J.  H.  White. 

From  official  information  it  is  learned  that  the  railroad  business  alone  at  Murfreesboro 
amounts  to  $30,000  in  passenger  traffic  and  $50,000  annually  in  freight,  with  about  $5,000  ad- 
ditional atLavergne,  Florence, Christiana  and  Fosterville.  Of  10,000  or  13,000  bales  of  cotton 
raised  in  the  county  6,000  or  7,000  are  shipped  by  rail,  and  in  addition  there  are  shipped 
1,000  car  loads  of  cedar  lumber,  200  of  hogs,  100  of  horses  and  mules,  50  of  cattle,  100  of 
wheat,  200  car  loads  of  other  grains  and  500  car  loads  of  miscellaneous  freight. 

The  first  court  in  Rutherford  County  met  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Rucker  January  3 
1804,  this  being  the  first  Monday.  The  “commissioners  of  the  peace”  were  Col.  John 
Thompson,  Peter  Legrand,  Thomas  Rucker,  John  Howell,  Charles  Ready  and  John  Hill, 
to  whom  the  oath  of  office  was  administered  by  William  Nash,  till  this  time  a resident  of 
Davidson  County.  The  first  act  of  the  court  was  the  appointment  of  Samuel  McBride; 
sheriff,  who  gave  bond  in  the  sum  of  $12,000,  and  Joseph  Herndon  was  made  clerk.  Will- 
iam Mitchell  was  appointed  register;  John  Howell,  ranger,  and  Joseph  Boyer,  John  An- 
thony, W.  Ramsey  and  William  Martin,  constables.  Thomas  Overton  and  JolinH.  Bowen 
were  admitted  as  attorneys.  The  sheriff  returned  the  first  grand  jury  as  follows:  Alex 
McCulloch,  foreman ; Henry  Davis,  George  Ransom,  J.  M.  Wright,  Sr.,  Joe  Nichols,  Samuel 
Campbell,  Daniel  Williams,  William  Felton,  Samuel  Wilson,  Thomas  Nelson,  James  Whit- 
sett,  J.  Clark,  James  Lindsey,  William  Gammel,  John  Smith,  John  Kimbro,  Simon  Miller, 
Mark  Mitchell,  John  Sullivan,  Robert  Smith,  C.  Harmon,  Thomas  Mitchell,  James  Mc- 
Gahah,  James  Hill  and  James  Oliphant.  At  the  close  of  the  first  quarter  session  the  court 
adjourned  to  meet  in  April  at  the  “forks  of  Stone  River.”  At  this  court  Bennett  H. 
Henderson  was  admitted  as  an  attorney,  and  Parry  W.  Humphreys  was  made  solicitor  for 
the  county.  The  court  continued  to  meet  at  the  forks  of  Stone  River  (Jefferson)  till 
January,  1805,  when  the  first  session  of  that  year  was  held  at  the  house  of  Simon  Miller, 
situated  about  five  miles  north  of  Murfreesboro.  At  this  court  there  were  present  the 
“Worshipful”  Thomas  Rucker,  John  Howell,  John  Hill  and  Thomas  Thompson.  This 
court  appointed  Robert  T.  N.  Smith,  revenue  collector,  who  reported  forty-six  bodies  of 
land  subject  to  double  taxation  from  failure  to  report  the  same  for  taxation;  these  bodies 
of  land  varied  in  size  from  100  to  3,000  acres.  The  July  term  of  court  again  met  at  the 
forks  of  Stone  River  in  1805.  The  court  fined  C.  Dement  $1  for  “ contemptuous  behavior 
of  court,”  also  the  first  ad  quad  damnum  suit  was  tried.  This  suit  was  brought  by  Henry 
Gilliam  against  Lewis  Anthony,  who  had  erected  a mill-dam  on  Stone  River,  but  twelve 
“good  and  lawful  men”  said  that  Gilliam  was  entitled  to  no  damage.  Pending  the  erection 


820 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


of  the  court  house  at  Jefferson,  which  had  been  selected  as  a county  seat,  the  court  met 
from  this  time  till  April,  1806,  at  Nimrod  Menifee’s,  near  the  National  Cemetery;  while  at 
Menifee’s  Rucker,  Thompson  and  Ready  held  court.  This  court  allowed  Samuel  McBride 
$40  for  services  as  sheriff,  Herndon  $50  as  clerk,  and  Bowen  $30  as  solicitor  for  1804.  In 
April,  1806,  court  again  met  at  Jefferson  in  the  court  house.  John  M.  Taylor  and  Eli 
Talbot  were  admitted  as  counsellors  at  law  at  this  term,  and  Parry  W.  Humphreys  was 
made  solicitor  for  the  county  at  a salary  of  $30  per  annum. 

On  his  resignation,  in  1805,  Peter  Brooker  was  appointed  to  fill  the  same  office.  The 
court  allowed  Joseph  Henson  the  privilege  of  building  a grist-mill  on  the  east  fork  of 
Stone  River.  James  Hamilton  was  fined  by  this  court  for  beating  E.  Grady.  John  II. 
Bowen  was  made  a solicitor  for  the  year  1808.  Abel  Russel  was  fined  $50  for  slandering 
William  Hamilton,  and  Peter  Legrand  got  $10  for  an  assault  upon  Peter  Anderson. 
Thomas  Rucker  received  a $600-judgment  against  Col.  Edward  Bradford  for  false  impris- 
onment. The  case  grew  out  of  some  supposed  misdemeanor  on  the  part  of  Rucker  at  a 
militia  drill,  in  which  he  incurred  the  displeasure  of  Bradford,  who  ordered  Rucker’s  neck 
placed  between  two  rails  of  a fence  and  he  was  kept  there  to  await  the  pleasure  of  the 
Colonel.  On  his  release  he  brought  suit  against  Bradford  for  false  imprisonment  with  the 
above  judgment.  Soon  after  both  became  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  as  brothers 
the  debt  was  forgiven.  William  Bowen  was  fined  $5  for  an  assault  upon  Bird  Hurst,  and 
Samuel  Rogers  $92  for  a like  offense  against  William  Collier,  and  in  a counter  suit  Collier 
received  a judgment  of  $375  against  Rogers  for  slander.  David  Ferguson  was  assessed  25 
cents  for  slandering  J.  P.  H.  Lemon,  and  the  court,  that  it  might  not  be  too  severe  on 
Ferguson,  divided  costs  between  plaintiff  and  defendant.  Henry  Davis  was  fined  61  cents 
for  beating  John  Thompson  “contrary  to  the  form  and  statutes  made  and  provided." 
William  Edwards  was  assessed  $7  for  a like  assault  upon  John  Barker.  In  the  court  at  j 
Jefferson  William  B.  Robinson,  Henry  Minor  and  Thomas  H.  Benton  were  admitted  to  the 
bar.  The  latter  is  said  to  have  pleaded  his  first  case  at  Jefferson.  He  was  at  this  time  a 
resident  of  Franklin,  Williamson  County.  He  represented  Rutherford  and  Williamson 
in  the  State  Senate  in  1809.  His  record  as  a statesman  and  senator  from  Missouri  for 
thirty  years  is  well  known. 

In  1807  Felix  Grundy  was  admitted  as  an  attorney.  He  was  a noted  criminal  lawyer, 
and  was  well  known  in  political  circles.  He  was  a member  of  the  Legislature  while  at 
this  place,  and  was  for  many  years  a United  States  senator  from  this  State.  Bennet  Smith 
was  made  cotton  inspector  in  1807,  and  in  1808  he  became  solicitor  for  the  county,  which 
position  he  held  for  a number  of  years.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a man  somewhat  eccentric 
in  his  ways,  a man  of  strong  likes  and  bitter  dislikes.  He  was  a lawyer,  farmer  and  1 
financier. 

The  development  of  the  county  demanded  a higher  court.  By  an  act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture Rutherford  was  made  a part  of  the  Fourth  Judicial  District,  and  the  Hon.  Thomas 
Stuart,  nicknamed  “old  sorrel,”  was  qualified  for  the  position  as  judge  January  2,  1810; 
John  Coffee  was  made  clerk,  and  Alfred  Balch,  solicitor-general.  Each  held  his  commis- 
sion from  Gov.  Willie  Blount.  Each  of  the  above  became  well  known  in  the  county,  li 
The  first  grand  jury  impaneled  by  the  circuit  court  consisted  of  J.  L.  Armstrong,  foreman; 
John  Hill,  John  Smith,  Joe  Morton,  James  McKnight,  L.  Davis,  John  Wallace,  A.  McCul- 
loch, John  N.  Reed,  E.  B.  McCoy,  Joseph  Barton,  Charles  Ready  and  Peter  Legrand. 
The  first  regular  jury  was  composed  of  Hans  Hamilton,  John  Sharp,  Allen  Hill,  Joseph  { 
Dickson,  Thomas  Hubbard,  J.  L.  Jetton,  James  Whitsett,  J.  Rucker,  Rob  McComb, 
George  Brandon,  William  Nash  and  Daniel  Marshall.  It  was  in  this  court  that  case 

wherein  was  plaintiff  and defendant,  the  point  in  dispute  being  a hide 

taken  to  the  tan-yard,  the  amount  involved  at  the  time  being  about  $2.50.  It  was  con- 
tinued in  court  till  cost  amounted  in  all  to  about  $3,000.  At  the  first  quarter  sessions  in  j 
1813,  Ezekiel  McCoy,  Daniel  Bowman,  J.  S.  Jetton,  Fred  Barfield  and  S.  Jetton,  “Wor- 
shipful Justices  Esquires”  were  present. 

A negro  named  “Jess”  was  found  guilty  of  “house  breaking”  on  the  property  of  E. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


821 


Ward,  and  was  sentenced  to  execution  September  3,  1813.  He  was  sent  to  Nashville  to 
await  the  day  of  execution.  This  was  duly  carried  out  at  the  appointed  time.  According 
to  the  superstition  of  the  time  bits  of  the  hangman’s  rope  were  in  great  demand  as  a talis- 
man against  many  ills  that  human  flesh  was  heir  to.  The  October  term  of  court  allowed 
Mathew  McClanahan  $29  for  his  services  on  the  above  occasion,  and  William  Neugent, 
James  Miller  and  William’ Knight  were  each  allowed  $2  as  guards  for  the  prisoner;  and 
Samuel  Williams,  A.  Miller  and  James  Lowell  were  each  allowed  50  cents  as  witness  fees. 

As  a reminder  of  old  times  Samuel  Richardson  was  allowed  $8  for  wolf  scalps,  and 
Joseph  Welton  $3  for  one  scalp.  At  the  October  term  of  1813  to  facilitate  business  the 
justices  were  divided  into  four  divisions  as  follows;  The  first. year  was  composed  of  Will- 
liam  Nash,  Moses  Bellah,  Solomon  Beesley,  George  Weton,  J.  S.  Jetton,  Thomas  Berry, 
David  Allen,  John  Tutton,  James  Whiteside,  John  Edwards,  J.  D.  Irwin,  James  Gilles- 
pie and  AVilliam  Lock;  the  second,  Fred  Barfield,  Robert  Bedford,  Hugh  Robinson,  Will- 
iam Mankin,  A.  M.  Erwin,  J.  Millford,  Thomas  Hoover,  J.  Smith,  J.  L.  Ambrose,  W.  H. 
Davis,  Owen  Edwards,  T.  A.  Cannon;  the  third.  John  Hill,  John  Henderson,  Thomas 
Nash,  John  Miller,  Sam  Campbell,  Henry  Goodloe,  John  Dickson,  Rob  Wannick,  E.  B. 
McCoy,  George  Simpson,  Rob  McCombs  and  James  McKnight;  the  fourth,  W.  W.  Sear- 
sey,  Abe  Johns,  H.  M.  Henderson,  Jacob  Knight,  John  Barter,  L.  Davis,  Dan  Bowman, 
G.  W.  Banton,  H.  Hamilton,  W.  Edwards,  J.  S.  Jetton  and  James  Sharp.  In  a suit  of  the 
State  against  Samuel  Wilson  for  an  offense  against  its  dignity,  Wilson  was  fined  the  sum 
of  1 cent.  Thomas  Wilson  was  arraigned  for  petit  larceny,  “whereupon  Thomas  threw 
himself  upon  the  country  and  the  attorney  prosecuting  did  the  like;”  then  came  a jury  of 
“good  and  lawful  men”  as  follows:  Mathew  Hirst,  William  Stokes,  John  Johns,  Larken 
Jolmston,  Samuel  Kilbro,  James  Devore,  James  Cantheron,  John  Williams,  John  Hill, 
Thomas  Harris  and  Samuel  Mallery,  who,  being  tried  on  their  oaths,  said  the  defendant 
was  guilty,  and  affixed  his  punishment  at  ten  days  in  the  common  jail,  and  that  he  should 
be  taken  to  the  Public  Square  and  there  receive  one  lash  upon  the  bare  back.  The 
“gaol”  not  being  considered  safe  he  was  taken  to  Nashville  for  imprisonment.  Black- 
man Coleman  was  allowed  $40  for  taking  the  tax  list  and  Bennet  Smith  $50  as  solicitor 
for  1813.  In  1814  Daniel  Sullivan  was  fined  $5  for  failing  to  obey  a scire  facias,  also  $5 
for  gaming,  and  Joseph  Young  received  $5  for  contempt  of  court.  John  Lowery  and  J. 
W.  Peak  received  $1  each  for  forfeiture  of  recognizance.  James  Caruthers  was  allowed 
$29.75  for  taking  Thomas  Wilson  to  the  Nashville  “gaol.”  A.  Sharp  was  fined  $245  for 
seduction,  and  William  Blair  $250  for  a like  offense.  October  15,  1815,  Alexander  Patter- 
son was  fined  $10  for  petit  larceny,  and  in  addition  received  ten  lashes  upon  the  bare  back 
at  the  whipping  post  on  the  Public  Square,  and  was  sent  to  jail  till  the  fine  was  paid. 
John  Foss,  Y.  Robertson,  Thomas  Noelard,  Elizabeth  Balle  and  M.  Martin,  by  throwing 
themselves  upon  the  “grace  and  mercy”  of  the  court  were  each  fined  1 cent.  In  1818  M. 
Battin  was  placed  in  the  scales  of  justice  and  was  found  wanting  to  the  extent  of  6£ 
cents  for  neglect  of  duty  as  overseer  of  the  road.  P.  Wilson  and  N.  T.  Perkins  were 
each  given  nominal  fines  for  tilts  at  m et  armis.  James  Maxwell  was  indicted  for  the 
murder  of  Caleb  Hewett,  and  was  fined,  but  was  released  on  taking  the  “insolvent  debt- 
or’s oath.” 

At  the  June  term  of  court  in  1818  it  was  ordered,  first,  that  witnesses  shall  be  questioned 
by  one  lawyer  on  a side  only;  second,  that  questions  for  continuance  shall  be  argued  by 
one  attorney  alone  on  a side;  third,  sheriffs  shall  have  jurymen  ready  for  those  accused; 
fourth,  no  motion  on  appeals  should  be  heard  unless  made.  In  1813  the  court  ordered  B. 
Coleman  to  have  a county  seal  made,  which  was  executed  by  Benjamin  Liddon,  for  which 
the  court  allowed  $10. 

In  1819  a man  named  Thurman  was  tried  for  horse  stealing  and  found  guilty,  and 
according  to  the  law  and  custom  of  the  time  was  condemned  to  be  executed.  The  day 
was  set  and  the  time  arrived.  The  prisoner  was  seated  on  his  own  coffin  and  driven  in  a 
cart  to  the  place  of  execution,  near  where  Soule’s  College  now  stands.  People  thronged 
the  place,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Henderson  delivered  the  funeral  sermon,  and  pointed  out  the  evils 


822 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


of  a sinful  life;  the  hands  were  pinioned,  and  the  sheriff,  U.  S.  Cummins,  was  about 
adjusting  the  noose  when  Daniel  Graham,  secretary  of  state,  appeared  and  stayed  the 
proceedings  by  reading  to  the  Sheriff  a reprieve  for  the  prisoner  who  was  remanded  to  jail 

In  1821  began  a series  of  suits  between  the  Nashville  Branch  Bank  and  Benjamin  Tratt,«( 
al.,  which  continued  in  court  several  years.  In  1824  John  Bishop  was  arraigned  forpetitlar 
ceny,  and  the  jury,  Simpson  Harris,  Hugh  Porter,  James  Covington,  George  Moore,  Will 
iam  North,  D.  M,  Jarnett,  William  Bynum,  W.  Anderson,  W.  Maury,  A.  Blackman  andE. 
Wood,  found  him  guilty,  and  fixed  liis  punishment  at  ten  days  in  jail  and  five  lashes  upon 
the  bare  back.  This  observation  may  not  be  out  of  place  here;  At  this  time  there  was  no 
penitentiary  in  the  State.  Punishment  was  inflicted  by  standing  in  stocks,  by  the  whip- 
ping-post, the  branding-iron,  imprisonment  in  jail  and  sometimes  by  clipping  the  ear. 
Persons  were  made  infamous  by  branding  the  mark  indicating  the  crime  of  the  guilty  one. 
as  “T”  for  thief,  “M”  for  murder.  These  punishments  were  not  inflicted  as  marks  of 
brutality  by  the  court,  but  were  looked  upon  as  marks  of  justice  inflicted,  and  while  the 
lash  was  being  applied  to  the  cpiivering  muscles  and  the  scathing  branding-iron  to  the 
quivering  flesh,  the  court  could  c.ooly  proceed  with  business. 

In  1823  R.  E.  Green  was  fined  $5  for  assault  and  battery;  David  Thompson,  1 cent, 
official  negligence  as  road  overseer;  Henry  Bedford  and  William  Leech  each  got  1 cent 
for  riot.  In  1831  Spencer  Hazlett  was  fined  $5  for  assault  and  battery;  W.  Featherstcn 
$5,  and  P.  Featherston  1 cent,  for  similar  offenses.  R.  Ramsey  was  fined  $2  and  three 
months  in  jail  for  “ malicious  mischief.”  S.  R.  McLaughlin  turned  into  the  treasury  $800 
as  back  taxes  for  1823-24.  In  1833  H.  D.  Thompson,  William  McKey,  Samuel  Patterson 
and  Joseph  Cheatham  were  each  fined  $5  for  “ presentments  for  gaming,”  Besides  these 
already  mentioned  the  following  attorneys  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar:  Thomas  Over 
ton,  F.  H.  Johns,  Jesse  Wheaton.  B.  IJ.  Henderson,  R.  S.  Carutliers,  Rob  Hawkins,  R.  M- 
Bute,  H.  C.  Whiteside,  D.  W.  Dickman,  E.  A.  Keeble  and  Alfred  Johns.  The  most  of 
these  men  became  well-known  attorneys.  “Malicious  mischief,”  affrays,  extortion  were 
common  offenses  at  this  time.  Twelve  “good  and  lawful  men”  ordered  the  sheriff  to  in 
fiict  a punishment  of  twenty  lashes  upon  the  bare  back  of  Isaiah  Lester  for  petit  larcery 
On  January  15,  1827,  the  death  of  Judge  John  Haywood  was  ordered  spread  upon  record, 
and  each  member  of  the  bar  was  requested  to  wear  crape  upon  the  left  arm  for  a period 
of  thirty  days. 

John  W.  Childress  was  appointed  attorney-general,  pro  tern.,  for  the  year  1827 
Indictments  for  riot  were  found  against  Samuel  Green,  Samuel  Wilson,  Moses  Baum  and 
Thomas  Baum,  and  a fine  of  $10  was  assessed  against  each,  while  William  Hicks  and 
Thomas  Alexander  were  each  fined  nominal  sums  for  keeping  “tippling  houses.”  Again 
in  1827-28,  punishments  by  whipping  were  inflicted — one  of  thirty  lashes  upon  Henry 
Adams,  and  one  of  five  lashes  and  three  days’  imprisonment  upon  Willis  Cooper.  In  1829 
a case  was  tried  in  the  Rutherford  Circuit  Court,  known  as  the  “ Harding  Case,”  brought 
from  Maury  County  on  a change  of  venue.  This  was  something  of  a family  quarrel,  in 
which  two  parties  were  killed,  and  a father  and  son  were  tried  as  accessories  to  the  crime 
alleged  to  have  been  committed  by  two  sons  who  had  fled  the  country.  The  prominence 
of  the  families  made  the  case  an  exciting  one.  After  an  exciting  trial  of  some  time  the 
defendants  were  acquitted. 

A further  division  of  the  labors  of  the  county  court  was  made  in  1836  by  the  estab 
li’shment  of  the  chancery  court.  Judge  L.  M.  Bramblet  was  elected  first  chancellor.  He 
served  with  credit  to  himself  and  the  county  from  1836  to  1842.  Bramblet  was  succeeded 
on  the  bench  as  chancellor,  in  1842,  by  Judge  B.  L.  Ridley,  who  served  with  credit  and 
marked  ability  till  the  court  was  suspended  by  the  war.  Judge  Ridley  was  a man  of  moral 
as  well  as  personal  courage,  and  when  the  war  came  up  he  entered  the  service.  After  he 
close  of  the  war  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  continued  till  his  death,  la 
1838  a negro  named  “ Charles  ” was  arrested  for  rape.  The  evidence  was  wholly  circum- 
stantial but  seemed  pretty  clear,  and  on  the  strength  he  was  tried,  convicted  and  executed. 
There  was  a strong  suspicion  at  the  time  that  he  was  not  the  guilty  party.  Later  a negro 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


893 


was  executed  in  Mississippi  for  a similar  crime,  and  while  under  sentence  of  death  owned 
to  have  committed  the  crime  in  Rutherford  for  which  Charles  was  hanged. 

Another  subdivision  in  matters  of  litigation  was  made  by  the  establishment  of  a crim- 
inal court.  This  was  done  in  1846.  The  district  of  this  court  included  Davidson  and 
Rutherford  Counties — being  the  same  as  now.  The  Hon.  William  K.  Turner,  of  Nash- 
ville, was  made  judge  of  this  court.  He  held  the  office  from  the  formation  of  the  court 
until  the  court  was  discontinued  on  account  of  the  war.  Judge  Turner  is  described  as  a 
man  firm,  earnest,  clear,  prompt  and  sound  in  his  decisions,  hut  plain  and  easy  in  manner. 

In  1848  Sarah,  a slave,  -was  executed  by  order  of  the  court.  This  was  done  by  the 
, sheriff.  J.  M.  Thompson,  for  which  the  court  allowed  him  the  sum  of  $12.50;  other  allow- 
ances, for  grave,  coffin  and  gallows,  amounted  to  a total  of  $26.25.  A destruction  of  all 
the  circuit  and  criminal  court  records  during  the  war  renders  a detailed  account  of  the 
transactions  of  these  courts  impossible. 

The  county  court  was  partially  reorganized  in  June,  1864,  while  under  control  of  the 
military  authorities.  But  little  work  was  done  by  this  court.  The  criminal  court  was 
j reorganized  at  the  July  term,  1864;  the  Hon.  T.  N.  Frazier  was  made  judge  and  M.  L. 
i Fletcher,  clerk.  Owing  to  the  occupation  of  the  court  house  for  other  purposes,  the  court 
first  met  in  the  Odd  Fellows’  hall,  but  afterward  moved  to  the  Masonic  hall.  The  results 

of  the  war  brought  a new  feature  into  the  courts,  i.  e.\  “Statens. -col.,  Hog 

Stealing,  etc.”  The  chancery  court  was  reorganized  at  this  time;  Judge  J.  P.  Steele  pre- 
siding, with  J.  M.  Tompkins,  clerk  and  master.  On  the  death  of  the  Hon.  Charles  Ready, 
who  hac)  been  prominent  before  the  public  for  fifty-three  years^  the  entire  bar  attended 
.his  funeral  in  a body.  J.  M.  Avent  and  W.  H.  Washington  were  appointed  a committee 
to  report  the  memorial  of  his  death  to  the  criminal  court;  Gen.  J.  B.  Palmer,  E.  H.  Ewing 

and -Burton,  to  the  supreme  court;  H.  P.  Heebie  and  B.  L.  Rielley,  to  the  county 

court;  J.  L.  Cannon  and  G.  S.  Ridley,  to  the  circuit  court;  J.  D.  Richardson  and  J.  M. 
Childress,  to  the  chancery  court. 

A personal  mention  of  each  member  of  the  bar  or  judge  ou  the  bench  will  not  be 
made;  but  be  this  said,  the  Rutherford  County  Courts,  in  all  their  branches,  have  been 
characterized,  from  the  beginning  to  the  present,  by  men  of  culture,  ability  and  refine- 
ment. The  highest  judicial  seat  nor  the  presidential  chair  have  not  been  too  high  to  be 
reached  either  by  her  native  or  adopted  sons.  Neither  the  halls  of  Congress  nor  the  ju- 
dicial ermine  have  ever  been  disgraced  by  one  of  her  children. 

Many  of  the  old  Revolutionary  soldiers  settled  in  Rutherford  County  after  the  admis- 
sion of  Tennessee  into  the  Union,  on  grants  from  the  State  of  North  Carolina.  Among 
them  may  be  mentioned  the  Gilbraiths,  Grants,  Halls,  Hills,  Murfrees,  Hubbards, 
J oneses,  Rutledges  and  others.  Many  of  them  became  pensioners  after  the  passage  of  the 
act  of  Congress,  of  1832,  for  their  relief.  In  the  Creek  war  of  1812-14,  related  elsewhere, 
a large  number  of  troops  went  from  Rutherford  County,  although  it  is  believed  no  regu- 
larly organized  company  was  sent.  Col.  Henderson,  who  is  accredited  to  this  county,  was 
killed  in  a skirmish  near  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  In  the  second  Seminole  war,  which 
broke  out  in  1836,  Rutherford  County  furnished  two  companies,  Capt.  Yoakum’s  and  Rob- 
ert Jetton’s.  These  men  enlisted  under  the  call  for  2,500  men  to  serve  six  months.  These 
men  were  attached  to  the  Second  Regiment,  which  was  organized  at  Fayetteville,  about 
June  16,  1836,  by  electing  William  Trousdale,  colonel;  J.  C.  Guild,  lieutenant-colonel; 
Joseph  Meadows,  first  major;  William  Washington,  second  major.  These  two  regiments 
were  formed  into  a brigade,  of  which  Robert  Armstrong  was  elected  brigadier-general. 
The  troops  left  Fayetteville,  the  place  of  rendezvous,  on  July  4,  and  proceeded  direct  to 
Columbus,  Ga.  The  history  of  this  expedition  is  given  under  the  second  Seminole  war. 
In  1846,  on  the  outbreak  of  the  Mexican  war,  great  numbers  offered  their  services  to  the 
State  and  Governmen  t.  Two  political  companies  from  Rutherford  tendered  their  services 
at  once;  the  one  commanded  by  Capt.  Mitchell,  called  the  Spring  Blues,  and  the  other  by 
Capt.  Childress.  The  latter  only  was  accepted.  These  men  were  not  accepted  till  the 
second  call,  and  consequently  did  not  see  very  active  service. 


824 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


The  sentiment  of  Rutherford  was  strongly  opposed  to  secession  or  separation  till  the 
climax  of  the  political  issues  was  reached,  when  the  people  slowly  yielded,  and  in  time 
became  earnest  supporters  of  the  Confederate  Government.  The  first  regiment  raised  in 
this  county  for  the  Confederate  service  was  the  Second  Tenneesee  Infantry.  The  regi- 
ment was  composed  of  ten  companies,  averaging  120  men  each;  two  of  these  companies,  A 
and  F,  were  from  Rutherford  County.  The  captains  of  Company  A were  S.  N.  White, 
John  A.  Butler,  Thomas  G.  Butler  and  James  T.  C.  McKnight.  The  captains  of  company 
F were  Thomas  D.  White,  W.  D.  Robinson  and  William  H.  Newman.  At  its  first  or- 
ganization William  B.  Bate  was  chosen  colonel;  David  L.  Goodall,  lieutenant-colonel; 
William  R.  Doak,  major.  The  regiment  was  organized  at  Nashville,  May  5,  and  was  or- 
dered to  Virginia.  It  was  mustered  into  the  Confederate  service  May  12,  at  Lynchburg, 
by  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith.  The  field  and  staff  officers  were  W.  B.  Bate  and  W.  D.  Robin- 
son, colonels;  D.  L.  Goodall  and  John  A.  Butler,  lieutenant-colonels;  William  R Doak, 
major;  T.  J.  Kennedy  and  Alexander  Erskine,  surgeons;  J.  H.  Erskine  and  T.  L B. 
Brown,  assistant  surgeons;  Joseph  Cross  and  G.  T.  Henderson,  chaplains:  M.  W.  Cluskey 
and  W.  II.  Rhea,  quartermasters;  W.  T.  Driver  and  W.  J.  Hale,  adjutants.  The  com 
plete  account  of  this  regiment  is  given  in  the  State  history. 

The  credit  of  raising  the  Eighteenth  Regiment  is  due  largely  to  Gen.  J.  B.  Palmer, 
of  Murfreesboro.  At  the  outbreak  of  hostilities  Maj.  Palmer,  as  he  was  then  called,  was 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  Murfreesboro,  and  was  a man  very  much  opposed  to 
secession,  a doctrine  which  he  opposed  with  all  his  force  and  logic.  He  said,  howevei.  if 
the  worst  came  to  the  worst  he  was  with  his  native  State.  The  determination  of  Maj. 
Palmer  to  volunteer  led  vast  numbers  of  his  neighbors  and  companions  to  enlist  with  him. 
The  following  companies  were  raised,  principally  in  Rutherford  County:  Maj.  Palmer’s 
own  company,  B.  G.  Woods’  company  and  B.  F.  Webb’s  company.  The  history  of  this 
regiment  is  best  told  in  the  language  of  Gen.  Palmer  himself.  The  regiment  was  organ- 
ized on  the  11th  of  June,  1861,  at  Camp  Trousdale,  Tennessee,  by  the  election  of  J. 
B.  Palmer  colonel,  A.  G.  Carden,  lieutenant-colonel,  S.  W.  Davis,  major.  It  contained 
ten  companies,  commanded  respectively  by  Capts.  M.  R.  Rushing,  J.  W.  Roscoe,  William 
R.  Butler,  II.  J.  St.  John,  G.  H.  Lowe,  B.  F.  Webb,  J.  B.  Matthews,  B.  G.  Woods,  A.  G. 
Carden  and  W.  J.  Grayson.  Col.  Palmer’s  staff  consisted  of  R.  P.  Crockett,  quarter- 
master, with  rank  of  captain;  Thomas  Wood,  commissary,  with  same  rank;  Dr.  John  Pat- 
terson, surgeon;  J.  W.  Gowan,  assistant  surgeon;  James  W.  Roscoe,  adjutant,  with  the 
rank  of  first  lieutenant;  James  S.  Baxter,  sergeant-major.  The  first  battle  in  which  the 
regiment  participated  was  at  Fort  Donelson,  where  after  milch  suffering,  hard  and  gal 
lant  fighting,  it,  with  the  garrison  and  army  under  command  of  Gen.  Floyd,  was  cap- 
tured on  February  16,  1862.  Col.  Palmer  and  other  field  officers  were  imprisoned  at  Fort 
Warren,  Boston  Harbor.  The  staff  and  company  officers  were  confined  at  Johir-un’s 
Island,  Lake  Erie,  and  the  privates  at  Camp  Douglas,  Illinois.  All  the  men  and  officers 
were  exchanged  in  September,  1862,  when  the  regiment  was  reorganized  by  an  act  of  the 
Confederate  Congress.  J.  B.  Palmer  was  again  elected  colonel;  W.  B.  Butler,  lieuten. nit- 
colonel;  W.  H.  Joyner,  major;  John  W.  Douglas,  adjutant.  This  reorganization  took 
place  September  26, 1862,  at  Jackson,  Miss.  This  regiment  from  the  beginning  to  the  close,: 
of  the  war  belonged  to  the  famous  command  known  at  part  of  the  time  as  Brown  s,  and 
subsequently  as  Palmer’s  brigade;  by  its  latter  name  it  was  surrendered  at  Goldsboro, 
N.  C.,  May  2,  1865,  on  the  terms  agreed  upon  by  Gens.  Joe  E.  Johnston  and  William  T. 
Sherman.  As  a regiment,  it  was  commanded  by  its  first  colonel,  Palmer,  till  his  promo- 
tion to  the  rank  of  brigadier-general  in  1864.  The  Eighteenth  participated  in  the  great 
battles  of  Fort  Donelson,  Murfreesboro  (Stone’s  River),  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun- 
tain and  Missionary  Ridge.  It  participated  in  all  the  engagements  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign.  It  made  the  campaign  into  Tennessee  after  the  fall  of  Atlanta,  doing  active  sei-, 
vice  at  all  points.  After  the  defeat  of  Gen.  John  B.  Hood  before  Nashville,  this  was  one 
of  the  regiments  of  Palmer's  brigade  which,  with  other  choice  troops,  covered  Hoo<D 
retreat  from  Middle  Tennessee  across  the  Tennessee  River.  This  rear  guard  was  undi  i 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


825 


Maj  -Gen.  Walthall,  the  ranking  officer,  and  consisted  of  his  own  division  and  the  bri- 
gades of  Gens.  Palmer  and  Featherston  and  some  cavalry  forces.  After  this  Palmer's 
'brigade  was’  ordered  to  North  Carolina  under  Gen.  Johnston,  under  whose  direction  the 
battle  of  Bentonville,  in  that  State,  was  fought.  In  this  fight  Palmer’s  brigade  was  made 
,the  directing  column,  and  it  distinguished  itself  so  highly  as  to  be  handsomely  compli- 
mented by  Gen.  Stevenson,  the  division  commander,  in  a “general  order.”  This  was  the 
last  fio-ht  of  the  Eighteenth.  The  regiment  was  discharged  in  May,  I860,  which  closed  its 
arduous  and  brilliant  career  of  patriotic  duty  and  service  for  a period  of  a little  more  than 
four  memorable  years.  At  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  Gen.  Palmer,  then  colonel,  was 
wounded  three  times;  in  the  celebrated  Breckinridge  fight  on  January  2,  1863.  He  received 
ja  Minie-ball  through  the  calf  of  the  leg,  one  through  the  shoulder,  and  a shell  wound 
:on  the  right  knee,  though  he  did  not  leave  the  field  till  the  close  of  the  engagement,  and 
then  brought  off  his  regiment  in  good  order.  He  was  next  severely  wounded  at  Chicka- 
mauga,  from  which  he  has  never  recovered.  He  was  also  slightly  wounded  at  Jonesboro 
and  at  Bentonville. 

The  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regiment  was  known  as  Battle’s  regiment,  and  was 
organized  at  Camp  Trousdale  near  the  Kentucky  line.  Joel  A.  Battle  was  elected  colonel; 
M.  B.  Carter,  lieutenant-colonel;  Patrick  Duffle,  major;  Dr.  D.  B.  Cliff,  surgeon;  J.  H. 
Morton,  assistant  surgeon;  John  Marshall,  quartermaster;  M.  M.  Hinkle,  commissary; 
Alex  Winn,  adjutant;  John  Edmonson,  chaplain.  The  only  company  from  Rutherford 
in  the  regiment  was  Company  E.  John  S.  Gooch  was  elected  captain  of  the  company  at 
the  age  of  nineteen,  and  was  severely  wounded  at  Fishing  Creek.  At  the  reorganization  of 
:the  army  in  May,  Capt.  Gooch  was  elected  lieutenant-colonel  at  the  age  of  twenty.  Col. 
T.  B.  Smith,  of  the  regiment  was  only  twenty-two.  Col.  Gooch  was  compelled  to  resign 
in  a short  time,  and  was  succeeded  by  F.  M.  Lavender.  On  the  promotion  of  Col.  Gooch. 
William  Ridley  was.  chosen  captain  of  Company  E,  and  remained  with  the  company 
during  its  term  of  service.  Capt,  Ridley  received  a severe  scalp  wound  at  Missionary 
Ridge;  Lieut.  Crosswaite  was  killed  at  Murfreesboro,  and  Lieut.  Peyton  at  Chickamauga. 
A full  history  of  the  regiment  is  given  elsewhere.  Many  other  companies  and  parts  of 
■companies  were  recruited  in  Rutherford  County,  but  their  history  is  closely  interwoven 
with  other  regiments. 

The  battle  of  Murfreesboro  began  December  31, 1862,  and  ended  January  2,  1863. 
The  Confederate  forces  numbering  about  35,000  men  were  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Bragg,  whose  right  was  under  Gen.  Breckinridge,  center  under  Gen.  Polk,  and  left  under 
Gen.  Hardee.  The  Federals  according  to  Rosecrans,  then  commander,  numbered  37,977 
infantry,  3,200  cavalry  and  2,223  artillery.  Rosecrans’  right  confronting  Hardee,  was  com- 
manded by  Gen.  McCook,  the  center  by  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas,  opposite  Polk,  and  the 
left,  opposite  Breckinridge,  was  commanded  by  Gen.  T.  L.  Crittenden.  Bragg  anticipating 
Rosecrans’  intention  of  attacking  his  owm  right,  hurled  Hardee  with  irresistible  force  upon 
McCook,  Rosecrans’right, and  crushed  it.  By  night  Rosecrans  hadlost,  including  stragglers, 
one-fourth  his  army  and  a large  portion  of  his  artillery.  His  right  wing  wTas  almost  at  right 
angles  to  its  position  in  the  morning,  but  it  had  been  so  strengthened  as  to  be  impossible 
to  drive  it  further.  The  battle  so  far  had  been  largely  in  favor  of  the  Confederates. 
January  1 was  a day  of  comparative  quiet  save  on  occasional  artillery  duel  and  some  skir- 
mishing. On  January  2 shirmishing  opened  about  8 o’clock  and  grew  warmer  as  the  day 
advanced;  the  tide  rolled  toward  the  right.  At  about  3 P.  M.  the  picket  firing  began, 
which  was  the  signal  for  the  celebrated  charge  made  by  Breckinridge  on  the  right.  Per- 
haps no  more  gallant  charge  is  recorded  in  history  than  this  one  led  by  Breckinridge 
and  his  gallant  subordinates,  They  swept  everything  before  them,  crossed  the  river  and 
seemed  ready  to  crush  Rosecrans’  left,  as  had  been  done  by  his  right”,  but  he  had  skil- 
fully massed  fifty-eight  pieces  of  artillery  heavily  supported  by  infantry.  Upon  this  unseen 
enemy  the  troops  rushed,  but  were  compelled  to  fall  back  with  much  loss.  The  night  was 
passed  with  anxious  watching,  and  the  following  day  Bragg  slowly  began  to  fall 
back,  leaving  the  field  in  the  hands  of  the  Federals.  Bragg’s  loss  was  reported  by  him  at 


826 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


10,000;  Rosecrans’  loss  was  1,533  killed,  7,245  wounded,  besides  6,273  prisoners.  On  the 
ground  where  the  battle  was  fought  is  now  a National  cemetery,  where  were  gathered  the 
dead  bodies  from  the  various  points  and  buried  there.  The  number  thus  buried  amount  to 
about  6,000.  Near  Murfreesboro  is  a Confederate  cemetery,  where  now  sleep  2,000  Con- 
federate soldiers. 

The  city  of  Murfreesboro  was  founded  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  passed 
October  17,  1811,  although  no  lots  were  purchased  nor  houses  erected  uutil  in  June,  1812. 
The  town  was  originally  called  Cannonsburg,  in  honor  of  Gov.  Cannon,  but  by  an  act  of 
November  19,  1811,  amendatory  to  the  act  of  October  17,  1811,  the  name  was  changed  to 
“Murfreesboro.”  This  name  was  given  in  honor  of  Col.  Hardy  Murfree,  who  was  a Rev- 
olutionary soldier  and  held  lands  in  the  vicinity  under  military  grant  from  North  Carolina. 
His  claim  as  well  as  many  others,  were  signed  by  “Richard  Dobbs  Spaight,  Esq.:  our 
governor,  captain-general,  and  commander-in-chief;”  such  an  array  it  would  seem  would 
make  the  title  perfect.  As  is  elsewhere  mentioned,  Joel  Childress,  Joel  Dyer,  John  M.  Ti! 
ford,  Abraham  Thompson,  Carmichael,  B.  Sanaway  and  Blackmau  Coleman,  were 
appointed  commissioners  (aldermen)  of  Murfreesboro.  These  constituted  the  first  town 
board  or  council,  the  former  commissioners  having  nothing  to  do  with  the  government. 
The  above  act  was  repealed „ September  28,  1815,  and  seven  commissioners  were  chosen 
by  the  people.  Previous  tojliis,  November  5,1813,  the  election  precinct  at  Black  Fox  Camp 
was  ordered  moved  to  Murfreesboro.  On  November  19,  1813,  all  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  commissioners  from  the  sale  of  lots,  after  paying  these  expenses,  was  ordered  turned 
over  to  the  town  board  for  the  benefit  of  the  town. 

The  act  incorporating  the  town  of  Murfreesboro  passed  the  General  Assembly  October 
17,  1817.  It  was  declared  that  the  citizens  of  the  town  of  Murfreesboro,  of  the  county  of 
Rutherford  and  State  of  Tennessee  were  a body  corporate  and  politic  with  authority  to 
sue  and  be  sued,  etc.  The  town  was  organized  with  a mayor  and  aldermen.  Annua! 
elections  were  ordered  to  be  called  by  the  sheriff  on  the  first  Monday  in  January.  On  Oc- 
tober 13,  1818,  Isaac  Hilliard  and  Mary  Moore,  his  wife,  of  Halifax  County,  N.  C . 
legatees  of  Col.  Hardy  Murfree,  deeded  Lots  46  to  70  inclusive,  except  Lots  53  and  65. 
to  the  “Citizens,  owners  and  Occupiers  of  certain  Lotts  or  parcels  of  land  ” in  the  town  of 
Murfreesboro.  This  was  done  for  a love  of  the  people  of  the  place,  a desire  to  make  their 
titles  perfect  and  for  the  remembrance  of  Col.  Murfree  in  the  name.  On  December  26, 
1837,  Isaac  Hilliard’s  enlargement  was  incorporated,  containing  Lots  1 to  24  inclusive.  A 
further  addition  was  made  to  the  city  January  10,  1851.  On  December  6,  1860,  Bennett 
Smith  deeded  a lot  near  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  the  city.  On  December  12,  1865,  the 
city  limits  were  extended  three-quarters  of  a mile  from  the  Public  Square.  Town  officers. 
The  first  town  officers  elected  were  Joshua  Haskell,  mayor,  but  he  resigned  and  David 
Wendel  was  chosen  in  his  place;  Burrell  Gannaway,  Nicholas  Tilford,  T.  C.  Watkins  Will 
iam  Barfield,  Charles  Niles  and  G.  A.  Sublett,  aldermen;  William  Ledbetter,  recorder: 
Benjamin  Blankenship,  town  constable.  Other  mayors,  David  Wendel,  1819:  Robert 
Purdy,  1820;  Henry  Holmes,  1821;  William  R.  Rucker,  1822-23;  John  Jones,  1824;  William 
Ledbetter,  1825;  S.  R.  Rucker,  1826;  William  Ledbetter,  1827;  Joliu  Smith,  1828;  Edward 
Fisher,  1829;  John  Smith,  1830;  John  C.  Moore,  1831;  Charles  Ready,  1832;  Charles  Niles, 
1833;  Marman  Spence,  1834-35;  Edward  Fisher,  1836;  L.  H.  Carney,  1837;  E.  A.  Heebie 
1838;  Edward  Fisher,  1839;  G.  A.  Sublett, 1840;  B.  W.  Farmer,  1841-42;  H.  Yoakum. 
1843;  Wilson  Thomas,  1844;  B.  W.  Farmer,  1845-46;  John  Leiper,  1847-48;  Charles 
Ready,  1849-53;  F.  Henry,  1854;  E.  A.  Kceble,  1855;  Joseph  B.  Palmer,  1856-59;  John 
W.  Burton,  1860-61;  J.  E.  Dromgoole,  1862;  * * * R-  D.  Reed, 

1865-66;  Charles  Ready,  1867;  E.  L.  Jordan,  1868-69;  T.  B.  Darrach,  1870;  J.  A.  January, 
1871;  J.  B.  Collier,  1872-73;  Dr.  J.  B.  Murfree,  1874-75;  LI.  II.  Kerr,  1876;  H.  H.  Clayton, 
1877;  N.  C.  Collier,  1878-79;  J.  C.  Clayton,  1880-84;  E.  F.  Burton,  1882-83;  J.  M.  Overall, 
1884-85;  H.  E.  Palmer,  1886.  Police  officers:  A.  G.  Miller,  city  marshal;  G.  W.  Myers, 
R.  E.  Beard  and  R.  M.  Nelson. 

The  town  as  originally  surveyed  by  Hugh  Robinson,  contained  seventy  lots  each  150 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


827 


feet  square,  being  numbered  from  tbe  northwest  corner  to  the  northeast  from  one  to  twelve 
inclusive.  The  Legislature  passed  eighteen  rules  and  regulations  to  govern  the  town 
while  under  the  first  town  board.  In  1815  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  for  the 
relief  of  the  seven  commissioners  of  Murfreesboro  against  any  claims  that  might  arise 
against  them  while  they  were  discharging  their  official  duties.  Capt.  William  Lytle  built  a 
mill,  blacksmith  shop  and  afterward  a cotton-gin  near  Murfreesboro  in  1808.  The  first  house 
was  built  within  the  corporate  limits  of  the  town  in  1811.  A.  Carmichael  built  the  first  tavern 
in  Murfreesboro  near  the  “Pump  Spring.”  Col.  Joel  Dyer  moved  his  tavern  from  Jeffer- 
son to  Murfreesboro  in  1812;  this  building  stood  till  burned  in  1854.  Col.  Robert  Jetton 
built  a tavern  on  South  Main  Street  of  cedar  logs,  that  stood  till  burned  in  1853.  J. 
Renshaw  also  built  a tavern  near  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Public  Square.  Porter  & 
Spence  moved  their  dry  goods  store  from  Jefferson  to  Murfreesboro  pn  1813.  The  town 
was  now  growing  rapidly.  A public  warehouse  was  built  near  the  creek  on  Main  Street 
in  1813.  All  cotton  and  tobacco  had  to  be  placed  in  some  one  of  the  three  houses  in  the 
county  for  inspection  before  sale.  W.  A.  Sublett  and  L.  Mathews  were  made  inspectors 
in  1813.  The  fees  for  opening  and  recooperage  was  about  $1.50  per  hogshead  for 
tobacco  and  cotton  in  a similar  ratio.  On  November  15,  1817,  J.  Haskell  deeded  Lots  71 
and  72  to  Bradley  Academy.  In  1818  the  market  house  was  built,  which,  with  some  im- 
provement stood  till  destroyed  by  the  soldiers.  Hugh  Cabell  was  made  sealer  of  weights 
and  measures  for  the  town  and  county.  The  rates  fixed  were  for  a bushel  measure  50  cents; 
pecks,  25  cents;  half  peck,  12$  cents;  gallon,  half  gallon  and  two  quarts,  25  cents.  In  1818  the 
town  well  was  ordered  begun,  but  was  not  finished  till  1824;  owing  to  a destructive  fire  all 
wooden  chimneys  were  ordered  pulled  down,  and  brick  or  stone  substituted  instead.  Also 
a fire-watch  of  twelve  men  were  put  on  duty.  The  Subletts  were  allowed  $98  for  printing 
the  town  ordinances  in  1818.  Stumps  were  ordered  removed  from  the  streets.  Few  build- 
ings at  this  time  were  adorned  with  paint.  The  first  brick  house  erected  in  town  was 
built  this  year  by  John  M.  Telford,  west  of  where  the  present  National  Bank  now  stands. 

Drs.  IV.  R.  Rucker,  James  Maney,  Henry  Holmes,  J.  King  and  L.  P.  Yandell  were  dis- 
tinguished early  practitioners.  Lawyers — S.  H.  Laughlin,  Samuel  Anderson,  S.  R.  Ruck- 
er, W.  Brady,  Andrew  Childress,  J.  R.  Martin,  Charles  Ready,  John  Bruce,  John  Has- 
kell, P.  W.  Humphreys  and  I.  H.  Bute.  Visiting  attorneys — Rob  Butler,  John  Bell,  J.  H. 
Eaton,  Andrew  Jackson  and  Felix  Grundy.  Merchants — David  Wendel,  Joe  Spence,  Hill, 
Snell  & Co.,  M.  Spence,  Silas  Loik,  C.  O'Flynn,  C.  R.  Abbott,  Falls  & Christy,  David 
Lineau,  John  Smith,  J.  C.  Moore  & Co.,  J.  Currin,  Benjamin  Elder  and  Charles  Gugger. 
Saddlers— Charles  Niles,  W.  Gardner,  A.  S.  & J.  Davidson.  Tailors — Reuben  Bolles,  Peter 
Campbell,  Samuel  Parrish,  Samuel  Jones.  Hatters — Alfred  Miller,  A.  Staller,  Christopher 
Hist.  Cabinet  workmen— James  Crichlow,  Ed  Fisher,  Samuel  Patton.  Chair-makers — 
E.  A.  Cochran,  Isaac  C.  Brown.  Carpenters— Capt.  J.  Jones,  George  Anderson,  J.  Mc- 
Dermott. Blacksmiths — William  Gilliam,  John  Kennedy,  William  Blanton,  P.  Parker. 
Boot  and  shoe-makers — Willis  Barker,  B.  Kennedy,  J.  Jones.  Tanners — V.  Cowan,  Rob 
Jetton,  J.  Bone.  Wagon-makers — William  R.  Icemeyer,  J.  D.  Scrape.  Tinner — Lewis 
Sperry.  Tavern-keepers— James  Vaughn,  R.  Smith,  Gen.  Robert  Purdy,  W.  C.  Emmett. 
Gunsmiths — Ed  Elam,  George  Baltes.  Brick  and  Plasterers — J.  Fletcher,  T.  Montague. 
Jewelers — A.  Liddon,  who  made  the  county  seal,  and  W.  Manchester.  Milliners — Mrs.  A. 
Staller,  Miss  S.  Warren.  Wool-carder — Isaac  C.  Brown. 

The  first  General  Assembly  met  in  Knoxville  May  28,  1797,  and  continued  to  meet 
there  till  1813,  when  it  changed  to  Nashville  and  remained  till  September  15, 1815,  at  which 
time  it  again  assembled  at  Knoxville,  but  was  changed  to  Murfreesboro  September  19, 
1819.  It  continued  to  meet  at  Murfreesboro  till  early  in  January,  1826,  since  which  time 
its  sessions  have  been  in  Nashville.  The  bill  for  fixing  a permanent  seat  of  government 
was  called  up  October  4,  1843.  The  vote  at  the  third  reading  in  the  House  stood:  Yeas,  40; 
nays,  34.  In  the  Senate,  on  motion  of  Senator  W.  H.  Sneed,  for  Rutherford  and  William- 
son Counties,  the  vote  on  the  question  of  locating  the  state  capital  at  Murfreesboro  stood 
eleven  for  and  fourteen  against.  On  reconsideration  October  10,  1843,  the  bill  was  carried 


828 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


in  favor  of  Nashville.  During  the  session  while  in  Murfreesboro  the  Assembly  met  in  the 
court  house,  the  representatives  using  the  lower  floor  and  the  senators  the  upper  floor. 

A call  session  was  held  August,  1822,  but  the  court  house  having  been  burned,  the  ses- 
sion was  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church : the  lower  house  met  on  the  first  floor  and  the 
Senate  in  the  gallery.  On  the  assembly  of  the  Legislature  at  this  place,  Gov.  McMinn  took 
his  seat  as  governor,  and  James  McDowell  was  elected  doorkeeper.  During  the  session  of 
1823  Gen.  William  Brady  was  chosen  speaker  of  the  House. 

The  acts  were  printed  on  a press  owned  by  the  State.  This  was  brought  from  Nash- 
ville, and  the  work  was  done  in  a house  on  College  Street,  The  year  1823  marked  the  first 
appearance  of  a “Dutchman” — Hoffman  byname — into  the  town.  He  was  a baker  by 
trade,  and  the  novelty  of  the  man  was  as  great  as  the  ginger  cakes  he  sold.  Another  his- 
toric character  of  this  period  was  Peter  Jennings,  a free  negro,  who  had  served  during  the 
Revolutionary  war,  and  for  such  service  was  awarded  a pension.  At  this  period  Murfrees- 
boro afforded  two  military  companies,  one  of  seventy-five  meu,  the  Murfreesboro  Volun 
teers,  commanded  by  Capt.  G.  S.  Crockett;  the  other,  the  Murfreesboro  Sentinels,  com 
manded  by  Capt.  Russel  Dance,  afterward  by  J.  C.  Abbot,  and  still  later  by  Capt.  John 
Childress.  The  former  company  took  part  in  the  reception  given  to  Gen.  Lafayette  at 
Nashville  in  1825.  A great  semi-centennial  celebration  was  held  July  4,  1826,  at  Mur- 
free’s  Spring  under  the  auspices  of  the  Sentinels.  There  was  a parade  by  the  company,  and 
speeches  made  by  M.  Rooker  and  others.  A committee  visited  the  Hermitage,  and  invited 
the  hero  of  New  Orleans  to  visit  Murfreesboro  January  15,  1828,  the  thirteenth  anniver- 
sary of  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  The  invitation  was  accepted.  Dr.  William  R.  Rack- 
er  was  president  on  this  occasion,  and  G.  A.  Sublett,  vice-president.  Great  preparations 
were  made,  and  a large  and  enthusiastic  assembly  greeted  him.  A magnificent  banquet 
was  spread,  and  the  beauty  and  chivalry  of  the  place  did  honor  to  the  occasion.  Thirteen 
regular  toasts  were  drank,  and  responded  to  with  grace;  twenty-four  additional  were 
offered.  A poem  was  prepared  and  read  for  the  occasion.  “There  was  a sound  of  rev 
elryby  night,”  and 'the  reception  closed  with  a magnificent  ball.  At  this  time  the  popula- 
tion of  Murfreesboro  was  955,  and  the  revenues  for  the  town  but  $355.81. 

In  1831  the  Washington  Cotton  Factoiy  was  started  by  Mr.  Lowery;  this  had  a horse 
head-wheel  for  motive  power.  From  the  success  of  this  a new  company  was  formed,  con- 
sisting of  Messrs.  Masterson,  Christy,  Lowery  & Johnson.  A large  second-hand  engine 
and  machinery  was  placed  in  position,  the  whole  at  a cost  of  about  $25,000.  It  was  an  un- 
fortunate financial  investment.  It  soon  passed  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  James  Maney,  then 

to  & Watson,  next  to  Moore  & Cox,  and  then  to  Field  for  $4,000.  William  Somer- 

hall  finally  purchased  the  entire  business  for  $1,500. 

In  1833  a report  was  made  to  the  city  council  on  the  feasibility  of  establishing  a sys- 
tem of  water-works.  A favorable  report  was  made  and  the  estimated  cost  was  $1,000.  L 
was  proposed  to  raise  the  water  from  the  Sand  Spring  in  large  tubs,  to  be  conveyed  Co 
the  top  of  Capitol  Hill  upon  a wooden  railway;  the  same  to  be  elevated  by  horse  power 
The  water  was  to  be  led  from  Capitol  Hill,  by  cedar  tubes,  into  an  air-tight  tank  in  the 
court-yard  square;  thence,  by  hydrants,  to  the  places  of  business.  The  work  was  cbm 
pleted  and  the  Rose  Water-Works  were  set  in  operation.  After  a short  time  they  were 
found  to  be  a failure.  The  first  drug  store  was  started  by  H.  H.  Treadaway,  on  the  east 
side  of  the  square,  in  1837;  another  was  soon  after  started  by  Avent  & Carney,  which  wa3  | 
afterward  sold  to  J.  H.  Nelson.  The  first  grocery  store  was  started  by  Jacob  Decker  in 
1837;  a large  carriage  factory  was  started  the  same  year  by  H.  Osborn  & Co.  Other  jew- 
elers than  those  mentioned  were  F.  Garland,  James  Reed,  A.  O.  H.  P.  Sehorn,  R.  D. 
Reed,  William  Roulet  and  J.  Lukins.  In  1850  a new  drug  store  was  started  by  John 
McDermott;  a hardware  and  grocery  store,  by  John  C.  Spence;  a book  store,  by  R,  D 
Reed;  a second  book  store  was  owned  by  Craig  & Fletcher,  which  was  sold  to  Fowler  & 
Davis.  The  livery  stables  at  this  time  were  owned  by  Todd  & Carnahan,  Todd  & Barkley 
A carriage  shop  was  run  by  R.  & S.  Smith.  The  Cedar  Bucket  Factory  was  started  by  J 
C.  Spence  in  1854. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


829 


The  Rio  Mills  were  erected  in  1855  by  W.  S.  Huggins  & Co.  The  building  was  a large 
four-story  brick,  and  was  run  b y two  twenty-five  horse-power  engines,  and  had  a capacity  of 
about  200  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  The  whole  cost  about  $25,000.  These  mills  were  sold  to 
William  Spence,  who,  in  1860,  added  a distillery,  and  at  this  place  fed  many  hogs.  These 
mills  were  used  by  the  armies  during  the  war  and  were  greatly 'damaged.  1855  was  noted 
for  the  great  fire  in  this  city,  in  which  the  City  Hotel,  as  well  as  many  other  buildings, 
was  burned.  The  first  gas-works  were  built  in  this  city  in  1857.  Mains  were  laid  and  the 
business  was  started  by  making  gas  from  resin  oil  and  cotton  seed,  but,  the  war  interfer- 
ing, the  matter  was  not  fully  tested.  The  opening  of  the  warmade  Murfreesboro  a great 
military  camp.  The  troops  enlisted  were  usually  sent  to  Camp  Trousdale  for  instruction. 
The  first  appearance  of  Pederals  in  the  place  was  March  7,  1862,  and  on  the  10th  Gen. 
Mitchell  took  formal  possession  of  the  place.  July  18,  1862,  he  made  his  celebrated  raid 
upon  the  town,  capturing  a large  number  of  prisoners.  This  strange  coincident  occurred 
during  the  engagement:  In  the  attack  upon  Maney  Springs  21  Federals  were  killed  and 
no  Confederates;  in  the  attack  upon  the  court  house  23  Confederates  were  killed  and  no 
Federals;  in  the  fight  at  the  river  2 on  each  side  were  killed.  After  the  battle  of  Stone 
River  the  city  was  again  in  the  hands  of  the  Federals,  they  having  taken  possession  Jan- 
uary 4,  1868.  All  the  churches  and  the  colleges  were  used  as  hospitals  for  the  sick  and 
wounded,  first  by  the  Confederate,  afterward  by  the  Federal  Army.  In  1866  the  Cedar 
Bucket  Factory  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Stone  River  Utility  Works.  It  was  started 
in  the  old  cotton  factory,  but  has  since  moved  to  its  present  building.  April  15,  1869, 
marks  the  era  of  the  “great  fire,”  in  which  a large  number  of  business  houses  were 
destroyed. 

Business  of  1870:  Attorneys — Charles  Ready,  H.  P.  Keeble,  J.  B.  Palmer,  J.  C.  Can- 

non, B.  L.  Ridley,  G.  S.  Ridley,  E.  H.  Ewing,  E.  D.  Hancock,  B.  F.  Lillard,  R.  Beard.  F. 
R.  Burrus,  J.  E.  Dromgoole,  J.  M.  Avent,  J.  W.  Burton,  T.  B.  Darrach,  J.  D.  Richard- 
son, J.  W.  Childress  and  J.  A.  Leiper.  Physicians — G.  D.  Cisthwait,  J.  B.  Murfree,  W.  C. 
Cook,  J.  E.  Wendel.  M.  Ransom,  L.  M.  Knight,  W.  D.  Robinson,  R.  S.  Wendel,  H.  H. 
Clayton,  W.  Whitson  and  1ST.  H.  Lytle.  Dentists — A.  Hartman  and  S.  H.  Bears.  Hotels 
—City  Hotel,  J.  A.  Crocket;  and  Planters,  W.  A.  Rapp.  Dry  goods — Rosenthal  & Bro., 
T.  C.  Goodrich,  E.  Rosenfeld,  W.  Smith,  J.  Allen,  Miles  & McKinley,  Rich  & Wright, 
Eagleton  & By  in,  Tobias  & Bro.  and  A.  G.  Rosenfeld.  Drug  stores — J.  McDermott,  J.  W. 
Nelson  and  William  Wendel.  Bakers  and  confectioners — H.  [Raymond,  G-  S.  McFad- 
den and  H.  Osborn.  Saddlers  and  harness-makers — John  Kelley,  Mosby  & Co.  and  J.  H. 
Boehms.  Grocers — L.  Burgsdorf,  Lane  & Crichlow,  J.  S.  McFadden,  J.  I.  C.  Haynes, 
Henry  Elliott,  James  Tompkins,  Collier  & Eagleton,  James  & Collier,  R,  N.  Ransom, 
Smith  & Hodge,  Jetton  & Clayton,  Pearce  & Abbott,  John  Barber,  H.  H.  Kerr,  Carney  & 
Ransom  and  W.  A.  Ransom.  Stoves  and  tinware — Daniel  Kelley.  Hardware — Street,  An- 
drews & Co.,  T.  B.  Ewbanks.  Milliners  and  dress-makers — Mrs.  McDougal  and  Mrs.  R.  W. 
January.  Jeweler — William  Roulet.  Commission  merchants — Reed  & Tally,  Leiper  & 
Menifee.  Lumber  dealer- — William  A.  Ransom.  Coal  dealer — Rob  Martin.  Marble  and 
stone — David  Neugent.  Blacksmiths — W.  J.  McKnight,  N.  C.  Blanton.  . Carriage  factories 
W.  G.  Garrett,  Thomas  Spain,  Bock  & Walter. 

Present  business:  Dry  goods— B.  F.  Paty  & Co.,  T.  Tobias,  J.  Frank  & Co.,  M.  Hirsh 

& Co.,  Moses  Henlein,  I.  Rosenfeld,  M.  Nathan  & Co.,  Fleishman.  Grocers — Spain 

& Co.  (also  grain  and  seeds),  Henderson  & Co.,  H.  Arnold,  B.  B.  Kerr,  Sutler  & Dum- 
wright,  J.  M.  Overall,  M.  Rosenfeld,  Bell  & Huggins,  Haynes,  Hollenell  & Co., McFadden 
& Son,  Todd  & Morgan,  John  Johnson,  J.  B.  White,  J.  Osborn.  Groceries,  grain,  cot- 
tou  and  produce — William  Mitchell,  Hodge  & Smith,  Clayton  & Overall  & Co.  Grain 
dealer — W.  F.  Leiper.  Grain  and  machines — D.  H.  Tally.  Drug  stores — William  Wen- 
del, J.  Nelson,  J.  T.  Merchant,  H.  H.  Kerr,  J.  Kerr.  Hardware — Street,  Burns  & Co., 
i Nelson  & Ivy.  Harness  and  saddlery — Street,  Burns  & Co.,  J.  Mosby.  Buggies  and 
j carriages — Adam  Bock,  George  Walter,  W.  B.  Garrett.  Wagons — Rob  Blanton,  V.  Dill. 
Stoves  and  tinware — Cantherin  & North, Beard  & Co.  Jewelers — W.  R.  Bell,  W.  B.  Paty. 


52 


830 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Book  stores— O.  P.  Hill,  W.  B.  Smith.  Grist-mills— J.  ,A.  Ransom,  Belmont  Mill  Co,, 
Murfreesboro  Mill.  Cotton-gins — Ransom  & Co.,  J.  T.  B.  Wilson,  D.  H.  Talley,  White 

& . Cedar  Bucket  Factory — Stone  River  Utility  Works.  Lumber  dealers — W.  B. 

Eartliman  & Co.,  Kirkpatrick  & Ranson.  Liverymen— J.  H.  Allen,  Roberts  & Oslin,  W. 

R.  Fox,  James  McKnigkt.  Hotels — Miles  House,  New  Ready  House.  Gas-works 

Collins.  Butchers — W.  B.  Jones, Mathew  Nelson.  Milliners— Mrs.  L.  Gilford,  Mrs.  Bettie 
Shelton.  Dress-makers — Miss  Nannie  Prim,  Mrs.  P.  Hooper.  Opera  house — Jordon  & 

Elliott.  Tannery Smith.  Professional  attorneys — Palmer  & Palmer,  Aveut,  Avent 

& Smith,  Ed  Hancock,  Ridley  & Richardson,  IJ.  P.  Keeble,  Burrus  & Woods,  Cannon  & 
Son,  P.  P.  Mason,  Sheafe  & Smithson,  E.  L.  Jordan,  Jr.,  B.  L.  Ridley,  B.  F.  LilJiard, 
Ervin  Burton  and  R.  Beard.  Physicians— Wendel  & Wendel,  C.  C.  Clayton.  J.  B.  Mur- 
free  and  Dr.  Burns.  Dentists— Alexander  Hartman  and  J.  Bryan. 

A new  industry  is  the  Stone  River  Creamery,  started  in  1884.  This  establishment  is 
now  in  successful  operation,  using  about  4,000  pounds  of  milk  per  day.  Financially,  the 
town  has  always  been  solvent;  morally,  the  grade  is  high;  intellectually, it  has  few  superiors. 
It  educated  one  President  and  gave  him  a wife,  and  has  been  socially  intimate  with 
several.  It  has  recently  furnished  a prominent  character  in  the  field  of  letters,  Charles 
Egbert  Craddock— Miss  Mary  Murfree. 

The  charter  granting  the  Murfreesboro  Tennessee  Bank  -was  issued  November  15, 
1817.  The  capital  stock  was  $400,000,  divided  into  shares  of  $50  each.  The  limit  of  the 
bank  was  to  run  till  January  1,  1841,  -with  the  option  of  closing  sooner,  if  thought  best  by 
the  directors.  The  directors  were  John  Fisher,  Joshua  Haskell,  Samuel  P.  Black,  John 
Clopper,  E.  B.  Clark,  Benjamin  McCulloch,  Joel  Childress,  Nicholas  Tilford,  William 
Barfield,  John  Smith  and  Edmond  Jones.  The  officers  elected  were  Benjamin  McCulloch, 
president;  Samuel  P.  Black,  cashier.  The  bank  began  business  on  the  north  side,  but 
afterward  built  a house  of  their  own  on  the  northeast  corner  of  the  Square.  Business 
with  the  bank  was  continued  about  five  years  when  the  directors  began  closing  the  busi- 
ness. On  the  closing  of  the  bank  loan-agencies  were  established  in  its  stead.  The  agents 
of  these  often  enriched  themselves  at  the  expense  of  their  creditors.  In  1838  the  Bank  of 
Tennessee  was  established.  Branches  of  the  bank  were  opened  in  the  leading  cities.  The 
capital  stock  of  this  bank  was  $5,000,000.  These  branch  banks  took  notes  at  a discount, 
which  were  made  payable  on  the  installment  plan.  / Notes  or  tickets  on  the  bank  were  also 
issued  for  a time.  The  stringency  of  the  money  market  at  that  time  made  these  banks  a 
great  relief  to  the  business  world.  A branch  of  the  Planters’  Bank  was  established  in 
Murfreesboro  in  1859,  with  J.  W.  Childress,  president,  and  William  Ledbetter,  cashier 
The  bank  continued  in  successful  operation  till  the  war,  when  the  capital  was  moved  to 
Nashville.  After  the  close  of  the  war  the  business  of  the  bank  was  closed  out. 

The  Exchange  Bank  was  established  in  the  summer  of  1852,  under  the  free  bankin'.; 
system  by  William  and  Joseph  Spence.  The  bank  was  started  with  a capital  stock  of 
$50,000,  but  was  afterward  increased  to  $100,000.  The  bank  did  a prosperous  business  till 
1857,  when  by  some  improper  management  the  bank  became  embarrassed  and  suspended 
for  a time,  but  resumed  business  again  in  1858,  but  was  permanently  suspended  in  a sbon 
time.  Much  loss  and  dissatisfaction  grew  out  of  the  management  of  this  institution. 

The  First  National  Bank  was  established  in  March,  1869,  with  a capital  stock  of 
$100,000.  The  first  board  of  directors  were  J.  B.  Kimbro,  W.  N.  Doughty.  J.  W.  Rich 
ardson,  J.  R.  Collier,  J.  R.  Dillon,  J.  E.  Dromgoole,  J.  B.  Palmer,  W.  A.  Ransom,  M.  L 
Fletcher,  W.  B.  Lillard  and  A.  M.  Alexander.  The  officers  were  J.  B.  Kimbro,  president; 
W.  N.  Doughty,  vice-president;  J.  B.  Collier,  cashier.  In  July,  1871,  the  capital  stock 
was  increased  to  $160,000, .and  in  March,  1872,  J.  B.  Kimbro  died  and  was  succeded  by  J 
W.  Childress  as  president.  In  1879  Collier,  the  cashier,  died  and  was  succeeded  by  H H. 
Williams,  the  present  cashier.  J.  W.  Childress  resigned  in  January,  1880,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  E.  L.  Jourdan.  In  1877  the  capital  stock  was  reduced  from  $160,000  to  $100,- 
000,  at  which  it  now  stands,  with  $50,000  surplus..  The  present  board  of  directors  are  E. 
L.  Jordan,  J.  B.  Palmer,  J.  M.  Avent,  J.  M.  Haynes,  Joseph  Ransom,  R.  C.  Blackman, 
N.  C.  Collier,  J.  W.  Sparks,  J.  T.  Byrn,  J A.  Moore  and  George  Beasley. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


831 


The  Stone  River  National  Bank  was  organized  May  1,  1872.  The  directors  were  W. 
N.  Doughty,  J.  P.  Rice,  W.  R.  Butler,  W.  C.  Eagleton,  T.  C.  Goodrich,  Theodore  Smith. 
J.  I.  C.  Haynes,  D.  D.  Wendel  and  C.  B.  Huggins.  The  officers  were  William  Mitchell, 
president;  D.  D.  Wendel,  cashier,  and  0.  B,  Huggins,  teller.  The  capital  stock  was  $50,- 
000.  The  present  officers  are  William  Mitchell,  president;  A.  M.  Overall,  vice-president, 
and  J.  B.  Fowler,  cashier.  The  board  of  directors  are  William  Mitchell,  A.  M.  Overall. 
Alex  Hartman,  J.  I.  C.  Haynes,  W.  N.  Doughty,  C.  H.  Byrn,  J.  H.  Reed,  Horace  E. 
Palmer,  W.  C.  Harrison,  Jr.,  W.  Barton  and  C.  M.  Holden.  The  Stone  River  National 
Banking  Company  was  organized  May  1,  1872,  with  a capital  stock  of  $50,000.  The  of- 
ficers were  W.  N.  Doughty,  president;  D.  D.  Wendel,  cashier,  and  C.  B.  Huggins,  teller; 
directors:  J.  P.  Rice,  W.  R.  Butler,  W.  C.  Eagleton,  T.  C.  Goodrich,  J.  I.  C.  Haynes  and 
Theodore  Smith.  The  present  officers  are  William  Mitchell,  president;  A.  M.  Overall, 
vice-president;  J.  B.  Fowler,  cashier.  Directors:  William  Mitchell,  A.  M.  Overall,  Alex 
Hartman,  J.  I.  C.  Haynes,  W.  N.  Doughty,  C.  H.  Byrn,  J.  H.  Reed,  H.  E.  Palmer,  W.  C. 
Harrison,  Jr.,  W.  Barton  and  C.  M.  Holden. 

The  first  newspaper  ever  published  in  Murfreesboro  was  The  Courier.  The  initial 
number  of  this  little  sheet  made  its  appearance  June  16,  1814.  It  was  issued  from  the  of- 
fice on  the  corner  of  Vine  and  Lebanon  Streets,  by  G.  A.  and  A.  C.  Sublett.  The  Courier 
was  like  other  papers;  at  times  it  gave  the  news  rather  than  the  expression  of  opinions. 
The  press  was  one  of  the  Franklin  style,  not  unlike  that  on  which  was  printed  the  Dec- 
laration of  Independence.  Mail  service  was  furnished  once  a week  at  this  time,  but  to 
facilitate  exchanges  private  carriers  carried  papers  to  Nashville.  The  Weekly  Times  was 
established  in  Murfreesboro  in  1837,  and  was  the  organ  of  the  Democratic  party.  It  was 
edited  by  Thomas  Hegan.  The  Tennessee  Telegraph  said:  “The  union  of  the  Whigs 
for  the  sake  of  the  Union.”  Its  motto  signified  its  politics.  It  was  edited  by  E. 
J.  King.  This  editor,  like  the  modern  editor,  saw  the  salvation  of  the  country 
depended  upon  the  support  of  his  paper  and  his  party.  The  National  Vidette 
was  established  by  G.  A.  Sublett  in  Murfreesboro  in  1828.  It  favored  the  election  of 
Andrew  Jackson  for  President  in  opposition  to  John  Quincy  Adams.  It  was  an  •‘anti- 
administration” paper.  The  Murfreesboro  News  was  established  in  1859  by  A.  Watkins, 
and  was  edited  by  G.  T.  Henderson,  as  a neutral  political  paper,  but  in  1852  it  was 
changed  to  a Democratic  paper.  The  paper  was  ably  conducted  by  Mr.  Henderson  till  it 
was  suspended  on  account  of  the  war,  the  type  and  press  having  been  destroyed  by  the 
Federal  Army.  The  Telegraph  was  the  Whig  organ  of  the  county  and  was  edited  first  by 
T.  Taylor  and  afterward  by  R.  S.  Northcott.  This  paper  continued  till  the  war.  The 
Murfreesboro  News  was  again  started  by  Mr.  Henderson  in  January,  1866,  and  was  contin- 
ued till  1878,  when  it  was  sold  to  other  parties.  The  News  is  now  ownedand  edited  by  W, 
C.  Frost,  a young  and  vigorous  writer,  who  is  conducting  the  paper  in  a very  successful 
manner.  The  Free  Press  was  started  in  1878  by  G.  T.  and  R.  K.  Henderson.  It,  as  well 
as  the  News,  is  Democratic  in  politics  yet  conservative  on  all  matters  in  regard  to  opinion. 
The  pages  of  The  Free  Press  show  that  the  Messrs.  Henderson  knev  how  to  edit  a paper. 
The  Cold  Eagle  is  the  organ  of  the  colored  people.  It  was  begun  in  January,  1886,  but 
. suspended  publication  until  the  middle  of  February  on  account  of  machinery.  The  paper 
is  a seven  column  edition  and  is  edited  by  Dr.  B.  Andrew  Franklin.  It  is  issued  from  the 
office  of  Russell  & Ransom, 

The  scourge  of  cholera  first  threatened  the  place  in  1832,  but  fortunately  did  nsthinc 
more  than  to  frighten  the  inhabitants.  A general  clearing  up  and  fumigating  of  the  foul 
place  was  begun.  The  cholera  went  away  only  to  gather  strength  for  its  return  in  1835, 
when  it  came  like  a terror  in  all  its  horrors.  Men  and  women  frightened  fled  from  their 
homes  as  though  they  were  pursued  by  a devastating  army;  business  was  suspended; 
relief  committees  were  formed;  G.  J.  Cain,  a prominent  merchant,  died;  Gen.  William 
Brady,  a prominent  lawyer  and  candidate  for  Congress,  succumbed  to  the  disease;  Dr.  A. 
Hartwell,  who  did  yeoman  service  for  the  sick,  was  himself  attacked  and  died.  A com- 
mittee of  young  men,  James  and  John  Holmes,  D.  D.  Wendel,  William  Spence,  W.  T, 


832 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Leiper,  John  Leiper,  Robert  Loik,  Samuel  Eagleton  and  James  W.  Hamilton  were  formed 
to  act  as  nurses  and  attend  the  needs  of  the  sick,  and  right  nobly  was  the  work  done.  The 
women,  too,  did  their  share.  Providing  coffins,  digging  graves  and  nursing  the  sick  took 
all  their  atteniton.  The  town  seemed  depopulated  by  the  disease  and  fright.  Soon  the 
destroying  angel  raised  its  wings  and  fled,  but  sadness  was  left  in  nearly  every  household. 

Mount  Moriah  Lodge,  No.  18.  was  chartered  in  the  year  1817,  on  petition  of  F.  N.  W. 
Burton,  M.  B.  Murfree,  B.  F.  McCulloch,  John  Lytle,  A.  C.  Sublett  and  John  L.  Jetton. 
The  lodge  met  on  the  north  side  of  the  Public  Square  in  their  room  till  about  the  year 
1832,  when  the  discredit  attached  to  the  order,  by  the  community,  caused  it  to  suspend 
after  a prosperous  existence  for  more  than  a dozen  years.  After  the  excitement  above 
mentioned  had  died  away  the  lodge  again  reorganized  in  1840.  They  met  for  a time  in  a 
room  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the  Square,  then  on  the  west  side  in  a room  on  the  third 
floor  of  a building;  this  room  and  contents  were  burned  in  1859.  The  lodge  next  procured 
new  regalias  and  filled  a room  on  the  east  side  of  the  Square.  This  lodge  was  compelled 
to  suspend  during  the  war,  but  was  soon  after  reorganized,  and  now  has  a membership  of 
about  forty  members.  The  present  officers  are  William  Mitchell,  W.  M. ; T.  H.  Woods, 
S.  W.;  George  Walter,  J.  W.;  J.  H.  Allen,  Treasurer;  J.  T.  McKinley,  Secretary;  J.  R. 
Thompson,  Chaplain;  J.  J.  McKnight,  S.  D.;  J.  C.  Dunn,  J.  D.;  W.  F.  Leiper,  S. ; J.  W. 
Wigg,  T. 

Murfreesboro  Commandery,  No.  10,  was  chartered  May  12,  1870,  and  was  organized  by 
V.  E.  Sir  David  Cook  assisted  by  Sir  Knights  A.  B.  Martin  and  Alex  W.  Wick,  of  Bald- 
win Commandery,  No.  7.  The  first  officers  were  Sir  J.  B.  Palmer,  E.  C.;  Sir  J.  D.  Rich- 
ardson, G.,  and  Sir  J.  B.  Murfree,  C.  G.  The  officers  for  1886  are  W.  F.  Leiper,  E.  C. ; 
John  Bell,  Jr.,  G. ; William  Mitchell,  C.  G. ; W.  D.  Robinson,  P.;  H.  C.  Jackson,  S.  W 
Richard  Beard,  J.  W.;  H.  W.  Kerr,  Treasurer;  William  Ledbetter,  R. ; Charles  King,  S.  B.; 
H.  Weakley,  S.  B.;  T.  M.  King,  W.  Past  Commanders:  J.  B.  Palmer,  J.  D.  Richardson, 
J.  B.  Murfree,  T.  LI.  Woods  and  H.  H.  Kerr. 

Stranger  Rest  Lodge,  No.  14,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  was  instituted  December  25,  1845,  with  the 
following  charter  members:  J.  N.  Champion,  Andrew  Donaldson,  J.  A.  Harrison,  S.  A. 
Bivens  and  R.  G.  Buchanan.  On  December  27  W.  W.  Earthman  became  a member,  tin. 
oldest  now  living.  Funds  paid  to  Grand  Lodge  since  its  inception,  $16,570.51;  relief 
funds,  $3,389.65.  Two  fires  within  the  last  decade  have  made  a report  on  the  orphans’  edu- 
cational fund  impossible,  yet  there  has  been  expended  under  this  head  $980.35.  The  lodge 
now  owns  a $3,000  building  on  the  South  Side.'  Present  officers  are  R.  M.  Ransom,  N G.:  J 
P.  Cosbey,  V.  G.;  M.  Hoelmlein  and  W.  B.  Drumright,  treasurers.  Orphan  fund  trus 
tees:  N.  C.  Collier,  E.  C.  Cox  and  Adam  Bock.  This  body  has  expended  for  or- 
phans now  under  their  care,  $1,289.55.  The  Refuge  Lodge  has  furnished  the  following 
Grand  Masters:  Benjamin  Johnson,  A.  O.  H.  P.  Sehorn,  E.  G.  Budd  and  J.  H.  Crichiow,  tin 
only  one  now  living,  and  these  three  grand  representatives  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge: 
A.  O.  H.  P.  Sehorn,  E.  G.  Budd  and  J.  H.  Crichiow,  now  lieutenant-colonel  upon  the 
staff  of  John  C.  Underwood,  the  lieutenant-general  and  commander-in-chief  of  the  army 
of  Patriarchs  Militant.  Notwithstanding  the  misfortune  of  fires,  etc.,  the  order  has  bad 
a successful  career,  and  now  numbers  sixty-five  active  members. 

The  G.  U.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge,  No.  1822  (colored),  tvas  instituted  in  October,  1878. 
The  lodge  now  numbers  about  200  members. 

The  origin  of  temperance  societies  in  Rutherford  County  dates  as  far  back  as  1827,  as 
mentioned  in  the  history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  this  church  was  organized  the 
first  formal  society  having  rules  and  by-laws.  A society  was  soon  after  formed  called  the 
“Washingtonians,”  or  Washington  Temperance  Society.  After  a time  the  interest  in  the 
matter  somewhat  died  away,  but  was  renewed  again  in  1847  under  the  name  of  “Sons  of 
Temperance.”  This  society  prospered,  and  higher  degrees  were  formed  in  1851.  In  that  year 
the  degree  of  Knight  Templar  was  opened  in  the  court  house,  and  in  1857  the  K.  of  H.  was 
organized.  These  societies  continued  to  prosper  till  broken  up  by  the  war.  In  1867  the 
order  of  G.  T.  was  organized  in  the  court  house,  and  in  1868  the  order  of  S.  of  T.  was  re 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


833 


vived.  To  the  efforts  of  these  good  people  the  State  owes  no  little  to  her  excellent  tem- 
perance legislation. 

Lodge  No.  161,  K.  of  H.,  was  organized  in  Murfreesboro,  September  25,  1S75,  with 
the  following  charter  members:  H.  H.  Clayton,  F.  H.  Crass,  W.  B.  Garrett,  S.  B.  Bowers, 
j.  0.  Oslin,  T.  N.  Criclilow,  John  McDermott,  E.  Rosenfeld,  J.  W.  Childress,  G.  H. 
Ba^kett,  Dr.  J.  B.  Murfree,  J.  B.  Clayton,  E.  C.  Cox,  J.  R.  Osborn,  J.  T.  Rather.  R.  L. 
Martin,  S.  N.  Lawing,  S.  G.  McFadden,  Ed  Ohrenne,  H.  Hirsch  and  W.  C.  Osborn.  The 
present  officers  are  J.  M.  Wigg,  P.  D. : H.  C.  Finch,  D.;  H.  Hirsch,  V.  D.;  E.  C.  Cox,  A.  D.  ; 
S.  W.  Lawing,  R.;  J.  J.  McKinley,  F.  R.;  J.  W.  Ewing,  C. ; Dr.  R.  S.  YVendel,  Treas. ; 
G.  W.  Ransom,  G. ; H.  Eickhoff,  I.  W.  and  D.  W.  Donaldson,  Sentinel.  Present  mem- 
bership ninety-tive.  The  A.  O.  U.  W.,  was  organized  May  2,  1877,  with  the  following 
members:  C.  0.  Thomas,  Dr.  J.  B.  Murfree,  J.  R.  Osborn.  J.  N.  Criclilow,  R.  F.  Osborn, 

W.  Roulet,  F.  H.  Crass,  W.  B.  Earthman,  H.  Hirsch,  W.  E.  — and  S.  N.  Lawing. 

This  popular  fraternity  now  numbers  thirty -nine  members. 

Jefferson  is  located  at  the  forks  of  Stone  River.  The  place  was  selected,  as  stated 
elsewhere,  as  a seat  of  justice  for  the  county  and  remained  the  same  from  1804  till  1811. 
Col.  Robert  Weakley  and  Robert  Bedford  entered  the  land  about  Jefferson  and  had  a town 
platted.  A court  house,  brick,  about  40x40  feet  was  begun  in  1804,  and  ready  for  use  in 
the  summer  of  1806.  A jail  and  stocks  were  also  built.  Rude  houses  were  rapidly  built. 
The  town  proper  embraced  forty  acres  of  land.  William  Nash  opened  a store  near  the 
place  in  1803,  said  to  have  been  the  first  in  the  county.  An  ordinary  was  kept  in  the 
place  by  Mitchell  in  1805.  As  communication  and  travel  at  this  time  was  mainly  by  river, 
Jefferson  was  an  important  trading  post.  Numerous  keel  and  flat-boats  were  seen  at  her 
wharves,  many  were  also  built  there.  Goods  were  bought  largely  at  Pittsburgh  and  brought 
to  Jefferson  by  river;  produce,  grain,  meat,  etc.,  were  shipped  to  New  Orleans  and  sold. 
These  voyages  required  months  to  complete.  After  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  justice  to 
Murfreesboro  the  town  began  to  decline.  In  1815  the  old  court  house  was  transformed 
into  a seminary  of  learning  under  the  name  of  “Jefferson  Seminary  of  Learning.”  The 
Legislature  made  John  Coffee,  Peter  Legrand,  S.  Crosthwait,  George  Simpson  and  Walter 
Keeble  trustees  of  said  institution  and  to  govern  the  same.  The  school  was  of  short 
duration;  the  old  building  stood  till  about  1835. 

In  1824  Constant  Hardeman  built  the  first  and  only  steam-boat  at  Jefferson  and  floated 
the  same  down  to  Nashville  to  receive  her  machinery  and  finishing  touches.  The  boat 
was  of  about  100  tons  burthen.  The  broad-ax  by  which  most  of  the  timber  was  hewed  is 
now  in  the  hands  of  David  Neugent.  The  town  now  contains  a shop,  one  or  two  stores, 
a postoffice  and  an  Odd  Fellow  Lodge. 

The  little  village  of  Milton  is  situated  fourteen  miles  southeast  from  Murfreesboro. 
The  first  settlers  came  from  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  about  the  year  1790.  Among  the 

first  were  James  Doran  and Roach;  the  former  entered  land  and  built  a house  about 

one  mile  from  where  the  village  now  stands;  a stone  spring-house  bears  “ J.  D.,  1807,”  and 
is  still  standing.  The  latter,  it  is  thought,  entered  the  land  where  the  village  now  stands. 
The  first  house  was  built  about  1810.  Little  further  is  known  of  the  place  until  1830, 
when  Howard  and  Benjamin  Morgan  purchased  the  land  and  laid  out  a town,  to  which 
was  given  the  somewhat  classic  name  “Milton.”  The  town  was  incorporated  and  “con- 
stituted a bod}'  corporate  and  politic  under  the  name  and  style  oE  the  mayor  and  aider- 
men  of  the  town  of  Milton.”  The  town  soon  assumed  metropolitan  airs,  but  after  an  ex- 
istence of  about  a half-century  the  charter  was  revoked.  The  place  now  contains  only 
about  200  inhabitants.  The  village  contains  an  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge,  Presbyterian  Church,  a 
drug  store  and  two  general  stores.  The  amount  of  business  in  the  place  amounts  to  about 
$40,000  annually.  The  pride  of  the  village  is  its  seminary,  which  was  erected  and  in- 
corporated under  the  “four  mile  law.”  This  school  is  in  a flourishing  condition  under  the 
management  of  Prof.  N.  D.  Overall,  assisted  by  Miss  Mattie  Hill;  in  the  music  and  art 
departments  are  other  competent  teachers.  The  high  moral  standing,  the  people,  their 
social  culture,  the  fine  lands  surrounding  and  good  mail  facilities,  make  Milton  a desirable 


S34 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


I 

place  in  which  to  live.  Historically  Milton  marks  the  place  of  a hotly  contested  engage 
ment  between  Gens.  Morgan  and  Blackman  in  the  late  war,  in  which  the  former  was  de- 
feated. Some  of  the  Confederate  dead  lie  buried  in  a beautiful  grove  near  the  village. 

The  village  of  Eagleville,  consisting  of  about  thirty  families,  is  situated  in  the  south 
west  part  of  the  county.  The  tirst  settlements  made  in  that  neighborhood  were  made 
about  1790.  Pioneer  settlers  were  William  and  Thomas  Jordan,  Henry  Ridley,  James 
Shepard,  Robert  Donaldson,  James  Neal,  Daniel  Scales,  Ab  Scales,  John  Guy,  Robert  Wil- 
son, James  Gillespie,  Joe  Carson, Burgess,  George  and  Robert  White. 

The  Missionary  Baptist  Church  was  organized  one  and  one-half  miles  north  of  Eagle- 
ville November  7,  1839,  by  Rushing  James  Iveal  and  John  Landrum.  The  first  mem- 
bers were  Thomas  and  Sophia  Jordan,  Elizabeth  Williams,  Josiah  Johnson,  Drury  Ben 
nett,  William  Cullom,  Robert  and  Nancy  Palmer,  John  and  Rhoda  Hazelwood.  It  was 
then  called  Harpetli  Baptist  Church,  but  on  removal  to  Eagleville,  in  about  1866,  it  was 
called  Eagleville  Baptist  Church.  Eagleville  Lodge,  No.  17,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  organized 
May  20,  1846.  The  charter  members  were  John  Nunn,  William  Nunn,  Samuel  Rankin 
Thomas  W.  Maxfield,  S.  S.  Morgan,  Thomas  Cheatham,  Thomas  Moore  and  William  Tay- 
lor. Business:  Charles  Williams  sold  the  first  goods  in  the  place  in  1832.  His  old  stand 
is  now  occupied  by  his  sons,  J.  C.  & R.  E.  Williams.  R.  S.  Brown  has  also  sold  goods  for 
a number  of  years.  Other  branches  of  business  are  a drug  store,  cabinet  shop,  machine 
3liop.  tobacco  factory,  flouring-mill,  two  blaehsmith  shops,  livery  stable  and  a boot  and 
shoe  shop.  The  school,  now  under  Prof.  G.  M.  Savage,  was  chartered  several  years  ago. 
It  employs  seven  teachers,  and  the  curriculum  embraces  the  entire  course  of  mathemat- 
ics, natural  sciences,  English,  Latin,  Greek,  Hebrew,  French,  German  and  Anglo- 
Saxon  languages,  metaphysics,  logic,  music  and  art.  This  school  is  furnished  with  a 
commodious  hoarding-house  for  girls,  and  a row  of  ten  rooms  for  boys,  beside  the  family 
buildings.  The  school  building  has  eight  rooms  besides  the  chapel. 

Readyville  is  situated  on  the  Woodbury  Pike  in  District  No.  19,  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  county.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Charles  Ready,  who  was  one  of  the  seven  justices 
that  organized  the  first  court  in  the  county,  in  1804.  He  settled  in  that  county  not  far 
from  the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  In  1833  this  was  on  District  No.  6,  and  George 
Brandon,  A.  Tenneson  and  Joe  Macey  were  made  inspectors  of  elections  at  that  place. 
Readyville  is  situated  in  an  excellent  farming  community,  and  maintains  a flourishing 
school. 

La  Vergne  was  founded  after  the  building  of  the  railroad,  and  lies  in  District  No.  3,  near 
the  Davidson  County  line.  It  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  passed 
February  28,  1861.  It  contains  several  hundred  inhabitants,  two  churches,  stores,  shops 
and  other  business  houses.  It  was  at  this  place  that  skirmishing  began  between  the 
armies  of  Gens.  Bragg  and  Rosecrans  previous  to  the  great  battle  of  Stone  River.  Ti  e 
town  fared  badly  during  the  war. 

Salem  is  situated  five  miles  southwest  of  Murfreesboro,  on  the  Salem  & Eaglevile  Pike. 
Salem  is  near  the  western  part  of  District  No.  11.  Versailles  is  the  name  of  a postofliec 
near  the  center  of  District  No.  10.  It  contains  a store  and  other  places  of  business. 
Middleton  is  situated  near  the  southern  boundary  of  the  county  fourteen  miles  south  of 
Murfreesboro.  It  contains  a Baptist  Church,  postoflice,  store  and  shops.  Christiana  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  the  railroad  ten  miles  from  Murfreesboro.  It  is  in  the  northern  part  of  Dis- 
trict No.  20.  It  contains  a postoflice,  a school,  one  or  two  stores  and  is  a good  shipping 
point  on  the  railroad.  Fosterville  is  a thriving  little  village  situated  thirteen  miles  south- 
east of  Murfreesboro  on  the  railroad.  It  contains  a church,  store,  postoflice  and  shops.  Car- 
locksville  is  situated  near  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county  fourteen  miles  from  Murfrees- 
boro and  in  the  most  thickly  settled  portion  of  District  No.  24.  It  contains  business 
houses,  a Baptist  and  a Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  a postoflice, 

Stewartsboro,  near  the  Nashville  Pike  on  Stewart  Creek,  was  formerly  a place  of 
some  little  business,  but,  since  the  completing  of  the  railroad  the  business  has  been  trans- 
ferred to  Smyrna.  In  point  of  population  and  wealth  this  is  now  the  second  town  in  the 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


835 


county.  It  contains  a school  of  excellent  merit,  a Presbyterian  Church,  a Masonic  Lodge, 
stores  and  other  business  houses.  Florence,  on  the  railroad  midway  between  Smyrna  and 
Murfreesboro,  has  a fine  location  and  is  surrounded  by  excellent  farming  country.  It  sup- 
ports an  excellent  school. 

Rutherford  County  is  divided  into  forty-three  school  districts,  and  has  150  houses  for 
the  education  of  children  in  the  public  schools.  The  schools  were  organized  under  the 
present  system  in  1869,  and  put  into  effective  operation  in  1873.  Besides  the  150  school- 
houses  above  mentioned  the  county  supports  seven  graded  schools,  i.  e.  one  at  Murfreesboro, 
Smyrna,  Milton,  Eagleville,  Fosterville,  Lavergne  and  one  at  Florence.  The  school  pop- 
ulation for  the  year  ending  July,  1885,  was  white  males,  4,069;  females,  3,824;  colored 
males,  3,398;  females,  3,281.  This  makes  a total  school  population  of  14,572.  There  was 
expended  for  the  year  as  above  the  sum  of  $39,556.82.  In  these  schools  there  were  em- 
ployed 43  male  white  teachers  and  44  females,  and  31  colored  male  teachers  and  44  fe- 
males, making  a total  of  139  teachers.  The  total  number  engaged  in  both  public  and  pri- 
vate schools  amounts  to  about  200.  The  average  salary  for  teachers  in  the  public  schools 
for  1885  was  $25  per  month,  the  minimum  being  $18  and  the  maximum  being  $60  per 
month.  The  average  length  of  term  for  the  year  is  four  months.  Excellent  private 
schools  of  high  grade  are  maintained  the  greater  part  of  the  year  at  Milton,  Readyville, 
Eagleville,  Florence  and  Smyrna. 

The  public  schools  were  put  in  operation  soon  after  the  war,  but  for  want  of  proper 
accommodations  were  not  efficient  until  within  the  last  year.  An  elegant  brick  building 
was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  old  Female  Academy,  and  an  efficient  corps  of  teachers  em- 
ployed. The  present  corps  of  teachers  are  Prof.  W.  W.  Millam,  principal;  Miss  Sallie 
Ralston,  assistant;  other  teachers,  Misses  Mary  Jones,  Nannie  Wade,  Allie  Wade,  Ida 
Clark  and  Janie  Murfree.  The  colored  schools  are  under  the  charge  of  Prof.  Carney  and 
three  assistants. 

Soule’s  Female  College  was  organized  in  1825,  and  was  known  as  the  "Female 
Academy.”  The  first  trustees  of  this  school  were  F.  N.  W.  Burton,  Dr.  W.  R.  Rucker, 
M.  B.  Murfree  and  Dr.  James  Maney.  This  school  was  for  girls  exclusively,  those  hereto- 
fore being  mixed  schools.  Besides  the  ordinary  branches  taught  there  were  in  addition 
rhetoric,  philosophy,  belles-lettres,  painting,  needle-work  and  music.  The  teaching  was 
done  by  the  Misses  Mary  and  Nancy  Banks. 

The  Female  County  Academy  was  founded  in  1829.  One  acre  of  ground  was  pur- 
chased in  the  north  part  of  town  for  $100,  and  a two-story  brick  building  of  four  rooms 
was  erected  thereon.  A suitable  course  of  study  was  prepared,  and  the  services  of  Miss 
Keyser  was  obtained.  The  school  was  soon  in  successful  operation.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Baker, 
who  became  the  husband  of  Miss  Keyser,  was  also  employed  as  one  of  the  teachers. 
After  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  retired  from  the  institution  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  T.  Hehderson  con- 
ducted the  school  successfully,  after  whom  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blackington  took  charge  of  the 
school.  In  1850  the  school  had  grown  to  such  proportions  that  an  enlargement  was  found 
necessary,  and  one  acre  of  land  was  purchased  of  William  Lytle  and  added  to  the 
grounds,  on  which  additional  buildings  were  erected.  The  first  teachers  in  the  academy 
after  the  enlargement  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fellows. 

In  1852  steps  were  taken  to  have  a female  school  of  more  extended  limits.  The  Rev. 
Thomas  Madden  is  said  to  have  taken  the  initiative  in  this  matter.  The  charter  was  ob- 
tained in  1854,  and  the  following  trustees  appointed;  L.  H.  Carney,  B.  W.  Avent,  D.  D. 
Wendel,  Levi  Wade,  W.  R.  McFadden,  Joseph  Watkins,  William  Spence,  W.  S.  Huggins 
and  W.  F.  Lytle.  The  school  was  founded  on  a very  liberal  basis,  four  of  the  above  being 
Presbyterians,  four  Methodist,  and  one  belonging  to  neither.  The  school  was  named  in 
honor  of  Bishop  Soule,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  following  faculty  were 
employed;  .1.  R.  Finley,  president;  Mr.  J.  Hoffman,  Misses  Jane  and  Phoebe  Raymond, 
Julia  Knapp  and  Jane  DeWolf.  The  school  was  opened  in  the  Female  Academy;  but 
owing  to  disagreement  with  the  trustees  of  that  institution  it  was  decided  to  erect  a new 
building.  About  three  and  a half  acres  of  ground  was  purchased  where  the  old  Methodist 


836 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Church  stood,  and  a large  brick  building,  three  stories  high,  about  100x110  feet,  was  erected 
at  a cost  of  $25,000.  Dr.  Finley  resigned  before  the  college  was  completed,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Dr.  S.  P.  Baldwin,  who  conducted  the  school  successfully  two  years,  and  was 
succeeded  by  C.  W.  Callender,  who  remained  two  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  John 
Naff.  Rev.  Naff  conducted  the  school  till  his  death  in  1862.  Owing  to  the  war  the  school 
was  suspended,  the  building  having  been  taken  first  by  the  Confederates  as  a hospital 
afterward'by  the  Federals.  The  building  was  greatly  damaged  by  the  war.  The  school 
was  reorganized  by  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Plummer  after  the  war,  who  conducted  a school  suc- 
cessfully for  two  years.  Owing  to  a debt  overhanging  the  building  it  was  sold,  the  Rev. 
D.  D.  Moore,  D.  D.,  being  the  purchaser,  for  $15,000.  Dr.  Moore  managed  the  school  six 
or  seven  years,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  J.  D.  West,  D.  D.,  and  later  into  the 
hands  of  Prof.  J.  R.  Thompson,  its  present  owner.  The  institution  has  a faculty  of  nine  in 
structors,  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Thompson  being  the  president.  The  school  has  a preparatory 
and  a collegiate  department.  In  the  collegiate  department  is  a freshman,  a sophomore,  a 
junior  and  a senior  class,  embracing  the  usual  course  of  a school  of  its  kind.  Since  1877 
there  have  been  forty-seven  graduates  from  the  college.  Under  the.  management  of  Prof. 
Thompson  the  school  has  been  eminently  successful.  The  location,  the  surroundings,  the 
high  professional  training,  the  social  refinement,  and  the  Christian  influence  that  is  brought 
to  bear  upon  pupils  at  this  institution  make  it  a desirable  place  for  the  training  of  young 
ladies  for  the  higher  duties  of  life. 

Union  University  was  organized  by  charter  dated  February  5,  1842,  under  the  title 
“Union  University  in  Tennessee.”  The  trustees  named  in  the  charter  were  William  Mar- 
tin, Robert  Boyd,  Crawford  Howell,  C.  C.  Trabue,  J.  H.  Marshall,  J.  H.  Shepard,  D.  W 
Dickson,  B.  Gannaway,  H.  Maney,  J.  J.  Whittaker,  W.  W.  Searcy,  P.  F.  Norflest,  L. 
Reneau,  Charles  Watkins,  B.  Kimbro  and  L.  E.  Abernathy.  The  trustees  had  power  to 
select  a location.  It  was  istended  for  a Missionary  college.  That  denomination  being 
numerous  in  East  Tennessee  Somerville  was  selected  as  the  site,  and  G.  W.  Wilt  began 
teaching  a primary  gfiade  of  work  intended  as  a branch  of  the  college.  Owing  to  the  fail- 
ure to  raise  the  necessary  funds  for  West  Tennessee  the  school  was  never  properly  begun 
at  Somerville.  A more  liberal  basis  was  made,  and  it  was  proposed  to  erect  the  college  at 
Murfreesboro,  still  to  be  under  the  control  of  the  Baptists,  but  it  was  to  be  in  the  main 
non-sectarian.  The  new  name  given  the  college  was  Union  University.  The  following 
new  board  of  trustees  was  appointed:  Charles  Trabue,  Rev.  Hiram  Young,  Rev.  B.  Kimbro, 
Hon.  W.  L.  Martin,  P.  F.  Norflest,  C.  K.  Winston,  James  Avent,  E.  H.  James,  T. 
Vaughn,  Rev.  W.  L.  Perry,  Thomas  Ashford,  Rev.  T.  B.  Ripley  and  Rev.  Samuel  Baker. 
The  Rev.  M.  Ilillsman  was  elected  treasurer,  and  J.  F.  Fletcher  secretary  of  the  board. 
The  required  subscription  ($25,000)  being  obtained  the  work  of  building  the  university 
was  begun.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  in  June,  1849,  with  imposing  ceremonies  by  the 
civic  societies  of  Murfreesboro.  The  address  was  delivered  by  Dr.  Eaton,  its  first  presi- 
dent. The  building  is  a fine  brick  structure,  80x110  feet,  and  three  stories  high.  The  first 
faculty  were  Rev.  Dr.  Eaton,  president;  Revs.  William  Shelton,  G.  W.  Jarman,  David 
Bridenthall  and  P.  W.  Dobson,  professors  in  the  various  departments.  The  Rev.  J.  H 
Eaton,  who  was  chosen  the  first  president,  was  at  the  time  managing  the  Bradley  Acad- 
emy, and  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  the  Bradley  was  placed  under  the  same  manage- 
ment as  the  university.  The  school  under  President  Eaton  had  a prosperous  career.  On 
his  death  his  remains  were  deposited  in  a tomb  in  the  college  campus,  near  the  scene  of 
his  labors.  The  Rev.  Pendelton  was  chosen  the  successor  of  Dr.  Eaton,  and  managed 
the  school  successfully  till  1861,  when  it  was  closed  on  account  of  the  war.  During 
the  period  of  the  war  the  university  building  was  used  as  a hospital  by  the  army.  In 
1853  Eaton  College  or  the  Baptist  Institute  was  founded  and  managed  by  the  same  board 
of  trustees  as  the  Union  University.  For  the  institute  two  acres  of  land  was  purchased 
of  Dr.  James  Maney,  in  the  north  part  of  town,  on  which  was  erected  a brick  building, 
50x80  feet,  and  two  stories  high.  The  building  furnished  accommodations  for  about  100 
pupils.  This  institution  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Christian  denomination  a short  time 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


837 


before  the  war.  School  at  this  place,  as  elsewhere,  suspended  during  the  war,  during' 
which  period  the  building  was  used  as  a hospital  or  for  other  purposes,  and  was  greatly 
damaged.  After  the  war  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians  managed  a school  there  for  a 
time,  and  then  it  again  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Christians.  The  university  and  its 
branches  has  ceased  as  a university,  but  instead  of  the  university  proper  there  is  in  its 
stead  the  “ Eclectic  Normal  School,”  which  is  now  being  successfully  carried  on  by  Dr. 
James  Waters.  The  school  has  a good  corps  of  teachers,  a full  course  of  study  and  a 
good  attendance. 

The  work  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  began  in  this  county  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  the  organization.  Preaching  was  at  first  held  in  private  houses.  Norman’s  camp 
ground  was  a favorite  place  of  meeting  for  a long  time.  The  denomination  has  churches 
at  Mount  Yernon,  Jackson’s  Ridge,  Rockvale,  Lebanon,  Rockspring,  Fosterville,  Lytle’s 
Creek,  Mount  Tabor,  Lascassas  and  Jerusalem.  The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
was  organized  in  Murfreesboro  on  May  80,  1858,  by  delegates  from  Nashville  and  else- 
where. The  first  pastor  chosen  was  J.  C.  Provine;  the  deacons  were  C.  N.  Brooks,  J.  H 
Green,  H.  Osborn,  R.  N.  Ransom  and  W.  A.  Reed.  The  members  were  J.  N.  Clark  and 
wife,  C.  N.  Brooks  and  wife,  J.  Reed  and  wife,  H.  Osborn  and  wife,  J.  Hooker  and  wife, 
R.  N.  Ransom,  W.  A.  Reed,  R.  D.  Reed  and  some  others.  Preaching  had  been  held  in 
town  as  early  as  1840-45, by  Rev.  George  Donnell  and  others  from  Lytle  Creek  congrega- 
tion. The  church  was  begun  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  J.  P.  Campbell,  and  a lot  was 
purchased  in  1859.  A Sabbath-school  was  organized  September  25,  1859,  with  the 
pastor  as  superintendent,  and  H.  Osborn  and  R.  N.  Ransom,  assistants.  The  school  had 
nineteen  scholars  and  six  teachers.  The  church  was  only  partially  completed  at  the  out- 
break of  the  war,  but  being  less  damaged  than  others,  services  were  held  in  that  church 
by  the  Methodist  Episcopals  and  Presbyterians  for  a time.  In  1865  preaching  was  resumed 
in  the  church  and  soon  after  steps  were  taken  to  repair  and  complete  the  building,  which 
was  done  in  1868-69.  The  class  now  has  a house  of  worship  worth  about  $9,000,  a 
strong  membership  and  maintains  a good  Sabbath-school. 

Soon  after  Alexander  Campbell  began  his  wonderful  career  as  a minister  and  theolo- 
gian, converts  began  to  be  made  to  his  doctrines  in  Rutherford  County.  The  first  church 
was  organized  in  Murfreesboro  January  1,  1833,  and  consisted  of  twelve  members.  Steps 
were  immediately  taken  to  build  a church.  Lot  No.  59  of  the  original  plan  of  Murfrees- 
boro was  purchased  of  F.  E.  Bicton  for  $50,  and  deeded  to  Peyton  Smith,  George  Mor- 
ris, William  Smith,  Thomas  Rucker,  Sr.,  Joseph  Ramsey,  Thomas  Rucker,  Jr.,  and  G.  W. 
Banton.  The  church  was  completed  in  due  time,  and  the  members  began  worship  at  their 
new  home  and  continued  till  1859-60,  when  the  church  built  a new  house  of  worship  on 
Main  Street.  Services  were  interrupted  here  for  a short  time  during  the  war,  but  were  re- 
sumed again  in  1865.  This  denomination  has  churches  at  Antioch,  Miles  Hill,  Rock  Hill, 
Science  Hill  and  elsewhere.  It  is  a strong  and  influential  body. 

One  of  the  earliest  church  organizations  in  the  county  was  the  Primitive  or  Regular 
Baptist  Church.  Its  first  members  were  from  North  Carolina  or  Virginia.  The  early 
ministers  labored  with  an  apostolic  zeal,  and  were  [known  for  their  simplicity  of  habits. 
The  first  church  organized  in  the  county  by  the  Baptists  was  McCoy’s,  in  the  Norman  set- 
tlement. This  was  before  1800.  Elder  William  Keel  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  min- 
ister. He  remained  with  these  people  some  time  and  then  went  away,  but  returned  in 
his  old  days.  This  church  grew  rapidly,  and  soon  became  one  of  the  leading  churches  in 
the  county.  In  consideration  of  $1,  love  and  affection,  on  May  8,  1813,  Thomas  Rucker 
deeded  two  acres  of  land  to  John  Warren  and  Drury  Vaugh,  deacons,  or  their  successors 
in  office,  of  that  branch  of  the  Baptist  Church  who  believe  in  the  “final  preservation  of 
the  Saints  in  Christ,  and  Baptism  by  emersion.”  This  church  house  was  erected  near 
Cumming’s  mill  on  the  east  fork  of  Stone  River.  This  was  called  Providence.  Other 
early  members  were  the  Lillards,  Claytons  and  Clarks,  also  Dr.  Yaudell,  father  of  the 
distinguished  Dr.  Yandall,  of  Louisville,  Ky.  Dr.  Watson,  one  of  its  early  ministers,  was 
distinguished  as  a physician  and  a minister,  and  respected  as  a citizen. 


■838 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Beasley’s  cliurcli  was  built  four  miles  west  of  Murfreesboro  about  1820,  on  the  Beas- 
ley farm.  There  is  still  a bouse  of  worship  near  the  same  place.  Among  the  early  mem- 
bers of  this  church  were  Clirisnball  and  wife;  Posey,  wife  and  family.  Elder  Whitesett 
was  one  of  its  first  ministers.  The  denomination  is  quite  strong  at  this  place.  Enon 
Church  was  built  at  a later  date.  The  building  is  a frame  structure,  and  stands  about  six 
miles  north  of  Murfreesboro.  The  membership  here  is  small.  Early  members  were  the 
Reeds,  Barksdales  andSearceys.  Peyton  Smith  was  one  of  its  early  ministers.  He  after- 
ward joined  the  Methodists,  and  later  the  Christians.  Lett  Bond  was  a later  minister  of 
the  church  in  Murfreesboro.  The  first  church  of  this  denomination  was  built  near  the 
southeast  corner  of  the  Public  Square,  and  stood  for  some  years.  On  the  failure  of  the 
Bradly  Academy  early  in  the  decade  of  1830,  that  building  was  used  by  these  people  till  the 
creation  of  the  church  which  now  stands  in  Murfreesboro.  This  was  built  in  1850-51 
Prominent  among  the  early  families  belonging  to  this  church  were  the  Brooks,  Powells. 
Morgans,  Lethermans,  Ruckers  and  Claytons.  Dr.  Watson  was  a leading  spirit  in  tne 
erection  and  maintenance  of  this  church.  The  membership  of  this  denomination  has 
greatly  decreased  within  the  last  few  decades. 

Owing  to  a difference  of  opinion  in  regard  to  missionary  work,  Sabbath-school  work, 
and  other  minor  matters,  there  was  a division  in  this  branch  of  the  church,  the  one 
branch  being  known  by  the  public  as  Primitive,  Regular  or  ‘Hard  Shell”  Baptists,  and  the 
other  as  Missionary  Baptists;  the  latter  are  characterized  by  Sabbath-schools,  educated  min- 
istry and  foreign  missionary  work.  This  denomination  is  now  the  strongest  in  the  county, 
and  has  from  fifteen  to  twenty  churches  and  a large  membership.  This  denomination  was 
first  organized  in  Murfreesboro,  January  7,  1843.  Church  organizations  already  existed 
at  Enon,  Bethel  and  Overall  Creek.  Delegates  were  sent  from  these  as  well  as  from 
Nashville  to  assist  the  organization  in  town.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  R.  B.  Howfll 
and  the  deacons  assisting  in  the  organizations  were  J.  H.  Marshall,  J.  Thomas,  C.  C. 
Trabue  and  James  Avent.  The  membership  enrolled  were  S.  D.  Crosthwait  and  wife, 
Thomas  H.  Maney,  Fanny  Maney,  Thomas  and  Priscilla  Dickson,  Mary  L.  Bell,  R.  Smith, 
Lorinda  Smith,  J.  H.  Eaton,  W.  H.  January  and  J.  F.  Fletcher.  The  first  deacons  were 
B.  Gannaway,  John  Malley  and  Frank  Fletcher.  At  the  first  meeting  J.  H.  Eaton  was 
ordained  to  preach,  T.  H.  Maney  was  elected  clerk,  and  R.  B.  Howell  was  chosen  first 
pastor.  Steps  were  soon  taken  for  the  erection  of  a church,  which  was  completed  in  1848. 
This  was  duly  dedicated,  and  was  occupied  till  April,  1862,  when  services  were  interrupted 
by  the  war.  The  church  was  greatly  damaged  by  the  armies,  and  was  afterward  sold  to 
the  colored  people.  Services  were  resumed  after  the  war  at  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church,  the  Rev.  A.  Vanhoose  officiating  as  pastor.  In  1868  the  church  began  the  erection 
of  a new  house  of  worship  on  Main  Street;  this  was  completed  at  a cost  of  about  $10, (KV 
The  membership  of  this  church  is  now  about  135.  A large  church  is  maintained  at  Braky's 
Creek,  Antioch,  Concord,  Eaglesville,  and  in  fact  in  nearly  every  district  in  the  county 
The  origin  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  is  due  to  the  labors  of  Rev.  Robert  Henderson, 
who  began  his  work  in  June,  1811.  The  church  was  organized  near  Murfrees  Spring,  in 
April,  1812,  with  the  following  members:  Robert  Wasson,  John  Smith  and  William  L 
Baird,  elders;  others  were  Joseph,  Margaret  and  Mary  Dixon,  John,  Susana,  Henry  and 
Frances  Henderson,  May  Stewart,  Ahigal  Baird,  Margaret  Jetton,  Margaret  Wilson,  Grace 
Williams,  Elizabeth  Kelton,  Margaret  Wasson,  Jane  and  Elizabeth  Smith.  In  1813  Rev. 
Henderson  gave  the  church  half  his  time;  in  1814  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Thomas  J. 
Hall,  and  he,  in  1815,  by  Revs.  James  Beuman  and  George  Newton,  each  of  whom  gave 
the  church  one-quarter  of  his  time.  In  1816  Revs.  George  Newton  and  Jessee  Alexander 
rendered  like  service,  and  in  1817  Jesse  Alexander  gave  one-third  his  time.  In  1818  Rev. 
Henderson  again  took  charge  of  the  church.  The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  first 
administered  to  this  church  in  October,  1818.  The  first  public  collection,  amounting  to 
$22.08f,  was  taken  up  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  church  for  the  last  six  years.  In  De 
cember,  1823,  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Hall  became  pastor.  The  number  of  church  communicants 
at  this  time  was  ninety-one;  the  number  in  1828  was  138.  In  1819-20  the  church  erected  a 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


839 


fine  brick  church  in  Murfreesboro;  this  was  40x60  feet,  with  gallery  and  cupola;  in  the 
latter  was  hung  a 560-pound  bell  in  the  year  1831.  This  bell  cost  $220.31.  This  building 
.-stood  till  destroyed  by  the  ravages  of  war.  It  was  used  as  a hospital  for  sick  and  wounded 
■soldiers.  In  1822  this  building  was  used  for  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly.  Aside 
from  the  Rev.  Robert  Henderson,  who  was  a teacher  as  well  as  a pastor,  the  Rev.  William 
Eagleton  was  the  most  noted.  The  Rev.  Eagleton  began  his  labors,  December  29, 1829,  on 
the  resignation  of  J.W.  Hall,  and  continued  with  the  church  till  1866,  the  time  of  his  death. 

No  church  history  of  the  place  would  be  complete  without  mention  of  this  godly  man. 
Many  others  deserve  mention.  D.  D.  Wendel  was  clerk  of  the  sessions  from  1846  till  his 
■death  in  1873.  The  church  was  reorganized  after  the  war  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Neil,  and  a new 
building  erected  in  1870.  This  building  at  that  time  cost  between  $17,000  and  $18,000. 
The  church  is  new  and  out  of  debt,  and  has  contracted  for  a $600  pipe  organ.  The 
membership  at  present  is  about  300  communicants.  The  Presbyterian  Church  deserves 
•credit  for  being  the  first  temperance  society  in  Middle  Tennessee.  At  a meeting  of  the 
synod,  October  5,  1827,  after  reciting  the  evils  of  intemperance,  it  was  “Resolved,  that 
they  will  abstain  from  the  use  of  distilled  liquors;  that  they  will  not  permit  them  to  be 
used  by  their  families  or  servants  except  as  medicine;  that  they  will  not  provide  them  as 
articles  of  entertainment  for  their  friends,  and  they  will  discountenance  the  use  of  them 
in  the  community.”  Another  very  old  church  is  Cripple  Creek,  which  has  a membership 
of  37;  Stone  River  has  63;  Hopewell,  78;  Hall,  38,  and  Smyrna,  69.  In  the  days  of 
camp-meetings  the  Presbyterians  had  a camp  ground  at  the  Sulphur  Springs  and  one  in 
the  McKnight  settlement,  near  Milton. 

The  progress  of  the  church  was  slow  till  December,  1828,  when  the  first  conference 
met  in  Murfreesboro,  at  which  a great  revival  was  begun,  and  the  church  was  greatly 
strengthened.  John  Lytle,  Mrs.  Wasson  and  the  Rev.  John  Lane  deserve  mention  for 
their  zeal  and  piety;  also  Capt.  Jones,  who  conducted  the  first  public  prayer-meeting  at 
the  old  Bradly  Academy,  in  1818.  The  Rev.  Baker  was  the  first  stationed  preacher  in 
Murfreesboro;  he  began  his  work  in  1829.  Other  prominent  ministers  of  that  day  were 
the  Revs.  F.  E.  Pitt  and  Alexander.  The  old  church  becoming  insufficient  for  the  demand, 
a new  church  was  begun  in  1843,  on  a lot  bought  of  Daniel  Lernean,  and  deeded  to  F. 
Yoakum,  William  Rucker,  R.  B.  Jetton,  L.  H.  Carney,  James  W.  Hamilton,  S.  B.  Christe, 
John  Leiper,  W.  J.  Lytle  and  John  Jones,  trustees.  The  new  building  was  erected  at  a 
cost  of  about  $5,000.  Preaching  was  begun  in  the  basement  in  June,  1843,  the  Rev.  T. 
W.  Randle  then  being  pastor.  The  dedicatory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  M.  L.  An- 
drews, on  June  23,  of  the  same  year.  In  1862  services  were  discontinued  on  account  of 
the  war,  the  church  having  been  used  at  first  by  the  Confederates  as  a hospital  for  the 
sick  and  wounded,  afterward  by  the  Federals.  During  the  period  of  the  war  the  church 
was  greatly  damaged,  but  in  1873  the  house  was  completely  remodeled  and  rededicated. 
This  church  now  has  the  largest  membership  of  any  in  the  city.  Special  mention  should 
be  made  of  the  Rev.  Sterling  Brown,  who  held  one  of  the  most  remarkable  religious  reviv- 
als ever  held  in  the  State,  at  the  old  Windrow  Camp  Ground,  about  the  year  1824  or  1825. 
At  this  there  were  over  300  conversions.  Meetings  -were  held  at  that  place  regularly  from 
about  1812  till  1873,  except  during  the  interval  of  the  war.  It  was  long  the  “Mecca”  of 
the  Methodists.  The  churches  of  this  denomination  now  dot  the  enntire  county. 

The  organization  of  this  very  popular  branch  of  the  church  in  this  county  dates  back 
to  about  1812.  At  that  time  there  was  held  a camp  meeting  at  the  Windrow  Camp  Ground, 
at  which  there  were  many  professions  of  religion.  Other  camp  meetings  were  held  at 
which  itinerant  ministers  of  the  Methodist  faith  were  present  and  worked  with  that  zeal 
that  was  peculiar  to  the  pioneer  ministers  of  that  faith.  Rev.  Robert  Paine,  who  became 
bishop  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  was  a circuit  rider  over  a district  embracing 
Rutherford  County.  During  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  he  preached  in  the 
court  house,  and  many  members  were  present  and  took  a part  in  the  exercises, 'among  them 
Felix  Grundy,  the  distinguished  lawyer  and  statesman.  A class  was  organized  at  a house 
•on  College  Street  in  1821.  The  following  are  the  charter  members:  Benjamin  Blankenship 


840 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  wife,  Edward  Fisher  and  wife,  Thomas  Montague  and  wife,  John  Lytle  and  wife, 
Martin  Clark,  Willis  Reeves,  John  Jones,  William  Ledbetter,  G.  A.  Sublett,  D.  Henry 
Holmes,  Dr.  W.  R.  Rucker,  Levi  Reeves,  J.  D.  Neugent  and  David  Hannis.  Preaching 
was  furnished  by  traveling  preachers  at  first,  and  services  were  held  either  in  the  court 
house  or  in  private  dwellings  till  the  year  1823.  In  1823  John  Lytle  deeded  a lot,  near 
where  Soule’s  College  now  stands,  for  the  purpose  of  having  a church  erected  thereon. 
The  lot  was  deeded  to  John  R.  McLaughlin,  Samuel  McLaughlin,  Simpson  Simons,  Ben- 
jamin Rucker,  S.  Ogden,  A.  Childress  and  Edmond  Jones  as  trustees.  A brick  house,  one 
story  high,  with  gallery  for  negroes,  and  bell,  was  completed  at  a cost  of  about  $1,800. 


WILSON  COUNTY 

/ 

WILSON  is  one  of  a group  of  counties  which  form  the  bottom  of  the  great  Silurian 
basin  of  Middle  Tennessee.  The  surface  of  the  land  is  rolling  and  varied  with 
plateaus,  hills  and  valleys,  and  is  often  picturesque.  The  surface  is  on  an  average  eleva- 
tion of  between  500  and  600  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  while  Jenning’s  Knob,  six 
miles  southeast  of  Lebanon  is  the  highest  elevation  in  the  county,  rising  to  a height  of 
1,221  feet  above  the  sea  level.  The  lands  are  based  generally  on  limestones  which  occur 
in  successive  layers  nearly  horizontal  in  position,  and  have  a vertical  thickness,  from  the 
lowest  exposed  to  the  highest  in  the  hills,  inclusive  of  about  900  feet.  A number  of  high 
hills  and  ridges  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  part  of  the  county  are  capped  with  a stra- 
tum of  flinty  material  beneath  which  is  a layer  of  slate.  The  limestones  belong  to  the 
group  of  formations  known  to  geologists  as  lower  Silurian,  the  upper  part  embracing 
some  500  feet  of  layers  pertaining  to  the  Nashville  formation  (Cincinnati)  and  the  lower 
part  to  the  Lebanon  (Trenton);  as  the  town  of  Lebanon  rests  upon  some  of  its  layers.  The 
rocks  of  the  former  division  are  seen  on  the  slopes  of  the  hills  and  ridges,  while  those  of 
the  latter  outcrop  on  lower  grounds  and  iu  the  valleys.  There  is  an  abundance  of  rocks 
in  the  county  consisting  of  varieties  of  blue  limestone  and  sandstone,  much  of  which  is 
suitable  for  building  purposes. 

The  supply  of  timber  in  the  county  is  abundant,  all  species  of  trees  growing  in  the 
forests,  such  as  oak,  hickory,  ash,  gum,  cedar,  elm,  maple,  poplar,  cherry,  chestnut,  mul- 
berry, beech,  sycamore,  dogwood,  walnut,  cotton-wood,  box  elder,  sassafras,  iron-wood, 
persimmon  and  willow.  The  soils  may  be  divided  into  four  classes:  First,  the  river  and 
creek  bottoms,  which  are  alluvial  and  of  great  fertility,  and  upon  which  may  be  grown  all 
kinds  of  crops.  Second,  the  dark  soil  peculiar  to  the  cedar  flats  and  glades,  which  is  very 
poor  and  unproductive,  and  is  the  least  desirable.  Third,  that  found  on  the  hills,  ridges 
and  plateaus  of  the  northwestern  and  middle  portion  of  the  county,  and  on  the  slopes  of 
the  hills  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  portifm,  which  is  a sandy-mulatto  color,  loose 
soil.  Fourth,  that  found  in  the  valleys  and  lower  parts  of  the  county,  which  is  also  of  a 
mulatto  color,  but  is  more  compact  and  clayey.  All  the  different  cereals,  such  as  corn, 
wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  and  all  fruits  and  cotton  grow  well  in  the  county.  The  Cumberland 
River  washes  the  northern  boundary  of  the  county  for  a distance  of  twenty-five  miles,  and 
besides  the  numerous  springs  all  over  the  county  there  are  the  following  important  creeks: 
Cedar  Lick,  Spring,  Cedar,  Barton,  Spencer,  empty  into  the  Cumberland;  Sugg,  Stoner, 
Hurricane  and  Fall  empty  into  Stone  River;  Smith  Fork,  Round  Lick,  Spring  and  Fall 
Creeks  have  their  source  near  each  other  in  a group  of  hills  in  the  southeastern  part  of 
the  county,  while  the  other  creeks  head  in  the  numerous  valleys. 

Beyond  an  occasional  migratory  and  venturesome  hunter,  trapper  or  scout,  who  passed 
through  the  vast  forests  and  canebrakes  in  quest  of  the  abundant  game  or  in  pursuit  ot 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


841 


marauding  bands  of  Indians,  tlie  presence  of  white  men  was  unknown  in  Wilson  County 
previous  to  1790.  At  the  close  of  the  Continental  war  the  State  of  North  Carolina  made 
grants  of  large  bodies  of  land  to  her  soldiers  in  pay  for  gallant  service  in  time  of  battle. 
The  land  so  granted  was  situated  in  Tennessee,  then  a portion  of  North  Carolina,  and  it 
was  by  the  owners  of  the  land  that  Wilson  (then  Sumner)  County  was  settled.  The  fol- 
lowing are  the  names  of  the  parties  to  whom  land  was  granted  in  Wilson  County  during 
the  years  between  1780  and  1790:  William  Ray,  1,000  acres;  Isadore  Skerett,  640  acres;  James 
Kennedy,  640  acres;  Cornelius  Dabney,  640  acres;  John  Burton,  1,168  acres;  John  Williams, 
640  acres;  John  Conroe,  640  acres;  Hardy  Murfree,  1,000  acres;  Nicholas  Conroe,  640 
acres;  Thomas  Evans,  640  acres;  John  Davidson,  274  acres;  Stephen  Merritt,  640  acres; 
James  C.  Montflorence,  1,000  acres;  John  Kain,  571  acres;  Walter  Allen,  912  acres;  Red- 
mond T.  Barry,  640  acres;  William  Hogan,  500  acres,  and  Andrew  Bostane,  220  acres. 
Between  1790  and  1800;  Robert  Stewart,  Jonathan  Green,  John  Boyd,  Philip  Shackler, 
John  Haywood,  William  Lytle,  Alexander  Mebane,  Jeremiah  Hendricks,  James  Rogers, 
John  Brown,  William  Fleming,  Bennett  Searcy.  Ambrose  Jones,  Edward  Harris,  Henry 
Barnes,  George  Kennedy,  Jacob  Patton,  Reeves  Porter,  James  Menees,  Thomas  Evans, 
Gideon  Pillow,  Delilah  Roberts,  David  Douglas,  Johnson  Hadley,  Joseph  Cloud,  Daniel 
Wilbourn,  James  Barron,  Vachel  Clark,  Jesse  Cobb,  Samuel  Churchhill,  Boyd  Castlemen, 
Ephraim  Peyton  and  Alexander  Denny,  640  acres  each;  William  Hogan,  500  acres;  Willie 
Cherry,  228  acres;  Archibald  Lytle,  1,000  acres;  Lazarus  James,  337  acres;  John  Wright, 
2,000  acres;  Henry  Ross,  274  acres;  John  Dabney,  228  acres;  William  Martin,  1,280  acres; 
David  Gibson,  1,000  acres;  Thedford  and  George  Brewer,  1,000  acres;  John  Boyd,  Jr.,  228 
acres;  Samuel  Barton,  1,000  acres,  and  Absolom  Tatum,  300  acres. 

Many  of  the  above  never  became  settlers  of  the  county,  and  numbers  of  the  pioneers 
of  Wilson  County  purchased  of  them  the  lands  on  which  they  settled.  The  first  settle- 
ment of  Wilson  County  was  made  in  the  year  1797  at  Drake’s  Lick,  near  the  mouth  of 
Spencer  Lick  Creek  on  Cumberland  River,  which  was  afterward  the  northeast  corner  of 
Davidson  County,  by  William  McClain  and  John  Foster.  Two  years  later  John  Foster, 
William  Donnell  and  Alexander  Barkley  made  a settlement  on  Spring  Creek,  seven  miles 
southeast  of  the  present  town  of  Lebanon.  During  the  same  year  settlements  were  made 
on  Hickory  Ridge,  five  miles  west  of  Lebanon,  by  John  K.Wynu  and  Charles  Kavanaugh, 
both  of  whom  came  from  North  Carolina,  and  on  the  waters  of  Round  Lick  Creek,  by 
William  Harris  and  William  McSpadden,  of  North  Carolina,  and  James  Wrather  and 
Samuel  King,  of  Virginia,  and  also  on  the  waters  of  Spring  Creek,  about  eight  miles  south 
of  Lebanon,  by  John  Doak,  John  Foster,  David  Magathey,  Alexander  Braden,  the  Don- 
nells, and  probably  others.  At  the  time  of  these  settlements  the  land  was  covered  with 
vast  forests  and  thick  canebrakes,  and  game  of  every  speci,e  from  the  bear,  panther  and 
deer  down  to  the  squirrel  and  rabbit  existed  in  abundance.  Several  years  before,  how- 
ever, the  Indians  as  a tribe  had  been  driven  back,  and  only  friendly  ones  as  a class  were 
met  with  by  the  settlers. 

From  1799  the  settlement  of  the  county  was  rapid.  The  lands  lying  on  the  waters  of 
the  various  creeks  being  the  richer  and  easier  of  cultivation  were  naturally  the  first 
settled,  and  hence  in  giving  the  following  list  of  names  of  the  early  settlers,  they  have 
been  grouped  into  creek  neighborhoods.  On  Barton  Creek:  Charles  Blaylock,  Elijah 
Trewitt,  Levi  Holloway,  Henry  Shannon,  SnowJon  Hickman,  William  Eddings,  Thomas 
Mass,  Eleazer  Provine,  John  Lane,  Byrd  Wall,  William  Thomas,  Samuel  Wilson,  George 
Swingler,  John  Goldston,  Benjamin  Esken,  Jeremiah  Still,  Thomas  Sypert,  George  Wynn, 
Benjamin  Wineford,  William  Peace,  James  Mayes,  John  Cage,  Alexander  Chance,  Josiah 
Martin,  Henry  Reed,  William  Elkins,  James  Menees,  John  Allcorn,  Thomas  Congers  and 
probably  others. 

On  Spring  Creek:  James  Cannon,  Soloman  Marshall,  James  Chappell,  Walter  Car- 
routh,  Martin  Talley,  George  Alexander,  Joseph  Moxley,  Hugh  Morris,  Bartlett  Graves, 
Spencer  Talley,  John  Forbes,  William  Bartlett,  William  Sherrill,  John  Steinbridge,  Josiah 
Smith,  Alligood  Wallard,  Thomas  Williams,  Purnell  Hearn,  John  Jones,  John  Walsh, 


842 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Samuel  Elliott,  Benjamin  Mottlev,  Richard  Hawkins,  Gregory  Johnson,  William  Steele, 
Henry  Chandler,  Arthur  Dew,  Daniel  Cherry,  Adam  Harpole,  and  others. 

On  Cedar  Creek:  Hugh  Roane,  John  Provine,  Alex  Aston,  Samuel  Calhoun,  Perry 
Taylor,  John  L.  Davis,  Mathew  Figures,  David  Billings,  Irwin  Tomlinson,  Joseph  Trout, 
Hooker  Reeves,  Nathan  Cartwright,  Lewis  Chambers,  Andrew  Swan,  William  Harris, 
William  Wilson  and  Joseph  Weir. 

On  Spencer  Creek:  John  Walker,  William  White,  Brittain  Drake,  Lewis  Kirby, 
William  Gray,  Joel  Echols,  Robert  Mitchell,  Philip  Koonce,  James  McFarland,  Moore 
Stevenson,  Jere  Hendricks  and  Richard  Drake. 

On  Cedar  Lick  Creek:  Theopliilus  Bass,  Clement  Jennings,  John  Everett,  John 
Gleaves,  Reuben  Searcy,  Joshua  Kelley,  James  Everett,  James  H.  Davis,  Thomas  Dav.s 
Howell  Wren,  William  Ross,  Edmund  Vaughn,  George  Smith,  Harmon  Hays  and  Daniel 
Spicer. 

On  Cumberland  River:  Edward  Mitchell,  Elijah  Moore,  William  Sanders,  Caleb  Tay- 
lor, Bartholomew  Brett,  William  Johnson,  Josiali  Woods,  W.  T.  Cole,  Joseph  Kirkpat- 
rick, Henry  Davis,  James  Tipton,  Thomas  Ray,  Reuben  Slaughter,  Daniel  Glenn,  James 
Hunter,  Ransom  King,  Henry  Locke,  Ephraim  Beasley,  Sterling  Tarpley  and  William 
Putway. 

On  Stoner  Lick  Creek:  Blake  Rutland,  Zebulon  Baird,  John  Graves,  Benjamin 
Graves,  Thomas  Watson,  John  Wilson,  John  Williamson,  Henry  Thompson,  Thomas 
Gleaves,  Ezekial  Cloyd,  Anderson  Tate,  Jacob  Woodrum,  Ezekial  Clampet,  Andrew  Wil- 
son, James  Cathom  and  James  Kendall. 

On  Suggs  Creek  Benjamin  [Hooker,  Acquilla  Suggs,  William  Warnick,  William 
Rice,  Benjamin  Dobson,  Hugh  Gwynn,  Jenkin  Sullivan,  John  Roach,  James  Hannah, 
Hugh  Telford,  Green  Barr,  Peter  Devault,  John  Curry,  Thomas  Drennon,  Joseph  Hamil- 
ton and  Joseph  Castlemen. 

On  Pond  Lick  Creek:  Robin  Shannon,  John  Ozment,  Lee  Harralson,  John  Spinks 
and  John  Rice. 

On  Sinking  Creek:  Thompson  Clemmons,  William  Bacchus,  David  Fields,  Lewis 
Merritt,  Frank  Ricketts,  Fletcher  Sullivan,  James  Richmond,  Robert  Jarmon,  John  Win- 
sett,  Jesse  Sullivan,  William  Paisley,  John  Billingsley,  Seldon  Baird,  Dawson  Hancock 
and  Jonathan  Ozment. 

On  Hurricane  Creek:  William  Teague,  John  Gibson,  William  Hudson,  Nicholas 
Quesenbury,  Charles  Warren,  Jacob  Bennett,  Elisha  Bond,  Robert  Edwards,  John 
Edwards,  Bradford  Howard,  George  Cummings,  John  Merritt,  Joseph  Stacey,  Frank 
Young,  Henry  Mosier,  Charles  Cummings,  John  Woolen,  Absalom  Knight,  Thomas  Miles. 
Peter  Leath  and  Gideon  Harrison. 

On  Fall  Creek:  William  Warren,  Samuel  Copeland,  Joseph  Williams,  Jacob  Jennings 
William  Allison,  Hardy  Penuel,  Joseph  Sharp,  Sampson  Smith,  Frank  Puckett,  James 
Quarles,  Roger  Quarles,  ^Mathew  Sims,  Shadrack  Smith,  James  Smith,  Charles  Smith,  i 
Aaron  Edwards,  Hugh  Cummings,  Isaac  Winston,  William  Wortham,  Burrell  Patterson, 
Absalom  Losater,  John  Alsup,  Lard  Sellars,  Joseph  Carson,  Charles  Gillem.  Arthur 
Harris,  Walter  Clapton,  William  Smith,  John  Donnell,  Aduey  Donnell  and  William 
Lester. 

On  Smith  Fork:  Dennis  Kelley,  David  Ireland,  John  Adams,  David  Wasson,  John 
Armstrong,  Isaac  Witherspoon,  John  Allen,  Richard  Braddock,  Edward  Pickett,  Elisha 
Hodge,  Thomas  Flood,  James  McAdoo,  Samuel  McAdoo,  Abner  Bone,  Thomas  Bone 
William  Richards,  George  L.  Smith,  Samuel  Stewart,  William  Beagle,  James  Johnson,  jj 
John  Knox,  William  Knox,  John  Ward,  Solomon  George,  Reason  Byrne,  James  Godfrey, 
Henry  Payne,  James  Thompson,  James  Thomas,  Thomas  Word,  James  Ayers,  William 
Jennings,  Charles  Rich,  Abner  Alexander,  William  Oakley  and  James  Williams. 

On  Round  Lick  Creek,  including  Jennings  Fork:  John  W.  Peyton,  Arthur  Hankins,  j 
James  Wrather,  Samuel  King,  William  Haines,  John  Bradley,  William  McSpaddin,  Will- 
iam Coe,  Abner  Spring,  William  Harris,  John  Phillips,  Benjamin  Phillips,  Edward  G. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


843 


Jacobs,  John  Green,  Samuel  Barton,  Alexander  Beard,  Jordan  Bass,  Soloman  Bass,  John 
Lawrence,  Evans  Tracy,  Joseph  Barbee,  Shelah  Waters,  George  Clarke,  James  Shelton, 
William  Neal,  Joshua  Taylor,  Isaac  GrandstafE,  Daniel  Smith,  Jacob  Vantrase,  Duncan 
Johnson,  Joseph  Foust,  James  Hill,  Joseph  Carlin,  George  Hearn,  John  Patton,  John 
Bradley,  William  New,  Robert  Branch,  James  Edwards,  William  Howard,  Edmund  Jen- 
nings, John  White,  John  Swan,  Thomas  Byles,  William  Palmer,  Park  Goodall,  Jerre 
Brown,  Thomas  B.  Reece,  James  Scaby,  James  Hobbs,  James  Newbry  and  John  Capling- 
er.  The  first  corn-mill  erected  in  the  county  was  built  by  Samuel  Caplinger  some  time  in 
1798.  It  was  a small  horse-power  affair,  the  horse  being  hitched  to  a pole  or  shaft  and 
driven  around  in  a circle.  The  building  was  a small,  unhewn-log  house,  and  stood  on  the 
farm  now,  owned  by  Roland  Newby,  in  the  Eighth  Civil  District.  Very  good  corn  meal 
is  said  to  have  been  ground  by  this  mill,  and  the  patronage  was  drawn  from  a large  scope 
of  country.  Subsequently  the  mill  was  removed  to  a site  on  Jennings  Fork,  and  convert- 
ed into  a water-power.  The  first  water-mill  is  supposed  to  have  been  built  by  Thomas 
Conger,  some  time  in  the  same  year,  on  Barton’s  Creek,  about  three  miles  northwest  of 
Lebanon.  A horse-power  mill  was  also  erected  about  that  time  by  one  of  the  Donnells, 
near  Doak’s  Cross  Roads,  eight  miles  south  of  Lebanon. 

Before  these  mills  were  erected  the  settlers  went  to  Davidson  County  for  their  grinding,, 
or  converted  the  corn  into  meal  by  means  of  the  old-fashioned  mortar  and  pestle.  In  1799 
Mathew  Figures  built  a water-power  grist-mill  on  Cedar  Creek,  to  which  he  afterward  ad- 
ded a saw.  In  1800  William  Trigg  and  Joseph  Hendricks  built  a water-power  grist-mill 
■ on  Spencer  Creek.  Other  mills  of  the  early  days  were  those  or  Isham  and  Larkin  Davis, 
on  Cedar  Creek;  William  Wilson’s,  on  Spring  Creek;  Jesse  Holt’s,  on  Barton  Creek; 
John  Scott’s  on  Spring  Creek,  and  John  T.  Hays’,  on  Smith  Fork.  Later  on  William 
Wharton  built  a water-mill  on  Spring  Creek,  in  the  Tenth  District;  Williams  & Kirkpat- 
rick built  one  on  Spencer  Creek,  in  the  Fourth  District;  Alex  Simmons  built 
one  on  Fall  Creek,  in  the  Seventeenth  District;  James  C.  Winford  built  one  on 
Spring  Creek,  in  the  Ninth  District,  and  about  the  same  time  a paper-mill  was  built  on  the 
Cumberland  River,  twelve  miles  from  Lebanon,  at  which  a good  article  of  paper,  both 
news  and  commercial,  was  manufactured.  The  machinery  was  inadequate,  however,  and 
the  enterprised  was  short  lived. 

With  the  increase  in  population  there  was  an  increase  in  the  number  and  facilities  of 
the  mills  in  this  county,  and  at  the  present  W.  P.  M.  Smith,  C.  H.  Cook,  J.  N.  Adams  and 
J.  W.  Williamson  & Bros,  have  steam  saw  and  grist-mills;  Jacob  Earhart  has  a water- 
power grist-mill  on  Stone  Creek,  and  W.  C.  Gillian  has  a water-power  grist-mill  on  Ce- 
dar Creek,  in  the  First  Civil  District;  John  Brown  and  William  McFarland  have  steam 
saw  and  grist-mills,  and  Washington  Moore  has  a water-power  grist-mill  on  Spring  Creek, 
in  the  Fifth  District;  B.  D.  Hager  has  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill,  and  William  Colquit 
and  William  Tomlinson  have  steam  grist-mills,  in  the  Seventh  District;  J.  C.  Logue  has 
a steam  grist-mill,  and  J.  L.  Hubbard  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill,  in  the  Twenty-fourth 
District;  Coon  Lannon  has  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill,  and  William  Rice  a water  grist- 
mill on  Sinking  Creek,  in  the  Twenty-third  District;  John  D.  Gains  has  a steam  saw -mill, 
James  Johnson  a water-power  grist,  and  W.  D.  S.  Smith  a steam  and  water-power  saw 
and  grist-mill  on  Cedar  Creek,  in  the  Sixth  District;  J.  N.  Cowen  has  a steam  corn-mill 
and  wool  factory  in  the  Twenty-second  District;  Mrs.  Pendleton  has  a steam  saw,  grist 
and  carding-mill  in  the  Second  District;  Gains  Leach  and  Hugh  & David  have  water- 
power grist-mills  on  Sanders  and  Smith  Forks,  respectively,  in  the  Fourteenth  District; 
Dr.  James  McFarland  has  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill  in  the  Third  District;  J.  B.  Baird 
has  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill  in  the  Twenty-first  District;  G.  W.  Wright  has  a steam  saw 

and  grist-mill  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District;  Etherly  has  a steam  saw  and  grist-mill, 

and  Bailey  Hall  and  William  Barrow  water-power  grist-mills  on  Barton  Creek,  in  the- 
Fourth  District;  John  Patterson  and  Patton  & Harvey  have  water-power  grist-mills  on 
Smith  Fork,  in  the  Fifteenth  District;  Thomas  Mitchell  has  a carding  machine  in  the 
Ninth  District;  John  Bryant  has  a steam  saw-mill  in  the  Nineteenth  District;  John  W.. 


844 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Bennett  and  John  Wynn  have  steam  saw  and  grist-mills,  and  S.  T.  A'lsup  has  a water-  j 
power  saw  and  grist-mill  on  Falling  Creek,  in  the  Twentieth  District;  P.  W.  & T.  R. 
Hearn  have  a water-power  grist-mill  on  Falling  Creek,  in  the  Seventeenth  District;  John 
S.  Belcher  has  a steam  grist-mill  in  the  Eighth  District;  Yick  & Miller  have  a water-power  j 
grist-mill  on  Town  Branch,  and  Bailey  Peyton  one  on  Spring  Creek,  in  the  Tenth  District, 
and  W.  L.  Waters  has  a steam-power  flour,  grist  and  saw-mill  in  the  Sixteenth  District. 

Although  still-houses  were  more  numerous  than  sclioolhouses  in  the  early  days  of  the 
county,  yet  the  owner  and  location  of  the  first  one  can  not  be  learned.  Isliain  Webb  had 
a still  in  the  Eleventh  District  at  an  early  day,  and  later  James  Carrouth,  John  Forbs, 
Jerry  Johnson,  Bolin  Wynn,  Robert  Thomas,  Jack  Cook  and  perhaps  others,  whose 
names  could  not  be  secured,  operated  stills  in  various  parts  of  the  county,  all  of  which  had  | 
capacities  ranging  from  one-half  to  two  barrels  per  day  of  mash.  The  old-fashioned  J 
worm  was  used,  and  the  houses  were  small,  unhewn-log  buildings,  and  in  some  instances 
the  still  was  located  out  of  doors.  These  stills  all  disappeared  several  years  before  the  late 
civil  war. 

Considerable  cotton  was  grown  in  the  county,  and  it  is  claimed  that  the  first  crop  of 
this  article  grown  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains  was  on  the  farm  of  John  Donnel 
son,  afterward  the  father-in-law  of  Andrew  Johnson,  in  Clover  Bottom,  this  county,  some 
time  about  Ihe  organization  of  the  county.  As  early  as  1802  there  were  numerous  cotton- 
gins  in  operation  in  the  county:  One  by  George  Alexander,  near  Center  Hill;  one  by  John 
B.  Walker,  on  Hickory  Ridge;  one  by  Moses  Echols,  on  the  waters  of  Spencer  Creek;  one 
by  Daniel  Trigg,  and  others  by  Alaman  Trigg,  Henry  Betts,  John  Watson,  Robert  Good- 
loe,  Seth  P.  Pool,  Joseph  Sharp,  Joshua  Kelley,  Edward  Bondward,  Thomas  Wilson  and 
Thomas  Green  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  the  exact  location  of  which  is  unknown  to 
the  citizens  of  the  present.  These  have  all  disappeared,  as  they  ceased  to  be  of  use  many 
years  ago. 

The  first  store  in  the  county  was  kept  by  John  Ilerrod  in  1800,  but  the  location  of  his 
store  can  not  be  learned.  It  was  a small  mercantile  establishment  indeed,  the  stock  con- 
sisting of  a few  standard  articles  of  staple  groceries,  ammunition,  nails,  tobacco  and  wh  lJ(p- 
all  of  which  were  brought  from  the  older  States  on  pack  mules  or  horses.  Salt  sold  Horn 
$8  to  $10  per  bushel;  nails  at  25  cents  per  pound,  and  everything  else  in  proportion. 
Herrod  also  kept  tavern  at  his  store,  they  both  being  at  his  dwelling-house.  A short  time 
afterward  George  C.  Hodge  and  Solomon  George  opened  similar  stores,  or  ordinaries  as 
they  were  then  called,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Smith  Fork.  Other  early  store-keepers 
were  John  Gibson,  Samuel  Tillman,  Huhlah  Sherrill,  Richard  Bryan.  William  C.  Mitch 
ell,  George  Cummings,  John  Lumpkins,  John  Brown,  Isham  Davis,  George  Jarrett,  Car- 
ter White,  William  Stewart,  Elisha  Dismukes,  Higdon  Harrington  and  David  Martin,  all 
of  whose  stores  were  located  in  various  portions  of  the  county  outside  of  the  county  seat. 

So  far  as  known,  the  oldest  house  now  standing  in  the  county  was  built  by  Samuel 
Sherrill,  on  Barton  Creek,  about  two  miles  southwest  of  Lebanon.  It  was  built  some 
time  in  1800,  of  hewn  cedar  logs,  the  doors  and  shutters  being  made  of  split  boards, 
smoothed  with  the  drawing-knife,  and  fastened  together  with  nails  made  by  hand  i In- 
house  is  strong  and  still  serviceable. 

Josiah  S.  McClaim,  who  was  county  clerk  for  a period  of  over  forty  years,  now  dead, 
is  said  to  have  been  the  first  male  white  child  born  in  the  county,  he  having  beeu  born  in 
January,  1797. 

Wilson  County  was  established  by  an  act  of  the  Third  General  Assembly  of  Tennes 
see,  passed  October  26,  1799,  three  years  after  the  organization  of  the  State.  The  act 
establishing  the  county  is  in  substance  as  follows:  “An  act  reducing  the  limits  of  Sumnci 
County  and  establishing  two  new  counties,”  etc.,  that  part  referring  to  Wilson  County 
being  in  the  followdng  language:  “ Sec.  4,  And  be  it  encoded,  that  anothei  new  county  t- 
establisheu  by  the  name  of  Wilson,  to  be  contained  within  the  following  described  bound?: 
Beginning  upon  the  south  bank  of  the  river  Cumberland,  at  low  water  mark,  at  the  mouth 
of  Drake  Lick  Branch,  the  northeast  corner  of  Davidson  County;  thence  with  the  line 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


845 


of  Davidson  County  to  the  Cherokee  boundary,  as  run  and  marked  agreeably  to  the  treaty 
of  Holston,  and  with  the  said  boundary  to  the  Caney  Fork,  and  down  the  Caney  Fork, 
according  to  its  meanders,  to  the  mouth  thereof;  thence  down  the  meanders  of  the  Cum- 
berland River,  by  the  south  bank  to  the  beginning.” 

Sections  15  and  16  provide  for  the  holding  of  the  courts  of  said  county  on  the  fourth 
Monday  of  December,  March,  June  and  September,  and  designate  the  house  of  John 
Harpole,  as  the  place  of  holding  the  first  sessions  of  the  courts. 

By  an  act  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  November  6, 1801,  a portion  of  Wilson  County 
was  annexed  to  Smith  County,  and  the  present  bounds  of  this  were  established  by  an  act 
passed  November  13, 1801,  as  follows:  “ Beginningon  the  south  bank  of  Cumberland  River 
i at  the  mouth  of  the  Drake  Lick  Creek,  it  being  the  upper  corner  of  Davidson  County,  run- 
ning from  thence  up  said  river  with  the  middle  of  the  channel  of  the  same  to  the  Smith 
County  line;  thence  south  twenty-three  degrees  east  along  the  said  Smith  County  line  to 
the.Indian  boundary  line;  thence  westwardly  with  said  Indian  boundary  line  to  the  David- 
son County  line;  thence  northwardly  along  said  Davidson  County  line  to  the  beginning.” 
This  act  also  provides  for  the  appointment  of  Christopher  Cooper,  Alanson  Trigg,  Mathew 
Figures,  John  Harpole  and  John  Doak,  as  a commission  to  organize  the  new  county,  run 
the  boundary  lines  and  locate  the  county  seat,  purchasing  forty  acres  for  the  latter  pur- 
pose; the  said  land  to  be  selected  with  due  regard  for  good  wood  and  water;  to  lay  off  the 
county  seat  into  town  lots,  sell  the  same  at  public  auction,  reserving  sufficient  ground  for 
a public  square,  and  with  the  proceeds  of  such  sales  defray  the  expenses  of  erecting  a 
court  house  and  jail,  and  other  necessary  building  for  the  use  of  the  county. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1799  the  boundary  lines  were  run  in  accordance  with  the  provis- 
ions of  the  above  act,  and  the  county  was  duly  organized.  But  it  was  not  until  in  1802 
that  the  county  seat  was  located,  when  the  present  site  of  Lebanon  was  selected  on 
account  of  its  almost  central  location,  and  of  the  existence  on  the  land  of  a large,  never- 
failing  spring  of  pure  water,  and  which  spring  at  the  present  time  is  as  pure,  fresh  and 
strong  as  at  that  early  day.  The  land  selected  was  owned  by  one  James  Menees,  who 
donated  the  necessary  land. 

Wilson  County  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Sumner  County,  on  the  northeast  and  east 
ay  the  counties  of  Trousdale,  Smith  and  DeKalb,  southeast  by  Cannon  County,  south  by 
Rutherford  County,  and  west  by  Davidson  County,  and  has  an  area  of  578  square  miles. 
The  county  was  named  in  honor  of  Maj.  David  Wilson,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who 
settled  in  Sumner  County  when  Tennessee  was  a part  of  North  Carolina. 

Wilson  County  has  a population  of  28,747,  of  which  number  about  7,200  are  voters,  a 
arge  majority  of  whom  vote  the  Democratic  ticket.  Previous  to  the  late  elections  the 
■ounty  enjoyed  the  distinction  of  being  the  banner  Democratic  county  of  the  State.  Wil- 
on  ranks  among  the  best  counties  in  the  State.  Out  of  a total  of  356,396  acres  of  land  al- 
most 200,000  are  improved.  In  1885  the  cereal  products  of  the  county  were  1,226  bushels 
f barley,  1,806,262  bushels  of  corn,  132,506  bushels  of  oats,  4,869  bushels  of  rye  and  188,- 
||40  bushels  of  wheat.  At  the  same  time  there  were  in  the  county  15,502  horses  and  mules, 
6,285  cattle,  18,795  sheep  and  49,583  hogs.  The  total  valuation  of  the  land  in  the  county 
1 1885  was  $3,500,679;  of  personal  property,  less  $1,000,  $295,836;  of  all  other  property, 
158,220;  total  valuation,  $4,440,370.  There  are  173,100  miles  of  railroad  in  the  county, 
'kich  has  a total  value  of  $204,360,  and  620  town  lots,  total  value  of  which  is  $485,635. 
a 1885  the  tax  assessment  was  as  follows:  Poll  tax,  3,979;  State,  13,321.11;  county  $15,- 
79.89;  school,  $17,069.46;  railroad,  $19,750.98;  court  house,  $2,220.18;  highway,  $3,503.96; 
)tal  $72,943.12.  The  tax  levy  for  1886  is  as  follows:  On  each  $100,  county  25  cents;  poll 
1;  school  25  cents;  poll  $1.50;  railroad  50  cents;  poll  50  cents;  highway  11  cents;  State 
j)  cents;  total,  $4.41. 

The  county  court  of  Wilson  County  was  organized  at  the  house  of  John  Harpole  on 
onday,  December  23,  1799,  the  following  commissioned  magistrates  being  present: 
harles  Kavanaugh,  Elmore  Douglas,  John  Harpole,  John  Allcorn,  John  Lancaster,  John 
oak,  Mathew  Figures,  William  Gray,  Andrew  Donelson,  Henry  Ross  and  William 


53 


846 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


McClain.  The  exact  place  of  holding  this  first  session  of  the  court,  i.  e.,  the  location  of 
Harpole’s  house,  is  a matter  of  much  dispute  at  the  present  time;  yet  after  diligent  search 
and  numerous  inquiries  from  reliable  persons  the  writer  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  house 
stood  on  the  nortli  side  of  Spring  Creek  about  five  miles  north  of  the  present  county  seat, 
The  court  was  organized  by  the  election  of  Charles  Kavanaugh  as  chairman;  Robert  Fos- 
ter, clerk;  Samuel  Rosborough,  sheriff;  John  Allcorn,  register;  John  W.  Payton,  trustee; 
William  Gray,  ranger;  William  Quesenbury,  surveyor;  and  Benjamin  Seawell,  solicitor. 
Among  the  first  acts  of  the  court  were  to  admit  John  C.  Hamilton  to  practice  as  an  attor- 
ney, prove  a deed  of  conveyance  of  640  acres  of  land  from  Michael  Coonrad  to  his  brother 
Henry,  and  order  a road  laid  off  from  the  forks  of  Round  Lick  Creek  to  the  “25-mile  tree,” 
nearly  opposite  the  house  of  Edward  Mitchell.  The  March  term,  1800,  was  also  held  at 
Harpole’s,  as  were  the  June,  September  and  December  terms,  during  which  sessions  John 
Hogg  and  George  K.  Wynn  exhibited  their  ear  marks;  John  Herrod  was  granted  license 
to  keep  an  ordinary,  permissions  were  given  to  William  Trigg,  Joseph  Hendrick  aid 
Mathew  Figures  to  erect  water  grist-mills;  Lemuel  Herrod,  John  Dickason,  John  B.  John- 
son, Jesse  Wharton  and  Nicholas  Perkins  were  admitted  to  the  bar;  $2  was  ordered  paid 
for  the  scalp  of  each  wolf  killed  in  the  county;  and  a tax  was  levied  for  county  purposes 
of  6i  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land — 6J  cents  on  each  white  and  12|  cents  on  each  black 
poll. 

The  court  continued  to  meet  at  Harpole’s  throughout  the  year  1801, during  which  time 
John  Herrod  took  out  tavern  license,  Charles  Smith  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  rates  for 
ferrying  were  fixed  as  follows:  Man  and  horse,  6£  cents;  manor  horse,  3£  cents;  cattle 
and  other  stock,  3jr  cents  per  head;  loaded  wagon  and  team,  $1;  empty  wagon  and  team, 
75  cents;  four-wheel  carriages,  $1;  two-wheel,  50  cents. 

From  March  until  December,  1802,  the  court  met  at  the  house  of  Henry  Turner  on 
Barton  Creek,  three  miles  southwest  from  Lebanon,  and  from  there  adjourned  to  met: 
at  the  house  of  Edward  Mitchell,  in  Lebanon,  the  new  county  seat  having  been  laid  out 
and  the  lots  sold  on  August  16  of  that  year.  Mitchell  was  allowed  by  the  court  25  cents 
for  each  meal  and  lodging  furnished  the  magistrates  during  the  session  of  court.  During 
1803  the  court  fined  Obediah  Spradim  $1.50  for  profanity;  James  Anderson  was  granted  { 
ordinary  license,  and  the  rate  of  charges  for  ordinaries  was  regulated  as  follows:  rum, 
wine,  gin  and  French  brandy,  $8  per  gallon;  whisky  or  brandy  12£  cents  per  half  pint;  lodg- 
ing 6}  cents;  corn  or  oats  4 cents  per  gallon;  horse  with  hay  or  fodder,  25  cents;  pasturage 
for  twenty-four  hours,  12^  cents. 

In  1804  the  March  term  of  court  was  held  at  James  Anderson’s  in  Lebanon,  the  June 
term,  at  Edward  Mitchell’s  and  the  September  and  December  terms  at  Anderson’s. 
Throughout  1805  and  until  June  1806  the  court  met  at  Mitchell’s  house,  at  which  time  the 
court  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  new  and  first  court  house,  that  building  having  been  com 
pleted  and  placed  in  readiness  for  the  court  during  the  year.  The  first  court  house  was  a 
small  cedar-log  building,  with  a clapboard  roof,  and  stood  on  the  west  side  of  the  Public 
Square.  It  was  large  enough  only  for  the  holding  of  the  court,  the  county  officers  hav- 
ing their  quarters  in  various  houses  around  the  Square.  Beyond  this  meager  description 
nothing  more  can  now  be  learned,  as  the  memory  of  the  present  oldest  inhabitant  runneth 
not  back  that  far.  The  jail  was  completed  a short  time  previous  to  the  court  house  It 
was  also  a small  cedar-log  house,  having  two  apartments,  and  entrance  to  the  cells  was 
through  a trap  door  in  the  upper  floor,  the  cells  resting  on  the  ground. 

The  court  appointed  Jeremiah  Brown,  John  Allcorn  and  John  Wynn  a committee  in 
1806  to  award  the  contract  for  and  superintend  the  building  of  a bridge  across  the  creek, 
which  flows  through  the  town  (now  known  as  Town  Branch),  and  John  Doak,  John  Har 
pole  and  Mathew  Figures  were  appointed  a committee  to  have  a stray  pen  erected.  Ben- 
jamin Tower  was  granted  ordinary  license  and  Robert  Goodloe,  Seth  P.  Pool  and  Joseph 
Sharp  were  appointed  cotton  inspectors. 

In  1807  the  court  licensed  Daniel  Tillman  to  keep  an  ordinary,  appointed  Peter  Mos- 
ley and  Edward  Bondward  cotton  inspectors,  fined  William  Talbott  1 cent  for  inciting  a 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


847 


riot,  allowed  Seth  P.  Pool  $200  for  building  an  office  for  the  accommodation  of  the  county 
officials,  and  allowed  David  Marshall  $12  for  building  a stray  pen. 

In  1808  the  court  granted  ordinary  license  to  William  Mann,  and  John  Cartwright  was 
granted  permission  to  erect  and  operate  a cotton  gin.  In  1809  the  court  ordered  the 
removal  of  the  stray  pen.  James  Richmond  was  appointed  cotton  inspector,  and  Isham 
and  Larkin  Davis  were  granted  permission  to  erect  a water-power  grist-mill.  In  1810 
Thomas  Swain  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Joel  Mann  was  granted  ordinary  license,  and 
William  Wilson  granted  permission  to  erect  a grist-mill.  In  1811  the  old  jail  was  torn 
down,  and  a new  one  erected  on  the  same  site.  The  new  building  was  of  brick  and  cost 
$1,396.  William  Seawell  was  the  contractor.  In  1812  Charles  Swain,  James  Johnson, 
Ezekial  Bass  and  Reuben  Bullard  were  each  fined  by  the  court  for  committing  assault  and 
battery,  and  Thomas  Bradly,  the  sheriff,  was  fined  $10  for  absenting  himself  during  the 
sitting  of  the  court.  In  1817  the  court  appropriated  $500  for  the  building  of  a new  court 
house.  The  building  was  completed  in  1818.  It  was  of  brick  and  stood  in  the  center  of 
the  Public  Square.  The  house  was  square  in  shape,  one  story  in  height,  and  had  a peaked 
roof,  on  the  center  of  which  was  a square  belfry  and  bell.  In  1829  the  court  levied  a poor- 
house  tax  of  6J  cents  on  each  100  acres  of  land,  6J  cents  on  each  white  and  black  poll, 
and  6|  cents  on  each  town  lot.  The  court  also  appointed  Etheldred  P.  Harris,  William 
McSwain  and  Thomas  B.  Reise  a commission  to  select  suitable  ground  upon  which  to 
locate  said  poor-house,  and  erect  the  necessary  buildings.  The  following  year  a small 
tract  of  land,  three  miles  southwest  of  Lebanon,  was  purchased,  and  a cedar-log  house, 
containing  three  rooms,  was  erected  as  an  asylum.  A few  years  afterward  a new  asylum 
was  erected  on  a tract  of  land  about  six  miles  southwest  of  Lebanon,  which  served  as  a 
poor-farm  until  1866,  when  219  acres  of  good  farm  land  was  purchased  of  James  Davis  for 
$30  per  acre,  upon  which  stood  a substantial  weather-boarded  log  house.  Four  log  cabins 
were  erected,  and  such  is  the  poor  asylum  of  the  present.  A new  jail  was  erected  in  1832, 
which  was  also  of  brick,  which  stood  until  18—,  when  the  present  substantial  brick  jail, 
which  stands  about  two  squares  from  the  Public  Square  on  West  Main  Street,  was  erected. 
In  1833  a new  floor  was  laid  in  the  court  house.  In  1846  the  court  passed  an  order  for 
the  building  of  a new  court  house,  which  building  was  not  to  cost  in  excess  of  $8,000. 
In  1848  the  court  house  was  completed,  when  the  old  building  was  torn  down.  The  new 
court  house  was  of  brick,  two-stories  in  height,  and  stood  on  Lot  Ho.  8 on  the  south  side 
of  the  Public  Square,  one  entrance  being  on  South  Cumberland  Street.  The  upstairs  was 
devoted  to  a circuit  court  room,  while  on  the  lower  floor  were  the  quarters  of  the  county 
officers  and  the  county  court  room.  The  building  stood  until  1881,  when  it  was  destroyed 
by  fire,  and  in  January,  1882,  the  court  passed  an  order  for  the  erection  of  a new  court 
house,  appointing  H.  G.  Johns,  G.  W.  Lewis,  J.  F.  Orgain,  L.  Drifoos  and  J.  A.  Brent  a 
building  committee.  Subsequently  W.  A.  Lewis,  W.  H.  Brown  and  John  D.  Owen  were 
added  to  the  committee.  The  plans  and  specifications  of  the  building  were  prepared  by 
Bruce  & Morgan,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  the  contract  was  awarded  to  J.  F.  Bowers  & Bros., 
of  Nashville.  When  complete  the  building  cost  $18,306.30.  It  is  a handsome  brick 
structure,  two  stories  in  height  above  the  ground,  has  stone  cappings,  tin  mansard  roof, 
and  is  supplied  with  fire-proof  vaults  and  all  modern  conveniences.  The  front  of  the 
building  is  highly  ornamented,  and  is  set  off  with  an  imposing  brick  portico,  with  a flight 
of  stone  steps  leading  thereto.  On  the  second  floor  are  two  large  court  rooms,  one  each 
for  the  circuit  and  county  courts,  while  on  the  first  floor  are  large,  light  and  well  venti- 
lated offices.  A handsome  stairway  leads  from  the  main  hall  to  the  court  rooms.  There 
are  three  entrances  to  the  building,  which  stands  on  the  site  of  the  old  court  house,  one  on 
the  Cumberland  Street  side,  one  on  the  Public  Square  and  one  on  the  west  side.  During 
the  building  of  the  court  house  the  courts  were  held  in  the  Masonic  Hall. 

The  clerks  of  the  county  court  and  their  terms  of  office  have  been  as  follows:  Robert 
Foster,  1799  to  1800;  John  C.  Henderson,  1800  to  1802;  John  Allcorn,  1802  to  1827;  John 
Stone,  1827  to  1831;  Josiali  McClain,  1831  to  1871;  R.  P.  McClain,  1871  to  1875;  Jesse  F, 

| Coe,  1875  to  1880;  Abraham  Britton,  1880  to  1882;  W.  M.  Harkreader,  1882  to  1886. 


848 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Sheriffs — Samuel  Rosborough,  1799  to  1802;  William  Wilson,  1802  to  1802  (three 
months);  Nathaniel  Perry,  1802  to  1804;  George  Hallum,  1804  to  1805;  John  V.  Tullock, 
1805  to  1806;  Thomas  Bradley,  1806  to  1819;  James  Williams,  1819  to  1821;  Thomas  Brad- 
ley, 1821  to  1825;  John  Hearn,  1825  to  1831;  Paulden  Anderson,  1831  to  1836;  Benjamin 
G.  Mabry,  1836  to  1839;  Wilburn  R,  Winter,  1839  to  1840;  Henry  D.  Lester,  1840  to  1844; 
John  C.  Lash,  1844  to  1847;  Robert  Hallum.  1847  to  1848;  John  J.  Crittenden,  1848  to  1854; 
Jonathan  Etherly,  1854  to  1859;  Nathan  W.  McCullough,  1859  to  1866;  William  E.  Foust, 
1866  to  1870;  Andrew  McGregor,  1870*  to  1874;  David  W.  Grandstafif,  1874  to  1876;  Will- 
iam P.  Bandy,  1876  to  1882;  James  G.  Hamilton,  1882  to  1884;  William  P.  Bandy,  1884  to 
1886.  Registers— John  Allcorn,  1799  to  1801;  Henry  Ross,  1801  to  1827;  James  Foster 
1827  to  1836;  Thomas  Edwards,  1836  to  1837;  A.  W.  Foster,  1837  to  1839;  Giles  H.  Glenn, 
1839  to  1844;  Robert  M.  Holeman,  1844  to  1846;  Allen  W.  Vick,  1846  to  1876;  John  F. 
Tarply,  1876  to  1886.  Trustees — John  W.  Payton,  1799  to  1800;  James  Stewart,  1800  to 
1814;  Edward  Crutcher,  1814  to  1821;  John  W.  Payton,  1821  to  1833;  David  C.  Hibbitts, 
1833  to  1844;  John  Shorter,  1844  to  1848;  Benjamin  Tower,  1848  to  1856;  David  B.  Moore, 
1856  to  1860;  Jarrett  W.  Edwards,  1860  to  1872;  J.  F.  Lane,  1872  to  1874;  Nathan  Oakley, 
1874  to  1876;  J.  N.  Cook,  1876  to  1884;  D.  J.  Barton,  1884  to  1886. 

The  Circuit  Court  of  Wilson  County  convened  for  the  first  time  in  the  court  house  at 
Lebanon,  September  24,  1810,  Hon.  Thomas  Stuart,  presiding.  The  first  case  of  conse- 
quence on  the  docket  was  that  of  the  State  against  Joel  Alpin,  on  a charge  of  assault  and 
battery.  Alpin  was  found  guilty  as  charged  in  the  indictment,  and  fined  $5.  In  1811 
Peggy  and  Solomon  Ray  were  divorced;  in  1812  Thomas  Martin  and  Joseph  Davis  were 
each  fined  $10  for  assault  and  battery;  in  1813  James  Rather,  for  assault  and  battery,  was 
fined  $5;  Isaac  and  Betsy  Cook  were  divorced  in  1814,  and  in  1815  Betsy  and  David  Hunt 
were  also  divorced;  in  1820  Jedediah  Willie  was  publicly  whipped  for  larceny,  and  Robert 
Easom  for  assault  and  battery  was  fined  $10  and  sent  to  jail  for  twenty  days;  Hiram 
McKinley,  for  larceny,  in  1821,  was  given  twenty-five  lashes  on  the  bare  back  and  jailed; 
in  1826  Lewis  Yarnell  was  convicted  of  murder,  and  was  branded  on  the  left  hand  with 
the  letter  M,  and  given  four  months  in  jail;  James  Nilms,  for  horse  stealing,  in  1828,  was 
sentenced  to  be  hung,  and  upon  the  day  of  execution,  after  having  been  placed  on  the 
scaffold,  was  reprieved  at  the  last  minute  and  his  sentence  commuted;  during  the  same 
year  Joe,  a slave,  for  murder,  was  branded  with  the  letter  M and  given  thirty-nine  lashes, 
and  for  horse  stealing  Pins  Simpson  was  sentenced  to  receive  twenty-six  lashes,  six  months 
in  jail  and  to  stand  in  the  pillory  two  hours  on  the  mornings  of  Saturday,  Monday  and 
Tuesday,  and  was  branded  on  the  hand  with  the  letters  H and  T;  in  1829  Willis,  a slave, 
was  given  thirty-nine  lashes  and  branded  with  M for  committing  murder;  David  B.  Cole 
was  publicly  'whipped  and  jailed  for  larceny  in  1830;  John  AfElack,  for  killing  his  wife  in 
1830,  was  branded  with  M and  sent  to  jail  for  eleven  months,  and  for  murder  in  the  second 
degree  Joseph  C.  Wilson  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  fifteen  years;  in  1834  Frank  Mc- 
Cullough, on  two  counts  for  store  stealing,  was  sent  to  prison  for  five  years  on  each;  Clay- 
ton, a slave,  was  convicted  of  the  murder  of  a white  man  and  daughter  named  Hunt , and 
was  hung  at  Lebanon  November  26,  1836;  in  1837  Aaron  F.  Jones  and  James  Lively  wert- 
each  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  horse  stealing;  McDaniel  Smith  was  sent  to  the  peniten 
tiary  for  four  years  on  a charge  of  bigamy  in  1839,  and  John  Lawrence,  for  larceny,  was 
given  eight  years;  Isaac  Mahaffy  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  ten  years  for  murder,  and 
Stephen  L.  Pearson  was  sent  for  four  years  on  a charge  of  forgery  in  1841;  Leslie  Clark, 
for  perjury,  and  Edward  Wyatt,  larceny,  were  sent  to  prison  in  1842;  in  1845  Garland 
Brown  and  John  Jones,  on  charge  of  larceny,  were  sent  to  prison  for  two  and  six  years, 
respectively;  for  murder  in  1848,  Britton  Collins  was  imprisoned  for  ten  years;  in  1850 
Squire  Collins  and  James  Young  were  each  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  ten  years  for  mm 
der;  in  1857  Rufus  L.  Watson  was  imprisoned  for  ten  years  for  murder,  and  on  the  same 
charge  Parmelia  Smith  received  a similar  sentence  in  1858. 

In  1867  Russell  Sanders,  Polk  Evans,  John  Bratton,  Mary  North,  Thomas  Clymer 
Frank  Baird,  Isham  Jackson  and  Wash  Hardy,  on  charges  of  larceny,  were  each  im- 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


849 


prisoned  one  year.  In  1868,  on  charges  of  larceny,  Foster  Newby  was  sent  to  prison  for 
three  years,  Fayette  Sneed  three  years,  Thomas  Waters  one  year  and  James  Radford  one 
year,  and  Nancy  Elliott,  for  murder,  ten  years,  and  James  Tarlton,  for  horse-stealing, 
three  years.  In  1869  Henry  Palmer  and  Henry  Sewell,  for  house-breaking,  were  each 
sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  ten  years;  Henry  Curtis,  horse-stealing,  ten  years,  and 
Frank  Smith,  for  larceny,  one  yea;'.  In  1870  William  Porter  was  sent  to  the  pen- 
itentiary seventeen  years  for  bigamy,  and  for  larceny  Sam  Thompson,  Ben  Camper, 
Edward  Knight,  Marcus  Hawkins  and  John  Burch  were  given  terms  of  impris- 
onment. In  1872  Hugh  Bradley  (colored),  was  sent  up  for  four  years  for  larceny,  and 
Seth  Williams,  for  house-breaking,  got  two  years.  In  1875  Jerry  Belcher  got  ten  years 
in  prison  on  the  charge  of  arson,  and  for  larceny  William  Gooch,  Albert  McGregor, 
Burdine  Preston  and  Moses  Howell  were  sent  to  the  penitentiary.  In  1876  Porter 
Williamson  and  Burr  Spinks  (colored),  were  convicted  of  murder  and  sentenced  to  be 
hung.  Williamson  was  granted  a new  trial,  pending  which  he  was  hung  by  a mob,  while 
Spinks  was  hung  by  law.  In  1877  sentences  were  passed  as  follows:  King  Walsh,  house- 
breaking,  three  years  in  the  penitentiary;  Jasper  Williams,  horse-stealing,  ten  years,  and 
William  Claxton,  horse-stealing,  three  years.  In  1878  Albert  Gibson,  for  larceny,  was 
sent  to  prison  for  three  years;  Davis  Bass,  house-breaking,  was  given  three  years,  and 
James  Scott,  for  larceny,  received  one  year.  In  1879  Scott  Bass,  for  larceny,  received 
three  years  imprisonment;  Jere  Evans,  for  malicious  stabbing,  one  year;  Pomp  Grizzle, 
horge-stealing,  three  years  and  Bob  Williamson,  murder,  three  years.  In  1880  John 
Bond,  for  rape,  was  imprisoned  for  ten  years;  William  Tackett,  horse-stealing,  and  Lee 
Hardy,  larceny,  were  each  sent  up  for  three  years.  In  1881  Samuel  Baird,  Wash  Hearn, 
Martin  Graves  and  Pike  Ward  were  sentenced  to  the  penitentiary  forlarceny;  J.  W.  Con- 
ner, for  murder,  was  sent  for  twenty  years;  Bob  Nipps.  horse-stealing,  three  years,  and 
Joe  Harrison,  for  arson,  was  sent  for  five  years.  In  1882  Joe  Campbell  was  sentenced  to 
the  penitentiary  for  twenty  years  for  murder;  Marcus  Seay,  horse-stealing,  went  up  for 
five  years,  and,  for  larceny,  terms  of  imprisonment  were  given  Jake  Neal,  Jack  Price,  Alf 
Jennier,  William  Hamler,  Bill  Oxendine  and  George  Dibrell.  In  1883  James  Payne,  for 
house-breaking,  received  three  years  imprisonment,  and  in  1884  Frank  Jennings  and 
Tom  Robertson,  for  murder,  were  each  given  ten  and  three  years,  respectively,  and  Frank 
Johnson  and  Bill  Davis  were  given  one  and  five  years,  respectively,  for  larceny.  In  1885 
Berr  Officer,  for  larceny,  was  sent  up  for  one  year;  Bernice  Richardson,  murder,  got  a 
life  sentence;  Hardy  Baker,  horse-stealing,  three  years;  James  Baxter,  murder,  convicted 
and  sentenced  to  be  hung.  Baxter’s  case  was  appealed  to  the  supreme  court,  where  the 
decision  of  the  lower  court  was  sustained.  His  execution  was  set  for  November  3,  1885, 
but  he  was  granted  a reprieve,  and  on  June  4,  1886,  was  hung  at  Lebanon;  Andrew 
Church,  an  accomplice  of  Baxter  in  the  crime,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  life;  both 
were  negroes,  and  their  crime  was  the  murder  of  Mrs.  Lane,  an  aged,  widow,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  robbery.  In  1886  George  Burns,  for  bigamy,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  five 
years;  Kate  Rhodes,  infanticide,  sent  for  ten  years;  Asbury  Johnson,  Jesse  Hill,  George 
Thompson  and  Robert  Keith,  for  larceny,  were  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year  each, 
and  W.  H.  Smith,  marshal  of  Lebanon,  was  indicted  for  murder,  he  having  killed  a negro 
who  resisted  an  arrest. 

The  judges  who  have  presided  over  the  courts  of  Wilson  County  since  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  circuit  court  have  been  as  follows:  Thomas  Stewart,  1810-30;  James  C. 
Mitchell,  1830-35;  Samuel  Anderson,  1835-52;  Hugh  L.  Davidson,  1852-64;  Henry  Cooper, 
1864-68;  John  W.  Phillips,  1868-70;  William  H.'  Williamson,  1870-78;  Robert  Cantrell, 
1878-86. 

The  attorney-generals  were  Thomas  Washington,  1810-18;  Alfred  Balch,  1818-24  I 
Milliam  R.  Hess,  1824-26;  Samuel  II.  Laughlin,  1826-28;  Robert  L.  Caruthers,  1828-321 
Samuel  Yerger,  1832-36;  Thomas  C.  Whiteside,  1836-42;  Hugh  L.  Davidson,  1842-48’ 
William  L.  Martin,  1848-52;  James  L.  Scudder,  1852-60;  Barclay  M.  Tillman,  1860-66; 
Horace  Rice,  1866-68;  James  M.  Brien,  1868-69;  James  F.  Stokes,  1869-70;  Moses 
McKnight,  1870-78;  Lillard  Thompson,  1878-86. 


850 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


The  circuit  court  clerks  have  been  as  follows:  Harry  L.  Douglas,  1810-15;  Samuel  C. 
Roane, 1815-17;  Henry  Shelby,  1817-18;  Harry  L.  Douglas,  1818-21;  JolinS.  Tapp,  1821-27; 
Samuel  Yerger,  1827-32;  William  L.  Martin,  1832-42;  John  W.  White,  1842-44;  James  H. 
Britton,  1844-48;  Harris  H.  Simmons,  1848-49;  Calvin  W.  Jackson,  1849-54;  Plummer  W. 
Harris,  1854-58;  Joseph  T.  Hanson,  1858-70;  William  McCorkle,  1870-73;  Samuel  G. 
Stratton,  1873-82;  W.  W.  Donnell,  1882-86. 

The  Chancery  Court  of  Wilson  County  convened  for  the  first  time  July  25,  1836,  at 
the  court  house  iu  Lebanon,  the  Chancery  Court  of  the  State  having  been  created  during 
that  year,  having  been  provided  for.  by  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1834.  Hon. 
Lunsford  M.  Bramlett  was  the  presiding  chancellor,  and  John  H.  Dew  was  appointed 
clerk  and  master. 

The  chancellors  have  been  as  follows:  Lunsford  M.  Bramlett,  1836-40;  Bromfield  L. 
Ridley,  1840-61;  John  P.  Steele,  1865-70;*  Charles  G.  Smith,  1870-75;  Horace  Lurton, 
1875-77;  B.  J.  Tarver,  1877-78:  George  E.  Seay.  1878-86. 

The  clerk  and  masters  were  John  H.  Dew,  1836-38;  James  B.  Rutland,  1838-50;  John 
Iv.  Howard,  1850-61;*  Orville  Greene,  1865-70;  Haywood  Y.  Riddle,  1870-76;  R.  P. 
McClain,  1876-83;  R.  C.  Sanders,  1883-86. 

Wilson  County  has  furnished  more  than  her  quota  of  public  men  to  the  State  and 
county.  Among  the  more  prominent  was  Hon.  James  C.  Jones,  who  served  as  governor 
of  the  State  from  1841  to  1845,  and  as  United  States  senator  from  1852  to  1858.  The 
county  has  furnished  six  congressmen,  as  follows:  Samuel  Hogg,  Robert  L.  ’Caruthers, 
Robert  Hatton,  W.  B.  Campbell,  Edward  I.  Golladay  and  H.  Y.  Riddle.  All  of  the  above 
including  Sam  Houston,  Alexander  Campbell,  Abraham  Caruthers  and  others,  have 
practiced  at  the  Lebanon  bar.  The  present  members  of  the  bar  are  Robert  Cantrell,  E.  P. 
Thompson,  W.  H.  Williamson,  B.  J.  Tarver,  P.  K.  Williamson,  R.  C.  Sanders,  R.  P. 
McClain,  E.  E.  Beard,  Lillard  Thompson,  J.  S.  Gribble,  W.  R.  Chambers,  J.  T.  Lane.  J. 
P.  Eastman,  J.  C.  Sanders,  Samuel  Gallaway  and  Robinson  McMillin. 

Wilson  County  has  a war  record  extending  back  to  the  Continental  war  of  1776,  for 
among  the  pioneers  of  the  county  were  quite  a number  of  the  patriots  of  that  war,  among 
whom  were  John  Wynn,  Edward  Mitchell,  John  Dabney,  John  Harpole,  Philip  Shackler, 
Anthony  Gain,  Jeremiah  McWhirter  and  James  Scott,  the  first  four  of  whom  were  com 
missioned  officers.  As  early  as  1800  the  county  had  an  organized  militia  of  seven  compa- 
nies, the  captains  of  which  were  Capts.  Bishop,  Moore,  Echols,  Dillard,  Warick,  Blalock 
and  Hood.  By  1807  the  militia  had  increased  to  fifteen  companies,  under  command  of 
Capts.  McNight,  Pitman,  Mann,  Wilson,  Caplinger,  Bumpass,  Leech,  Branch,  Alexander. 
Hunter,  Martin,  Coonce,  Bandy,  Joiner  and  Priestly.  The  companies  had  been  increased 
four  by  1810,  and  were  commanded  by  Capts.  Hill,  Provine,  Thompson,  Cage,  Hallum, 
Jones,  Martin,  Swingley,  Quarles,  Williams,  Stiles,  Estes,  Henderson,  Barnes,  Smith. 
Bass,  Spink,  Davidson  and  Williamson.  Robert  Desha  was  the  first  brigadier-general  >f 
the  Wilson  County  militia. 

Wilson  County  furnished  two  full  companies  to  the  war  of  1812,  they  being  under 
command  of  Capts.  Charles  Wade  and  John  Hayes.  Out  of  the  two  companies  only  the 
following  names  can  now  be  learned:  Charles  Wade,  John  Hayes,  William  and  Lawrence 
Sypert,  William  Hartsfield,  Zachariah  Tolliver,  Kit  Seaburn,  William  Meyers,  James 
Carson,  Grief  Randolph,  William  Martin,  Thomas  K.  Ramsey,  William  Harrison,  John 
Shackleford,  Joseph  Settles,  William  Normau,  George  Dillage,  Fred  Askins,  — Will- 
iams,   Goldstone, Kirby, Aigan  and Goodall. 

Two  companies  were  also  sent  by  this  county  to  the  Florida  war  in  1836.  The  first 
company  left  Lebanon  in  June,  1836.  under  command  of  Capt.  J.  J.  Finley,  and  the  sec- 
ond went  out  in  December,  1837,  under  command  of  Capt.  W.  L.  S.  Dearing.  The  fol 
lowing  is  an  incomplete  list  of  the  soldiers  of  the  county  in  the  above  war:  J.  J.  Finley, 
W.  L.  S.  Derring,  T.  J.  Stratton,  John  D.  Mottley,  Dawson  Hancock,  John  Willburry,  P 
Hearn,  J.  N.  Kennedy,  W.  W.  Talley,  E.  S.  Smith,  Nathan  Oakley,  Lewis  Pendleton,  J 

*No  court  during  the  civil  war — from  1861  to  1865. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


851 


H.  Kennedy,  William  Woodkins,  Samuel  T.  Mottley,  Bern  Winford,  W.  T.  Cartwright, 
George  Lewis,  Claibourn  R.  Jarrett,  William  Powers  and  John  W.  Alexander. 

Again  two  companies  were  sent  out  from  Wilson  County  in  the  war  with  Mexico  in 
1846.  The  companies  were  commanded  by  Capts.  Smith  and  Hayes,  and  the  following  is 
a list  of  the  names  of  the  soldiers  as  far  as  could  be  gathered  after  dilligent  search:  Ben- 
jamin Rice,  Henry  Tyree,  Dr.  Herbert,  David  K.  Donnell,  Gideon  Alsup,  John  Bostick, 
Nathan  Oakley.  Coon  Dillon,  Pleasant  Tarpley,  William  Reeves,  W.  W.  Talley,  Moses 
Reeves,  Newton  Thomas,  William  Putnam,  Linsey  Chapman,  Thomas  Jones,  Calvin 
Jones,  Ross  Webb,  Thomas  Helms,  Alexander  Neal,  J.  M.  Alsup,  M.  A.  Byers,  William 
J.  Coleman,  Jesse  Alexander,  William  T.  Hobson,  William  Simms,  James  Bryant,  J.  W. 
Ewing,  W.  H.  George,  Thomas  Stroud,  Farrer  Carson,  W.  A.  Willy,  Monroe  Shelton,  Will- 
iam Lewis,  Foster  Tucker  and  E.  S.  Oakley. 

When  the  crisis  came  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war  in  1861,  Wilson  County 
promptly  espoused  the  cause  of  the  South,  and  responding  with  alacrity  to  the  call  for 
volunteers  made  by  Gov.  Harris,  began  at  once  the  organization  of  companies  to  assist  in 
repelling  the  threatened  invasion  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  by  the  Federal  Army.  Early 
in  the  spring  of  1861  the  organization  of  troops  was  inaugurated,  and  was  continued 
throughout  the  whole  year  and  during  the  year  following.  Portions  of  the  Seventeenth, 
Eighteenth,  Twenty-fourth,  Twenty-eighth,  Thirty-eighth  and  Forty-fifth  Regiments  of 
Tennessee  Infantry,  of  the  Fourth  and  Fifth  Regiments  of  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  of 
Company  C,  First  Tennessee  Heavy  Artillery  were  furnished  by  Wilson  County. 

The  first  company  organized  was  the  “Blues,”  of  which  Robert  Hatton  wras  the  cap- 
tain. Then  followed  in  rapid  succession  five  companies,  as  follows:  The  “Grays,”  Capt. 
John  K.  Howard;  the  “Statesville  Tigers,”  Capt.  Nathan  Oakley;  the  “ Hurricane  Rifles,” 
Capt.  Daniel  G.  Shepard;  the  “Silver  Spring  Guards,”  Capt.  J.  A.  Anthony,  and  the 
“Harris  Rifles,”  Capt.  Monroe  Anderson.  The  above  companies  left  Lebanon  May  20, 
1861,  going  to  Nashville,  from  which  city  they  were  ordered  to  Camp  Trousdale,  in 
Sumner  County,  for  instructions.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  Seventh  Regiment  of 
Tennessee  Infantry,  all  six  of  the  Wilson  County  Companies  were  placed  in  the  regiment, 
and  Capt.  Robert  Hatton  was  elected  colonel  of  the  same.  Thomas  H.  Bostick  succeeded 
to  Col.  Hatton’s  place  as  captain  of  the  “Blues,”  and  W.  H.  Williamson  succeeded  Capt. 
Howard  in  the  captaincy  of  the  “Grays.”  The  companies  were  then  numbered  as 
follows:  Harrison  Rifles,  Capt.  Monroe  Anderson,  Company  D;  Statesville  Rifles,  Capt. 
Oakly,  Company  F;  Hurricane  Rifles,  Capt.  Daniel  G.  Shepard,  Company  G;  Grays,  Capt. 
W.  H.  Williamson,  Company  H;  Silver  Spring  Guards, Capt.  Anthony,  Company  I:  Blues, 
Capt.  Bostic,  Company  K.  Remaining  at  Camp  Trousdale  until  in  the  latter  part  of 
August  of  the  same  year,  the  Seventh  Regiment  proceeded  to  West  Virginia,  and  were  in 
their  first  engagement  at  the  battle  of  Cheat  Mountain.  The  next  engagement  was  the 
battle  of  Seven  Pines  in  Virginia,  in  which  battle  Col.  Hatton,  who  had  previously  been 
promoted  to  a generalship,  was  killed.  The  Wilson  County  companies  continued  with 
the  regiment  throughout  the  war,  and  were  engaged  with  the  regiment  in  all  its  battles 
and  campaigns,  and  were  present  at  the  final  surrender  of  the  army  of  Virginia  at  Ap- 
pomattox Court  House. 

Early  in  the  fall  of  1861  four  more  companies  were  raised  in  Wilson  County.  Leaving 
Lebanon  these  companies  reported  also  to  Camp  Trousdale,  where  they  went  under  in- 
structions. When  the  Forty-fifth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  was  organized,  the 
Wilson  County  companies  were  assigned  places  ^therein,  as  follows:  Company  B,  Capt. 
Curtis;  Company  F,  Capt.  Oldham;  Company  G,  Capt.  S.  8.  Preston,  and  Company  H, 
Capt.  Andrew  Beard.  With  the  Forty-fifth  Regiment  the  four  Wilson  County  companies 
participated  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Vicksburg  Landing,  Baton  Rouge,  Murfreesboro, 
Chickamauga,  and  all  the  different  engagements  of  the  regiment,  and  were  present  at  the 
final  surrender  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  by  which  time  the  regiment  had  dwindled  down 
from  death,  sickness,  disappearance,  etc.,  to  less  than  100  men. 

During  the  same  fall,  1861,  three  companies  of  cavalry  were  raised  in  Wilson  County, 


852 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


and  reported  to  Camp  Cheatham  and  were  placed  in  the  Fourth  Regiment  of  Tennessee 
Cavalry.  They  were  Company  B,  Capt.  John  R.  Davis;  Company  C,  Capt.  Phillips,  and 
Company, G,  Capt.  Sam  Thompson.  These  companies  were  engaged  with  this  regiment 
in  the  various  campaigns,  and  sustained  heavy  losses. 

During  1861  another  company  of  infantry  was  raised  in  the  county,  and  reported  to 
Camp  Trousdale.  This  company  was  given  a place  in  the  Eighteenth  Regiment  of  Ten- 
nessee Infantry,  upon  its  organization,  as  Company  K.  When  Company  K left  Lebanon 
W.  J.  Grayson  was  captain,  but  he  dying  in  a few  months’  time,  William  P.  Bandy,  at 
present  sheriff  of  Wilson  County,  was  elected  to  the  vacancy.  The  regiment  went  first  to 
Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  then  to  Fort  Donelson,  where  they  were  captured  at  the  fall  of 
that  fort,  in  1862.  After  the  exchange  of  th  e regiment  at  Vicksburg  Company  K was  re- 
organized, with  126  men,  only  one  of  whom  was  present  at  the  surrender  at  the  close  of 
the  war.  In  the  latter  part  of  1861  another  company  was  raised  in  Wilson  and  DeKalb 
Counties,  and  left  Alexandria  under  command  of  Capt.  T.  C.  Goodner.  The  company 
was  placed  in  the  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  as  Company  R.  At 
about  the  same  time  as  above  another  company  was  raised  in  Lebanon,  and  under  com- 
mand of  Capt.  E.  I.  Golladay,  reported  at  Camp  Arrington,  near  Memphis,  and  was  mus- 
tered into  the  Thirty-eighth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry  as  Company  H.  A portion 
of  Company  D,  Capt.  John  Wiseman,  was  also  raised  in  Wilson  County,  and  joined  the 
Fifth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Calvary,  Gen.  John  Morgan’s  command. 

In  December,  1861,  A.  F.  Orr,  E.  C.  Fite,  R.  W.  Miller,  T.  H.  Norman,  T.  J.  Han- 
kins, W.  P.  Skeen,  D.  B.  Anderson,  Fines  Underwood,  E.  M.  Hearn  and  H.  M.  Cars- 
well left  Lebanon  for  Columbus,  Ky.,  where  they  joined  Company  C,  Capt.  Sterling,  of 
the  First  Tennessee  Heavy  Artillery.  From  Columbus  they  went  to  Island  No.  10,  then 
to  Vicksburg,  where  they  were  captured.  After  being  exchanged  the  company  was  re- 
organized and  was  ordered  to  Battery  Tracy,  in  Mobile  Bay,  and  from  Battery  Tracy 
they  were  ordered  to  Fort  Morgan,  where  they  were  captured  and  sent  to  Governor’s  Isl- 
and, N.  Y.  All  of  the  Wilson  County  portion,  with  one  exception — Underwood,  who 
died  in  prison — survived  the  war  and  returned  to  Wilson  County.  In  the  spring  of  1862 
Capt.  Jonathan  Etherly  took  out  from  Wilson  County  Company  F,  of  the  Twenty-eighth 
Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry.  Capt.  Etherly  was  afterward  promoted  to  a colonelcy. 

The  above  is  a list  of  the  companies,  their  letters  and  captains,  and  the  regiments  to 
which  they  belonged;  and  for  a detailed  account  of  the  campaigns  of  the  several  regi- 
ments the  reader  is  referred  to  the  war  chapter  of  this  volume,  to  be  found  elsewhere. 

While  Wilson  County’s  soldiers  were  at  the  front  the  county,  and  particularly  Leb- 
anon, was  the  scene  of  several  stirring  events.  In  the  spring  of  1862  a regiment  of  Feder- 
al troops,  under  command  of  Col.  Monday,  pitched  their  tents  in  Lebanon  and  held  full 
possession  of  the  town  for  about  three  months.  The  r.amims  of  the  university  was  select- 
ed as  their  quarters,  and  the  college  building  was  converted  into  barracks.  In  the  latter 
part  of  the  same  year,  upon  the  evacuation  of  Lebanon  by  the  Federals,  Gen.  John  Mor- 
gan, with  about  300  of  his  cavalry,  was  quartered  in  Lebanon  for  a short  while.  The 
Federals  were  at  Murfreesboro,  and,  learning  of  Gen.  Morgan’s  presence  in  Lebanon,  sent 
a detachment  of  cavalry,  under  Gen.  Dumont,  to  effect  his  capture.  The  Federal  cavalry 
arrived  at  Lebanon  at  daylight  and  at  once  opened  on  the  Confederates.  Their  pickets 
were  driven  in,  and,  though  they  had  large  odds  to  contend  against,  the  plucky  Confeder- 
ates prepared  for  action.  Gen.  Morgan  had  quarters  at  the  Lee  House,  and  when  the  skir- 
mishing began  had  not  yet  awakened.  His  men  retreated  from  the  college  building  into  the 
town,  and,  being  pressed,  took  shelter  in  the  Odd  Fellow’s  Hall,  on  West  Main  Street, 
near  the  court  house,  from  which  place  they  were  dislodged  only  after  a sharp  fight.  Gen. 
Morgan  and  the  majority  of  his  command  made  their  escape,  though  it  was  a close  call. 
Several  on  both  sides  were  killed  and  wounded. 

In  1863  Gen.  Reynolds,  who  was  stationed  at  Nashville,  made  frequent  raids  into  Wil- 
son County,  and  gathered  up  all  the  horses  and  cattle  to  be  found. 

Unlike  many  of  the  Tennessee  counties,  Wilson  was  not  injured  to  any  great  extent 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


853 


by  guerrillas  and  jayhawkers,  though  what  were  termed  “home-made  Yankees”  committed 
a few  depredations.  At  Shop  Springs,  some  time  in  1864,  William  Williams  was  arrested 
while  in  bed  by  supposed  “ home-made  Yankees,”  and  was  led  out  from  his  house  a short 
distance  and  shot;  but  beyond  this  nothing  of  a similar  nature  was  done. 

Lebanon,  the  county  seat  of  Wilson,  was  founded  in  1802,  at  which  time  the  commis- 
sion appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  for  that  purpose,  selected  the  land  of  James 
Menees  upon  which  to  locate  the  county  seat.  The  town  lots  were  sold  at  public  auction 
on  the  16th  of  August  of  the  same  year,  among  the  purchasers  being  William  Bloodworth, 
James  Peacock,  John  Wright,  Edward  Mitchell,  M.  Stewart,  William  Crabtree,  William 
Trigg,  S.  Harpole,  William  Gray,  John  Irwin,  J.  Providence,  Peter  Rule,  John  Impson, 
William  Allen  and  others.  Lebanon  is  situated  on  the  east  branch  of  Barton  Creek 
(Town  Branch),  six  miles  south  of  Cumberlahd  River,  and  about  six  miles  north  of  the 
geographical  center  of  the  county,  and  on  the  Tennessee  & Pacific  Railway,  thirty 
miles  east  from  Nashville,  and  has  a population  of  3,000.  The  first  settler  on  what  is  now 
the  site  of  Lebanon,  was  Neddie  Jacobs,  who  built  a small  log  hut  in  1800,  and  main- 
tained himself  and  wife  by  fishing  and  hunting.  He  was  an  odd  character,  and  is  remem- 
bered chiefly  for  his  fiddling  propensities,  as  he  would  sit  and  fiddle  by  the  hour,  putting 
aside  his  beloved  instrument  only  to  replenish  his  larder  with  game.  The  first  house  after 
the  town  was  laid  out  was  built  by  John  Impson,  which  stood  near  the  spring  in  the 
Public  Square.  Thomas  Impson,  Edward  Mitchell,  Edmund  Crutcher  and  James  Ander- 
son also  erected  houses  at  about  the  same  time.  The  first  brick  house  was  erected  in  1812 
by  Dr.  Henry  Shelby,  and  soon  afterward  another  brick  house  was  erected  by  Joseph 
Johnson.  “William  Allen,  an  Irishman,  was  the  first  man  to  open  a store  in  Lebanon,  and 
the  first  hotel  proprietor  was  Edward  Mitchell,  these  two  gentlemen  engaging  in  business 
in  1803.  The  first  physicians  were  Drs.  John  Tulloch  and  Samuel  Hogg.  The  first  post- 
master was  John  Allcorn,  and  the  first  school-teacher  was  an  Irishman  named  John  Trot- 
ter, in  about  1805.  The  first  church  was  the  Methodist  Church,  which  was  erected  in 
about  1812,  of  wThich  Rev.  German  Baker  was  the  first  preacher.  Previous  to  this  services 
were  held  at  private  residences  and  in  the  court  house. 

In  November,  1807,  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  for  the  regulation  of  the  town 
of  Lebanon,  by  which  Samuel  Hogg,  Edmund  Crutcher,  David  Marshall,  Joseph  Johnson 
and  John  Allcorn  were  appointed  commissioners.  The  act  provided  further  that  a majority 
of  the  commissioners  should  constitute  a quorum,  and  that  one  of  their  number  should  be 
chosen  as  president  to  preside  over  their  meetings.  The  commissioners  were  given  power 
to  levy  a tax  on  all  town  lots,  call  out  the  able-bodied  men  to  work  on  the  roads,  and  ap- 
propriate money  for  the  improvement  of  the  town. 

Edmund  Crutcher  was  chosen  as  the  first  president  of  the  commission,  and  conse- 
quently was  the  first  mayor  of  Lebanon.  The  first  newspaper  established  was  the  Lebanon 
Gazette,  which  was  established  in  1818  by  Messrs.  Ford  & Womack.  It  was  published 
but  a short  time.  In  1842  the  Banner  of  Peace,  edited  by  Dr.  F.  R.  Cassitt,  was  estab- 
lished in  Lebanon  and  published  in  the  interest  of  the  university  until  1851,  when  it  was 
removed  to  Nashville.  Other  papers  published  in  Lebanon  have  been  the  Chronicle,  the 
Pocket,  the  Free  Press,  and  the  Cumberland  University  Magazine.  The  papers  of  the  present 
time  are  the  Herald  and  Register.  The  Herald  was  established  in  October,  1853,  by  W.  Z. 
Neal  and  R.  T.  Spillers.  It  was  a seven-column  folio,  and  in  politics  was  Whig.  The 
paper  was  published  until  the  civil  war,  when  it  was  suspended  for  three  years.  In  186h 
the  paper  was  revived  by  Neal  & Ward,  the  latter  having  purchased  the  interest  of  Mr. 
Spillard.  In  December,  1869,  R.  L.  C.  White  purchased  Mr.  Neal’s  interest,  and  in  1871 
Mr  White  became  the  sole  proprietor  and  has  continued  as  such  to  the  present  time. 
The  Herald  is  a five-column  quarto,  has  a good  circulation,  and  is  independent  in  politics^ 
The  Register  was  established  in  1883  by  D.  C.  Williams,  who  sold  out  the  paper  to  J.  D. 
Kirkpatrick  in  1884.  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  conducted  the  Register  until  June,  1886,  when  lie 
sold  the  property  to  A.  C,  Durdin.  The  Register'  is  a seven-column  folio,  Democratic  in 
politics,  and  enjoys  a good  circulation  and  advertising  patronage. 


854 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


From  1800  to  1820,  the  business  men  of  Lebanon  were  John  Herrod  James  Anderson 
Edward  Mitchell,  William  Mann,  Benjamin  Tarver,  George  Hallum,  Joel  Mann,  David 
Marshal,  Reddick  Eason,  Leonard  Sims,  Allan  Avery,  Patrick  Anderson,  Yerger  & Golla 
day,  Cage  & Crutcher,  Winchester  & Cage,  Jaspar  R.  Ashworth,  and  Nathaniel  Dew 
During  the  same  period,  Edward  Mitchell,  David  Marshal  and  John  Herrod  were  the  tav- 
ern keepers. 

The  business  men  of  the  twenties  were  James  Johnson,  Mathew  Dew,  Yerger  & Gol- 
laday,  Foster  Crutcher,  Hicks  & Johnson,  Pauldin  Anderson,  John  Muirhead,  David  Mar- 
shal, Allcorn  & Johnson,  Harry  L.  Douglas,  Frank  Anderson,  Thomas  J.  Thompson,  Jas- 
per  R.  Ashworth.  T.  J.  Stratton  and  Henry  Chambers.  The  hotels  during  the  same  pe 
riod  were  conducted  by  David  Marshal, ^George  Helms,  William  Hartsfield  and  Harry  L 
Douglas.  During  the  thirties  the  business  men  were  Jasper  R.  Ashworth,  Joseph  Phillips, 
Lawrence  Sypert,  T.  ,J.  Stratton,  William  Hall,  Edward  and^John  W.  White,  John  Hearn, 
John  M.  Hill,  Dr.  James  Frazier,  M.  T.  Cartwright,  P.  & T.  Anderson,  Stiff  Harrison.  E. 
A.  & J.  W.  White,  White  & Price,  Henry  Smith,  Peyton  Ewing  & Co.,  Fisher  Bros., 
Dawson  Hancock,  Allcorn  & Johnson,  Ewing  and  Richmond,  George  H.  Bullard,  Mathew 
Cartwright,  Gillespie  & Mabry,  Hearn  & Hill,  E.  A.  & J.  W.  White,  andW.  II.  Wortham. 
Albert  Wynn  and  a company  composed  of  Obediah  Gordon.  George  F.  McWhirter  and 
James  G.  Robertson,  were  the  innkeepers,  and  a company  composed  of  Gears,  Wilkerson, 
Pyle,  Porter  & Co.,  conducted  an  extensive  carriage  factory  during  that  period.  At  the 
same  time  a large  cotton  factory,  owned  and  operated  by  a stock  company  under  the  firm 
name  of  the  Tennessee  Manufacturing  Company,  was  in  full  operation,  and  upward  of  500 
hands  were  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  goods  of  all  descriptions.  The  prop- 
erty was  afterward  destroyed  by  fire  and  never  rebuilt. 

The  business  men  of  the  thirties  with  but  few  exceptions,  and  the  following  additions, 
were  the  same  during  the  forties:  L.  Drifoos  and  John  W.  Price. 

During  the  fifties  the  businessmen  were  George  Harsh,  Jacob  Howard,  T.  J.  Stratton, 
M.  A.  Price,  W.  T.  Coles,  Daniel  R.  Fakes,  Burr  Harris,  A.  R.  Davis,  L.  Drifoos,  J.  H. 
Armstrong,  Cook  & Owen,  P.  G.  Duffer,  N.  Cantrell,  John  A.  Haynes,  James  McCasland, 
Ed  R.  Penebaker,  Robert  L.  Williams,  R,  P.  Allison,  T.  E.  Davis  & Co.,  Burgess  & Matt- 
ley,  G.  W.  Lewis,  H.  D.  Lester  & Son,  A.  M.  Springer,  J.  F.  Coe,  Lester  & Smith,  and 
D.  Cook,  Jr.  In  1854  the  Lebanon  Flour-mill  was  established  on  the  site  of  the  old  cotton 
factory  by  W.  W.  Carter,  for  that  time  it  was  considered  the  best  mill  in  the  State.  In 
1859  John  A.  Lester,  purchased  a half  interest  in  the  mill,  and  since  then  several  changes 
have  occurred  in  its  proprietorship,  and  at  the  present  the  property  is  owned  by  Mr.  Lester 
and  his  son-in-law,  Selden  R.  Williams.  The  mill  is  supplied  with  the  most  improved 
machinery,  and  has  a capacity  of  100  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  The  capital  invested  is 
$15,000. 

The  business  men  of  the  sixties  were  Dabney  Carr,  T.  J.  Stratton,  J.  Emanuel,  W.  H. 
Armstrong,  W.  H.  Brown,  Cash  M.  Park,  D.  Cook,  Jr.,  Clark  & Cook,  Burgess  & Co.,  J. 
L.  White,  L.  Drifoos  & Co.,  Charles  Stone,  A.  R.  Fonville,  Kennedy  & Aust,  J.  M.  Wool 
aid,  J.  T.  Manson,  Brittain  & Neal,  Coe  & Morris,  and  T.  Harrington.  In  August,  1866 
the  People’s  National  Bank  was  established  by  Mattley  & Campbell,  and  has  continued  m 
business  up  to  the  present.  The  officers  at  this  time  are  Judge  Nathan  Green,  president; 
Samuel  T.  Mattley,  cashier.  The  capital  stock  is  $50,000  with  $10,000  surplus. 

The  business  men  of  the  seventies  were  as  follows:  General  Merchants — Robinson  & 
Perry,  J.  C.  Crawford,  J.  P.  Tolliver,  W.  W.  Donnell,  J.  II.  Ozment  & Co.,  J.  O.  Dillard, 
W.  T.  Cartwright,  Hughlitt  & Harris,  Rosenthel  & Bros.,  J.  T.  McClain  & Co.,  J.  B.  Hal 
ley,  C.  T.  Cox,  D.  D.  Smithwick,  Joseph  Wharton,  Goodbar  & Means,  G.  W.  Lewis,  John 
W.  Comer,  M.  J.  Watkins,  Leggon  & Bros.,  Hatcher  & Johnson,  Donnell  & Young,  J 
Harding,  Thomas  Jenkins,  Lampton  Bros.,  J.  A.  Lester  & Co.,  Dillard  & Wilson,  Fish  & 
Reese,  L.  A.  & J.  B.  Wynn,  C.  L.  Johns,  G.  W.  Collier  and  G.  W.  Martin.  Boots  and 
shoes — Samuel  H.  Matherly  and  J.  A.  Haynes  & Co.  Tin  shop  and  stoves — N.  S.  Williams. 
Drugs — A.  P.  Thompson,  and  Gwynn  & Peyton.  Livery  stables — Swindle  & Shorter,  Mur- 
phey  & Buchanan,  and  Orgain  & Watkins. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


855 

In  1870  tlie  Bank  of  Wilson  was  established  with  Dr.  John  Owen  as  president  and  T. 
J.  Stratton  as  cashier.  In  1872  the  name  of  the  bank  was  changed  to  that  of  the  Second 
(National,  with  James  Hamilton,  as  president,  and  Mr.  Stratton,  cashier.  The  present  offi- 
cers are  S.  R.  Williams,  president;  John  Palmer,  vice-president;  W.  H.  Brown,  cashier. 
'The  cash  capital  of  this  bank  is  $70,000.  In  1875  Waters  & Co.,  erected  a large  flouring- 
mill  and  stocked  it  with  the  best  of  machinery,  and  the  mill  is  in  operation  at  the  present 
under  the  same  proprietors.  The  capital  invested  in  the  property  is  $15,000. 

The  business  interests  of  the  present  are  represented  as  follows:  S.  Martin,  J.  E. 
Stratton,  R.  P.  Oldham,  McClain  Bros,  and  Wilson  & Waters,  dry  goods;  J.  L.  Drifoos, 
Shannon  & Co.,  Freeman  & Whitescower,  Monroe  Fish,  W.  D.  Chandler,  Edward  Wheeler, 
R.  S.  Haley  & Sons,  Huggins  & Seagraves  and  Ligan  & Bros.,  groceries;  S.  M.  Anderson 
•&  Co.,  Gwynn  & Hinds  and  McDonald,  McKinzie  & Co.,  druggists;  H.  M.  Drifoos  and  J. 
F.  Odum  & Co.,  merchant  tailors:  D.  L.  Brown,  clothing;  John  A.  Haynes,  Fakes  & Co. 

1 and  Samuel  Matherly,  boots  and  shoes;  N.  J.  G.  Allen/tinware  and  stoves;  J.  P.  Cox, 
undertaker;  R.  M.  Cartwell  and  Freeman  & Whitescarver,  saddlers;  J.  A.  Woolard  & 
Bro..  J.  T.  Lee,  Billings  & Ragland  and  Ligan  Bros.,  saloons;  J.  R.  Shorter,  Neal  & 
Ligan,  A.  J.  Rutherford,  Hinse  & Hannah,  Murphey  & Buchanan  and  Johnson  & Yance, 
livery  stables;  Trebbling  & Smith,  butchers;  J.  M.  Watkins,  John  W.  Conner  and  Mrs. 
Cal.  Woodard,  hotels.  In  1884  the  Bank  of  Lebanon  was  established  with  a cash  capital 
of  $25,000.  The  officers  are  James  Hamilton,  president;  D.  W.  Dinges,  vice-president, 
and  S.  G.  Stratton,  cashier.  The  manufactories  of  the  present  are  the  Lebanon  Planing- 
mill  and  Barrel  Factory,  Williams  & Covington,  proprietors;  John  W.  Reede  and  Pyle 
& Hartsfield,  carriage  manufactories,  and  John  Shelton,  marble-yard.  In  June,  1885,  the 
Lebanon  Creamery  was  established  by  a stock  company  with  J.  Moldenhower,  a native  of 
Denmark,  as  manager.  Upward  of  4,000  pounds  of  milk  are  received  at  the  creamery  each 
day,  which  is  manufactured  into  butter  and  cheese.  The  machinery  used  in  the  creamery 
is  of  the  most  modern  make,  embracing  a Danish  milk  separator,  which  separates  the 
cream  from  the  milk  at  the  rate  of  2,000  pounds  per  hour.  The  milk  for  the  establishment 
is  supplied  by  the  many  herds  of  fine  blooded  milk  cows  for  which  Wilson  County  is 
noted. 

Among  the  early  prominent  physicians  of  Lebanon  were  Thomas  Hogg,  James  Frazier, 

: John  Ray,  L.  W.  White,  Drs.  Allison,  Crutchfield,  Miles  and  McCorkle.  The  present 
physicians  of  Lebanon  are  J.  M.  Anderson,  J.  W.  Holbert,  O.  C.  Kidder,  F.  A.  Fleming, 
■J.  L.  Fite,  William  Hannah  and  G.  L.  Robertson.  Dentists:  W.  H.  Bennett  and  A.  F. 
Claywell.  Lebanon  has  eight  churches,  as  follows:  Methodist  Episcopal,  Cumberland 
Presbyterian,  Baptist  and  Christian  (white),  and  Methodist  Episcopal,  Baptist,  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  and  African  Methodist  Episcopal  (colored),  all  of  which  are  treated  of 
more  fully  in  the  chapter  on  churches. 

The  secret  societies  of  the  town  are  as  follows:  Lebanon  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  No.  97, 
[established  during  the  thirties;  Magnolia  Lodge,  No.  69,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  established  in  1847: 
Lotus  Lodge,  No.  20,  organized  in  1875;  Lebanon  Lodge,  No  69,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  established 
in  1883;  Lebanon  Lodge,  K.  of  H.,  No.  222,  established  in  January,  1876,  and  Cedar  City 
Lodge,  No.  23,  G.  T.,  organized  in  1884. 

Lebanon  was  first  incorporated  in  November,  1807,  and  has  continued  as  a corporation 
in  some  shape  or  other  up  to  the  present  time,  the  form  of  government  in  force  to-day 
being  a tating  district,  which  went  in  force  in  1881.  The  present  officers  are  J.  Matt 
Woolen,  mayor;  E.  E.  Beard,  treasurer;  J.  P.  Eastman,  secretary  and  financial  agent:  W. 
H.  Smith,  marshal. 

The  Wilson  County  Agricultural  and  Mechanical  Association  was  organized  in  Leb- 
anon in  1852,  and  with  the  exception  of  a suspension  during  the  late  war  has  held  annual 
exhibitions  at  the  fair  grounds  near  Lebanon  ever  since.  The  fair  grounds  enclose  twenty 
[acres  of  splendid  land,  upon  which  have  been  erected  substantial  and  tasty  buildings. 
The  amphitheatre  is  in  the  shape  of  a circle,  furnishing  seating  accommodations  for  about 
L000  people  and  affording  a delightful  promenade. 


856 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Statesville,  a village  of  about  200  inhabitants,  is  situated  on  Smith  Fork,  in  the 
Fifteenth  District,  eighteen  miles  southeast  from  Lebanon,  and  has  nineteen  town  lots. 
The  town  was  established  on  the  lands  of  William  Bumpass  in  1812,  and  was  first  named 
Maryville,  in  honor  of  Mrs.  Bumpass,  but  was  subsequently  changed  to  the  present  name 
in  honor  of  Statesville,  N.  C.  The  town  reached  its  zenith  in  about  1835,  there  being  at 
that  time  about  seven  stores  and  sundry  mechanic  establishments  in  the  place.  From  that 
time  until  recent  years  the  business  of  Statesville  retrogaded.  At  present  there  are  three 
general  stores,  the  proprietors  of  which  are  J.  R.  Hale,  J.  M.  Jennings  & Bro.  and  A.  L. 
Jennings,  all  of  whom  do  a good  business.  The  blacksmiths  are  S.  T.  Moody,  J.  W.  Arm- 
strong and  Brittain  Barby.  A good  steam  saw  and  grist-mill  is  operated  by  A.  T.  Young. 
The  public  schools  consist  of  one  each  of  white  and  colored,  which  are  well  attended  and 
successfully  conducted.  The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  Methodist  Episcopal  congre 
gations  have-substantial  churches,  and  both  the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows’  fraternities  have 
lodges.  The  town  is  situated  in  a rich  and  productive  farming  district,  and  the  people  are 
moral,  industrious,  and  as  a rule  very  well  to  do. 

Cainsville,  in  the  Seventeenth  District,  is  about  eighteen  miles  south  of  Lebanon,  on 
the  Statesville  and  Murfreesboro  Pike,  has  about  100  inhabitants  and  nineteen  town  lots. 
The  village  is  situated  in  a healthy  and  fertile  country,  and  was  established  in  1829  on  the 
lands  of  George  I.  Cain,  from  whom  it  derived  its  name.  The  present  business  interests 
are  represented  by  T.  L.  Huddleston,  R.  J.  Harris  and  Florida  Bros.,  general  merchants 
R.  B.  Pearcy,  undertaker,  and  Peyton  Woods,  blacksmith.  Both  white  and  colored 
schools  are  located  in  the  village,  the  former  being  a chartered  academy  under  the  “four 
mile”  law.  The  churches  of  Cainsville  are  two  in  number,  Presbyterian  and  Methodist. 

Gladesville  is  a village  of  about  100  inhabitants,  situated  about  twelve  miles  southwest 
from  Lebanon,  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District.  The  village  is  located  on  a rocky  glade, 
from  whence  came  its  name,  and  was  established  in  1852  upon  the  land  of  Benjamin 
Hooker,  Jr.  The  business  of  Gladesville  consists  of  three  general  stores  owned  by  I 8 
Castleman,  Baker  & Meyers  and  F.  Y.  Begley  & Son,  two  blacksmith  shops  by  Ned  Mar- 
tin (colored)  and  Richard  Murry  (colored),  wood  shop  by  Robert  McPeak,  and  saddlery 
shop  by  Wood  Woodrum.  The  Missionary  Baptists  and  Methodists  have  good  churches. 
An  excellent  high  school  is  conducted  in  the  town,  which  was  chartered  in  1878  under  the 
“four  mile”  law. 

Mount  Juliet  is  a station  on  the  Tennessee  & Pacific  Railway,  fourteen  miles  west 
from  Lebanon,  in  the  First  District,  and  was  established  in  1870  upon  the  land  of  Newton 
Cloyd.  Originally  the  town  stood  on  the  Lebanon  & Nashville  Road,  on  the  land  of  John 
J.  Crudoup,  and  was  first  established  in  1835.  The  merchants  of  Mount  Juliet  are  Grigg 
& Smith,  general  store,  and  Elly  Fuqua  is  the  blacksmith.  The  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church  is  the  only  one  in  the  town,  and  Lodge  No.  379,  F.  & A.  M.,  the  only  secret  so- 
ciety. Mount  Juliet  Academy,  a chartered  school,  ranks  among  the  best  in  the  county 

Green  Hill  is  situated  on  the  Lebanon  & Nashville  Pike,  fifteen  miles  from  the 
former  place,  in  the  First  District,  and  has  a population  of  about  fifty  people  The  town 
was  established  in  1836  on  the  land  of  Hugh  Robinson,  and  before  the  construction  of  the 
Tennessee  & Pacific  Railway  was  a place  of  considerable  importance,  it  being  the  half- 
way point  between  Lebanon  and  Nashville.  The  present  merchants  are  Cook  & Cook, 
Gillaim  & Purdue  and  J.  N.  Adams,  general  stores.  Green  Hill  Academy,  a chartered 
school,  furnishes  the  educational  facilities  of  the  town,  and  one  church  building  serves  for 
the  several  denominations. 

Lagardo  is  one  of  the  thriving  towns,  of  the  county,  and  has  a population  of  about  250 
The  village  lies  twelve  miles  northwest  from  Lebanon  in  the  Fourth  District,  and  in  the 
valley  of  the  Cumberland,  two  miles  from  that  river.  It  was  established  in  1835  upon  the 
land  of  Turner  Vaughan.  The  business  of  the  town  is  at  present  represented  by  Wright 
& Vaughan.  Davis  Bros,  and  James  A.  Woods,  general  merchants;  Greer  & Shepard, 
blacksmiths,  and  Davis  Bros.,  steam  saw,  flour  and  grist-millers.  Lagardo  has  three  secret 
societies  as  follows:  Masonic  Lodge,  No.  237;  Good  Templar’s  Lodge,  No.  78,  and  V M. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


857 


A.  Lodge  (a  colored  organization).  A splendid  high  school  is  conducted  in  the  town,  in 
which  from  two  to  three  teachers  are  employed.  Five  churches  are  located  in  Lagardo  as 
follows:  Baptist,  Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  Christian,  and  Colored  Missionary  Baptist 
and  African  Methodist  Episcopal. 

Leeville  is  a small  station  on  the  Tennessee  & Pacific  Railway,  six  miles  west  from 
Lebanon,  in  the  Twenty-second  District,  and  was  established  on  the  land  of  Rev.  D.  C. 
Kelley,  in  1871,  and  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Robert  E.  Lee.  The  present  merchants  are 
A E.  Beard  and  A.  G.  Rogers  & Son.  The  town  has  an  excellent  high  school  and 
Methodist  Episcopal  and  Baptist  Churches. 

Taylorsville  is  a small  town  lying  on  Cedar  Creek,  seven  miles  northeast  from  the 
bounty  seat  in  the  Sixth  District.  The  town  was  established  in  1840  on  the  lands  of  John 
Sf  Taylor  and  Philander  Davis,  and  named  for  the  former.  J.  R.  Ware,  a general  mer- 
chant, has  the  only  store  in  the  town,  and  James  Brewington  has  the  only  blacksmith 
md  wood  shop.  A chartered  academy  is  located  in  Taylorsville,  which  ranks  with  the 
nest  schools  in  the  county. 

Commerce,  a village  thirteen  miles  east  from  Lebanon,  in  the  Twelfth  District,  was 
istablished  in  1822  upon  the  land  of  Joshua  Taylor,  and  has  a Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Jhurch.  and  an  excellent  chartered  school  known  as  the  Commerce  Academy.  Messrs. 
3ell  & Phillip  and  Smith  & Lanham  are  the  merchants,  both  of  whom  keep  general  stores. 

Cherry  Valley  is  a small  town  on  the  Sparta  Pike,  ten  miles  southeast  from  the  county 
-eat  in  the  Sixteenth  District,  and  was  established  in  1848  upon  the  land  of  Wilson  T. 
Cartwright.  The  merchants  are  Phillips  & Clemmons,  Phillips  & Henderson,  and  Grand- 
tafE  & Waters.  The  town  has  a chartered  school,  Methodist  Church  and  Masonic  Hall. 

Green  Vale  is  a village  of  seventy-five  inhabitants,  situated  in  the  Seventeenth  Dis- 
rict,  and  was  established  in  1871,  upon  the  land  of  W.  D.  Quarles,  and  William  M.  Johns. 
The  merchants  are  A.  J.  Quarles  and  Cox  & Gwinnett,  general  stores;  J.  Busey,  under- 
aker, and  Patton  & Reeves  and  Jennings  & Attwood,  blacksmiths.  Green  Vale  Academy 
is  located  in  the  town  and  also  Wetumpka  Lodge,  No.  142,  I.  0.  O.  F. 

Other  villages,  or  postoffices,  are  Silver  Spring,  in  the  Second  District.  Tucker’s  Cross 
toads  and  Bellwood  in  the  Eighth  District,  Cottage  Home  in  the  Thirteenth  District, 
hop’s  Springs  in  the  Nineteenth  District,  Saulsbury,  Baird’s  Mill,  Round  Top,  Fall  Creek, 
Mount  View,  Oak  Grove,  Tucker's  Gap,  Austin,  Beckwith  and  Rural  Hill. 

From  the  establishment  of  the  first  school  in  the  neighborhood  of  Spring  Creek,  in 
.800,  by  Benjamin  Alexander,  the  schools  of  Wilson  County  have  increased  in  number  and 
facilities  until  at  the  present  the  county  is  dotted  over  with  high  schools  and  academies, 
ind  can  boast  of  one  of  the  leading  universities  in  the  South.  As  above  stated  the  first 
ehool  in  Wilson  County  was  established  some  time  in  1800,  by  Benjamin  Alexander,  on 
he  waters  of  Spring  Creek.  The  school  was  taught  in  a log  dwelling-house,  from  three 
o four  months  in  the  year,  and,  though  humble  and  unpretentious,  furnished  the  founda- 
ion  for  the  present  magnificent  school  system.  Another  school  was  taught  by  Rev.  Sam- 
lel  Donnell  in  the  same  neighborhood,  in  1802,  which  was  called  a classical  school,  and 
ras  conducted  in  connection  with  the  church  of  which  Mr.  Donnell  was  pastor.  Follow- 
ng  these  schools  several  others  were  taught  in  the  various  creek  neighborhoods,  of  which 
>o  record  can  be  obtained,  and  in  1810  George  McWhirter,  a man  of  finished  education, 
Established  what  afterward  became  the  celebrated  Campbell  Academy.  This  school  was 
ocated  on  Hickory  Ridge,  about  five  miles  west  of  Lebanon.  Mr.  McWhirter  was  assisted 
n the  conduct  of  the  school  by  his  two  daughters,  and  all  the  higher  branches  were 
aught.  In  the  course  of  five  or  six  years  the  school  was  removed  to  Lebanon  and  a good 
milding  erected  on  a piece  of  ground  donated  by  Gov.  Campbell,  for  whom  the  school 
vas  named.  In  1840  a new  building  was  erected  for  the  academy,  and  it  was  continued 
jis  such  until  the  late  civil  war,  after  which  it  was  turned  over  to  the  Cumberland  Univer- 
ity, to  be  used  as  a preparatory  department  of  that  institution,  and  is  in  use  at  the  pres- 
et. Among  the  prominent  teachers  of  this  school  were  Rev.  Thomas  Anderson,  Profs. 
>■  C.  Anderson,  Myron  Kilborn,  W.  R.  Dougal,  Lucien  Marshall,  Poindexter  and  Ken- 
nedy. 


858 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Some  time  in  1815  a very  good  school  was  taught  at  the  schoolhouse  known  as  the- 
W ashington  Schoolhouse,  of  which  Prof.  Patterson  was  the  teacher,  and  about  that  time 
another  school  was  taught  by  Mary  Morris,  at  a point  a few  miles  west  of  Lebanon.  In 
the  spring  of  1824  Brevard  College,  one  of  the  leading  schools  of  that  day,  was  established 
by  Capt.  Thomas  Brevard,  a native  of  Ireland.  The  building  was  an  ordinary  log  house, 
and  stood  four  miles  due  east  from  Lebanon.  The  higher  branches  were  taught  by  Capt. 
Brevard,  and  not  a few  of  the  citizens  of  the  present  obtained  their  education  at  that  insti- 
tution of  learning.  After  conducting  the  school  successfully  for  about  nine  years  Capt. 
Brevard  was  succeeded  by  Prof.  William  Pemberton,  who  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  Prof. 
Robert  Simpson,  and  he  in  turn  by  Prof.  John  Vesa,  a Frenchman.  The  school  was 
abandoned  after  one  year’s  management  of  Prof.  Vesa. 

The  next  high  school  established  was  the  Abby  Female  Institute,  in  Lebanon,  during 
the  thirties,  the  proprietors  and  teachers  of  which  were  Miss  Harriet  Abby  and  her  sister, 
Mrs.  Kilborn,  both  of  whom  came  from  the  New  England  States  and  founded  the  school, 
The  institute  was  afterward  conducted  as  a high  school  by  Rev.  Mr.  Roach,  Prof.  Edgar 
and  Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart,  and  was  abandoned  during  the  seventies. 

Carroll  Academy  was  next  established  by  Prof.  Stephen  Owen,  a Northern  man, 
some  time  in  1842.  This  school  was  situated  on  the  Lebanon  & Rorne  Pike,  seven  miles 
northeast  from  the  former  place,  and  was  one  of  the  leading  schools  of  that  day.  The 
school  was  afterward  moved  to  Big  Spring,  and  was  continued  until  during  the  seventies. 
Among  the  teachers  were  Prof.  Stephen  Owen,  Prof.  Carroll,  Capt.  Norris  and  Prof.  J.  B. 
Hancock,  the  latter  being  now  at  the  head  of  Maple  Hill  Female  Seminary. 

In  about  1842  Princeton  College  of  Kentucky,  under  the  direction  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  was  moved  to  Lebanon,  and  Cumberland  University  established,  of 
which  Rev.  F.  R.  Cassitt,  D.  D.,  was  the  first  president.  The  university  was  first  located 
in  the  old  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  but  subsequently  a large  college  building  was 
erected  on  College  Street,  which  was  surrounded  by  a large  campus.  The  building  was 
afterward  enlarged,  and  during  the  civil  war  was  destroyed  by  a Confederate  soldier,  who 
having  attended  the  college,  became  incensed  at  it  being  occupied  by  negroes,  filled  one 
room  with  cedar  rails  one  night  and  applied  the  match,  destroying  the  entire  property. 
After  the  war  the  university  was  re-established.  The  private  residence  of  Judge  Abraham 
Caruthers,  which  stood  on  the  south  side  of  W est  Main  Street,  about  one  mile  from  the 
Public  Square,  was  purchased  in  1867  and  converted  into  a college  building,  and  is  at  pres- 
ent the  theological  department  of  the  university.  About  the  same  time  the  private  residence 
of  Andrew  Anderson,  on  the  same  side  of  the  above  street,  on  the  second  block  west  of  the 
Public  Square,  was  purchased  and  converted  into  an  academic  hall.  In  1878  Caruthers’ 
Hall  was  built  at  a cost  of  about  $22,000,  in  which  is  situated  the  law  department  of  the 
university.  The  combined  valuation  of  the  property  of  the  university  is  about  $60,1 00. 
Caruthers’  Hall  is  a handsome  brick  building,  and  is  an  ornament  to  the  city.  The  law  | 
department  of  the  university  was  established  January  9, 1847,  and  Judge  Abraham  Caruth- 
ers was  the  first  professor,  he  resigning  a seat  upon  the  bench  of  the  State  to  accept  the 
position.  In  1852  Judge  N.  Green,  father  of  the  present  chancellor,  resigned  a seat  on  the 
State  bench,  and  responded  to  a call  to  assist  Judge  Caruthers.  Shortly  thereafter  Judge 
Nathan  Green,  Jr.,  the  present  chancellor,  was  elected  to  a professorship  in  the  school, 
and  these  three  gentlemen  continued  as  the  faculty  of  the  law  department  until  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  war  in  1861.  In  1866  Judge  Green,  Sr.,  died,  and  Hon.  Henry  Cooper  suc- 
ceeded to  his  position.  Judge  Cooper  resigned  in  1868,  when  Judge  Robert  L.  Caruthers 
was  called  to  that  position,  and  he,  too,  resigned  a seat  on  the  supreme  bench.  Judge 
Caruthers  resigned  in  1881,  and  died  the  following  year.  Dr.  T.  C.  Anderson  then  became 
the  president,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  B.  W.  McDonnell,  and  then  Judge  Nathan 
Green  was  elected  chancellor,  and  occupies  that  responsible  position  at  the  present.  In 
1878  Andrew  B.  Martin,  one  of  the  present  faculty,  was  elected  to  a professorship.  The 
theological  department  was  established  in  1853,  and  for  twelve  years  Dr.  Beard,  father  of 
E.  E.  Beard,  a prominent  member  of  the  present  bar  of  Lebanon,  was  the  principal.  Id 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


859 


1877  the  department  was  reorganized,  and  its  faculty  increased  to  two  regular  professors 
and  two  lecturers.  Dr.  Beard  died  in  1881,  and  Dr.  S.  G.  Burney,  D.  D.,  was  called  to  his 
position,  that  of  systematic  theology,  and  Prof.  J.  D.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  was  given  the 
chair  of  historical  theology.  The  faculty  at  present  is  as  follows:  Nathan  Green,  LL.  D., 
chancellor:  S.  G.  Burney,  D.  D.,  systematic  theology;  J.  D.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  historical 
theology;  R-  V.  Foster,  D.  D.,  exegetical  theology;  C.  H.  Bell,  D.  D.,  homiletics  and  mis- 
sions. Lecturers:  W.  J.  Darby,  D.  D.,  and  J.  M.  Hubbert,  D.  D.  More  than  10,000  young 
men  have  been  educated  in  Cumberland  University,  and  the  attendance  is  large  each  year. 
In  1848  or  1849  Dr.  N.  Lawrence  Lindsey,  LL.  D.,  at  one  time  a member  of  the  faculty  of 
the  university,  established  a school  for  young  ladies,  six  miles  east  from  Lebanon,  on  the 
Sparta  Pike,  which  was  called  Greenwood.  The  school  was  deservedly  popular,  and  was 
conducted  by  Dr.  Lindsey  until  his  death  in  1868,  and  afterward  by  Iris  widow  until  1883, 
when  it  was  discontinued. 

The  Baptist  Church  established  a high  school  for  young  ladies  in  Lebanon  in  1859.  A 
substantial  brick  building  was  erected  on  East  Main  Street,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Powell  was 
placed  in  charge.  Dr.  Powell  conducted  the  school  until  some  time  in  1861,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Dr.  Griffin,  of  Nashville,  and  then  followed  Rev.  J.  M.  Phillips  and  Rev.  A. 
Hart  as  principals.  In  1870  the  school  was  discontinued  and  the  property  sold  to  the 
town  of  Lebanon,  and  has  since  been  conducted  as  a public  school,  being  at  present  in  the 
charge  of  Prof.  B.  M.  Mace,  a popular  educator. 

Maple  Hill  Seminary  was  founded  by  Prof.  J.  B.  Hancock  in  September,  1880,  and  is 
located  on  the  Lebanon  & Nashville  Pike,  three  miles  west  from  Lebanon,  with  delightful 
surroundings  of  forest  and  farm  lands.  The  school  property  embraces  twenty  acres  of 
land,  to  which  is  attached  a farm  of  250  acres,  upon  which  are  produced  many  of  the  sup- 
plies for  the  school.  The  school  buildings  are  of  frame,  and  conveniently  arranged  and 
situated.  Maple  Hill  has  been  a success  in  every  respect  since  its  establishment,  and  under 
the  judicious  and  efficient  management  of  Prof.  Hancock  promises  to  continue  so. 

An  addition  of  importance  to  the  educational  advantages  of  Lebanon  and  Wilson 
County,  will  be  the  Lebanon  College  for  young  ladies,  which  will  be  opened  next  fall  by 
Profs.  Foster  and  Weir,  of  which  Prof.  Foster  will  be  the  principal.  The  finishing  touches 
are  being  applied  to  a handsome  and  commodious  building  for  this  school,  which  is  an  or- 
nament to  the  town  in  which  it  is  located. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  many  excellent  high  schools  and  chartered  academies  in 
the  various  districts:  Mount  Juliet  and  Green  Hill  Academies,  in  the  First  District;  La 
' gardo  High  School,  in  the  Fourth  District;  Cedar  Grove  High  School,  in  the  Fifth  District; 
Austin  Academy,  in  the  Seventh  District;  Bellwood  High  School,  in  the  Eighth  District; 
Tucker’s  Cross  Roads  Academy,  in  the  Ninth  District;  Linwood  High  School,  and  Shop 
Spring  Academy,  in  the  Eleventh  District;  Commerce  Academy,  in  the  Twelfth  District; 
Round  Top  Academy,  in  the  Thirteenth  District;  Prosperity  Academy,  in  the  Fourteenth 
District;  Statesville  Academy,  in  the  Fifteenth  District;  Cherry  Valley  Academy,  in  the 
Sixteenth  District;  Cainsville  Academy,  in  the  Seventeenth  District;  Fall  Creek  Academy, 
in  the  Eighteenth  District;  Mace  Institute,  in  the  Twenty-first  District;  Mount  View 
Acadamy,  in  the  Twenty-second  District;  Oak  Grove  Academy,  in  the  Twenty-third  Dis- 
trict; Gladeville  High  School,  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District;  Hamilton  Academy,  in  the 
Twenty-fifth  District,  and  Leerville  Academy,  in  a school  district  separate  from  the 
civil  districts.  The  academies  are  all  chartered  schools,  working  under  the  four  mile 
temperance  law. 

The  last  report  of  the  school  superintendent  of  the  county  shows  the  public  schools 
of  Wilson  County  to  be  in  the  following  condition:  Number  of  pupils:  white  male,  3,608; 
white  female,  3,444;  total  white,  7,052;  colored  male  1,484;  colored  females,  1,464;  total 
colored,  2,948;  grand  total,  10,030;  average  attendance,  5,000.  Number  of  teachers:  white 
male,  61;  white  female,  29;  white  total,  90;  colored  male,  17;  colored  female,  14;  colored 
total,  31;  grand  total,  121.  Number  of  schools;  white,  73;  colored,  30;  total,  103.  The 
county  superintendents  since  1873  have  been  as  follows:  Profs.  A.  D.  Morris,  S.  G.  Shep- 
ard, B.  M.  Mace,  J.  B.  Powell  and  R.  McMillin,  the  present  incumbent. 


860 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


The  first  sermon  preached  in  Wilson  County  was  by  Rev.  William  McGee,  a Presby- 
terian minister,  in  the  fall  of  1798,  at  the  house  of  William  McClain,  in  the  Drake  Lick 
settlement,  near  the  mouth  of  Spencer  Lick  Creek,  and  the  first  church  organized  was 
Spring  Creek  Church,  which  stood  on  the  creek  by  that  name,  which  was  established  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Hall,  a North  Carolina  Presbyterian  minister  and  missionary  in  1800.  The  church 
was  a small  log  house,  puncheon  floor,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Donnell  was  the  first  pastor. 
These  pioneer  Christians  were  very  devout,  but  had  been  brought  up,  as  a rule,  upon  the 
farm  and  had  not  enjoyed  the  best  of  educational  advantages,  and  when  the  split  came  in 
their  church  in  1810  they  went  with  the  Cumberland  wing,  and  this  first  church  was  also 
the  pioneer  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  In  the  latter  part  of  1800,  or  first  of  1801, 
the  Methodists  organized  and  erected  a church  in  the  Hickory  Ridge  settlement,  which 
church  was  christened  Bethel  Church.  Afterward  the  church  was  removed  to  a point  on 
the  Lebanon  & Nashville  Pike,  about  four  miles  west  from  Lebanon,  where  a new  building 
was  erected  and  which  is  in  use  at  the  present  time.  Some  time  in  1808  or  1804  a Presby- 
terian Church  was  erected  on  Suggs  Creek, and  another  of  the  same  denomination  at  Shop 
Springs,  both  of  which  bore  the  names  of  the  waters  upon  which  .they  were  located.  The 
Methodists  also  erected  Ebenezer  Church  at  about  that  time  on  what  afterward  became 
the  Cold’s  Ferry  Pike,  five  miles  from  Lebanon. 

Koonce’s  Meeting-house  was  probably  the  first  church  erected  by  the  Baptists  in  this 
county.  The  old  church  stood  near  the  present  village  of  Leeville,  and  was  built  some 
time  in  1806.  Cedar  Grove,  four  miles  north  of  Lebanon,  was  the  next  church  erected  by 
the  Baptists,  and  then  followed  Spring  and  Cedar  Creek  Churches.  The  above  were  the 
pioneer  churches  of  Wilson  County,  and  among  their  pastors  were  Revs.  Samuel  Donnell. 
S.  M.  Aston,  William  Smith,  Samuel  King,  S.  J.  Thomas,  Robert  Donnell  and  George 
Donnell,  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Churches;  Revs.  McKindry,  Asbury,  Jarrett, 
Morris,  Page  and  Brown,  of  the  Methodist  Churches;  Revs.  James,  Willis,  Borum,  Wise- 
man, Maddox  and  Tompkins,  of  the  Baptist  Churches, 

Other  early  churches  were  Good  Hope  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  which  was 
erected  in  the  Eighth  District  some  time  about  1810  or  1812;  Wesley  Chapel,  Methodist, 
Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-third  District,  and  Big  Spring  and  Moriah  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Churches.  , 

The  first  church  erected  in  Lebanon  was  in  1827  by  the  Methodists.  The  church  is  a 
brick  building;  and  is  in  use  at  the  present  by  the  colored  Methodists.  In  1830  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterians  erected  a church  in  Lebanon.  This  building  was  a two-story  brick, 
and  was  built  by  the  church  and  Masonic  Lodge,  the  Masons  occupying  the  second  floor. 
The  old  building  remains  standing  at  the  present  time,  but  has  fallen  into  disuse  and 
dilapidation,  as  it  was  abandoned  in  1850,  at  which  time  the  present  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church  was  erected.  In  about  1840  the  Baptists  erected  a church  in  Lebanon  at  a 
cost  of  about  $7,000.  Previous  to  the  erection  of  these  churches  the  different  denomina- 
tions held  their  meetings  in  the  court  house.  In  1856  the  present  Baptist  Church  in 
Lebanon  was  erected,  when  the  old  building  was  sold  to  the  South  African  Methodists. 
The  present  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  erected  in  1855,  and  the  old  building  sold  to 
the  colored  Methodists.  The  Christian  (Campbellite)  Church  in  Lebanon  was  erected  in 
1874.  All  of  the  Lebanon  churches  are  handsome  brick  buildings,  and  were  erected  at 
about  the  following  costs:  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  $10,000;  Methodist  Episcopal,  $8,000; 
Baptist,  $7,000;  Christian,  $6,000.  The  colored  churches  of  Lebanon,  of  which  mention 
has  already  been  made,  are  two  brick  and  two  frame,  the  latter  costing  between  $2,000  and 
$2,500  each. 

The  churches  of  Wilson  County  of  the  present  are  as  follows:  Stoner’s  Creek,  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian;  Locust  Grove,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  ^Prosperity,  Methodist 
Episcopal;  Scaby’s  Chapel,  Christian;  Hickory  Ridge,  African  Methodist  Episcopal;  Will- 
iamson’s Chapel,  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Cedar  Grove,  Baptist,  (colored)  in  the 
First  District.  Mount  Olivet,  Baptist,  and  Cook’s  Methodist  Episcopal  in  the  Second  Dis- 
trict. Bethlehem,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Salem,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Spencer’s  Creek. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


861 


Baptist;  Seay’s  C hapel,  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Powell’s  Grove,  African  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  in  the  Third  District.  New  Hope,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Melrose, 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  Sander’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Fourth  Dis- 
trict. Horn,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Mount  Pleasant,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Bareahand 
Philadelphia,  Christian,  and  African  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Baptist  (colored)  in  the  Fifth 
District.  Athens,  Missionary  Baptist;  Cedar  Creek,  Primitive  Baptist;  Bethel,  Methodist 
Episcopal;  Christian  and  Dickerson’s  Chapel,  Colored  Baptists,  in  the  Sixth  District. 
One  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  one  (colored)  Missionary  Baptist  Church  in  the 
Seventh  District.  Good  Hope,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Bethlehem,  Christian;  Tucker’s  Cross 
Roads,  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Bellwood,  Christian,  in  the  Eighth  District.  Zion, 
Methodist  Episcopal;  Poplar  Hill.  Baptist,  and  Black  Zion,  African  Methodist  Episcopal, 
in  the  Eleventh  District.  One  Baptist  Church  in  the  Twelfth  District.  Round  Top, 
Methodist  Episcopal  and  one  Baptist  Church  in  the  Thirteenth  District.  Prosperity,  Bap- 
tist, and  Prosperity  (colored)  Baptist,  in  the  Fourteenth  District.  Smith  Fork,  Mission- 
ary Baptist;  Mount  Vernal,  Old  School  Presbyterian;  Methodist  North  and  Colored  Baptist, 
in  the  Fifteenth  District.  Round  Lick,  Baptist;  Cherry  Valley,  Methodist  Episcopal  and 
one  Christian  Church  in  the  Sixteenth  District.  Salem,  Missionary  Baptist,  and  Salem  (col- 
ored) Missionary  Baptist  and  Bradley’s  Creek  (colored)  Missionary  Baptist,  in  the  Seven- 
teenth District.  Falling  Creek,  Missionary  Baptist  ; Mount  Pisgah,  Methodist  Episcopal; 
Union,  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  and  Ramah,  Missionary  Baptist,  in  the  Eighteenth  Dis- 
trict. Shapp's  Spring,  Missionary  Baptist;  Center  Hill,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Beth- 
esda,  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  and  Bethel,  Christian,  in  the  Nineteenth  District. 
Union,  Missionary  Baptist;  Friendship,  Primitive  Baptist;  New  Liberty,  Missionary  Bap- 
tist; Cason’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Hebron,  Christian,  in  the  Twentieth  Dis- 
trict. Rocky  Valley,  Missionary  Baptist;  Jacob’s  Hill,  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Beard’s 
Grove,  Colored  Baptist,  and  Jacob’s  Hill,  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-first 
District.  Mount  Zion,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Hebron,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Liberty 
Hill,  Methodist  Protestant;  and  Ephesis,  Christian,  in  the  Twenty-second  District.  Oak 
Grove,  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  one  Christian  Church,  and  Brown’s  Corners,  African 
Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-third  District.  Rutlins,  Missionary  Baptist;  Suggs 
Creek,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Gain’s  Church,  Baptist:  Hall’s  Church,  Methodist  Epis- 
c opal;  and  Corinth,  Christian,  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District.  Pleasant  Grove,  Methodist 
Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY  lies  in  the  great  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee.  The  prevailing 
rocks  are  limestone,  generally  thinly  bedded  and  flaggy,  but  with  some  fine  building 
stone.  The  limestones  belong  to  the  Nashville  and  Lebanon  formations,  limestones  low 
in  the  geological  series.  West  of  Shelbyville  excellent  building  stone  abounds.  Two 
other  varieties  of  limestone  are  found  in  the  county,  called  white  rock  and  sandstone  or 
fire  rock.  The  white  rock,  found  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  county,  bears  a good 
polish  and  makes  a good  appearance  in  buildings,  standing  the  weather  well.  The  sand- 
stone or  fire  rock  occurs  in  thick  beds  eight  miles  west  of  Shelbyville,  and  is  coarse,  soft 
and  easily  worked,  but  in  thin  slabs  is  flexible.  The  sandstones  which  cover  the  knobs 
are  of  little  value. 

The  surface  of  the  county  is  undulating  and  is  interspersed  with  hills  and  valleys. 
West  of  the  road  that  leads  from  Shelbyville  to  Murfreesboro,  and  north  of  Duck  River, 


COUNTY. 


54 


862 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


the  country  is  comparatively  flat,  and  east  of  this  road  it  is  undulating,  with  lines  of 
rounded  hills.  These  hills  rise  in  some  instances  to  an  elevation  of  200  or  300  feet,  and 
are  usually  capped  with  sandstones,  and  together  with  the  slopes  and  crests,  are  heavily 
wooded.  The  soil  is  comminuted  limestone  and  sandstone,  with  an  intermingling  of  rich 
black  humus,  and  is  exceedingly  fertile,  durable  and  generous,  South  of  Duck  River, 
and  running  west  as  far  as  Sinking  Creek,  the  surface  continues  much  the  same,  while 
west  of  Sinking  Creek  the  hills  rise  much  higher  than  anywhere  else  in  the  county. 
Gentry  Hill  is  about  350  feet  above  the  valley  lands  below.  Another  hill,  and  probably 
the  most  noted  elevation  in  this  part  of  the  country,  is  Horse  Mountain,  three  miles  east 
of  Shelbyville  and  in  plain  view  from  the  town.  One  side  of  Horse  Mountain  is  heavily 
timbered,  while  on  the  other  flourishes  an  excellent  vineyard.  At  the  base  of  the 
mountain  is  a fine  spring,  and  which  years  ago  was  the  location  of  a camp  ground.  Dur 
ing  the  late  war  Horse  Mountain  was  used  as  a signal  station  by  both  the  Northern  and 
Southern  armies.  Zinc  or  copper  was  supposed  to  exist  in  the  mountain,  and  during  the 
war  a party  of  Federal  soldiers  leased  the  property  for  a term  of  years,  and  had  an  Indiana 
geologist  make  a visit  to  the  mountain  for  inspection.  Nothing  ever  came  of  the  vent 
ure.  There  are  several  varieties  of  soils,  different  in  color  and  productiveness.  They 
may  for  convenience  be  called  the  mulatto,  the  red  and  the  black.  The  mulatto  predom 
inates  and  is  the  characteristic  soil  of  the  county,  and  the  best  of  clover,  wheat,  oats, 
sweet  potatoes  and  cotton  grow  well  on  it.  The  red  soil  is  confined  chiefly  to  the  cedar 
belt,  on  the  north  side  of  Duck  River.  The  black  soil  is  found  upon  all  streams  and  on 
the  hill  sides.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  cotton,  clover,  potatoes  and  all  the  grasses  grow  well  in 
the  county,  and  all  kinds  of  fruit,  such  as  apples,  peaches,  pears,  plums,  cherries  and  all 
the  smaller  fruits  and  berries,  grow  in  abundance.  The  timber  of  the  county  is  made  up 
of  ash,  poplar,  walnut,  butternut,  elm,  buckeye,  sugar,  maple,  oaks,  red  bud,  sumac,  dog- 
wood, hickory,  beech,  box  elder,  gum,  cedar  and  mulberry. 

The  streams  of  the  county  are  Duck  River  (which  runs  nearly  centrally  through  the 
county  from  east  to  west.  Its  tributaries  from  the  south  are  Norman,  Shipman 
Thompson,  Little  Flat,  Big  Flat,  Sugar,  Powell  and  Sinking  Creeks;  from  the  north 
Noah  Fork,  Garrison  Fork,  Wartrace  Fork,  Butler  Creek,  Fall  Creek,  North  Fork 
and  Clem  Creek.  All  of  these  streams  furnish  good  water-power,  particularly  Duck 
River.  In  the  east  and  southeast  part  of  the  county  numerous  springs  of  excellent  water 
are  to  be  found,  while  in  the  level  part  they  are  not  so  frequent. 

Upon  the  formation  of  Bedford  County,  in  1807,  the  territory  embraced  in  her  bound 
aries  was  made  up  of  dense  canebrakes  and  vast  forests,  both  almost  impenetrable,  and  ! 
was  but  sparsely  settled.  From  information  gleaned  from  such  men  as  Nimrod  Burrow 
and  Thomas  S.  Word,  Esqs.,  of  Flat  Creek,  and  J.  E.  Scruggs,  Esq.,  of  Fairfield,  who 
are  among,  if  not  the  oldest  citizens  now  living,  the  writer  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  first 
settlement  of  the  county  was  made  about  1805  and  1806,  as  follows:  Clement  Cannon  set 
tied  near  the  present  site  of  Shelbyville,  in  the  Seventh  District;  Philip  Burrow,  William. 
Wilbourn  and  Freeman  Burrow  settled  on  Thompson  Creek,  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District: 
John  Blackwell  settled  near  Three  Forks  of  Duck  River;  Capt.  Mat  Martin  and  brother, 
Barkley,  and  William  McMahan  settled. on  Garrison  Fork  of  Duck  River,  in  the  First 
District.  The  above  settlements  were  all  made  at  about  the  same  time,  and  if  any  were 
made  prior  to  them,  no  information  of  the  same  can  now  be  found. 

Among  the  other  early  settlers  were  Cuthbert  Word,  Samuel  Card,  Thomas  Knott,  i 
Robert  Snoddv,  James  Eddy,  William  Hix,  Robert  Hastings,  Henry  Hastings,  Nathan 
Hubbard,  Stephen  Hastings,  William  Haslett,  William  Burrow,  Banks  Burrow,  Joseph 
Hickenbotham,  Thomas  Gibson,  Hazen  Blair,  John  Casteel,  Michael  Holt,  Joseph  Walk 
er,  Joseph  Erwin,  William  Crutcher,  William  Hickman,  Henry  Davis,  Isaac  Muse,: 
Richard  Muse,  Anderson  Davidson,  Andrew  Erwin,  William  Finch,  Mrs.  Mary  Scruggs,;' 
William  P.  Finch,  John  Tillman,  Christopher  Shaw,  “Salley”  Sailors,  Robert  Furguson, 
Thomas  Dean,  Thomas  Hudson,  James  Reagor,  David  Floyd,  Michael  Womack.  Will 
iam  Pearson,  and  the  Davises,  Deerys,  Eakins.  Armstrongs,  Stones,  Caldwells,  Burdetts, 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


86S 


Galbraiths,  Wades,  'Whitneys,  McKissacks,  Ruths,  Hollands,  Marshalls,  Nelsons, 
Moores,  Arnolds,  Shrivers,  Bomars,  Mullines,  Norvilles,  Shaffners,  Kings,  Youngs,  Kim- 
broes,  Hooziers,  Ewells,  Halls,  Hords,  Ewings,  Davidsons,  Smiths,  Vances,  Stokes,  Os- 
borns, Finches,  Scotts,  Crouchs,  Mosleys,  Neils,  Thomases,  Peacocks,  Woods,  Fugetts, 
Hoovers,  Suttons,  Murfrees,  Steeles,  Harrises,  Wilsons,  Coopers,  Tunes,  Mortons,  Mc- 
Cuistians,  Clordeys,  Greens,  Browns,  Fishers,  Thompsons,  Parsonses,  Turrentines,  Til- 
fords,  Allisons,  Lents,  Blantons,  Warners,  Worthams,  Atkinsons,  Andersons,  Sharons, 
Stallings,  Sims,  Brames,  O'Neals,  Coffeys,  Gaunts,  Stephensons,  Drydens,  Harrisons, 
Greers,  Barretts,  Whites,  Gambills,  Deans,  Campbells,  Williamses,  Floyds,  Pearsons, 
Bobos,  Reids,  Reeveses,  Morgans,  Parkers,  McGills,  Rays,  Hastings,  Dunaways,  Dick- 
sons, Allans,  Landers,  Landises,  Anthonys,  Enlisses  and  Maupins. 

The  following  persons  were  granted  land  lying  in  Bedford  County  by  the  State  of 
North  Carolina  for  military  services  during  the  Continental  war,  between  the  years  1785 
and  1790:  Amos  Balch,  1,000  acres;  George  and  Richard  Martin,  3,000  acres;  Thomas  Tal- 
bott, 2,000  acres;  George  Cathey,  2,500  acres;  James  Brandon,  1,000  acres;  Robert  Smith, 
5,000  acres.  Between  1790  and  1800:  John  Sloan,  1,000  acres;  Ruth  Greer,  2,000  acres.: 
James  Grant,  5,000  acres;  Stokely  Donaldson,  1,000  acres;  Samuel  Patterson,  2,400  acres:; 
Ezekial  Alexander,  1,000  acres.  Between  1800  and  1810:  Norton  Pryor,  1,360  acres;  David 
Justice,  2,000  acres. 

Below  is  a list  of  those  who  received  grants  of  land  from  the  State  of  Tennessee  be- 
tween the  years  1800  and  1810:  George  Doherty,  2,500  acres;  Andrew  Jackson,  320  acres; 
Thomas  Overton  and  John  Bralian,  640  acres;  Malcom  Gilchrist,  260  acres;  John  Bright; 
122|  acres;  James  Greenlee,  300  acres;  Tilman  Dixon,  274  acres;  James  Bright,  45  acres, 
James  Lewis,  2,000  acres;  James  Patton,  274  acres;  Daniel  Ship,  532  acres;  John  Baird, 
2,500  acres;  George  W.  Campbell,  730  acres;  Thomas McCrery,  1,000  acres;  William  Martin, 
50  acres;  John  Smith,  1,000  acres;  Ephraim  Drake,  275  acres;  John  Coffee,  100  acres;  Ed- 
ward Harris,  800  acres;  Oliver  Williams,  60  acres;  Joseph  Greer,  150  acres;  Jesse  Max- 
well, 320  acres;  Robert  White,  1,000  acres;  Aaron  Cunningham,  640  acres. 

Probably  the  first  mill  erected  in  the  county  was  the  water-power  corn-mill  built  by 
Mr.  Goge,  on  the  creek  by  that  name,  in  about  1809  or  1810.  Previous  to  the  erection  of 
this  mill  the  pioneers  carried  their  corn  to  Phillips’  horse-power  mill  in  Rutherford  County, 
or  reduced  it  to  meal  by  means  of  the  mortar.  In  about  1812  Joseph  Walker  erected  a 
water-mill  on  Garrison  Fork  of  Duck  River,  near  where  the  town  of  Fairfield  was  after- 
ward located,  and  David  Shipman  erected  a water-mill  at  the  head  of  the  creek  by  that 
name.  The  Willioit  and  Germany  mills  on  Duck  River,  both  water-power,  were  built 
about  1814  or  1815.  Other  early  mills  were  the  Cannon  Mill,  at  Shelbyville,  on  Duck 
River;  Ledford’s  mill,  on  same  river;  James  Sharp’s  mill,  on  Thompson  Creek;  John 
Sim’s  mill,  on  Duck  River,  two  miles  above  Shelbyville;  Henry  Wiggins’  mill,  on  Flat 
Creek,  and  Conway’s  and  Pruitt’s  mills,  on  same  creek;  Ilorseley’s  mill  and  Crowell’s 
mill,  all  of  which  were  water-power,  and  Joshua  Holt’s  water-power  near  Flat  Creek, 
The  mills  of  the  present,  outside  of  those  located  in  the  different  towns  heretofore  men- 
tioned, are  as  follows  by  districts:  Third  District,  James  Mullen's  and  N.  C.  Germany’s 
corn-mills,  water-power;  Seventh  District,  Tune  & Co.’s  flour  and  corn-mill,  water- 
power, on  Duck  River,  and  Wilhoit  Mill,  owned  by  Strick  Parsons,  on  Duck  River,  water- 
power; Eighth  District,  G.  W.  Gregory’s  saw  and  grist-mill,  water-power,  on  Falling 
Creek;  Ninth  District,  William  Taylor’s  steam  grist-mill;  Tenth  District,  N.  R.  Taylor’c 
horse-power  grist-mill;  Eleventh  District,  John  Hall’s  water-power  saw,  corn  and  flour- 
mill, on  Duck  River,  Fletcher  Ray’s  water-power  grist-mill  on  North  Fork  Creek,  and 
Adams’  & Simmons’  steam  saw-mill;  Eighteenth  District,  J.  N.  Neeley’s  water-power 
corn-mill  on  Sinking  Creek,  R.  M.  Sikes’  water-power  corn-mill  on  Rock  Creek,  and  White- 
head’s steam  corn-mill;  Twenty-first  District,  F.  M.  Johnson’s  water-power  corn-mill  on 
Flat  Creek,  and  Eugene  Blakemore’s  water-power  corn-mill  on  Duck  River;  Twenty-third 
District,  Hix  Bros,  water-power  grist-mill  on  Flat  Creek;  Twenty-fifth  District,  Mrs. 
Smith’s  steam  corn-mill,  Joseph  Wilhoit’s  water-power  corn-mill  on  Duck  River,  and  Jacob 
Anthony’s  water-power  corn-mill  on  Thompson’s  Creek. 


864 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


One  of  the  first  cotton-gins  in  Bedford  County  was  the  Cannon  Gin,  near  Shelhyville, 
built  by  Clement  Cannon  about  1812.  Other  early  gins  were  those  of  John  Tillman  and 
Tom  Mosley,  in  the  Fairfield  neighborhood,  and  later  L.  P.  Fields  had  a gin  in  the  same 
neighborhood.  There  were,  no  doubt,  other  early  cotton-gins,  hut  a faithful  effort  to 
learn  whose  they  may  have  been  and  their  location  was  unrewarded.  The  cotton-gins  of 
the  present  are  Taylor  & Hester’s,  in  the  Tenth  District,  with  which  is  also  a carding 
machine;  William  Taylor’s  in  the  Ninth  District;  W.  J.  Loyd’s  cotton-gin  and  carding 
machine,  in  the  Eighth  District;  George  Vernatti’s,  in  the  Fifth  District,  aud  Mrs.  Smith’s 
gin  and  carding  machine  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District.  While  there  were  no  doubt  a large 
number  of  still- houses  in  the  early  days,  yet  they  all  disappeared  years  ago,  and  with  few 
exceptions  have  passed  from  the  memory  of  the  present  citizens.  One  of  the  first,  if  no; 
the  first  still  was  owned  by  Philip  Burrow,  father  of  Nimrod  Burrow,  Esq.,  and  was  sit- 
uated near  the  present  town  of  Fiat  Creek;  John  Holt  also  had  a still  at  about  the  same 
time  and  in  the  same  neighborhood.  Other  early  stills  were  those  of  Nathan  Evans, 
in  the  Twentieth  District,  on  Sugar  Creek,  and  of  Simpson  Neice  and  Leslie  Bobo  in  the 
Twenty-second  District,  on  Flat  Creek.  Later  on  distilleries  were  established.  The  dis- 
tilleries of  the  present  are  four  in  number,  and  are  as  follows:  The  Zach  Thompson  Distil- 
lery is  the  most  extensive  one  in  the  county,  is  situated  near  the  town  of  Wartracc,  and 
full  particulars  of  the  same  may  he  found  in  the  history  of  that  town;  Marcus  L.  Rabey’s 
distillery  in  the  Twenty-second  District,  and  Blakemore  & Co.’s  distillery,  in  the  same 
district,  each  have  a capacity  of  sixty  gallons  per  day;  T.  F.  Wooton’s  distillery,  in  the 
Twenty-fifth  District,  has  a capacity  of  forty  gallons  per  day.  So  it  will  he  seen  that 
whisky  forms  quite  an  item  in  the  products  and  exports  of  Bedford  County. 

In  the  early  days  the  militia  laws  were  in  force  in  Bedford,  as  in  all  other  counties  in 
Tennessee.  The  early  officers  of  the  militia  were  Brig. -Gen.  Robert  Cannon;  Cols.  Sam- 
uel Mitchell,  John  A.  Moore  and  S.  B.  Blackwell.  The  militia  consisted  of  two  battal- 
ions, which  formed  one  regiment.  Musters  were  held  semi-annually.  The  battalion 
muster  was  held  each  spring  on  Sinking  Creek,  and  the  general  (or  regimental)  muster 
was  held  in  the  fall  at  Shelhyville.  The  officers  would  bedeck  themselves  on  muster  day 
in  close-fitting,  homespun  coat,  half-moon  hat,  and  presented  a great  sight  as  they  would 
drill  the  rank  and  file,  armed  with  shot-guns  and  cornstalks,  accompanied  by  music  from 
the  piercing  fife  and  drum.  After  the  drill  would  begin  the  “fist  and  skull  ’’  fights,  which 
would  continue  throughout  the  day. 

Bedford  County  was  erected  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  December  3,  1807 
which  act  is  as  follows: 

“ Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  that  a new  county 
be,  and  the  same  is,  hereby  established  south  and  southwest  of,  and  adjoining  the  couuty 
of  Rutherford,  by  the  name  of  Bedford,  in  memory  of  Thomas  Bedford,  deceased,  which 
said  county  shall  begin  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Rutherford  and  southeast  corner  of  W ill- 
iamson  County,  on  the  Duck  River  Ridge,  and  run  thence  with  said  Williamson  County 
line  to  the  line  of  the  county  of  Maury;  thence  along  the  same  southwardly  to  the  sou’ll 
boundary  of  the  State;  thence  eastwardly  to  the  east  boundary  of  Rutherford  County, 
thence  along  the  same  to  the  ridge  that  divides  the  waters  of  Duck  River  from  those  of 
Cumberland;  thence  along  the  same  westwardly  to  the  east  corner  of  Williamson  County, 
leaving  Rutherford  County  its  constitutional  limits,  and  all  that  tract  of  country  included 
in  the  above  described  lines  shall  be  included  within  the  said  county  of  Bedford.’’ 

Section  2 of  the  act  provides  for  the  holding  of  the  courts  of  the  new  county  at  the 
house  of  Mrs.  Payne,  near  the  head  of  Mulberry  Creek,  until  the  next  General  Assembly,  j 
The  county  was  surveyed  and  organized  in  the  early  part  of  1808,  the  courts  being  held  at 
the  place  designated  by  the  act  creating  the  county.  Of  the  courts,  court  house,  etc.,  but 
little  is  now  remembered,  and  as  the  county  was  reduced  in  limits  the  following  year,  ; 
thereby  placing  Mrs.  Payne’s  residence  and  farm  in  a new  county  (Lincoln),  the  county 
seat  was  soon  removed.  On  the  14th  of  November,  1809,  the  General  Assembly  passed  the 
following  act,  which  reduced,  materially,  the  limits  of  Bedford  County,  the  territory  being 
taken  in  the  formation  of  Lincoln  County: 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


865 


“Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  that  the  lines  and 
boundaries  of  Bedford  County  shall  be  as  follows,  to  wit:  Beginning  on  the  northeast 
corner  of  Maury  County  and  running  south  with  the  eastern  boundary  line  thereof  to  the 
extreme  height  of  the  ridge  dividing  the  waters  of  Duck  River  from  the  waters  of  Elk 
River;  thence  eastwardly  to  the  extreme  height  of  said  ridge  to  the  present  eastern 
boundary  line  of  the  said  county  of  Bedford;  thence  north  to  the  south  boundary  line  of 
Rutherford  County;  thence  westwardly  with  the  said  line  to  the  southern  boundary  line 
of  Williamson  County,  and  thence  with  the  said  line  of  Williamson  County  to  the  begin- 
ning.” 

Section  2 of  the  act  provides  for  the  appointment  of  John  Atkinson,  William  Woods, 
Bartlett  Martin,  Howell  Dandy  and  Daniel  McKissack  as  commissioners  to  locate  a 
county  site  for  the  new  county  on  Duck  River,  within  two  miles  of  the  center  of  the 
county.  Benjamin  Bradford  and  John  Lane  were  subsequently  added  to  the  above  com- 
mission by  the  Legislature.  The  county  was  resurveyed  by  Malcom  Gilchrist,  and  the 
county  site  was  located  temporarily  at  the  house  of  Amos  Balch,  on  the  Lewisburg  road, 
two  and  one-half  miles  southwest  of  the  present  county  seat.  In  May,  1810,  however,  the 
county  site  was  permanently  located  at  Shelbyville,  100  acres  of  land  being  donated  for 
that  purpose  by  Clement  Cannon.  Amos  Balch  and  William  Galbreatli  each  offered  to 
donate  to  the  commissioners  fifty  acres  on  which  to  locate  the  county  seat,  but  as  the  site 
selected  was  more  central  and  the  donation  more  liberal  their  offers  were  rejected. 

Bedford  County  was  materially  reduced  in  territory  by  the  formation  in  1836  of  Coffee 
County  on  the  east,  and  again  in  1837  by  Marshall  County  on  the  west.  At  present  Bed- 
ford County  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Rutherford  County,  northeast  by  Cannon  County, 
east  by  the  counties  of  Cannon  and  Coffee,  south  by  the  counties  of  Moore  and  Lincoln, 
west  by  Marshall  County,  and  has  an  area  of  about  475  square  miles.  Originally  the 
the  county  was  divided  into  twenty-live  civil  districts,  but  upon  the  formation  of  Mar- 
shall County  in  1837  a number  of  these  districts  were  placed  in  that  county,  and  other 
districts  have  since  been  merged  into  each  other,  and  at  present  there  are  only  nineteen 
districts,  they  being  designated  numerically  as  First,  Secoud,  Third,  Fourth.  Fifth,  Sixth, 
Seventh,  Eighth,  Ninth,  Tenth,  Eleventh,  Eighteenth,  Nineteenth,  Twentieth,  Twenty- 
first,  Twenty-second,  Twenty-third,  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth. 

In  1810  the  population  of  Bedford  County  was  8,242,  and  in  1S30  had  increased  to  30,- 
396.  At  that  time  it  was  the  most  populous  county  in  the  State.  The  formation  of  the 
new  counties  referred  to  before  and  various  other  causes,  reduced  the  population  materi- 
ally, and  in  1870  it  amounted  to  only  24,333,  and  at  present  the  population  is 
about  26,100.  The  voting  population  is  about  4,500,  and  at  the  presidential  elec- 
tion of  1884  Mr.  Cleveland  received  in  the  county  a majority  of  171  votes  over 
Mr.  Blaine,  though  the  usual  Democratic  majority  far  exceeds  that  given  to  Mr. 
Cleveland.  Bedford  County  has  a total  area  ot  332,800  acres,  of  which  203,511  were 
improved  in  1885.  During  the  above  year  the  total  value  of  property  assessed  for 
taxes  was  §5,183,560.  There  are  in  the  county  741  town  lots,  at  a total  value  of  $522,515. 
The  taxes  of  1885  amounted  as  follows:  Poll  tax  $7,508;  State  tax  $13,787.41;  county  tax 
$11,489.51;  school  tax  $21,295.41;  road  tax  $4,399.84.  The  tax  levy  for  1886  was  20  cents 
on  the  $100  worth  of  property  for  county  purposes;  20  cents  on  the  $100  and  $1  poll  for 
school  purposes;  11  cents  on  $100  for  roads  and  highways. 

The  cereal  products  of  the  county  for  1885  were  of  corn  1,682,358  bushels;  wheat  257,- 
425  bushels;  oats  87,408  bushels;  rye  6,145  bushels,  and  of  barley,  108  bushels.  During  the 
same  year  there  was  owned  in  the  county  live-stock  as  follows:  11,426  head  of  horses  and 
mules,  14,188  head  of  cattle,  16,020  head  of  sheep  and  46,251  head  of  hogs. 

The  first  court  house  was  erected  in  1810  or  1811.  The  building  wTas  of  frame,  very 
small,  and  stood  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the  Public  Square.  A second  building,  this 
v time  of  brick,  was  erected  in  a few  years,  and  stood  in  the  center  of  the  Square.  This 
building  was  destroyed  by  a tornado  in  1830.  In  its  stead  "was  soon  afterward  erected  a 
large  brick  court  house  on  the  site  of  the  one  destroyed,  which  stood  until  1863,  when  it 


SCO 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


was  destroyed  by  fire,  together  with  a large  portion  of  the  county  records.  A party  of 
Confederate  soldiers  had  taken  quarters  in  the  court  house,  and  through  their  carelessness 
the  building  was  set  fire  to  and  entirely  destroyed.  Upon  the  reopening  of  the  courts  after 
the  war  they  were  held  in  various  buildings,  principally  in  a hotel  which  stood  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Square,  and  in  1869  the  erection  of  the  present  court  house  was  beguu, 
but  was  not  completed  until  1873.  The  building  is  one  of  the  largest  and  handsomest 
court  houses  in  the  State,  and  was  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $130,000.  It  is  of  brick,  with 
rock  foundation.  The  principal  court  room  is  40x90  feet  in  size;  county  court  room,  20x40 
feet,  and  chancery  court  room,  20x40  feet.  The  circuit  and  chancery  court  rooms  are  on 
the  second  floor,  while  the  county  court  room  and  county  officials’  quarters,  six  in  number 
are  on  the  first  floor.  Besides  these  there  are  four  jury  rooms,  and  in  the  basement  are 
eight  good  rooms.  Including  the  porches  the  building  is  120  feet  long  and  91  feet  wide. 
The  pillars  for  the  lower  porches  are  of  blue  limestone,  square,  and  in  Ashler  masonry, 
while  those  above  are  of  cast  iron,  Corinthian  in  style.  The  building  is  surmounted  by 
an  elegant  cupola,  containing  a clock  and  bell  that  cost  $1,500.  The  building  stands  in 
the  center  of  the  Square,  and  is  surrounded  with  a grassy  plat,  inclosed  with  a neat  and 
substantial  iron  fence,  erected  on  a stone  base.  Altogether  it  is  a handsome  edifice,  and 
presents  a striking  appearance,  and  of  which  the  citizens  may  well  be  proud. 

Several  jails  were  erected  by  the  county  at  different  times,  all  of  which  were  of  small 
consequence,  until  the  building  of  the  present  jail  in  1866  at  a cost  of  $35,000.  The  jail 
is  a solid  stone  building,  two  stories  in  height,  and  is  one  of  the  most  secure  jails  in  the 
State.  It  is  conveniently  arranged  into  cells  and  corridors,  and  light  and  air  are  admitted 
through  several  long,  narrow  windows,  through  which  the  smallest  person  conkl  not  es- 
cape. It  is  one  of  the  handsomest  and  most  conspicuous  buildings  in  Shelbyville. 

In  1832  the  first  poor  asylum  was  established  by  the  county.  At  that  time  160  acres 
of  land  were  purchased,  lying  in  the  Third  District,  three  rhiles  northeast  from  Shelby- 
ville, adjoining  Horse  Mountain,  on  which  were  standing  several  log  houses,  which  were 
fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  the  county’s  poor.  In  1883  two  substantial  frame 
houses  of  two  rooms  each,  16x18  feet,  were  erected  at  the  asylum  at  a cost  of  $2,500. 
These  buildings  were  burned  in  May,  1886,  and  new  ones  in  their  place  are  in  course  of 
construction,  the  county  court  having  appropriated  $2,500  for  that  purpose  at  its  July 
meeting. 

Bedford  County  is  traversed  by  numerous  turnpikes  or  macadamized  roads,  a major 
ity  of  which  lead  to  and  from  the  county  seat.  The  average  cost  of  these  turnpikes  was 
$1,500  per  mile,  and  toll-gates  are  established  every  five  miles,  by  means  of  which  the  ex- 
pense of  construction  and  maintenance  of  the  pikes  is  derived.  The  turnpikes  of  this 
county,  their  establishment  and  the  number  of  miles  of  each  are  as  follows:  Shelbyville. 
Murfreesboro  & Nashville  Pike,  built  in  1832,  12  miles;  Shelbyville  & Fayetteville  Pike . 
built  in  1852,  9 miles;  Shelbyville  & Lewisburg  Pike,  built  in  1856,  11  miles;  Shelbyville 
& Unionville  and  Shelbyville,  Richmond  & Petersburg  Pikes,  built  in  1858,  18  miles  of 
the  former  and  9 of  the  latter;  Shelbyville  & Fairfield  Pike,  built,  part  in  1859  and  com- 
pleted in  1865,  8 miles;  Shelbyville.  Flat  Creek  & Lynchburg  Pike,  built  in  1875,  9 miles: 
Shelbyville  & Fishing  Ford  Pike,  built  in  1875,  5 miles;  Shelbyville  & Tullahoma  Pike, 
built  in  1874,  10  miles;  Shelbyville  & Wetumpka  Pike,  built  in  1881,  5 miles;  Shelby- 
ville & Versailles  Pike,  built  in  1885, .8  miles;  Wartrace  & Beach  Grove  Pike,  built  it) 
1874,  6 miles;  Bellbuckle  & Flatwood  Pike,  built  in  1882,  5 miles;  Bellbuckle  & Beach 
Grove  Pike,  built  in  1882,  6 miles,  and  Bellbuckle  & Liberty  Gap  Pike,  built  in  1882,  5 
miles. 

The  bridges  of  importance  of  Bedford  County,  together  with  their  cost  and  earliest 
time  at  which  bridges  were  built,  are  as  follows:  Shelbyville  bridge,  across  Duck  River 
built  in  1832,  present  cost  $2,000;  Fairfield  bridge,  in  the  First  District,  across  Garrison  s 
Fork,  built  in  1856,  present  cost  $1,000:  Scull  Camp  Ford  bridge,  in  the  Seventh  District, , 
across  Duck  River,  built  in  1856.  present  cost  $3,000;  Warner's  bridge,  in  the  Seventh 
District,  across  Duck  River,  on  the  Shelbyville  & Fishing  Ford  Pike,  built  in  1856,  pres- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


867 


ent  cost  $2,000;  Hall's  bridge,  across  Duck  River,  in  the  Eleventh  District,  built  in  1875; 
present  cost  $2,000.  Columbia  Ford  bridge,  in  lire  Eleventh  District,  across  North  Fork, 
built  in  1881,  present  cost  $400;  Unionville  Turnpike  bridge,  across  North  Fork,  built  in 
1860,  present  cost  $500;  Sugar  bridge,  in  the  Twenty-first  District,  across  Sugar  Creek, 
built  m 1850,  present  cost  $400;  Fall  Creek  bridge,  across  Fall  Creek,  in  the  Eighth  Dis- 
trict, built  in  1860,  present  cost  $500;  Flat  Creek  bridge,  in  the  Seventh  District,  across 
Flat  Creek,  built  in  1855,  present  cost  $1,000;  Flat  Creek  bridge,  in  the  Seventh  District, 
on  Lewisburg  Pike,  built  in  1850,  present  cost  $800;  Lynchburg  Pike  bridge,  across 
Duck  River,  in  the  Seventh  District,  built  in  1876,  present  cost  $3,000;  Fall  Creek  bridge, 
on  the  Columbia  Pike,  in  the  Eighth  District,  built  in  1885,  cost  $400.  There  are  numer- 
ous small  bridges  across  small  streams  throughout  the  county,  but  are  not  of  sufficient  im- 
portance to  be  given  special  notice. 

The  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad  has  a branch  leading  from  Wartrace  to  Shel- 
byville,  eight  miles  in  length,  while  the  main  line  passes  through  the  eastern  portion  of  the 
county.  This  railroad,  together  with  the  various  turnpikes,  furnishes  means  for  ample 
transportation  for  Bedford  County,  while,  in  addition.  Duck  River  can  be  used  for  trans- 
porting lumber  to  a great  extent.  In  point  of  agriculture,  manufactures,  stock  and 
wealth  Bedford  County  ranks  with  the  best  counties  in  the  State,  while  in  health,  climate 
and  educational  facilities  the  county  has  few  equals  in  any  portion  of  the  South. 

The  records  of  the  County  Court  of  Bedford  County  do  not  extend  farther  back  than 
1848,  those  previous  to  that  date  having  been  destroyed  with  the  court  house  in  1863  by 
fire.  Beyond  that  date  but  little  if  anything  of  the  transactions  of  the  court  can  be  ascer- 
tained at  the  present  day.  The  first  sessions  of  the  court  were  held  in  1808,  at  the  house 
of  Mrs.  Payne,  near  the  head  of  Mulberry  Creek  (now  in  Lincoln  County),  and  the  only 
record  extant  of  those  sessions  is  a marriage  license  issued  by  the  county  clerk  to  John 
Tillman  and  Rachael  Martin.  During  portions  of  1809  and  1810  the  courts  were  held,  as 
before  mentioned,  at  Amos  Balch’s  residence,  from  where  they  were  removed  to  Slielby- 
ville  in  the  latter  part  of  1810.  The  first  session  of  the  court  of  which  there  remains  any 
record  was  held  in  the  court  house  at  Shelbvville,  beginning  October  1,  1848,  when  the 
following  justices  were  present;  William  Galbraith,  chairman;  John  W.  Norville,  James 
Hoover,  Newton  C.  Harris,  Jacob  Serley,  Garrett  Phillips,  James  Wortham,  John  W. 
Hamlin,  Price  C.  Sterle,  Dudley  P.  T.  House,  Joseph  P.  Thompson,  John  L.  Cooper, 
James  Foster,  Joseph  Anderson,  Meredith  Blanton,  John  O’Neil,  Green  T.  Neeley,  Will- 
iam Thompson,  John  A.  Brown,  Joshua  Hall,  B.  F.  Green,  Isaac  B.  Holt,  Herrod  F.  Holt, 
Lemuel  Broadway,  Joseph  Hastings,  James  H.  Miles,  Kindred  Pearson  and  William 
Taylor. 

The  transactions  of  the  court  during  1848,  or  at  least  so  much  thereof  of  interest, 
were  as  follows:  A commission  of  lunacy  was  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  mental  con- 
dition of  Eliza  Jane  Gambell;  Sarah  Terry  emancipated  Bob  and  John,  two  of  her  slaves. 
The  commissioners  before  appointed  to  let  out  the  contract  for  building  a bridge  across 
Duck  River,  at  or  near. Skull  Camp  Ford,  made  a report  to  the  effect  that  the  contract  for 
said  bridge  had  been  awarded  James  Wortham,  at  the  price  of  $1,700.  The  report  was 
signed  by  E.  J.  Frierson,  John  T.  Neil  and  William  Galbraith,  commissioners,  which  re- 
port was  accepted  by  the  court.  The  following  election  judges  were  appointed  for  the 
November,  1848,  election:  First  District — William  D.  Clark,  Anthony  Thomas  and  Sam- 
uel McMahan;  Second  District — G.  G.  Osborn,  John  L.  Davidson  and  Francis  H.  Keller; 
Third  District— Henry  Holt,  John  Shaffner  and  Jolm  A.  Moore;  Fourth  District — John 
Norville,  Robert  Clarke  and  Nathan  Chaffin;  Fifth  District — Andrew  S.  Lawrence,  George 
W.  Bell  and  William  Weaver;  Sixth  District — James  P.  Couch,  John  Knott  and  Henry 
Brown;  Seventh  District — E.  J.  Frierson,  George  Davidson  and  Thomas  Holland;  Eighth 
District— Thomas  Wheeler,  Jacob  Fisher  and  Robert  Terry;  Ninth  District — Ziza  Moore, 
Jason  Winsett  and  Absalom  Landers;  Tenth  District — Alfred  Ranson,  Fredrick  Balt  and 
James  Mankins;  Eleventh  District — William  B.  Phillips,  Robert  Rayson  and  Charles  L. 
Bvren;  Eighteenth  District — Fielding  Bell,  James  Statling  and  James  B.  Jones;  Nine- 


868 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


teenth  District — William  Wood,  John  Larne  and  James  H.  Curtis;  Twentieth  District- 
Miles  Phillips,  Jackson  Wallace  and  Randolph  Newson;  Twenty-first  District — Samuel 
Thompson,  Richard  Phillips  and  Herbert  Smith;  Twenty-second  District — John  C.  Hix, 
Henry  Dean  and  Arthur  Campbell;  Twenty-third  District — James  H.  Miles,  John  Hast- 
ings and  John  Reed;  Twenty-fourth  District — Elisha  Bobo,  Watson  Floyd  and  Thomas 
Anderson;  Twenty-fifth  District— John  Koonce,  Levi  Turner  and  Gabriel  Maupin.  The 
commissioners  appointed  for  that  purpose  reported  that  they  had  let  the  contract  for  re- 
pairing the  bridge  across  Wartrace  Fork  of  Duck  River  to  Henry  Stephens  for  $79. 
The  report  was  signed  by  Samuel  Phillips,  Philip  Cable  and  Robert  Chambers,  commis- 
sioners, and  was  received  by  the  court.  The  tax  levy  for  1849  was  81  cents  on  each  $100 
worth  of  property  for  county  purposes,  25  cents  on  each  free  poll,  and  licensed  privileges 
one-fourth  of  the  State  tax.  During  that  year  William  Presgrove  and  Nathaniel  M. 
Wheeler  were  allowed  $75  for  building  a bridge  across  North  Fork  of  Duck  River,  on  the 
Lower  Nashville  Road,  near  Presgrove’s  mill.  The  court  ordered  the  census  taken  in 
1851  by  districts,  which  census  was  as  follows:  First  District,  93;  Second  District,  163; 
Third  District,  187;  Fourth  District,  145;  Fifth  District,  164;  Sixth  District,  119;  Seventh 
District,  232;  Eighth  District,  99;  Ninth  District,  160;  Tenth  District,  156;  Eleventh  Dis- 
trict, 239;  Eighteenth  District,  177;  Nineteenth  District,  151;  Twentieth  District,  189; 
Twenty-first  District,  109;  Twenty-Second  District,  209;  Twenty-third  District,  195; 
Twenty-fourth  District,  205;  Twenty -fifth  District,  206. 

In  1853  John  R.  Eakin,  A.  Ervin  and  John  Meyers,  bridge  commissioners,  made  a 
report  that  the  bridge  across'  Garrison  Fork  of  Duck  River,  heretofore  ordered  built  by 
the  court,  was  complete,  which  report  was  received;  the  town  of  Wartrace  Depot  was  in- 
corporated; a bridge  was  ordered  erected  across  Garrison  Fork  of  Duck  River  at  War- 
trace. 

In  May,  1866,  the  court  passed  an  order  for  the  erection  of  a new  jail,  and  appro- 
priated $15,000  for  that  purpose,  and  levied  a tax  of.  10  cents  on  the  $100  and  50  cents  oa 
each  poll  to  raise  the  money.  The  following  jail  commissioners  were  appointed  to  pre- 
pare plans  and  award  the  contract  for  building  the  jail:  Thomas  C.  Whiteside,  W.  E. 
Wisdom,  Joseph  H.  Thompson,  William  Galbraith,  W.  G.  Cowan,  Henry  Cooper,  W.  B. 
M.  Brown,  William  Houston,  Jr.  and  W.  T.  Tune.  In  July  of  the  same  year  the  court  ap- 
propriated $6,000  more  to  be  used  in  construction  of  the  jail,  and  several  additional  appro- 
priations for  the  same  purpose  were  subsequently  made. 

In  October,  1869,  the  court  ordered  a new  court  house  erected,  and  appointed  Thomas 
H.  Caldwell,  H.  P.  Clearland.  L.  B.  Knott,  William  Gosling  and  William  P.  Cowan  a 
building  committee  to  prepare  plans,  estimates  and  specifications,  and  award  the  contract 
for  building  the  court  house  and  superintend  the  same.  The  building  was  completed  in 
1872.  In  June,  1872,  the  court  issued  articles  of  incorporation  to  the  town  of  Flat  Creek. 
In  1873  the  court  appointed  John  R.  Dean  superintendent  of  the  county  schools. 

In  1874  the  court  ordered  a new  bridge  built  across  Duck  River,  at  Hall’s  mill,  and  for 
that  purpose  appropriated  $500.  In  1883  an  order  for  the  erection  of  two  buildings  at  the 
Poor  Asylum,  was  passed  by  the  court,  said  buildings  to  be  of  frame,  two  rooms  each. 
16x18  feet,  and  appropriated  for  the  erection  thereof  $2,500.  These  buildings  having  been 
destroyed  in  1886,  the  court  at  its  last  session  appropriated  $2,500  with  which  to  replace 
them.  Owing  to  the  absence  of  the  records  it  is  impossible  to  give  the  term  of  years  the 
different  county  officers  served,  but  the  following  is  a correct  and  complete  list  of  the 
names  of  the  officers  in  the  manner  in  which  they  held  office. 

Chairmen  of  County  Court:  John  Atkinson,  J.  W.  Hamlin,  H.  F.  Holt,  P.  C.  Steele, 
William  Galbraith,  R.  L.  Landers,  John  P.  Hutton,  Thomas  J.  Ogilvie,  Richard  H.  Stem. 
B.  F.  Foster  and  John  W.  Thompson,  the  present  incumbent.  County  Clerks:  Thomas 
Moore,  James  McKissack,  William  D.  Orr,  Robert  Hurst,  A.  Yannoy,  J.  H.  O’Neal,  Jo- 
seph H.  Thompson,  R.  C.  Couch,  Robert  L.  Singleton  and  Will  J.  Muse,  the  present  in- 
cumbent. 

The  first  sessions  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Bedford  County  were  held  in  1808  at  Mrs. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


869 


Payne’s  house  on  Mulberry  Creek,  and  were  presided  over  by  Hon.  Thomas  Stuart,  cir- 
cuit judge.  Judge  Stuart  afterward  held  the  courts  at  Amos  Balch’s,  and  was  still  on  the 
bench  when  the  county  seat  was  located  at  Shelbyville.  However,  there  remains  no  rec- 
ord of  those  early  courts,  the  existing  records  beginning  with  December,  1853,  at  which 
time  Hon.  Westly  W.  Pepper  was  judge,  John  H.  O’Neal  was  clerk  and  James  W.  John- 
son was  sheriff.  The  first  grand  jury  was  drawn  in  the  following  manner:  the  names  of 
the  venire  were  written  on  slips  of  paper  and  the  papers  placed  in  a hat,  from  whence 
thirteen  names  were  drawn  out  by  a child  under  ten  years  of  age,  and  of  the  men  whose 
names  were  thus  selected  was  the  grand  jury  composed. 

During  the  sessions  of  the  court  in  1853,  Gilbert  E.  Holder  was  fined  $200  and  sent  to 
jail  for  three  months  for  carrying  a bowie  knife.  John  Record  was  fined  $5  for  gambling, 
and  William  Neil  was  sentenced  to  one  year’s  imprisonment  in  penitentiary  for  larceny. 
In  1854  Martha  Dobbins  was  granted  a divorce  from  William  Dobbins.  John  W.  Nelson 
was  fined  $5  for  malicious  shooting.  Isaac  Williams  for  larceny,  was  sent  to  prison  for 
one  year,  and  Mary  Low  was  fined  $5  for  permitting  one  of  her  slaves  to  live  as  a free 
person  of  color.  In  1855  Isaac  Parker  pleaded  guilty  to  a charge  of  libel,  and  was  fined 
$5.  William  Ballard  was  sent  to  prison  for  three  years  on  a charge  of  altering  bank  bills. 
James  B.  Phillips  served  a judgment  of  $2,500  against  Robert  Cannon,  for  slander  andfor 
committing  murder,  John  Wilson  was  sent  to  prison  for  seven  years.  In  1855  W.  H. 
Dickerson  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year  on  a charge  of  larceny,  and  James 
Wagster,  for  disturbing  public  worship,  was  fined  $10  and  costs. 

In  1857  William  P.  Puckett  was  fined  $25  for  malicious  stabbing,  and  Joel  Criscoe  was 
sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  five  years  for  larceny.  In  1858  James  Ripley,  on  a charge  of 
murder,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  twenty-one  years;  Frank  Bagley,  for  arson,  was 
given  a sentence  of  six  years,  and  Jesse  Phillips,  for  incest,  was  sentenced  to  five  years 
imprisonment.  In  1859  Bob,  a slave,  upon  conviction  of  manslaughter,  received  the  fol- 
lowing sentence:  “That  he  receive  100  lashes  upon  the  bare  back,  then  be  imprisoned 
for  ten  days,  and  then  receive  another  100  lashes  upon  the  bare  back,  to  be  well  laid  on 
by  the  sheriff  of  Bedford  County.” 

There  were  no  sessions  of  the  court  held  during  the  late  ‘civil  war.  In  1864  Alex- 
ander Brown,  for  larceny,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year;  and  on  a similar 
charge,  John  Morton  was  sent  up  for  three  years.  In  1865  Samuel  Evans,  Charles  Ellison, 
Riley  Kizer  and  Harriet  Phillips,  all  colored,  were  convicted  of  larceny,  and  the  first  was 
sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year;  the  second  for  three  years;  the  third  for  one  year, 
and  the  last  one  was  let  off  with  one  month’s  confinement  in  the  county  jail. 

In  1866  James  Cheatham  and  Bush  Varmory,  were  each  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for 
fifteen  years  upon  a charge  of  larceny  and  house-breaking.  During  that  year  James 
Brewer,  Pinkney  McDonald,  Van  McFarland,  John  Bomer,  Jesse  Barksdale  and  Mary  Ann 
Stenston,  all  confined  in  the  county  jail  on  various  charges,  made  their  escape.  In  1867 
James  Eakin,  colored,  was  sent  to  the  county  jail  for  thirty  days  on  a charge  of  larceny, 
and  on  a similar  charge  George  Morgan  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year.  In 
1868  George  Wood,  Alexander  Aldridge,  Ann  Jackson  and  Alexander  Elkin,  were  given 
terms  of  imprisonment  on  charges  of  larceny.  In  1869  Ann  Jackson  was  again  imprisoned 
on  a charge  of  larceny,  and  on  similar  charges  Arch  Cook  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary 
for  twelve  years;  Abe  Featherstone  for  two  years  and  six  months;  Alfred  Davis  for  ten 
years;  John  Moore,  ten  years;  Sarah  Cannon,  three  years,  and,  for  stealing  a horse,  John 
Brown  was  sent  for  ten  years. 

In  1870,  on  charges  of  larceny,  William  King  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  ten 
years;  James  Simmons  three  years,  and  Caroline  Houston  three  months  in  jail.  In  1871 
William  Hamilton  was  convicted  of  murder  and  imprisoned  for  eleven  years;  Elizabeth 
Kiser,  for  larceny,  was  sentenced  to  imprisonment  in  State  prison  for  one  year,  but  her 
sentence  was  commuted  to  ten  days  in  jail  on  account  of  her  encientic  condition;  Edward 
Hilton,  on  a charge  of  involuntary  manslaughter,  was  sentenced  to  three  years’  imprison- 
ment; and  on  charges  of  larceny  James  Jones  was  given  four  years  in  the  penitentiary; 


I 


870 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


.James  Gregor,  two  years;  Hal  Germiny,  three  years;  Charles  Dyer,  four  years;  Fal. 
Hamer,  one  year;  Green  Smith,  two  years,  and  Ida  Kains  one  year.  In  1872  James  S. 
Robinson,-  Lewis  Cannon  and  Henry  Gambell  were  sentenced,  respectively,  to  terms  of 
seven,  three  and  four  years’  imprisonment  on  charges  of  larceny. 

In  1873  John  Daniel  was  sent  to  prison  three  years  for  larceny;  Richard  Wells,  for 
murder,  was  sent  for  five  years;  and  Mitch  Pearson  was  convicted  of  murder  in  The  first 
degree  and  sentenced  to  he  hung  February  13,  1874.  Pearson  took  an  appeal  to  the 
supreme  court,  where  the  verdict  of  the  lower  court  was  reversed.  He  was  again  tried  and 
convicted  of  murder  in  the  second  degree  and  sentenced  to  ten  years  imprisonment  at  hard 
labor.  In  1874  John  Fogelman,  Henry  Tillman,  Jerry  Meadows  and  David  Nealey  were 
convicted  of  larceny  and  all  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year  each.  In  1875  William 
Campbell  and  Marion  Shaffner  were  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  three  and  one  years,  re- 
spectively, for  larceny,  and  Dr.  Shannon,  for  liorse-stealing,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary 
for  twelve  years. 

In  1876  Joseph  Williams  was  sent  to  prison  for  two  years,  and  William  Barksdale  was 
sent  to  jail  six  months  on  charges  of  larceny.  Thomas  Rippy,  for  murder,  was  given  ten 
years;  William  Holder,  for  house-breaking,  was  given  ten  years;  and  Abraham  McMahan 
and  wife  recovered  $120  damages  from  Thomas  McEwen  for  slander.  In  1877  John 
Bourke,  for  house-breaking,  and  L.  Jones,  John  T.  Dean,  John  Holt,  Henry  Cannon, 
Emmet  Thompson.  Willis  Dallis  and  Harrison  Brown  were  imprisoned  for  larceny,  and 
John  Jones  was  sentenced  to  be  hung  October  4,  1877,  for  murder.  Jones  appealed  his 
cause  to  the  supreme  court  and  the  decision  was  reversed,  and  upon  standing  trial  a second 
time  was  sentenced  to  imprisonment  for  life.  In  1878  Robert  Dixon,  Philip  Shuman, 
John  Miller  and  Bill  Morton  were  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year  each,  and  Lafay- 
ette Revis,  for  house-breaking,  was  sentenced  to  five  years’  imprisonment,  and  for  arson 
Revis  was  sentenced  to  ten  years’  imprisonment,  the  second  sentence  to  go  into  effect  upon 
expiration  of  the  first.  In  1879  Willis  Frazier,  for  murder,  was  imprisoned  for  twelve 
years;  and  for  larceny  James  Eakin,  Henry  Brown,  James  Waston  and  Jerry  Ball,  were 
sent  to  prison  for  one  year  each.  In  1880  John  Gaston,  James  Woodard  and  Lewis 
Thomas  were  given  terms  of  imprisonment  for  larceny.  In  1881  Mary  Brown,  Lula 
Thomas  and  Bob  Chambers  were  given  one  year  imprisonment  in  the  penitentiary  on 
charges  of  larceny. 

In  1882  Frank  Atkinson,  for  horse-stealing,  was  sent  to  prison  for  three  years;  James 
Stewart,  murder,  five  years;  and  Ambrose  Tillman,  one  year;  Louis  Kiser,  two  and  a 
half  years;  Anderson  Sims,  one  year;  Henry  Beedy,  three  years;  Henry  Lovelace,  four 
years;  William  Allison,  one  year;  Harrison  Williams,  one  year;  Bob  Webb,  one  year, 
and  Lewis  Castleman  two  years  on  charges  of  larceny.  In  1883  Charles  Elkins,  for  mur- 
der, was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  twenty  years;  Jim  Gamble,  arson,  two  years;  James 
Warren,  murder,  three  years;  Nan  Roberson,  arson,  two  years;  and  for  larceny  Wylie 
Chambers,  Henry  Amos,  James  Flack,  R.  C.  Wyland,  Tom  Stamps  and  Tom  Ganaway 
were  each  given  one  year  imprisonment  in  the  penitentiary.  In  1884  Eliza  Pepper,  for 
murder,  was  sent  to  prison  for  life,  and  George  Cross,  John  Cooper  and  Nelson  Johns 
were  given  six  and  three  years  each,  respectively,  for  horse-stealing;  and  Henry  Mosley 
and  George  Stewart,  for  larceny,  was  sent  up  for  one  year  each.  In  1885  Carrie  Cleve- 
land, for  murder,  was  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  three  years,  and  William  McGrew  and 
Henry  Carwell,  for  larceny,  were  each  given  one  year.  In  1886  Willis  Rankin  and  Henry 
Lamb  were  sent  to  the  penitentiary  for  one  year  each  on  charges  of  larceny,  and  Lamb 
was  sentenced  to  three  years’  imprisonment  on  a charge  of  horse-stealing,  his  second 
sentence  to  commence  upon  expiration  of  the  first. 

The  judges  who  have  served  on  the  Bedford  bench  were  Thomas  Stuart,  James  0. 
Mitchell,  Samuel  Anderson,  Hugh  L.  Davidson,  Henry  Cooper,  J.  W.  Phillips,  W.  H. 
Williamson  and  Robert  Cantrell,  present  incumbent.  Attorney-generals:  Alfred  Balcli, 
William  B.  Martin,  Thomas  Fletcher,  James  Fulton,  Abraham  Martin,  E.  J.  Frierson, 
Thomas  C.  Whiteside,  H.  L.  Davidson,  William  L.  Martin,  James  L.  Scudder,  B.  M.  Till- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


871 


.man,  James  W.  Brien,  William  H.  Wisener,  Jr.,  James  F.  Stokes,  M.  W.  McKnight  and 
Lillard  Thompson,  present  incumbent.  Circuit  clerks:  Daniel  McKissack,  John  T.  Neil, 
Lewis  Tillman,  James  H.  Neil,  J.  M.  Phillip,  W.  B.  McBrame  and  John  T.  Cannon,  pres- 
ent incumbent. 

The  Chancery  Court  of  Bedford  County  convened  for  the  first  time  in  1886,  with  Hon. 
B.  L.  Ridley  presiding  as  chancellor  and  Robert  P.  Harrison  as  clerk  and  master.  The 
(following  is  a list  of  the  chancellors  and  clerks  and  masters:  Chancellors— B.  L.  Ridley. 
Thomas  H.  Caldwell,  John  P.  Steele,  A.  S.  Marks,  John  Burton  and  E.  D.  Hancock,  the 
present  incumbent.  Clerks  and  masters— Robert  P.  Harrison,  Robert  B.  Davidson,  W.  J. 
Whilthorn,  Lewis  Tillman,  Sr.,  Lewis  Tillman,  Jr.,  T.  S.  Steele,  William  H.  Morgan  and 
jj.  S.  Butler,  the  present  incumbent.  Other  county  officers  have  been  as  follows,  in  the 
order  given  as  to  terms:  Sheriffs — Benjamin  Bradford,  John  W arner,  John  Wortham,  John 
Warner,  William  Norville,  K.  L.  Anderson,  D.  D.  Arnold,  James  Mulins.  J.  M.  Johnson. 
James  Wortham,  Garrett  Phillips,  R.  B.  Blackwell,  Joseph  Thompson,  J.  M.  Dunaway, 
F.  F.  Fouville,  J.  J.  Phillips,  George  P.  Muse  and  D.  WT.  Shriver,  the  present  incumbent. 
Trustees— John  W.  Cobbs,  William  Ward,  Peter  E.  Clardy,  Daniel  Hooser,  S.  B.  Gordon, 
J.  L.  Goodrum,  William  McGill  and  J.  L.  Goodrum,  the  present  incumbent.  Registers — 

John  Ake,  Thomas  Davis,  A.  Yannoy,  D.  B.  Shriver,  M.  E.  W.  Dunaway,  John  W. 
Thompson,  H.  H.  Holt  and  C.  N.  Allen,  the  present  incumbent.  School  superintendents 
: — John  R.  Dean,  J.  L.  Hutson,  William  H.  Whiteside  and  J.  IL.  Allen,  the  present  in- 
■cumbent. 

Among  the  early  distinguished  members  of  the  Bedford  County  bar  were  Abraham 
Martin,  who  was  district  attorney  at  one  time,  and  who  afterward  removed  to  Montgomery, 
Ala.,  where  he  was  elected  to' the  bench;  Archibald  Yell,  who  afterward  removed  to  Little 
Rock,  Ark.,  and  of  which  State  he  was  elected  governor  and  also  representative  in  Congress, 
William  B.  Sutton;  William  Gilchrist;  I.  J.  Frierson,  a member  of  the  Legislature  at  one 
time:  William  H.  Wisener,  at  one  time  a member  of  the  Legislature  and  speaker  of  the 
Lower  House;  Henry  Cooper,  who  was  judge  of  the  circuit  court  for  a number  of  years, 
i and  who  was  also  a member  of  the  Legislature  and  for  several  years  president  of  the 
Lebanon  Law  School  and  United  States  senator  for  one  term;  Hugh  L.  Davidson,  who  for 
ten  years  was  judge  of  the  circuit  court  and  attorney-general  for  one  term;  and  Thomas  C. 
Whitesides,  who  was  district  attorney  for  a while.  The  bar  at  present  is  composed  of 
Edmund  Cooper,  who  was  a member  of  the  Legislature  one  term,  served  one  term  as  con- 
gressman, was  first  assistant  secretary  of  the  United  States  Treasury  uuder  President  John- 
I son,  and  was  also  chosen  by  President  Johnson  as  his  private  secretary;  Thomas  H.  Cald- 
well, who  was  at  one  time  chancellor  of  this  division,  attorney-general  for  the  State,  was 
a Grant  and  Colfax  and  Blaine  and  Logan  presidential  elector,  and  was  Tennessee’s  State 
commissioner  to  the  Philadelphia  Centennial  in  1876:  James  A.  Warder,  who  was  United 
States  district  attorney,  and  is  at  present  one  of  the  nominees  of  the  Republican  party  for 
supreme  judge;  R.  B.  Davidson;  F.  B.  Ivey;  Walter  Bearden:  Charles  S.  Ivey;  Gen. 
Ernest  Caldwell,  who  is  the  present  member  of  the  Legislature  and  who  was  commissioned 
. a brigadier-general  by  Gov.  Hawkins,  and  W.  B.  Bate. 

Not  a few  patriots  of  the  Revolution  were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Bedford  County, 
among  whom  were  Capt.  MsEtt  and  Col.  Barclay  Martin,  who,  with  five  of  their  brothers, 
fought  for  seven  years  under  Gen.  Washington;  Capt.  Christopher  Shaw,  William  Camp- 
bell and  James  Hurst.  There  were  no  doubt  others,  but  their  names  have  long  since  been 
■ forgotten,  and  of  them  there  is  no  record. 

A full  company  was  furnished  by  Bedford  County  to  the  war  of  1812,  which  company 
was  present  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  Among  the  members  of  the  company  whose 
names  have  been  preserved  were  William  Hazlett,  John  Farrer,  Michael  Womack,  James 
Gowan,  John  L.  Neil,  Philip,  James  and  William  Burrow  (brothers),  John  Casteel,  William 
Woods,  “Bailie”  Sailors,  William  P.  Finch.  Robert  Furguson,  Andrew  Mathus,  Townsend 
Fugett,  Wresley  Rainwater,  Benjamin  Webb,  Martin  Hancock,  J.  L.  W.  Dillard,  John 
Murphey,  Moses  Pruitt,  John  Pool  and  James  Scott.  The  company  was  commanded  by 
'Capt.  Barrett. 


872 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


When  the  Seminole  or  Florida  war  began  in  1836,  Bedford  County  promptly  organ 
ized  a full  company,  which,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Hunter,  participated  in  many 
of  the  engagements  of  that  war.  Among  the  volunteers  of  that  war  were  Albert  Smell, 
John  Hudlow,  John  Stone,  Standards  Thomas,  Abraham  McMahan,  Lewis  Tillman  and 
William  Woods. 

Bedford  County  furnished  one  full  company  to  the  war  of  the  United  States  and  Mex- 
ico in  1846.  The  company  was  commanded  by  Capt.  E.  W.  Frierson,  and  was  mustered 
into  the  First  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  at  Nashville.  The  following  are  the  sur- 
vivors of  the  Mexican  war  who  are  living  at  present  in  Bedford  County:  James  H.  Neil, 
Samuel  J.  Warner,  E.  M.  Lacy,  Stanford  Sutton,  John  B.  Fuller,  J.  W.  Buckaloo,  C.  W. 
Arnold  and  John  D.  Martin.  Among  those  who  volunteered  from  the  county  and  who 
have  since  died,  were  C.  C.  Word,  James  Scudder,  Berry  Logan,  Zachariah  Lacy,  Joei  H. 
Burdette,  Thomas  G.  Holland,  Alexander  Turrentine,  Joshua  B.  Scott,  William  McNabb, 
Appleton  Tucker,  Chesley  Arnold,  Sullenger  Holt,  Stephen  Jolly,  John  A.  Moore  and 
James  L.  Armstrong. 

Bedford  County  was  divided  on  the  great  questions  which  led  to  the  late  civil  war, 
and  when  the  election  was  .held  June  8,  1861,  to  vote  for  or  against  separation  from  the 
Union  and  representation  in  a Confederate  Congress,  the  county  voted  in  the  negative  by 
a majority  of  nearly  200.  When  the  time  came  for  action  the  county  furnished  almost  as 
many  soldiers  to  the  Northern  as  to  the  Southern  army.  Indeed,  so  loyal  was  Shelbyville 
to  the  Union  as  to  earn  for  the  town  the  name  of  “Little  Boston,”  and  being  on  the  line 
of  march  of  both  armies,  witnessed  many  movements  and  counter-movements  of  large 
bodies  of  troops,  and  though  much  damage  was  sustained  to  property  and  not  a few  lives 
lost,  yet  through  the  influence  of  prominent  citizens  on  both  sides  the  consequences  were- 
no  more  serious  than  could  have  been  expected  in  time  of  war. 

In  September,  1861,  the  “ Shelbyville  Rebels,”  the  first  Confederate  company  raised 
in  the  county,  was  organized  by  the  election  of  A.  S.  Boon  as  captain.  Immediately  fol- 
lowing this  company,  Confederate  companies  were  organized  as  follows,  all  of  which  were 
mustered  into  the  Forty-first  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry:  Scudder  Rifles,  Capt.  W. 

C.  Blanton,  organized  in  the  vicinity  of  Unionville;  Erwin  Guards,  Capt.  M.  Payne,  or 
ganized  at  Wartrace;  Richmond  Guards,  Capt.  Brown,  organized  in  the  vicinity  of  Rich 
mond;  a Flat  Creek  company,  under  Capt.  Keith,  and  Capt.  J.  F.  Neil’s  Bell  Buckle  com- 
pany, also  about  half  of  Capt.  Thomas  Miller’s  company,  which  went  from  Marshall 
County,  was  made  up  from  Bedford  County  by  those  living  near  the  county  line. 

During  the  same  year  a company  was  organized  at  Bell  Buckle,  and  James  Dennison 
(fleeted  captain,  which  joined  the  Second  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry.  During  the 
summer  of  1861  three  companies  were  organized  in  the  county,  and  joined  the  Seventeenth 
Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry.  They  were  as  follows:  a Flat  Creek  company,  Capt.  J. 

D.  Hoyl;  a Fairfield  company,  Capt.  James  L.  Armstrong,  and  Capt.  W.  A.  Landis’  com- 
pany, made  up  part  in  Bedford  and  part  in  Lincoln  County.  In  1862  a company  of  artil- 
lery was  organized  in  Shelbyville,  of  which  J.  L.  Burt  was  elected  captain,  and  Capt.  R. 
B.  Blackwell  also  took  out  a company  in  that  year. 

In  1862  Capt.  Montgomery  Little  was  deputized  by  Gen.  Forrest  to  raise  a company 
of  100  men  to  act  as  an  escort  to  the  daring  cavalry  commander,  which  company  was  to 
be  mounted  and  known  as  “Forrest’s  Escorts.”  Capt.  Little  proceeded  to  Shelbyville, 
where,  October  6,  1862,  he  completed  the  organization  of  the  Escorts.  The  company  was 
composed  of  the  picked  men  from  Bedford,  Rutherford,  Lincoln,  Marshall  and  Moore 
Counties,  and  were  provided  with  choice  arms  and  the  best  horses  the  county  afforded. 
On  the  above  date  the  escort  fell  into  line  in  front  of  the  court  house,  on  the  south  side, 
in  Shelbyville,  from  which  place  they  took  up  their  line  of  march  to  Nashville,  and  from 
that  time  until  the  close  of  the  war  was  with  Gen.  Forrest  through  all  his  campaigns. 

The  Federal  troops  furnished  byjBedford  County  were  as  follows:  Those  who  were 
attached  to  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry:  Capt.  R.  C.  Couch’s  com- 
pany, Capt.  J.  L.  Hix’s  company,  Capt.  Robert  C.  Wortham’s  company  and  Capt.  Rick- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


873 


man's  company.  Those  of  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Mounted  Infantry:  Capt. 
James  Wortham's  company  and  Capt.  John  W.  Phillips’:  and  Capt.  C.  B.  Word’s  company, 
of  the  Tenth  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry,  known  as  Johnson’s  Guards. 

Throughout  t he  war  Shelbyville  was  infested  with  troops  at  short  intervals,  first  the 
Confederates  and  then  the  Federals  having  possession.  The  same  troops  also  visited  War- 
trace,  and  at  that  place  entrenchments  were  thrown  up  by  the  Confederates,  while  the 
latter  also  dug  a line  of  rifle  pits  around  Shelbyville,  extending  from  Horse  Mountain 
to  Duck  River,  and  on  the  mountain  both,  armies  established  signal  stations  at  different 
times.  The  first  troops  to  visit  Shelbyville  was  a detachment  of  Confederates  under  com- 
mand of  Col.  Gordon,  during  the  summer  of  1861.  During  1862  troops  visited  the  town 
as  follows:  Fourth  Ohio  Cavalry,  Gen.  Forrest’s  cavalry,  Gen.  Mitchell’s  division,  Gen. 
Lytle’s  brigade,  Seventy-eighth  Pennsylvania  Regiment  of  Infantry,  Gen.  Wood’s  divis- 
ion, the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry  and  Gen.  Albert  Sidney  Johnston's  entire  army  corps,  who 
came  here  on  their  retreat  from  Bowling  Green,  Kv.  While  here  Gen.  Johnston  replen- 
ished his  commissary  department  with  about  30,000  head  of  hogs  and  a large  quantity  of 
beef.  In  April,  1863,  Gen.  Bragg’s  army  was  encamped  in  Shelbyville  for  a month  or 
more.  After  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  in  December,  Gen.  Bragg  retreated  to  Shelbyville, 
and  going  into  camp  remained  until  January,  1864.  During  1864  Gen.  Milroy’s  division, 
a Missouri  regiment  of  infantry,  under  command  of  Col.  Fox,  and  the  One  Hundred  and 
Seventh  New  York  Regiment  of  Infantry  encamped  in  Shelbyville. 

At  Wartrace,  in  April,  1862,  the  Forty-second  Regiment  Indiana  Infantry,  was  at- 
tacked by  Col.  Starn’s  Regiment,  when  a sharp  skirmish  took  place.  In  1863  a lively 
skirmish  occurred  between  the  Fifth  Tennessee  Cavalry  and  the  Confederate  Cavalry 
under  Gen.  Wheeler  at  Wartrace,  and  in  October  following,  Gen.  Wheeler  again  had  a 
brush  with  the  Federal  Cavalry,  between  3,000  and  4,000  men  being  in  the  fight,  two 
miles  west  of  Shelbyville,  in  which  quite  a number  were  killed  and  wounded.  On  the 
27th  of  June,  1863,  four  companies  of  the  Fifth  Tennessee  made  an  attack  on  the  Confed- 
erates who  were  holding  Shelbyville.  The  Federals,  commanded  by  Col.  Bob  Galbraith, 
advanced  from  Guy’s  Gap,  and  by  the  time  Shelbyville  was  reached  the  Confederates 
were  on  the  retreat.  A running  fight  occurred  on  Martin  Street, during  which  several  were 
killed  on  the  Confederate  side.  The  Confederates  retreated  from  the  town  and  crossed 
Duck  River  at  the  Scull  Camp  bridge,  at  which  point,  being  so  closely  pursued,  they 
threw  a large  brass  field-piece  from  the  bridge  into  the  river,  and  the  cannon  remains  to 
this  day  in  the  mud  at  the  bottom  of  the  river.  No  lives  were  lost  on  the  Federal  side 
during  the  hot  engagement. 

In  May,  1864,  twelve  soldiers  belonging  to  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry 
(Federal),  were  captured  while  guarding  the  Shelbyville  depot,  which  was  stored  with 
hay,  by  Robert  B.  Blackwell,  who  was  at  the  head  of  a company  of  bushwhackers.  The 
depot  and  contents  were  burned,  and  the  twelve  soldiers  escorted  a short  distance  from 
town  and  shot. 

Shelbyville,  the  capital  of  Bedford  County,  is  a beautiful  town  of  about  3,500  inhabit- 
ants, situated  on  the  east  bank  of  Duck  River,  and  almost  surrounded  by  that  winding 
stream,  and  at  the  terminus  of  the  Shelbyville  & Wartrace  branch  of  the  Nashville  A 
Chattanooga  Railroad,  sixty-three  miles  southeast  from  Nashville  by  rail,  and  fifty-five 
miles  as  the  “crow  flies.”  The  immediate  surrounding  country  is  most  beautiful  and 
picturesque,  the  town  being  enclosed  between  ranges  of  hills  on  the  east,  south  and  north. 
Shelbyville  was  established  in  1810  by  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  General  As- 
sembly to  locate  the  county  seat  of  Bedford  County.  The  land  upon  which  the  town  was 
located  (100  acres)  was  donated  to  the  commissioners  by  Clement  Cannon,  by  deed  dated 
May  2,  1810,  and  registered  June  22,  1811.  The  town  was  at  once  laid  off  into  lots  and 
sold  at  auction  to  the  highest  bidder,  and  the  county  seat  was  then  named  Shelbyville,  in 
honor  of  Col.  Isaac  Shelby,  who  commanded  a regiment  of  240  men  in  the  storming  of 
King* s Mountain  and  capture  of  Col.  Ferguson  and  the  British  Army  under  him  October 
7,  1780.  Among  those  who  purchased  town  lots  of  the  commissioners  were  Archibald 


874 


HISTORY  OR  TENNESSEE. 


Alexander,  Ben  Brayford,  Samuel  Bell,  Clement  Cannon,  George  Cunningham,  Daudy 
Howell,  James  Edde,  Michael  Fisher,  Ben  Gambell,  Thomas  Lordmore,  William  Lack. 
Lewis  Marshall,  Robert  Murry,  Joseph  Mengee,  William  Newson,  Abraham  Thompson, 
Jonathan  Webster,  Joseph  Woods,  Joseph  Walker,  Henry  Winro  and  many  others.  The 
streets  of  Shelbyville,  all  of  which  are  macadamized,  are  ten  in  number,  those  running 
north  and  south  being  Martin,  Brittain,  Depot,  High,  Thompson,  Cannon  and  Spring, 
and  those  running  east  and  west  are  Daudy,  Main  and  Bridge. 

The  town  was  incorporated  October  7,  1819,  and  has  continued  as  an  incorporated 
town  up  to  the  present.  At  the  first  municipal  election,  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  No- 
vember, 1819,  Thomas  Davis,  David  McKissack,  James  A.  McClure,  Giles  Burdett,  Will- 
iam O.  Whitney,  John  H.  Anderson  and  Jacob  Morton  were  elected  aldermen,  and  by 
them  Thomas  Davis  was  chosen  mayor  and  James  Brittain  recorder.  The  present  muni- 
cipal officers  are  as  follows:  Mayor,  John  W.  Ruth;  recorder,  John  W.  Thompson;  al- 
dermen: First  Ward,  J.  P.  Ingle;  Second  Ward,  W.  A.  Frost;  Third  Ward,  S.  J.  McDow- 
ell; Fourth  Ward,  J.  R.  Burdett;  Fifth  Ward,  J.  T.  Allison;  Sixth  Ward,  Thomas  L 
Thompson;  police:  John  Searcy,  John  Bartlett  and  Logan  Harrison. 

The  Shelbyville  fire  department  was  organized  December  2,  1885.  In  1883  a good 
steam  fire-engine  and  a hook  and  ladder  wagon  was  purchased  by  the  town  at  a cost  of 
$22,000.  A steam  force  pump  was  also  purchased  at  a cost  of  $800,  which  was  placed  at 
the  mill  of  Lipscomb  & Co. 

The  Eakin  Library,  containing  over  1,000  volumes  of  choice  literature,  was  founded  in 
1881  by  the  widow  of  the  late  William  S.  Eakin,  and  from  whom  it  takes  its  name. 

The  first  merchant  of  Shelbyville  was  James  Reery,  who  opened  a general  merchan- 
dise store  on  the  town  site  in  1809,  one  year  before  the  location  of  the  county  seat.  The 
first  mill  was  a water-power  corn-mill,  and  was  built  in  about  1815  by  Clement  Cannon  on 
Duck  River,  and  a mill,  known  as  the  “Cannon  Mill,”  is  in  operation  on  the  same  site  at, 
the  present.  The  first  blacksmith  was  Henry  Tudale,  and  he  was  followed  by  Jeremiah 
Cunningham,  Moses  Marshall  and  Jacob  Morton.  The  merchants  of  Shelbyville  from 
1810  up  to  1840  were  Benjamin  Strickler,  John  Eakin,  John  and  Spencer  Eakin,  Peter 
Donnelly,  Hugh  Wardlow,  Robert  Stephenson,  J.  C.  and  T.  M.  Caldwell,  John  A.  Marrs 
Brittain  & Escue,  Thomas  Doris,  George  Davidson,  Alexander  Eakin,  Thomas  Reed,  W. 

B.  Brame,  Robert  Mathews,  Robert  Moffitt,  Wardlow  & Thompson,  John  N.  Porter 
William  Deery,  John  Cannon  & Co.,  Davidson  & Caldwell,  and  Davidson  & Jett.  Rich- 
ard White  and  R.  P.  Harrison  were  the  hotel  proprietors  of  that  period.  The  merchants 
of  the  forties  were  John  Eakin,  Eakin  Bros.,  George  Davidson,  William  G..  J.  C.  & T. 
M.  Caldwell,  Robert  Mathews,  W.  W.  Wilhoit,  Seahorn  & McKinney,  William  S.  Jett, 
Eakin  & Moffitt,  James  H.  Deery  and  T.  M.  Caldwell  & Co.  Merchants  of  the  fifties: 
John  C.  Caldwell,  Jr.,  C.  P.  Huston,  Baskette  & Stamps,  Wilhoit  Bros.,  Armstrong  Bros. . 
Baskette,  Jett  & Co.,  Cowan  & Strickler,  Caldwell,  Cowan  & Co.,  John  Wilts,  John  Ber- 
ing, Mitchell  & Shepard,  J.  W.  Wallace  & Bro.,  Roan  & Cable,  and  Mitchell  & Sperry. 
Merchants  of  the  sixties:  Thomas  W.  Buchanan,  O.  Cowan,  John  F.  Brown  & Co.,  Tin- 
son,  Yaudy  & Co.,  Corney  & Neiley,  H.  Frankie  & Co.,  R.  C.  White,  Thomas  J.  Roan. 

C.  A.  Warren,  Evans  & Shepard,  Horner  & Co.,  Buchanan  & Woods,  Graves  & Gillis, 
George  B.  Woods,  John  H.  Wells,  and  Trollinger  & Tune.  With  but  few  exceptions  the 
merchants  of  the  seventies  were  the  same  as  during  the  sixties. 

The  merchants  of  the  present  are  as  follows:  Buchanan  & Woods,  J.  S.  Gillis,  A 0. 
John  & Co.  and  A.  Frankie  & Co.,  dry  goods  and  notions;  J.  P.  Brown  and  Rice  & San- 
dusky, clothing;  Allison  & Hall  and  Leftwich  & Co.,  dry  goods  and  clothing;  Mrs  £. 
Dalby,  Mrs.  Martha  Rainbow  and  Mrs.  E.  Cleveland,  milliners;  C.  A.  Warren,  B,  F. 
Dwiggins,  Green  & McGill,  John  Dayton  & Co.,  E.  W.  Carney,  G.  H.  Eakiu,  Morton  to 
Wilhoit,  Rutledge  & Thompson,  T.  J.  Warner,  Hix  Bros.,  Arnold  Bros,  and  R.  H.  Whit- 
man, groceries;  W.  R.  Haynes  & Co.,  furniture;  C.  W.  Cunningham,  books  and  stationery; 
F.  H.  Otte.  merchant  tailor;  Evans  & Shepard,  Roan  & McGrew  and  S.  F.  Knott,  drugs; 
John  W.  Ruth  & Son,  jewelers;  M.  A.  Rainbow,  silversmith;  A.  J.  Jarrell,  tinware  and 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


875 

stoves;  0.  Cowan  & Co.  and  J.  E.  Deery,  hardware;  Foman  &Son,  tinware  and  groceries; 
Hope  & Co.,  Eagle  & Skaffner  and  W.  M.  Bryant  & Co.,  grain  dealers;  H.  C.  Ryall,  lum- 
ber dealer;  Mathus  & Low,  commission  merchants;  N.  J.  Calhoon  & Bro.,  marble  works; 
M.  L.  Morton  and  E.  W.  Fuller,  harness  and  saddles;  J.  H.  Hix,  C.  D.  Gunter,  T.  J.  Jones, 

S.  P.  Freeman,  W.  V.  Allen,  Arnold  Bros,  and  T.  J.  Warner,  saloons;  W.  H.  Caul,  gun- 
smith; Benjamin  C.  Gregory,  photographer;  G.  A.  Cleveland,  house  and  sign  painter; 
John  Ledbetter  and  Reidenbery  & Turner,  butchers;  Jack  Henderson,  T.  C.  Ryall  & Co., 

T.  C.  Allison,  Hite  & Taylor  and  Collins  & Rankin,  livery  stables;  R.  M.  Bowen,  G.  F. 
Davis  and  J.  R.  Hunter,  shoe-makers.  The  only  hotel  of  Shelbyville  is  the  Evans  House, 

J.  C.  Eakin,  proprietor,  which  is  a first-class  hotel  in  every  respect.  James  Brown  and 
Simpson  & Burkeen  are  the  barbers.  J.  T.  Landis  will  open  a steam  laundry,  which  is 
now  in  course  of  erection,  during  the  fall. 

The  manufactories  of  Shelbyville  are  as  follows:  The  Victor  Flouring-mill,  built  in 
1880,  present  proprietors  Lipscomb  & Co.,  is  situated  on  Duck  River,  and  has  water  and 
steam-power;  capacity  250  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  The  building  is  a large  two-story 
brick,  and  the  machinery  is  of  the  most  improved  pattern;  the  Cannon  Mill  (water-power), 
which  stands  directly  across  the  river,  is  also  owned  by  this  company;  the  Shelbyville 
Flouring-mill,  also  situated  on  Duck  River,  was  built  some  time  during  the  sixties  by  Robert 
Dwiggins.  The  mill  has  changed  hands  frequently,  and  is  at  present  operated  by  E. 
Shepard,  trustee;  the  building  is  a three-story  brick,  and  the  capacity  of  the  mill  is  225 
barrels  per  day;  Mullins  Mill,  water-power,  situated  on  Duck  River,  one  mile  east  of  Shel- 
byville, is  owned  by  J.  C.  Tune;  Shelbyville  Carding  Machine,  established  in  1884,  owned 
by  Burdett  & Co. ; Shelbyville  Manufacturing  Company  (stock  company),  was  established 
in  1883,  manufacture  hubs,  spokes,  rims,  double  and  single  trees,  etc.,  twenty-five  men 
employed  regularly;  L.  H.  Russ  & Co.,  manufacturers  of  carriages,  and  the  celebrated  Hew 
South  wagon;  McDowell  Bros.,  manufacturers  of  wagons  and  buggies  and  general  black- 
smith; Southern  Machine  Shops  (owned  by  stock  company),  established  in  1884;  A.  J. 
Trolinger,  cooper  shop;  E.jH.  Kohl,  repair  shop;  H.  C.  Ryall,  planing-mill;  W.  F.  Hol- 
man, tannery;  J.  C.  Eakin,  fruit  evaporator  and  canning  factory.  Probably  the  most  im- 
portant manufactory  in  the  county,  and  the  only  one  of  the  kind  in  the  county,  is  the 
Sylvan  Cotton  Mills,  situated  two  miles  southwest  of  Shelbyville.  These  mills  were  estab- 
lished in  1852  by  Gillen,  Webb  & Co.,  but  are  now  owned  and  operated  by  a stock  com- 
pany. The  mills  were  destroyed  by  fire  in  1881,  but  were  rebuilt  on  a larger  scale  imme- 
diately thereafter.  The  present  buildings  are  of  brick,  the  main  building  being  50x186 
feet,  picker-room  40x56  feet  and  engine  and  boiler-room  40x60  feet;  the  machinery  is  all 
new  and  of  modern  make;  the  mills  are  provided  with  3,680  spindles  and  108  looms,  and 
the  daily  capacity  is  6,000  yards  of  drilling  and  sheeting.  From  12,000  to  15,000  bails  of 
cotton  are  consumed  annually,  and  between  eighty  and  ninety  operatives  are  given  em- 
ployment. All  of  the  operatives  reside  in  neat  cottages  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mills,  form- 
ing quite  a village.  A general  store  is  kept  by  the  company,  from  which  the  villagers 
draw  their  supplies. 

The  Shelbyville  Savings  Bank  was  established  in  1867  by  A.  W.  Brockaway.  From 
its  establishment  until  1873  William  Gaslin  was  president  and  A.  W.  Brockaway  was 
cashier.  Brockaway  was  succeeded  as  cashier  at  that  time  by  Dr.  R.  H.  Wallace,  and  that 
gentleman  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  John  R.  Wallace.  The  bank  suspended  in  Septem- 
ber, 1885,  with  a capital  stock  of  $40,000  and  $120,000  on  deposits,  of  which  not  over  20 
per  cent  will  be  realized.  The  failure  of  the  bank  caused  the  failure  of  several  business 
men.  The  Hational  Bank  of  Shelbyville  was  established  in  November,  1874,  by  Edmund 
Cooper, who  became  president,  with  Albert  Frierson,  cashier,  and  B.  B.  Whitthorne,  teller. 
Mr.  Cooper  is  still  president  and  Mr.  Whitthorne  is  cashier  and  Edmund  Cooper,  Jr.,  is 
teller  at  present;  capital  stock  $50,000.  The  Peoples’  National  Bank,  with  a capital  of 
$60,000,  has  been  recently  organized,  with  N.  P.  Evans  as  president  and  S.  J.  Walden. 
Jr.,  as  cashier.  A building  for  this  bank  is  in  course  of  erection,  and  the  bank  will  be 
ready  for  business  during  the  present  fall. 


876 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Shelbyville’s  secret  societies  are  as  follows:  Shelbyville  Benevolent  Lodge,  No.  122, 
F.  & A.  M.,  organized  in  1819,  suspended  in  1833,  and  reorganized  in  1847;  Chosen  Friends 
Lodge,  No.  11,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  organized  in  1845,  suspended  in  1885,  and  will  be  reorganized 
in  the  near  future;  Sons  of  Temperance  Lodge,  organized  in  184C,  suspended  in  1860, 
and  reorganized  in  1867,  as  Slielbyville  Lodge,  No.  131,  I.  O.  G.  T.;  Olive  Branch  Lodge, 
No.  4,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  organized  in  May,  1877;  Duck  River  Lodge,  No.  10,  K.  of  H.,  organ- 
ized in  1875;  Corono  Council.  No.  426,  Royal  Arcanum,  organized  in  December,  1879;  Lo- 
cal Branch,  No.  60,  Iron  Hall,  organized  in  December,  1881;  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  organized  in 
1884.  Colored  secret  societies.  Duck  River  Lodge,  No.  1947,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  organized  in 
May,  1879;  Charity  Lodge,  No.  25,  F.  & A.  M. 

The  physicians  of  Shelby  ville  who  have  practiced  in  the  town  and  vicinity  since  1830: 

Drs.  James  G.  Barksdale,  James  Kincade,  George  W.  Fogleman,  Grant  Whitney, 

Brazee,  John  Blakemore  and  Frank  Blakemore;  the  present  practicing  physicians  are 
Drs.  J.  II.  McGrew,  Thomas  Lipscomb,  R.  F.  Evans,  C.  A.  Crunk,  Swanson  Nowling 
S.  M.  Thompson,  G.  W.  Moody,  J.  II.  Christopher,  N.  B.  Cable  and  Samuel  J.  McGrew 
The  practicing  dentists  are  Drs.  G.  C.  Sandusky,  Edward  Blakmore  and  J.  P.  McDonald. 
The  schools  of  Shelbyville  consist  of  a graded  public  school,  Dixon  Academy,  Female 
Academy  and  the  colored  free  schools. 

Shelbyville  has  seven  white  and  four  colored  churches,  as  follows:  Presbyterian,  or 
ganized  in  1815,  and  brick  church  erected  in  1817.  In  1856  the  building  was  sold  to  the 
Catholic  congregation  and  the  present  brick  building  erected  at  a cost  of  $10,000.  In  do- 
nating to  the  county  the  land  upon  which  to  locate  a county  seat  Clement  Cannon  set 
apart  a tract  of  ground  upon  which  any  denomination  could  have  the  privilege  of  erect 
ing  a house  of  worship.  The  Methodists  took  advantage  of  the  free  ground,  and  in  1820 
erected  a frame  church.  The  building  was  destroyed  by  a severe  storm  in  1830.  The 
congregation  then  abandoned  the  Cannon  ground  and  erected  a brick  church  in  1833,  at  a 
cost  of  $3,000.  This  building  they  sold,  in  1881,  to  the  Christian  congregation  and  began  at 
once  the  erection  of  the  handsome  brick  edifice  which  is  as  yet  incomplete,  but  in  which 
services  have  been  held  for  many  years.  This  building  has  already  cost  about  $12,000. 
The  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  1845,  when  a brick  building  was  erected  on  the 
Cannon  ground,  the  site  of  the  old  Methodist  Church,  at  a cost  of  about  $3,000.  This 
church  was  destroyed  by  a wind-storm  in  1870,  and  was  rebuilt,  at  a cost  of  about  $5,000 
The  Catholic  Church  was  organized  in  1855,  and  in  1856  the  congregation  purchased  the 
old  Presbyterian  Church  building,  and  the  same  is  in  use  at  present;  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  and  a church  erected  in  1856.  The  building  was  de 
stroyed  in  1880.  The  congregation  then  purchased  their  present  brick  building  from  the 
Northern  Methodists,  which  church  was  organized  after  the  civil  war,  but  disbanded 
The  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  1853,  and  until  1861  held  services  in  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows’ hall.  In  1860  the  erection  of  the  present  brick  church  was  begun.  The  ground 
was  donated  by  William  Gasling  and  the  church  was  built  by  Hon.  Edmund  Cooper,  as  a 
memorial  church  to  his  first  wife.  The  building  cost  $2,500.  The  Christian  Church  was 
organized  in  1881,  at  which  time  the  congregation  purchased  their  present  church  from 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  congregation.  The  colored  churches  are  the  First  and  Second 
Missionary  Baptists,  the  African  Methodist  Episcopal  South  and  the  Union  African  Meth 
odist  Episcopal. 

The  first  newspaper  published  in  Bedford  County  was  the  Shelbyville  Herald,  Thao 

F.  Bradford,  editor  and  proprietor.  In  1821  the  Herald  was  sold  to Iredell,  and  with 

that  gentleman  was  afterward  associated  J.  Newton,  and  together  they  conducted  the 
paper  until  about  1830.  The  Western  Freeman  was  next  established  in  1832,  with  H.  M. 
Watterson  as  editor,  and  John  H.  Laird,  publisher.  In  1836  the  Peoples’  Advocate  was  es 
tablislied  by  William  H.  Wisener.wlio  was  both  editor  and  proprietor.  About  the  same  time 
the  Western  Star  was  published  by  Granville  Cook.  In  1840  the  Peoples’  Advocate  was 
succeeded  by  the  Western  Advocate,  with  John  W.  White  as  editor  and  publisher.  In  1844 
the  Free  Press  was  published  by  I.  C.  Brassfield,  and  contemporaneous  with  the  Free 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


877 

Press  was  the  Whig  Advocate,  published  by  John  H.  Laird.  In  1848  the  Star  was  pub- 
lished by  R.  C.  Russ.  From  1848  to  1862  the  Expositor  was  published  by  James  Russ,  Jr., 
and  Ralph  S.  Saunders.  R.  C.  Russ  published  the  Bedford  Yeoman  from  1850  to  1855, 
and  during  1857  and  1858  the  Constitutionalist  was  published  by  J.  H.  Baskette.  About  the 
same  time  the  Herald  of  Truth , a Baptist  paper,  was  published  by  Dr.  R.  W.  Fain.  From 

1862  to  1863  .J.  H.  Thompson  and  T.  B.  Laird  published  the  Tri-weekly  News,  and  from 

1863  to  1866  T.  B.  Laird  published  the  American  Union.  In  1865  the  Republican  was  pub- 
lished by  James  Russ,  with  Lewis  Tillman  as  editor.  In  1871  the  Bulletin  was  established 
by  J.  L.  and  J.  B.  Russ,  and  previously  these  gentlemen  established  the  Commercial, 
which  paper  was  published  in  1870  by  T.  S.  Steele  and  S.  A.  Cunningham.  Two  years 
thereafter  the  Rescue,  which  paper  had  been  started  a short  time  before,  was  merged  into 
the  Commercial,  and  R.  C.  Russ  became  editor  and  proprietor,  and  occupies  that  position 
at  the  present  time. 

Besides  the  Commercial,  the  other  papers  of  Shelbyville  are  the  Gazette  and  Times. 
The  Gazette  was  established  in  1874  by  J.  B.  and  J.  L.  Russ.  In  1880  A.  L.  Landis  pur- 
chased the  paper  and  conducted  it  for  two  years,  and  sold  it  to  William  A.  Frost  and 
William  Russell.  In  1884  Mr.  Frost  became  sole  editor  and  proprietor,  and  continues  as 
such  at  the  present.  The  Gazette  is  one  of  the  most  successful  newspaper  plants  in  the 
State.  The  office  is  supplied  with  an  abundance  of  good  material,  and  is  equipped  with  a 
Campbell  power  news  press  and  Gordon  jobber.  The  Times  was  established  by  William 
Russell  and  D.  M.  Alford  in  the  latter  part  of  February,  1886,  making  its  first  issue  on  the 
26th  of  that  month,  with  Mr.  Russell  as  editor  and  Mr.  Alford  as  publisher.  Although 
young  in  years,  the  Times  is  on  a sound  footing,  and  has  evidently  come  with  the  deter- 
mination of  staying.  All  three  of  the  papers  are  Democratic. 

The  first  agricultural  society  of  Bedford  County  was  organized  in  1857,  and  the  fair 
grounds  were  located  near  Shelbyville.  The  first  officers  were  as  follows:  President, 
Hugh  L.  Davidson;  vice-presidents,  R.  H.  Sims,  G.  G.  Osborn,  Thomas  Lipscomb,  W.  W. 
Gill  and  Henry  Dean;  treasurer,  Lewis  Tillman;  recording  secretary,  J.  F.  Cummings; 
corresponding  secretary,  John  R.  Eakin.  At  the  close  of  the  civil  war  the  society  was 
. reorganized  as  a stock  company,  and  handsome  and  commodious  buildings  were  erected 
on  grounds  just  outside  the  incorporated  limits  of  Shelbyville.  Annual  exhibitions  are 
held,  and  the  society  has  been  deservedly  successful.  The  present  officers  are  as  follows: 
President,  J.  J.  Gill;  vice-presidents,  Oliver  Cowan,  Martin  Euliss  and  T.  C.  Ryall;  cor- 
responding secretary,  Ernst  Caldwell;  secretary  and  treasurer,  John  D.  Hutton;  general 
, superintendent,  C.  N.  Rice. 

In  May,  1830,  Shelbyville  was  swept  by  a terrible  tornado,  which  destroyed  the  court 
house,  the  Methodist  Church,  and  quite  a number  of  other  brick  buildings,  and  killed  and 
wounded  a number  of  people.  Those  who  were  killed  were  James  Newton,  David 

Whitson, Arnold, Reideout  and  — —Caldwell.  The  town  has  also  been  visited 

at  three  different  times  with  Asiatic  cholera,  which  caused  a large  number  of  deaths  each 
time.  The  first  visit  was  in  June  and  July,  1833,  the  second  in  September,  1866,  and  the 
third  in  July,  1873. 

Wartrace,  the  second  town  of  the  county,  is  situated  at  the  junction  of  the  main  line 
of  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad  and  the  Shelbyville  branch  of  that  road,  eight 
miles  east  from  the  latter  place  and  fifty-five  southwest  from  Nashville,  and  has  a popula- 
tion of  800.  The  town  dates  its  establishment  from  the  time  of  the  completion  of  the 
Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad  in  1852.  The  land  on  which  the  town  stands  was  orig- 
inally owned  by  Rice  Coffee,  and  Henry  B.  Coffee  was  the  first  citizen  of  the  village. 
Among  other  early  citizens  were  Robert  Buchanan,  John  Stephens,  N.  C.  Harris,  W.  H. 
Clark,  W.  B.  Norville,  G.  W.  Martin,  R.  P.  Ganaway,  John  R.  Coffee,  W.  T.  Grim,  Will- 
is Pruitt,  S.  A.  Prince,  S.  C.  Mills,  J.  D.  Payne,  Robert  Ervin,  M.  Payne,  A.  G.  Garrett, 
A.  M.  Keller  and  J.  W.  Tillford.  The  town  was  incorporated  in  October,  1853,  under  the 
name  of  Wartrace  Depot,  and  Daniel  Stephens  was  the  first  mayor  elected.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  years  of  the  late  war  the  corporation  has  remained  in  full  force  and  effect, 


55 


878 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


and  the  officers  at  the  present  are  as  follows:  Mayor,  Sidd  Houston;  board  of  aldermen, 
R.  P.  Maupin,  B.  I.  Hall,  J.  W.  Haynes,  R.  V.  Davidson  and  T.  B.  Davis;  recorder,  W. 
G.  Wood;  marshal,  W.  F.  Hailey.  Daniel  Stephens  and  William  Norville  were  the  first 
merchants,  they  opening  general  stores  in  1852.  During  the  next  eight  years  W.  P 
Green,  Thomas  Hart,  W.  K.  Raibourn  & Co.  and  Murphey  & Stephens  were  the  business 
men.  From  1860  to  1870  the  business  men  were  Thomas  Hart,  L.  P.  Fields,  Fields, 
Mackey  & Co.,  D.  Morris  & Co.,  M.  N.  McKinney  & Co.,  O.  P.  Arnold,  J.  A.  Cortner  & 
Co.,  Arnold  Bros.,  B.  W.  Blanton,  B.  F.  Davis  & Co.  and  A.  Murphey  & Co. 

From  1870  to  1886  the  merchants  have  been  and  are  as  follows:  J.  D.  Houston,  drugs; 
B.  I.  Hall,  Davis  & Co.,  Arnold  Bros.,  B.  W.  Blanton  and  Cunningham,  Davidson  & Co., 
dry  goods;  Smith  Bros.,  family  groceries;  C.  B.  Murphey,  books  and  stationery:  J.  W 
Haines,  furniture  and  undertaker;  W.  E.  Russell, tinware  and  stoves;  A.  Ogle,  saddles  and 
harness;  Mrs.  M.  E.  Clayton,  milliner.  The  hotels  are  the  Healan  House,  Mrs.  S,  .0. 
Healan  & Son,  proprietors,  and  the  Chockley  House,  J.  C.  Chockley,  proprietor.  Tin 
town  has  two  good  livery  stables,  owned  by  J.  W.  Tillford  and  W.  G.  Petty.  The  bank- 
ing house  of  B.  F.  Cleveland  was  established  in  1882,  of  which  B.  F.  Cleveland  is  presi- 
dent, and  R.  M.  Cleveland  is  cashier.  This  establishment  does  a general  banking  busi- 
ness, and  is  of  much  benefit  to  Wartrace.  The  manufacturers  of  Wartrace  are  as  follows: 

J.  A.  Cunningham  & Co.,  flouring-mill,  erected  in  1880  at  a cost  of  $12,000,  and  the  War- 
trace  Mill  Company,  established  in  1882,  the  building  of  which  cost  $18,000;  these  mills 
are  supplied  with  modern  machinery,  and  do  a large  custom  and  shipping  business;  El- 
lington Bros.,  saw  and  planing-mill,  erected  in  1885,  with  $3,000  capital  invested;  John 
Butner,  wagon-maker  and  blacksmith,  and  Harry  Erwin,  John  Price  and  W.  A.  Schwarts, 
general  blacksmiths.  Near  Wartrace  is  situated  the  distillery  of  Zach  Thompson,  which 
has  been  in  active  operation  since  1883,  though  it  has  been  in  existence  for  about  fifty 
years.  This  distillery  has  a capacity  of  between  seventy-five  and  eighty  gallons  of 
whisky  per  day.  The  physicians  who  have  practiced  their  profession  in  Wartrace  from 
its  establishment  to  the  present  have  been  as  follows,  in  the  order  given:  Drs.  Walter  H. 
Sims,  W.  T.  Griswold,  John  M.  Murry,  T.  H.  Manier,  A.  S.  Brown,  R.  F.  Fletcher,  H. 

K.  Whitson  and  D.  W.  Duke. 

The  secret  societies  are  as  follows:  I.  O.  O.  F.,  established  in  1850,  and  reorganized 
in  1885;  K.  of  H.,  established  in  1878;  K.  of  L..  established  in  1878;  R.  A.,  established  in 
1861.  A Masonic  lodge  was  organized  in  1874,  but  was  abandoned  after  a period  of  about 
six  years.  Wartrace  has  splendid  educational  advantages.  The  Wartrace  Academy  was 
established  in  1860,  and  has  been  continued  every  year  since.  In  1885  the  present  school 
building  was  erected.  It  is  a large  brick,  two  stories  in  height,  and  cost  $5,000.  There  are 
five  grades  in  the  school,  and  the  school  term  amounts  to  an  average  of  ten  months  each 
year.  The  houses  of  worship  of  Wartrace  are  the  Missionary  Baptist,  the  congregation 
of  which  was  organized  in  1860,  and  the  building  was  erected  in  1870.  It  is  a substantial 
frame,  and  cost  about  $1,500.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  and  house 
erected  in  1876,  at  a cost  of  $1,500.  The  colored  denominations  are  Baptists  and  African 
Methodist  Episcopals,  both  of  which  have  meeting-houses. 

The  business  houses  of  Wartrace  are  all  of  brick,  and  present  a handsome  and  sub- 
stantial appearance.  The  railroad  has  a large  brick  depot,  for  both  passengers  and  freight. 

Bellbuckle,  the  third  town  of  the  county,  was  founded  in  1852  by  A.  D.  Fugitt,  the 
original  owner  of  the  land  on  which  the  town  now  stands.  Bellbuckle  takes  its  name 
from  a small  creek  by  that  name,  which  runs  near  the  town,  and  the  creek  derived  its 
name  from  the  fact  of  a representation  of  a bell  and  buckle,  which  are  carved  on  a large 
beech  tree,  which  stands  near  the  head  of  the  stream.  The  carving  was  discovered  on  the 
beech  by  the  earliest  settlers,  and  as  to  the  carver;  when  the  work  was  done,  or  the  rea- 
son thereof,  is  one  of  the  mysteries,  though  many  traditions  concerning  the  same  have 
been  handed  down.  Bellbuckle  is  situated  on  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railway, 
fifty-one  miles  southwest  from  Nashville,  and  ten  miles  northeast  from  Shelby ville,  and 
has  a population  of  about  800.  The  town  was  laid  off  into  lots  in  1854  and  incorporated  in 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


879' 


1856.  During  the  war  the  corporation  lapsed,  but  immediately  thereafter  a new  charter 
was  obtained,  since  when  it  has  been  in  force  and  effect.  The  present  town  board  is  as 
follows:  Mayor,  S.  P.  Jones;  aldermen:  G.  H.  Miller,  W.  R.  Muse,  T.  J.  Oglevie,  B.  E. 
Thomas,  Z.  T.  Beachboard  and  J.  M.  Freeman;  George  Moon,  recorder;  A.  Melton, 
marshal. 

A.  D.  Fugitt  opened  a general  store  in  Bellbuckle  in  1852,  being  the  first  merchant. 
Clark  & Miller,  W.  B.  Norville,  R.  D.  Rankin,  W.  R.  Pearson  and  R.  D.  Blair,  all  of 
whom  kept  general  stores,  were  the  other  business  men  of  the  fifties.  The  merchants  of 
the  sixties  were  Lamb  & Weirback,  W.  C.  Cooper,  Norville  & Beachboard,  R.  D.  Blair 
& Son,  Thomas  & Claxton  and  R.  D.  Rankin,  all  general  stores,  while  R.  D.  Wallace  ran 
a flouring-mill.  Between  1870  and  1880  the  merchants  were  McFarrin  Bros.,  Jamison  & 
Miller,  Haggard  Bros.,  W.  L.  Garner,  R.  A.  Hoover,  T.  J.  Peacock,  W.  C.  Cooper,  J.  F. 
Johnson,  Johnson  & Hite,  W.  P.  Crawford,  Oglevie  & Crawford  and  B.  E.  Thomas,  all 
of  whom  kept  general  stores,  with  the  single  exception  of  Thomas,  who  kept  a stock  of 
drugs  in  connection  with  the  postoffice.  The  business  men  from  1880  and  of  the  present 
are  W.  P.  Crawford,  T.  J.  Peacock,  A.  H.  Newman,  R.  A.  Hoover.  J.  W.  Pattey  and  E. 
F.  Gomer,  general  stores;  D.  W.  Shiver  & Co.,  A.  L.  Haggard  and  Howland  Bros,  family 
groceries;  R.  L.  Justice,  drugs  and  family  groceries;  B.  E.  Thomas,  drugs  and  postoffice; 
and  H.  Hall,  undertaker  and  cabinet-maker.  The  manufactories  are  represented  as  fol- 
lows: R.  F.  Wallace  & Co.,  plows  and  wheelwrights:  George  Bailey  and  Meldon  Bros.,, 
blacksmiths  and  wagon-makers;  W.  S.  Putnam,  blacksmith  and  carriage-maker;  R.  F. 
Wallace,  steam  saw-mill  and  manufacturer  of  Wallace’s  patent  double  shovel.  Bell- 
buckle  has  a large  creamery,  which  was  established  in  1885  by  a stock  company  with. 
$5,000  capital.  The  creamery  is  supplied  with  milk  from  the  numerous  herds  of  fine- 
milch  cows  in  the  neighborhood.  It  is  fitted  up  with  the  latest  improved  machinery,  and 
has  a capacity  of  handling  6,000  pounds  of  milk  per  day. 

The  one  hotel  of  the  town  is  conducted  by  Mrs.  Winnett.  The  railroad  company 
erected  a good  brick  depot  in  1862,  which  is  in  use  at  the  present  time. 

The  streets  run  north  and  south  and  east  and  west,  being  continuations  of  the  follow- 
ing pikes:  Bellbuckle  & Beach  Grove  Pike,  leading  east;  Bellbuckle  & Liberty  Pike, 
leading  north;  Bellbuckle  & Flatwood  Pike,  leading  west,  and  a short  pike  leading 
into  the  Shelbyville  & Fairfield  Pike. 

The  practicing  physicians  of  the  town  have  been  in  the  order  named:  Drs.  Smith 
Bowlin,  T.  C.  McCrory,  W.  F.  Long,  T.  C.  Henson,  W.  F.  dairy,  J.  W.  Aeuif,  W.  R. 
Freeman,  T.  F.  Frazill,  and  H.  E.  Finney,  dentist. 

The  secret  societies  of  the  town  consist  of  Good  Templar,  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellow, 
lodges  of  those  fraternities  being  organized  in  1860. 

The  first  school  established  in  Bellbuckle,  and  one  of  the  first  in  the  county,  was 
Salem  Academy,  which  was  founded  in  about  1820.  Numerous  changes  were  made  in  the 
old  school,  and  in  1880,  when  a handsome  brick  building  was  erected  and  the  name  of  the 
school  was  changed  to  that  of  Bedford  College  (see  chapter  on  schools  of  county).  Be- 
sides this  school  the  public  common  schools  are  conducted  for  a term  of  five  months  each 
year.  An  addition  of  importance  to  the  schools  of  Bellbuckle,  and  also  of  the  county,  is 
the  Webb  School,  which  was  recently  removed  to  that  place  from  Maury  County,  where 
it  was  known  as  the  Kuleoka  Institute  (see  school  chapter).  The  colored  school,  which  is 
taught  five  months  in  the  year,  is  held  in  the  colored  church  building. 

Bellbuckle  is  supplied  with  a number  of  good  churches.  The  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  a handsome  brick, was  erected  in  1878,  atacostof  about$4,000;  the  Missionary  Bap- 
tist Church  (frame)  was  erected  in  1873,  at  a cost  of  $1,500;  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church  was  erected  in  1883,  is  of  brick,  and  cost  $4,000;  the  Christian  Church  was  erected 
in  1883,  is  of  frame,  and  cost  $2,000.  The  colored  churches  are  the  Baptists  and  African 
Methodist  Episcopal,  both  of  which  are  frame  buildings  which  cost  each  about  $400. 

Flat  Creek  is  situated  seven  miles  southeast  from  Shelbyville  in  the  Twenty-fourth 
District,  and  has  a population  of  about  150  people.  The  town  was  founded  in  about  1840 


880 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


upon  a tract  of  school  laud  known  as  the  Sixteenth  Section.  The  first  merchant  was 
Thomas  Newson,  who  kept  a general  store  as  early  as  1841  or  1842.  Other  early  business 
men  were  Blanton  & Co.,  Hall  ,&  Warnock,  Crunk  & Friend,  Keith  & Baker,  Long  & 
Morgan,  Long  & Watson,  Evans  & Keith,  Dean  & Keith,  Brennon  & Dean  and  Iludson  & 
Co.,  and  during  the  time  of  the  above  business  men  a Grange  store  was  in  operation  for 
several  years.  The  business  men  of  the  present  are  as  follows:  John  E.  Wood,  Hudson 
& Co.  and  Hale  Bros.,  general  stores;  J.  H.  Farran,  groceries;  and  John  Bryant,  saddles 
and  harness.  The  Flat  Creek  Saw  and  Planing-mill  was  established  in  1870,  by  John  D. 
Floyd,  and  is  now  owned  by  Phineas  Hix.  The  blacksmiths  are  John  Bryant,  Nance 
Green  and  Matt  Thomas.  The  early  physicians  of  Flat  Creek  were  Drs.  J.  Blakemore, 
Russ,  Gordon,  James  Crunk,  Shepard,  Samuel  Rager  and  Grizard  and  those  of  the  present 
are  Drs.  Frost,  Anderson  Rager  and  Williams.  Flat  Creek  has  a chartered  academy 
and  also  good  common  white  and  colored  schools.  The  churches  are  as  follows:  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian,  built  during  the  fifties  at  a cost  of  $1,000,  frame;  Methodist  Episcopal 
South,  built  in  1885,  and  cost  $1,000,  frame;  and  Christian,  built  in  1870,  and  cost  $1,500, 
frame.  In  1850  the  Primitive  Baptists  erected  a large  frame  church,  which  was  the  first 
church  in  the  town.  This  church  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Missionary  Baptists,  and 
afterward  to  the  Separate  Baptists,  and  that  organization  disbanding  the  church  was 
abandoned,  and  while  still  standing  and  in  a comparative  state  of  preservation,  is  unused 
The  Missionary  Baptist  (colored)  congregation  meets  in  the  colored  schoolhouse.  Both 
the  Masons  and  Odd  Fellows  have  organizations  in  Flat  Creek,  both  of  which  were  es- 
tablished in  1850. 

Fairfield,  fourteen  miles  northeast  from  Shelbyville,  in  the  First  and  Second  Districts, 
is  one  pf  the  oldest  towns  in  Bedford  County.  The  town  lies  on  both  sides  of  Garrison 
Fork  of  Duck  River,  which  stream  is  spanned  by  a large  bridge  at  the  town,  and  is  distant 
from  Wartrace  four  and  a half  miles  and  from  Bellbuckle  five  miles.  The  land  upon 
which  the  towji  was  founded  was  owned  by  Dr.  J.  L.  Armstrong  and  Henry  Davis;  that  on 
the  west  side  of  the  creek  belonged  to  Dr.  Armstrong  and  was  called  Petersburg;  that  on  the 
east  side  by  Mr.  Davis  and  was  called  Fairfield.  The  two  towns  were  laid  off  into  lots, 
and  the  lots  were  sold  some  time  in  1830.  From  1835  to  about  1850  Fairfield  (the  name  of 
Petersburg  was  soon  dropped)  was  one  of  the  most  flourishing  towns  in  the  county,  and 
a large  amount  of  business  was  annually  transacted.  The  building  of  the  Nashville  & 
Chattanooga  Railway  destroyed  the  business  to  a great  extent,  and  since  that  time  the 
town  has  gradually  but  steadily  declined,  and  at  present  there  are  not  over  fifty  in 
habitants.  The  early  business  men  of  Fairfield  were  Josephus  Erwin,  William  Crutcher 
William  Hickman,  Henry  Davis,  Isaac  Miller,  William  Clark,  Henry  Davis,  Jr.,  James 

Word,  John  West,  Marshall,  David  Brown,  James  Martin,  Miller  and  James 

Simms.  Osborn  & Bro.  are  the  business  men  of  the  present.  The  blacksmiths  are  Osbofn 
Bros.  & Justice,  James  Martin  and  Buck  Butuer.  H.  A.  Justice  & Son  have  the  one  corn 
mill,  which  is  on  Garrison’s  Fork  and  is  of  water-power.  The  physicians  of  Fairfield  and 
vicinity  have  been  as  follows:  Drs.  James  L.  Armstrong,  Thomas  B.  Mosley,  Needham 
King,  Robert  Singleton,  George  B.  Sumner,  David  King,  Allen  Hall,  J.  B.  Muse,  Jack 
Morgan  and  Robert  Morgan.  Those  of  the  present  are  Drs.  Joshua  Ganaway,  Smith 
Bowlin,  R.  W.  Kirch  and  S.  K.  Whitson.  Fairfield  has  four  churches — two  white  and 
two  colored.  The  former  are  Missionary  and  “Hard  Shell”  Baptists,  and  the  latter  are 
Missionary  Baptists  and.African  Methodist  Episcopal.  The  schools  of  the  town  are  the 
Fairfield  Academy  (chartered),  which  enjoys  an  excellent  reputation,  and  the  colored  free 
school. 

Uniouville,  situated  in  the  Eleventh  District,  twelve  miles  northwest  from  Shelbyville, 
has  a population  of  about  200,  and  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  towns  in  Bedford  County. 
Unionville  was  founded  in  about  1827  upon  the  lands  of  Meredith  Blanton  and  James  Roy, 
and  derived  its  name  from  the  uniting  of  two  postoffices  and  establishing  the  same  at  that 
point.  In  1828  Meredith  Blanton  erected  a blacksmith  shop,  which  shop  has  been  operated 
continually  from  that  time  to  the  present  by  the  Blanton  family,  and  is  now  owned  by 


BEDFOKD  COUNTY. 


881 


two  grandsons  of  M.  Blanton.  The  first  business  in  the  town  was  transacted  by  the  firm 
of  McGaffin,  Rushing  & Covington,  who  had  a general  store.  Other  early  business  men, 
who  were  in  the  merchandise  trade  from  that  time  until  1860,  were  William  Collins, 
Blanton  & Keller,  Duggan,  Moon  & Barnes,  Little,  Brown  & Deason  and  F.  S.  Smith. 
From  1860  to  1870  the  merchants  were  Ganaway,  Clary  & Co.,  McCord  & Ogilvie,  Atkin- 
son & McCord,  Peter  Barnes,  Williams  & Landis,  Williams  & Moon,  Landis  & Bro.,  Gan- 
away & Henden,  Duggan  & Henden,  B.  F.  Duggan,  J.  M.  Moon,  McLane  & Bro  ,Winsett 
& McLane,  Winsett  & Elkton  and  Winsett  & Covington.  From  1870  to  1880:  Duggan  & 
Clark,  Duggan  & Sons,  T.  N.  McCord,  J.  A.  Ganaway,  Landis  & Winsett,  Covington  & 
Landis,  W.  A.  Ott,  J.  Covington,  J.  M.  Moon,  B.  F.  Duggan  and  H.  R.  Frierson.  From 
1880,  including  the  present  merchants:  T.  N.  McCord,  Blanton  & Blanton,  J.  Covington, 
Covington  & Blanton,  H.  R.  Frierson  and  H.  R.  Freeman.  The  churches  of  Unionville 
are  as  follows:  Methodist  Protestant  Church,  erected  in  1840  of  logs,  and  rebuilt  of  frame 
on  the  same  site  in  1868,  at  a cost  of  about  $1,600;  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South, 
frame  building,  erected  in  1856,  and  cost  about  $900;  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
frame,  erected  in  1876,  and  cost  $1,600;  Christian  Church,  erected  in  1878  at  a cost  of 
$1,000.  The  schools  of  the  town  consist  of  a chartered  academy,  at  which  school  is 
taught  ten  months  in  the  year,  and  the  colored  free  school.  The  secret  societies  are  the 
Masonic  and  Good  Templars  lodges,  the  former  of  which  was  organized  in  1867,  and  the 
latter  in  1885.  The  practicing  physicians  of  the  town  are  Drs.  B.  F.  Duggan,  S.  S.  Dug- 
gan and  G.  L.  Landis. 

Normandy,  at  the  mouth  of  Norman  Greek,  twelve  miles  east  from  Shelbyville,  in 
the  Twenty-fifth  District;  Richmond,  in  the  Nineteenth  District,  ten  miles  southwest  from 
Shelbyville;  Palmetto,  in  the  Eighteenth  District,  twelve  miles  west  of  Shelbyville; 
Rover,  in  the  Tenth  District,  sixteen  miles  northwest  from  Shelbyville;  Haley’s  Station, 
three  miles  south  of  Wartrace,  on  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railway,  and  Cortner’s 
Station,  six  miles  south  of  Wartrace,  on  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railway,  are  all 
flourishing  villages  of  from  twenty-five  to  fifty  inhabitants  each. 

Bedford  County  justly  prides  herself  upon  her  splendid  educational  advantages,  which, 
indeed,  are  surpassed  by  those  of  but  few  counties  in  Tennessee.  Of  the  schools  during 
the  first  ten  years  of  the  county’s  existence  as  such,  there  remains  no  record  whatever, 
and  from  this  fact  one  is  led  to  believe  that,  while  it  is  more  than  probable  that  schools 
were  taught  in  the  county  as  early  as  1805  or  1806,  they  were  of  an  inferior  order,  and 
contributed  but  little  to  the  education  of  the  county.  The  first  school  taught  in  the  coun- 
ty, or  at  least  the  first  one  of  any  consequence  and  of  which  there  is  a record,  was  Mount 
Reserve  Academy,  which  was  established  in  about  1815  or  1816  by  the  Rev.  George  New- 
ton, who  came  from  North  Carolina  a few  years  previous  to  that  time.  The  school  was 
located  three  miles  east  of  the  present  site  of  Wartrace  in  a log  house  at  the  place  now 
known  as  Bethsalem  Presbyterian  Church.  Rev.  Newton  was  a classic  scholar,  and 
taught  with  great  success  the  English  as  well  as  the  higher  branches  of  a liberal  educa- 
tion. This  school  continued  at  different  periods  until  the  civil  war,  wTien  it  was  aban- 
doned. 

The  next  school  was  Dixon  Academy,  which  was  established  in  Shelbyville  in  1820, 
and  which  in  its  day,  and  even  at  the  present,  was  a noted  school.  A thorough  classical 
course  was  taught  at  the  school  by  such  teachers  as  Rev.  Alexander  Newton,  Prof. 
James  Jett,  Prof.  Blake  and  Prof.  Gonigal,  and  many  of  the  afterward  prominent  men 
of  the  county  and  State  were  educated  there.  The  building  was  of  log,  and  stood  in  the 
center  of  an  eight-acre  plot  of  ground,  which  ground  was  donated  to  the  school  by 
Clement  Cannon,  Esq.,  one  of  the  wealthy  citizens  of  that  day.  The  log  building  was 
subsequently  weatherboarded,  and  in  that  shape  the  building  rendered  service  until  1855, 
when  the  present  commodious  brick  building  was  erected.  The  school  has  been  in  con- 
tinuous operation  (excepting  vacations)  from  its  establishment  to  the  present,  having  been 
conducted  all  along  as  a subscription  school.  The  present  principal  is  Prof.  T.  P.  Bren- 
non,  who,  in  1885,  added  a military  department  to  the  school,  and  the  pupils  are  required 
to  wear  a neat  uniform  similar  to  those  in  use  in  the  United  States  Regular  Army. 


'882 


HISTORY  OE  TENNESSEE. 


Contemporaneous  with  Dixon  Academy  was  Salem  Academy,  which  was  established 
by  Rev.  Dr.  Thurston  near  where  now  stands  Bellbuckle  in  1825.  This  school  was  taught 
in  a double  log  house  which  was  erected  by  the  patrons  of  the  school.  Dr.  Thurston  was 
succeeded  as  teacher  by  Prof.  Blake.  In  1850  the  school  was  removed  to  town  and  was 
known  as  the  Bellbuckle  Academy,  of  which  Thomas, B.  Ivey  was  the  first  teacher.  Iu 
1870  the  school  was  succeeded  by  Science  Hill  School,  which  was  established  by  Prof.  A. 
T.  Crawford;  and  Science  Hill  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  present  Bedford  College  in 
1S80,  when  a handsome  brick  school  building,  costing  $5,000,  was  erected.  These  schools 
were  all  a continuation  of  the  old  Salem  Academy.  In  about  1828  or  1830  Mrs.  James 
Jett,  wife  of  Prof.  Jett,  of  Dixon  Academy,  established  an  excellent  female  aca.d  my  a 
■short  distance  east  from  Shelbyville,  which  was  continued  for  about  twelve  years,  until 
the  death  of  Mrs.  Jett. 

The  next  school  of  consequence  was  the  Martin  School  in  Fairfield,  which  was  estab 
lished  by  Abraham  Martin  in  1828.  Mr.  Martin  was  a very  successful  teacher,  and  foi 
eight  years  conducted  a celebrated  school.  At  about  the  same  time  Rural  Academy  was 
established  one  mile  east  of  Fairfield  on  the  east  side  of  Duck  River,  of  which  Rev.  Bax- 
ter II.  Ragsdale  was  the  first  teacher.  The  school  continued  until  1846.  In  1837  Clark 
M.  Comstack  founded  a classical  school  at  Big  Springs  on  Sugar  Creek,  which  he  taught 
until  1846,  when  the  school  was  abandoned. 

In  1840  the  citizens  of  Shelbyville  erected  a building  by  subscription  and  founded  a 
female  academy,  which  was  first  taught  by  Prof.  Alford  Dashiall.  The  school  was  ruu 
for  about  eighteen  years,  and  the  school  building  stands  at  the  present,  being  occupied  as 
a residence.  The  school  was  succeeded  by  the  present  female  college,  which  was  estab- 
lished in  1858,  when  the  large  brick  building  now  in  use  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $15,000. 
The  school  is  uow  under  the  management  of  Prof.  J.  P.  Hamilton,  and  is  very  successful 
In  1846  the  Baptists  established  a school  about  one  mile  south  of  Fairfield,  of  which 
Abraham  Tillman  was  the  first  principal.  This  school  continued  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  civil  war,  and  after  the  war  the  building  was  remodeled  and  has  since  been  ruft  as 
■a  public  high  school,  of  which  Prof.  Joseph  Estill  is  the  present  principal  instructor. 

The  Shelbyville  University  was  established  in  1852,  and  continued  about  four  years, 
Prof.  Hamilton  being  the  president.  After  the  war  the  building,  which  was  considerably 
^damaged,  was  rebuilt,  and  the  university  was  continued  by  Prof.  C.  W.  Jerome.  The 
building,  which  stands  and  is  in  use  at  the  present,  is  of  brick,  and  cost  about  $1,200,  ex- 
clusive of  the  ground,  which  was  donated  by  Judge  Davidson  and  Moses  Marshall,  Esq. 
In  about  1870  the  building  and  grounds  were  purchased  by  the  school  directors  of  the 
Seventh  Civil  District  and  converted  into  a public  high  school.  For  the  ensuing  term 
seven  teachers  are  employed  for  this  school,  and  a most  successful  term  is  anticipated. 
The  school  is  one  of  three  white  public  schools  in  the  Seventh  District,  one  of  which  is 
at  Sylvia  Mills,  and  the  other  at  Fairview. 

During  the  fifties  Richmond,  Fairfield  and  Unionville  Academies  (chartered),  and  a 
rsplendid  school  near  Schaffner’s  Lutheran  Church,  known  as  the  Jenkins  School  were 
(established,  all  of  which  are  in  use  at  the  present.  Wartrace  Academy  was  chartered  in 
1860,  Flat  Creek  Academy  in  1875,  Tumtine  Academy  in  the  Eleventh  District,  in  1873, 
tCenter  Grove  Academy  in  the  Ninth  District,  in  1878,  and  Liggett’s  Academy  in  the 
(Eighteenth  District,  in  1880.  The  above  is  a list  of  the  chartered  academies  of  the 
.-county. 

The  Webb  School  at  Bellbuckle,  was  removed  from  Culleoka  in  the  spring  of  1886 
and  buildings  are  almost  completed  for  the  school.  They  are  of  frame,  the  main  build- 
ing being  one  story  in  height,  with  two  wing  additions,  affording  a capacity  for  150  to 
200  students.  The  chapel  has  a floor  area  of  forty-two  square  feet.  W.  R.  Webb,  A.  M.. 
and  J.  M.  Webb,  A.  M.,  are  the  principals,  while  the  school  is  owned  by  a stock  com- 
pany. A classical  course  is  to  be  taught,  and  the  school  will  no  doubt  prove  very  suc- 
cessful. 

Under  a general  law  of  the  General  Assembly,  passed  March  6,  1873,  the  present 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


883 


public  school  system  was  inaugurated.  The  number  of  pupils  enrolled  the  first  year  in 
Bedford  County  was  5,432,  and  in  1876  the  number  enrolled  was  6,062.  On  June  30,  1885, 
the  scholastic  population  of  the  county  was  white  male,  3,612;  white  female,  3,354;  total 
6,966;  colored  male,  1,484;  colored  female,  1,417;  total  2,901;  total  white  and  colored  male 
and  female  between  the  ages  of  six  and  twenty-one  years,  9,867.  For  the  same  year  there 
were  teachers  employed  in  the  county  as  follows:  white  male,  50;  white  female,  39; 
colored  male,  21;  colored  female,  16;  total  126.  Number  of  schools  in  the  county:  white, 
63;  colored,  31;  total  94.  Number  of  school  districts  in  the  county,  21. 

The  different  religious  denominations  were  organized  in  Bedford  County  probably  as 
early  as  1806,  and  the  Methodists  and  Presbyterians  had  camp  grounds  at  different  points 
in  the  county,  where  they  would  meet  during  the  months  of  July,  August  and  September. 
The  Methodists  had  camp  grounds  at  Salem,  Steele’s,  Horse  Mountain,  Knight’s  and 
Holt’s;  the  Presbyterians  at  Bethsalem,  and  later  on,  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians 
at  Three  Forks,  Beech  Grove  and  Hastings’.  Probably  the  first  meeting-house 
erected  was  Salem  Church,  which  was  built  in  about  1807  at  Salem  Camp  Ground, 
one-half  mile  from  the  present  town  of  Bellbuckle.  The  church  was  a log  house, 
built  of  yellow  poplar,  unhewn  logs,  and  the  cane  was  cut,  logs  cut  and  carried  on 
the  shoulders  of  men,  and  the  house  built  by  the  individual  members  of  the  church.  The 
old  building  stood  until  about  1820,  when  it  was  replaced  with  a better  log  one,  and  in 
1845  a substantial  frame  building  was  substituted  for  the  log,  and  it  is  in  use  at  the  pres- 
ent time.  In  1816  the  Tennessee  Annual  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference  was  held  at 
Salem  Church.  Other  earl}7  Methodist  Churches  were  Pleasant  Garden,  on  Flat  Creek, 
in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  built  in  1814;  Holt’s  Camp  Ground,  near  the  Fayetteville 
Pike,  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  built  in  1823,  and  Mount  Moriah,  near  Wartrace,  built 
in  1823.  In  1821  the  Methodist  Circuit  extended  from  below  Fayetteville  to  Hooker’s  Gap, 
and  from  four  to  five  weeks  were  required  to  ride  the  circuit.  Rev.  John  Brooks,  one  of 
the  ablest  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  ministers,  was  the  circuit  rider. 

The  Presbyterians  erected  their  first  church  at  Shelbyville  in  1815,  and  their  second 
and  only  other  one  at  Bethsalem,  near  Wartrace,  in  1816. 

New  Hope,  at  Fairfield,  was  probably  the  first  Baptist  Church  in  the  county,  it  hav- 
ing been  erected  in  1809,  and  though  having  been  rebuilt  several  times  is  still  in  use. 
Keele’s  church,  named  for  “Billy  Keele,”  on  Garrison’s  Fork,  near  Fairfield,  was  prob- 
ably the  first  church  erected  by  the  Separate  Baptists,  some  time  in  1812  or  1813. 

The  Cumberland  Presbyterians  erected  their  first  churches  at  Three  Forks  about 
1820,  and  at  Hastings’  Camp  Ground  about  1821.  The  Lutherans  came  into  the  county 
at  an  early  day,  and  erected  a church  on  Thompson  Creek  about  1826,  though  they 
were  organized  several  years  before  that  time.  Their  next  church  was  Cedar  Hill 
Church,  in  the  Shaffner  neighborhood. 

In  1846  the  Christian  Church  was  organized  in  the  county,  and  in  1855  the  Catholic 
Church  was  organized  in  Shelbyville.  The  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  1853 
(see  Shelbyville  Churches).  The  Northern  Methodists  came  into  the  county  since  the  war, 
yet  are  very  strong  at  the  present,  having  eleven  churches  in  the  county  and  at  Caldwell’s 
Camp  Ground,  three  miles  from  Shelbyville  on  the  Unionville  Pike,  which  was  named  in 
honor  of  Hon.  Thomas  H.  Caldwell,  of  Shelbyville. 

The  Duck  River  Bible  Society,  a very  important  adjunct  of  the  churches,  was  organ- 
ized at  Shelbyville  on  the  16th  of  May,  1718,  and  has  been  in  continuous  operation  up 
to  the  present.  The  society  is  an  auxiliary  to  the  American  Bible  Society,  wThich  was 
organized  in  1816,  and  the  Duck  River  branch  was  one  of  the  first  organized.  Its  lead- 
ing  object  is  to  distribute  Holy  Bibles  to  the  needy  and  destitute. 

The  churches  of  the  present,  outside  of  those  in  the  towns  already  mentioned,  are 
as  follows  by  civil  districts;  Center,  Cumberland  Presbyterian;  Shiloh,  Methodist 
Episcopal  South;  Bethlehem,  Primitive  Baptist;  Haley’s  Station,  Methodist  Episcopal 
South,  and  Union  Ridge,  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Second  District.  Mount 
Mariah,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Bethell,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Mount  Olivett, 


884 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


Methodist  Episcopal  North;  Phillipi,  Methodist  Episcipal  North,  in  the  Third  District. 
Cross  Roads,  Christian,  and  Guy’s  Gap,  Baptist,  in  the  Fifth  District.  Whitesides 
Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Nance’s,  Missionary  Baptist;  Hart’s  Chapel,  Method- 
ist Episcopal;  Bellview  and  Browntown,  Colored  Missionary  Baptists,  in  the  Sixth 
District.  Mount  Pisgah,  Primitive  Baptist;  North  Fork,  Missionary  Baptist;  Hickory 
Hill,  Methodist  Episcopal  South,  and  Green  Hill,  Cumberland  Presbyterian  in  the 
Eighth  District.  Blankenship,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Tarpley,  Methodist  Episco- 
pal South,  and  Bethlehem,  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Ninth  District.  Enon, 
Primitive  Baptist;  Rover  (town),  Missionary  Baptist;  Rover  (town),  Methodist ''Episco- 
pal North;  Cedar  Grove,  Methodist  Episcopal;  Mount  Zion,  Protestant  Methodist  Episco- 
pal; Kingdom,  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  and  Poplar  Grove,  African  Methodist  Episco- 
pal, in  the  Tenth  District.  Ray’s  Chapel,  Protestant  Methodist  Episcopal;  Cro well’s 
Chapel,  Lutheran;  Pleasant  Valley,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Zion’s  Hill,  Methodist 
Episcopal  North,  and  Corner  Meeting-house  and  Thompson’s  Ford,  both  African 
Methodist  Episcopal  and  Cumberland  Presbyterian  combined  in  the  Eleventh  District. 
United  Presbyterian  (at  Palmetto);  Zion,  Primitive  Baptist;  Shiloh,  Methodist  Episcopal 
South;  Dryden’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal  South ; Liggett  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal 
North;  Libourn,  Methodist  Episcopal  North,  and  African  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Bap- 
tist, in  the  Eighteenth  District.  Richmond  (town),  Christian,  and  Branchville,  Method- 
ist Episcopal  South,  in  the  Nineteenth  District.  Marvin’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal 
South;  Big  Springs,  Missionary  Baptist;  Cottage  Grove,  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  and 
Knight’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal  South,  and  one  colored  church  each  of  Missionary 
Baptist  and  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Twentieth  District.  Center,  Methodist 
Episcopal  South,  in  the  Twenty -first  District.  Mount  Harmon,  Methodist  Episcopal  and 
Separate  Baptist  combined,  in  the  Twenty-second  District.  New  Hope,  Cumberland 
Presbyterian;  Mount  Pisgah,  Methodist  Episcopal  South;  Hickory  Grove,  Separate  Bap- 
tist ; Caldwell’s  Chapel,  Methodist  Episcopal  North;  St.  Mark,  Christian,  and  St.  Mark 
African  Methodist  Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-third  District.  Normandy  (town),  Method- 
ist Episcopal  South;  Jenkins  Chapel,  Christian,  and  Mount  Bethel,  African  Methodist 
Episcopal,  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District.  Sylvan  Mills,  Methodist  Episcopal  North;  Mis 
sion,  Cumberland  Presbyterian ; Reed’s  Hill,  Missionary  Baptist;  Fairview  schoolhouse 
used  by  Methodist  Episcopal,  Baptist  and  Christian  congregations;  Robison’s  Hill,  col- 
ored Missionary  Baptist,  and  Elbethel,  Colored  Missionary  Baptist. 


f HE  basis  of  all  wealth  is  the  soil  of  the  land.  Prosperous  cities,  towns  and  huge 


manufactories  seem  to  spring  up  and  flourish  as  if  by  magic  and  without  reference 
to  the  agricultural  advantages  of  the  country;  but  such  growth  will  be  but  temporary  un 
less  sustained  by  a country  possessing  agricultural  wealth.  It  may  almost  be  reduced  to 
a mathematical  problem  in  which  it  may  be  said  the  soil  and  climate  equal  the  wealth 
of  the  country. 

The  surface  of  the  county  is  comparatively  level,  yet  there  is  sufficient  undulation  to 
give  ample  slope  for  drainage.  The  backbone  known  as  Elk  Ridge  extends  from  east 
to  west  and  rises  to  the  height  of  300  feet.  This  is  the  water-shed  south  of  Duck  River 
and  separates  the  county  into  two  distinct  parts  in  that  part  of  the  county.  Duck  River 
flowing  through  the  northern  part  is  the  main  outlet  for  drainage  in  that  part  north  of  the 
ridge.  The  two  principal  tributaries  of  Duck  River  from  the  north  are  Caney  Spring  and 


COUNTY. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


885 


Flat  Creek.  The  two  principal  streams  from  the  south  are  East  Rock  Creek  and  West 
Rock  Creek.  Both  these  streams  take  their  rise  in  Elk  Ridge  but  unite  before  entering 
Duck  River,  south  of  the  ridge  are  Cane  Creek,  Richland  Creek,  Bradshaw  Creek,  Swan 
and  Robinson  Forks.  Duck  River  and  Richland  Creek  are  the  finest  streams  in  the  county, 
affording  ample  facilities  for  milling  purposes,  and  their  valleys  and  in  fact  all  in  the 
county,  are  made  up  of  rich  loamy  soil.  The  beds  of  these  streams  are  usually  covered 
with  pebbly  limestone.  The  banks  show  an  outcrop  peculiar  to  the  Central  Basin.  This 
is  what  is  known  as  the  Trenton  formation  which  is  composed  of  the  Carter  Creek  lime- 
stone, this  being  a light  blue  or  dove-colored  limestone,  the  upper  part  sometimes  gray. 
This  is  the  upper  layer.  The  next  below  in  the  natural  order  is  the  glade  limestone. 
This  a light  blue  color,  is  thin-bedded,  shaly  and  is  the  formation  peculiar  to  the  cedar 
glades.  The  next  stratum  in  order  is  the  Ridley  limestone,  below  this  is  the  Pierce  lime- 
i stone  and  lastly  is  the  central  limestone.  Each  of  these  strata  affords  a rich  fossil  plant 
which  is  inviting  to  the  paleontologist.  The  streams  above  mentioned  have  sufficient,  flow 
to  prevent  stagnation  and  the  waters  are  usually  clear.  The  drainage  of  the  county  and 
; other  physical  features  are  such  as  to  render  it  comparatively  free  from  malarial  or  mias- 
matic diseases.  The  section  of  the  county  north  of  Elk  Ridge  is  more  level  than  that  south 
of  it.  The  soil  here  yields  a rich  harvest  in  all  the  cereals,  grasses,  vegetables  and  fruits. 
The  iron  oxides  give  the  soil  a reddish  hue  yet  it  is  very  rich.  The  spurs  and  ridges  fur- 
nish a fine  growth  of  timber,  the  cedar  and  poplar  being  the  most  valuable.  Many  of  the 
farms  are  fenced  with  rails  of  the  former,  and  the  latter  has  become  a very  valuable  arti- 
cle of  export  since  the  completion  of  the  Duck  River  Valley  Railroad. 

The  section  of  the  county  lying  in  the  vicinity  of  Chapel  Hill  is  particularly  well 
adapted  to  the  growth  of  cotton.  The  section  along  Richland  Creek,  south  of  Elk  Ridge, 
is  regarded  as  the  best  part  of  the  county  and  is  equal  to  any  in  the  State.  The  finest  and 
best  improved  farms  in  the  county  are  to  be  found  in  this  section.  All  the  lands  are  ara- 
ble and  highly  productive  except  near  the  tops  of  the  knobs,  serrated  ridges  and  glady 
spots.  The  ridges  are  usually  fertile  to  their  summits  and  are  covered  with  a soil  of 
flinty,  siliceous,  cherty  gravel  and  weathered  rocks,  that  is  friable  and  easily  worked. 
What  is  known  as  the  Cornersville  District  is  generally  considered  the  finest  agricultural 
section  of  the  county,  and  will  compare  favorably  with  any  in  the  State. 

The  timbered  lands  of  the  county  cover  from  seventy  to  eighty  square  miles  of 
territory,  and  some  of  this  is  unsurpassed  in  the  United  States.  The  best  of  these  lands 
I are  between  East  and  West  Rock  Creeks,  west  of  Farmington,  between  Duck  River  and 
the  railroad,  extending  to  the  neighborhood  of  Berlin,  and  in  the  northwest  part.  The 
growth  of  timber  includes  oak,  poplar,  ash,  elm,  linden,  beech,  locust, cherry,  walnut, sugar 
tree,  hackberry,  buckeye,  cedar,  hickory  and  chestnut.  The  growth  of  oak,  walnut  and 
poplar  is  of  immense  size. 

In  addition  to  the  excellent  timber  the  county  affords  good  limestone  rock,  not  only 
for  fencing  but  also  good  building  material.  The  sandstone  in  some  places  affords  good 
grit  for  whetstones  and  grindstones.  Excellent  lime  is  made  from  the  limestone  rock, 
which  exists  in  almost  unlimited  quantities.  Within  the  last  two  decades  there  has  been  a 
perceptible  falling  off  in  the  amount  of  cotton  raised,  and  a great  increase  in  the  amount 
of  grain,  particularly  in  wheat,  oats  and  corn.  The  greatest  increase,  however,  has  been 
in  the  amount  of  fine  stock,  including  horses,  cattle,  hogs  and  sheep.  This  change  has 
greatly  increased  the  wealth  of  the  county,  is  less  exhaustive  on  the  soil  and  is  obtained 
at  a less  expense  of  labor. 

A landscape  view  of  the  territory  now  included  in  Marshall  County,  as  it  was  100 
years  ago,  would  reveal  to  us  an  unbroken  wilderness  visited  only  by  the  roaming  Indian 
in  pursuit  of  the  game  which  so  abundantly  inhabited  this  section.  No  settlements  were 
made  within  the  present  limits  of  Marshall  County  prior  to  1807.  The  first  settlers  found 
a growth  of  cane  so  rank  that  they  preferred  traveling  along  the  beds  of  small  streams  to 
the  arduous  labor  of  cutting  out  roads.  Most  of  the  first  settlers  came  here  to  live  on 
land  which  had  been  granted  to  Revolutionary  soldiers  by  North  Carolina,  for  service 


886 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


rendered  in  the  war.  The  many  indications  of  a fertile  soil  and  the  equable  climate 
caused  many  others  to  follow  soon,  and  in  1810  the  curling  smoke  ascended  from  many 
of  the  primitive  “ clearings,”  and  the  hardy  pioneers  began  to  call  this  new  land  their 
home.  • 

It  is  not  known  where  or  by  whom  the  first  settlement  was  made.  For  convenience 
in  treating  of  the  first  settlements,  the  county  may  lye  divided  into  three  sections:  First 
that  portion  north  of  Duck  River;  Second,  that  lying  between  Duck  River  and  the  Elk 
Ridge,  and  Third,  that  lying  south  of  Elk  Ridge. 

On  Caney  Spring  Creek,  near  the  village  of  Caney  Spring,  Asa  Fonville  raised  a crop 
in  1807,  and  a little  farther  up  the  creek  James  Patterson  began  clearing  up  a farm  early 
in  the  same  year.  Four  miles  northwest  of  Caney  Spring,  Squire  Atkisson  was  a very 
prominent  early  settler,  and  a leader  in  his  community  for  many  years.  James  Haynes 
and  a man  named  Kellams  settled  near  together,  and  between  Atkisson  and  Patterson. 
Samuel  Ramsey  settled  on  the  creek  two  miles  from  the  village,  in  1808,  and  afterward  in 
1809  removed  south  of  Duck  River.  He  had  a water-mill,  which  was  the  first  one  north 
of  the  river.  It  was  visited  by  people  from  ten  or  twelve  miles  distant.  Others  who  lived 
in  that  vicinity  prior  to  1810  were  the  Allens,  Wallaces  and  Becks.  Gen.  N.  B.  Forrest, 
who  was  born  at  Chapel  Hill  in  1818,  was  a descendant  of  this  family  of  Becks. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Chapel  Hill  a settlement  was  made  in  1808  by  Andrew  Patterson, 
who  was  a captain,  commanding  a company  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  in  1815.  Rob 
ert  Patterson,  a brother  of  Andrew,  also  settled  near  in  the  same  year.  Northwest  of 
Chapel  Hill  four  miles  in  1809,  Joseph  Brittain  settled  on  his  tract  of  5,000  acres.  He 
reared  a large  family  of  children,  and  gave  them  all  farms.  Several  descendents  of  this 
man  are  now  living  in  that  section.  He  built  a hoi'se-mill.  The  Boyds  and  Riggs  lived 
in  the  same  community  as  early  as  1810,  and  were  probably  there  as  early  as  1808.  The 
father  of  Gen.  Forrest  emigrated  from  North  Carrlina,  and  after  a temporary  stay  at  oik . 
places  made  his  home  at  Chapel  Hill  in  1815. 

Near  Duck  River  on  the  north  side,  a large  family  of  the  Billingtons  were  the  first 
to  make  permanent  settlements.  Near  there  was  a Rev.  Mr.  Warner,  a minister  in  ik 
Baptist  Church.  Others  among  the  first  pioneers  were  James  Patton,  Hugh  McClelland, 
Richard  Walker  and  two  families  of  McClures. 

Early  in  the  year  1807  James  Neil  came  from  North  Carolina  to  where  Farmington  i 
now  located.  He  built  a cabin  just  northwest  of  the  turnpike  in  the  village.  He  wa> 
soon  followed  by  two  of  his  brothers,  Alexander  and  Andrew  Neil,  who  both  lived 
within  a quarter  of  a mile  of  where  the  village  stands. 

About  the  same  time  John  Reed  opened  up  a small  farm  one  mile  south  of  these 
Near  Reed  was  John  Dysarts  about  the  same  time.  About  three  miles  from  Farmington, 
on  West  Rock  Creek,  Allen  Leiper  was  the  first  cane  cutter.  He  had  a valuable  water 
mill  for  those  days,  which  in  the  years  1808-09  supplied  the  demand  of  the  central 
section  of  the  county.  In  1808  John  Shaw  brought  his  family  from  North  Carolina,  and 
made  his  home  one  mile  north  of  the  village.  Shaw  was  a hero  at  the  battle  of  New 
Orleans. 

At  Fishing  Ford  a man  named  Hazelett  was  the  first  to  clear  away  the  cane  and 
build  a cabin.  Southwest  of  him  a short  distance  was  a man  named  Cleek.  Cleek  raised 
several  sons,  who  made  good  citizens  of  that  section.  Who  first  drove  the  ax  through  1 
the  wilderness  where  Lewisburg  now  stands  is  not  known.  At  the  time  of  the  organ 
ization  of  the  county  Abner  Houston  lived  just  west  of  Col.  J.  H.  Lewis’  house,  and 
across  the  creek  from  him  lived  John  H*.  Bills.  Two  miles  northwest  William  McClure, 
the  first  chairman  of  the  county  court,  settled  in  1808  or  1809.  Jonathan  Moore  came  in 
1808  from  Carolina,  and  made  the  first  opening  in  the  forest  on  Globe  Creek,  and  was 
soon  followed  by  John  Wilkes,  who  has  many  descendants  in  the  county  at  present.  On 
the  head  waters  of  Rock  Creek  a settlement  was  made  by  James  Leiper,  a brother  of  Al- 
ien Leiper,  in  1808.  About  this  time  Benjamin  Simmons  came  from  North  Carolina  to  ,j 
the  same  neighborhood,  bringing  with  him  a slave  then  eight  years  old,  who  is  now  rev 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


887 


•erently  addressed,  by  white  and  black,  as  “Uncle  George  McBride.”  This  negro  was 
widely  known  throughout  this  section  of  the  State  on  account  of  his  skill  in  the  use  of  the 
violin.  Just  east  of  Simmons  were  Josiah  and  John  Blackwell’s  farms.  Not  far  from 
where  the  railroad  begins  to  ascend  Elk  Ridge  from  the  north,  John  and  Robin  Orr  were 
among  the  first  settlers  in  the  county.  In  1808  William  Williams  settled  where 
Round  Hill  Church  now  stands,  and  soon  afterward  removed  to  near  Belfast.  Then  he 
opened  a store.  He  bought  his  first  stock  of  goods  at  Nashville,  and  hauled  it  home  in  a 
one-horse  cart.  From  a ledger  which  he  kept  in  1823  the  following  prices  are  quoted : 
Coffee,  per  pound.  56£  cents;  sugar,  25  cents;  indigo,  31i  cents;  salt,  4 cents;  copperas, 
12 J cents;  nails,  25  cents;  madder,  15  cents;  cambric,  per  yard,  $1;  flannel,  75  cents;  cal- 
ico, 50  cents;  muslin,  $1;  bombazette,  75  cents;  whisky,  per  pint,  18f  cents;  wine,  50 
cents;  “Bateman’s  drops,”  per  bottle,  25  cents,  etc.  A remarkable  fact  is  that 
calico  was  bought  in  quantity  from  three-fourths  to  three  yards,  rarely  ever  more  than 
one  yard  being  purchased  at  one  time  by  one  party.  The  book  indicates  that  Mr.  Will- 
iams did  a large  business  and  that  his  debtors  paid  their  accounts  promptly.  Early  in 
1807  Nathaniel  Dryden  emigrated  from  North  Carolina  to  his  grant  of  land  where  Belfast 
now  stands.  Thompson  Cannon  was  his  first  neighbor,  and  in  the  same  year  Francis  H. 
Woods  and  James  Coffey  settled  near.  Further  down  the  creek  was  Samuel  Ramsey, 
who  moved  from  north  of  Duck  River  in  1809.  He  was  the  father  of  John  Ramsey, 
who  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1797;  was  fifteen  years  old  when  coming  to  the 
county,  and  is  now  living  at  Farmington,  at  the  age  of  eighty-nine  years.  Thomas  J. 
Hall,  who  was  a prominent  Presbyterian  minister,  settled  near  Farmington  in  1814,  and 
taught  school  there  for  many  years. 

South  of  Elk  Ridge  is  some  of  the  finest  land  in  the  county,  and  it  was  not  long  in 
being  developed  into  a well  settled  community.  At  Connersville  the  first  to  disturb  the 
stillness  of  the  wilderness  was  John  Haynes,  who,  in lived  near  where  the  flouring- 
mill  stands.  William  Henderson,  in  1808,  built  the  first  house  on  the  ground  now  cov- 
ered by  the  town.  In  a very  short  time  Pearsley  Cox  became  his  neighbor  on  the  north- 
west. Billy  Marr  came  from  North  Carolina  to  Robinson  Fork  in  1808,  and  in  a short 
time  he  sold  out  to  Ephraim  Massey,  who  kept  a store  for  several  years.  Ephraim  Pat- 
rick, John  Dabney,  John  Cockrell,  Billy  Alexander  and  John  and  Thomas  Walker  came 
to  this  section  about  the  same  time.  John  Parks  lived  four  miles  south  of  Connersville, 
on  Richland  Creek,  in  1807.  On  Cane  Creek,  about  ten  miles  south  of  Lewisburg,  Elisha 
and  Joab  Bagley  located  between  1807  and  1810;  James  Brown  lived  very  near  them. 
Above  Brown,  on  the  same  creek,  were  Josiah  McAdams  and  his  two  sons,  Irvin  and 
James;  still  further  up  the  creek  Jesse  McLean  and  Henry  Bagley  were  the  first  pio- 
neers. Elisha  Bagley  had  a horse-mill.  After  these  first  settlers  had  opened  the  first 
farms  settlements  rapidly  followed,. and  the  names  of  those  coming  in  after  those  above 
mentioned  would  occupy  too  much  space  to  be  given. 

In  all  parts  of  the  county  traces  of  the  Mound-Builders  are  found.  Mounds  built  of 
earth  and  small  stones,  ranging  in  height  from  four  or  five  feet  to  about  - fifteen  feet,  are 
more  numerous  in  this  county  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  State.  North  of  Lewisburg 
about  a mile  is  a mound  ten  feet  high,  built  of  larger  stones  than  are  commonly  found  in 
these  structures.  It  was  evidently  a burial  place,  for  parts  of  a skeleton  have  been  taken 
from  it.  A thigh  bone  of  a person  was  recently  found  in  this  mound,  which,  if  the  other 
parts  were  developed  proportionately,  belonged  to  a person  over  seven  feet  tall.  The  jaw 
bone,  also  found,  is  much  larger  than  that  of  any  person  of  whom  we  now  have  any 
knowledge.  This  body  was  evidently  buried  in  a sitting  posture.  Three  miles  west  of 
Lewisburg  is  a large  clay  mound,  covering  over  a quarter  of  an  acre.  In  the  Seventeenth 
District  there  is  one  of  small  stones  and  clay  seventeen  feet  high.  There  is  also  a very 
large  one  in  the  Fifth  District.  In  these  mounds  are  found  fragments  of  pottery  and  rude 
missiles  of  various  kinds,  supposed  to  be  weapons  of  warfare.  In  various  parts  of  the 
county  are  found  numerous  arrow-heads,  battle-axes,  pipes,  etc.,  probably  relics  of  the 
Indian  tribes  that  lived  here. 


888 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Marshall  County  was  established  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  passed  February  26. 
1836.  It  included  fractions  of  Lincoln,  Bedford  and  Maury  Counties,  when  first  organ- 
ized, and  in  1870  a part  of  Giles  County,  known  as  the  Cornersville  District,  was  given  to 
Marshall.  In  establishing  the  first  boundaries  the  line  between  Marshall  and  Maury  wat 
placed  nearer  the  county  seat  of  the  latter  than  the  law  allowed,  and  it  was  so  changed  as 
to  conform  to  the  law.  In  1871  the  line  on  the  west  was  again  slightly  changed  to  include 
the  farms  of  John  B.  Wilkes  and  John  Coffey,  in  Marshall. 

October  3,  1836,  at  the  house  of  Abner  Houston,  the  first  county  court  was  organized 
by  the  following  justices  of  the  peace:  William  McClure,  Thomas  Ross,  William  Wilkes, 
Peter  Williams,  Thomas  Wilson,  David  McGaliey,  James  Adams,  George  Cunningham, 
James  L.  Ewing,  John  Field,  Adam  Miller,  Joseph  Cleek,  Ephraim  Hunter,  Asa  Holland. 
James  Patterson,  Jason  B.  Sheffield,  Sherwood  Dunnigan  and  Andrew  Laird.  Wiiiiam 
McClure  was  elected  chairman,  and  David  McGaliey  was  appointed  secretary  pro  tcm.  The 
court  then  “adjourned  to  meet  at  the  camp  ground  immediately,”  and  upon  being  again 
convened  the  following  men  were  chosen  to  fill  their  respective  offices:  John  R.  Hill, 
sheriff;  Martin  W.  Oakley,  clerk  county  court;  John  W.  Record,  trustee;  John  Elliott, 
register;  Joseph  McCord,  coroner;  Isaac  II.  Williams,  ranger,  and  Hugh  McClelland,  sur- 
veyor. The  court  then  appointed  commissioners  to  lay  off  the  civil  districts,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  general  routine  of  business,  namely,  appointing  road  overseers,  etc. 

The  first  money  for  county  purposes  was  derived  from  the  sale  of  lots  in  Lewisburg 
November  30,  and  December  1 and  2,  1836.  These  sales  amounted  to  $22,861,  which  was 
appropriated  for  public  improvements.  The  lots  were  usually  sold  on  time,  and  January 
4,  1837,  the  treasurer  reported  “no  money  in  the  treasury.”  In  1841  the  following  levy 
of  tax  was  made:  On  each  $100  worth  of  property  (for  county)  6 cents;  on  each  $ i 00 
worth  of  property  (for  poor)  1-J  cents;  on  each  poll,  26  cents;  on  each  merchant  peddler 
or  hawker,  $5;  on  shows,  $50. 

• The  tax  for  1842  was  the  same  as  for  the  year  previous,  except  that  a bridge  tax  of  61 
cents  on  each  poll  and  4j  cents  on  each  $100  worth  of  property  was  assessed. 

For  1886  the  tax  levy  was  at  the  following  rate:  County  tax,  40  cents  on  $100;  State 
tax,  30  cents  on  $100;  school  tax,  15  cents  on  $100;  railroad  tax,  35  cents  on  $100;  high- 
way, 11  cents  on  $100;  total  $1.31  on  $100.  In  1886  there  was  reported  224,829  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $2,205,117.  The  total  taxable  property  was  valued  at  $2,578,170.  The 
population  in  1880  was  19,260. 

Indicative  of  the  rich  agricultural  resources,  the  following  official  report  of  1885  is 
given:  Number  of  acres  of  improved  land,  132,513;  number  of  horses  and  mules,  9,344: 
number  of  cattle,  9,808;  number  of  sheep,  10,118;  number  of  hogs,  37,815;  Indian  corn, 
1,176,536  bushels;  oats,  59,567  bushels;  rye,  2,050  bushels;  wheat,  172,584  busheis. 

November  7,  1836,  James  Osborn,  William  Williams,  Joel  Yowell,  Aaron  Boyd  and 
James  C.  Record  were  appointed  commissioners  to  lay  off  and  sell  town  lots  in  Lewis- 
burg and  to  superintend  the  erection  of  public  buildings;  and  December  5,  1836,  the 
same  body  of  men,  with  the  exception  of  James  Osborn,  was  appointed  a committee  to 
draft  plans  and  specifications  for  a courthouse  and  a jail.  On  January  2,  1837.  they  r 
ported  that  after  due  consideration  and  deliberation  they  would  suggest  the  said  build- 
ings to  be  similar  to  those  of  Bedford  County,  with  some  alterations.  The  first  court 
house,  modeled  after  the  one  theu  in  Shelbyville,  was  built  at  a cost  of  $8,750,  and  was 
completed,  received  and  occupied  by  October  1,  1838.  This  building  burned  in  1873,  and 
the  next  year  the  present  court  house  was  erected.  The  contract  for  its  erection  was  $21- 
900,  and  carpeting,  desks,  chairs,  tables,  shelves,  etc.,  amounted  to  about  $1,000  more. 
This  is  a splendid  two-story  brick  building,  and  with  its  yard  full  of  shade  trees  presents 
a handsome  appearance. 

Thomas  D.  Moore,  Samuel  Davis,  J.  B.  Ezell,  James  Hendricks  and  James  W.  Nance 
composed  the  committee  to  draft  the  plans  and  specifications.  A notable  fact  is  that  W. 
H.  Wisener  made  the  first  and  last  speech  in  the  old  court  house,  and  the  first  speed)  in 
the  new  one. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


889 


The  first  jail  was  a brick  building  26x50  feet.  It  was  lined  with  a double  wall  of 
hewn  oak  logs,  having  a space  of  eight  inches  between,  which  was  filled  with  stones.  The 
floor  and  ceiling  were  of  two-inch  oak  plank.  It  wTas  completed  March  1, 1838,  at  a cost 
af  $3,850-  This  jail  was  a secure  one,  as  no  prisoners  ever  escaped  from  it.  It  was  burned 
about  the  close  of  the  war  and  in  1867  the  present  one  was  built  of  stone,  at  a cost  of 
$9,108.06. 

On  January  1,  1838,  court  appropriated  $1,000  for  building  a poor-house.  The  poor- 
farm  was  located  two  and  a half  miles  southwest  of  Lewisburg,  and  comprised  seventy-two 
acres.  In  1858  it  was  sold,  and  the  present  one  of  160  acres,  was  bought.  It  is  ten  miles  south 
af  the  county  seat.  There  are  now.  ten  white  and  seven  colored  inmates  of  the  asylum. 

In  1871  the  people  of  Marshall  voted  an  appropriation  of  $315,000,  to  the  proposed 
building  of  the  Cumberland  & Ohio  Railroad  through  the  county.  In  1873  the  amount 
was  divided,  $200,000  being  still  appropriated  to  the  above  road,  and  $115,000  to  the 
Duck  River  Valley  Railroad.  The  panic  of  1873  destroyed  the  hopes  of  the  Cumberland 
& Ohio  Road;  but  the  Duck  River  Valley  Road  was  completed  to  Lewisburg  from  Col- 
umbia, in  April,  1877,  and  in  October,  1879,  it  was  completed  to  the  Lincoln  County  line. 
Besides  the  $115,000  a large  individual  subscription  was  raised.  Dr.  R.  G.  McClure  and 
Jol.  J.  H.  Lewis  were  instrumental  in  securing  the  road.  Dr.  McClure  was  president  of 
he  company  for  three  years  and  was  succeeded  by  Col.  Lewis,  who  was  president  two 
years  previous  to  its  lease  to  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Road.  Marshall 
Bounty  issued  bonds  for  the  $115,000.  The  railroad  tax  pays  the  interest  on  these  bonds 
md  also  creates  a sinking  fund,  by  which  the  debt  has  been  reduced  to  $87,600.  This  road 
supplies  the  much  needed  outlet  for  grain  which  has  so  long  been  felt,  and  it  has  been  the 
neans  of  placing  Marshall  high  in  the  rank  of  agricultural  counties  of  the  State. 

The  Shelbyville  & Lewisburg,  Lewisburg  & Franklin,  Nashville,  Nolensville  & 
Chapel  Hill,  Cornersville  & Lewisburg,  and  Lewisburg  & Mooresville  Pikes  were  built 
Before  the  war.  Since  the  war  the  Cornersville  & Lewisburg  Pike  has  been  extended 
,o  Pulaski,  and  the  Lewisburg  & Mooresville  Pike  Road  runs  to  Culleoka.  The  Nash- 
ville, Nolensville  & Chapel  Hill  Pike  has  also  been  extended  from  Chapel  Hill  to  Farm- 
ngton.  Others  which  have  been  constructed  recently  are  the  Cornersville  & Lynn 
ville,  Cornersville  & Spring  Place  and  Lewisburg  & Columbia  Pikes. 

The  first  bridge  was  built  across  Duck  River  within  this  county  in  1838,  at  a cost  of 
|6,892.  It  was  a covered  wooden  bridge  supported  on  stone  piers.  There  are  now  two 
splendid  iron  bridges  across  the  river  and  one  of  wood. 

The  Marshall  County  Agricultural  and  Mechanical  Society  was  organized  July  7, 
.856.  Its  first  oflicers  were  as  follows:  E.  A.  Wilson,  president;  W.  L.  McClelland,  vice- 
rresident;  A.  B.  Ewing,  secretary;  James  V.  Ewing,  treasurer.  The  board  of  managers 
vereMaj.  G.  L.  Allman,  John  W.  Hutton,  Esq.,  Col.  John  R.  Hill,  Gen.  Levi  Cochran, 
3 V.  Chrisman  and  Thomas  McKnight.  Before  the  war  fairs  were  held  every  year,  the 
irst  one  being  October  30  and  31,  1856.  Fairs  were  also  held  from  1868  to  1873,  and 
liter  this  the  colored  people  held  three  annual  meetings  under  this  charter.  The  society 
>wned  seven  and  a quarter  acres  of  land  and  had  constructed  the  necessary  buildings, 
such  as  an  amphitheatre,  halls,  stables,  etc.,  which  were  all  destroyed  by  the  war. 

The  Marshall  County  Medical  Society  held  its  first  meeting  in  August,  1877.  The 
irst  members  were  Drs.  J.  S.  Nowlin,  J.  S.  Howlett,  T.  E.  Reed,  S.  T.  Hardison,  B.  F. 
Smith,  R.  A.  Orr,  T.  B.  Leonard,  Z.  W.  Neil,  J.  O.  Nowlin,  J.  C.  Crunk,  J.  W.  Huddle- 
iton,  T.  J.  Kennedy,  W.  S.  McLean,  J.  D.  Johnson,  J.  M.  Patterson,  L.  L.  Murray,  C.  A. 
Ybernathy,  F.  Ferguson,  J.  W.  Percy,  J.  B.  Neil,  W.  M.  Allison,  C.  C.  Neil,  A.  Jones, 
1.  C.  Hill,  R.  C.  McCordy  and  W.  C.  Ransom.  J.  S.  Nowlin,  S.  T.  Hardison,  J.  M.  Pat- 
terson, A.  Jones  and  F.  Ferguson  have  been  presidents  of  the  society.  There  are  now 
eighteen  members. 

The  county  officers  have  been  as  follows:  Sheriffs — John  R.  Hill,  1836;  Solomon 
Vleadows,  1842;  John  Laws,  1844;  W.  B.  Holden,  1848;  Thomas  F.  Brooks,  1854;  John  B. 
IVilkes,  1856;  W.  F.  Collins,  1860;  A.  Duncan,  1862;  Levi  Cochran,  1863;  James  R.  Nei 


890 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


1864;  Stephen  Tally,  1868;  John  W.  Champ,  1870;  Scott  D.  Davis,  1874;  W.  T.  Jones. 
1878;  R.  S.  Walker,  1882;  W.  T.  Jones,  1886. 

Trustees:  John  W.  Record,  1836;  James  V.  Ewing,  1838;  James  Brown,  1846;  James 
Ross,  1847;  Wesley  A.  Giles,  1850;  James  B.  Chadwell,  1854;  Samuel  Davis,  1865;  Alfred 
Hobson,  1870;  W.  G.  Massey,  1872;  James  Y.  Ewing,  1874;  Samuel  Orr,  1876;  A.  V.  Still- 
well. 1880;  N.  J.  Smiley,  1884. 

Chairman:  William  McClure,  1836;  John  Hatchett,  1838;  Benjamin  Williams,  1839. 
Burgess  Hardin,  1842;  W.  P.  Davis,  1846;  James  V.  Ewing,  1846;  Burgess  Hardin,  1848; 
James  Y.  Ewing.  1849;  J.  A.  Yowell,  1855;  David  McGahey  (county  judge),  1855-58;  David 
McGahey,  1858;  Samuel  Davis*  1860;  W.  A.  Houston,  1864;  W.  H.  McConnell,  1866;  Moses 
C.  West,  1869;  J.  J.  S.  Gill,  1871;  J.  W.  Calahan,  1873;  J.  McBride,  1876;  John  T.  Street, 
1877;  James  D.  Cook,  1879;  A.  M.  Davis,  1880;  J.  F.  Brittain,  1883;  W.  C.  McGregor 
1885;  W.  C.  McGregor  (county  judge,  April,  1S85);  W.  J.  Leonard  (county  judge,  18861. 

Clerks  County  Court:  Martin  W.  Oakley,  1836;  John  Elliott,  1846;  Stephen  Tally 
1854;  R.  L.  Adams,  1862;  W.  P.  Bullock,  1874;  J.  McBride,  1882. 

Clerks  Circuit  Court:  David  McGahey,  1836;  Thomas  McKnight,  1846;  William  P 
Fisher,  1865;  Thomas  McKnight,  1868;  L.  B.  Collins,  1870;  W.  G.  Loyd,  1878;  E.  M.  Mil 
ler,  1886. 

Clerks  Chancery  Court:  Gideon  B.  Black,  1836;  R.  K.  Kercheval,  1846;  R.  G.  Mc- 
Clure, 1865;  Stephen  Tally,  1870;  H.  N.  Cowden,  1872;  R.  L.  Adams,  1876. 

Registers:  John  Elliott,  1836;  J.  J.  Elliott,  1846;  W.  N.  Cowden.  1856;  J.  N.  Waters, 
1862;  j"  A.  Yarbrough,  1874. 

Coroners:  Joseph  McCord,  1836;  Joseph  Cloud,  1846;  P.  G.  W.  Goodwin,  1849:  F.  K 
Rambo,  1855;  W.  C.  Stephenson,  1858;  Levi  Cochran,  1859;  John  Ramsey,  1864;  William 
Calton,  1865;  Alfred  Hobson,  1869;  John  A.  Bills,  1870;  H.  K.  Moss,  1870;  L.  Cochran,  1872; 
H.  K Moss,  1875;  R.  FI.  McCrary,  1876;  John  Leonard,  1878;  E.  F.  Williams,  1885. 

Surveyors:  Hugh  McClelland,  1836;  Samuel  Elliott,  1838;  W.  H.  McConnell.  1843 
Stephen  Tally,  1845;  E.  I.  Hunter,  1852;  Ephraim  Hunter,  1857;  H.  B.  Allen,  1858;  8. 
Tally,  1863;  H.  B.  Allen,  1864;  J.  P.  Dysart,  1866;  James  Hendricks,  1870;  Joel  A.  Morris 
1878;  James  Hendricks,  1886. 

Rangers:  Isaac  H.  Williams,  1837;  G.  W.  Moore,  1840;  J.  M.  Yowell,  1845;  J P 
Smith,  1857;  J.  L.  Reed,  1864;  M.  C.  West,  1865;  Jonathan  Bills,  1865;  W.  D.  Hawkins, 
1875;  L.  Cunningham,  1875;  H.  K.  Moss,  1878;  J.  M.  McKee,  1885;  H.  K.  Moss,  1886. 

State  Senators:  Wilson  P.  Davis,  1843;  Richard  Warner,  1845;  Thomas  Dean,  1847 
Wilson  P.  Davis,  1849;  J.  J.  Jones,  1853;  Wilson  P.  Davis,  1857;  J.  M.  Johnson.  1859;  \Y. 
H.  Wisener,  1865 ; J.  M.  Patterson,  1871;  J.  D.  Tillman,  1873;  E.  A.  Wilson,  1875;  Jesse 
Aldridge,  1877;  W.  P.  Tolley,  1879;  D.  S.  McCullough,  1881;  D.  J.  McCullough,  1883;  C. 
R.  Berry,  1885. 

Representatives:  T.  C.  H.  Miller,  1843;  Benjamin  Williams,  1847;  W.  F.  McGregor, 
1849;  Thomas  H.  Hardin,  1851;  E.  A.  Wilson,  1855;  II.  N.  Cowden,  1859;  A.  A.  Steele, 
1865;  A.  F.  Lillard,  1867;  A.  H.  Steele,  1869;  A.  Jones,  1871;  J.  L.  Orr,  1873;  W.  N.  Cow- 
den, 1877;  Richard  Warner,  1879;  Ernest  Pillow,  1881;  W.  P.  Bullock,  1885.  Floatersnr 
joint.  representatives  are  not  given. 

The  caption  of  the  first  entry  of  records  of  the  circuit  court  is  as  follows: 

“ At  a circuit  court  held  for  the  county  of  Marshall,  within  the  Eighth  Judicial  Cir- 
cuit in  the  State  of  Tennessee,  at  the  house  of  Abner  Houston,  being  the  place  appointed 
by  law  for  holding  courts  in  said  county  on  the  fourth  Monday  in  November,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-six,  being  the  twenty-eighth  day  of 
the  month,  before  the  Honorable.  Edmund  Dillahunty,  Esquire,  one  of  the  judges  of  'he 
Eighth  Judicial  Circuit,  and  for  the  State  of  Tennessee,  the  following  proceedings  were 
had,  etc.”  David  McGahey  was  appointed  clerk  pro  tempore,  and  entered  into  bond  tor 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties.  James  II.  Thomas  appeared  and  took  the  oath  of 
attorney-general.  The  sheriff  presented  the  names  of  twenty-five  men  upon  whom  he 
had  served  a venire  facias,  whereupon  the  said  names  were  written  on  scrolls  of  paper 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


891 


and  drawn  from  a hat  by  a child  under  the  age  of  ten  years,  when  the  following  body  of 
good  and  lawful  men,  citizens  of  Marshall  County,  was  elected,  empaneled  sworn  and 
charged  to  enquire  for  the  body  of  the  county  of  Marshall,  to  wit:  Henry  Bishop,  James 
Brown,  John  Hatchett,  Jesse  Morton,  James  Kennedy,  William  Rosson,  Thomas  Ross, 
Samuel  Radford,  William  Wilkes,  James  V.  Ewing,  William  M.  Orr,  James  Osborn  and 
James  B.  Lowry,  of  whom  James  Osborn  was  elected  foreman.” 

This  day  the  attorney-general  presented  to  court  an  indictment  against  James  Orr  for 
“mare  stealing”  and  for  stealing  money,  notes  and  other  valuable  papers.  Orr  was  found 
guilty  as  charged  and  given  three  years  at  hard  labor  in  the  penitentiary.  A judgment 
was  rendered  against  him  to  recover  $13.25,  the  amount  of  unreturned  stolen  property. 
This  was  the  first  case  before  the  court.  To  this  term  were  presented  five  indictments  for 
affray,”  three  for  “unlawfnl  gaming,”  and  one  for  “assault  and  battery.”  A fine  of 
$10  was  assessed  in  each  of  these  cases  with  one  exception,  in  which  the  accused  was  ac- 
quitted. In  a slander  suit  for  $1,000  damages,  William  Wilkes  recovered  from  John 
Wilkes  $150.  George  Purdan  was  fined  $5  for  entering  court  in  a state  of  intoxication. 
The  wounded  dignity  of  the  State  was  healed  by  two  fines  of  $2.50  each  for  “contempt 
shown  to  this  court  ” by  Samuel  Bickett  and  William  Perry.  The  failure  of  John  R. 
Hill,  the  sheriff,  to  preserve  order  before  his  Honor,  cost  him  a fine  of  $10.  At  the  March 
term,  1837,  Robert  Liggett,  Bryant  Crow,  Wyatt  Hill,  William  Roane,  John  Coggins 
and  Wade  McCrery  were  fined  $5  each  for  unlawful  gaming,  to  which  they  pleaded  guilty. 
For  malicious  mischief  Allen  Gates  paid  a fine  of  $10  and  was  “held  in  jail  until  sun- 
set.” Henry  Morris  and  Charles  Thompson  pleaded  guilty  to  presentments  for  affrays, 
and  paid  fines  of  $5  each,  and  pleading  guilty  to  “ assault  and  battery  ” by  William  Wad- 
kins  cost  him  $2.50.  In  the  July  term  against  John  A.  W.  Jackson  was  instituted  the  first 
case  of  forgery  which  resulted  in  Jackson  “making  good, the  damages,”  and  paying  the 
cost  of  prosecution.  Indictments  for  assault  and  battery  and  for  affrays  were  the  most 
frequent  subjects  for  the  court's  consideration  this  year,  and  up  to  the  close  of  the  half 
century  the  most  numerous  cases  of  indictments  were  “ keeping  tippling  houses,”  “retail- 
ing spirituous  liquors,”  “ open  and  notorious  drunkenness,”  “ assault  and  battery,”  “af- 
fray,” “ unlawful  gaming,”  and  “betting  on  elections,”  with  the  other  crimes  common 
(to  the  age. 

In  1838  Joseph  Winston  was  found  guilty  of  usury  and  fined  $19.33f  (the  amount  of 
overcharged  interest)  and  costs.  In  the  same  year  Daniel  Doxie  was  sent  to  the  peniten- 
tiary for  two  years  for  malicious  stabbing,  and  was  the  next  year  followed  by  James 
Joyce,  who  had  a sentence  for  the  same  length  of  time  for  malicious  shooting.  In  1838, 
for  the  first  time,  the  court  “ absolutely  and  forever  ” burst  asunder  a matrimonial  bond 
liberating  James  Gates  from  his  sacred  vows  to  Elizabeth  Gates.  In  1839  Mathew 
Thomas,  Lucy  Sorrell,  Betsy  Turner,  Patsy  Hicks  and  Betsy  Sorrell  pleaded  guilty  to  a 
presentment  for  an  unlawful  assembly,  thereby  contributing  $1  each  to  the  State  fund. 
In  the  same  year  Andrew  Duncan  began  a four  years’  term  in  the  State  prison  for  coun- 
terfeiting. Haywood  Keith  went  for  three  years  for  horse  stealing,  and  Guilford  Paine 
four  years  for  larceny. 

In  1842  the  grand  jury  presented  that  “Robert  Bogle,  of  said  county,  yeoman, 
* * * * not  having  the  fear  of  God  before  his  ej’es,  but  being 

instigated  by  the  devil,  with  force  and  arms  in  the  county  upon  one  Caleb  Pyle  in  the 
peace  of  God  and  of  the  State,  *****  witb  a ceitain 
piece  of  timber  of  no  value,  did  assault  feloniously,  unlawfully,  wilfully,  deliberately 
maliciously,  premeditatedly  and  with  malice  aforethought,”  etc.,  inflicting  “mortal 
wounds  of  which  said  Pyle  instantly  died.”  Bogle  was  convicted  of  manslaughter  and 
given  six  years’  confinement  in  the  State  prison.  In  the  same  year,  after  a long  and 
tedious  trial,  John  J.  Elzey  was  found  guilty  of  murder  in  the  second  degree,  and  sent  to 
the  penitentiary  for  ten  years.  In  1848  Hardy  Bloodworth  and  Mary  Ford  were  indicted 
for  duplicity  in  murder  of  the  first  degree.  Bloodworth  was  found  not  guilty.  After  a 
protracted  effort  to  get  a decision,  Mary  Ford  was  granted  a change  of  venue.  Leth- 


'892 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


Walker,  after  being  on  trial  for  a number  of  years  for  the  same  offense,  was  also  granted 
a change  of  venue.  These  were  aggravated  cases,  both  parties  having  been  accused  of 
murdering  “ infants  of  young  and  tender  years.”  Josiah  B.  and  Claiborn  W.  Black  were 
acquitted  of  a charge  of  murder  in  1850.  In  1855  Martin,  a slave,  murdered  his  master, 

Lawrence,  and  in  1856  was  hung.  Never  has  any  other  capital  execution  taken  place 

in  the  county. 

In  1866  Marshall  Hopewood  was  cleared  of  the  charge  of  murdering  Robert  Ross. 
Hiram  C.  Harris,  for  murdering  Willis  Frank,  was  sentenced  to  ninety-nine  years  in  the 
penitentiary,  the  decision  of  the  inferior  court  having  been  sustained  by  the  supreme 
court.  About  the  same  time  Isaac  Daws  was  found  “ not  guilty  as  charged”  of  the  mur- 
der of  C.  C.  Gulley.  In  1867  John  B.  Short  was  proceeding  to  the  matrimonial  altar  bo 
a justice  of  the  peace)  with  his  intended  bride  on  the  same  horse  behind  him.  He  was 
followed  by  Sambo  and  W.  J.  Cook,  brothers  of  the  bride,  and  shot,  from  the  wounds 
of  which  he  died  in  a few  days.  The  Cooks  were  indicted  for  murder  in  the  first  degree, 
but  broke  jail.  Isaac  B.  Collins  was  accused  of  instigating  the  murder,  and  for  five  years 
this  case  was  before  the  court,  costing  the  State  about  $2,000,  and  resulting  in  his  acquittal. 

Judge  Edmund  Dillahunty,  of  Columbia,  sat  upon  the  bench  from  1836  to  1852.  He 
was  a man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  benevolent  in  demeanor  and  of  high  moral  char 
acter.  His  court  was  a “temple  of  moral  training,”  and  dignified  decorum  was  required 
at  his  bar.  He  was  a fine  lawyer  and  an  excellent  judge.  “His  charges  to  the  juries 
were  always  sermons,”  and  aside  from  his  official  duties  he  often  gave  the  people 
of  Lewisburg  lectures  on  morality  and  religion.  Judge  Dillahunty  was  succeeded  by- 
William  P.  Martin,  also  of  Columbia,  who  served  until  1860,  and  was  re-elected  to  auotbe; 
term  in  1870,  serving  until  1877,  when  age  compelled  him  to  give  his  seat  to  John  Y 
Wright,  who  held  courts  until  the  expiration  of  Martin’s  term  in  1878.  Judge  Martin  was 
a man  of  great  ability,  both  as  a judge  and  a lawyer.  From  1860  to  1865  court  was  held 
by  special  judges.  John  C.  Walker  came  to  the  bench  in  1865,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Hillary  Ward,  who  served  from  1866  until  1868,  and  he  by  A.  M.  Hughes  from  1868  to 
1870.  In  1871  the  increased  business  of  the  court  demanded  a special  criminal  court,  of 
which  T.  M.  Jones  was  the  first  judge.  In  1872  W.  S.  McLemore  was  elected  criminal 
judge,  and  held  until  that  court  was  abolished  in  1878.  He  was  then  elected  to  fill  the 
judicial  term  now  closing.  The  attorney-generals  have  been  as  follows:  James  H 
Thomas,  1836;  Nathaniel  Baxter,  1842;  Lunsford  M.  Bramblett,  1847;  A.  M.  Hughes,  1848, 
Nathan  Adams,  1854;  James  L.  Scudder,  J.  J.  Noah  and  A.  C.  Hickey,  from  1865  to  1868, 
Noble  Smithson,  1868;  J.  H.  Fussell,  1870  to  1886. 

The  chancery  court  was  established  in  1836  with  Lunsford  M.  Bramblitt  as  chancellor. 
He  was  succeeded  in  1844  by  Terry  H.  Cahall,  who  served  until  1851,  when  L.  D.  Frier- 
son came  to  the  bench,  continuing  until  1866,  and  was  succeeded  by  David  Campbell 
Then  John  P.  Steele  was  chancellor  until  1868,  and  after  his  term  John  C.  Walker  sat 
upon  the  bench  for  two  years.  In  1870  W.  S.  Flemming  was  elected,  and  was  re-elected 
in  1878  to  serve  the  term  closing  in  1886. 

At  the  first  circuit  court  were  present  Samuel  Frierson,  Erwin  J.  Frierson,  Wili- 
iam  P.  Martin,  William  T.  Ross  and  W.  H.  Wisener,  all  of  whom  were  licensed  to  prac- 
tice as  attorneys  and  counsellors  at  law.  Before  the  war  these  courts  were  regularly  vis- 
ited by  almost  all  the  prominent  lawyers  of  this  part  of  the  State.  James  K.  Polk  was  a 
familiar  figure  at  this  bar,  and  it  is  claimed  that  he  was  in  Lewisburg  attending  a lawsuit 
when  the  news  of  his  nomination  as  a candidate  for  the  presidency  reached  him. 

Robert  G.  Paine,  W.  P.  Davis  & Son,  Gideon  B.  Black  and Powell  were  able 

resident  attorneys  before  the  war.  Since  the  war  R.  K.  Kercheval,  John  F.  Moore  and 
Thomas  F.  Lewis  were  successful  members  of  this  bar.  At  present  the  following  are  at- 
torneys at  law  in  Lewisburg:  Richard  Warner,  who  was  a member  of  the  constitution.  ! 
convention  of  1870,  a member  of  the  Legislature  in  1878  and  a member  of  Congress  :n 
2380-84;  Col.  J.  FI.  Lewis;*  W.  N.  Cowden,  who  served  a part  of  one  term  in  the  Legis- 


*For  sketched  see  Biographical  department. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


893 


lature,  and  was  then  made  clerk  of  the  supreme  court;  James  J.  Murray;  A.  N.  Miller, 
assistant  United  States  district  attorney;  E.  M.  Miller;  C.  T.  Swanson;*  J.  L.  Marshall;* 
P.  C.  Smithson;*  C.  A.  Armstrong;*  H.  K.  Moss;  L.  A.  Thompson  and  W.  W.  Walker. 

In  the  Creek  war  of  1812-14  a few  persons,  from  what  is  now  within  the  limits  of  Mar- 
shall County,  attached  themselves  to  Gen.  Jackson’s  forces  at  Fayetteville.  These  men 
followed  the  fortunes  of  their  indomitable  leader  in  that  campaign.  Among  those  who 
were  with  Jackson  were  James  Orr,  of  the  vicinity  of  Verona,  and  Mr.  Lawrence  near 
Mooresville.  John  Hatchett,  James  Shaw,  Capt.  Andrew  Patterson  and  Samuel  Hillis,  of 
Lewisburg  and  vicinity,  were  veterans  of  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  and  lived  in  the 
county  after  its  organization.  John  Hay,  Christian  Harbor,  and  Richard  Warner,  father 
of  Hon.  Richard  Warner,  of  Lewisburg,  were  also  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  the  lat- 
ter of  whom  was  wounded  there  in  a skirmish  in  December,  1814.  These  men  were  hon- 
ored with  a special  mark  of  distinction  on  all  stated  occasions  during  their  lives.  In  the 
Seminole  war  two  regiments  of  troops  rendezvoused  at  Fayetteville  in  June,  1836;  these 
were  the  first  and  seeond  regiments.  Over  these  Gen.  Armstrong  was  elected  brigadier- 
general.  They  left  for  the  seat  of  war  July  4.  No  regularly  organized  company  went 
from  Marshall,  but  a number  joined  a company  while  organizing  at  Crooked  Springs  near 
Fayetteville,  in  Lincoln  County. 

On  the  outbreak  of  the  war  with  Mexico  two  companies  from  Marshall  were  enlisted, 
one  of  infantry  and  one  of  cavalry.  The  iufantry  company  was  attached  to  the  First 
Regiment,  and  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Harris  Maulden.  The  lieutenants  were  W.  P- 
Davis  and  Wade  McCrary;  L.  Cooper,  A.  G.  Cooper,  J.  E.  Fowler  and  R.  H.  McCrary, 
were  sergeants,  and  H.  Hardin,  T.  F.  Winston,  Willis  Collins  and  Elisha  Luna,  were  cor- 
porals. The  muster  roll  included  William  Acuff,  John  Alexander,  N.  W.  Burks,  T.  A. 
Bostwick,  Alex  Bingham,  I.  B.  Cook,  Samuel  Davis,  J.  F.  Davidson,  B.  C.  Dobson,  E.  R. 
Dabney,  W.  W.  Emmerson,  J.  C.  Emmerson,  Q.  C.  Fleming,  W.  T.  Fossett,  William 
Griffin,  Joseph  Hall,  J.  B.  Kiecham,  R.  S.  Luna,  B.  F.  Luna,  A.  M.  Meadows,  Hampton 
Myers,  J.  H.  Nichols,  W.  H.  Peacock,  Moxey  Rone,  R.  R.  Maney,  T.  J.  Stokes,  Mirach 
Shehane,  G.  H.  Shehane,  J.  F.  Shehane,  R.  C.  Williams,  J R.  Owensby,  John  Arnold, 
W.  S.  Bowers,  Isaac  Bearden,  J.  L.  Bryant,  M.  B.  Carter,  O.  Clark,  A.  S.  Duvall,  C. 
Dickson,  William  Dodd,  William  Ewing,  M.  Fowler,  T.  C.  Fluty,  G.  W.  Fluty,  R.  L.  B- 
Gray,  E.  H.  Gray,  James  Hagan,  Alex  Jackson,  J.  B.  Luna,  J.  A.  Moore,  R.  W.  Moore, 
J.  A.  Morton,  John  M.  Parks,  W.  C.  Porch,  I.  Stone,  A.  P.  Short,  Elias  Snell,  F.  E. 
Smith,  J.  H.  Walls,  J.  Thompson,  J.  B.  Wyatt  and  James  Freeman.  The  company 
marched  from  Lewisburg  to  Nashville  by  way  of  Stegall’s  Mills,  Mr.  MeEwen’s  and 
Beech’s  farms.  The  company  left  Lewisburg  May  31,  and  reached  Nashville  June  3, 
boarded  the  “Commune”  on  the  6th  of  June,  and  was  transferred  to  the  “Tennessee”  at 
Smithland  on  the  8th,  and  arrived  at  New  Orleans  on  the  13th.  On  the  17th  the  regiment 
embarked  on  the  “E.  N.  Chapman,”  and  on  the  20th  anchored  off  the  Brazos.  The  regi- 
ment was  carried  up  the  Rio  Grande  by  vessel  and  landed  at  Camargo,  thence  marched  to 
Monterey,  where  it  took  part  in  that  severe  engagement,  which  resulted  in  the  capture  of 
that  town.  The  regiment  suffered  not  only  in  the  battle  but  terribly  from  fevers  and  other 
diseases.  On  December  19  the  two  Tennessee  infantry  regiments  were  formed  into  a bri- 
gade under  Col.  W.  B.  Campbell.  After  considerable  marching  and  some  desultory  fight, 
ing,  the  regiment  was  put  on  board  the  “Jubilee”  February  26,  and  moved  to  Vera  Cruz, 
where  it  arrived  March  11,  and  landed  March  12.  The  regiments  continued  in  the  siege  of 
Vera  Cruz  till  its  capitulation  on  the  27th.  The  men  were  severely  engaged  at  the  battle 
and  capture  of  Cerro  Gordo  on  April  18.  The  twelve  months’  men  went  as  far  as  Jaiapa, 
when  they  were  ordered  to  Vera  Cruz  to  be  discharged.  The  men  arrived  at  Vera  Cruz 
on  May  10,  and  on  the  11th  they  took  ship  for  New  Orleans,  where  they  arrived  on  the 
21st.  They  were  mustered  out  and  paid  off  May  26.  The  company  arrived  at  Nashville 
June  2,  and  returned  home  June  5.  Of  the  seventy-three  men  enlisted  in  the  company 
forty-three  were  killed,  discharged  or  died  of  disease. 


*For  sketches  see  biographical  department. 


56 


894 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


The  cavalry  company  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Milton  A.  Haynes.  The  other  corn 
missioned  and  non-commissioned  officers  were  W.  B.  Richardson,  William  Chambliss 
William  Brownlow,  Jr.,  Robert  G.  McClure,  .Joseph  A.  Clayton,  J.  R.  Haynes,  R.  Jh 
Patterson,  Joseph  Gresham,  John  G.  Taylor  and  A.  J.  Nance.  The  company  was  organ- 
ized at  Cornersville,  and  mustered  into  the  service  at  Nashville  June  8,  1846.  The  place 
of  rendezvous  for  the  cavalry  was  near  Memphis.  These  troops  proceeded  to  Mexico  by 
way  of  Little  Rock  and  Washington,  Ark.,  and  through  Titus  County,  Tex.  The  com 
pany  consisted  of  ten  officers,  eighty  privates,  two  buglers  and  one  blacksmith. 

There  was  great  unanimity  of  sentiment  for  the  South  in  the  late  war  after  the  firing 
on  Fort  Sumter.  The  first  volunteers  from  this  county  were  in  Turney’s  First  Tennessee, 
but  no  whole  company  was  sent  out  till  in  April,  1861,  when  the  Seventeenth  was 
raised.  This  regiment  assembled  in  Franklin  County  in  May,  and  on  the  27th  of  that 
month  it  started  for  Camp  Trousdale,  Sumner  County.  It  was  organized  June  11  by  the 
election  of  T.  W.  Newman,  colonel;  T.  C.  H.  Miller,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  A.  L.  Landis 
major.  The  companies  in  the  Seventeenth  from  this  county  were  C,  F and  H.  The  com 
missioned  officers  of  Company  C at  the  organization  were  R.  C.  Williams,  captain;  J.  C. 
Davis  and  F.  M.  Orr,  lieutenants.  The  officers  of  Company  F were  R.  P.  Hunter,  cap- 
tain; John  Begger,  William  Wallace  and  J.  B.  Hunter,  lieutenants.  The  officers  of  Com- 
pany H were  R.  H.  McCrary,  captain;  W.  H.  Holder,  G.  W.  Collis  and  David  Sanders, 
lieutenants.  May  8,  1862,  the  regiment  re-enlisted  for  two  years  and  was  reorganized. 
In  Company  C J.  C.  Davis  became  captain;  F.  M.  Orr,  J.  W.  McCrary  and  R.  H.  Arm- 
strong, lieutenants.  J.  C.  Cooper  became  captain  of  Company  F;  R.  H.  McCullough, 
William  Byers  and  Lee  Carthey,  lieutenants.  The  captain  of  Company  H was  G.  H. 
Owen;  the  lieutenants  were  J.  P.  Tally,  A.  L.  Elzy  and  Z.  W.  Ewing.  On  reorganization 
T.  C.  II.  Miller  was  elected  colonel;  W.  W.  Floyd,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  A.  S.  Marks, 
major. 

The  Seventeenth  Regiment  left  Camp  Trousdale  July  23,  armed  with  flint-lock  guns, 
and  arrived  at  Bristol,  Va.,  July  26,  where  it  remained  till  August  3,  when  it  was  sent  to 
Russellville,  E.  Tenn.,  thence  to  Cumberland  Gap,  where  it  arrived  August  8.  September 
14  the  regiment  left  Cumberland  Gap  and  was  with  the  advance  of  Zollicoffer  into  Ken- 
tucky. The  regiment  was  engaged  at  the  battle  of  Mill  Spring,  or  Fishing  Creek,  Janu 
ary  19,  1862.  The  regiment  arrived  at  Livingston  January  24,  and  at  Murfreesboro 
February  19.  February  28  the  regiment  left  for  Iuka  and  Corinth,  where  it  was  armed 
with  English  rifles.  May  28  the  regiment  left  Corinth  and  arrived  at  Tupelo  June  8. 
July  28  the  regiment  left  for  Chattanooga,  where  it  arrived  August  4.  At  Chattanooga 
the  army  was  reorganized,  and  the  Seventeenth  became  a part  of  Johnson’s  brigade,  of 
Buckner’s  division,  of  Hardee’s  corps.  It  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and  September 
16  assisted  in  the  capture  of  Munfordsville  with  its  garrison.  The  regiment  was  in  the 
severe  engagement  at  Perry ville,  October  8;  thence  the  regiment  Went  with  the  army  to 
Middle  Tennessee.  The  regiment  arrived  at  Murfreesboro  December  28,  and  was  assigned 
to  the  right  under  Gen.  Breckinridge.  In  the  three  days  of  terrible  battle  the  Seventeenth 
lost  heavily,  but  sustained  itself  gallantly.  It  then  fell  back  with  the  army  to  Tullahoma, 
where  it  remained  until  active  operations  began  again.  After  some  minor  movements  the 
Seventeenth  took  part  in  the  two  days’  battle  at  Chickamauga  on  the  19th  and  20th  of  Sep- 
tember, losing  145  men.  It  advanced  with  the  army  to  Chattanooga,  where  it  lay  till 
November  23,  when  Johnson’s  brigade,  to  which  it  belonged,  was  sent  with  Longstreet 
against  Knoxville.  November  29  the  Seventeenth  served  as  a supporting  column  to  Mc- 
Law  in  an  assault  upon  Fort  Loudon.  After  the  defeat  at  Knoxville  the  army  fell  back 
to  Rogersville  December  4.  The  regiment  remained  in  East  Tennessee  till  May,  1864, 
suffering  greatly  for  want  of  food  and  clothing.  In  March  the  regiment  was  asked  to  re- 
enlist,  and  to  a man  they  obeyed.  May  2 the  regiment  took  train  at  Abington,  Va.,  for 
Petersburg.  It  was  engaged  in  the  defense  of  Petersburg  and  Richmond  till  the  close  of 
the  war.  The  regiment  was  severely  engaged  at  Drury’s  Bluff  May  15  and  16,  1864.  Col. 
Floyd  was  killed  and  about  sixty  men  were  lost  in  this  engagement.  The  Seventeenth 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


89  a 

was  again  engaged  February  5,  1865,  at  Hatcher’s  Run.  Its  last  battle  was  fought  April 
2,  1865,  in  the  defense  of  Petersburg,  where  it  lost  half  its  numbers.  The  remnant  of  the 
regiment  was  surrendered  at  Appomattox  April  9,  1865. 

The  New  Hope  Company  (Eighth  Tennessee)  from  Marshall  County  was  commanded 
by  Capt.  J.  L.  Bryant.  The  lieutenants  were  J.  P.  Holland,  B.  B.  Bowers,  T.  F.  Brooks, 
with  T.  E.  Russell  orderly  sergeant.  A sketch  of  the  Eighth  Regiment  may  be  found  in 
the  State  history. 

The  Thirty-second  Regiment  was  commanded  by  Ed  Cook  as  colonel,  W.  P.  Moore, 
lieutenant-colonel,  and  W.  J.  Brownlow,  major.  On  the  re-organization  Ed  Cook  was  re- 
elected colonel;  William  P.  O’Neal,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  J.  P.  McGuire,  major.  The 
Thirty-second  was  represented  from  this  county  by  one  company,  of  which  William  P. 
O’Neal  was  captain,  and  Jasper  Smiley,  Calvin  Coffey  and  Frank  Hall  were  lieutenants. 
On  the  re-organization  Frank  Hall  became  captain,  Jasper  Smiley,  Calvin  Coffey  and 
J.  Sanford  lieutenants.  See  elsewhere  for  a history  of  the  Thirty-second  Regiment. 

One  company  from  Marshall  composed  of  101  men  was  sent  to  the  Forty-first 
Regiment,  This  company  was  known  as  the  Lewisburg  and  Cornersville  Company, 
The  company  officers  of  this  company  were  R.  G.  McClure,  captain;  J.  C.  Osborn,  J.  M, 
Yancleave  and  R.  P.  Robins,  lieutenants.  The  regimental  officers  at  first  were  Robert  Far- 
quaharson,  colonel;  R.  G.  McClure,  lieutenant-colonel,  and  T.  G.  Miller,  major.  On  re- 
organization Farquaharson  was  re-elected  colonel,  J.  D.  Tillman,  lieutenant-colonel,  and 
T.  G.  Miller,  major.  From  Camp  Trousdale  the  Forty-first  was  sent  to  Bowling  Green: 
thence  on  December  23d  to  Fort  Donelson,  where  it  was  captured  February  15,  1862. 
The  men  were  exchanged  at  Vicksburg  in  September  and  the  regiment  reorganized  at 
Clinton.  The  regiment  marched  and  counter-marched  through  Tennessee  and  northern 
Mississippi  till  January,  1863,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Port  Hudson.  On  May  2 it  was 
ordered  to  Jackson  to  avert  the  doom  overhanging  Pemberton  and  Vicksburg.  After  the 
fall  of  Vicksburg  it  was  ordered,  September  7,  to  Mobile.  It  did  guard  duty  on  the 
coast  for  a time,  but  was  ordered  up  to  Chickamauga  aud  again  joined  Johnston’s  army  at 
Dalton  in  May,  1864.  It  took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  till  the  fall  of  Atlanta;  thence 
was  ordered  into  Tennessee;  was  at  Franklin  and  Nashville  and  was  then  sent  to  North 
Carolina,  where  it  surrendered  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Its  brigade  commanders  were 
Bushrod,  Johnson,  Maney,  Gregg  and  Stjahl. 

There  were  three  companies  for  the  Fifty-third  Tennessee  Regiment  raised  in  this 
county — Companies  B,  E and  D.  Company  B was  raised  in  Lewisburg  and  vicinity. 
W.  B.  Holden  was  chosen  first  captain,  but  was  succeeded  by  W.  F.  Collins  as  captain  in 
1862.  The  lieutenants  of  this  company  were  J.  J.  Murray,  J.  M.  Hawkins  and  W.  M. 
Patterson.  This  company  at  first  numbered  about  eighty-five  men.  Company  E was 
raised  in  the  vicinity  of  Mooresville  and  Wilson  Hill.  I.  H.  Hills  was  chosen  the  first 
captain,  but  he  was  succeeded  by  S.  C.  Orr.  The  lieutenants  of  this  company  were  An- 
dre'w  Bryant,  Joseph  Anderson  and  George  W.  Moore.  Company  D was  raised  at  Cor- 
nersville by  T.  F.  Winston.  On  the  organization  of  the  regiment  Capt,  Winston  was 
chosen  lieutenant-colonel,  and  W.  H.  Wilkes  was  chosen  captain;  W.  P.  Lewis,  N.  L, 
Cauless  and  John  A.  Perry,  lieutenants.  On  reorganization  W.  P.  Lewis  was  made  cap- 
tain; N.  L.  McCauless,  John  A.  Perry  and  E.  A.  McCollum,  lieutenants.  W.  II.  Wilkes 
was  elected  colonel  on  reorganization,  and  W.  B.  Holden,  major,  who  afterward  became 
colonel.  The  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  December  17,  1861.  It  was  engaged 
at  Fort  Donelson  Port  Hudson,  the  Vicksburg  and  the  Atlanta  campaigns.  It  took  an 
active  part  at  New  Hope  Church  and  at  the  poor  house  near  Atlanta;  at  the  last  engage- 
ment it  suffered  terribly.  The  regiment  was  in  Hood’s  advance,  participating  at  Franklin 
, and  Nashville.  After  this  disastrous  campaign  it  was  sent  to  North  Carolina,  where  it 
j surrendered  with  the  remnant  of  its  numbers. 

Company  A,  Baxter  Smith’s  Fourth  Cavalry,  was  organized  at  Nolensville,  Novem- 
ber 1,  1862,  and  was  sworn  into  service  soon  after.  The  company  officers  were  D.  W. 
Alexander,  captain;  W.  H.  McLean,  W.  C.  Green  and  R.  O.  McLean,  lieutenants.  This 


896 


HISTORY  OP  TENNESSEE. 


company  originally  consisted  of  107  men;  but  a remnant  was  left  at  tlie  close  of  tin 
war. 

Company  A,  Starnes’  Fourth  Tennessee  Regiment,  was  raised  by  Capt.  P.  C.  Haynes 
The  lieutenants  were  Aaron  Thompson,  J.  C.  CundifE  and  B.  F.  Boyd.  On  reorganization 
Capt.  Haynes  became  lieutenant-colonel,  and  Aaron  Thompson  was  promoted  to  the  cap 
taincy.  The  officers  of  Company  D of  this  regiment  were  D.  S.  McCullough,  captain 
Alfred  Dysart,  Monroe  Fisher  and  Dr.  McCullough,  lieutenants.  Alfred  Dysart,  who  had 
become  captain,  was  killed  at  Thompson  Station,  and  was  succeeded  by  W.  M.  Robinson. 
These  men  were  sworn  into  the  service  in  October,  1861,  and  were  assigned  duty  at  Camp 
Cheatham.  A full  account  of  this  regiment  is  to  be  found  in  the  State  history. 

There  were  three  companies  for  Marshall,  in  the  Eleventh  Cavalry.  One  company 
was  commanded  by  Capt.  T.  C.  H.  Miller,  with  E.  H.  Hamilton, — Rainey,  as  lieutenants. 
This  company  was  raised  north  of  Duck  River  and  was  composed  of  about  100  men.  The 
second  company  was  M.  M.  Swim’s  company.  The  commissioned  officers  were  M.  M. 
Swim,  captain;  James  Ferguson  and  James  Swim,  lieutenants.  These  men  were  also  en- 
listed in  the  northern  part  of  the  county.  A third  company  of  this  regiment  was  raised  at 
Cornersville,  by  Capt.  Gordon,  of  Giles  County.  The  last  named  company  was  made  up 
from  both  Marshall  and  Giles  Counties. 

The  last  company  raised  in  the  county  was  the  one  recruited  by  Capt.  E.  J.  Neil, 
This  company  was  raised  in  the  nothern  part  of  the  county  in  1864,  and  was  attached  to 
Col.  N.  W.  Carter’ regiment.  The  Eleventh,  above  mentioned,  was  surrendered  at  Washing- 
ton, Va.,  and  Col.  Carter’s  regiment  at  Selma,  Ala. 

It  is  a noticeable  fact  that  the  cavalry  and  infantry  forces  raised  in  this  county  were 
nearly  equal  in  number,  and  that  nearly  all  the  cavalry  was  from  the  northern  part  of  the 
country,  while  the  infantry  was  from  the  southern  part. 

On  April  19,  1861,  Capt.  T.  C.  H.  Miller  was  presented  with  an  elegant  flag,  by  the 
ladies  of  Chapel  Hill.  This  was  presented  by  the  hands  of  Miss  Narcissa  Wilhorte,  now 
the  wife  of  William  McLean,  of  Nashville.  Lieut.  J.  B.  Hunter,  made  an  appropriate  and 
impressive  response,  accepting  the  flag  on  behalf  of  the  company.  Capt.  Alexander’s  com- 
pany also  received  an  elegant  silk  flag,  which  was  presented  by  Miss  Anna  Patterson, 
while  the  men  were  en  route  for  Nashville.  J.  L.  Orr  made  a speech  accepting  the  flag, 
tendering  the  thanks  of  the  company,  and  pledging  their  lives  in  its  defense,  saying  it 
should  never  be  “ trailed  in  the  dust  of  dishonor.” 

By  the  act  of  the  Legislature,  creating  the  county,  Richard  Warner,  William  Smith, 
Holman  R.  Fowler,  George  W.  McBride  and  William  D.  Orr  were  appointed  commis- 
sioners to  select  and  procure  by  purchase  or  otherwise  not  less  than  fifty  acres  of  landD 
the  county  seat,  the  name  of  which  was  to  be  known  as  Lewisburg.  Abner  Houston  do- 
nated fifty  acres  where  the  town  now  stands,  and  thus  secured  its  location.  This  land 
was  estimated  to  be  worth  $400.  On  the  last  day  of  November  and  the  first  two  days  of 
December,  1836,  were  sold  149  lots  for  a sum  total  of  $22,861,  over  five  and  one-half 
times  the  estimated  value  of  the  whole  fifty  acres.  Lot  1,  Block  7,  was  purchased  byji 
Dale  & Phillips  for  $735,  being  the  highest  price  paid  for  any  one  lot.  Willis  M.  Hop- 
wood  paid  $700  for  Lot  6,  Block  5.  The  lowest  price  paid  was  $31. 

The  town  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  December  16,  1737. 

The  first,  business  establishment  of  any  kind  was  a small  grocery  opposite  where  Col. 
J.  H.  Lewis  now  lives.  Abner  Houston  was  the  first  merchant  to  sell  a general  line  of 
goods.  Hopwood,  Dabney  & Co.  opened  up  a store  on  the  south  end  of  the  east  side  of 
the  Square  in  the  spring  of  1837.  In  about  two  years  R.  C.  Dabney,  one  of  the  firm,  re- 
tired, and  the  business  was  continued  by  Willis  M.  Hopwood  and  W.  F.  McGregor.  El 
Dysart,  Alexander  McClure,  Jack  Appleby,  Lorenzo  Anderson  and  Branson  Caple  were 
also  merchants  before  1840.  John  Hatchett  was  the  first  postmaster.  For  several  year- 
saloons  or  groceries  were  the  most  numerous  and  most  popular  business  establishment, 
and  it  is  said  that  at  one  time  there  were  not  less  than  a dozen  “ liquor  shops”  in  tin. 
t own. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


897 


In  the  forties  business  was  conducted  by  Abner  Houston,  Hopwood  & McGregoi, 
Fisher  & Ewing,  Hatchett  & Calahan,  John  Major,  James  Webb  and  Samuel  Ewing. 

In  the  fifties:  Fisher  & Ewing,  Hatchett  & Calahan,  John  Major,  James  Webb, 
Thomas  Murray,  Laws  & Son  and  Porter  & Davis,  among  others,  were  the  principal  mer- 
chants. A considerable  amount  of  business  was  transacted  in  those  days,  although  there 
were  but  a few  business  houses. 

During  the  war  business  was  almost  at  a standstill.  In  the  seventh  decade  the  firms 
which  did  a general  mercantile  trade  were  Ewing  & Calahan,  Ewing  & Bro.,  James 
Webb,  John  Major,  Thomas  Murray,  R.  A.  Fraley  and  Ewing  & Boren. 

In  the  seventies  Thomas  Murray,  Ewing  & Boren,  J.  M.  Hawkins,  W.  D.  Fisher  & 
'Co.,  Neil  & Dark,  J.  K.  Davis  & Co.,  M.  C.  West  & Co.,  Autry  & Braley  and  Montgom- 
ery Bros,  were  general  merchants.  Druggists  were  S.  D.  & J.  C.  C.  Brents,  Hardison, 
Brents  & Murray,  Elliott  & Cunningham,  J.  A.  Braley  and  P.  L.  Atkisson.  Furniture 
dealers  and  undertakers  were  J.  M.  & J.  H.  Haynes  and  W.  H.  Wood.  Nearly  all  the 
general  merchants  kept  groceries.  , 

Since  the  building  of  the  railroad  to  Lewisburg,  business  has  rapidly  and  firmly  in- 
reased;  elegant  brick  blocks  have  been  built,  and  it  favorably  compares  with  other 
:owns  of  a larger  population.  Present  business,  general  merchandising,  etc. — Y.  O. 
Hays,  Ewing  & Adams,  J.  M.  Hawkins  and  J.  M.  Brown;  groceries — J.  E.  McRady, 
Woods  & McCord,  J.  H.  Wells,  J.  M.  Brown,  J.  T.  Kercheval,  C.  C.  McKinney  & Son, 
W.  W.  Miller,  W.  P.  Irvine,  G.  R.  Braley  and  T.  C.  Beard;  drugs — J.  A.  Braley  and  T. 
C.  Black;  hardware — Hardison  & Tate;  hardware  and  grain — Woods  & McCord,  and 
Coffee,  Woods  & Co.;  stoves  and  tinware — T.  P.  Garrett;  saddlery — Willis  Menifee  & 
ho. , jewelry — John  T.  Murray;  photographer — J.  M.  Patterson;  livery — George  W.  Davis 
tnd  Davis  & London;  blacksmith  and  wood  shop — London  & Knudson;  blacksmiths — 
lohn  W.  Hooten,  W.  J.  Looney  & Co.  and  W.  C.  Buchanan;  tan-yard — W.  A.  Braley; 
ilaning-mill — G.  A.  McClane;  flouring-mill — Coffee,  Woods  & Co.;  general  produce — A. 
C.  Brents;  buggies,  etc.,  Irvine  & Black;  marble  works — W.  H.  Merritt;  hotels — A.  B. 
hetwell  (Stetwell  House),  and  Coffey  Bros.  & Hardison  (Coffey  House);  saloons— G.  W. 
Davis,  J.  T.  Edwards,  J.  M.  Collins  and  Hendricks  & Edwards;  physicians — Drs.  S.  T. 
Hardison,  J.  B.  Neil  and  T.  E.  Reed;  dentist — P.  D.  Houston;  newspapers — in  1847  the 
Marshall  Democrat  was  commenced  by  Charles  A.  French,  which  was  of  short  dura- 
ion.  The  publication  of  the  Lewisburg  Gazette,  by  R.  C.  Russ,  was  begun  in  1848, 
md  continued  about  two  years.  Another  paper,  known  as  the  Marshall  Messenger,  was 
published  for  a short  time  by  Sewell  c%  Bills.  In  1859  the  first  number  of  the  Southern 
Messenger  was  published.  It  existed  until  the  war,  and  its  various  editors  and  publishers 
vere  J.  H.  Sewell  & Co.,  R.  Warner,  Jr.,  and  J.  W.  Ivuight,  and  Jo.  G.  Carrigau  & Co. 
n the  campaign  of  1860  this  paper  was  “an  out-and-out  Breckinridge  sheet.”  In  the  ab- 
sence of  Mr.  Carrigan,  the  editor,  for  a few  weeks,  it  was  left  under  the  editorial  care  of 
Y.  N.  Cowden,  who  changed  its  cast  and  began  supporting  Douglas,  to  the  deep  regret 
)f  Mr.  Carrigan,  but  with  an  increased  patronage. 

The  Marshall  Gazette  was  established  in  1871  by  Figures,  Binford  & Brandon.  In 
873  it  was  purchased  by  Ewing,  Armstrong  & Kercheval,  and  in  a short  time  Ewing  & 
lereheval  became  sole  proprietors.  They  continue  to  manage  it  successfully.  From 
March,  1881,  to  July,  1883,  the  Lewisburg  News  was  published  by  Cowden  & Reed  the 
irst  month,  and  afterward  by  Cowden  & Moss. 

The  Bank  of  Lewisburg  was  organized  November  7,  1882,  with  a capital  stock  of 
,'30,000.  J.  N.  Sullivan  was  the  first  president,  and  T.  W.  Brents  the  first  cashier.  R.  S. 
Montgomery  was  the  second  president,  and  in  a short  time  was  succeeded  by  R.  L.  Adams 
n September,  1885.  Brents  was  succeeded  by  J.  T.  Dean,  who  has  been  cashier  since 
September,  1885,  at  which  time  the  capital  was  reduced  to  $20,000.  The  bank  has  a 
tated  surplus  of  $4,000. 

The  secret  societies  of  Lewisburg  are  as  follows:  Lewisburg  Lodge,  No.  7,  I.  O.  O. 
i'.,  was  chartered  August  18,  1845,  by  the  following  members:  Wilson  P.  Davis,  W.  F. 


S98 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


McGreg'or,  Brandon  W.  Cowden,  Charles  C.  Shehan,  Levi  Cochran,  S.  B.  Ewing,  James 
Beckett  and  James  Smith.  It  now  has  a membership  of  forty-four.  Dillakunty  Lodse, 
No.  112,  F.  & A.  M.,  was  instituted  October  8,  1845.  John  W.  Laws  was  Master;  George 
W.  Record,  Senior  Warden,  and  F.  W.  King,  Junior  Warden.  Lewisburg  Lodge.  No. 
270,  K.  of  FI.,  was  authorized  to  organize  by  a charter  dated  September  5,  1876.  The 
charter  members  were  C.  A.  Armstrong,  W.  P.  Bullock,  A.  N.  Coffey,  J.  J.  Murray,  J.  S. 
Nolen,  R.  C.  Rives,  H.  H.  Smith,  R.  Warner,  Jr.,  and  J.  A.  Yarbrough.  Magnolia 
Lodge,  No.  152,  Iv.&  L.  of  H.,  began  with  thirty-four  members  in  1880.  The  I.  0.  G T. 
also  have  a lodge. 

Lewisburg  has  four  churches,  owned  respectively  by  the  Presbyterians,  Cumberland 
Presbyterians,  Methodists  and  Christians.  The  Christian  Church  is  a fine  brick  building. 
The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  built  in  connection  with  the  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  is 
also  brick.  The  other  two  are  good  frame  edifices. 

Cornersville  received  its  name  from  the  fact  that  it  was  located  near  the  corners  of 
Bedford,  Lincoln,  Giles  and  Maury  Counties.  The  first  merchandising  was  done  by 
Thompson  & Wardlaw  as  early  as  1815  or  1818.  After  them  an  Irishman  named  Covan 
try  did  business  one  year  on  the  “credit  basis”  and  failed.  James  Haynes  was  among 
the  very  first  to  sell  goods.  Ephraim  Massey,  Bayne  & Simmons  and  Crutcher  & Marsh 
were  merchants  before  1835.  In  1839  Zenas  Baird  began  merchandising,  and  in  1848  was 
succeeded  by  his  son,  W.  E.  Baird,  who  still  continues  the  trade.  McClelland  & Harris. 
James  Moffett  and  John  N.  Patrick  were  prominent  merchants  after  1839. 

Present  business:  W.  E.  Baird,  James  F.  Kennedy  and  L.  J.  Nance  are  general  mer- 
chants; John  R.  Jones,  A.  C.  Clayton  & Co.  and  John  R.  Fowler  keep  family  groceries; 
Dr.  E.  A.  Norton  is  the  druggist;  the  physicians  are  Drs.  L.  C.  Pillow,  A.  Jones,  E.  A. 
Norton  and  M.  D.  Kelley;  the  town  contains  but  one  saloon,  owned  by  W.  P.  Cochran. 
The  Cornersville  Flouring-Mill,  owned  by  Clayton,  Davis  & Co.,  was  built  in  1883,  and 
is  now  receiving  roller  process  improvements.  The  Presbyterians,  Cumberland  Presby- 
terians and  Methodists  each  have  church  edifices.  The  Mount  Vernon  Lodge,  No.  25, 1. 

0.  O.  F.,  was  chartered  April  1,  1847.  It  now  has  not  more  than  ten  members  in  good 
standing.  Cornersville  Lodge,  No.  126,  F.  & A.  M.,  has  about  thirty  members.  The  E, 
of  H.  also  have  a lodge. 

Chapel  Hill  is  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  county.  W.  S.  Mayfield  sold  goods 
there  about  1838  or  1840.  After  him  J.  B.  Fulton  did  a large  business  for  many  years. 
Other  merchants  have  been  E.  T.  Williams  and  Williams  & Glenn.  At  present  the  mer- 
chants are  William  Branson  and  W.  B.  Glenn.  John  Williams  has  a drug  store.  Chapel 
Hill  Lodge,  No.  160,  F.  & A.  M.,  was  chartered  in  1848  or  1849,  and  is  now  in  a good 
financial  condition.  The  Odd  Fellows  once  had  a lodge.  The  village  contains  three 
church  buildings,  owned,  respectively,  by  the  Christians,  Methodists  and  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  orders. 

The  physicians  are  Drs.  Womack,  A.  B.  Robinson  and  J.  W.  Morton.  Earlier  phy- 
sicians have  been  J.  H.  Robinson  and  J.  S.  Gentry. 

Farmington  is  said  to  be  the  oldest  town  in  the  State  south  of  Duck  River.  It  wr 
not  incorporated,  however,  until  1830,  but  as  early  as  1809  several  settlements  were  made 
so  near  together  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  a village.  It  has  many  years  since  given 
rap  its  charter.  Its  name  was  derived  from  its  being  a “town  of  farmers,”  or  being  in  a 
splendid  farming  region.  From  1823  to  1830  Eakin  & Co.  did  a good  business,  and  in 
1830  William  J.  Whitthorne  began  merchandising.  John  Ramsey  managed  the  business 
for  these  firms  from  1828  to  about  1835.  Lile  A.  Ewing  and  William  and  Abram  Robin- 
son were  successful  merchants  before  the  war.  Since  then  Hoyle  & Carpenter,  Boren  Ar 
Erwin,  Carpenter  & Montgomery  and  Neil  & Shearin  have  done  busines.  At  present 
John  Ramsey  & Son  and  Robinson  & Liggett  are  general  merchants.  W.  C.  Ransom  is 
the  practicing  physician.  John  Ramsey  has  lived  at  Farmington  since  1823,  and  is  now 
ninety  years  old. 

Verona,  first  known  as  Tyrone,  began  its  village  life  in  1859.  However,  J.  L.  Ewing  : 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


899 


had  a store  and  mill  there  forty  years  ago.  Since  a short  time  after  the  war  it  has  been 
known  as  Verona,  Merchants  have  been  Houston  & Stilwell,  Fisher  & Robinson,  H.  C. 
McQuiddy  and  Borean  & Bro.,  the  last  two  of  whom  are  now  there.  A flouring-mill  is 
owned  by  Regen  & Bro.  The  village  contains  a saddlery,  a blacksmith  and  wood 
shop  and  two  churches. 

Belfast  is  the  first  station  on  the  railroad  southeast  of  Lewisburg.  Muse  Bros,  were 
the  first  merchants  in  1888.  Others  were  Robert  Williams  and  Smiley  & Armstrong.  J. 
L.  Orr  and  James  Sims  are  the  business  men  at  present.  At  “Old  Belfast,”  Robert  Will- 
iams had  a store  for  many  years  but  it  was  moved  to  the  station  when  the  railroad  was 
built. 

Caney  Spring  has  two  stores,  one  blacksmith  shop  and  a carding  factory.  A Meth- 
odist Church  is  located  near.  Caney  Spring  Lodge,  No.  94  was  in  existence  in  1858.  The 
trustees  were  William  McLean,  J.  W.  Carson,  J.  M.  Taylor,  J.  King,  and  W.  S.  Allen. 

Holt’s  Corner,  a small  village  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  county,  has  two 
stores,  a blacksmith  shop,  two  cotton  gins,  a Methodist  Church  and  an  academy. 

Spring  Place  has  been  a village  for  [many  years.  Since  about  1875  the  postoffice  has 
been  known  by  the  name  of  Archer.  It  is  located  on  the  headwaters  of  Richmond  Creek. 
Archer  Beasley  has  a store  and  McBride  & Compton  have  a saw  and  grist-mill. 

South  Berlin  dates  its  beginning  with  the  building  of  the  railroad.  It  began  with 
one  store  owned  by  W.  A.  Jackson  and  a blacksmith  shop,  and  has  succeeded  in  “hold- 
ing its  own.”  Old  Berlin,  which  was  near  where  South  Berlin  now  is,  was  a good  busi- 
ness village  and  was  once  incorporated  before  the  war.  It  does  not  now  exist. 

Mooresville  was  a good  business  village  before  the  war.  S.  B.  Howlett  was  a very 
successful  merchant  for  about  forty  years.  William  Bryant,  now  there,  has  been  a mer- 
chant for  many  years.  The  place  took  its  name  from  Ashley  Moore  who  lived  there  in 
early  days. 

Silver  Greek,  a railroad  station  at  the  Maury  County  line,  has  a store  kept  by  R.  C. 
Harris,  and  a blacksmith  shop  by  W.  N.  Hammonds. 

Rich  Creek,  located  between  Chapel  Hill  and  Farmington,  has  two  merchants — J.  W. 
Boren  and  D.  A.  Reavis.  There  are  several  country  stores  in  the  county  known  by  the 
following  names:  Robinson  Fork,  New  Hope,  Lunn’s  Store,  Beasley,  Delina,  Lillard’s 
Mills  and  Cochran’s  Mill.  The  mill  at  the  last  mentioned  place  was  built  by  Levi  Coch- 
ran. It  is  a saw  and  grist-mill.  Lillard’s  is  a flouring-mill. 

The  Lewisburg  Male  Academy  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  January 
18,  1838,  by  James  C.  Record,  G.  W.  Haywood,  William  McClure,  B.  G.  Blackwell,  Will- 
iam Williams,  H.  B.  Kelsey,  Stephen  C.  Chitwood  and  David  McGaughey.  The  house 
was  a two-story  brick  building  and  stood  on  the  lot  now  owned  by  Richard  Warner.  The 
lot  on  which  the  academy  stood  was  donated  by  the  town  commissioners.  This  was  the 
principal  school  for  boys  until  the  opening  of  the  war.  The  Female  Academy  originated 
in  about  the  same  manner  as  the  Male  Academy.  The  first  building  was  a one-story  frame 
structure,  of  two  rooms*  This  school  supplied  the  wants  of  the  county  till  it  was  closed 
by  the  war.  Marshall  Academy  was  established  February  5,  1842,  under  the  law  provid- 
ing for  county  seminaries.  The  trustees  of  Marshall  Academy  were  J.  C.  Record,  George 
W.  Haywood,  James  Osborn,  Levi  Cochran,  Thomas  Ross,  Benjamin  Williams  and  John 
Paxton.  The  trustees  were  made  perpetual  by  law,  as  in  the  above  institutions.  Mar- 
shall Academy  never  fulfilled  the  expectations  of  its  friends. 

The  two  academies  at  Lewisburg  were  sold  and  the  Lewisburg  Institute  erected  in  their 
stead  in  1875.  The  building  erected  was  a three-story  brick,  but  the  walls  threatening  to 
give  way,  the  upper  story  was  taken  down  and  a two-story  building  made  of  it.  The 
first  trustees  were  W..  G.  Loyd,  R.  A.  Ogilvie,  Joe  McBride,  James  A.  Woods  and  W.  R. 
Kercheval.  The  school  was  managed  as  a Masonic  institution.  The  building  was  pur- 
chased by  Rev.  C.  R.  Darnell,  who  conducted  a school  in  the  building  until  his  death. 
The  school  next  became  a joint-stock  concern,  and  a school  was  conducted  in  it  till  1882, 
when  the  building  was  burned.  In  1883  a new  two-story  frame  building  was  erected. 


900 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


This  is  also  a stock  concern  and  is  managed  by  Prof.  J.  B.  Haynes,  county  superintend- 
ent. This  is  managed  as  a consolidated  school  so  long  as  the  public  funds  hold  out.  The 
school  is  divided  into  three  departments:  literary,  music  and  art.  The  faculty  embraces 
J.  B.  Haynes,  A.  B.,  principal;  W.  W.  McLean,  B.  S.,  Miss  Emma  Kercheval  and  Miss 
May  F.  Whitsitt,  assistants  in  the  literary  department;  Mrs.  Fannie  Brown,  music;  Miss 
Sallie  Cayce,  art.  The  curriculum  embraces  a course  of  ten  years  and  includes  the  sci- 
ences and  the  ancient  and  modern  languages. 

The  report  of  the  scholastic  population  for  that  year  shows  the  whites  to  amount  to 
3,874,  the  colored  to  1,623;  total  5,497.  The  number  enrolled  3,000,  the  number  in  attend- 
ance 2,250.  The  total  number  of  white  teachers  employed  46,  the  colored  11;  total  of  both 
57.  The  State  fund  for  the  same  year  was  $2,564,  county,  $8,006.73;  total,  $10,570.73 
The  report  for  1883  gives  a male  white  population  of  2,597;  female,  2,597;  total,  4,943 
Colored  male,  837;  female,  1,615;  grand  total,  6,558.  The  last  report  shows  a white  male 
population  of  2,861;  female,  2,646;  total,  5,507.  Colored  male,  979;  female,  905;  total,  1,884: 
grand  total,  7,341.  The  same  report  shows  an  enrollment  of  5,849,  or  over  787.  The 
number  of  days  of  school  is  97 ; the  average  compensation  for  teachers  per  month,  $36.38. 
The  total  number  of  schoolhouses  in  the  county  is  38.  The  number  of  schools  in  the 
county  is  85.  In  these  are  employed  84  white  and  20  colored  teachers.  The  estimated 
value  of  school  property  is  $14,053.  The  expense  for  running  the  schools  for  1885-86, includ- 
ing repairs  on  buildings,  teachers  salaries,  etc.,  was  $12,503.18.  Superintendent  Haynes 
has  prepared  a manual  of  rules  and  regulations  and  a course  of  study  for  the  public  schools, 
which  is  a well  studied  work  and  is  destined  to  materially  aid  the  county  teachers  in  their 
work.  The  sentiment  and  the  schools  of  Marshall  have  a tendency  onward  and  upward. 

Consolidated  schools  are  found  in  most  all  the  towns  and  villages  of  the  county;  in  ad- 
dition to  these  schools  being  consolidated  schools,  the  most  of  them  are  incorporated 
under  the  “four  mile  law.”  Enough  have  been  incorporated  to  drive  saloons  from  the 
county  except  in  Lewisburg  and  Cornersville,  which  are  operating  under  charters.  The 
Farmington  school  is  both  a consolidated  and  an  incorporated  school.  It  is  divided  into  a 
literary  and  music  department.  The  school  is  under  the  management  of  Prof.  M.  M. 
Gattis.  A consolidated  school  at  Cornersville  consists  of  a literary  and  music  course. 
The  Cornersville  schools  are  under  the  management  of  Prof.  Bridges.  The  schools  of 
Mooresville  are  also  consolidated  schools.  The  schools  are  divided  into  two  departments, 
a literary  and  a music  department.  The  literary  department  employs  two  teachers  and 
the  music  one.  The  principal  of  the  Mooresville  schools  is  W.  W.  McLean.  At  both 
Verona  and  Belfast  are  consolidated  schools,  having  the  two  usual  courses  and  each  re- 
quiring three  teachers.  The  principal  of  the  former  is  Prof.  Luttelow  and  of  the  latter 
Prof.  John  Green.  The  public  school  system  was  first  put  into  operation  in  1874. 

The  church  known  as  Wilson  Hill  or  Globe  Creek  Church,  was  organized  in  1811 
They  were  formerly  known  as  the  “Schismatics.”  Here  was  held  the  first  and  only 
camp-meeting  by  the  Christians  in  the  county.  In  1844  the  membership  of  Wilson 
Hill  was  136,  including  35  heads  of  families  and  12  servants.  The  ^ministers  at  that  time 
were  Revs.  Barrett  and  McCord;  the  elders  A.  Lavender  and  H.  Phillips;  the  deacons, 
John  Wilson  and  J.  Robbins.  This  church  has  had  a prosperous  existence,  but  was 
greatly  injured  for  the  time  being  by  the  J.  R.  Collinsworth  defection.  The  Year  Book 
for  1885  gives  P.  Q.  Houston  as  one  of  the  elders,  the  church  membership  at  100,  the 
number  of  Sabbath-school  pupils  at  50,  the  number  of  teachers  and  officers  6,  and  the 
value  of  church  property  at  $1,000.  The  Cedar  Creek  Church  was  organized  in  June, 
1841.  In  a few  years  the  membership  was  101,  and  in  1844  it  numbered  19  males,  16  heads 
of  families  and  3 servants.  The  house  was  erected  in  1844,  with  Brother  McCord  as 
pastor,  Joshua  and  Joel  Hardison  and  John  Fox,  elders;  J.  Beard  and  S.  L.  Hardison 
were  the  deacons.  A new  church  has  since  been  built  within  the  limits  of  Maury  County, 
called  Antioch,  which  has  taken  the  place  of  Cedar  Creek. 

According  to  an  authority  at  hand,  what  is  now  Cane  Creek  was  separated  from  the 
association  of  United  Baptists  in  1823;  another  authority  has  it  much  later.  The  mem- 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


901 


bership  in  1844  was  126.  Monthly  meetings  were  held  till  1839,  when  semi-monthly- 
meetings  were  held.  On  the  expulsion  of  Rev.  Willis  Hepwood  all  the  heads  of  families, 
except  John  England  and  John  Blackwell,  left  the  church,  the  whole  numbering  nearly 
500.  The  members  followed  Hepwood  and  built  a new  church,  called  Liberty,  about  one- 
half  mile  from  the  old  church.  A great  revival  was  held  at  Liberty  in  1851,  by  Rev.  C. 
R.  Collinsworth,  at  which  there  were  156  members  added  to  the  church.  The  present 
membership  is  reported  at  80,  Sunday-school  scholars  30,  and  church  property  worth 
$1,000. 

A division  of  Liberty  Church  was  made  in  1841,  and  Cane  Creek  organized 
with  45  members  and  a new  church  erected.  The  membership  of  Cane  Creek  is  200, 
Sunday-school  pupils  60,  and  church  property  is  worth  $2,500.  In  1840  there  were 
between  30  and  40  members  on  Tory  Creek  with  no  house  of  worship,  bi  t these  have 
united  at  Beech  Grove  or  elsewhere  since  and  a new  house  erected  at  Beech  Grove.  In 
1828  a church  was  organized  at  Berea,  near  Chapel  Hill,  by  Rev.  J.  K.  Speer.  The 
church  soon  became  quite  strong,  numbering  at  one  time  120  members.  Among  the  lead- 
ing members  and  officers  were  J.  Biddington,  J.  Patton,  H.  Wilson,  J.  M.  Barnes  and  J. 
A.  Manire.  The  two  last  named  managed  a church  school  for  a time  at  Berea.  Owing 
to  the  overflow  of  the  river  the  membership  was  changed  to  Old  Lasea  and  Cedar  Creek. 
The  church  at  Lewisburg  was  organized  in  1836,  and  in  eight  years  the  membership 
numbered  136.  The  first  elders  were  J.  McCord,  John  Harden  and  D.  B.  Bills;  the 
deacons  were  J.  Bills  and  E.  R.  Hoover.  The  first  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1845, 
a new  brick  house  is  now  building  in  Lewisburg  at  a cost  of  about  $4,000.  The  present 
membership  is  200. 

The  pioneer  denomination  of  Marshall  County  was  the  Presbyterian,  and  its  first 
church  was  Bethberei.  This  was  organized  June  1,  1810,  by  Rev.  Samuel  Findley,  of 
Kentucky,  with  the  following  members:  John,  Martha  and  Margaret  Dysart;  William  and 
Elizabeth  Anderson;  David  McCurdy;  John,  Eleanor  and  Elizabeth  Cummings;  Robert 
and  Nancy  Elliott;  Edward  Bryant;  John  and  Mary  Holmes;  John,  Phidellas,  James, 
Allen,  Rebecca  and  Mary  Leiper;  James  and  Mary  Coffey;  William  and  Ann  Say;  Hugh 
Cathey,  and  Francis  H.  Woods.  Two  of  these,  Mrs.  Mary  Holmes  and  Mrs.  Mary  Coffey, 
were  living  in  1860.  The  organization  sermon  was  preached  by  the  minister  while  stand- 
ing upon  a rock,  near  where  the  present  church  now  stands,  from  the  text  “Upon  this 
rock  I will  build  my  church,”  etc.  The  first  minister  was  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  who  served 
the  church  in  1811;  Andrew  Morrison  served  1812-13;  Thomas  J.  Hall,  1814-49;  George 
H.  Blair,  1849-53.  Revs.  Robert  Hardin,  Thomas  Stone,  W.  J.  Frierson  and  M.  S.  Ken- 
nedy have  completed  the  service  of  the  church  till  the  present  time,  except  intervals  of 
from  four  months  to  three  years.  The  ruling  elders  at  first  were  John  Dysart,  F.  H. 
Woods  and  Allen  Leiper.  The  first  church  was  made  up  from  members  -who  were  com- 
pelled to  travel  from  four  to  eight  miles  for  a place  of  worship.  The  total  number  of 
ministers  to  the  present  time  is  15;  the  number  of  ruling  elders,  34;  the  number  of 
deacons,  9;  clerks,  7;  number  of  members,  900;  sacramental  meetings,  150.  Allen  Leiper 
served  as  clerk  of  the  session  from  1810  to  1826;  John  Ramsey,  now  of  Farmington,  from 
1826  to  1848;  Lile  A.  Ewing,  from  1848  to  1853,  since  which  time  James  S.  Ewing  has  been 
clerk.  The  church  membership  started  with  28;  in  1815,  it  was  144;  in  1818,  it  numbered 
183.  A great  revival  occurred  in  1832,  which  resulted  in  about  eighty  accessions  to  the 
church.  Notwithstanding  the  number  that  had  been  separated  and  united  into  other 
churches,  this  congregation  still  numbers  about  125  members.  The  Presbyterians  started 
the  pioneer  Sunday-school  in  this  portion  of  the  county,  the  Rock  Creek  Sunday-school, 
or  Bethberei,  having  been  organized  in  1827.  Other  Sunday-schools  followed  at  Farming- 
ton,  Cedar  Creek,  Hopewell  and  Piedmont.  An  auxiliary  Bible  society  was  formed  by 
this  church  in  1815,  which  is  still  in  existence.  This  church  was  the  founder  of  the  first 
temperance  society  in  1832,  within  the  limits  of  this  county.  Bethberei  has  paid  to  its 
pastors  an  aggregate  of  $17,000;  to  missions,  Bible  cause,  educational  purposes,  etc.,  a 
total  of  $23,000,  making  a sum  of  $40,000  for  all  purposes.  In  June,  1860,  the  church 


902 


HISTORY  OF  TENNESSEE. 


celebrated  its  fiftieth  anniversary  by  a sermon  from  Rev.  F.  A.  Ross,  and  in  June,  1885, 
its  seventy-fifth  anniversary,  the  anniversary  sermon  having  been  preached  by  Rev.  F.  A. 
Thompson.  In  1828  there  were  churches  at  Piedmont,  or  Round  Hill,  Hopewell,  or 
Bethel,  also  flourishing  Sunday-schools  at  each  of  these  places,  as  well  as  at  Farmington 
and  Cedar  Creek.  The  first  members  at  Round  Hill,  or  Piedmont,  were  Frank  Woods, 

James  Coffey,  Ramsey,  Albert  Anderson,  David  McCleary,  Bedford  Woods,  John 

Miller  and  others.  The  elders  at  Bethel  were  Robert  Orr,  L.  D.  Stockton,  Alex  Adams, 
Allen  Coffey  and  Amzi  Bradshaw.  The  two  churches  above  mentioned  were  known  as 
the  Old  and  the  New  School,  but  about  1866  or  1867  the  two  were  again  united  and  formed 
what  is  now  “Union  Church.”  The  Rev.  P.  A.  Atkisson  is  pastor.  This  church,  like  all 
of  the  Presbyterian  Churches,  maintain  a weekly  Sunday-school  and  prayer  meeting.  Its 
membership  now  is  about  125. 

The  church  at  Lewisburg  was  organized  in  June,  1847,  by  Rev.  Edward  McLean  with 
seven  members,  viz.:  Dr.  S.  W.  Penn  and  wife,  G.  B.  Black,  E.  E.  Ewing  and  wife,  Jane 
Ewing,  Hugh  A.  Hall  and  wife.  Dr.  Penn  and  Messrs.  Hall  and  Black  were  ordained 
elders.  The  ministers  have  been  E.  T.  Brantley,  1848-49;  George  H.  Blair,  1850-52;  W. 
C.  Dunlap,  1852-53;  Robert  Hardin,  1854-59;  W.H.Verner.  1859-70;  W.  T.  Roser,  1870-72; 
J.  M.  Alexander  1872-75;  J.  T.  Rothrock,  1877-80;  M.  S.  Kennedy,  1880  to  present.  There 
have  been  ten  elders;  those  now  living  are  J.  L.  Reed,  J.  S.  Ewing,  A.  L.  Ewing,  J.  L. 
Marshall,  J.  A.  Woods  and  T.  C.  Black.  The  church  now  has  four  deacons  and  a mem- 
bership of  about  100.  The  church  at  Cornersville  is  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  M.  S.  Ken- 
nedy, who  also  preaches  for  the  church  at  Lewisburg. 

The  pioneer  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  in  Marshall  County  is  Bear  CreekChurch. 
near  Mooresville.  This  church  was  organized  in  1814  by  Rev.  Samuel  King.  This  was  soon 
after  the  separation  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  from  the  Primitive  Church. 
The  first  house  erected  was  a log  building.  The  present  brick  building  was  erected  about 
1860.  This  is  one  of  the  strongest  congregations  in  the  county.  It  now  numbers  about 
240  members.  The  church  at  Farmington  was  organized  in  1818  by  some  elders  and  lay- 
members,  who  were  seceders  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Bethberei.  This  organ- 
ization soon  erected  a house  of  worship.  They  now  have  a good  house  and  a member- 
ship of  about  100.  A Sunday-school  has  been  maintained  since  1828-  The  present  pas- 
tor is  Rev.  J.  D.  Braley.  Beech  Hill  is  one  of  the  old  churches.  It  was  organized  about 
1840.  The  church  is  served  by  Rev.  J.  N.  Holt  from  Eagleville.  The  membership  is 
about  seventy.  The  Richland  Church  was  organized  about  1836  by  Rev.  Andrew  Smith 
Among  the  first  members  were  Richard  McCrea,  Henry  Bishop,  Moses  Park  and  others. 
The  membership  now  is  about  150,  with  A.  F.  Rankin  as  pastor.  The  Cornersville 
Church  was  organized  about  1830.  Among  the  first  members  were  Capt.  W.  Harris,  Esc., 

James  Hayes  and  Park.  One  of  the  first  pastors  was  Rev.  H.  B.  Warner.  This 

church  now  has  a good  house  of  worship  and  a membership  of  about  sixty.  Rev.  W.  A. 
Bridges  is  the  present  pastor.  The  Bethlehem  Church  near  Berlin  was  organized  be- 
tween 1850  and  1860  by  R.  P.  Atkisson.  The  church  now  numbers  about  fifty  members 
and  owns  a good  house,  with  Rev.  A.  F.  Rankin  as  pastor.  The  Chapel  Hill  Church  was 
organized  in  1856.  It  owns  a good  brick  house  and  has  a membership  of  about  eighty. 

The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  at  Lewisburg  was  organized  May  29,  1841,  by 
Rev.  Willis  Burgess,  who  continued  to  labor  with  the  church  till  1849.  The  first  elders  were 
Elisha  Hurt,  William  D.  Fisher  and  James  M.  Bowden.  Rev.  N.  P.  Modrall,  became  pas- 
tor and  served  from  1849  to  1855;  L.  P.  Atkisson,  1855-58  W.  W.  Hendricks,  1858-60;  P L 
Atkisson,  1860-66;  S.  E.  Wilson,  1866-69;  S.  O.  Woods,  1869-72;  J.  M.  Brown,  1878  to  the 
present. 

The  church  had  seventeen  elders  since  its  organization,  tlie  present  ones  being  Jo 
McBride,  M.  C.  West,  R.  A.  McCord  and  J.  B.  Haynes.  A brick  house  of  worship  was 
•erected  sometime  after  organization.  This  building  is  still  in  a good  state  of  preservation 
.and  is  still  in  use  by  the  church.  This  congregation  has  had  a quiet  but  steady  growth 
since  its  organization. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


903 


Since  its  reorganization,  in  1866,  the  register  shows  an  enrollment  of  194  members. 
The  Cumberland  Presbyterians  were  among  the  pioneer  churches  to  hold  camp-meetings. 
Two  noted  camp  grounds  of  this  church  were  Rich  Creek  and  at  Col.  Levi  Cochran’s. 

The  date  of  the  organization  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  is  not  exactly 
known,  but  it  was  in  the  early  part  of  the  century.  The  class  was  first  organized  at  Carmel, 
where  a house  was  erected  and  worship  held  for  many  years,  when  the  class  was  moved  to 
Lewisburg.  The  class  has  been  at  Lewisburg  for  half  a century.  The  class  at  Lewisburg 
belongs  to  the  same  circuit  as  Cornersville,  and  has  a membership  of  about  seventy-five. 
Tlie  present  church  at  Cornersville  was  built  in  1877,  the  trustees  at  that  time  were  N.  L. 
McLelland,  A.  W.  Johnson,  A.  Jones,  George  T.  Allman  and  J.  A.  Jarrett.  The  parson- 
age for  this  church  and  the  one  at  Lewisburg  is  located  at  Cornersville. 

The  church  at  Chapel  Hill  was  founded  by  Andrew  Patterson  between  1840-50.  The 
church  was  erected  in  1847.  Lebanon  is  another  one  of  the  old  churches  of  Marshall 
County,  The  church  at  that  place  was  erected  in  1844.  There  are  also  churches  at  Berlin, 
Farmington,  Yerona,  New  Hope,  Macedonia,  Allen’s  Chapel,  McCrary,  Mooresville, 
Mount  Zion  and  Gill’s  Chapel.  The  Methodist  Church  was  long  celebrated  for  holding 
camp-meetings  and  camp-meeting  revivals.  One  of  the  old  camp  grounds  was  near  Lewis- 
burg. 

The  Primitive  Baptists  have  three  churches  in  Marshall  County.  This  respectable 
body  of  the  militant  was' among  the  pioneer  organizations  in  the  county.  There  are  now 
churches  at  Rich  Creek,  Stephen’s  Grove  and  Chapel  Hill.  The  church  at  Rich  Creek 
was  organized  about  1885-36;  the  present  building  was  erected  in  1871.  The  membership 
•numbers  about  100.  Good  houses  of  worship  have  been  erected  at  each  of  the  other 
churches. 

The  Missionary  Baptists  are  represented  in  the  county  by  churches  at  Smyrna,  Pisgah 
and  one  on  the  Mooresville  Pike  near  Col.  John  Hill’s.  These  are  old  churches  and  have 
a large  membership. 


904 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


JAMES  F.  AGNEW  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  February  16,  1889,  and  is  the 
son  of  John  Agnew,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  October,  1804.  The  father  began  work- 
ing for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty,  and  was  a shoe-maker  by  trade.  He  followed  this 
for  fifteen  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in  farming.  In  1827  he  took  for  his  second  wife 
Catherine  Mitchell,  who  bore  him  eight  children,  our  subject  being  one  of  them.  His 
first  wife  bore  him  two  children:  William  and  Sarah,  but  died  shortly  after  the  birth  of 
Sarah.  The  second  wife  died  July  30,  1883.  She  was  a good  wife  and  mother,  and  her 
death  was  universally  regretted,  as  also  was  the  death  of  her  husband,  John  Agnew,  who 
followed  her  May  28,  1884.  They  were  both  worthy  members  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church.  The  father  of  John  Agnew  was  also  of  the  same  name.  He  was 
born  in  Ireland,  was  a shoe-maker  by  trade,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  Our 
subject  remained  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-four  years  of  age,  when  he  began  farm- 
ing for  himself.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Third  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry, 
and  was  in  the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson.  He  was  captured  at  the  latter  place,  but  was 
afterward  released.  He  was  again  captured  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  where  he  remained  a 
prisoner  for  some  time,  but  at  last  was  exchanged  and  paroled,  and  came  home.  Sep- 
tember 18,  1862,  he  married  Manda  P.  Turner,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  December  20, 
1843,  and  the  daughter  of  William  and  M.  C.  (Candle)  Turner.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Agnew 
were  born  three  children:  Effie  D.,  born  December  5,  1864;  Rufus  F.,  born  February  2, 
1867,  and  Addie  C.,  born  February  23,  1870.  Our  subject  is  a successful  farmer,  and  he 
and  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics. 

ALFRED  N.  AKIN,  clerk  of  the  Maury  County  Courts,  was  born  in  this  county 
February  25,  1841,  son  of  Samuel  W.  and  Eliza  C.  (Alexander)  Akin,  natives,  respectively, 
of  Williamson  and  Maury  Counties,  Tenn.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  resided  in  the 
Twenty-second  District  until  his  death  October  27, 1856.  He  was  magistrate  of  his  district 
a number  of  years  and  gained  some  celebrity  as  a skilled  mechanic  andinventor,  having  in- 
vented a corn  and  cotton  cultivator,  which  was  acknowledged  as  a very  superior  and  useful 
patent.  Alfred  N.  Akin  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  county,  and  began  mercantile 
life  as  a clerk  at  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  was  connected  with  the  quartermaster’s  depart- 
ment under  Gen.  Marcus  J.  Wright  during  the  war,  and  from  1866  to  1871  was  engaged 
in  mercantile  pursuits  in  Columbia.  He  held  the  position  of  teller  in  the  Rank  of  Colum- 
bia for  a time,  when  ill  health  compelled  him  to  abandon  business  entirely.  In  August, 
1874,  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  clerk  of  the  county  courts,  which  he  has  filled  faith- 
fully and  efficiently  by  re-election  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Akin  has  two  sons  by  Sarah 
Jones,  whom  he  married  August  29,  1867.  He  is  a Democrat  and  Mason  (Knight  Templar’s 
degree)  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  K.  of  H.  fraternities. 

JOHN  C.  ALEXANDER,  a prominent  and  time-honored  farmer,  was  born  in  tlii ' 
county  January  8, 1824, and  is  a son  of  Abdon  J.and  Eliza  E. (Campbell,)  Alexander, both  na- 
tives of  North  Carolina.  The  father  Abdon  was  born  July  4,  1798,  and  followed  the  vo- 
cation of  a farmer  and  stock  raiser.  He  died  October  1,  1868.  The  mother  died  in  1855. 
Eleazer  Alexander,  our  subject’s  paternal  grandfather,  was  born  November  23,  1763,  and 
was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county  coming  here  as  early  as  1808  and  settling  on  a 
tract  of  land  given  his  wife’s  brother,  Benjamin  Carter,  for  services  rendered  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  He  was  also  a neighbor  and  fast  friend  of  Ezekiel  Polk,  grandfather  of 
of  James  K.  Polk.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  remained  with 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


905 


his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  securing  a common  school  education. 
He  then  began  farming  and  during  the  war  was  engaged  in  making  boots  and  shoes.  De- 
cember 15,  1845,  he  married  Mary  W.  Sparkman,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn. 
They  have  six  children  by  this  union,  all  of  whom  are  living;  Sarah  R.,  Ross,  Laura  L., 
Enola  E.,  Caroline  H.  and  Mary  C.  In  1868  he  engaged  in  the  steam  saw-mill  business 
and  remained  in  this  business  for  nine  years.  He  then  returned  to  his  present  farm  where 
he  has  been  actively  engaged  ever  since.  Mr.  Alexander  and  family  are  leading  members 
of  the  Christian  Church  and  have  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  their  acquaintances. 

JOSEPH  W.  ALEXANDER,  merchant  and  citizen  of  Spring  Hill,  Maury  Co., 
Tenn.,  is  anative  of  this  State,  born  March  20,  1844, son  of  Randolph  and  Elizabeth  (Shar- 
ber)  Alexander,  natives,  respectively,  of  South  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Rutherford  County  and  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  in  the  above  named 
county.  In  1830  he  removed  to  Henry  County,  West  Tenn.,  where  he  resided  until 
his  death  which  occurred  in  1854.  The  mother  followed  in  1863.  Our  subject,  Joseph  W., 
was  reared  on  the  farm  and  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  at 
which  time  he  came  to  this  place  and  residing  with  his  uncle  attended  school.  In  1861  he 
enlisted  in  Company  E,  Third  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry,  serving  as  a high  private  un- 
til he  was  wounded  in  the  right  lung  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  July  14,  1863.  He  was  afterward 
put  on  post  duty  at  Selma,  Ala.,  and  was  captured  there  by  Wilson’s  troops.  He  was  pa- 
roled at  Selma  and  in  1865  returned  to  Spring  Hill,  where  he  attended  school  for  some 
time  and  received  a good  education.  In  1868  he  began  in  the  mercantile  business,  clerk- 
ing about  six  months.  After  moving  about  for  some  time  in  1872  he  established  his  pres- 
ent business.  December  12,  1873,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mattie  D.  Crump,  a 
native  of  this  State.  They  have  six  children,  Charley  R.,  Annie~L.,  Bessie  W.,  Joseph 
B.,  Blanch  and  Marcus  0.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Alexander  has  been  postmaster 
at  Spring  Hill  since  1878.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge,  a Democrat,  and  himself 
and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

MRS.  REBECCA  T.  AMIS,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn,,  was  born  in  1839,  and  is 
a daughter  of  Col.  Jonas  and  Martha  (Adkisson)  Thomas,  who  were  born  in  the  “Old  Do- 
minion.” The  father  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  and  became  an  eminent  lawyer 
and  politician.  He  represented  Maury  County  in  both  branches  of  the  State  Legislature, 
and  was  speaker  of  the  State  Senate  one  term,  and  as  a parliamentarian  had  no  superior. 
He  was  once  nominated  for  Congress,  but  owing  to  ill  health  was  compelled  to  withdraw 
from  the  race.  His  demise  occurred  August  3,  1856.  The  mother  died  January  14,  1870. 
Mrs.  Amis,  our  subject,  was  married  October  13,  1857,  to  John  E.  Amis,  and  two  chil- 
dren blessed  their  union;  Bruce  E.  and  Jonas  T.  Mr.  Amis  took  an  active  part  in  the 
late  war,  and  was  a member  of  the  gallant  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was 
captured  at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson,  and  died  in  prison  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in  1863.  Mrs. 
Amis  is  a finely  educated  woman,  and  has  won  quite  a reputation  as  an  instructress,  hav- 
ing taught  in  the  Atheneum,  at  Columbia,  and  in  the  Tennessee  College  at  Franklin,  and 
also  in  the  public  schools  at  that  place.  She  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

PROF.  WILLIAM  ANDERSON,  a prominent  minister  and  teacher  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  of  this  State,  October  19,  1848,  son  of  James  C. 
and.  Lucinda  (Newsom)  Anderson,  who  were  married  January  29,  1843,  and  the  parents 
of  four  children.  The  father  was  a native  of  Alabama,  and  came  to  Williamson  County 
in  1834.  He  was  ordained  a minister  of  the  Christian  Church  in  1828,  and  followed  th 
vocation  of  farming  in  connection  with  his  ministerial  duties.  He  died  September  12, 
1857.  The  mother  is  still  living,  and  a resident  of  the  old  homestead  in  Williamson 
County.  Our  subject  remained  on  the  farm  until  he  was  nineteen  years  of  .age,  oversee- 
ing the  business  transactions  and  caring  for  his  widowed  mother.  He  then  began  attend- 
ing school  at  the  Franklin  College,  remaining  there  until  1872,  teaching  and  attending 
school,  and  has  continued  that  occupation  ever  since.  He  is  at  present  teaching  school  at 
Carter  Creek,  and  has  been  the  local  minister  of  the  Christian  Church  in  that  neighbor- 
hood. In  1875  he  wedded  Laura  Alexander,  a native  of  this  county,  and  became  the  father 


906 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


of  three  children:  Effie,  Ora  and  Clark  C.,  all  living.  Prof.  Anderson  is  an  eloquent 
preacher  and  a learned  teacher,  and  is  classed  among  the  leading  citizens  of  Maury 
County. 

E.  F.  ANDREWS,  M.  D.,  a successful  physician  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Williamson  County,  in  1856,  son  of  Ephraim  and  Sarah  (Bizzell)  Andrews.  Both  par- 
ents were  born  in  Tennessee,  and  the  father  was  a skillful  shoe-maker  and  agriculturist, 
and  is,  at  the  present  time,  a resident  of  Hickman  County.  Dr.  Andrews  is  a graduate 
of  the  famous  Vanderbilt  University  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  beiug  one  of  the  class  of  1883. 
He  began  practicing  his  chosen  profession  in  Hickman  County,  and  in  September,  1884,  he 
removed  to  Williamsport,  Maury  County,  where  he  is  meeting  with  merited  success.  For 
four  years  previous  to  his  practice  he  taught  school.  He  is  a stanch  member  of  the  Dem- 
ocratic party  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  is  a worthy  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  i»  a young  man  of  ability  and  energy. 

ROBERT  J.  BAUGUSS,  another  old  and  prominent  citizen  of  Maury  County,  and  a 
native  of  this  county,  was  born  one  mile  from  where  he  now  resides,  November  16,  1821. 
He  is  the  eldest  child  of  John  and  Louisa  (Allen)  Bauguss,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina. 
The  father  came  to  this  county  about  1814,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  in 
1847  and  the  mother  followed  about  ten  years  later.  Our  subject  assisted  his  parents  on 
the  farm  and  took  charge  of  his  father’s  business  at  the  time  of  the  latter’s  demise.  In 
1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee,  and  served  part  of  the  time  as  or- 
derly sergeant.  At  the  time  of  the  surrender  at  Fort  Donelson  he  was  captured  and  tak- 
en to  Camp  Douglas,  where  he  remained  for  three  months.  He  was  afterward  discharged 
from  service  at  Port  Hudson  and  returned  to  the  old  homestead  where  he  has  been  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  stock  raising  ever  since.  In  1852  he  married  Miss  D.  L.  Partee,  a 
native  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  five  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  living— 
John  T.  Mr.  Bauguss  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  has  been  magistrate  of  the  Twenty- 
first  District  for  three  terms.  He  is  an  attendant  and  Mrs.  Bauguss  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  He  has  also  been  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  for  upward  of 
thirty  years. 

A.  A.  BARKER  is  a successful  merchant  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  born  in 
Wayne  County,  Ky.,  August  27,  1849,  son  of  Hugh  and  Kate  (Randall)  Barker,  natives, 
respectively,  of  Kentucky  and  Alabama.  The  father  was  an  enterprising  farmer,  and 
became  the  possessor  of  considerable  worldly  goods.  He  departed  this  life  in  1875.  The 
mother  is  still  living,  and  resides  in  the  “ Lone  Star  State.”  Our  subject  spent  his  early 
days  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rhodes,  in  August,  1872, 
and  four  children  were  born  to  their  union:  Carrie  H.,  Alice  B.,  Myrtle  J.  and  Hugh  B. 
Mr.  Barker  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party,  and  has  been  postmaster  of  Cross  Bridges 
for  two  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barker  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and 
among  the  prominent  families  of  Maury  County. 

WILLIAM  A.  BARKER,  a native  of  Maury  County,  born  December  3,  1850,  son  of 
George  Barker,  who  started  out  on  life’s  rough  track  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one.  The  father  had  a limited  education,  but  enough  for  practical  purposes.  He  was 
a farmer,  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  was  also  a member  of 
the  Baptist  Church.  In  1846  he  married  Maria  L.  Byers,  and  by  her  became  the  father  ox 
three  children:  Nancy,  William  A.  and  George  D.  He  died  in  1861.  The  mother  of  these 
children  was  born  in  Virginia,  August  15,  1820,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Anderson  and 
Sarah  (Dortch)  Byers,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  They  were  married  there,  but  afterward 
moved  to  Virginia,  where  they  remained  for  some  years.  They  then  moved  to  Tennessee, 
locating  in  Maury  County.  The  mother  died  in  1861.  The  paternal  grandparents  of  our 
subject  were  Alexander  and  Margaret  (Dodson)  Barker,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  Tennessee,  respectively,  the  former  in  1791  and  the  latter  in  1801.  They  both  lived  to 
be  old  people,  the  grandfather  dying  in  1878  and  the  grandmother  in  1885.  Our  subject 
was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness at  Rock  Spring,  and  is  at  present  engaged  in  that  occupation.  He  is  also  a mechanic 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


907 


and  a blacksmith.  In  1879  he  married  Mollie  Usery,  a native  of  Giles  County,  Tenn., 
horn  July  22,  1861,  and  the  daughter  of  William  L.  and  Matilda  (Wright)  Usery.  To  our 
subject  and  wife  were  born  three  children:  Alfred  H.,  born  1880;  Florence,  born  1881  and 
died  1882,  and  Willie  T.,  born  1888.  Our  subject  has  a good  sound  education,  and  was  a 
school  teacher  for  some  time.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  his  brother,  George,  are  in 
the  merchandise  business  together,  the  firm  being  known  as  the  Barker  Bros. 

REV.  GEORGE  BECKETT,  rector  and  principal  of  the  Columbia  Female  Institute 
and  rector  of  St.  Peter’s  Episcopal  Church,  was  born  in  Wakefield,  Yorkshire,  England, 
June  8,  1818,  and  is  a son  of  William  P.  and  Mary  (Harrison)  Beckett.  Our  subject  was 
educated  in  England,  attending  Queen  Elizabeth  Grammar  School,  at  Wakefield,  and 
graduated  in  1838.  In  1840  he  immigrated  to  the  United  States  and  located  first  at  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  where  he  prepared  himself  for  the  Episcopal  ministry.  He  was  ordained, 
in  1843,  by  Bishop  B.  B.  Smith,  D.  D.,  at  Louisville,  Ky.  His  first  charge  was  in  Hop- 
kinsville, Ky.,  where  he  had  management  of  a school.  In  1852  he  took  charge  of  St. 
Matthew’s  Church  and  Institute,  in  Jefferson  County,  Ky.,  and  in  the  fall  of  1866  removed 
to  Columbia,  and  began  conducting  the  Columbia  Female  Institute,  and  has  met  with 
good  success.  He  entered  on  his  pastoral  duties  in  St.  Peter’s  Episcopal  Church  in  1868. 
In  1844  he  married  Miss  Ann  E.  Temple,  a native  of  Logan  County,  Ky.,  a great-niece  of 
Gen.  George  Rogers  Clark.  They  have  one  son — John  Temple. 

CAPT.  JOHN  W.  BECKETT  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  September  2,  1836,  and 
is  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Rebecca  (Swan)  Beckett.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born 
March,  1809,  in  North  Carolina.  He  came  to  Tennessee  and  settled  near  Lewisburg,  and 
engaged  in  farming,  in  which  he  was  very  successful.  He  was  elected  justice  of  the 
peace,  which  office  he  held  for  several  years.  He  was  also  postmaster  for  some  time. 
He  was  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  belonged  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  subject  received  a good  practical  education  in 
the  country  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  began  business  for  himself.  In  1871  he 
wedded  Mrs.  Jane  W.  Bryant,  whose  former  name  was  Gresham.  Mrs.  Bryant  had  by 
her  first  husband  four  children:  Sebastian  C.,  born  in  1855  and  died  in  1862;  Ralph  G.. 
born  1857;  Sallie  A.,  born  in  1860  and  died  in  1865,  and  Arch  S.,  born  in  1862.  In  1861 
Mr.  Beckett  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Ninth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was  elected  orderly 
sergeant  at  the  organization,  and  at  the  reorganization  was  elected  first  lieutenant  and 
afterward  promoted  to  captain. 

CAPT.  ALEXANDER  W.  BECKWITH,  an  energetic  farmer  of  Maury  Couuty, 
Tenn.,  was  born  October  4,  1830,  son  of  Jonathan  and  Dolly  C.  (Madison)  Beckwith,  both 
natives  of  Virginia.  The  father  was  a physician  of  Fredericksburg,  Va,  In  1823  he 
moved  to  Lauderdale  County,  Ala,,  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine.  His  death 
occurred  in  1856.  The  mother  died  in  1847.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm, 
and  received  a good  education  at  the  St,  Joseph  College,  Nelson  County,  Ky.  At  his 
father’s  death  he  took  charge  of  the  plantation,  and  continued  to  do  so  up  to  the  time  of 
the  late  war.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Twenty-seventh  Alabama  Regiment,  as 
first  lieutenant,  and  remained  as  such  until  after  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  He  was  then  made 
captain  of  the  company,  but  at  the  end  of  eight  months  was  discharged  on  account  of  ill 
health.  He  then  returned  home  for  a short  time,  but  soon  joined  Johnston’s  cavalry 
company,  Rogers’  command,  remaining  with  them  about  six  months,  and  then  on  account 
of  his  bad  health  returned  home,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then 
began  farming  on  his  plantation,  but  in  1866  he  moved  to  Mississippi  and  remained  there 
until  1874,  when  he  removed  to  his  present  place,  where  he  has  remained  ever  since, 
steadily  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  November  14, 1866,  he  wedded  Mary  Ma- 
son, a native  of  Alabama,  and  to  them  were  born  five  children,  only  two  of  whom  are 
living,  viz. : Alexander  W.  and  Jonathan.  Mr.  Beckwith  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

WILLIxVM  M.  BIDDLE,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  native  of  the  city,  was  born  No- 
vember 1,  1847,  son  of  Daniel  M.  and  Mary  (Pride)  Biddle,  who  were  born  in  Sumner  and 


908 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Robertson  Counties,  Tenn.,  respectively.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Sumner  County, 
where  he  secured  a good  education  in  the  common  branches,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty 
years  became  a disciple  of  iEsculapius,  with  the  view  of  making  medicine  a pro- 
fession, and  graduated  from  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville  in 
1870.  He  removed  to  Arkansas,  where  he  practiced  about  four  years  and  then  returned 
to  Nashville  and  studied  the  homoeopathic  system  of  medicine  under  Dr.  J.  P.  Dake.  In 
1877  Dr.  Biddle  came  to  Columbia,  where  he  has  since  practiced  homoeopathy  with  extra 
ordinary  success.  June  15,  1871,  his  marriage  with  Miss  Julia  Rogers  was  consummated. 
She  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  and  has  borne  her  husband  one  son  and  three  daugh- 
ters. The  family  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  The  Doctor  is  a Democrat  and 
a member  of  the  State  Medical  Society  of  Homoeopathy. 

RUFUS  K.  BLACKMAN  (deceased)  was  born  in  Tennessee  October  9,  1826,  son  of 
Bennett  and  Ann  (Chinton)  Blackman,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  North  Carolina. 
The  father  moved  from  North  Carolina  to  Tennessee  about  1790.  He  was  an  extensive 
farmer  and  died  in  1833.  The  mother  died  in  1849.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm 
and  received  his  education  in  the  district  schools.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  began 
operating  the  farm  of  his  widowed  mother,  and  followed  farming  and  stock  raising  on  the 
old  homestead  place  up  to  the  time  of  his  demise,  which  occurred  August  10,  1883.  He 
was  a leading  member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  was  classed  among  the  enterprising 
and  successful  business  men  of  the  county.  He  was  extensively  engaged  in  raising  and 
breeding  tine  stock.  He  also  operated  a saw  and  grist-mill  in  this  county  for  many  years. 
He  was  always  strictly  exact  in  his  business  transactions,  and  was  a moral,  upright  citizen. 
In  1851  he  wedded  Eliza  Eichbaum,  a native  of  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  daughter  of 
William  and  Catherine  (Stevens)  Eichbaum,  natives,  respectively,  of  Ireland  and  Massa- 
chusetts. The  father  immigrated  to  this  country  about  1824,  and  married  soon  after.  Ilis 
wife  was  one  of  the  first  educators  of  Nashville,  and  was  for  many  years  a teacher  in  the 
Nashville  Female  Academy.  Her  death  occurred  about  1860.  The  father  died  in  1871  • 
By  her  union  with  our'  subject  Mrs.  Eliza  W.  Blackman  became  the  mother  of  nine  cliil-  ! 
dren,  all  of  whom  are  living:  Bennett,  AdaL.,  Mary,  Willie,  Anna,  Edwin,  Louisa,  Charlie  j 
and  Albert.  Mrs.  Blackman  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Christian  Church 
and  are  classed  among  the  leading  families  of  the  county. 

JOHN  II.  BLAIR,  merchant,  of  Kedron,  Maury  County,  was  born  January  13,  1844, 
within  one  mile  of  where  he  now  resides,  and  is  one  of  seven  children  born  to  Thomas 
W.  and  Catherine  C.  (Neely)  Blair,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  from  the 
family  of  George  D.  Blair,  who  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county.  Thomas  W. 
died  in  1854.  The  mother  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-four.  Our  subject 
passed  his  youth  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  acquring  a fair  education  in  the  common 
schools.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
and  served  as  a high  private  with  the  above  company  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then 
returned  home  and  began  clerking  in  the  mercantile  business  with  different  parties  until 1 
1882,  when  he  established  his  present  business  at  Kedron,  and  controls  the  leading  trade  j 
in  that  town  and  vicinity.  October  23,  1872,  he  wedded  Miss  Ella  Blanton,  a native  of 
this  county,  and  to  this  union  were  born  six  children,  only  four  of  whom  are  living,  viz  : 
Leonidas  O.,  Julia  M.,  Sue  Ella  and  Ada  Y.  Mr.  Blair  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
himself  an  attendant,  and  family  members  of  the  Methodist  Chnrch. 

REV.  JOHN  G.  BOLTON,  a minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  was, 
born  in  Humphreys  County,  Tenn.,  February  22,  1841,  and  February  7,  1868,  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Hattie  J.  Williams  and  became  the  father  of  four  children:  Samuel  !. 
Cordelia  M.,  Ida  S.  and  Pattie  R.  Rev.  Bolton  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  late  war  in 
May,  1861,  in  Company  A,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  this  capacity 
through  the  war,  also  acting  as  chaplain  of  the  Fiftieth  Tennessee  Regiment.  He  was 
captured  the  27th  of  November,  1864,  and  remained  in  prison  two  months  at  Johnsons 
Island.  He  is  a strong  supporter  of  Democratic  principles  and  is  a Knight  Templar  and 
belongs  to  the  K.  of  H.  He  has  been  an  active  member  of  the  Tennessee  Conference  for 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


909 


twenty-seven  years.  His  parents,  William  T.  and  Theresa  (Warren)  Bolton,  were  both 
born  in  the  State  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a moral,  honest  man,  and  departed  this 
life  June  3,  1885.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  on  the  17th  of  October,  1863.  Both  were 
earnest  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  'at  the  time  of  their  deaths. 

ANDREW  T.  BOYD  is  a son  of  James  Boyd,  whose  father  was  a soldier  under  Gens. 
George  Washington  and  Nathaniel  Greene  during  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  in  the 
battles  of  Monmouth  and  King’s  Mountain  and  served  through  the  war.  James  Boyd 
was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  there  married  Elizabeth  Henderson,  a native  of 
North  Carolina.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  departed  this  life  in  1825.  The 
mother  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  died  in  1860.  Andrew  T.  Boyd 
began  studying  medicine  and  took  a course  of  lectures  at  Lexington,  Ky.  He  afterward 
attended  the  University  of  Philadelphia,  Penn.  He  practiced  his  profession  successfully 
for  about  twenty  years,  and  then  retired  from  active  duties.  In  1878  he  married  Miss 
L.  Curthirell.  In  the  late  war  he  was  surgeon  in  the  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment 
for  one  year.  He  is  now  a Democrat,  though  formerly  a Whig,  and  belongs  to  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  Royal  Arch  Degree. 

WILLIAM  BRANCH’S  birth  occurred  in  Bedford  County,  Va.,  May  6,  1812,  son  of 
James  and  Martha  (Minor)  Branch,  who  were  born  in  Bedford  County  and  Botetourt 
County,  Va.,  in  1766  and  1770,  respectively.  They  were  married  in  1792,  and  became 
the  parents  of  ten  children,  our  subject  being  the  youngest  of  the  family.  They  came 
to  Tennessee  about  1814,  and  accumulated  considerable  means.  The  father  died  in  1844, 
and  the  mother  in  1839.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  William  M.  began  farming  for  himself, 
and,  January  28, 1841,  married  Mary  Ann  Uzzell,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County  July 
13,  1823,  and  daughter  of  Elisha  and  Ann  (Cohee)  Uzzell.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Branch  are 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Frances  T.,  born  in  1841:  John  T.,  born  in 
1843;  Martha  E.,  born  in  1845;  Nancy  A.,  born  in  1848;  Mary  S.,  born  in  1850;  Laura 
S.,  born  in  1852;  Sarah  E.,  born  in  1854;  Willie  T.,  born  in  1857;  Joseph  H.,  born 
in  1859,  and  Ruth  A.,  born  in  1862.  Mr.  Branch  is  a Democrat  and  Mason,  and  is  con- 
sidered a wide-awake  and  prosperous  citizen  of  the  county.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOPIN  B.  BROOKS,  merchant,  was  born  in  Arkansas,  November  1,  1854,  and  is  a sou 
of  William  and  Mary  (Dodson)  Brooks,  who  were  native  Tennesseeans.  William  Brooks 
was  an  enterprising  agriculturist  and  is  now  residing  in  Maury  County.  The  mother  was 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  died  in  that  faith  in  April,  1862.  John  B.  received 
a somewhat  limited  education  in  the  common  schools,  but  step  by  step  has  climbed  the 
ladder  of  success  until  he  has  accumulated  considerable  property.  December  9,  1879,  he 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Roxanna  Akin,  daughter  of  Anderson  Akin,  a promi- 
nent citizen  of  Maury  County.  To  them  were  born  two  children,  both  of  whom  are 
dead.  Mr.  Brooks  supports  the  principles  of  Republicanism,  and  he  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  are  good  citizens  and  neighbors. 

WILLIAM  R.  BROWN,  an  old  and  prominent  citizen  of  Neapolis,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn., 
was  b orn  in  this  county,  October  15,  1832,  and  is  a son  of  Solomon  and  Elizabeth  (San- 
ders) Brown,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  South  Carolina.  The  father  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  this  county  and  followed  the  vocation  of  farming.  He  died  about  two 
years  after  immigrating  here  from  South  Carolina.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  in  1864, 
at  the  unusual  agej  of  eighty-one  years.  Our  subject  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the 
farm  and  secured  a fair  practical  education  at  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of  sixteen 
he  serve  d an  apprenticeship  at  wagon-making  and  followed  that  business  for  twelve  or 
fifteen  years.  In  1852  he  began  merchandising  at  Neapolis  and  was  engaged  in  this  bus- 
iness until  the  beginning  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth 
Tennessee,  and  served  as  a sergeant  about  one  year.  Being  a mechanic  he  was  detailed 
boss  of  brigade  shops  and  was  afterward  made  boss  of  the  division  shop,  and  remained  as 
such  until  the  close  of  the  'war.  He  then  returned  to  Neapolis  and  resumed  his  former 
business.  In  1881  he  removed  to  his  farm,  on  which  he  lived  one  year,  then  built  his 


57 


910 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


present  house  and  shop,  where  he  has  been  engaged  in  wagon-making  and  general  repair- 
ing. In  1869  he  wedded  Elizabeth  Truelove,  a native  of  this  county,  who  died  in  1882. 
They  have  four  children  horn  to  this  union,  only  two  of  whom  are  living:  Willie  E.  and 
Lillie.  Mr.  Brown  is  a Democrat  and  an  attendant  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

W.  HUGH  BROWN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  December  11, 
1848,  and  is  the  eldest  son  of  James  W.  and  Jenette  M.  (Dobbin)  Brown,  natives,  respect- 
ively, of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  Maury  County  about  1816 
with  his  father,  Hon.  Col.  Hugh  Brown,  of  North  Carolina,  and  his  brother,  Rev.  Dun- 
can Brown,  who  was  a well-known  preacher  of  this  county.  James  W.  Brown  followed 
the  occupation  of  a farmer  to  a considerable  extent  and  was  very  successful.  He  died 
June  1,  1885.  The  mother  still  survives  him,  and  is  living  with  her  son,  John  8.  Brown, 
on  the  old  homestead.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a good  practical 
education.  In  1861,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  enlisted  in  the  Spring  Hill  Company, 
Third  Tennessee  Regiment,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Pointer.  He  remained  with  the 
above  company  about  six  months  and  then  joined  the  cavalry  command  and  remained 
with  this  company  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  to  this  county  and  be- 
gan farming  on  his  father’s  tract.  In  1870  he  removed  to  his  present  farm,  where  he  has 
been  steadily  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  ever  since.  In  1870  he  wedded  Laura 
B.  Cheairs,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child,  Nora.  Mrs. 
Laura  Brown  is  the  daughter  of  Col.  Martin  T.  and  Martha  (Bond)  Cheairs.  The  father 
was  born  in  North  Carolina,  May  19,  1804,  and  is  the  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Sarah  (Rush) 
Cheairs,  natives,  respectively  of  North  Carolina  and  Maryland,  Nathaniel  died  in  1846 
and  his  wife  followed  in  1858.  Martin  T.  Cheairs  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured 
but  a limited  education.  At  the  age  of  thirty -four  he  went  into  the  mercantile  business 
with  his  brother,  John  Cheairs,  at  Spring  Hill.  Eleven  years  from  that  time  he  gave  up 
the  mercantile  business  and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  In  1837  he  was  mar- 
ried and  became  the  father  of  nine  children,  only  three  of  whom  are  living,  viz. : Mary 
F.,  Nannie  R.  and  Laura  B.,  the  wife  of  our  subject.  Mr.  Brown  is  a Democrat,  and  him- 
self and  family  are  members  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church. 

ANDREW  D.  BRYANT,  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  enterprising  citizens,  was  born 
in  Franklin  County,  North  Carolina,  March  14, 1825,  and  is  the  son  of  John  F.  and  Sarah 
W.  (Amis)  Bryant,  who  were  born  in  1790  and  1794,  respectively.  The  father,  John  F., 
was  the  son  of  Roland  and  Mary  (Hunt)  Bryant,  and  Roland  was  the  son  of  William  Bry- 
ant, who  was  born  in  Ireland.  John  F.  was  a successful  farmer,  was  married  iu  1814, 
and  was  the  father  of  ten  children.  He  died  December  6,  1857,  and  his  wife  followed 
him  to  the  grave  in  1870.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  obtained  a limited  ed- 
ucation in  the  country  schools,  and  followed  farming  for  eight  years,  in  Dallas  County, 
Ark.  He  then  moved  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  now  resides,  engaged  iu 
farming  and  stock  raising,  in  which  he  has  been  quite  successful.  He  was  married, 
January  4,  1852,  to  Sarah  Hill,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in  June,  1828,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Isaac  and  Margaret  (Steele)  Hill.  Isaac  Hill  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1800, 
and  died  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  in  1840.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  boru  eight 
children:  James  R.,  born  1854;  Isaac  H.,  born  1856;  John  F.,  born  1857;  William  T., 
born  1859;  Ida  R.,  born  1861;  Andrew  D.,  born  1863;  Patrick  H.,  born  1866,  and  Liz- 
zie H.,  born  1869.  Mr.  Bryant  has  given  his  children  a good  education  and  has  reason  to 
be  proud  of  them.  In  1874  he  was  engaged  in  building  two  miles  of  railroad,  and  aLo 
built  switch  and  station  houses.  In  1877  he  engaged  in  the  saw  and  grist-mill  business. 
He  took  an  active  part  in  the  Confederate  service  during  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  Com- 
pany H,  Fifty-third  Regiment,  and  served  two  years.  He  was  first  lieutenant,  aud  bis 
captain  being  wounded  at  Fort  Donelson,  Mr.  Bryant  took  his  place  as  captain.  Our  sub 
ject  was  captured  and  taken  to  Indianapolis,  Johnson’s  Island,  Camp  Chase  and  at  Vicks- 
burg, where  he  was  exchanged.  He  is  an  enterprising  and  successful  farmer  and  stock 
raiser,  and  is  highly  spoken  of  by  his  many  friends. 

THOMAS  H.  BRYANT  is  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  horn  An 


MAUEY  COUNTY. 


911 

gust  15,  1839,  and  was  reared  ou  a farm.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Third  Ten- 
nessee Regiment,  under  Col.  J.  C.  Brown.  He  was  captured  at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson 
and  taken  to  Camp  Douglas,  where  he  was  imprisoned  seven  months.  He  was  then  ex- 
changed at  Vicksburg  and  immediately  rejoined  the  army.  He  participated  in  many  bat- 
tles and  was  wounded  and  captured  at  Raymond,  Miss.  After  his  release  he  again  joined 
his  command,  stationed  at  Meridian,  Miss.  He  was  disabled  there  and  came  home  on 
furlough,  and  was  captured  and  paroled  near  the  first  of  1864.  June  4,  1866,  he  wedded 
Emma  J.  Howard,  born  February  20,  1847,  in  Maury  County.  They  have  four  children. 
James  H.,  Hattie  W.,  Frank  L.  and  Bessie  M.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bryant  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  he  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party.  His  parents, 
Edward  and  Elizabeth  (Amis)  Bryant,  were  both  born  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  in 
1778  and  1797,  respectively.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  miller.  He  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812  and  was  a Whig  in  politics.  He  died  in  1867  or  1868,  and  the  mother 
about  1835. 

JOHN  S.  CALDWELL,  farmer,  was  born  iu  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  February,  1811, 
and  is  the  son  of  William  H.,  and  Elizabeth  (Stanfield)  Caldwell,  both  natives  of  Virginia. 
The  father  came  from  Virginia  to  this  county  in  1806.  He  was  a farmer  and  secured  a 
very  comfortable  competency.  His  death  occurred  in  October,  1854.  The  mother  died  in 
April,  1852.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  was  one  of  the  many  old  settlers 
who  received  their  education  in  the  rude  log  schoolhouses  of  a former  day.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-seven  he  began  farming  for  himself  on  Carter  Creek,  where  he  remained  for  five 
years.  He  subsequeutly  purchased  a farm  ou  Bear  Creek  and, 'after  living  there  sixteen 
years  removed  to  his  present  place,  where  he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  farming  and 
stock  raising  ever  since.  November,  1839,  he  married  Sarah  A.  Jameson,  a native  of  this 
county.  To  them  were  born  eight  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living:  Mary  E.,  Robina 
C.,  Ellen  J.  (deceased),  Thomas  J.,  John  E.,  Emily  O.,  Robert  C.  and  Dora  M.  Mr. 
Caldwell  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of 
the  Christian  Church.  He  is  a Mason  of  good  standing  and  is  one  of  Maury  County’s 
oldest  and  most  respected  citizens. 

WILLIE  G.  CECIL,  a progressive  young  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
June  18,  1861,  and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  James  LI.  Cecil  and  Julia 
Ingram.  James  Cecil  was  born  in  Hanover  County,  Va.,  in  July,  1812,  and  came  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1841  locating  on  a farm  in  the  Thirteenth  District  of  Maury  County,  where  he 
lived  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1883.  He  was  strictly  honest  in  his  business  transactions 
and  was  a warm  advocate  of  the  cause  of  temperance.  His  wife  was  born  in  Lebanon, 
Ky.,  in  1833.  She  was  a member  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  and  her  husband  be- 
longed to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Willie  G.  Cecil  attended  the  Maury 
County  common  schools,  and  entered  St.  Mary’s  Agricultural  College  at  Lebanon,  Ky., 
in  September,  1876,  where  he  completed  his  course  and  graduated  with  honor  in  June, 
1878.  He  then  returned  home  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming.  In  his  political 
views  he  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  gives  his  support  to  that  party  on  all  occasions. 

NATHANIEL  B.  CHEAIRS,  the  popular  sheriff  of  Maury  County,  Tenn  , was  born  in 
the  county  at  Spring  Hill,  September  8,  1848.  He  secured  a good  education  in  the  Wash- 
ington Lee  University  at  Lexington,  Va.,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  became  salesman  in  a 
wholesale  merchandise  establishment  in  Nashville,  continuing  one  and  a half  years.  He 
then  began  farming  and  stock  trading  at  Spring  Hill,  but  in  August,  1884,  was  elected  to 
the  office  of  sheriff  of  the  county,  which  he  has  filled  faithfully  and  well  to  the  present 
time.  He  is  a Democrat  of  a progressive  type  and  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  One  son, 
John  M.,  is  the  result  of  his  marriage  to  Miss  Annie  Alexander,  which  occurred  in  Octo- 
ber, 1875.  His  parents,  John  W.  and  Susan  T.  (Poiuter)  Cheairs,  were  born  in  North  Car- 
olina and  Virginia,  respectively.  The  father  was  a merchant  and  farmer  by  occupation 
and  followed  the  former  occupation  in  New  Orleans  and  later  engaged  in  both  enterprises 
at  Spring  Hill,  Tenn.  He  died  there  in  January,  1873,  followed  by  his  widow  in  April, 
1874. 


912 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


OWEN  P.  CHEEK,  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  enterprising  citizens,  was  born  May 
7,  1831,  son  of  John  L.  and  Elizabeth  Cheek.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina, 
October,  1801,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  when  quite  young.  He  began  busi- 
ness for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  as  a farmer,  and  by  this  occupation  he  accumu- 
lated considerable  means.  He  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  a large  family.  His 
death  occurred  in  1873.  The  mother  was  born  in  Maury  County  March,  1815,  and  is  an 
exemplary  Christian,  she  is  still  living  at  the  old  homestead.  Our  subject  received  a 
limited  education,  although  enough  for  all  practical  phrposes.  August  17, 1854,  he  wedded 
Susan  Huey,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  February  17,  1838,  and  the  daughter 
of  William  G.  and  Susan  (Bradley)  Huey.  By  this  marriage  our  subject  became  the 
father  of  ten  children;  Eliza  J.,  Susan  E.,  William  L.,  Calvin  B.,  James  M.,  Ida  L.,  John 
T.,  Joseph  E.  J.,  Lises  E.  and  one  who  died  unnamed.  The  mother  of  these  children  is  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  has  many  warm  friends.  In  1861 
our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Forty-eighth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was 
sworn  in  at  Nashville.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Henry  and  taken  to  Chicago  where  he 
■was  imprisoned  for  seven  months.  He  was  then  exchanged  and  sent  to  his  command  at 
Vicksburg.  He  was  all  through  the  war  and  was  a brave  and  gallant  soldier.  He  is  a 
Democrat  and  is  justly  recognized  as  an  upright,  honest  citizen. 

NIMROD  P.  CHEEK,  a prominent  farmer  of  Maury  County,  was  born  April  22,  1857, 
and  is  the  son  of  John  L.  and  Elizabeth  Cheek.  For  further  particulars  of  parents  see 
sketch  of  Owen  P.  Cheek.  Our  subject  began  business  for  himself  in  1874  as  a farmer,  and 
has  made  that  his  principal  occupation  ever  since.  In  1876  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Cornelia  C.  Gilliam,  a native  of  Maury  County,  born  June  19,  1861,  and  the  daughter  of 
Harrison  O.^and  Mary  A.  (Pinkston)  Gilliam,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was 
born  in  Tennessee,  and  was  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  successful  farmers.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church,  as  also  was  his  wife.  : To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born 
an  interesting  family  of  four  children:  John  W.  H.,  born  April  28,  1877;  Huston  N.,  born 
August  6,  1880;  Arthur  B.,  born  August  11,  1882,  and  C.  L.,  born  September  7,  1884.  Mr, 
Cfieek'is  in  good  circumstances,  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church. 

GEORGE  CHILDRESS,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  a son  of  Adrian  D.  and  Nancy  B 
(McGuire)  Childress,  was  born  at  Spring  Hill,  Maury  County,  May  5,  1849.  The  parents, 
who  also  were  natives  of  Maury  County,  removed  to  Lawrence  County  in  1850,  where  the 
father  now  resides,  the  mother  having  died  in  January,  1884.  George  was  reared  and  re- 
ceived an  old  field  school  education  in  Lawrence  County.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  secured 
a clerkship  in  his  native  town  with  Mr.  J.  B.  Stephenson,  where  he  remained  ten  months, 
coming  to  Columbia  in  October,  1868,  and  secured  a clerkship  in  the  well-known  house  of 
Harris,  Frierson  & Co.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Columbia 
he  was  chosen  as  book-keeper,  which  position  was  retained  till  1872,  when  he  engaged  in 
general  insurance.  In  1874  he  was  elected  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Duck  River  Val 
le3r  Railroad  Company,  and  was  later  appointed  superintendent,  which  positions  he  held 
for  about  eight  years.  In  1882  he  was  principal  in  the  movement  which  resulted  in  the 
organization  of  the  Second  National  Bank  of  Columbia,  of  which  he  has  ever  since  been 
the  cashier.  In  1883  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  master  of  chancery  court,  which  office 
he  manages  through  his  efficient  deputy,  I.  S.  Orman.  In  1876  he  married  Annette  Estelle 
Kuhn,  daughter  of  Edward  Kuhn,  who  was  several  times  mayor  of  Columbia,  and  one  of 
the  most  enterprising  men  of  the  county.  They  have  two  daughters.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics.  He  and  wife  are  strong  believers  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

ALLEN  B.  CHURCH,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Church  & Jack,  dealers  in  dry 
goods,  groceries,  hardware  and  general  merchandise,  was  born  in  this  county  October  16. 
1846,  and  is  a son  of  Robert  C.  and  Lucy  (Fitzgerald)  Church,  natives,  respectively,  of 
North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  was  very  success- 
ful in  that  occupation.  He  died  about  1871.  The  mother  is  still  living  and  is  a resident 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


913 


% 

of  the  old  homestead.  Our  subject  received  a good  common  education  and  remained  with 
his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  Previous  to  this,  at  the 
age  of  eighteen,  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Ninth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  as  a 
high  private  with  the  above  company  for  five  months.  Then  on  account  of  sickness  he 
returned  home,  and  remained  there  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  began  farming 
and  soon  removed  to  a farm  on  Snow  Creek,  where  he  remained  one  year.  He  then 
moved  to  Leiper  Creek,  and  continued  farming.  In  1879  he  began  the  mercantile  bus- 
iness at  Theta  as  a partner  of  Mr.  Jack,  and  remained  there  about  three  years.  In  1880 
they  established  their  business  at  Carter  Creek,  where  they  are  at  present.  In  1866  he 
married  Emily  Oakley,  a native  of  this  county,  and  seven  children  were  born  to  this 
union:  Stephen  R.,  Oatey,  Arthur,  Jennette,  Tolitha,  Bessie,  and  an  infant  not  named. 
Mr.  Church  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church* 

WILLIAM  J.  COCHRAN,  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  highly  respected  citizens, 
was  born  in  this  county  June  7,  1811,  son  of*  James  and  Jane  (Miligan)  Cochran.  The 
father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  May  2,  1781,  and  immigrated  to  Georgia  when  a young 
man,  afterward  living  in  Tennessee  for  a few  3rears.  He  went  back  to  Georgia,  where  he 
was  married,  after  which  he  came  back  to  Tennessee,  and  located  in  Maury  County.  He 
died  June  30,  1859.  He  was  in  the  war  of  1812  and  was  a brave  soldier.  The  mother  died 
May  15,  1864.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-one 
began  business  for  himself  as  a farmer.  August  14,  1834,  he  wedded  Maria  R.  Dodson, 
and  to  them  were  born  these  children:  David  J.,  born  1836;  James  Brooks,  born  1838; 
Ascenitb  J.,  born  1844;  William  H.,  and  an  infant  not  named.  Our  subject  received  a 
rather  limited  education,  but  enough  for  all  practical  purposes.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  he 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  O.  COFFEE,  M.  D.,  of  Columbia,  was  born  in  Ballard  County,  Ky.,  in 
1859,  and  after  the  usual  common  school  training  he  obtained  his  literary  and  medical 
education  in  St,  Louis,  Mo.,  and  graduated  from  the  Missouri  Medical  College  of  tfiat 
city  in  1880.  He  first  began  practicing  in  the  blue-grass  State,  and  later  in  Illinois,  Mis- 
souri, Indiana,  Kansas,  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  and  in  May,  18S5,  came  to  Tennessee, 
locating  first  in  Lebanon,  and  three  months  later  came  to  Columbia,  where  his  father, 
William  Coffee,  was  known,  and  his  grandfather,  Nathan  Coffee,  had  been  a well-known 
and  prosperous  business  man.  William  O.  has  acquired  a good  practice  in  the  short  time 
he  has  been  in  Columbia.  He  is  a member  of  the  Kentucky,  Illinois,  Missouri,  and  King’s 
County  (N.  Y.),  Medical  Societies,  and  was  one  time  a member  of  the  American  Medical 
Association.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  fraternity. 

JOSEPH  M.  COFFEY  is  considered  one  of  the  prosperous  citizens  of  Maury  County, 
Tenu.  He  was  bom  March  23,  1844,  son  of  Hugh  W.  and  Jennie  (Gragg)  Coffey.  and  was 
reared  on  a farm.  At  the  breaking-out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Forty- 
eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  Quarles  brigade,  amTwas  an  active  participant  in  many  of  the 
bloodiest  battles  of  the  war.  He  was  captured  in  Nashville  and  taken  to  Camp  Douglas, 
where  he  was  imprisoned  about  four  months,  and  from  that  time  until  the  close  of  the 
war  he  was  a prisoner  at  Point  Lookout,  Md.  He  returned  home  June  30,  1865,  and 
i nmediately  began  tilling  the  soil.  November  30,  1876,  he  married  Maggie  J.  Coker,  who 
was.  born  in  Missouri  November  2,  1858,  daughter  of  John  M.  and  Sallie  A.  (Wilkes) 
Coker.  Hugh  M.,  born  in  1877;  Roy  B.,  born  in  1880;  Ollie  F.,  born  in  1881;  Sallie  E., 
born  in  1883,  and  Shirley  E.,  born  in  1886,  are  the  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coffejr’s 
union.  They  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Mr.  Coffey  is  a 
Democrat,  and  an  energetic  and  successful  farmer. 

WILLIAM  R.  CONNER,  a successful  agriculturist  of  Maury  County,  Tenu.,  was 
born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  May  28,  1827.  He  obtained  a practical  education,  and 
started  in  life  with  no  capital  save  his  hands  and  unbounded  energy.  He  has  beeir  quite 
prosperous  in  his  business  undertakings,  and  is  now  a well-to-do  “tiller  of  the  soil.”  June 
4,  1852,  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Miss  Martha  Blocker,  daughter  of  Elijah  Blocker,  of 


914 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


m 

Maury  County.  Three  children  blessed  their  union,  these  two  now  living:  India  B. 
(wife  of  Thomas  S.  Whiteside),  and  Addie  B.  (wife  of  E.  A.  Pogue).  Mr.  Conner  was  op- 
posed to  the  late  war,  and  accordingly  refrained  from  participating  in  it.  He  is  a stanch 
supporter  of  Republican  principles,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Christian  Church,  and  is  a son  of  Alfred  and  Sidney  (Kennedy)  Conner,  who 
were  born  in  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  died  in  1843. 
The  mother  died  in  1873. 

HORACE  S.  COOPER,  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Columbia  Herald,  was  born  in 
Bedford  Countjr,  Tenn.,  in  April,  1846,  and  is  a son  of  Edwin  and  Mary  (Stephens)  Cooper, 
who  are  natives,  respectively,  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  Virginia.  Matthew  D. 
Cooper,  our  subject’s  grandfather,  moved  to  Maury  County  as  early  as,  or  prior  to,  1830, 
and  was  a successful  cotton  dealer  and  merchant  and  a prominent  Mason.  His  death  oc- 
curred in  Columbia  in  1878,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-eight  years.  Horace  &.•  Cooper 
was  raised  in  his  native  county,  and  made  his  home  with  his  parents  until  eighteen  years 
of  age.  He  then  entered  Yale  College,  from  which  he  graduated,  with  the  degree  of  A. 
B.,  in  1868.  He  began  preparing  himself  for  the  profession  of  law,  and  began  practicing 
at  Slielbyville,  Tenn.,  in  1872,  continuing  until  1879,  when  he  accepted  the  position  as 
deputy  clerk  and  master  of  the  chancery  court,  and  was  afterward  appointed  clerk  and 
master,  and  filled  the  position  faithfullly  and  efficiently  until  1883,  when  he  resigned  to 
resume  the  practice  of  law  and  manage  his  large  farm.  He  makes  a specialty  of  raising 
and  selling  fine  stock,  and  is  a successful  financier.  May  1,  1885,  he  accepted  his  position 
with  the  Herald,  and  has  contributed  largely  to  the  success  of  this  well-known  paper. 

JAMES  C.  COOPER  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Catharine  Cooper,  and  was  born  in 
Maury  County,  Tenn.,  November  17,  1826,  being  the  fifth  of  their  fifteen  children.  He 
was  a soldier  in  the  Mexican  war,  serving  in  Company  C,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
participated  in  the  battle  of  Vera  Cruz  and  several  minor  engagements.  In  1861  he  en- 
listed in  Company  C,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  in  the  follow- 
ing engagements:  Perryville,  Cbickamauga,  Richmond,  and  numerous  skirmishes.  He 
was  twice  wounded.  September  12,  1856,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emarinthy  C.  Kinzer, 
and  to  them  were  born  the  following  eight  children;  John  T.  (deceased),  Albert  C.,  James 
H.,  William  D.,  George  Lee,  Robert  Burns,  Anna  B.  and  Callie  D.  Mr.  Cooper  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  an  earnest  worker  in  that  church. 
Politically  he  has  been  a life-long  Democrat,  and  was  constable  of  the  Eleventh  District 
for  a period  of  seven  years,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office  in  an  efficient  manner. 
He  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  His  father  and  mother  were  natives  of  the 
“Palmetto  State”  and  Tennessee,  born  in  1790  and  1799,  respectively.  The  father  was  a 
prosperous  farmer,  and  lived  a long  and  useful  life.  Our  subject’s  maternal  grandmother 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  eighty  years,  and  lived  to  be  about 
one  hundred  years  old. 

HENRY  S.  COX,  physician  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  John  and  Martha  C. 
(Evans)  Cox,  the  father  being  a successful  stock  raiser  and  farmer  of  the  county.  He 
reared  his  family  in  Maury  County,  and  in  1863  was  shot  by  a Federal  soldier  at  his  home. 
The  mother  died  prior  to  the  war.  Henry  S.  attended  the  Jackson  College  at  Columbia, 
and  when  twenty  years  old  became  a disciple  of  HEsculapius,  studying  under  the  direction 
of  Dr.  W.  G.  J.  Hunter.  Hefthen  attended  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  Philade’. 
phia,  and  graduated  as  an  M.  D.  in  1860.  He  enlisted  as  first  surgeon  of  the  First  Arkan- 
sas Sharpshooters,  and  later  served  with  Gen.  A.  M.  Stovall  as  surgeon  of  the  brigade. 
Since  the  war  he  has  resided  in  Columbia,  where  he  has  built  up  a fine  practice.  In  1866 
he  was  married  to  Rebecca  Martin,  by  whom  he  is  the  father  of  three  children:  John, 
Ella  and  Martin  S.  The  Doctor  was  an  old-line  Whig  until  that  party  ceased  to  exist’ 
and  since  that  time  has  been  a Democrat,  but  has  never  aspired  to  political  prominence, 
and  has  devoted  his  energies  and  talents  strictly  to  his  profession. 

STEPHEN  S.  CRAIG  was  born  in  the  Fourth  District  of  Maury  County  December 
14,  1833,  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  owing  to  circumstances  his  education  was  rather 


MAUBY  COUNTY. 


915 


limited.  January  13,  1859,  lie  wedded  Mary  A.  Sharber,  a native  of  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  born  January  13,  1837,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Nancy  Sharber.  To  our  sub- 
ject and  wife  were  born  nine  children:  Robert  J.,  born  1859;  John  W.  S.,  born  in  1861, 
and  died  in  1882;  Janies  C.  born  in  1865;  Nancy  E.,  born  in  1868;  Lanella  R.,  born  in  1869; 
Mary  L.  B.,  born  in  1872;  Wallace  J.,  horn  in  1873;  L.  J.,  born  in  1876;  Virgie  M.,  born 
in  1878,  and  Joseph  A.  T.,  born  in  1881.  Mr.  Craig  is  a successful  farmer  and  also  a 
wheelwright.  During  the  late  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee 
Regiment  of  Infantry.  He  was  captured  and  taken  to  Nashvile,  where  he  was  paroled 
in  1865.  He  was  elected  magistrate  in  the  Fourth  District  of  Maury  County  March,  1882, 
and  holds  that  office  at  the  present  time  in  an  able  and  efficient  manner.  Himself  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  His  parents,  Robert  R. 
and  Rachel  (Miles)  Craig,  were  both  natives  of  South  Carolina,  the  former  born  Decem- 
ber 15,  1786,  and  the  latter  December  8,  1795.  The  father  was  married  in  South  Carolina 
and  came  to  Tennessee  soon  after,  locating  in  Franklin  County,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming  for  three  years.  He  then  moved  to  Maury  County  and  continued  farming,  in 
which  he  was  quite  successful.  He  was  in  the  war  of  1812  and  was  a gallant  soldier.  He 
died  November  18,  1854.  The  mother  was  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church  for  nearly  forty  years  and  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  Christianity. 

JAMES  F.  CRAIG,  a native  of  Tennessee  and  well-to-do  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury 
County  May  1,  1836.  His  father,  Robert  Craig,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  where 
he  married  Mary  Sellers,  also  of  that  State,  and  came  to  Tennessee.  He  now  resides  in 
Maury  County  and  is  a widower,  his  wife  having  died  October  4,  1864.  Our  subject  is  a 
graduate  of  Erskine  College,  South  Carolina.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war, 
serving  in  Company  B,  Thirty-second  Mississippi  Infantry,  from  March,  1862,  to  March, 
1864.  At  that  time  he  was  transferred  to  the  Third  Tennessee  and  served  in  this  capacity 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  a member  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
is  a strong  Democrat  in  politics.  t 

THOMPSON  S.  CRAIG,  was  born  in  the  Sixth  District  of  Maury  County  May  9, 
1849,  son  of  Nathaniel  H.  and  Hattie  (Scott)  Craig.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Caro- 
lina December  25,  1807.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  was  married  in  1828  and  became 
the  father  of  seven  children.  His  death  occurred  in  January,  1886.  He  was  the  son  of 
John  and  Lucinda  Craig.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Tennessee  December  14, 
1807,  and  died  about  1872.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Scott,  natives  of 
Ireland.  Our  subject  passed  his  early  life  on  the  farm,  and  began  business  for  himself  at 
the  age  of  twenty-three  as  a farmer.  February  22,  1877,  he  wedded  Ella  Cline,  a native 
of  Canada,  born  January  2,  1858,  and  the  daughter  of  John  L.  and  Augusta  (Simons) 
Cline.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  four  children:  Ernmit  P.,  born  in  1878;  John 
L.,  born  in  1882;  Ruby,  born  in  1883,  and  Samuel  S-,  born  in  1885.  Mrs.  Craig  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  a warm  advocate  of  Christianity.  Mr. 
Craig  is  a Democrat,  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  is  justly  recognized 
by  all  as  an  honest,  upright  young  man. 

MANN  DAWSON,  a well  known  and  well-to-do  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
was  born  October  11,  1838,  and  is  the  youngest  of  a family  of  six  sons  and  five  daughters 
born  to  John  and  Martha  G.  (Hunter)  Dawson,  who  were  natives  of  North  Carolina,  born 
in  1786  and  1798  and  died  in  1843  and  1878,  respectively.  John  Dawson  came  to  Tennes- 
see at  an  early  day  and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Maury  County,  and  there 
passed  the  remainder  of  his  days.  Mann  Dawson  attended  the  common  schools  of  Maury 
County  and  assisted  his  parents  on  the  farm.  Later  he  attended  the  college  at  Lebanon, 
Tenn.,  where  he  finished  his  education.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  civil  war,  in 
May,  1861,  he  joined  Col.  Wade’s  company.  Third  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  and 
took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain,  Missionary  Ridge,  Fort  Donelson, 
Chickamauga,  Atlanta  and  numerous  others.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson,  and 
kept  a prisoner  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  seven  months.  He  was  exchanged  at  Vicks- 
burg, Miss.,  in  September,  1862,  and  returned  to  his  home  in  May,  1865.  He  was  form- 
erly a Whig  in  politics,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  He  is  a Freemason. 


916 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


GEORGE  W.  DAVIDSON,  farmer,  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  George  W. 
and  Elizabeth  J.  (Wasson)  Davidson,  and  his  birth  occurred  in  Lawrence  County,  Tenn., 
.June  22,  1847.  His  father  was  born  in  the  “Old  Dominion”  in  May,  1812,  and  came  with 
his  parents  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  locating  on  a farm  in  Lawrence  County.  Our  . 
subject  spent  his  early  days  on  a farm  and  obtained  a good  common  school  education. 
He  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  in  the  latter  part  of  1862  in  Company  D,  Ninth  Ten- 
nessee Cavalry  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Franklin,  Thompson  Station  and  several 
minor  engagements.  He  was  paroled  May  12,  1865,  and  returned  to  Lawrence  Co.  and  en- 
gaged in  farming.  He  was  married,  October  16,  1868,  to  Chirena  I.  Alford,  and  the  birth 
of  two  sons  and  one  daughter  is  the  result  of  their  union:  George  M.,  James  W.  and 
Elizabeth  .J.  Mrs.  Davidson  was  born  in  1845.  She  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church  and  a faithful  wife  and  mother.  Mr.  Davidson  is  a Democrat,  and 
was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Thirteenth  District  November  4,  1884,  and  is  giving  entire 
satisfaction.  He  resides  on  a farm  near  Mount  Pleas  ant,  and  is  doing  well  financially. 

WILLIAM  H.  DAVIS,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  Jauuary  6,  1823, 
son  of  Ephraim  and  Eliza  T.  (Allen)  Davis,  whose  marriage  occurred  1829.  The  father 
was  a Democrat  and  was  justice  of  the  peace  one  term.  He  was  a man  of  sound  judg- 
ment and  good  sense.  His  death  occurred  January  , 1882.  The  mother  was  born  in  Vir-. 
ginia  in  1804  and  was  the  daughter  of  Hamblin  and  Silvina  (Maneer)  Allen.  They  were 
natives  of  Virginia  and  came  to  Tennessee  about  1812  or  1813,  locating  in  Maury  Coun  ty, 
where  they  tilled  the  soil.  Eliza,  our  subject’s  mother,  was  a member  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  and  died  in  1878.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  on  the  farm,  and  owing  to  cir- 
cumstances received  a rather  limited  education.  March  26,  1857,  he  married  Martha  E. 
Cannon,  a native  of  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  born  December  20,  1837,  and  the  daughter  of 
George  M.  and  Nancy  M.  (Holeman)  Cannon,  both  natives  of  Tennessee,  born  1820 
and  1822,  respectively.  Our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Ninth  Tennessee  Cavalry 
and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  in  many  battles  and  had  some  narrow  es- 
capes. He  is  the  father  of  nine  children:  Jennie  Ml,  born  in  1858;  Benjamin,  born  in  1859; 
Felix  Z.,  born  in  1862;  William  E.,  born  in  1866;  Eliza  M.,  born  in  1869;  Mary  A.,  born  in 
1871;  Hay,  born  in  1873;  Leah,  born  in  1875,  and  Omega  H.,  born  in  1878.  Mr.  Davis  has 
been  constable  for  four  years  in  the  Twenty-first  District  of  Maury  County,  and  was 
constable  from  1876  to  1880.  He  has  been  school  commissioner  for  eighteen  months,  and 
is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  is  recognized  as  an  honest,  upright  citizen. 

RALEIGH  P.  DODSON,  a well-known  liveryman  and  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
Bethel  House  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  Maury  County,  born  September  6,  1845, 
son  of  Raleigh  and  Lucinda  (Witherspoon)  Dodson,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and 
died  a day  or  so  after  our  subject’s  birth.  Raleigh  resided  with  his  widowed  mother  in 
the  county  and  secured  an  ordinary  common  school  education  . He  served  in  the  late 
war  in  Company  G,  First  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  at  the  battle  of  Perryville  was  capt- 
ured by  the  Federals  and  afterward  paroled.  After  his  return  he  engaged  in  the  livery- 
business  in  Columbia,  which  he  has  continued  to  the  present  time,  being  a partner  of  M. 
C.  Mays.  In  1871  he  married  Loretta  Gill,  a native  of  the  county.  Mr.  Dodson  is  a Ma- 
son, Knight  Templar  degree  and  a Democrat,  and  is  a prosperous  and  influential  resi- 
dent of  the  town. 

THOMAS  J.  DORSETT’S  birth  occurred  in  Maryland  April  22,  1831.  He  is  a sou  of 
Thomas  and  Harriett  (Clagett)  Dorsett,  of  Maryland.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil. 
He  died  in  the  Episcopal  faith  April  7,  1847.  The  mother  still  survives  and  is  a resident 
of  Maryland.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  married  on  the  2d  of  March,  1852,  to  Miss 
Mary  Robinson,  daughter  of  Stewart  Robinson,  a resident  of  Maryland.  To  Mr.  Dorsett 
and  wife  were  born  thirteen  children,  only  six  of  whom  are  living:  Laura  R.  (wife  of 
Otey  Walker,  a successful  merchant  at  Williamsport),  Lillie  G.  (wife  of  Samuel  Gray,  of 
Nashville),  Thomas  -J.,  Mary  E.,  Harriett  and  Pauline.  Mr.  Dorsett  did  not  participate 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


917 


in  the  late  war.  He  is  a warm  Democrat  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Royal 
Arch  degree.  Both  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church  and  are  esteemed 
citizens  of  Maury  County. 

WALTER  C.  DORSET,  M.  D.,was  born  in  Anne  Arundel  County,  Md.,  July  19,  1841, 
being  a son  of  Thomas  J.  and  Harriett  (Clagett)  Dorset,  of  Maryland,  where  the  father 
died  and  the  mother  still  resides.  Walter  C.  was  reared  to  manhood  on  a farm,  and  com- 
pleted his  education  at  the  Virginia  Military  Institute  at  Lexington,  Va.  In  1867  he  came 
to  Maury  County  and  resided  with  a relative,  Mrs.  Jane  H.  Y.  Greenfield.  He  began 
studying  medicine  with  the  late  Dr.  Samuel  Frierson.  Later  he  attended  Belleview 
Hospital  Medical  College,  of  New  York  City,  and  graduated  there  as  a physician  in  1870. 
Since  that  time  he  has  practiced  in  -Columbia,  and  has  met  with  more  than  ordinary  suc- 
cess. He  is  strictly  a self-made  man,  and  by  his  own  efforts  and  devotion  to  his  calling 
has  gained  an  enviable  reputation.  In  January,  1886,  he  was  elected  health  officer  of 
Maury  County  by  the  county  court,  for  a term  of  four  years.  Marion  and  Hallie  B.  are 
the  children  born  to  his  marriage-  with  Miss  Janie  M.  Arnell,  which  occurred  in  1871; 
Dr.  Dorset’s  political  views  are  Democratic.  He  is  a Mason,  and  he  and  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

SHADRACH  S.  DLTGGER  is  the  fifth  of  eight  children  born  to  David  and  Catherine 
(Bailey)  Dugger.  David  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  Mrs.  Dugger  near  Bowling  Green, Ky. 
The  father  was  a Democrat  and  died  about  1829,  after  living  a useful  and  prosperous  life. 
The  mother  died  about  1860,  in  Henry  County,  Tenn.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Maury 
County  February  20.  1830,  and  has  passed  the  life  of  an  agriculturist.  July  20,  1850,  he 
was  married  to  Martha  J.  Laneare,  who  was  born  in  Virginia  March  12,  1835,  and  is  the 
daughter  of  Howell  and  Elizabeth  (Epperson)  Laneare.  They  were  born  in  Virginia  and 
came  to  Tennessee  when  our  subject’s  wife  was  a smallchild  and  located  in  Giles  County. 
The  father  died  in  1845  or  1846,  and  the  mother  in  1881.  To  our  subject  and  his  wife  were 
born  four  sons  and  four  daughters:  Samuel  G.,  born  in  1851;  Thomas  J..  born  in  1852; 
Corinna,  born  in  1856;  Elizabeth  L.,  bom  in  1860;  Daniel  B.,  born  in  1866;  Leroy  S..  born 
in  1869;  Lorinda,  born  in  1872,  and  Isolana,  born  in  1876.  Mrs.  Dugger  is  a member  of 
the  Christian  Church,  and  her  husband  is  a Democrat.  He  has  resided  on  his  present 
farm  for  thirteen  years,  and  success  has  attended  his  efforts. 

JOHN  H.  ELLETT,  a well-known  Gitizen  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  on  the 
29th  of  October.  1836,  the  only  child  of  Thomas  P.  and  Susan  (Griffith)  Ellett.  Thomas 
P.  Ellett  was  born  near  Richmond,  Va.,  in  1802,  and  came  to  Maury  County  with  hi^ 
parents  at  an  early  age.  He  was  a participant  in  the  Seminole  war,  and  was  a strong- 
temperance  man.  He  died  in  Maury  County.  His  wife  was  born  in  that  county  about 
1806  and  died  in  1836,  an  earnest  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 
Our  subject  obtained  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  Maury  County,  and  later  attended 
Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  was  married  August  15,  1861,  to  Miss 
Ophelia  Kindel,  and  to  their  union  five  sons  and  three  daughters  were  born:  John  C. 
(deceased),  James  K.  (deceased),  William  M.,  Wadkins  B.,  Felix  M.,  Anna  L.  (deceased), 
Martha  W.  (deceased)  and  Katharine.  In  1862  Mr.  Ellett  enlisted  in  the  Confederate 
Army,  Company  D,  Third  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  a participant  in  the 
following  bloody  battles:  Vicksburg,  Raymond,  Jackson,  Miss.,  Port  Hudson,  Chicka- 
mauga  and  others.  He  served  as  first  lieutenant  of  his  company  until  May,  1865,  when  he 
returned  home.  Previous  to  the  war  Mr.  Ellett  was  a Whig,  but  since  that  time  he  has 
been  a Democrat.  He  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

THOMAS  Y.  ENGLISH,  farmer,  was  born  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  March  19.  1835, 
and  is  one  of  a large  family  of  children  born  to  John  and  Clara  (Willeford)  English.  The 
father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1800,  and  was  by  occupation  a farmer.  He  came 
to  Tennessee  with  his  mother  in  1810,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  Giles  County,  where  he 
lived  a long  and  prosperous  life.  He  was  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  died 
July  26,  1879.  The  mother  was  a native  of  South  Carolina,  born  in  1810.  She  was  a 
member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and  was  a faithful,  conscientious  Christian. 


918 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Her  death  occurred  September  26,  1885.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  educated 
in  Giles  County.  He  came  to  Maury  County  in  1875,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  Eleventh 
District,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  Confederate  Army 
May  12,  1861,  Company  I,  Third  Tennessee  Volunteer  Regiment,  commanded  by  Col. 
John  C.  Brown,  of  Tennessee.  He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Fort  Donelson,  Chicka- 
mauga,  Bayou,  Raymond  and  several  minor  ones.  He  was  taken  prisoner  at  Fort  Don- 
elson, and  taken  to  Camp  Morton,  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he  remained  until' his  re- 
lease May  11,  1865.  He  was  married  November  8, 1881,  to  Lissie  Spain,  a native  of  Maury 
County,  and  the  result  of  this  union  is  the  birth  of  three  sous:  Thomas  Y.,  born  August 
8,  1882;  John  W.,  born  February  25,  1884,  and  Robert  J.,  born  February  23,  1886.  Mr. 
English  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  one 
of  Maury  County’s  best  citizens. 

EPHRAIM  E.  ERWIN,  local  editor  and  business  manager  of  the  Columbia  Herald, 
is  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  September  18,  1848,  son  of  William  H.  and 
Jemina  A.  (Voss)  Erwin.  The  father  was  a native  of  Maury  County,  and  was  a prosper- 
ous farmer  and  stock  dealer.  Pie  served  as  constable  a few  years,  and  died  in  1858  or 
1859.  Ephraim  E.  resided  under  the  paternal  roof  until  his  father’s  death,  and  secured  a 
somewhat  limited  education  in  his  youthful  days.  This  he  overcame  in  later  years  by  his 
own  efforts.  After  attaining  his  majority  he  served  as  deputy  postmaster  of  Columbia 
four  years,  and  was  made  register,  and  later  served  as  clerk  of  the  county  court.  In 
1876  he  accepted  the  position  of  accountant  in  the  chancery  court,  filling  the  position 
with  credit  to  himself  and  the  satisfaction  of  the  people,  until  1883.  By  much  desultory 
study  he  had  become  well  versed  iu  legal  lore,  and  in  1884  was  admitted  to  the  Maury 
County  bar,  but  never  entered  into  the  practice  regularly.  In  March,  1885,  he  accepted 
a position  on  the  Herald,  and  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  the  success  of  the  paper 
is  in  a large  measure  due  to  his  untiring  energy  and  ability.  In  1872  he  married  Bessie  R. 
Porter,  of  Maury  County,  who  died  in  March,  1874,  leaving  one  son.  Mr.  Erwin  is  a 
Democrat^  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic,  K.  of  P.  and  A.  0.  U.  W.  fraternities.  He  is  also 
a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

ERVIN  T.  ESTES’  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  March  16,  1855,  He  is 
a successful  merchant,  and  was  united  in  marriage  August  5,  1877,  to  Miss  Virginia  T. 
Grant,  daughter  of  Thomas  U.  Grant.  Mr.  Estes  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  are  considered  among  the  reliable 
and  prominent  citizens  of  the  county.  Our  subject’s  parents  were  Orvin  T.  and  Hester  J. 
(McBride)  Estes,  who  were  born  in  the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  spent  their  lives  as  farm- 
ers. The  father  was  an  honest  and  upright  man,  and  died  in  1855,  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  The  mother  still  survives  him,  and  is  a resident  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn. 

FLAVIUS  J.  EWING,  a well-known  business  man  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  partner 
in  the  firm  of  Elam  & Ewing,  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  August  19,  1831.  son 
of  James  V.  and  Elizabeth  Ewing,  who  were  born  in  Virginia  and  Georgia,  respectively. 
The  father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  farmers  of  Tennessee,  and  suffered  all  the  privations 
incident  to  early  life  in  Tennessee.  He  died  in  Marshall  County  in  1881.  Our  subject 
was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  county  and  finished  his  education  in  Jackson  Col- 
lege, of  Columbia,  and  several  of  the  best  Colleges  of  Virginia.  In  1860  he  came  to  Maury 
‘County  and  located  on  a farm  in  the  Twenty -first  District,  where  he  followed  fanning 
and  stock  raising  until  1882,  when  he  removed  to  near  Columbia,  and  in  1883  engaged  in 
his  present  business  in  the  city,  and  has  by  his  many  good  business  qualities  contributed 
largely  to  the  success  of  the  firm.  Mary  L.  Akin  became  his  wife  in  1859,  and  then 
union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  sons  and  four  daughters.  Robert  L.,  the  eldest  son,  is 
in  business  with  his  father.  Mr.  Ewing  was  originally  a Whig  in  politics,  but  since  the 
war  has  voted  the  Democratic  ticket.  He  served  two  years  in  the  quartermaster’s  de- 
partment of  the  Confederate  Army,  Gen.  Hardee’s  corps.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ewing  are  mem 
hers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


919 


H.  F.  FARISS,  postmaster  of  Columbia,  Term.,  son  of  Hugh  W.  and  grandson  of 
.James  Fariss,  who  came  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  from  the  Carolinas  in  1806.  H.  F.  was 
born  November  19,  1839,  and  at  the  age  of  thirteen  removed  with  his  parents  to  West 
Tennessee,  and  secured  a common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  re- 
; turned  to  Maury  County  and  tilled  the  soil  until  1865,  when  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business  in  Hampshire,  in  which  he  still  retains  an  interest.  In  1866  he  was  appointed 
postmaster  of  Hampshire,  and  served  almost  continuously  until  1882,  when  he  was 
elected  county  trustee,  serving  until  1884,  then  resigned  and  was  appointed  to  the  post- 
mastership at-  Columbia,  by  President  Arthur.  As  evidence  of  Mr.  Fariss’  popularity  it 
, need  only  be  stated  that  he  has  successfully  held  various  public  offices  notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  he  is  a Republican  in  politics.  He  is  the  father  of  seven  children  by  Mary 
E.  Brooks,  whom  he  married  April  15,  1866.  Mr.  Fariss  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  he  is  a Mason  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  H. 

FRANK  L.  FITZGERALD,  merchant,  was  born  September  23,  1861,  and  is  a son  of 
Francis  M.  and  Caroline  (Chandler)  Fitzgerald,  both  natives  of  this  county.  The  father 
was  born  October  8,  1833,  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  came 
to  this  county  at  an  early  date  and  followed  the  occupations  of  farming  and  stock  raising, 
in  which  he  has  been  moderately  successful.  He  was  married  in  1857  and  is  the  father  of 
five  children:  Margaret  L.,  Frank  L.,  Willie  L.,  George  V.  and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 
Mr.  Fitzgerald  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  Company  A,  Forty- 
eighth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  as  first  lieutenant  in  that  company  for  three 
I years.  He  was  the  son  of  Maston  and  Margaret  (Harder)  Fitzgerald,  both  born  in  Vir- 
ginia. Maston  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county  and  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  He  died  in  1879,  and  his  wife  in  186S.  Our  subject’s  father  and  mother  are  still 
living  and  are  residing  on  the  old  Chandler  homestead.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the 
farm  and  received  a good  education  in  the  district  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he 
engaged  in  his  present  business,  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  an  enterprising  and  successful  business  man. 

WILLIAM  STUART  FLEMING,  chancellor  of  the  Eighth  Chancery  Division  of 
Tennessee,  was  born  in  Maury  County.  April  23,  1816,  eldest  son  of  Thomas  F.  and  Mar- 
• garet  E.  (Armstrong)  Fleming,  who  were  members  of  a colony  that  came  from  South 
■ Carolina  to  Tennessee  in  1805.  They  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  strict  Presbyter- 
ians. William  S.  Fleming  was  taught  the  English  branches  by  his  father,  and  his  pre- 
paratory Greek  and  Latin  was  expounded  to  him  by  John  Barland,  a teacher  of  New 
York  City  who  visited  him  two  jrears.  He  entered  the  Sophomore  class  of  Yale  College, 
and  graduated  in  1838.  He  taught  school  in  Maury  County  a short  time,  and  then  began 
his  legal  studies,  being  admitted  to  practice  in  1842.  He  immediately  opened  a law  office 
in  Columbia  and  soon  commanded  a large  practice,  which  he  retained  as  long  as  he  re- 
mained in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  In  1860  he  removed  to  his  elegant  country  seat, 
which  was  destroyed  by  fire,  during  Hood’s  raid  in  Tennessee,  by  the  Federal  commander 
: as  a military  necessity,  entailing  a loss  of  $22,000.  He  also  had  fifty  slaves  emancipated, 

| and  thirty  head  of  horses  and  mules  impressed.  In  1870  he  was  elected  chancellor,  and 
has  held  the  position  by  re-election  to  the  present  time.  He  is  quite  an  eloquent  orator, 
and  for  a period  was  editor  of  a literary  paper,  and  later  of  a political  paper,  but  at  the 
same  time  continued  his  practice.  He  was  a Whig,  and  although  a Southern  sympa- 
thizer, was  not  a participant  in  the  war.  He  is  now  a Democrat,  and  had  been  a ruling 
elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  twenty-three  years.  He  has  been  thrice  married, 
having  lost  two  wives  by  death.  September  5,  1839,  he  wedded  Frances  M.  Stephenson, 
who  died  in  1849,  having  borne  six  children,  three  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  and  only 
j two  now  living:  Thomas  F.  Fleming  and  Mrs.  A.  N.  Dobbins.  January  12,  1854,  he  mar- 
ried Mary  Witherspoon  Frierson,  who  died  in  1858,  having  borne  three  children,  all  of 
whom  died  in  infancy.  February  8.  1860,  she  took  for  his  third  and  present  wife  Ruth  A. 
(Johnson)  Booker.  To  them  were  born  three  children,  one  now  living,  William  Stuart, 
also  a member  of  the  legal  profession. 


920 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


L.  G.  FLEMING  was  bora  on  the  14tli  of  February,  1847,  in  Maury  County,  Teun. 
His  parents,  William  O.  and  Winnie  (Richardson)  Fleming,  were  natives  of  Maury 
County,  the  father  born  in  1808.  He  was  a farmer,  and  succeeded  well  in  his  business  un- 
dertakings, and  became  the  father  of  eight  sons  and  six  daughters.  He  was  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  was  a man  of  strict  integrity  of  char- 
acter, and  a successful  farmer.  His  wife  died  in  1879  and  he  in  1860.  Our  subject  is  a 
well-to-do  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  was  married  December  1,  1874,  to  Manda  Dodson, 
a daughter  of  W.  W.  Dodson.  To  them  was  bom  one  son,  George  W.,  August  29,  1875. 
Mrs.  Fleming  died  October  30,  1875.  December  30,  1879,  Mr.  Fleming  married  Sainraie 
E.  (Evans)  Fleming,  bora  iu  1855,  a daughter  of  John  Evans.  She  was  first  married  to 
Nathaniel  Fleming,  brother  of  our  subject,  and  by  him  became  the  mother  of  two  daugh 
ters:  Winnie,  born  in  1873,  and  Mattie,  born  in  1875.  To  her  last  marriage  has  been  born 
one  son  and  one  daughter:  Ella  E.,  born  iu  1881,  and  John  O.,  born  in  1883.  Mrs. 
Fleming  belongs  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  her  husband  to  the  Chris- 
tian Church.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 

ARCHIBALD  C.  FLOYD  was  born  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  November  16,  1857, 
son  of  John  W.  and  Margaret  J.  (Campbell)  Floyd,  of  North  Carolina,  where  the  father 
lived  and  died  and  the  mother  now  resides.  Our  subject  resided  with  his  parents  and  was 
educated  at  the  University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill,  graduating  in  1882.  Dur- 
ing this  time  he  had  taught  school  at  intervals  to  secure  means  to  enable  him  to  complete 
his  collegiate  course.  The  year  following  his  graduation  he  became  a disciple  of  Black- 
stone,  and  entered  the  law  department  of  his  old  alma  mater , and  graduated  October  1, 
1883.  He  then  taught  school  a short  time,  and  obtained  a license  to  practice  from  the  su- 
preme court  of  that  State.  In  February,  1884,  he  came  to  Columbia,  and  has  since  prac- 
ticed his  profession  with  good  results.  He  is  a partner  of  George  W.  Hayes.  Since  Feb- 
ruary, 1886,  Mr.  Floyd  has  been  principal  of  the  Andrews  Public  School  of  Columbia, 
and  is  giving  good  satisfaction.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South. 

LUNSFORD  B.  FORGEY,  M.  D.,  a successful  practitioner  and  farmer  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  September  18,  1825,  and  is  a son  of  Hugh  and  Salina  (Shorter) 
Forgev,  natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  Georgia.  The  father  was  a wealthy  farm- 
er and  died  about  1879.  His  widow  is  still  living  and  is  a resident  of  the  “Lone  Star 
State”  Dr.  Forgey,  our  subject,  began  reading  medicine  under  Dr.  W.  W.  Dabner,  and 
graduated  at  the  university  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  one  of  the  class  of  1851.  He  began  the 
practice  of  his  profession  in  Maury,  his  native  county,  and  has  met  with  the.  success  his 
knowledge  of  medicine  and  his  skill  deserves.  In  October,  1856,  he  led  to  Hymen’s  altar, 
Miss  Sarah  D.  Adkin,  who  has  borne  him  eight  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living:  Will- 
iam S.,  Charles  A.,  James  IL,  Addison  H.  and  Anna  Lee  (twins),  Walter  E.  and  Thomas 
B.  Dr.  Forgey  is  a Democrat  and  Mason  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  M.  FRIERSON,  an  influential  farmer  of  Maury  Couuty,  Tenn.,  was  born  in 
that  county  October  18,  1818,  son  of  Thomas  J.  and  M.  A.  E.  (Blakely)  Frierson.  The 
father  was  a native  of  Williamsburg  District,  S.  C.,  born  October  17,  1784,  and  was  a til- 
ler  of  the  soil.  He  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  noted  for  his  many  acts 
of  charity.  He  died  in  Maury  County,  November  16,  1846.  The  mother  was  also  a native 
of  South  Carolina,  bora  in  1797,  and  was  for  many  years  a faithful  servant  to  the  cause  of 
Christianity.  She  died  in  December,  1865.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  passed  in  mer- 
chandising iu  Columbia.  After  five  years  of  successful  business  transactions,  he  retired 
to  the  farm  where  he  has  since  remained.  In  1849  he  wedded  Martha  G,  H.  Dawson,  a 
native  of  North  Carolina,  and  to  this  union  were  born  nine  children:  John  D.,  Anna  E. 
Martha  G.  (who  died  iu  1880),  Ella  T.,  Sallie  R.,  Lillie  A.,  Narcissa  A.,  who  died  in  1883, 
Irene  H.  and  Nettie.  Mr.  Frierson  is  a well-to-do  farmer,  having  a tine  farm  of  250  acres, 
all  well  cultivated  except  fifteen  acres  of  good  lumber.  He  is  a Democrat,  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  also  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


921 


WILLIS  R.  FRIERSON,  a widely  known  and  prominent  citizen  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  that  county  April  24,  1827,  son  of  Thomas  J.  and  M.  A.  E.  (Blakely) 
Frierson.  (For  further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  James  M.  Frierson.)  Our 
Isubject  received  a good  English  education  in  the  schools  of  Maury  County,  and  Septem- 
Iber  29,  1851,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  A Goodloe,  a native  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.  The  result  of  this  union  was  the  birth  of  five  children:  Goodloe  M.,  Willie  T.,  Hin- 
ton S.,  Eustatia  (who  died  May  14,  1858)  and  Ada  V.  Mr.  Frierson  is  considered  one  of 
the  successful  farmers  of  Maury  County.  He  has  a good  farm  of  700  acres  on  the  Colum- 
bia & Hampshire  Pike,  about  nine  and  a half  miles  west  of  Columbia.  This  farm  he 
manages  in  an  admirable  manner.  Besides  farming,  he  is  engaged  in  merchandising  and 
has  a new  business  room  on  the  pike  near  his  elegant  residence.  He  is  a Democrat  in  pol- 
itics and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

THEODORE  FRIERSON,  M.  D.,  a well-known  medical  practitioner  of  Columbia, 
Tenn.,  and  native  of  the  county,  -was  born  April  6,  1827,  son  of  John  Witherspoon  Frier- 
son, who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  while  preparing  for  the  Presbyterian  ministry, 
and  while  our  subject  was  an  infant.  He  was  a brother  of  the  eminent  Dr.  J.  W.  S.  Fri- 
erson, and  was  married  to  Grace  Stephenson.  Theodore  Frierson  was  reared  to  manhood 
in  Maury  County,  and  graduated  from  Center  College  at  Danville,  Ivy.  He  then  began 
studying  medicine  with  the  uncle  mentioned  above,  and  later  attended  the  medical  depart- 
ment of  the  University  of  New  York  City,  and  graduated  in  1850.  He  practiced  in  Shel- 
byville,.  Tenn.,  a few  months,  then  moved  to  Arkansas,  but  owing  to  ill-health  returned 
'to  Tennessee.  He  served  as  private  parts  of  two  years  in  the  Confederate  Army,  and 
resided  in  Mississippi  until  the  close  of  the  conflict.  He  returned  to  Tennessee  in  January, 
1868,  and  after  residing  on  a farm  in  Maury  County  until  1880,  he  returned  to  Columbia, 
where  he  has  since  practiced.  In  1860  the  Doctor  wedded  Harriett  A.  Frierson,  a distant 
relative  of  his.  Their  children  are  Grace,  Walter  B.  and  Ida.  The  Doctor  is  independ- 
ent in  his  political  views,  but  was  formerly  a Whig.  He  is  an  able  practitioner.  He  and 
(family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

REV.  JOHN  STEPHENSON  FRIERSON  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
December  27,  1829,  and  is  one  of  eleven  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  Robert  L. 
Frierson  and  Jane  Eliza  Stephenson,  born  in  1803  and  1807,  respectively.  The  father  died 
March  13,  1857;  both  he  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our  sub- 
ject was  reared  on  a farm  and  attended  the  Stephenson  Academy,  where  he  received  a 
good  education.  In  1848  he  entered  Center  College  at  Danville,  Ky.,  and  graduated  in 
1851.  He  then  entered  the  Princeton,  N.  J.,  Theological  Seminary,  where  he  remained 
two  years.  January  11,  1855,  he  was  married  to  Martha  M.  Jordan,  daughter  of  S.  P.  Jor- 
dan, and  three  children  were  born  to  their  union:  Luther  L.,  Mary  J.  (wife  of  J.  W.  How- 
ard) and  Ida  J.  September  10,  1866,  Mrs.  Frierson  died,  and  February  8, 1870,  our  subject 
married  Martha  L.  (Granberry)  Duncan.  Her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  M.  Granberry, 
were  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1798  and  1804,  respectively.  Two  children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frierson:  John  and  Donna  Maria.  Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  F.  & 

A.  M.,  and  has  attained  the  degree  of  Royal  Arch  Mason  He  is  a member  of  the  “ Beta- 
Theta  Pi,”  a well-known  literary’ society  of  the  East.  Rev.  Frierson  was  formerly  a 
Whig,  but  is  now  a stanch  Democrat,  and  for  many  years  has  been  president  of  the  board 
of  trustees  of  the  Mount  Pleasant  Female  Academy,  and  for  several  years  has  been  a 
member  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Columbia  “Atheneum.”  He  has  been  pastor  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Mount  Pleasant  for  the  last  thirty  years. 

JOE  H.  FUSSELL,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  attorney-general  of  the  Ninth  Judicial 
Circuit,  was  born  in  Maury  County  on  the  12th  of  January,  1836,  and  is  a son  of  Henry 

B.  and  Eliza  C.  (Kincaid)  Fussell,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  re- 
spectively. Both  of  our  subject’s  grandfathers,  John  Fussell  and  Joseph  Kincaid  were 
tamong  the  very  early  and  prominent  pioneers  of  Maury  County.  Henry  B.  was  reared 
in  Maury  County  and  removed  to  Columbia  when  our  subject  was  six  years  of  age,  and 
died  here  December  16,  1876.  He  was  a carpenter  by  trade  and  was  an  old-line  Whig  in 


922 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


politics  as  long  as  that  party  existed.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the, Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church  at  Columbia.  Joe  H.  was  educated  in  Columbia  and  graduated 
from  Jackson  College  in  1855.  He  taught  school  in  the  preparatory  department  one  year 
and  then  took  the  chair  of  mathematics  and  languages  in  his  old  alma  mater.  He  after- 
ward had  charge  of  the  mathematical  department  of  the  old  Ravenscroft  School,  but  had 
been  a reader  of  Blackstone  in  the  meantime,  and  also  worked  at  the  carpenter’s  trade, 
which  he  had  learned  of  his  father,  and  taught  school  alternately,  in  order  to  secure 
means  to  enable  him  to  complete  his  law  studies.  He  read  under  Col.  A.  N.  Looney,  and 
Judges  William  Martin  and  A.  0.  P.  Nicholson,  and  in  August,  1860,  was  admitted  to  the 
Maury  County  bar,  and  practiced  his  profession  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when 
he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  E,  First  Battalion  Tennessee  Cavalry,  afterward 
First  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was  made  first  lieutenant  of  his  company,  and  the  last 
two  years  of  the  war  commanded  a squadron  of  the  regiment,  ranking  as  captain.  IP 
served  four  years  and  was  with  his  company  in  318  engagements.  After  the  surrender  of 
the  South  he  was  not  allowed  to  remain  in  Columbia  by  the  Federals,  owing  to  his  refusal 
to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  and  was  compelled  to  repair  to  the  Barrens,  where  he  re- 
mained a year.  In  1866  he  resumed  his  law  practice  in  Columbia,  continuing  until  1870, 
when  he  was  elected  attorney-general,  and  has  served  by  re-election  up  to  the  present 
time.  In  1882  he  was  nominated  by  what  was  known  as  the  State  Credit  Democratic  Con 
vention  for  governor  of  Tennessee,  but  was  defeated  by  the  low  tax  element.  In  1885  lie 
was  elected  president  of  the  Tennessee  State  Temperance  Alliance.  He  is  now  the  cham- 
pion of  the  prohibition  element  in  the  State  in  the  fight  against  the  whisky  ring.  He  is 
making  the  race  forjudge  of  the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit,  subject  to  the  August,  1886,  election. 
Margaret  Roberts  became  his  wife  in  January,  1873.  Mr.  Fussell  is  a Mason,  Knight  Tcm 
plar  degree,  and  is  Post  and  Past  Commander  of  DeMolay  Commandery,  No.  3,  of  Columbia, 
and  is  Grand  Commander  of  the  State.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  has  been  ruling  elder  since  1856. 

JAMES  A.  GALLAWAY,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  the  Third 
District  of  that  county  September  1,  1832,  son  of  James  E.  and  Marion  Gallaway,  who 
were  married  December  14,  1824.  The  father  was  born  August  27,  1798,  and  came  to  Ten 
nessee  soon  after  his  marriage,  locating  in  Maury  County,  where  he  engaged  in  merchan- 
dising and  farming.  He  was  a graduate  of  the  Chapel  Hill  College  in  North  Caroliua  and 
was  widely  known  in  that  State  and  in  Tennessee.  His  parents  were  James  and  Elizabeth 
Gallaway.  Our  subject’s  mother  was  born  July  18,  1804,  in  North  Carolina,  and  was  the 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Mary  Gallaway.  Robert  Gallaway  was  a member  of  the  Old 
School  Presbyterian  Church  and  filled  the  office  of  county  clerk  for  a period  of  forty 
years.  James  Gallaway,  our  subject’s  paternal  grandfather,  was  born  in  Scotland,  and 
was  also  a member  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church.  His  wife  was  a “Hardshell  ” 
Baptist.  Our  subject  received  a good  education  at  Gourd  Vine  Chapel  and  Salem  Acad- 
emy, and  began  business  for  himself  at  the  age  of  eighteen  as  a farmer  and  stock  raiser, 
November  20,  1856,  he  married  Prucilla  J.  Baird,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  born 
May  27,  1837,  and  the  daughter  of  James  W.  and  Sarah  J.  (McLaue)  Baird.  By  this  union 
our  subject  became  the  father  of  five  children:  Sarah  C.,  born  in  1857;  James  L.,  born  in 
1861;  William R.,  born  in  1866;  Charles  R.,  born  in  1870  and  Marion  V.,  born  in  August,  1871 
During  the  late  war  Mr.  Gallaway  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Ninth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
was  stationed  at  different  points  until  1863,  when  he  joined  Joseph  Johnson’s  company 
He  then  left  that  command  and  was  detailed  to  Gen.  Cherry,  taking  an  active  part  in  the 
fight  from  Dalton  to  Atlanta.  He  was  known  as  one  of  the  immortal  thirteen  in  Forrest’s 
old  brigade.  He  was  paroled  at  Greenboro,  N.  C.,  with  Johnson’s  command,  and  came 
home  August,  1865.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

MATTHEW  J.  GALLOWAY  an  old  and  influential  farmer  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  and  a native  of  this  county,  was  born  May  6,  1813.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  the  , 
farm,  secured  a limited  education  in  the  rude  and  primitive  log  schoolhouse  of  his  boy- 
hood days,  and  began  tilling  the  soil  on  the  farm  where  he  is  now  residing.  In  1837  he 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


923 


was  united  in  matrimony  to  Susan  Williamson,  a native  of  Giles  County;  they  had  six 
children,  only  four  of  whom  are  living:  Enoch  W.,  Samuel  W.,  Irvin  T.  and  Julia.  George 
B.,  was  killed  at  Franklin,  November  30,  1864,  and  Pattison  J.,  died  in  1876.  In  1852  our 
subject  purchased  a farm  in  Perry  County  on  which  he  moved.  He  remained  there  fif- 
teen years,  and  then  returned  to  this  county  and  has  ever  since  remained  here.  His  par- 
ents were  Enoch  and  Anna  (Beal)  Galloway,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father 
immigrated  to  this  county  about  1809,  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  He  died  in  1867. 
The  mother  preceded  him  in  1835.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat,  and  himself  and  family 
are  worthy  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

CAPT.  JOHN  B.  GALLOWAY"  may  be  mentioned  as  a native  and  successful  farmer 
of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  He  was  born  October  4,  1832,  and  obtained  a fair  education.  In 
1855  he  took  for  his  helpmate  through  life  Miss  Margaret  Hanna,  daughter  of  Samuel 
Hanna.  Anna  G.  (wife  of  Rev.  S.  W.  Haddon),  Ola  and  JohnC.,  are  the  three  living  of 
the  six  children  born  to  their  marriage.  Mr.  Galloway  served  in  the  late  war  in  Company 
B,  Ninth  Tennessee  Battalion  Cavalry  as  its  first  lieutenant,  remaining  such  about  two 
years.  He  was  captured  at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donels^n,  and  remained  a prisoner  eight 
months  at  Johnson’s  Island.  After  being  released  he  was  made  captain  of  his  company, 
and  served  as  such  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  a brave  and  gallant  soldier  and 
officer.  He  and  wife  are  Presbyterians  and  he  is  a Democrat.  His  parents,  James  and 
Jane  (Sellers)  Galloway,  were  natives,  respectively  of  South  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The 
father  was  a farmer  and  died  in  1869,  and  the  mother  about  1864. 

JAMES  M.  GEDDENS  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  March  23,  1816.  His  father, 
James  Geddens,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1756,  and  was  by  occupation,  principally, 
a farmer.  He  came  to  Williamson  County  with  his  parents  in  1801  and  was'a  participant 
in  the  war  of  1812.  He  married  Priscilla  Buford,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  bore  him  seven 
children.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  and  September  21,  1837,  he  led  to 
the  hymeneal  altar  Caroline  A.  Thomason,  an  estimable  lady  and  a native  of  Alabama. 
To  this  union  were  born  these  children:  James,  William  B.,  John  W.,  Tully,  Josephus  T. , 
Matthew  D.,  Eliza  H.  A.,  and  Carrie.  Josephus  T.  died  November  9,  1861,  and  Eliza  H. 
A.  March  6,  1874.  Mrs.  Geddens  died  May  6,  1880.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church  and  was  always  faithful  to  the  cause  of  Christianity.  Mr.  Geddens  was  formerly 
a Whig  in  politics  but  is  now  a stanch  Democrat.  He  has  a good  farm  of  330  acres  all 
under  a good  state  of  cutivation  except  sixty  acres  of  woodland.  He  has  been  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  since  his  seventeenth  year. 

JOHN  H.  GILLIAM,  one  of  Maury  County’s  oldest  and  most  respected  citizens,  was 
born  in  Charlotte,  Va.,  Nov.  24,  1800,  and  is  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Pettnes)  Gill- 
iam. They  were  both  born  in  Charlotte  County,  Va.  The  father  in  April  12,  1778,  and 
the  mother  in  1782.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  in  1806  and  located  in  Rutherford  County 
where  he  engaged  in  farming  very  successfully  for  two  years.  He  then  moved  to  Maury 
County  and  locating  at  Rock  Springs  resumed  his  occupation  of  farming.  In  1812  he  built 
the  first  saw-mill  that  was  ever  built  on  Duck  River,  known  as  the  Wallace  Mill.  He  lived 
there  seven  years  and  then  purchased  a tract  of  land  north  of  Rock  Spring  and  engaged 
in  farming.  He  was  a “Hardshell”  Baptist  and  a Democrat.  His  death  occurred  October  1, 
1844.  The  mother  died  September  6,  1835.  Our  subject  began  business  for  himself  at 
the  age  of  twenty-one  as  a farmer.  January  6,  1822,  he  married  Martha  Gilliam,  a native 
of  Charlotte  County,  Va.,  born  October  30,  1799,  and  the  daughter  of  Robert  and  Estella 
(Marsby)  Gilliam,  both  natives  of  Charlotte  County,  Va.  By  this  marriage  our  subject  be- 
came the  father  of  four  children:  Sarah  P.,  born  in  1824;  Edward  H.,  born  in  1825;  Ste. 
phenM.  born  in  1828,  and  Charles  W., born  in  1833.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  Sep- 
tember 27,  1863,  and  January  6,  1867,  our  subject  married  Julia  C.  Jones,  her  former  name 
being  Martin.  She  was  born  in  Maury  County  March  24,  1824,  and  is  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church.  Our  subject  enjoys  very  good  health,  although  in  his  eighty-sixth  year, 
and  has  voted  the  Democratic  ticket  for  many  year's. 

ROLAND  GOOCH,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  August  30,  1836,  son 


924 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


of  William  S.  and  Alacy  (Jones)  Goocli,  both  natives  of  Granville  County,  N.  C.  The 
father  was  of  Scoteh-Irish  parentage,  and  emigrated  from  North  Carolina  in  about  1820. 
He  was.  a farmer  and  a minister  of  the  Baptist  Church.  After  teaching  that  doctrine  for 
a number  of  years  he  became  a minister  in  the  Christian  Church,  in  which  faith  he  re- 
mained until  his  death,  which  occurred  June  24,  1852.  The  mother  is  still  living,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty-two.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he 
was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  securing  a good  classical  education.  He  then  removed  to 
St.  Francis  County,  Mo.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  as  a partner  with 
his  brother,  P.  H.  Gooch.  They  had,  at  that  time,  charge  of  the  mail  route  from  Farm' 
ington,  Mo.,  to  Iron  Mountain,  at  St.  Genevieve.  At  the  end  of  eight  years  he  removed 
to  western  Canada,  and  continued  the  mercantile  business.  In  1865  he  returned  to  his 
present  neighborhood,  where  he  has  been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising  ever  since. 
In  1857  he  married  Nancy  E.  Jones,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  and  to  them  were  born 
eight  children,  turn  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are  Mary  C.,  Rolena,  Benjamin  E., 
Thomas  R.  and  Ada  and  Bertha,  who  are  twins.  Mr.  Gooch  is  a Democrat  iu  politics, 
and  himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Gooch  has 
been  a Master  Mason  since  1859. 

IION.  WILLIAM  B.  GORDON,  attorney,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  was  horn  in  Maury 
County,  July  23,  1839.  He  is  the  second  son  of  George  W and  Elizabeth  (Bradshaw)  Gordon, 
and  was  reared  on  a farm.  He  secured  a good  education  at  Jackson  College,  graduating  in 
1858.  He  then  began  studying  law  during  his  leisure  hours,  and  in  1860  was  licensed  to 
practice.  In  the  spring  of  1861  he  enlisted  in  Capt.  Hamilton’s  company,  Second  Battal- 
ion of  Confederate  Cavalry,  which,  after  the  first  year  of  the  war,  was  consolidated  with 
the  First  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  and  sometimes  known  as  Wheeler’s  brigade. 
He  was  wounded  and  captured,  June  4,  1863.  near  Franklin,  and  was  paroled  three  months 
later,  but  was  so  badly  disabled  that  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  further  service.  Re 
practiced  his  profession  six  months  at  Lewisburg,  Tenn.,  and  then  returned  to  Columbia 
and  became,  a partner  of  Joe  LI.  Fussell,  remaining  in  partnership  with  him  until  the  lat- 
ter’s election  to  the  attorney-generalship.  Since  that  time  he  has  conducted  a fairly  large 
and  remunerative  practice  for  himself.  March  13, 1878,  he  married  Miss  Mary  L.  Franklin, 
of  Mississippi.  Mr.  Gordon  is  a Democrat,  and  was  city  attorney  of  Columbia  three  years. 
In  1870  he  was  elected  without  opposition  to  the  Tennessee  State  Legislature,  represent- 
ing Maury,  Williamson  and  Lewis  Counties.  He  is  at  present  candidate  for  chancellor  of 
the  Seventh  District.  He  is. a Mason,  Knight  Templar,  a Knight  of  Honor,  and  he  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  T.  S.  GREENFIELD,  M.  D.,  a successful  practitioner  of  his  native  county  of 
Maury,  Tenn.,  was  born  September  17,  1831,  son  of  Jerard  Greenfield,  who  was  born  in 
Maryland,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  a young  man  and  married  Miss  Catharine  Sand- 
ford.  He  practiced  medicine,  and  was  considered  one  of  the  most  skillful  physicians  of  the 
county.  In  early  days  he  would  frequently  get  lost  in  the  canebrake,  and  for  that  reason 
put  a bell  on  his  horse  so  that  he  could  be  found  when  wanted.  In  connection  with  his 
practice  he  carried  on  farming.  His  death  occurred  in  1847,  and  the  mother’s  in  1831. 
James  T.  S.  Greenfield  graduated  from  the  Pennsylvania  University  of  Philadelphia,  and 
was  one  of  the  class  of  1852.  He  began  practicing  in  Maury  County,  and  has  met  with 
well  deserved  success.  In  1884  Miss  Frances  O.  Lavender  became  his  wife,  and  to  their 
union  three  children — James  T.  S.,  Jane  H.  Y.  and  Zilpha — were  born.  The  Doctor  was 
opposed  to  secession,  but  being  a Southern  man  his  sympathies  were  with  his  people.  He 
is  a Methodist  and  a Democrat. 

JOHN  A.  GRIMES  is  one  of  the  five  children  of  Henry  A.,  and  Elizabeth  (Evans) 
Grimes,  and.was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  February  19,  1840.  Henry  A.  Grimes  was 
one  of  the  oldest  native  inhabitants  of  Maury  County,  and  died  May  9,  1881.  The  mother 
was  born  iu  Warren  County,  and  was  a devoted  member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  John  A.,  our  subject,  received  a good  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
Maury  County,  and  was  married  May  9,  1866,  to  Miss  Alice  M.  Moss.  They  are  the  par- 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


925 


ents  of  these  five  children:  Samuel  H.,  John  B.,  Robert  L.,  Archie  and  Minnie.  At  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war  Mr.  Grimes  enlisted,  July  4,  1861,  in  Company  F,  First  Tennessee 
Cavalry,  commanded  by  Capt.  A.  J.  Polk,  of  Tennessee,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of 
Shiloh,  Corinth,  Iuka,  Lookout  Mountain,  Missionary  Ridge,  Chickamauga  and  many 
others.  He  was  taken  prisoner  in  1862,  near  Coffee,  Miss.,  and  was  kept  a prisoner  at  Al- 
ton, 111.  After  being  exchanged  he  rejoined  his  command  at  Spring  Hill,  Tenn.,  in  the 
early  part  of  1863  and  was  paroled  at  Charlotte,  N.  C.  in  May  1865.  He  then  returned  to 
Maury  County  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  has  always  been  a Democrat  in  politics, 
and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

C.  DAVIS  HAM,  a successful  dealer  in  fine  stallions  and  jacks,  was  born  in  Lawrence 
County,  Tenn.,  November  20,  1848,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Lucinda  (Burns)  Ham, 
born,  respectively,  in  North  and  South  Carolina.  Henry  Ham  was  an  adept  at  the  black- 
smith’s trade,  and  followed  that  occupation  in  Lawrence  County,  Tenn. .where  he  resided 
after  coming  to  this  State.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  on  the  19th  of  October,  1879. 
She  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  Christianity,  and  was  a consistent  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  owner  of  the  famous 
stallions,  Cleveland,  Hendricks  and  Black  Prince,  and  the  noted  jack,  Starlight.  He 
has  long  made  fine  stock  breeding  his  occupation  and  has  met  with  well  deserved  success. 
He  is  a strong  supporter  of  Democracy  and  is  a substantial  citizen  of  the  county.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

THOMAS  C.  HARDISON  was  born  in  Maury  County  December  80,  1829,  and  is  the 
son  of  Joel  and  Jane  (Long)  Hardison.  The  father,  a highly  respected  and  successful 
physician,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  October,  1800,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  Ten- 
nessee when  quite  young.  He  married  and  located  in  Maury  County,  where  he  lived  a 
long  and  prosperous  life.  He  had  a good  education  and  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  He 
died  December  17,  1873.  The  mother  was  also  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1800,  and  died 
May  1884.  She  was  the  daughter  of  David  and  Mary  Long,  who  died  in  1846  and  1852, 
respectively.  Our  subject  received  a good  common  school  education,  and,  May  20,  1847, 
was  married  to  Frances  Fox,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  March  19,  1828,  and 
the  daughter  of  John  and  Martha  (Harris)  Fox,  who  were  natives  of  North  Carolina,  the 
former  born  in  1784,  and  the  latter  in  1786.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  three  sons 
and  one  daughter  named  Hampton  J.,  born  1848;  Mary  J.,  born  1849;  John  J.,  born  1852, 
and  James  H.,  born  in  1859.  Hampton  J.,  the  eldest  son,  secured  a fair  education  and  be- 
gan business  for  himself  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  In  1864  he  enlisted  in  Vaughn’s  com- 
pany Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  and  was  faithful  to  his  duties. 
August  10,1865,  he  wedded  Martha  E.  Cheek,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born 
February  20,  1848,  and  daughter  of  John  L.  and  Betsey  (Rine)  Cheek.  To  Hampton  and 
wife  were  born  these  children:  John  T.,  born  1866;  Texannah,  born  1867;  William  W., 
forn  1870;  Tallie,  born  1872;  Mary  F.,  born  1874;  Jesse  P.,  born  1876;  Melvin  A.,  born  1878, 
and  Hampton  E.,  born  1884.  The  father  of  these  children  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and 
a successful  farmer.  In  1863  Thomas  C.  Hardison,  our  subject,  was  elected  magistrate  in 
Maury  County  and  has  held  that  office  ever  since.  He  is  highly  spoken  of  by  all  his  ac- 
quaintances as  an  upright,  honest  citizen. 

ANDREW  J.  HARDISON  was  born  November  1,  1856,  son  of  Marshall  E.  and 
Eliza  A.  (Olds)  Hardison.  The  father  was  born  in  Maury  County  July  12,  1827,  and  was 
reared  on  the  farm.  He  was  constable  of  Maury  County  for  several  years  and  filled  the 
office  in  a creditable  manner.  He  rvas  married  November  2,  1853,  and  four  children  were 
born  to  him.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  war,  but  was  not  in  the  service  very  long  before 
he  was  taken  with  the  measles  and  returned  home,  where  he  remained  for  a short  time. 
He  was  afterward  captured  and  imprisoned  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  died  February  28, 
1862.  The  parents  of  Marshall  E.  Hardison  were  Humphrey  and  Harriet  (Woolard) 
Hardison.  Humphrey  Hardison  was  a farmer,  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  in  1832. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  James  and  Martha  Olds.  Her  father  being  a soldier  in  the  war 


58 


926 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


of  1812,  was  a Whig  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Our  subject  had  poor  ed- 
ucational advantages,  but  made  the  most  of  what  he  could  get.  December  25,  1884,  his 
marriage  with  Millie  A.  Hardison  was  solemnized.  She  was  born  in  Maury  County  De- 
cember 20,  1863,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Ira  and  Mary  Hardison.  Our  subject  is  a young 
man  but  has  been  very  successful  in  his  undertakings,  and  is  widely  known  as  a good 
farmer  and  stock  raiser.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

THOMAS  A.  HARRIS,  a widely  known  citizen  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Halifax  County,  of  the  "Old  Dominion,  June  20,  1820.  He  is  the  second  son 
of  a family  of  three  sons  and  three  daughters  born  to  Thomas  P.  andJAnn  L.  (Cobb)  Hards, 
natives,  respectively,  of  Powhattan  County,  Va.,  and  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  born  in  1770 
and  1786.  The  father  was  a practicing  physician,  and  died  in  his  native  county  in  1861. 
The  mother  and  father  were  Presbyterians  in  faith,  and  died  in  their  native  State  iu  1861 
and  1870.  Our  subject  resided  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  1846.  In  1839  he  was 
one  of  the  escorts  of  Gen.  Samuel  Houston  from  West  Tennessee  to  the  republic  of  Texas, 
which  trip  was  made  on  horseback.  In  June  of  1846  he  enlisted  in  the  Mexican  war  in 
Company  C,  Tennessee  Cavalry.  The  regiment  was  formed  at  Memphis  and  commanded 
by  Col.  Jonas  E.  Thomas,  of  Maury  County,  and  at  Matamoras  joined  Gens.  Taylor  and 
Pillow’s  forces.  They  then  went  to  Tampico,  where  the  command  was  assumed  by  Gen. 
Winfield  Scott.  Mr.  Harris  was  discharged  at  New  Orleans  in  May,  1847.  Since  that 
time  he  has  been  farming  in  the  Thirteenth  District  of  Maury  County.  At  that  date  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  H.  Cooper,  of  Maury  County,  and  to  them  were  born  one  son 
and  one  daughter:  Millard  F.  (deceased)  and  Anna  L.  In  October,  1856,  Mrs.  Harris  died, 
and  December  23,  1859,  Mr.  Harris  wedded  Elizabeth  J.  Stockard.  They  have  one  child 
— Virginia  Lee.  Mrs.  Harris  died  October  8,  1868.  For  three  months  of  the  civil  war 
Mr.  Harris  was  second  lieutenant  of  the  State  militia.  The  company  was  transferred,  or 
forced  in  the  rebel  army,  resigned  and  returned  home.  He  was  a Whig  previous  to  the  { 
war,  and  since  that  time  has  been  a strong  advocate  of  Republican  principles  and  gives 
his  support  to  that  party.  He  was  in  Washington  when  the  news  came  of  Robert  Lee’s 
surrender,  and  was  in  Ford’s  Theater  at  the  time  of  the  assassination  of  President  Lin- 
coln. Mr.  Harris  is  an  ancient  Odd  Fellow,  and  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 
His  juvenile  career  was  somewhat  checkered  and  romantic,  with  many  incidents  of  pleas- 
ure and  hardships  in  thirty  States  and  four  Governments.  His  life  since  the  Mexican  war  ,j 
has  been  devoted  exclusively  to  his  family  duties  in  Maury  County,  Tenn. 

DUNCAN  HASTINGS,  an  old  and  much  respected  citizen  and  farmer  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  October  15,  1817,  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  son  of  John  and  jj 
Mary  Hastings.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  died  in  that  State  about 
1824,  when  our  subject  was  quite  young.  In  1825  the  mother  and  family  immigrated  to  | 
this  county  and  were  among  the  early  settlers.  The  mother  died  February  16,  1861,  at 
the  unusual  age  of  one  hundred  years.  Our  subject  remained  on  the  farm  with  his 
mother  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  as  the  educational  advantages  of  those  j| 
early  days  were  not  what  they  are  now,  His  education  was  rather  limited.  He  then  began , 
farming  for  himself  in  his  present  neighborhood,  where  he  remained  until  1854,  when  hejj 
removed  to  his  present  place  and  has  since  resided  there.  June  7,  1858,  he  wedded  E.  N. 
Thomas,  a native  of  this  county,  who  died  July  30,  1863.  They  had  one  child  by  this 
union,  who  died  in  1862.  April,  1868,  he  wedded  his  present  wife,  Elvira  Curl,  a native 
of  Hickman  County.  Mr.  Hastings  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Baptisr 
Church.  Mrs.  Hastings  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

SAMUEL  D.  HAYES,  one  of  Maury  Couuty’s  enterprising  citizens,  was  born  in 
Granville  County,  N.  C.,  September  20,  1816,  son  of  William  and  Marinie  Hayes,  born  in 
Kentucky  and  North  Carolina,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children: 
James,  Eliza,  Benjamin,  Charles,  Samuel,  Whitman  L.  and  William,  all  of  whom  are) 
dead  with  the  exception  of  our  subject.  William  Hayes  farmed  very  successfully  in  North 
Carolina  for  several  years  and  then  came  to  Tennessee,  locating  in  Maury  County.  At 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


927 


the  time  of  his  death  he  was  residing  near  Troy.  He  died  in  1874.  He  held  the  office  of 
sheriff  and  constable  of  his  county  in  North  Carolina.  He  was  a Democrat  and  served  in 
the  war  of  1812.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  Samuel  D.  Hayes  became  overseer  for 
John  Moore  in  Alabama,  but  at  the  end  of  two  years  returned  to  Tennessee  and  farmed 
near  Duck  River  for  fifteen  years.  He  was  married,  in  1844,  to  Fannie  Smith,  who  was 
born  in  Virginia  in  1828,  and  was  a daughter  of  John  and  Nancy  (Hayes)  Smith,  natives 
of  Virginia.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war  and  died  in  1885.  Our  subject  and 
wife  have  four  sons  and  six  daughters:  William  S.,  born  in  1848;  Nancy  E.,  born  in  1852; 
Eliza  B.,  born  in  1855;  John  D.,  born  in  1857;  Marica  L.,  bom  in  1859;  Martha  P.,  who 
died  in  1885;  Fannie  R.,  born  in  1861;  Mary  L.,  born  in  1863;  Sarah  W.,  born  in  1866.  and 
Samuel  D.,  born  in  1869.  Mrs.  Hayes  belongs  to  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Hayes  is  a 
Democrat  in  political  views. 

GEORGE  W.  HATES,  attorney,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  George  W.  and 
Margaret  E.  (Steuart)  Hayes,  and  was  born  in  North  Carolina  November  27,  1851.  The 
parents  were  born  in  Georgia  and  North  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  died  in  the 
latter  State  and  there  the  mother  still  resides.  Our  subject  was  reared  and  received  a 
common  school  education  in  his  native  State.  He  followed  agricultural  pursuits  there 
until  April,  1881,  when  he  began  his  legal  studies  and  took  a two  years’  course  in  the  law 
department  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  and  was  licensed  to  practice  by  the 
supreme  court  of  that  State.  He  came  to  Columbia  in  November,  1883,  and  began  prac- 
ticing in  January  of  the  next  year.  He  is  a Democrat,  but  has’ never  aspired  to  office. 
His  father,  however,  was  a prominent  politician  in  his  native  State,  being  a member  of 
the  State  Legislature,  and  was  also  a soldier  in  the  late  war  with  the  rank  of  colonel. 
Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  unmarried. 
He  and  Archibald  C.  Floyd  are  partners  in  the  law  practice  and  are  recognized  as  suc- 
cessful members  of  the  Maury  County  bar. 

HIRAM  L.  HENDLEY,  register  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  native  of  the  county, 
was  born  November  26,  1838,  son  of  George  S.  H.  and  Elvira  E.  (Foster)  Hendley,  who 
were  born  in  the  “Palmetto  State.”  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  in  1832,  where  he 
married  and  became  a successful  tiller  of  the  soil.  He  died  when  our  subject  was  five  or 
six  years  of  age.  Hiram  L.  resided  on  the  farm  in  Maury  County  until  1850,  when  they 
removed  to  Wayne  County;  thence  to  Texas  in  1854.  Five  years  later  he  returned  to 
Maury  County.  He  received  an  ordinary  common  school  education,  and  in  1860  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Addie  E.,  daughter  of  Maj.  James  L.  Guest.  At  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  A,  Ninth  Battalion,  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
serving  until  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson,  when  he  was  captured  and  held  a prisoner  ait 
Camp  Morton  seven  months.  He  was  exchanged  and  made  first  lieutenant  of  his  old 
company,  serving  thus  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  in  the  Dalton  and  Atlanta 
campaigns,  and  was  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  at  Funnel  Hill,  but  returned  to  his 
command  in  time  to  participate  in  the  battle  of  Atlanta.  After  his  return  home  Mr, 
Hendley  clerked  until  1878,  with  the  exception  of  four  years  spent  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness for  himself.  At  the  latter  date  he  was  elected  register  of  Maury  County,  and  has 
filled  that  position  by  re-election  to  the  present  time.  He  is  one  of  the  board  of  aldermen 
of  Columbia,  and  is  an  active  Democrat.  His  wife  died  in  December,  1880,  leaving  three 
sons  and  two  daughters.  Mr.  Hendley  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  is  also  & 
member  of  the  K.  of  H.  and  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JAMES  B.  HILL,  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  highly  respected  citizens,  was  horn  iac 
Georgia  May  18,  1807,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Jane  (Robertson)  Hill.  The  father  was 
born  in  Georgia,  married  in  that  State  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1806,  where  he  followed 
agricultural  pursuits.  He  was  a Democrat,  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church  and  died  in  1830.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  the  results  of  her 
union  with  James  Hill  were  eight  children:  Alexander,  Olive,  Midleton,  Matilda,  Thomas, 
William  H.,  Jane  and  James  B.  The  mother  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  died  in  1840.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  began  business  for  him- 


928 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


self  at  the  age  of  twenty-two,  as  a farmer.  In  1830  he  married  Peggie  Denham,  a native 
of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  the  daughter  of  Robert  and  Nancy  J.  (Turner)  Den- 
ham. To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  three  children:  James  E.,  born  February  7, 
1831;  Nancy  J.,  born  November  12,  1832,  and  died  August  28,  1860,  and  Robert  H.,  born 
June  6,  1834,  and  died  January  8,  1854.  Mrs.  Peggie  Hill  died  in  1836,  and  in  1837  Mr. 
Hill  married  Nancy  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1809.  By  her  he  became  the 
father  of  two  daughters:  Sarah  E.,  born  June  2,  1839,  and  died  June  15,  1854,  and  Mar- 
garet F.,  born  March  20,  1844.  Our  subject’s  second  wife  died  in  1846,  and  in  1848  he 
married  Elmira  Lancaster,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1811.  He  is  a Democrat  in  pol- 
itics, and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR.  J.  SPENCER  HILL,  a young  and  prominent  physician  of  Carter  Creek,  Maury 
County,  and  a native  of  this  county,  was  born  January  19,  1854,  and  is  the  son  of  Ashley 
and  Mary  (McKay)  Hill,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The 
father  immigrated  to  this  county  when  but  a small  boy,  and  served  an  apprenticeship  at 
stone  cutting  and  afterward  followed  that  business  as  a profession  for  a number  of  years, 
cutting  and  engraving  stone  monuments.  He  afterward  followed  the  vocation  of  farm- 
ing, at  which  he  was  quite  successful.  His  death  occurred  about  1869.  The  mother  still 
survives  him  at  the  advanced  age  of  sixty-six  years  and  is  a resident  of  the  old  homestead. 
Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty  years  of  age, 
securing  a good  education  in  the  Stephenson  Academy  in  this  county,  and  also  the  Con- 
cord Academy.  He  then  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  A.  H.  Brown  and  remained 
with  him  over  a year.  He  then  attended  one  course  of  lectures  at  the  medical  department 
of  the  Washington  University,  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  after  which  he  returned  to  Columbia  and 
resumed  the  study  or  medicine  under  Dr.  Brown.  In  1876  he  attended  one  course  of  lec- 
tures at  the  Missouri  Medical  College  of  St.  Louis,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in 
the  sessions  of  1876  and  1877.  He  then  returned  to  Carter  Creek  and  began  the  practice 
of  medicine  at  that  place.  April  19,  1882  he  wedded  Nona  C.  Russell,  a native  of  Hick 
man  County,  Tenn.,  and  the  daughter  of  Hon.  W.  B.  Russell.  She  died  December  17, 
1885,  and  left  one  child,  Nona.  Dr.  Hill  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a leading  member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  which  he  is  a steward.  He  is  a successful  pr&cti 
tioner  and  his  practice  extends  over  a wide  space  of  country. 

THOMAS  J.  HOBBS  is  a son  of  Jordan  and  Martha  (Nicholson)  Hobbs,  and  was  born 
in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  November  13,  1830.  The  father  was  born  in  Georgia  in  1802  and 
the  mother  in  Tennessee  in  1803.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  our  subject 
being  the  fifth.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  a stone  and  brick-mason  and  belonged  to  the 
Masonic  fraternity.  He  died  in  1861  and  his  wife  in  1884.  Thomas  J.,  our  subject,  began 
farming  for  himself  when  twenty-one  years  of  age.  November  3,  1852,  he  married  Jane  C 
Coffee,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County  March  13,  1836.  To  them  were  born  the  following 
children:  John  C.,  born  in  1853;  Jane  A.,  in  1854;  Martha  O.,  in  1858;  Clarence  J.,  in  1859: 
Mary  A.,  in  1862;  Lizzie  A.,  in  1864;  Thomas  M.,  in  1866;  Maggie  L.,  in  1868;  Emma  E., 
in  1871;  Ernest  W.,  in  1874;  Cornelia  B.,  in  1877,  and  Bertha  J.,  in  1880  and  one  infant  so  a 
who  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hobbs  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

GEORGE  S.  HOGE,  native  of  Maury  County.,  Tenn.,  was  born  October  1,  1841,  and 
is  the  eldest  of  six  children  of  Moses  and  Eliza  A.  (Napier)  Hoge.  The  father  was  born  in 
West  Virginia  in  1799,  and  came  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1819,  locating  on  a farm  in 
the  Twelfth  District,  where  he  spent  a long  and  useful  life  and  died  October  7,  1858.  His 
wife  was  born  in  1816.  George  S.  Hoge  received  a good  English  education  at  the  Mount 
Pleasant  Academy,  and  in  November,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Third  Tennessee 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Vicksburg,  Raymond,  Resaca,  Murfrees- 
boro, and  was  with  Hood  on  his  campaign  through  Tennessee.  He  was  captured  at  Murfrees- 
boro in  1864,  and  was  a prisoner  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  until  exchanged  at  Richmond,  Va.. 
March  4,  1865.  He  returned  home  in  1865  and  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  up  to 
the  present  time.  March  8,  1871,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Leora  Long,  and  to 
them  one  son,  Willie  Long,  was  born.  Mr.  Hoge  has  been  a life-long  Democrat  and  is  a 
well-to  do  farmer. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


929 


REV.  JEREMIAH  F.  HOLT  was  born  in  Maury  County  October  8,  1821,  and  is  a 
son  of  William  and  Mary  (Powell)  Holt.  Tbe  father  was  born  in  Burke  County,  N. 
C.,  in  1778,  and  was  by  occupation  a farmer.  He  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  Maury  County,  where  he  lived  a long  and  useful  life.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church  and  died  in  1833.  The  mother  was  also  a 
native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  1783.  She  was  a member  of  the  Christian  Church  and 
passed  from  this  life  in  1S62.  Our  subject  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm  and  re- 
ceived a good  English  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county.  October,  1845,  he  married 
Margaret  Ball,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church. 
She  died  in  1866.  In  1868  Mr.  Holt  wedded  Mary  E.  (Laird)  Harwood,  a native  of  Giles 
County,  and  the  results  of  this  union  were  these  children:  Albert  A.,  Jeremiah,  James  Ml 
and  Robert  B.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Holt  has  been  a life-long  Democrat  and  was 
magistrate  of  the  Eleventh  District  for  six  years.  He  is  a member  of  the  Primitive  Bap- 
tist Church  and  has  been  a minister  for  thirty-three  years.  He  is  a successful  farmer, 
having  255  acres  of  good  land. 

JERRY  HOLT  is  a son  of  William  L.  Holt,  and  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
October  8,  1856.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  May  12,  1802,  and  was  a son  of 
William  Holt,  who  came  to  Tennessee  when  William  L.  was  very  young.  He  was  first 
married  to  Harriett  Snell,  who  died  in  1842,  leaving  three  sons.  The  father  remained  sin- 
gle about  six  years  and  then  wedded  Lucy  A.  Taylor,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of 
four  sons  and  three  daughters.  William  L.  was  a Democrat,  and  departed  this  life  March 
20,  1878.  Jerry,  our  subject,  was  the  fourth  of  his  family,  and  began  doing  for  himself 
at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  March  1,  1883,  he  took  for  his  life  companion  Mollie  L.  Davis, 
who  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  July  5,  1864,  and  is  a daughter  of  Owen  and 
Mary  (Shaw)  Davis.  Mr.  Holt  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  is  a young  man  of 
energy  and  good  habits. 

JOHN  A.  J.  HOWARD  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  April  29,  1819,  and 
is  the  son  of  John  and  Fannie  (Pinkston)  Howard.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Caro 
lina  December  12,  1784,  and  came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  when  a young  man.  In 
1806  he  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  four  children.  The  mother  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  June  5,  1786,  and  died  September  4,  1869.  The  father  died  October  20, 
1847.  Our  subject  began  business  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twrenty-one  as  a farmer.  No 
vember  24,  1853,  he  married  Mary  M.  Denham,  a native  of  Maury  County,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Robert  F.  and  Eleanor  (Watts)  Denham.  Mary  M.  Howard,  our  subject’s  wTife, 
died  April  15,  1869.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and 
was  faithful  to  her  Christian  duties.  During  the  late  unpleasantness  between  the  North 
and  South  our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment — after 
the  consolidation  it  was  Company  C,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment.  He  was  in  the 
battle  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  and  served  fifteen  months,  after  which  lie  received  an  honorable 
discharge  and  returned  home  December,  1862,  and  engaged  in  farming.  Our  subject  has 
held  the  office  of  constable  for  one  term  and  the  office  of  magistrate  for  a number  of  years, 

JOHN  W.  HOWARD  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Margaret  (Hunter)  Howard,  and  was 
born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  April  27,  1847,  and  his  early  days  were  spent  in  laboring 
on  his  father’s  farm  and  in  attending  the  Mount  Pleasant  Academy.  In  September,  1864, 
he  joined  the  Confederate  Army,  enlisting  in  the  Ninth  Tennessee  Battalion,  and  partici 
pated  in  the  following  hard-fought  battles:  Nashville,  Franklin,  with  Hood’s  campaign 
through  Tennessee.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  Maury  County,  and  has 
since  been  engaged  in  farming  and  mule  raising,  and  is  doing  well  financially.  April  24, 
1877,  he  was  married  to  Mary  J.  Frierson,  who  died  July  1,  1880,  leaving  one  son, 

M illiam  Jordan.  In  politics  Mr.  Howard  is  a Democrat,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity and  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  His  father  and  mother  were  born  in 
Tennessee  in  1812  and  1816,  respectively.  The  father  was  an  agriculturist.  The  mother 
was  a faithful  and  conscientious  Christian,  being  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  died  July  9,  1861. 


080 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


i 

CAPT.  ISAAC  J.  HOWLETT,  merchant,  of  Culleoka,  was  born  in  Davidson  County, 
April  4,  1839,  son  of  Addison  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Clemons)  Howlett.  Addison  Howlett  is 
of  Scotch  parentage,  and  a prominent  farmer  of  Davidson  County,  where  he  yet  lives. 
The  mother  died  in  1872.  Isaac  J.  secured  a fair  education,  and  in  1855  began  earning  his 
own  living  by  clerking  for  an  uncle,  S.  B.  Howlett,  in  Mooresville,  with  whom  he  re- 
mained until  1861.  He  then  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  and-  was  captain  of  Com- 
pany F,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  captured  at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donel- 
son,  and  was  imprisoned  at  Columbus  and  Sandusky,  Ohio.  After  his  return  home  he 
farmed  for  about  a year  and  a half,  and  in  1868  went  to  Gadsden,  Tenn.,  and  engaged  in 
merchandising  in  partnership  with  William  Linder.  In  March,  1871,  he  sold  his  interest 
and  returned  to  Maury  County,  and  collected  for  his  uncle  until  December,  1879.  He  then 
came  into  possession  of  the  store  by  his  uncle’s  will,  and.has  since  carried  on  the  business 
very  successfully.  He  owns  fifty  acres  of  land  and  his  business  house  and  residence  prop- 
erty. March  28,  1861,  he  married  Mary  R.  Howard,  and  they  have  six  children: 
Kirby  S.  (a  physician  of  the  county),  Mary  I.,  Jennie  L.  and  Lizzie  D.  (twins),  Minnie  M. 
and  Adah  B.  Mr.  Howlett  is  a Democrat,  and  the  family  are  Presbyterians. 

HUNTER  & CO.,  who  creditably  represent  the  milling  interests  of  Maury  County, 
is  composed  of  James  M.  and  Eugene  D.,  sons  of  James  M.  and  Mary  (McConnico)  Hun- 
ter, both  natives  of  Maury  County  Tenn.  The  father,  James  M.,  Sr.,  followed  the  mill- 
ing business  all  his  life  up  to  the  last  two  years,  at  which  time  he  was  stricken  with 
paralysis,  which  disabled  him  from  business,  and  from  the  effects  of  which  he  has  not  yet 
recovered.  He  was  one  of  the  first  millers  of  the  county,  and  at  one  time  owned  the  only 
water-wheel  in  Maury  County.  He  was  very  successful  in  this  business,  and  since  he 
has  retired  from  active  life  his  sons  have  carried  on  the  business,  having  erected  a large 
four-story  mill  at  Carter  Creek,  which  is  equipped  with  the  latest  improved  machinery. 
Their  capacity  is  seventy-five  barrels  per  day,  and  their  chief  markets  are  Georgia.  Ala- 
bama and  Florida.  James  M.  Hunter,  Jr.,  is  a native  of  this  county,  and  was  bora 
December  3,  1852.  He  received  a good  common  school  education,  and  was  put  in  the  mil) 
to  work  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  being  steadily  employed  in  that  business  ever  since. 
December  19,  1877,  he  wedded  Georgia  Jameson,  a native  of  this  county,  and  a daughter 
of  William  A.  Jameson.  To  this  union  were  born  three  children:  Aris  M.,  Evan  W.  and 
Fred,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Hunter  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  classed  among 
the  leading  business  men  of  the  county.  Eugene  D.  Hunter  was  born  in  this  county  May 
12,  1857.  After  reaching  the  years  of  manhood  he  began  the  mercantile  business  at  Car- 
ter Creek,  and  operated  this  in  connection  with  the  milling  business.  November  20, 
1880,  he  wedded  Mary  A.  Jameson,  a native  of  this  county,  and  a daughter  of  W.  A.  Jam- 
eson, and  to  them  were  born  three  children:  Bessie  E.,  Ethel  and  an  infant  not  named. 
Mr.  Hunter  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  unenterprising  and  successful  business  man 

J.  W.  IRWIN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County  April  30,  1854,  son  of  William  M. 
and  Fannie  Irwin.  The  father  was  a native  of  Hickman  County,  Tenn.,  born  in  1825,  and 
was  a tiller  of  the  soil.  He  was  a member-  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  died 
near  Macon,  Miss.,  in  1876.  The  mother  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1828,  and  was  a mem 
her  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  She  died  July  26,  1885.  Our  subject’s  early  life 
was  passed  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  school  at  the  Mount  Pleasant  Acad 
emy.  May  2,  1876,  he  wedded  Mollie  Hunter,  daughter  of  Dr.  W.  G.  J.  Hunter,  and  a 
native  of  Maury  County.  The  birth  of  four  children  followed  this  union:  Bertram  M., 
Knox  H.,  Horace  O.  and  Lelia  I.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Irwin  has  been  a life-long 
Democrat,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  justly  considered 
one  of  Maury  County’s  most  enterprising  and  moral  citizens. 

SAMUEL  E.  G.  JACK,  a member  of  the  firm  of  Church  & Jack,  and  a prominent 
citizen  of  Carter  Creek,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Washington  County,  111.,  July 
14,  1837,  son  of  William  and  Lecey  J.  (Fitzgerald)  Jack,  both  natives  of  this  State.  The 
father  was  a successful  farmer,  and  his  death  occurred  about  1841.  The  mother  is  still 
living  and  enjoying  fair  health  on  the  old  homestead.  Our  subject  lived  on  the  farm  with 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


931 


his  Grandfather  Fitzgerald  until  he  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age,  securing  an  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools.  He  then  began  farming  on  Snow  Creek  and  was  steadily 
engaged  in  that  business  until  he  was  thirty-three  years  of  age.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in 
Maury  Light  Artillery,  and  remained  with  this  company  until  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson, 
when  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  and  retained  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  for  six  or  seven 
months;  was  then  exchanged  at  Vicksburg,  and  joined  the  Heavy  Artillery,  stationed  at 
Port  Hudson,  and  remained  there  ten  months;  he  was  then  paroled  and  returned  home. 
In  1869  he  began  the  saw-mill  business  on  Knob  Creek,  where  he  remained  two  years.  He 
was  then  elected  constable  of  the  Tenth  District,  and  acted  as  such  for  four  years;  was 
afterward  elected  as  deputy  sheriff  for  two  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business  at  Theta,  as  the  firm  of  Church  & Jack,  and  in  1880  established  his  present  busi- 
ness. In  1855  he  wedded  Miss  Louisa  Tennessee,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them 
were  born  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  living:  William  E.,  Rosena  S.  G.  Mr.  Jack  is 
a Democrat,  and  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

WILLIAM  J.  JACOBS,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn,  January  14,  1831, 
and  is  a son  of  Joseph  R,  and  Louisa  (McKee)  Jacobs,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina. 
Joseph  Jacobs  became  fatherless  when  but  nine  years  of  age.  He  was  then  bound  out  to 
Williamson  Akins,  and  learned  the  blacksmith  trade,  which  occupation  he  followed  the 
principal  part  of  his  life.  He  also  followed  agricultural  pursuits  for  some  time.  His  death 
occurred  in  1870.  He  started  in  life  but  a poor  boy,  with  nothing  but  two  strong  arms  with 
which  to  battle,  and  when  the  late  war  broke  out,  was  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in  the 
county.  This  he  accomplished  by  hard'  work  and  close  attention  to  business;  he  was 
the  son  of  William  Jacobs.  The  mother  died  in  1875.  Our  subject  remained  with  his 
parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  serving  an  apprenticeship  in  the 
blacksmith’s  trade,  which  business  he  followed  for  seven  years.  He  was  one  of  the  many 
old  settlers  who  received  the  rudiment  of  their  education  in  the  rude  log  schoolhouses  of 
those  early  days.  October  14,  1860,  he  wedded  Ann  E.  Parham,  a native  of  this  county, 
and  the  daughter  of  Thomas  J.  Parham.  Mr.  Jacobs  is  a Democrat,  and  one  of  Maury 
County’s  most  successful  farmers.  He  is  at  present  residing- in  the  house  built  by  Ezekial 
Polk,  grandfather  of  James  K.  Polk. 

ROBERT  C.  JAMESON,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  September  5, 
1832,  and  is  one  of  ten  children  born  to  John  and  Elizabeth  (Rauntree)  Jameson.  The 
father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  this  county  about  1816.  He  was  a suc- 
cessful farmer,  and  secured  a very  comfortable  competency.  His  death  occurred  in  Octo- 
ber, 1861.  The  mother  was  a native  of  Tennessee,  and  died  August,  1868.  Our  subject 
lived  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  securing  a good 
practical  education.  He  then  began  teaching  school,  which  profession  he  followed  until 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee 
Regiment,  serving  as  a second  sergeant  until  the  reorganization,  remaining  with  that 
company  until  the  close  of  the  war  as  high  private  under  his  brother  Maj.  Thomas  E. 
Jameson.  After  the  war  he  returned  home  and  began  farming  and  stock  raising  on  his 
present  farm,  and  this  he  has  followed  ever  since.  December  20, 1866,  he  wedded  Marga- 
ret R.  McMeen,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children:  Clarence 
H.,  John  W.  T.  and  Robert  C.,  all  living.  Mr.  Jameson  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JOHN  C.  JOHNSON  is  a native  Tennesseean,  born  in  Hickman  County  October  14. 
1844,  and  is  a son  of  Andrew  and  Meddy  (Cook)  Johnson,  who  were  also  born  in  Tennes- 
see. The  father  was  a tanner  and  stock  trader,  and  was  considered  an  upright  and  use- 
ful citizen.  His  death  occurred  in  November,  1865.  The  mother  died  in  1872  an  earnest 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Our  subject  received  a limited  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools,  and  started  in  life  for  himself  with  only  the  means  to  earn  his  livelihood 
which  nature  gave  him,  and  by  energy,  perseverance  under  difficulties,  and  economy  he 
has  accumulated  a considerable  property,  and  is  the  owner  of  259  acres  of  very  productive 
land.  He  was  married,- January  28,  1869,  to  Virginia  Mayberry,  who  has  borne  to  him 


932 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


eight  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living:  William  K.,  Horace  E.,  Lillian  A.,  Marvin,  Ella, 
Tennie  P.  and  Cordie  G.  Mr.  Johnson  served  in  the  late  war  in  Company  A,  First  Ten- 
nessee Cavalry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  w ar.  He  was  captured  May  8,  1865,  but 
was  released  immediately  after  the  surrender.  Mr.  Johnson  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics . 

WILLIAM  J.  JONES,  a time-honored  farme  r of  Maury  County,  and  a native  of  that 
county,  was  born  November  4,  1823,  son  of  Willis  and  Elizabeth  (Gee)  Jones,  both  natives 
of  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Maury  County,  and  was 
one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  successful  farmers  of  his  day.  He  died  in  1834;  the 
mother  died  one  month  later  in  the  same  year,  at  the  age  of  forty  years.  Our  subject  on 
account  of  his  parents’  dying  when  he  was  quite  young,  was  reared  by  his  older  brothers 
and  sisters.  He  secured  a limited  education,  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  began  farming  near 
Santa  Fe,  this  county.  In  1861  he  purchased  his  present  farm  of  1,050  acres  of  good 
land,  which  was  part  of  the  land  granted  to  Ezekial  and  Thomas  Polk  for  services  ren- 
dered in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Our  subject  has  been  quite  successful  in  farming  and 
stock  raising,  and  has  one  of  the  finest  farms  in  Maury  County.  In  1841  he  wedded  Em- 
ily Hanks,  a native  of  this  county  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Elijah  Hanks,  of  this  county. 
Her  death  occurred  in  1843.  In  1845  he  wedded  Harriet  Miller,  who  died  about  1860.  To 
this  union  was  born  one  child— John  L.  In  1862  he  married  Lucinda  McConnico,  a native 
of  this  county,  who  died  in  1877.  They  had  six  children,  Walter,  Minnie,  Eulae  E.,  Hai- 
lie,  Alverta  and  Ernest.  In  1879  Mr.  Jones  married  his  present  wife,  Nancy  Evans,  a na- 
tive of  Williamson  County.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  himself  an  attend- 
ant and  his  wife  a leading  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

JOHN  F.  T.  JONES  is  a prosperous  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  He  was  born 
in  Bedford  County,  of  the  same  State,  January  15,  1843,  and  is  a son  of  Lawrence  and 
Nancy  (Briant.e)  Jones,  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  an  enterprising  agricuit 
urist  of  Bedford  County,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  a worthy  and  honest  man.  Decem- 
ber 29,  1866,  John  Jones,  our  subject,  was  united  in  the  bonds  of  marriage  to  Miss  Telitha 
Delk,  and  one  child  blessed  their  union,  named  Mary  Nancy  Ann.  Mrs.  Jones  is  a 
daughter  of  Jacob  B.  Delk,  a well-known  citizen  of  Maury  County.  Mr.  Jones  is  a Dem- 
ocrat, politically,  and  was  an  ardent  advocate  for  the  union  of  the  States.  Although  he 
favors  Democracy  he,  as  a general  rule,  supports  the  man  and  principle  rather  than  the 
party.  He  is  an  Odd  Fellow  of  the  third  degree;  and  he  and  Mrs.  Jones  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  L.  JONES,  attorney  at  law,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  was  born  September  1,  1848, 
and  after  receiving  a common  school  training  entered  Bethel  College,  Ky.,  and  after- 
ward the  literary  department  of  the  State  University  of  Lexington,  Kv.,  from  which  he 
graduated.  He  then  entered  the  Lebanon  (T  enn.)  Law  School,  graduating  in  January. 
1871,  and  immediately  removed  to  Missouri  where  he  practiced  law  until  1878.  Since  that 
year  he  has  been  a successful  practitioner  of  Columbia.  He  is  an  uncompromising  Demo- 
crat in  politics,  and  although  he  has  never  aspired  to  office  heretofore  he  is  at  present  can- 
didate for  attorney-general  of  the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit,  subject  to  election  in  August, 
1886.  February  28,  1871,  Mr.  Jones  wedded  Emma  J.  Hamilton,  of  Wilson  County,  by 
whom  he  is  the  father  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Mr.  Jones  is  a stockholder  and 
director  of  the  Columbia  Gas  Company,  and  is  secretary  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the 
Herald  Publishing  Company,  of  Columbia.  In  the  winter  of  1863-64  he  served  as  private  m 
Company  A,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  being  one  of  the  youngest  soldiers  in  the  Southern 
Army,  and  the  youngest  in  his  regiment.  He  is  a son  of  William  J.  and  Harriett  (Miller) 
Jones,  natives  of  this  State  and  county.  The  father,  who  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  of 
the  county,  is  a strictly  self-made  man,  and  is  a resident  of  the  Nineteenth  District  of 
Maury  County. 

SIMON  P.  JORDAN,  M.  D.,  an  old  and  well-known  citizen  of  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Stokes  County,  N.  C.,  October  1,  1794,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Sapp) 
Jordan.  The  father  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  about  1756,  and  his  father  was  of  English 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


933 


birth,  and  came  to  the  United  States  when  quite  young.  Our  subject’s  mother  was  born 
in  the  same  State  and  county  as  himself.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  Simon  P.  Jordan  entered 
the  university  at  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C.,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  with  honors  in 
1818,  and  was  a tutor  in  the  same  three  years.  While  in  the  freshman  class  James  K. 
Polk  became  a student  in  this  college.  In  May,  1821,  Dr.  Jordan  became  principal  of  the 
male  academy  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  tilled  that  position  four  years.  While  tutor  in  the 
Universit3r  of  North  Carolina  and  principal  of  the  academy  at  Columbia  he  studied  medi- 
cine, and  in  1825  entered  the  State  University  of  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  graduated  with 
honors  in  1827.  Since  that  time  he  has  resided  in  Mt.  Pleasant.  In  the  fall  of  1828  he 
was  married  to  Jane  T.  Lawrence,  born  in  1809  in  North  Carolina,  and  three  children 
were  born  to  them:  Emily,  Martha  and  Mary,  all  of  whom  are  dead.  Dr.  Jordan  be- 
came a Mason  at  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C.,  in  1820,  and  has  taken  the  degree  of  Master  Ma- 
son. In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

E.  T.  JOURNEY  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  May  7,  1835,  and  is  the  son  of 
Nathaniel  T.  and  Mahala  C.  (Wantland)  Journey.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia 
March  7,  1811,  was  a farmer,  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church.  He  died  in  1874  a highly  respected  citizen.  His  parents  were  William  and  Mary 
(North)  Journey,  who  were  natives  of  England.  They  were  married  there  and  came  to 
the  United  States  soon  after,  locating  in  Virginia.  Here  William  engaged  in  the  tobacco 
business,  which  he  followed  successfully  for  some  years.  After  this  he  engaged  in  the 
hotel  business  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  but  gave  that  up  and  spent  the  latter  part  of  his  days 
in  farming.  He  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-five.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood 
days  at  work  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  country  schools.  December  7,  1867,  he 
married  Virginia  F.  Evin,  by  whom  he  became  the  father  of  three  children:  Frederic  A., 
born  August,  1868,  and  died  December,  1868;  Cora  L.,  born  1871,  and  William  M.,  born 
1876.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  September  22,  1880.  She  was  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Baptist  Church.  December  12,  1881,  Mr.  Journey  married  Esther  Denham,  and 
by  her  had  two  sons:  John  W.,  born  in  1882,  and  Frederic  V.,  born  in  1884.  Our  subject  was 
all  through  the  war;  was  in  most  of  the  noted  battles;  was  wounded  at  Pine  Mountain, 
and  afterward  during  a skirmish  was  captured  and  taken  to  Camp  Douglas.  He  suffered 
all  the  hardships  and  privations  incident  to  the  life  of  a soldier,  but  bore  up  under  all 
with  great  fortitude.  In  1870  Mr.  Journey  was  elected  constable,  which  office  he  held 
until  1872.  He  was  then  appointed  deputy  sheriff,  and  held  this  position  two  years. 

MARSHALL  N.  KERR  was  born  in  the  Sixth  District  of  Maury  County,  and  is  the 
son  of  A.  M.  and  C.  (Moreen)  Kerr.  The  father  was  born  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  in 
1786,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1810,  locating  where  Spring  Hill  now  stands.  He  was 
engaged  in  farming  and  wagon-making.  In  1811  he  was  married,  and  became  the  father 
of  fourteen  children.  He  had  a good  education,  was  a Democrat,  and  died  August  5, 
1864.  The  mother  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1796,  and  died  March,  1854.  Our  subject  grew 
to  manhood  on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  engaged  in  the  saw-mill  business.  In 
1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fourth  Regiment  Cavalry.  His  first  battle  was  near  Nash- 
ville, and  the  second  at  Thompson’s  Station.  He  was  in  the  battle  at  Chickamauga,  w^s 
captured  there  and  taken  to  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  111.,  where  he  remained  nineteen 
months.  In  1865  he  was  discharged,  returned  home  and  continued  the  saw-mill  business. 
He  married  Eliza  McGahey,  who  was  born  March  8,  1856,  and  who  was  the  daughter  of 
David  and  Sarah  Orr,  and  became  the  father  of  one  son  and  one  daughter:  Kint  K.,  born 
in  1856,  and  Mary  E.,  born  in  1859,  and  died  in  1859.  Mrs.  Kerr  died  in  August,  1875,  and 
in  December,  1875,  our  subject  married  Mary  L.  Park,  and  had  by  her  four  sons:  Andrew 
B-,  born  in  1881,  and  Marshall  B.,  born  in  1884;  two  children  died  in  infancy  unnamed. 
Mr.  Kerr  is  a Democrat,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  an  honest  and  upright  citizen. 

JOSEPH  B.  KERR,  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  October  19,  1838,  son  of 
William  and  Mary  (Crafton)  Kerr,  born  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  in  1781,  and  Tennessee, 
May,  1800.  The  father  was  twice  married,  the  first  time  to  Kate  Ross,  by  whom  he  reared 
eleven  children.  Mrs.  Kerr  died  in  1826,  and  in  1827  he  married  our  subject’s  mother,  who 


934 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


bore  him  seven  children.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  mechanic  by  trade,  and  a Demo- 
crat and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  died  December  3,  1853,  and  his 
widow  in  1875.  Our  subject  began  working  for  himself  at  agricultural  pursuits  when  very 
young.  In  December,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Forty-eighth, Tennessee  Infantry 
and  served  until  July,  1864,  being  a brave  and  faithful  soldier.  May  17,  1870,  he  married 
Sarah  E.  Barker,  who  died  a few  years  after  her  marriage.  October  21,  1875,  he  led  to 
the  hymeneal  altar  Harriet  E.  Davidson,  who  was  born  in  Lawrence  County, Teun.,  March 
28,  1854,  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  E.  (Wason)  Davidson,  natives  of  Tennessee.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kerr  were  born  the  following  children:  William  A.,  born  1876;  Daisy  E., 
born  1877;  Pearl  W.  born  1879;  George  D.,  born  1881;  Louisa  A.,  born  1883,  and  Rose  M , 
born  1885.  Mrs.  Kerr  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  Mr.  Kerr 
of  the  Christian  Church. 

FELIX  M.  KINDLE,  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County  September  1,  1854,  son  of 
William  R.  and  Sarah  (Cecil)  Kindle.  The  father  was  a native  of  Mississippi,  born  in 

1821 , and  was  by  occupation  a farmer.  He  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  in  1820 
and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  is  now  residing.  He  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church 
and  is  one  of  the  best  citizens  of  Maury  County.  The  mother  is  a native  of  Ohio,  born  in 
1818,  and  is  a worthy  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Our  subject’s  early 
life  was  passed  in  farming,  saw-milling  and  in  attending  school  at  Hampshire  and  Mount 
Pleasant  Academy,  where  he  received  a good  English  and  Latin  education.  December  2, 
1875,  he  wedded  Mollie  Irwin,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County,  and  the  following  children 
were  born  to  this  union:  Boyd  W.,  William  R.,  Cecil  and  Sadie.  Our  subject  has  been  a 
life-long  Democrat  in  politics.  He  has  a good  farm  of  165  acres,  and  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

ABRAHAM  M.  KINZER’S  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  January  25, 

1822.  He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  began  doing  for  himself  with  little  or 

no  capital.  He  chose  farming  as  his  calling  through  life,  and  by  his  own  exertions  has  be- 
come the  possessor  of  299  acres  of  very  productive  land.  In  November,  1844,  he  was 
united  in  the  bonds  of  matrimony  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Lurk,  daughter  of  Elias  Lurk,  and 
seven  children  were  born  to  them,  five  of  whom  are  living:  Mary  (wife  of  Joseph  Dod- 

son), James  H.,  John  W.,  Bamly  (wife  of  Robert  Ladd)  and  Jefferson  D.  Mr.  Kinzer  be- 
longs to  the  Democratic  party,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Kinzer  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  George  and  Elizabeth  (Mayberry)  Kinzer  were  born  in  the 
“Keystone  State.”  The  father  was  an  agriculturist  and  departed  this  life  about  1833. 
The  mother  died  in  1846. 

JAMES  II.  KINZER  was  born  in  the  county  where  he  now  resides  in  1849,  son  of 
Abraham  and  Elizabeth  (Lurk)  Kinzer.  Abraham  Kinzer  was  a Tennesseean  by  birth 
and  was  an  enterprising  farmer  and  citizen  of  Maury  County.  James  H.  Kinzer  was 
reared  and  educated  in  his  native  county,  attending  the  common  schools  for  some  time. 
He  is  at  the  present  time  the  owner  of  200  acres  of  fertile  and  well -cultivated  land,  all  of 
which  he  acquired  by  his  own  exertions.  In  1874  Miss  Julia  Johnson  became  his  wife, 
this  lady  being  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  the  daughter  ol 
Mfervel  Johnson.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kinzer  have  three  children,  named  May  F.,  Anna  and 
Lillie.  Mr.  Kinzer  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  as  a Dem- 
ocrat in  politics  has  done  much  to  assist  his  party. 

GEORGE  WHITFIELD  KINZER  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Jane  (Stockard)  Kinzer  and 
was  born  on  the  29th  of  October,  1826.  He  resided  with  his  parents  until  his  marriage  to 
Miss  Mary  J.  Lurk,  which  took  place  November  4,  1847.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Elias 
Lurk,  a well-known  citizen  of  the  county.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kinzer  were  born  eight  chil- 
dren. The  following  six  are  now  living:  Emma  E.  (wife  of  Dr.  W.  W.  Joyce),  Addie  J. 
{wife  of  William  Flygs),  John  W.,  Marshall  W.,  Mattie  and  Walter  W.  Mr.  Kinzer  was  a 
soldier  in  the  late  war,  serving  in  Company  A,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  is  a Prohibitionist  in  the  broadest  meaning  of  the 
term.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  a 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


935 


member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Mr.  Kinzer’s  father  and  mother  were  born  in  Virginia 
and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a skillful  wagon-maker  and  farmer  and  died 
in  1871.  The  mother  died  in  1867.  ! Both  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

SETH  R.  KITTRELL  was  born  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  December  31,  1800,  be- 
ing the  youngest  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters  of  Joshua  and  Ruth  (Kittrell)  Kittrell. 
both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  mother  came  to  Tennessee  with  our  subject  in  the 
fall  of  1820.  Our  subject  received  a good  education  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.  He  was 
married,  June  1,  1826,  to  Eliza  J.  Hunter,  and  three  sons  and  two  daughters  have  blessed 
their  union:  Jacob  H..  William  A.,  Hinton  G.,  Zulika  R,  and  Larissa  K.  The  two  elder 
sons  are  deceased.  Mr.  Kittrell  was  a strong  supporteivof  Whig  principles  until  the  death 
of  that  party  and  since  that  time  has  supported  and  advocated  Democratic  principles.  He 
is  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  resides  on  his  farm 
near  Mount  Pleasant,  and  is  considered  one  of  Maury  County’s  worthy  citizens. 

GEORGE  W.  KITTRELL.  an  old  farmer  and  merchant  of  Loco,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Sumner  County  that  State,  January  26,  1825,  son  of  George  and  Elizabeth  H. 
(Rutherford)  Kittrell,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Kentucky,  respectively.  The  father 
•came  to  this  State  about  1800  and  located  in  Maury  County.  He  was  a farmer  and  a sol- 
dier in  the  war  of  1812.  He  died  in  1867.  The  mother  died  in  1865.  Our  subject,  after 
assisting  on  the  farm  and  attending  the  district  school  where  he  received  a limited  educa- 
tion, farmed  for  one  year  and  then  enlisted  in  Capt.  A.  G-  Cooper’s  company,  of  J.  E. 
Thomas’  regiment  and  served  as  a sergeant  in  the  Mexican  war  until  1847,  when  he  was 
honorably  discharged  from  service.  He  then  returned  to  this  county  and  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising.  In  1850  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Walker,  who  was  born  in  Davidson 
County  and  became  the  father  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  living:  James  B.,  Phe- 
lix  H.  and  Cicily  A.  In  1855  he  removed  to  Perry  County  and  engaged  in  merchandising 
and  farming.  In  1879  he  returned  to  Maury  County  and  located  in  his  present  place.  In 
1879  Mr.  Kittrell  established  his  present  business,  merchandising,  which  he  operates  in 
connection  with  farming.  He  is  a Democrat  and  has  been  postmaster  at  this  present 
place  for  live  years;  was  also  postmaster  and  magistrate  in  Perry  County  for  many  years. 
Himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church  and  he  has  been  a Mason  since 
1858. 

CHARLES  D.  KNIGHT,  a native  of  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  February  19, 
1857,  son  of  Andrew  J.  and  Leathy  L.  Knight.  The  father  was  born  in  Georgia,  and  at 
the  age  of  eighteen  began  farming  for  himself.  His  first  wife  was  Drucilla  Hardy,  who 
died  a few  years  after  marriage.  He  then  married  our  subject’s  mother,  who  bore  him 
these  children:  Dewitt  C.,  Martha  J.,  Nancy  M.,  Mary,  Charles  D.,  W.  M.,  Luby,  Minnie, 
Ellen  and  Andrew  J.  The  mother  was  a native  of  Giles  County,  Tenn.  Our  subject  re- 
mained on  the  farm  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  after  which  he 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  for  himself.  He  was  married  February  19,  1880,  to  Sallie 
B.  Craig;  her  former  name  was  Foster.  She  was  born  December  23,  1853,  in  Maury 
County,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Richard  S.  and  Sallie  A.  (Flemming)  Foster.  To  our  sub- 
ject and  wife  were  born  three  children:  Minnie  L.,  born  1881;  Various  L.,  born  1883  and 
Lillie,  born  1885.  Mr.  Knight  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  is  much  respected  by  all  who 
know  him. 

W ILLIAM  H.  LANCASTER  was  born  November  29,  1818,  and  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  farm.  At  the  age  of  twenty-four  be  began  business  for  himself  as  a mechanic,  in 
which  he  was  quite  successful.  He  accumulated  considerable  means,  purchased  some 
good  land  and  engaged  in  farming.  He  married,  January  6,  1848,  Mary  A.  Hill,  who  was 
born  December  28,  1829,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Middleton  and  Elizabeth  (Cunningham) 
Hill.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight  children:  Samuel  L.,  William  L.  (de- 
ceased), Orison  E.,  Naomi,  Ella  R.,  Mary  L.,  William  R.  and  Martha  C.  Our  subject’s 
wife  was  faithful  in  her  Christian  duty  and  died  November  25,  1867.  In  1868  Mr.  Lan- 
caster was  married  to  Margaret  M.  Caskey,  a native  of  Maury  County,  born  September 


936 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


22,  1827,  who  bore  him  two  children:  William  R.  and  Martha  C.  Our  subject  is  a mem- 
ber  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  in  which  he  has  been  a deacon  for  twenty-five  years. 
In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  nine 
months.  He  became  disabled,  received  an  honorable  discharge  and  came  home.  Michael 
and  Susan  (Anderson)  Lancaster,  our  subject’s  parents,  were  born  1780  and  1781,  respect- 
ively. Michael  Lancaster  was  the  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Hope  Lancaster,  and  was  a me- 
chanic by  trade.  He  was  married  in  Buckingham  County,  Va.,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
in  1808,  locating  in  Maury  County.  He  was  in  the  war  of  1812  and  was  a brave  soldier. 
He  died  in  1862.  The  mother  lived  to  see  her  children  all  grown.  She  died  November 
5,  1876. 

FRANK  D.  LANDER,  recorder  of  the  city  of  Columbia,  is  a native  of  Hopkinsville, 
Ivy.,  born  February  25,  1855,  but  removed  to  Columbia.  Tenn.,  with  his  mother  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  his  father  being  in  the  Confederate  service.  He  completed  the 
common  branches  at  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  and  in  1875  accepted  a clerkship  in  the  Bank  of 
Columbia,  which  position  he  held  two  years.  In  the  meantime  he  began  versing  himself 
in  legal  lore  and  in  1877  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  Maury  County  Courts.  In  1883 
he  was  elected  city  recorder  for  a term  of  two  years  and  has  served  by  re-election  up  to 
the  present  time.  He  votes  the  Democratic  ticket  but  belongs  to  the  younger  and  more 
progressive  school  of  Democracy.  He  is  one  of  the  successful  practitioners  of  the  county 
and  bids  fair  to  succeed  in  his  profession.  His  parents,  Russell  B.  and  Bettie  (Dunning- 
ton)  Lander,  were  natives  of  the  Blue-grass  State. 

ADDISON  LEFTWICH,  M.  D.,  is  a successful  physician  of  Hampshire,  Tenn.,  and 
was  born  in  Maury  County  on  the  8 th  of  August,  1835,  and  is  a graduate  of  the  Nashville 
University  of  Medicine,  being  one  of  the  class  of  1857.  He  began  practicing  his  profes- 
sion in  his  native  town,  and  has  met  with  the  success  his  skill  merited.  March  4,  1861, 
the  nuptials  of  his  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Jones  were  celebrated.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Edwin  Jones,  a prominent  citizen  of  Maury  County,  and  became  the  mother  of  eight 
children,  five  of  whom  are  living:  Francis  T.,  Albert,  Arthur,  Sue  M.  and  Anna  Y.  Our 
subject  advocated  the  union  of  the  States  in  the  late  war,  and  now  supports  the  Republican 
party.  His  wife  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Our  subject’s  parents  were 
Dr.  Joel  and  Mary  (Thorp)  Leftwich,  were  born  in  the  Old  Dominion,  where  he  was  a 
prominent  physician.  He  died  November  12,  1865,  and  the  mother  April  7,  1857.  Both 
were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

GEORGE  LIPSCOMB,  farmer,  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  North  Caro- 
lina in  1813,  and  is  a son  of  Archibald  and  Dorothea  (Pembelton)  Lipscomb,  who  were 
born  in  the  “Old  Dominion.”  The  father  was  a well-to-do  farmer  of  that  State.  His 
death  Occurred  in  March,  1837,  and  the  mother’s  in  March,  1862.  Both  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Baptist  Church.  The  father  was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  and  drew  a pension 
in  compensation  for  his  services  in  that  war;  this  his  wife  drew  up  to  the  time  of  her 
death.  In  June,  1837,  our  subject  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Erwin,  daughter  of  Alex- 
ander S.  Erwin,  a prominent  citizen  of  North  Carolina,  and  one  of  Maury  County's 
early  settlers.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lipscomb  were  born  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are 
living:  Archibald  A.,  Emma  (wife  of  William  IJ.  McFall),  William  H.,  Theodocia  E., 
Benjamin  B.  and  Ida  (wife  of  William  J.  Erwin),  of  Arkansas.  Mr.  Lipscomb  served  in 
the  Florida  campaign  in  1836,  serving  as  first  lieutenant,  and  a part  of  the  time  as  cap- 
tain. He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  but  was  a Whig  previous  to  the  war.  He  was  an  ad- 
vocate for  the  union  of  the  States,  but  being  a Southern  man  his  sympathies  were  naturally 
with  the  South.  He  is  a Good  Templar  and  a Methodist.  His  wife  is  a Presbyterian. 

HENRY  LONG,  M.  D.,  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn.,  was  born  on  the  28th 
of  September,  1835,  and  is  the  second  son  of  six  children  born  to  Lemuel  and  Mary 
(Craig)  Long,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a 
farmer,  and  came  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1826,  and  there  died  October  14,  1864.  Our 
subject  received  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  Mount  Pleasant,  and  afterward  stud- 
ied medicine  under  Dr.  S.  P.  Jordan  for  a period  of  three  years.  In  1855  he  entered  the 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


937 


medical  department  of  the  State  University  of  Nashville,  where  he  pursued  his  studies 
for  two  years,  and  graduated  from  the  Medical  University  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  with 
honors,  March  20,  1858.  He  practiced  his  profession  in  Mount  Pleasant  until  the  breaking 
out  of  the  war,  when  he  was  appointed  by  the  State  board  of  Nashville  as  assistant  sur- 
geon of  the  First  Tennessee  Regiment.  In  1862  he  was  appointed  surgeon  of  the  Ninth 
Tennessee,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  resided  at  Mount 
Pleasant  for  a brief  period,  and  then  took  a course  of  lectures  at  New  Orleans, . La.,  and 
has  since  practiced  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.  September  9, 1872,  he  was  married  to  Fan- 
nie B.  Scurlock,  and  an  interesting  family  of  six  children  have  blessed  this  union:  Henry 
H.,  Joseph  S.  (deceased), Clarence  B„  Frank, Leon  M.  and  Katie  W.  (deceased).  The  Doctor 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  and  is  a warm 
advocate  of  the  principles  of  his  party.  He  is  a skillful  physician,  and  has  a lucrative 
practice. 

RUFUS  LONG  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn..  September  16,  1841,  and  is  the 
youngest  of  six  children  of  Lemuel  and  Mary  P.  (Craig)  Long.  Lemuel  Long  was  a pros- 
perous farmer,  and  was  born  in  Northampton  County,  N.  C.,  in  1799.  He  came  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1820,  locating  in  Maury  County.  He  was  a strong  advocate  for  the  cause  of 
temperance,  and  was  noted  for  his  many  deeds  of  charity.  His  death  occurred  Novem- 
ber 14, 1865.  Rufus  Long’s  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  a farm.  He  received  a good  En- 
glish education  in  the  common  schools  of  Maury  County,  and  in  the  fall  of  1861  enlisted 
in  Company  C,  Ninth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Col.  Jacob  Biffel.  He  was  at 
Lexington,  Chickamauga,  Spring  Creek,  Day’s  Gap,  and  was  with  Forrest  in  his 
movements  through  Georgia  and  Alabama.  He  was  captured  at  Paper  Mills  in  1862, 
and  was  taken  to  East  Tennessee,  where  he  was  paroled  after  being  a prisoner  only  one 
week.  He  then  returned  to  Maury  County,  where  he  has  since  resided  and  farmed.  De- 
cember 28,  1874,  he  was  married  to  Jennie  Gillespie,  and  four  children  have  been  born  to 
them,  namely:  Archie,  Washington,  Eula  and  Katie  W.  Mr.  Long  had  been  a life-long 
Democrat,  and  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  H.  LONG,  a prosperous  young  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Jackson  County,  Fla.,  December  15,  1860.  He  is  the  youngest  of  three  children  of 
Felix  H.  G.  and  Emily  B.  (Dickson)  Long.  Felix  Long  was  born  in  North  Carolina  June 
25,  1819,  and  when  a young  man  went  to  Florida  and  settled  on  a farm,  w7here  he  lived  a 
long  and  useful  life.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina  December  1,  1822,  and  died 
March  3,  1864,  in  Jackson  County,  Fla.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  a true  Christian.  Our  subject  received  a good  education  in  Franklin  County, 
Tenn.,  and  was  married  October  3,  1882,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  B.  Long,  born  June  12,  1862, 
and  to  them  was  born  one  daughter,  named  Emily  Maria  Murphy  Hay.  Mr.  Long  votes 
the  Democratic  ticket,  and  resides  on  his  farm  three  miles  from  the  enterprising  village  of 
Mount  Pleasant. 

WILLIAM  MACK,  D.  D.  (deceased),  late  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  w7as  born  in  Flushing, 
N.  Y.,  July  29,  1807.  He  obtained  a fine  classical  education  in  Union  College,  Schenec- 
tady, N.  Y.,  graduating  in  1831,  and  pursued  his  theological  studies  at  Princeton,  N.  J., 
where  he  remained  three  years.  After  entering  upon  his  ministerial  labors  he  became 
pastor  of  the  Third  Presbyterian  Church  in  Rochester,  N.  Y..  and  remained  such  five 
years.  In  January,  1840,  he  came  to  Tennessee  and  took  charge  of  the  Second  Presby- 
terian Church  at  Knoxville,  where  he  continued  his  labors  until  December,  1843.  He  then 
removed  to  Columbia,  Tenn.,  where  he  served  as  pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian 
Church  a number  of  years,  and  was  also  president  of  Jackson  College.  He  resigned  the 
latter  position  in  1849,  but  continued  pastor  of  the  church  till  1857.  About  the  last 
twenty-two  years  of  his  life  was  spent  in  Evangelical  work  in  Middle  Tennessee,  where 
he  was  beloved  for  his  many  virtues  and  truly  Christian  spirit.  Dr.  Mack  was  a diligent 
and  painstaking  student,  frequently,  during  his  college  presidency,  spending  whole 
nights  in  study.  He  was  an  independent  thinker,  and  a man  gifted  with  more  than 
ordinary  culture  and  ability.  His  sermons,  which  were  usually  extemporaneous,  were 


938 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


characterized  by  method,  solidity  and  reasoning  power,  and  were  effectual  in  producing  a 
most  salutary  and  holy  influence.  He  was  instrumental  in  leading  many  young  men  to 
embrace  Christianity,  and  his  affectionate  and  fatherly  personal  appeals  to  them  led  many 
from  the  haunts  of  vice.  Owing  to  age  and  failing  health  he  went  to  Columbia,  S.  C., 
thinking  that  a more  southern  climate  would  prove  beneficial,  but  his  shattered  health 
continued  to  fail,  and  January  9,  1879,  his  eyes  were  closed  in  their  last  sleep.  He  died  at 
the  residence  of  his  son,  Rev.  J.  B.  Mack,  of  Columbia,  S.  C.,  leaving  a wife  and  several 
children  to  mourn  his  loss.  His  daughter  Mollie,  who  accompanied  him  South,  was  also 
with  him  at  the  time  of  his  demise.  He  has  a son,  E.  G.  Mack,  residing  on  a farm  near 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  who  is  an  honorable  citizen.  Rev.  Mack  was  an  honorary  member  of 
the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  his  assistance  and  talks  did  much  good.  His  memory  will  remain 
green  in  the  hearts  of  many,  and  his  good  deeds  and  influence  will  prove  a lasting  mom; 
ment  to  his  memory. 

HENRY  W.  MANN  was  born  in  Marshall  County  January  19,  1845,  and  is  the  son  of 
William  and  Mary  P.  (Wilson)  Mann.  The  father  of  our  subject  received  a good  educa- 
tion and  was  at  one  time  a prominent  merchant  in  Shelbyville  and  Lewisburg,  Tenn.,  but 
the  latter  part  of  his  life  was  spent  in  farming,  in  which  he  was  quite  successful.  He  died 
January  9,  1853.  His  wife,  Mary  Mann,  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  June  15, 
1822,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Martha  (Goodwin)  Wilson.  Mrs.  Mann  is  a 
worthy  member  of  the  old  Baptist  Church.  Our  subject  began  business  for  himself  at 
the  age  of  twenty,  as  a farmer.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Seventeenth  Tennes- 
see Regiment,  and  was  in  many  battles  and  skirmishes.  He  was  captured,  exchanged, 
and  acted  as  scout  for  two  months.  He  then  joined  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
Company  E,  and  was  in  the  100  days’  fight  from  Dalton  to  Atlanta,  and  was  again  cap- 
tured near  Pulaski  as  a bushwhacker,  and  had  his  choice,  death  or  an  oath.  He  took  the 
oath.  He  then  went  back  to  Company  E,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  remained 
with  this  until  the  surrender  in  1865.  January  28,  1869,  he  wedded  Nancy  W.  Dillahay, 
a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  February  27,  1853,  and  the  daughter  of  John  W. 
and  Louisa  (Murphey)  Dillahay.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  four  children:  Josie 
I.,  William  T.,  Lee,  and  Edgar  (deceased).  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  finished  a good 
education  at  New  Hope  Academy. 

WILLIAM  G.  MARTIN  is  a native  of  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  born  September  22, 
1825,  and  reared  on  a farm.  July  27,  1852,  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Barrett,  born  January  10, 
1841,  and  daughter  of  Wade  and  Amelia  (Jones)  Barrett,  of  North  Carolina,  and  early 
settlers  of  Tennessee.  The  father  died  in  1870  and  the  mother  in  1886.  The  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  are  Ann  C.,  Mary  E.,  Henry  B.,  James  T.,  Jessie  L.,  John  H. 
D.  and  William  M.,  and  three  infants  deceased.  She  was  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  died  March  28,  1876.  October  24  of  that  year  Mr.  Martin  married  Ca'.lie 
Barrett,  born  in  1840.  They  have  three  children:  June  F.,  George  E.  and  Amelia  IV. 
In  the  fall  of  1862  our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Regiment, Cav 
airy,  and  served  until  January,  1865.  He  was  a faithful  and  brave  soldier.  He  is  a Dem- 
ocrat and  a son  of  Henry  and  Sarah  Martin.  The  father  was  born  in  Caldwell  County, 
N.  C.,  in  1797,  and  was  a son  of  Richard  Martin,  a Baptist  minister  and  a North  Carol) 
nian.  Henry  Martin  came  to  Tennessee  when  a young  man  and  married  a Miss  Carrol, 
who  died,  leaving  two  daughters.  He  then  married  our  subject’s  mother  and  became  the 
father  of  teu  children.  He  died  in  1843  and  his  wife  in  1870. 

THOMAS  T.  MARTIN  was  born  in  the  Sixth  District  of  Maury  County,  Term., 
October  14,  1841,  son  of  Henry  and  Sarah  (Burnley)  Martin,  born  in  North  Carolina  and 
Virginia,  respectively.  Henry  Martin  was  born  in  1793,  and  was  a son  of  George  W. 
Martin.  At  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities  between  the  North  and  South  our  subject  (An 
1862)  enlisted  in  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Battalion,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of 
Thompson’s  Station,  Chickamauga,  Knoxville  and  Franklin,  and  in  1864  was  detailed  as 
special  scout,  and  served  in  this  capacity  until  the  surrender  in  1865.  After  his  return 
home  he  attended  school  at  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  for  some  time,  and  then  engaged  in  farm 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


939 


ing,  and  was  married,  March  3,  1869,  to  Mattie  H.  Perry,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County 
September  8,  1850,  daughter  of  Burkley  Perry.  The  following  children  were  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Martin:  James  M.,  born  in  1871;  Lizzie  M.,  born  in  1873;  Sarah  T.,  born  in  1876; 
Lillie  G.,  born  in  1878;  Burkley  V.,  born  in  1881;  Ivy  B.,  born  in  1883,  and  Willie  T., 
horn  in  1886.  Our  subject  is  a successful  farmer  and  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

THOMAS  G.  MARTIN  was  born  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  September  27,  1881,  and  is 
one  of  ten  children  of  George  W.  and  Narcissa  (Pillow)  Martin.  The  father  was  born  in 
the  Old  Dominion,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  at  the  age  of  six  years,  and 
located  with  them  in  Nashville,  and  was  engaged  in  that  city  for  many  years  as  a whole- 
sale dry  goods  merchant.  He  died  August  19,  1854,  from  an  accidental  gun-shot  wound.. 
He  was  prominently  connected  with  political  affairs,  and  was  once  nominated  as  candidate 
for  governor  of  Tennessee,  which  he  declined.  Thomas  G.’s  mother  was  born  in  Maury 
County,  Tenn.,  in  1811.  His  paternal  great-grandmother  in  the  early  settlement  of  Virginia, 
killed  a huge  black  bear  in  ahand-to-hand  conflict.  She  was  going  to  one  of  her  neighbors, 
and  had  to  pass  through  a dense  canebrake,  in  which  she  saw  the  huge  monster  reared  in  the 
attitude  of  battle.  Realizing  that  to  run  was  certain  death  she  advanced  and  dealt  him  a 
blow  with  a hickory  wagon  standard,  which  happened  to  be  lying  near,  and  crushed  in 
his  skull.  His  maternal  grandfather,  Gideon  Pillow,  was  an  aid-de-camp  of  Gen.  George 
Washington  during  the  Revolution.  December  21,  1854,  our  subject  was  married  to  Mary 
M.  Wingfield,  who  died  in  June,  1858,  having  borne  two  children:  George  W.  and  Ellen 
W.  November  22,  1860,  Mr.  Martin  wedded  Larissa  Kittrell,  and  one  son,  Seth  Kittrell, 
blessed  this  union.  In  September,  1862,  Mr.  Martin  enlisted  in  the  Ninth  Battalion  of 
Tennessee  Cavalry,  but  was  transferred  to  the  Ninth  Regiment  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
served  in  the  Georgia  campaign.  He  was  paroled  in  1865,  and  returned  to  Maury  County, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

WILLIAM  R.  II.  MATTHEWS  is  a successful  tiller  of  the  soil  and  a native  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn,,  and  was  born  in  1838.  Newton  Matthews  was  born  in  this  State,  and  was 
married  to  Miss  Eliza  Mack.  He  was  fairly  well  to  do  in  worldly  goods.  His  death  oc- 
curred March  23,  1886.  His  widow  is  yet  living,  and  is  a resident  of  this  county.  Will- 
iam Matthews’  early  education  was  indifferent,  but  by  energy  and  economy  he  has  ad- 
vanced in  the  world  and  has  accumulated  some  property,  being  the  owner  of  a stock  of 
merchandise  amPsixty  acres  of  land.  William,  Fannie  D.  (wife  of  Philip  Evans;,  Bed- 
ford L,  Elenora,  Juba  F.,  Jerome,  Robby  and  Sallie  E.  are  the  children  born  to  his  union 
with  Fannie  Garrett,  which  was  solemnized  February  16,  1858.  Mr.  Matthews  served  in 
the  late  war  in  Company  B,  Ninth  Battalion  of  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Maj.  James  Akin, 
serving  with  his  company  two  years.  Owing  to  impaired  health  he  then  returned  home, 
hut  afterward  joined  the  Ninth  Regiment  Cavalry,  and  served  about  six  months,  when 
he  was  again  compelled  to  return  home,  and  refrained  from  further  participation  in  the 
war.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  the  present  magistrate  of  his  district,  having  served  in 
that  capacity  twelve  years.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  he  is  a Mason. 

HENRY  MAYBERRY  is  one  of  Maury  County’s  successful  agriculturists.  He  is  a 
son  of  Michael  and  Margaret  (Williams)  Mayberry,  and  was  born  in  the  county  where  he 
now  resides  May  31,  1808.  He  resided  with  his  father  on  the  farm,  and  after  attaining  a 
suitable  age  began  following  the  same  occupation  for  himself.  December  25,  1827,  he  was. 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  Kinzer,  and  twelve  children  were  born  to  their  union,  ten 
of  whom  are  now  living:  George  W.,  Alice  E.  (wife  of  F.  O.  Howser),  Martha  A.  (wife 
of  JamesNance),  Mary  J.  (wife  of  James  Hill),  Robert  N.,  Henry  N.,  Columbus  P.,  Mar- 
garet G.  (wife  of  Scott  Lurk),  Virginia  and  William  G.  Mr.  Mayberry  is  a Democrat  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Mayberry  are  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  subject’s  parents  were  natives  of  Virginia,  and  the 
father  was  an  enterprising  farmer.  He  was  a Methodist,  and  died  about  1851.  The 
mother  was  a Baptist,  and  died  in  1876. 


■940 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


JAMES  M.  MAYES,  president  of  the  Columbia  Banking  Company  and  a prominent 
business  man  of  the  town,  is  a native  of  Maury  County,  born  March  3,  1827,  son  of  John 
M.  S.  and  Rebecca  S.  (Witherspoon)  Mayes,  both  South  Carolinians  by  birth.  John  M.  S. 
came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father,  Dr.  Samuel  Mayes,  in  1806,  locating  in  Williamson 
County,  and  the  following  year  removed  to  Maury  County.  He  has  been  a farmer  all  bis 
life,  and  is  one  of  the  old  and  respected  citizens  of  the  county.  His  early  life  was  much 
devoted  to  hunting,  fishing  and  field  sports,  and  although  his  fortunes  suffered  severely 
during  the  late  war  he  still  retains  a comfortable  competency,  and  attained  his  ninetieth 
year  May  29,  1886.  He  served  six  months  in  the  Seminole  war  in  1836,  and  was  an  old-line 
Whig  as  long  as  that  party  existed.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  was  a firm  sup- 
porter of  the  Union,  but  after  the  State  seceded  his  sympathies  were  with  the  South- 
ern cause.  Two  of  his  sons  were  in  the  Confederate  Army.  Our  immediate  subject 
resided  on  his  father’s  farm  and  secured  a good  education  at  Centre  College,  Danville,  Ky., 
graduating  in  1848.  He  then  began  the  study  of  law,  which  lie  abandoned  six  months 
later  and  entered  mercantile  life  as  a clerk.  From  1851  to  1861  he  was  engaged  in  mer- 
cantile pursuits,  and  after  the  close  of  that  conflict,  up  to  1875,  he  kept  a hardware 
store,  and  then  retired  from  active  business  life  and  took  a tour  through  Europe.  In  1878 
he  became  connected  with  the  First  National  Bank  of  Columbia,  and  has  acted  as  its 
president  up  to  the  present  time.  In  September,  1884,  be  became  connected  with  the 
large  dry  goods  firm  of  Frierson,  Mayes  & Co.,  of  which  his  son; Walter  M.  is  active  man- 
ager. In  1857  Willie  B.,  daughter  of  John  W.  Cheairs,  of  Spring  Hill,  became  his  wife, 
and  two  sons  and  three  daughters  were  born  to  their  union.  Mr.  Mayes  is  strictly  inde- 
pendent in  politics,  but  has  generally  supported  the  Democratic  party  since  the  war. 

MILES  C.  MAYS,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Bethel  House,  of  Columbia,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Maury  County  January  11,  1846,  son  of  Miles  H.  and  Elizabeth  P.  Mays,  who 
were  born  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a successful  farmer 
before  the  war,  but  was  financially  ruined  during  that  conflict.  During  the  close  of  the 
war  he  followed  merchandising  until  the  latter  part  of  1865,  when  he  removed  to  Nash- 
ville, and  from  there  to  Dickson,  Tenn.,  where  he  owned  and  operated  a hotel  until  his 
death  September  10,  1885.  Miles  C.  Mays  acquired  a good  education  in  Jackson  College, 
being  a student  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  (in  1864)  enlisted  as  a private  in  Com- 
pany E,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  until  the  conflict  closed.  Shortly  after  he  en- 
gaged in  the  livery  business,  with  which  he  has  been  connected  ever  since,  R.  P.  Dodson 
being  his  partner.  From  1872  to  1880  Mr.  Mays  conducted  the  Nelson  Hotel  of  this  city. 
In  1883  he  managed  the  Bethel  House,  and  two  years  later  he  and  Mr.  Dodson  purchased 
the  hotel,  which  they  have  operated  very  successfully  since  April,  1886.  January  20, 1885. 
he  married  Maggie  Lee  Shaffer,  of  Terre  Boone,  La.  Mr.  Mays  is  a Democrat,  and  is  an 
enterprising  citizen  of  Maury  County. 

ROBERT  N.  McBRIDE,  farmer  and  stock  dealer,  is  a son  of  John  and  Hannah 
(Kinzer)  McBride.  John  McBride  was  born  in  Maryland,  and  came  to  Tennessee  at  an 
early  period,  where  he  followed  farming  until  his  death  in  1859.  His  wife  is  yet  living, 
and  is  a resident  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  Robert  N.  McBride  was  born  August  31,  1841, 
and  spent  his  early  days  in  attending  school  and  laboring  on  his  father’s  farm.  May  12, 
1871,  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Miss  Helena  Williams,  daughter  of  W.  D.  Williams,  a 
prominent  man  of  the  county.  They  became  the  parents  of  six  children,  four  yet  living. 
Dora  B.,  William  D.,  Mattie  P.  and  Robert  L.  Mr.  McBride  took  an  active  part  in  the 
late  war,  enlisting  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  through- 
out the  struggle.  He  was  captured  at  New  Hope,  Ga.,  in  1863,  but  made  his  escape  in  a 
few  hours.  Our  subject  is  a warm  Democrat,  and  is  a Mason  of  the  Blue  Lodge  degree. 
He  and  Mrs.  McBride  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

WILLIAM  T.  McCLAIN  is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (McMillan)  McClain,  anc; 
was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  August  29,  1820.  He  spent  his  early  days  in  farm- 
ing, and  was  united  in  marriage,  July  30,  1839,  to  Miss  Mary  Coleman,  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  to  them  were  born  four  children:  Robert  C.,  Luther,  Catharine  and  Livonia, 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


941 


all  of  whom  are  dead.  January  29,  1845,  Mrs.  McClain’s  death  occurred.  Mr.  McClain 
wedded  Mrs.  Martha  (Williams)  Dixon  August  24,  1847,  and  to  them  were  born  three  sons: 
Newton,  John  (deceased)  and  Jasper.  Our  subject  is  an  advocate  of  Democratic  princi- 
ples, and  was  constable  in  Maury  and  Lewis  Counties  for  a perion  of  sixteen  years.  He 
belongs  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  resides 
on  a farm  about  five  miles  from  Mount  Pleasant.  His  father,  John  McClain,  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  March  16,  1777,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  participating  in  the 
battle  of  New  Orleans.  He  died  in  Maury  County  April  5,  1881.  The  mother  was  born 
in  the  Blue-grass  State,  and  was  a Cumberland  Presbyterian  in  faith. 

CAPT.  ROBERT  B.  McCORMICK,  farmer,  was  born  in  this  county  May  4,  1832,  son  of 
William  C.  and  Dorcas  (Irwin)  McCormick,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father 
immigrated  to  this  county  from  North  Carolina  in  1829,  and  settled  where  Carter  Creek 
Station  now  stands.  He  farmed  for  a livelihood  and  was  quite  successful.  His  death  oc- 
curred September,  1834,  at  Spring  Hill.  He  was  a man  of  strong  religious  feeling,  and 
was  a leading  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  mother  died  in  1870.  Our  sub- 
ject remained  and  assisted  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty  one  years  of  age, 
securing  a good,  practical  education  in  the  district  school,  and  subsequently  attended 
the  Franklin  University,  graduating  from  that  institution  at  the  sessions  of  1858  and  1859. 
He  then  came  to  his  present  neighborhood  and  established  the  Union  University,  of  which 
he  was  principal  until  May,  1861.  He  enlisted  in  Capt.  Pointer’s  company  of  the  Third 
Tennessee  Regiment,  serving  as  a high  private  for  about  six  months.  He  was  a non-com- 
missoned  officer  until  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson,  when  he  was  captured  and  remained 
in  prison  at  Springfield,  111.,  for  seven  months.  He  was  then  exchanged,  and  after  the 
reorganization  of  the  Confederate  forces  was  elected  captain  of  Company  E,  Third  Ten- 
nessee Regiment,  and  remained  as  such  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1866  he  wedded 
Anna  Adkinson,  a native  of  this  county,  who  died  June  19,  1879.  They  had  four  children 
by  this  union;  Maury  M.,  Lizzie  D.,  Robert  B.  and  Dot,  all  living.  Mr.  McCormick 
taught  school  until  1868,  when  he  engaged  in  the  grist  and  saw-milling  business.  In  1879 
he  returned  to  school  teaching,  and  in  connection  farmed  to  some  extent.  In  1883,  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health,  he  quit  school  teaching  and  began  farming,  and  this  he  has  followed 
ever  since.  January  11,  1885,  he  wedded  his  present  wife,  Amanda  Eason.  Capt.  Mc- 
Cormick is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  an  attendant  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

MALCOLM  McDONALD,  son  of  John  and  Mary  (McAuley)  McDonald,  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  February  23,  1808.  The  parents  were  natives  of  Scotland  and  North 
Carolina,  respectively.  The  mother  died  in  Marshall  County,  Miss.,  in  1845.  Angus 
McDonald,  our  subject’s  grandfather,  owned  a boat  and  followed  coasting  as  an  oc- 
cupation. John  McDonald  came  to  Tennessee  in  1820  and  followed  the  following 
occupations:  merchandising,  tobacco  inspection,  teaching,  book-keeping  and  farming. 
He  was  a Mason  and  died  in  Marshall  County  in  1853.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three  our 
subject  began  farming  for  himself.  October  18,  1836,  he  married  Caroline  K.  Essleman, 
born  in  North  Carolina  in  1810,  daughter  of  James  and  Ann  (Campbell)  Essleman,  natives 
of  Scotland.  Malcolm  and  Mrs.  McDonald  are  the  parents  of  one  son,  James  E.,  who 
was  born  April  3,  1839,  and  died  August  3,  1839.  Both  husband  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  has  been  an  elder  for  ten  years. 

ALEXANDER  W.  McDONALD  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  September  2, 
1837,  and  is  a son  of  Allen  and  Temperance  (Henderson)  McDonald,  born  in  Maury  County 
October  16,  1800,  and  March  23,  1805,  respectively.  After  attaining  his  twenty-first  birth- 
day the  father  followed  farming  and  attained  a comfortable  competency.  The  mother 
died  October  30,  1848,  and  September  27,  1849,  he  took  for  his  second  wife  Olivia 
C.  Caskey.  His  death  occurred  June  26,  1862.  Alexander  W.  has  always  followed  the 
life  of  a farmer.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  but  at  the 
end  of  three  years  was  detailed  to  superintend  a saddle  factory, 'serving  in  this  capacity 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  During  his  war  campaign  he  was  orderly  sergeant.  After  his 
return  home  he  engaged  in  the  saddlery  business  at  Culleoka,  which  he  followed  very 


59 


942 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


successfully  several  years.  He  then  resumed  farming  and  the  lumber  and  saw-millin 
business.  At  the  end  of  a few  years  he  sold  out  and  began  keeping  a confectionery  store 
in  Columbia  and  was  also  engaged  in  the  book  and  stationery  business,  and  later  sold 
pianos  and  organs.  August  21,  1865,  he  married  Sarah  D.  Gracy,  born  October  26,  1843, 
in  Giles  County,  daughter  of  Joseph  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Bradshaw)  Gracy.  They  have 
nine  children:  Barnet  A.,  born  in  1866;  William  E.,  in  1868;  Lizzie  E.,  in  1869;  Donald  G 
in  1871;  Alexander  N.,  in  1873;  James  B.,  in  1875;  Luther  B.,  in  1878;  John  O.,  in  1881; 
and  Lura,  in  1883.  Mr.  McDonald  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church.  He  is  a well  educated  man  and  is  recognized  as  an  upright  and  honest 
citizen. 

COL.  EDWARD  C.  McDOWELL  is  a native  of  Fayette  County,  Ivy.,  born  Novem- 
ber 5,  1840,  son  of  Capt.  John  L.  McDowell,  who  was  also  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  was 
married  to  Nancy  Yance.  Edward  C.  was  reared  and  educated  in  Kentucky,  attending 
both  the  collegiate  and  law  departments  of  the  Transylvania  University  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  and  graduated  in  law  from  the  same  institution  in  1859.  In  1861  he  began  practicing 
in  Memphis,  Tenn.,  and  the  same  year  was  made  colonel  of  the  State  troops  at  that  place 
After  Tennessee’s  secession  he  resigned  this  position  and  joined  the  Tennessee  Artillery 
Corps  as  lieutenant,  and  served  until  July  9,  1863,  when  he  surrendered  with  the  army  at 
Port  Hudson,  La.,  and  was  held  as  prisoner  of  war  at  Johnson’s  Island  and  Fort  Dela- 
ware until  June  16,  1865.  He  then  resumed  his  practice  at  Memphis,  where  he  remained 
until  October,  1874,  and  since  that  time  has  resided  and  practiced  his  profession  in  Col- 
umbia. September  16,  1873,  he  wedded  Bettie,  daughter  of  Leonard  D.  Myers,  whose 
sketch  appears  in  this  work.  Three  sons  and  three  daughters  were  born  to  their  union 
Col.  McDowell  is  a Democrat  and  a Scottish  Rite  Mason  of  the  thirty-second  degree. 

SAMUEL  D.  F.  McEWEN,  a well-known  merchant  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  is  a native 
of  Maury  County,  where  he  was  born  July  10,  1850,  son  of  John  A.  McEwen  (deceased), 
attorney  at  law,  of  Nashville.  Our  subject’s  early  education  was  obtained  in  his  native 
county.  He  attended  Yale  College  two  years  and  in  1870  started  in  business  in  Columbia 
as  clerk  in  the  bank  of  that  city.  He  afterward  became  book-keeper,  and  for  two  and  a 
half  years  was  teller.  Up  to  1879  he  was  in  the  grocery  business  in  the  city.  Since  that 
time  he  has  been  a dry  goods  merchant,  and  has  shared  in  the  success  of  the  well-known 
Arm  of  McEwen  & Dale.  He  married  Margaret  A.  Phillips,  May  15,  1873,  of  Monrct, 
La.  They  have  two  daughters.  Mr.  McEwen  is  a Democrat  in  his  political  views,  and  is 
a Mason — Knight  Templar  degree.  He  is  treasurer  of  the  Columbia  Jersey  Cattle  Com 
pany,  and  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Maury  County  Trotting- Horse  and  Breeding  As- 
sociation. He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

ROBERT  MARTIN  McIvAY,  son  of  Richard  A.  and  Eliza  J.  (Jennings)  McKay,  was 
born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  June  5,  1852.  His  father  was  a well-to-do  farmer  of  the 
county,  and  still  resides  in  the  Nineteenth  Civil  District  of  Maury  County,  where  he  is 
magistrate.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  years  Robert  M.  began  the  study  of  law,  and  when 
twenty-one  years  of  age  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  soon  established  a fairly  remunera- : 
tive  practice.  He  is  considered  a safe  counsellor  and  earnest  advocate,  and  has  won.de 
cided  distinction  and  eminence  among  the  leading  lawyers  of  the  State.  He  may  prop- 
erly be  said  to  be  a self-made  man,  and  is  endowed  with  qualities  which  have  enabled  him  | 
to  surmount  obstacles  which  would  have  discouraged  many  men.  Since  1875  he  has  been 
a partner  of  Hardin  P.  Figuers,  the  style  of  the  firm  being  McKay  & Figuers.  Mr.  McKay  j! 
is  a Democrat,  and  is  secretary  of  the  Democratic  State  Executive  Committee  and  member 
of  the  same  from  his  congressional  district.  He  is  chairman  of  the  Democratic  Executive 
Committee  in  his  Seventh  Congressional  District.  In  1884  he  wa3  one  of  the  committee 
appointed  by  the  County  Court  of  Maury  County  for  the  erection  of  the  new  jail.  He  is 
vice-president  of  the  Second  National  Bank  of  Columbia  and  one  of  its  directors,  and  an 
active  member  of  the  Merchants  & Manufacturers  Exchange  of  the  city.  He  also 
belongs  to  the  Columbia  Board  of  Education,  and  is  a Mason  (Knight  Templar),  and  was 
one  of  the  committee  who  superintended  the  erection  of  the  handsome  Masonic  temple  of 


/ 


MAURY  COUNTY.  943 

Columbia,  Term.  Iu  1883  he  was  candidate  for  mayor  of  Columbia  and  was  defeated  by 
twenty-four  votes,  the  whole  number  of  votes  being  840.  Mr.  McKay  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Alice  F.  Rankin,  to  whom  be  bad  been  engaged  twelve  years. 

HARDIN  PERKINS  FIGUERS,  of  the  firm  of  McKay  & Figuers,  was  born  at  Frank- 
lin, Tenn.,  April  15, 1849,  and  was  educated  in  the  CarntonHigh  School,  from  which  insti- 
tution he  graduated  in  December,  1866.  He  then  began  teaching  the  “young  idea"  at  Gum 
Springs,  Williamson  County,  continuing  until  1867.  The  following  year  he  entered  busi- 
ness life  as  clerk  in  the  dry  goods  establishment  of  J.  L.  Parks,  and  there  acquired  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  business  life.  In  the  early  part  of  1869  Mr.  Figuers  engaged  in 
the  newspaper  business,  becoming  one  of  the  editors  and  proprietors  of  the  Franklin 
Review,  the  oldest  weekly  newspaper  in  the  State.  In  January,  1872,  he  removed  to  Col- 
umbia and  became  one  of  the  editors  and  proprietors  of  the  Columbia  Herald.  Four 
years  later  he  began  editing  the  Columbia  Journal.  In  1875  he  formed  a law  partnership 
with  Mr.  McKay,  and  is  one  of  the  most  trusted  and  successful  practitioners  of  the  Maury 
County  bar.  He  is  an  eloquent  speaker  and  writer,  and  the  author  of  the  volume  “Ten- 
nessee Manual  of  Chancery  Pleadings  and  Practice,”  consisting  of  700  pages,  which  has 
won  high  praise  from  all  parts  of  the  State.  Mr.  Figuers  is  a Mason  (Knight  Templar)  and 
Worshipful  Master  of  F.  & A.  M.  December  4,  1873,  he  wedded  Lily  Dale,  who  has 
borne  him  one  daughter.  His  parents,  Thomas  N.  and  Bethenia  H.  (Perkins)  Figuers 
were  natives  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn. 

RICHARD  A.  McKAY,  Esq.,  an  old  and  prominent  citizen  of  Carter  Creek.  Maury 
Co.,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  this  county  February  28,  1819,  son  of  Alexander  and  Rebecca 
(Claymaster)  McKay.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina  and  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Maury  County.  He  was  a farmer  and  in  very  comfortable  circumstances.  He 
died  July  21,  1870.  The  mother  was  a native  of  Tennessee,  and  died  February  19,  1850. 
Our  subject  passed  his  boyhood  on  the  farm  in  assisting  his  father  and  in  the  schoolroom 
in  securing  an  education.  He  remained  at  home  until  the  death  of  his  father,  and  then 
purchased  his  father’s  estate  and  was  steadily  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  until 
1876,  wThen  he  removed  to  his  present  place.  In  1870  he  established  a store  at  Carter 
Creek  and  engaged  in  merchandising  in  connection  with  his  farming  interests  until  about 
1883.  In  1882  he  was  appointed  agent  of  the  Louisville  & Nashville  Railroad  at  Carter 
Creek,  which  position  he  now  fills.  January  31,  1843,  he  wedded  Eliza  Jennings,  a native 
of  this  county.  They  had  eleven  children,  three  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are 
Alexander  W.,  Robert  M.,  Cameron  H.,  Anna  E.,  Sallie  R.,  Ashley  J.,  Thomas  J.  and 
Phineas  E.  Mr.  McKay  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  has  been  magistrate  of  the  Nine- 
teenth District  for  ten  years;  was  postmaster  at  Carter  Creek  about  twelve  years  up  to 
the  present  administration,  and  he  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  is  au  elder.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  K.  T.  Lodge. 

ALONZO  McKISSACK,  a prominent  citizen  of  Spring  Hill,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  January  14,  1835,  son  of  Orville  W.  and  Ellina  (McKissack)  Mc- 
Kissack,  natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  from 
the  family  of  Archibald  M.  McKissack,  who  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  State, 
and  still  survives  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-seven.  The  mother  also  survives  at  the 
age  of  seventy.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-one  years 
of  age,  securing  a good  school  education  at  Cumberland  University,  and  graduated  from 
the  law  department  of  that  institution  in  1861.  May,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F, 
Third  Tennessee  Regiment,  serving  as  an  orderly  sergeant  and  remaining  as  such  until 
the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  a prisoner  six  months  at  Fort  Donelson,  eleven  months  at 
Fort  Delaware,  seven  months  at  Fort  Lookout  and  four  months  at  Fort  Elmira.  At  the 
close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  Maury  County  and  began  farming,  which  occupation  he 
followed  for  two  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  at  Spring  Hill. 
In  1873  he  established  his  present  business,  carrying  a full  and  complete  line  of  drugs  and 
medicines  and  has  been  quite  successful.  September  1,  1880  he  wedded  Miss  Almira 
Hardeman,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 


944 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


SAMUEL  H.  McKNIGHT,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  December  25, 
1846,  son  of  Augustine  and  Keziali  (Roper)  McKnight,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a much  respected  and  well-to-do  farmer  ana 
departed  this  life  in  1883.  The  mother  died  in  1869.  Samuel  H.  McKnight  received  the 
rearing  and  early  education  of  the  average  farmer’s  boy,  and  later  attended  the  medical 
department  of  the  Vanderbilt  University,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  1881.  He  immediately  began  practicing  his  profession  in  his  native  county 
and  is  doing  well.  In  1868  he  took  for  his  life  companion,  Miss  Mary  McKnight.  Luther, 
Lelian,  Cora,  Kate,  Samuel,  Mattie  Lee  and  two  deceased  are  the  children  born  to  this 
union.  Dr.  McKnight  served  in  Company  B,  Ninth  Tennessee  Battalion,  Cavalry,  from 
the  time  of  his  enlistment  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  has  been  a licensed  Methodist 
minister  for  fifteen  years,  and  belongs  to  the  Republican  party. 

JOHN  D.  McLEMORE,  farmer  of  Maury  County,  and  a native  of  Williamson  Couuty, 
was  born  April  12,  1832,  and  is  one  of  nine  children  born  to  A.  J.  and  M.  S.  (Debrey)  Me- 
Lemore,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a farmer 
by  occupation  and  came  to  Williamson  County  at  an  early  day  His  death  occurred  in  184S, 
and  his  wife  followed  soon  after.  Pie  was  the  son  of  Robert  McLemore,  who  was  of  Scotch 
Irish  parentage.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of 
age,  securing  a common  school  education.  He  then  began  farming  on  his  father’s  tract  and 
remained  with  his  mother  until  her  death.  He  then  went  into  the  grocery  business  at 
Thompson’s  Station,  at  which  he  remained  for  three  years.  He  then  removed  to  this  county 
and  located  close  to  Columbia,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  .and  stock  raising.  In  1862 
he  enlisted  in  McLemore’s  company, Starn’s  regiment,  as  a high  private,  but  was  discharged 
in  1863  on  account  of  bad  health.  He  then  returned  home  and  was  assigned  a position  in 
the  commissary  department  at  Columbia.  In  1866  he  moved  back  to  Williamsom  County, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  until  1884,  when  he  removed  to  his  present 
place,  and  he  has  been  steadily  engaged  ever  since  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  December 
8,  1858,  he  married  Lesey  Pope,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  and  to  them  were  horn 
seven  children,  only  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Atkins  P.,  Sidney  G.,  Jamie  and  Rod- 
ina. Mr.  McLemore  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  himself  and  family  are  leading  mem 
bers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  has  been  a member  of  the  Masonic  Lodge  for 
twenty-four  years,  and  is  also  a member  of  A.  O.  U.  W.  He  is  one  of  Maury  County' 
best  citizens. 

LEMUEL  P.  McLEMORE,  an  energetic  farmer,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn .. 
April  23,  1841,  and  is  a son  of  A.  J.  and  M.  S.  (Debrey)  McLemore.  [For  further  particulars 
of  parents  see  sketch  of  John  D.  McLemore].  Our  subject  secured  a good  practical  educa-  ji 
tion  in  the  common  schools,  and  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  sixteen  years  of 
age.  He  then  resided  with  his  brother  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1879  he  purchased  | 
his  present  farm  on  which  he  has  resided  ever  since,  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  j 
November  14,  1872,  he  wedded  Lesey  M.  Frierson,  a native  of  this  county,  and  by  this  |j 
union  is  the  father  of  two  children:  Wickliffe  F.  and  Mary ‘M.  Mr.  McLemore  is  a Dent- 
ocrat  in  politics,  and  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  He  is  one 
of  the  most  enterprising  farmers  of  the  county,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  a moral,  upright 
citizen. 

JOHN  A.  McMEEN,  a successful  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  a native  of 
this  county,  was  born  January  21,  1838,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  F.  and  Elizabeth  (McKay) 
McMeen,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  this  State.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil, 
and  in  connection  with  this  carried  on  a blacksmith  shop  His  death  occurred  May  12,  j 
1854.  The  mother  died  March  10,  1849.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  and 
secured  but  a limited  education.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  began  merchandising,  and  fol- 
lowed this  business  three  years,  after  which  he  began  farming.  In  1861  he  was  engaged 
in  the  commissary  department  of  the  Confederate  Army,  and  February  9, 1863,  he  enlisted 
in  Company  G,  First  Tennessee  Heavy  Artillery,  serving  with  them  until  captured  at 
Port  Hudson.  He  was  then  kept  prisoner  at  St.  Louis  a short  time,  and  was  afterward  , 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


945 


stationed  at  Camp  Morton,  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  He  then  returned  to  Tennessee,  and  engaged  in  farming  until  1880,  when  he  re- 
moved to  his  present  place,  and  he  has  been  steadily  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising 
ever  since.  November  14,  1859,  he  wedded  Harriet  D.  Cook,  a native  of  Kentucky,  and 
to  this  union  were  born  five  children,  only  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Thomas  S., 
John  W.  and  Charles  W.  Charley  died  in  1870,  and  Ashley  in  1868.  Mr.  McMeen  is  a 
Democrat,  and  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

WASHINGTON  W.  MILLER,  an  old  and  prominent  farmer  of  Maury  County, Tenn., 
and  a native  of  that  county,  was  born  March  21,  1811,  and  is  the  youngest  son  of  John 
and  Catharine  (Hall)  Miller,  both  natives  of  Virginia.  The  father  immigrated  to  this 
country  in  1806,  and  was  an  extensive  farmer.  His  death  occurred  in  1848.  The  mother 
died  when  Washington  W.,  our  subject,  was  but  a small  boy.  He  passed  his  early  life  on 
the  farm,  and  had  no  such  school  advantages,  in  the  rude  log  schoolhouses  of  his  boyhood 
days,  as  exist  at  present.  Nothwithstanding  all  these  drawbacks  he  secured  a good  prac- 
tical education.  In  1851  he  removed  to  his  present  place,  on  which  he  has  been  steadily 
farming  ever  since.  In  1837  he  was  married  to  Susan  Hadley,  a native  of  this  State,  and 
to  this  union  were  born  four  children,  only  two  of  whom  are  living:  John  A.,  and 
Jemima  S.  Melville  J.  died  in  1878,  and  William  C.  was  killed  in  the  army  in  1863. 
Mrs.  Miller  died  August,  1884,  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-one  years.  Our  subject  is 
a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  classed  among  Maury  County’s  oldest  and  most  honorable 
citizens. 

WILLIAM  F.  MOORE,  an  old  and  influential  citizen,  was  born  in  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  January  22,  1817,  son  of  Matthew  and  Sarah  (Smith)  Moore,  natives,  respectively, 
of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  The  father  moved  to  this  county  from  North  Carolina 
in  1807  or  1808  and  was  a farmer  of  considerable  note.  He  held  the  position  of  magis- 
trate of  the  Third  District  for  thirty-live  years.  He  died  in  1839,  was  a Democrat  in  poli- 
tics and  the  son  of  Reuben  Moore,  of  North  Carolina,  who  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  The  mother  of  our  subject  died  about  1865.  William  F.  was  reared  on  the 
farm  with  his  parents  until  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  securing  a good  common  school 
education.  At  that  age  he  began  clerking  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Columbia,  where 
he  remained  for  seven  or  eight  years.  He  then  went  in  business  for  himself,  at  which  he 
was  very  successful.  In  1848  he  moved  back  to  the  farm  but  at  the  same  time  carried  on 
his  drygoods  business  at  Columbia.  In  the  same  year  he  wedded  Nannie  Boyd,  a native 
of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  twelve  children,  ten  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mary 
J.,  Dora  M.,  William  L.,  Imogene,  Lillie  B.,  Laird  B.,  Julia  R..  Robert  S.,  Walter  and 
Lucy.  Matthew  B.  died  in  1850  and  John  in  1860.  In  1853  Mr.  Moore  sold  out  here  and 
removed  to  Texas,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  cotton  business  and  also  in  stock  raising. 
In  1860  he  returned  to  the  old  homestead  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics  and  has  been  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  for  upward  of  forty  years. 

LEONARD  D.  MYERS  (deceased)  was  a native  of  Alabama,  born  May  1,  1821.  He 
was  reared  in  his  native  State  and  educated  in  the  East  Tennessee  University  at  Knox- 
ville. He  removed  to  Colufnbia  in  1845  and  read  law  under  Judge  Edmund  Dillaliunty, 
and  was  admitted  to  practice  at  the  Maury  County  bar  in  1847  and  remained  in  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  here  until  his  death  May  14,  1876.  He  married  Sara  H.  Caruthers, 
of  this  county,  a member  of  the  distinguished  family  of  that  name, who,  with  four  daugh- 
ters, still  survives  him.  He  was  an  active  Democrat  but  never  aspired  to  political  honors. 
He  served  as  a private  in  the  Confederate  Army,  in  the  Ninth  Tennessee  Battalion.  Al- 
though not  a member  of  any  religious  denomination  he  was  a firm  supporter  of  Christian- 
ity and  contributed  generously  to  all  religious  and  charitable  enterprises.  He  was  an 
enterprising,  liberal-minded  citizen  and  was  remarkable  for  a retentive  memory.  His 
mind  was  stored  with  legal  lore,  ready  at  his  bidding,  and  he  was  acknowledged  as  the 
leading  practitioner  of  the  Maury  County  bar  for  a number  of  years  and  had  a State  repu- 
tation for  legal  ability.  He  was  a man  of  strong  convictions  and  manly  resolutions,  and 
was  noted  for  his  devotion  to  his  friends.  His  nature  revolted  at  anything  that  tended  to 


040 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


lower  the  standard  of  higher  manhood,  and  yet  the  gentler  elements  of  his  nature,  guided 
by  charity  for  all,  softened  the  rude  asperities  of  life. 

T.  P.  NOWLIN,  M.  D.,  is  a well-known  and  prominent  physician  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  what  is  now  Alcorn  County,  Miss.,  January  30,  1853,  son  of  Jaiiway 
W.  and  Sarah  H.  (Williams)  Nowlin.  The  father  was  a native  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn., 
and  was  a dry  goods  merchant  in  Nashville  for  a number  of  years.  The  mother  was  a 
native  of  Nashville  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In  1861  our  sub- 
ject and  his  father  came  to  Lawrence,  Tenn.,  located  on  a farm  and  engaged  in  a tannery. 

In  1870  he  entered  the  Farmington  Academy  where  he  received  a good  education.  In 
1871  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  J.  S.  Swanson,  with  whom  he  remained 
two  years  and  in  November,  1873,  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  Vanderbilt  Uni- 
versity of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  from  which  he  graduated  with  honors  in  February,  1880,  and 
since  that  time,  has  followed  his  profession  in  Maury  County.  November  29,  1876,  he 
was  married  to  Callie  M.  Payne  and  one  daughter  was  born  to  them,  named  Mattie  Lee 
(deceased).  November  15,  1878,  Mrs.  Nowlin  died.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South  and  was  a devoted  Christian.  November  7, 1883,  Dr.  Nowlin  weu' 
ded  Fannie  S.  Payne.  The  Doctor  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  is  a well-known 
and  successful  physician  of  Maury  County. 

DR.  HILLARY  L.  OLIVER,  a successful  practitioner,  was  born  in  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  December  8,  1828,  and  is  the  son  of  Hezekiah  and  Mahala  (Lewis)  Oliver.  The 
father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1787,  was  married  in  1822  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1825. 

He  located  in  the  Fourth  District  in  Maury  Couuty,  and  engaged  in  farming  and  school 
teaching.  He  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Chuch  South  for  over  sixty  year- 
He  was  a Democrat  and  was  in  the  war  of  1812.  The  mother  was  also  born  in  Virginia  in 
1800  and  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  By  her  union  with 
Hezekiah  Oliver  she  became  the  mother  of  six  sons  and  two  daughters.  The  mother  died 
in  1840  and  the  father  in  1867.  Our  subject  grew'  to  manhood  on  the  farm  and  obtained  a 
good  English  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began  farming  for  himself  and  in 
1855  began  the  study  of  medicine.  He  graduated  in  his  medical  studies  at  New  Orleans 
School  of  Medicine  in  1860.  December  19.  1867.  he  wedded  Valderia  A.  Dillehay,  a native 
of  Maury  Couuty,  Tenn.,  born  in  1850,  and  the  daughter  of  Marcus  G.  and  Mary  (Lancas- 
ter) Dillehay.  Our  subject  became  the  father  of  nine  children — six  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters— named  G.  Meldon,  Emma  L.,  Dalton  A.,  Edith,  Milton  L.,  Ethel  (deceased),  Hillary 
G.,  Carl  L.  (deceased).  Hubert  L.  In  1861  our  subject  was  elected  captain  of  a volunteer 
company,  and  at  the  organization  of  the  regiment  was  elected  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
Fifty-second  Tennessee  Regiment.  After  remaining  in  the  service  for  four  months  he  re- 
ceived au  honorable  discharge  and  returned  home.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  s 
highly'  spoken  of  by  all. 

WILLIAM  L.  ORMAN,  an  old  and  prominent  citizen  of  Spring  Hill,  Maury  Co., 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  that  State  December  25,  1817,  and  is  the  eldest  child  of  Adam  and  j 
Martha  (Reams)  Orman,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  The  ; 
father  came  to  Williamson  County  about  1814,  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  as  a live- 
lihood.  His  death  occurred  about  1850.  The  mother  followed  in  1874.  Our  subject  re- 
ceived a good  common  school  education,  and  after  attaining  the  years  of  manhood  served 
an  apprenticeship  at  the  carpenter  and  cabinet  trade,  making  that  business  a profession 
until  a few  years  ago,  and  at  which  he  wras  quite  successful.  In  1840  he  led  to  the  hy- 
meneal altar  Mary  North,  a native  of  Tennessee,  who  died  about  1850.  They  had  five 
children  by  this  union,  three  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  William  E.,  Robert  and  Rhoda. 

In  1853  Mr.  Orman  married  Sarah  Childress,  a native  of  this  county,  who  died  in  1878. 
They  had  seven  children  by  this  union,  viz.:  James  S.,  Maggie,  Anna  L.,  Henry,  SallieB.. 
Jannie  C.  and  Julia,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Orman  was  an  old-line  Whig  in  politics, 
but  at  the  present  time  does  not  bother  much  about  politics.  Himself  and  family'  are  con- 
sistent members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Orman  is  classed  among 
the  leading  men  of  the  county. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


947 


GEORGE  W.  PARK,  a prominent  farmer  and  a leading  citizen  of  Maury  County,  was 
born  October  1,  1840.  He  is  the  son  of  J.  J.  A.  and  Althere  E.  (Oliver)  Park,  was  reared 
on  a farm  and  was  attending  school  at  the  commencement  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  en- 
listed in  Company  F,  First  Tennessee  Regiment,  served  throughout  the  war  in  that  company 
and  was  in  many  battles.  After  the  war  he  engaged  in  farming  for  one'  year.  He  then  en- 
gaged in  the  milling  and  general  merchandise  business.  He  has  been  ticket,  express  and 
freight  agent,  and  also  postmaster  at  Park  Station,  where  he  is  now  living.  He  obtained  a 
fair  country  school  education  and  was  married,  August  28,  1866,  to  Adelia  C.  Lancaster,  who 
was  born  August  28,  1846.  To  this  union  was  born,  December  17,  1867,  one  child,  Erastus 
J.  Mrs.  Park  was  a devoted  wife  and  mother,  and  was  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  She  died  March  17,  1870,  and  December  15,  1870,  our  subject  was 
married  to  Emma  C.  Wright,  her  former  name  being  Emma  C.  Denton.  She  was  born  in 
Maury  County,  Tenn,,  September  3,  1849,  and  by  her  union  with  Mr.  Park  became  the 
mother  of  these  children:  Thomas  H.,  Martha  E.,  George  W.,  Cordie  D.  and  Katie  L. 
Our  subject  has  built  up  a very  thriving  business,  and  has  accumulated  sufficient  means  to 
enable  him  to  enjoy  the  comforts  of  life.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

JAMES  S.  PERRY,  farmer,  was  born  June  2,  1826,  and  remained  with  his  parents  on 
the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  securing  a good  common  school  education. 
He  then  began  farming  for  himself  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  county,  near  Bigbyville, 
where  he  remained  but  a few  years.  He  then  leased  a farm  near  Columbia,  on  which  he 
remained  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  1863  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Ninth 
Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  as  a high  private  for  a short  time.  He  was  afterward  en- 
gaged in  the  commissary  department,  and  remained  in  this  capacity  until  he  was  captured 
and  paroled  in  1864.  He  then  returned  to  Hickman  County,  remaining  there  a few  days. 
Previous  to  this,  in  1853,  he  had  wedded  Susan  Hamilton,  a native  of  Davidson  County, 
and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child — Susan  D.  Mrs.  Perry  died  November  21,  1855,  and 
January,  1859,  he  wedded  Ann  Smoot,  a native  of  this  county  and  a daughter  of  Dr. 
Smoot.  To  this  union  were  born  two  children,  Annette  and  Maggie  A.,  who  died  Janu- 
ary 20,  1885.  The  second  Mrs.  Perry  died  in  May,  1871,  and,  December  21,  1876,  Mr.  Perry 
married  his  present  wife,  E.  J.  Elvira  Sellers,  a native  of  this  county  and  a daughter  of 
Hardy  Sellers.  They  have  one  child  by  this  union — Alma  A.  T.  After  the  death  of  his 
■first  wife,  Mr.  Perry  taught  school  for  six  years,  and,  in  1877,  he  purchased  his  present 
farm,  on  which  he  has  since  lived.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  has  the  confidence 
and  esteem  of  all  who  know  him.  He  is  the  son  of  Simpson  and  Elizabeth  (Thompson) 
Perry,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a farmer 
and  died  September  6,  1859.  He  was  the  son  of  William  Perry,  who  emigrated  to  this 
State  about  1803.  The  mother  of  our  subject  died  in  1880,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
two. 

NATHAN  PERRY,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  William  Perry,  who  was  a native  and  farmer 
of  North  Carolina,  and  there  wedded  our  subject’s  mother,  Elizabeth  Shaw.  William 
died  in  1822  and  his  wife,  who  was  a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  died  in  1846.  Nathan  Perry,  when  a young  man,  began  reading  medicine  with 
Dr.  John  H.  Crisp,  of  Salem,  Miss.,  and  afterward  attended  the  famous  University  of 
Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia,  from  which  institution  he  graduated.  He  then  returned 
to  his  native  county,  where  he  has  since  successfully  practiced  his  profession.  In  October, 
1849,  his  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  J.  Amis  was  solemnized,  and  to  their  union  eight  chil- 
dren— Nancy  E.  (wife  of  Leroy  Scott),  Charles  A.,  JosiahA.,  Willie  A.,  Lena,  JohnS., 
Lulu  J.  and  Katie  C. — were  bom.  In  1884  Dr.  Perry  wras  called  upon  to  mourn  the  death 
of  his  wife.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  a Mason 
of  the  Royal  Arch  degree.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

LEWIS  C.  PICKARD  may  be  mentioned  as  one  of  Maury  County’s  worthy 
tillers  of  the  soil.  He  is  a native  of  the  county,  born  July  22,  1848,  and  is  the  eldest  of  six 
children  of  Alex  S.  and  Rachel  (King)  Pickard.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  came  to  Tennessee,  locating  on  a farm  in  the  Twelfth  District  of  Maury  County, 


948 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


where  he  died  in  1869.  His  mother  was  always  a resident  of  Maury  County  and  was  an 
earnest  worker  in  the  Cumberland  Presby#rian  Church.  The  nuptials  of  our  subiect’s 
marriage  to  Miss  Sally  Craig  were  celebrated  February  15, 1872,  and  they  have  rejoiced  in 
the  birth  of  eight  children — four  sons  and  four  daughters:  William  A.  (deceased),  Herbert 
B.,  Hardy  O.,  Joseph  L.,  Josie  C.  (deceased),  Mary  D.,  Katie  G.  and  Sallie  F.  Mr.  Pick- 
ard supports  the  principles  of  the  Democratic  party.  He  resides  on  his  farm  near  Mount 
Pleasant,  and  is  a good  farmer  and  honest  citizen. 

ANTHONY  L.  PILLOW,  M.  D.,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Maury  County, 
October  7,  1819,  son  of  Abner  and  Mary  S.  (Thomas)  Pillow,  of  North  Carolina  and  Vir- 
ginia, respectively.  They  were  early  settlers  of  Tennessee,  the  grandfather,  John  Pillow, 
having  settled  near  Nashville  when  it  was  a small  place.  Abner  Pillow’s  brothers  were 
Col.  Way  Pillow,  Gideon  and  Mordica,  Gideon  being  the  father  of  Gen.  Gideon  J.  Pillow. 
Abner  Pillow,  who  was  a farmer  and  practical  surveyor,  was  engaged  in  locating  lands. 
He  was  a magistrate,  and  at  one  time  was  deputy  sheriff  of  the  countjr.  He  was  an  old  line 
Whig  in  politics,  and  died  in  the  fall  of  1860.  Anthony  L.  Pillow  was  reared  and  secured 
a good  literary  and  classical  education  in  Maury  County.  In  1841  he  began  studying  med- 
icine, and  graduated  from  the  Jefferson  Medical  College  of  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  in  1845, 
and  began  practicing  in  Columbia  the  same  year.  The  Doctor  has  also  given  some  atten- 
tion to  farming,  and  was  a Whig  before  the  war,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  In  1847  he  wed- 
ded Mary  F.  Young,  of  Maury  County,  who  died  in  1873,  leaving  three  children:  Evan  Y., 
Eugene  and  James  C.  (deceased). 

EVAN  Y.  PILLOW,  clerk  of  the  Maury  County  Circuit  Court,  was  born  in  the  old 
residence  of  James  K.  Polk  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  October  12,  1848,  son  of  Dr.  Antony  L. 
and  Mary  F.  (Young)  Pillow.  Evan  Y.  was  reared  in  Columbia,  and  received  a collegiate 
education  in  Lee  College,  of  Lexington,  Va.,  then  under  the  control  of  Gen.  Robert  E 
Lee.  In  1870  he  began  storing  his  mind  with  legal  lore,  studying  under  the  direction  of 
Hon.  James  II.  Thomas.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  Maury  County  courts  in 
1872,  and  did  so  until  1877,  when  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  city  recorder,  which  office 
he  held  by  re-election  until  the  latter  part  of  1878.  He  then  resigned  and  made  the  race 
for  circuit  court  clerk,  and  was  elected  the  same  year.  He  served  a term  of  four  years  so 
faithfully  and  efficiently  that  he  was  re-elected  in  1882,  and  is  now  discharging  the  duties 
of  that  office.  Mr.  Pillow  is  a Democrat  of  the  younger  and  more  progressive  class,  and 
has  taken  an  active  and  leading  part  in  the  political  campaigns  during  the  last  ten  years. 
He  is  a Mason  of  the  Royal  Arch  degree,  and  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and 
is  prominently  connected  with  the  public  and  private  enterprises  in  city  and  county. 

ROBERT  PILLOW,  M.  D.,  Columbia,  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  this  city,  born  April  4. 
1852,  son  of  William  H.  and  Elizabeth  T.  (Porter)  Pillow,  who  were  Tennesseeans  by  birth. 
The  father  was  a well-known  and  prosperous  money  speculator  of  Columbia,  and  die! 
December  5,  1864.  He  was  at  one  time  constable  and  deputy  sheriff,  and  was  an  old-line 
Whig  and  a firm  supporter  of  the  Union  during  the  late  war.  Robert  Pillow  was  reared 
in  Columbia,  and  finished  his  education  in  the  Davidson  (N-  C.)  College.  In  1870  he 
became  a medical  student  under  Dr.  A.  L.  Pillow,  and  later  attended  lectures  in  the  med 
ical  department  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  graduating  March  12,  1874,  as  an  M. 
D.  He  then  began  practicing  with  his  uncle  and  former  preceptor,  and  in  1879,  in  connec- 
tion with  W.  P.  Woldridge,  engaged  in  the  drug  business,  continuing  two  years.  Dr  Pil- 
low has  been  a successful  practitioner,  and  is  a “Sky  Blue”  Democrat  in  politics.  He  is 
a Mason  of  the  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  is  Eminent  Commander  of  De  Molay  Com- 
mandery,  No.  3,  of  Columbia.  October  7,  1885,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sara  R.  Parrott, 
of  Cartersville,  Ga. 

JAMES  M.  PHILIPS,  citizen  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Williamson 
County  June  3,  1846,  and  is  the  son  of  Jesse  H.  and  Margaret  J.  (May)  Philips,  natives  of 
Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  born  in  1812  and  1816,  respectively.  Jesse  Philips  followed 
farming  throughout  life,  and  was  married  in  1836,  becoming  the  father  of  two  sons  and 
four  daughters:  Mary  W.,  Mattie  H.,  Hugh  L.,  Annie  B.,  James  M.  and  Eliza  M.  The 


r 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


949 


father  was  a Whig  in  politics,  and  was  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  of  Williamson 
County.  He  died  in  October,  1852,  mourned  by  many  friends.  Our  subject  was  engaged  in 
the  merchandise  business  in  Nashville  in  1871.  In  1872  he  married  and  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  Williamson  County  for  several  years,  and  moved  to  Maury  County  in  1882,  wh  ere 
he  has  since  been  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil.  He  was  married  to  Madora  Owen,  who  was 
born  July  19,  1852,  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Judy  A.  (Davis)  Owen.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Philips  were  born  three  sons:  Robert  L.,  born  in  1873;  Jesse  H.,  born  in  1876,  and  John 
0.,  born  in  1883.  The  father  and  mother  are  devoted  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 
Mr'  Philips  is  a Democrat,  and  is  much  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  his  friends. 

GE.N.  LUCIUS  E.  POLK,  a well-known  and  respected  farmer  and  citizen  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  July  10,  1833,  son  of  William  J.  and  Mary  R. 
(Long)  Polk.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  1794,  and  was  by  occu- 
pation a farmer.,.  He  came  to  Tennessee  in  1836,  and  settled  in  the  Twenty-second  Dis- 
trict of  Maury  County,  where  he  remained  one  year,  after  which  he  moved  to  Columbia  and 
lived  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1860.  The  mother  was  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  born  in  1797,  and  was  a consistent  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  She  died 
at  Columbia  in  1885.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  passed  on  the  farm.  In  1849  he  entered 
the  University  of  Virginia  at  Charlottesville,  and  remained  there  until  1852,  securing  a 
good  classical  education.  In  April,  1861,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  Confederate 
Army,  First  Company  of  Yell’s  Rifles  of  Arkansas.  In  July  following  the  company  was 
transferred  to  Company  B,  Fifteenth  Arkansas  Volunteer  Infantry.  Our  subject  was  in 
the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Richmond  and  Perryville,  Ky.,  and  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga, 
Missionary  Ridge  and  Ringgold  Gap,  Ga.,  where  he  displayed  the  greatest  efforts  of  his 
military  career.  April  11,  1862,  for  gallant  services  rendered  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  he 
was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  colonel  of  his  regiment.  In  the  following  December  he  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigadier-general,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  He  was  paroled  at  Courtland,  Ala.,  in  June,  1865,  and  immediately  went  to  his 
home  in  Arkansas,  where  he  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  August  19,  1863,  he  wed- 
ded Sallie  M.  Polk,  a native  of  Laudersdale  County,  Ala.,  and  the  birth  of  four  sons  and 
one  daughter  followed  their  union:  Rufus  K.,  Mary  R.,  Lucius  E.,  William  J.  and  James 
K.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mrs.  Polk  was  born  September  2,  1843,  and  is  a consistent 
member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  In  1866  our  subject  came  to  Tennessee  and  settled  on 
a farm  in  the  Eleventh  District  of  Maury  County,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was 
president  of  the  Columbia  Central  Turnpike  for  three  years,  and  for  a like  number  of 
years  was  its  efficient  secretary  and  treasurer.  He  has  a farm  of  900  acres,  all  under  a 
good  state  of  cultivation.  Politically  he  has  been  a life-long  Democrat,  and  was  magis- 
trate of  the  Eleventh  District  for  one  year. 

WILLIAM  T.  PORTER  is  a merchant  and  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and 
was  born  in  Williamsport  in  1836,  son  of  Dr.  Samuel  and  Catherine  (Todd)  Porter,  born  in 
South  Carolina  and  Virginia,  respectively.  The  father  was  a successful  practitioner  of 
Williamsport  for  forty  years.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  in  1873.  His 
widow  draws  a pension  from  the  Government  in  compensation  for  his  services.  William 
T.  was  a school  teacher  for  thirteen  years,  and  was  married,  September  11,  1866,  to  Mary 
Jane  Russell,  daughter  of  M.  M.  Russell,  a prominent  citizen  of  the  county.  Eight  sons 
were  born  to  them:  Otey  J.,  Madison  R.,  Samuel  S.,  Walter  J.,  Hugh  V.,  Joseph  F.,  Hen- 
ry A.  and  one  deceased.  In  1862  Mr.  Porter  enlisted  iu  Company  C,  Ninth  Battalion 
Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  served  as  hospital  steward  for  four  months  previous  to  his  en- 
listment, and  soon  after  that  time  was  made  quartermaster-sergeant,  and  served  in  this 
capacity  throughout  the  war.  Mr.  Porter  is  a warm  Democrat,  and  has  represented  his 
county  two  years  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  while  there  introduced  a bill  to  repeal  the 
corporation  charter  of  Williamsport.  His  motive  was  to  banish  whisky  from  the  town. 
The  bill  was  hotly  contested  by  both  sides,  but  was  passed.  Mr.  Porter  is  a Mason  of 
the  third  degree,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

AUSTIN  W.  POTTER,  an  old  and  influential  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  September  29,  1811,  in  "Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to 


950 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Donaldson  and  Jane  (Wright)  Potter,  natives,  respectively,  of  Ireland  and  Virginia.  The 
father,  a man  of  strong  mind  and  undoubted  piety,  settled  in  this  county  and  was  a min- 
ister of  the  Protestant  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  was  for  many  years  the  only  res- 
ident preacher  in  the  neighborhood,  and  almost  every  Sunday  he  had  an  appointment  to 
preach  either  at  some  private  house  or  under  the  wide-spreading'  branches  of  the  tall  trees 
of  the  forest.  In  1806  he  removed  to  this  State,  and  in  1865  his  second  wife,  the  mother 
of  our  subject,  died.  Donaldson  Potter  died  in  1849.  Our  subject  was  a farmer  boy  and 
secured  a good  classical  education  in  Jackson  College,  of  this  county.  After  attaining  the 
years  of  manhood  he  began  teaching  school  in  this  county.  He  afterward  taught  school 
in  Williamson  County  for  six  months  and  then  began  the  mercantile  business  at  Spring 
Hill,  beginning  as  clerk  for  his  brother,  bnt  afterward  entered  the  firm  as  a partner.  In 
1849  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Amanda  Ellen  Haddox,  a native  of  Kentucky,  who 
died  June  7,  1881.  She  was  a noble  woman,  and  her  death  is  deeply  regretted.  She  was; 
the  mother  of  four  children:  Ellen  F.,  Andre  J.  (deceased),  Mary  A.  and  Austin  W.,  Jr. 
In  1850  our  subject  began  trading  in  mules,  and  this  he  continued  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war.  After  the  war  he  began  farming  and  stock  raising  on  the  farm  where  he  is 
now  residing,  which  consists  of  796  acres.  Mr.  Potter  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  was 
appointed  postmaster  at  Spring  Hill  in  1845  by  James  K.  Polk,  and  remained  as  such  un- 
til he  resigned  in  1850.  He  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and 
he  has  been  a Mason  for  many  years. 

THOMAS  J.  REA  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary(Ussery)  Rea,  who  were  both  Tennessee- 
ans by  birth  The  father  was  a prosperous  farmer  and  was  considered  a substantial  citi- 
zen of  Maury  County.  His  demise  occurred  in  1862.  The  mother  still  survives  and  makes 
her  home  in  Giles  County,  where  our  subject  was  born,  in  1845.  He  attended  the  common 
schools  near  his  home  and  started  in  life  for  himself  with  a small  capital.  By  all  the  vir- 
tues necessary  to  success  in  worldly  affairs  he  has  become  the  owner  of  339  acres  of  very 
productive  land  and  two  houses  and  lots  in  Columbia.  John  C.  and  Nannie  B.  are  the 
children  born  to  his  marriage  with  Miss  Luira  Locke, which  was  solemnized  in  1869.  Mrs. 
Rea  is  a daughter  of  W.  A.  Locke,  a prominent  citizen  of  Giles  County.  Mr.  Rea  was  a 
participant  in  the  late  war,  serving  in  the  Ninth  Tennessee  Cavalry  about  three  months, 
when  his  company  was  disbanded  and  he  returned  home.  He  and  Mrs.  Rea  are  members 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat,  politically. 

R.  H.  REESE  may  be  mentioned  as  a skillful  wheelwright  and  carpenter  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn.  He  is  a son  of  M.  J.  and  Elizabeth  (Cook)  Reese,  who  were  born  in  Ala- 
bama and  Tennessee,  respectively.  J.  M.  Reese  was  also  a wheelwright  by  trade  and 
followed  that  occupation  in  Tennessee  until  his  death  April  21,  1866.  He  belonged  to 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  nuptuals  of  our  subject’s  marriage  to  Jane  Roach,  daugk 
ter  of  John  M.  Roach,  a prominent  citizen  of  Maury  County,  was  celebrated  on  the  21st  of 
November,  1882.  Two  children  were  born  to  them,  only  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Ad 
die  E.  Mr.  Reese  is  a Democrat  and  gives  his  support  to  that  party  on  all  occasions.  He 
and  wife  are  among  the  respected  and  esteemed  citizens  of  Maury  County.  His  birth  oc 
curred  November  25,  1852. 

JAMES  S.  RENFROE’S  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  February  14,  1818. 
son  of  William  and  Eliza  A.  (Craftin)  Renfroe,  the  former  born  in  South  Carolina  in  17So 
and  the  latter  in  Virginia  in  1800.  The  grandparents  of  our  subject  were  early  pioneers 
of  this  county  and  State,  and  the  father  was  married  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  and  became 
the  father  of  eleven  children,  James  S.  being  the  eldest.  He  was  constable  of  this  county 
several  terms  and  died  in  1846.  His  wife  died  in  1856.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm. 
In  1848  he  was  married  to  Delia  R.  Calvert,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County,  in  1824, 
daughter  of  Joseph  W.,  and  Catharine  (Lawrence)  Calvert.  William  C.,  born  in  1849;  Nar 
cissa  E.,  born  in  1851;  Eliza  C.,  born  in  1855;  Joseph  S.  and  Mary  D.,  born  in  1858,  and 
Alice  D.,  born  in  1864,  were  the  children  born  to  this  union.  Mrs.  Renfroe  died  October 
28,  1872,  and  her  husband  remained  single  until  1883  when  he  married  Sarah  M.  (Collier) 
Davis.  She  was  born  in  1829  and  is  a daughter  of  Archie  and  Mary  (Hight)  Collier,  and 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


951 


a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Renfroe  has  been  an  elder  in 
the  Baptist  Church  for  twenty-five  years.  He  has  been  magistrate  of  his  district  for 
twenty-six  successive  years,  and  is  a Democrat,  and  belongs  to  the  I.  0.  0.  F. 

WEBB  RIDLEY,  ,Tr.,  is  a well-to-do  young  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and 
was  born  on  the  15th  of  January,  1859.  He  is  the  eldest  of  four  children  born  to  J.  W.  S., 
and  Annie  (Pillow)  Ridley.  Both  parents  were  born  in  Maury  County;  the  father,  Decem- 
ber 31,  1824.  He  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  in  the  Ninth  District.  The  subject  of  our  sketch 
was  a student  in  the  Mount  Pleasant  Academy  until  1875,  when  he  entered  the  Central 
University  of  Richmond  Ky.,  where  he  received  a good  English,  Latin  and  German  edu- 
cation. He  then  returned  to  his  father’s  farm,  and  on  the  26th  of  September,  1883,  was 
united  in  matrimony  to  Miss  Madge  Whitney,  a resident  of  Montgomery  County,  Ky.  She 
is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church  and  is  an  earnest  worker  in  that  faith.  Mr.  Ridley 
has  a good  and  well  cultivated  farm  near  the  village  of  Mount  Pleasant,  and  has  been 
fairly  prosperous  in  his  business  ventures. 

JOHN  J.  ROUNTREE,  farmer,  was  born  in  Williamson  County  August  18,  1815,  and 
is  a son  of  Andrew  and  Mary  (Robison)  Rountree,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The 
father  immigrated  from  North  Carolina  to  Williamson  County  about  1800  and  in  1817  re- 
moved to  this  county.  He  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  died  in  1841.  The  mother  followed 
in  1864  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  Our  subject  remained  on  the  farm  until  he  had  reached 
man’s  estate  and  secured  a good  common  school  education  for  the  advantages  that  were 
to  be  had  at  that  early  day.  In  1838  he  wedded  Margaret  McTee,  who  was  born  in  this 
county.  This  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  living: 
Charles  W.,  William  A.,  Emily  J.  (deceased),  Mary  A.,  Margaret  J.  (deceased).  John  M. , 
Thomas  F.  and  Kansas  L.  In  1867  our  subject  removed  to  his  present  location,  where  he 
has  been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  ever  since.  In  1872  he  wedded  his  present 
wife,  Susan  H.  Borders,  who  was  born  in  Mississippi.  They  have  two  children:  Ida  R. 
and  Johnnie  E.  Mr.  Rountree  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  family  belong  to  the  Christian 
Church. 

DANIEL  RUDY, a well-known  and  prominent  citizen  of  Manry  County.Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Pickaway  County, Ohio,  November  23,1841,  son  of  Henry  aud  Elizabeth  (Ludwick)Rudy. 
The  father  was  a native  of  Switzerland,  born  in  1797,  and  immigrated  to  America  in  1810. 
He  went  to  Ohio  in  1822  and  was  engaged  in  milling  in  Pickaway  County.  In  1832  he  re- 
tired to  a farm  where  he  lived  until  his  death  in  1852.  He  was  for  many  years  a magis- 
trate and  filled  the  office  in  a capable  and  satisfactory  manner.  The  mother  was  a native 
of  Pickaway  County,  Ohio,  horn  in  1808;  she  died  in  her  native  county  in  1860.  Our  sub- 
ject’s early  life  was  passed  principally  in  farming.  He  received  a good  English  education 
in  the  common  schools  of  Pickaway  County  and  in  October,  1868,  he  married  Mary  Zei- 
ger,  a native  of  Pickaway  County.  To  this  union  were  born  seven  children:  Philip  Z., 
Jacob  L..  Daniel,  Charles,  Herman,  Mary  A.  and  Catherine,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Iu 
1880  Mr.  Rudy  came  to  Davidson  Count}7  and  settled  on  a farm  near  Nashville,  where  he 
remained  until  1886,  when  he  moved  to  Maury  County  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  Thir- 
teenth District  where  he  has  since  resided.  Politically  he  has  been  a life-long  Democrat. 

WILLIAM  J.  SCOTT'S  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  April  19,  1821;  he 
is  a son  of  Andrew  Scott,  who  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  and  was  brought  to  Tennessee 
when  very  young.  He  was  a son  of  Samuel  Scott,  and  was  married  to  Mary  D.  Mat- 
thews, of  North  Carolina,  who  bore  him  fourteen  children,  our  subject  being  the  third 
of  the  family.  Andrew  Scott  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church;  and  was  a mag- 
istrate in  Maury  County  for  a number  of  years.  He  was  a farmer  of  considerable  means 
and  died  about  1874.  His  wife’s  death  occurred  about  a year  previous.  William  J.  spent 
his  early  days  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  when  twenty-one  years  of  age  began  farming 
for  himself.  May  1,  1856,  he  wedded  Mahala  T.  Martin,  born  near  Hartsville,  May  8, 
1832,  daughter  of  Henry  Martin.  They  have  five  sons  and  two  daughters  : Henry  C.,  born 
in  1857;  Miles  E.,  born  in  1868  ; Andrew  D.,  born  in  1860  ; James  F.,  born  in  1863  ; Leah, 
born  in  1866  ; Mary  A.,  born  in  1868,  and  William  A.,  born  in  1870.  Mr.’  Martin  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


952 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


GEORGE  W.  SCRIBNER  was  born  in  the  Eighth  District  of  Maury  County,  September 
16,  1822,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Nancy  (Notes)  Scribner,  The  father  was  born  in  North 
Carolina'  in  1798,  and  was  the  son  of  Lewis  S.  Scribner,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  moved  to  Tennessee  when  John  Scribner  was  but  eight  years  old.  He  died  in  1836 
John  Scribner  was  reared  on  a farm,  was  married  October  27,  1817  and  became  the  father  of 
six  children:  James  N.,  George  W.,  Butler  N.,  Sarah  B.,  John  A.  T.  and  Susan  R.  Nancy 
Scribner  was  born  May  3,  1798,  was  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and  died 
in  1851.  John  Scribner  was  then  married  to  Rebecca  A.,  Aoidlett,  and  by  her  has  six  chil- 
dren. He  was  an  elder  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  a truly  good 
man.  He  died  in  1878.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  began  business  for  himself 
at  the  age  of  nineteen.  In  1841,  Matilda  J.  Hiland  became  his  wife.  She  was  born  in  Dick- 
son County,  Tenn.,  in  1825,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Joseph  D.  and  Eliza  (Baxter)  Hiland. 
To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight  children— Sarah  C.,  MaryE.,  Marsus  M.  (de- 
ceased), John  II.,  Nancy  T.,  Thomas  C.  and  James  M.  The  fourth  daughter  died  in  in 
fancy.  In  1875  our  subject  was  married  to  Sarah  M.  Pen-y,  who  was  born  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.,  April  9,  1859.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Jerry  and  Mary  M.  (Jones)  Perry. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scribner  were  born  two  sons:  Jeremiah  B.  and  George  B.  Our  subject 
has  been  engaged  in  the  milling  business  for  fourteen  years.  He  was  a brave  soldier  and 
was  all  through  the  war. 

JOHN  A.  T.  SCRIBNER  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  December  18,  1832,  and  is 
the  son  of  John  and  Nancy  (Noles)  Scribner.  For  further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch 
of  George  W.  Scribner.  Our  subject  remained  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty  years  of 
age;  he  then  began  working  for  himself.  He  received  a limited  education,  though  by  dili- 
gence he  managed  to  secure  enough  for  the  business  of  life.  In  1852  he  married  Iluldah 
G.  Garrett,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  who  is  the  daughter  of  William 
and  Dolly  (Ham)  Garrett.  To  Mr.  Scribner  and  wife  were  born  an  interesting  family  of 
six  children:  Mary  J.,  born  in  1851 ; Willie  J.,  born  in  1853;  George  W.,  born  in  1855; 
Nancy  A.,  born  in  1859  ; James  W.,  born  in  1865,  and  Laura  A.,  born  in  1868.  Septem- 
ber, 1868,  Mrs.  Scribner  died,  and  in  1869  Mr.  Scribner  wedded  Mollie  E.  Benton, 
who  was  born  October  3,  1844.  By  her  he  became  the  father  of  four  children:  Alice  0., 
born  in  1870  ; Butler  M.,  born  in  1872  ; Malcia,  born  in  1873,  and  Sue  A.,  born  in  1875. 
Mr.  Scribner’s  second  wife  died  August  1,  1876,  and  he  took  for  his  third  wife  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet F.  Turner.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  a worth}’  member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church. 

HIAL  PAUL  SEAVY,  manager  of  the  Grand  Opera  House,  of  Columbia,  Tenn., 
was  born  near  Woodstock,  of  the  “Green  Mountain  State,”  May  21,  1842,  son  of  Isaac 
and  Rebecca  ( Paul ) Seavy,  of  New  Hampshire.  Hial’s  early  days  were  spent  in  Ver- 
mont, where  he  secured  an  academical  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  left  the  farn 
and  learned  photography  in  New  York  City,  where  he  remained  three  years  as  appren- 
tice and  journeyman.  In  1868  he  came  to  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  purchased  a gallery  in 
the  city,  and  has  successfully  carried  on  the  business  ever  since,  but  has  done  this  in  con- 
nection with  other  callings.  He  is  an  accomplished  musician,  and  served  in  the  Federal 
Army  as  leader  of  the  Second  Vermont  Brigade  Band.  He  organized  the  celebrated  Co- 
lumbia Helicon  Band,  of  which  he  was  leader  for  eight  years  until  it  disbanded.  He  has 
also  been  connected  with  journalism  for  the  last  ten  years,  and  has  been  regular  corre- 
spondent at  Columbus  for  Nashville  dailies  during  this  time.  Since  the  erection  of  the 
new  opera  house  he  has  been  its  efficient  manager.  In  1869  he  married  Louise  G.  Straeb- 
auer,  a native  of  Nashville,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  He 
belongs  to  what  is  popularly  known  in  Tennessee  as  the  “ sky-blue  Democracy.”  He  is  a 
Mason,  Royal  Arch  degree,  and  is  Post  Chancellor  of  the  K.  of  P.  lodge,  but  is  not  ft 
member  of  the  present  lodge. 

DR,  JOSEPH  W.  SHARBER,  a prominent  citizen  and  physician  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn,  was  born  iu  this  State  November  4, 1818,  and  is  one  of  the  children  born  to  John  B. 
and  Parthenia  (Jones)  Sharber.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  was  one  of 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


953 


the  early  settlers  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation  and  was 
quite  successful  in  that  pursuit.  His  death  occurred  in  1859.  The  mother  was  a native 
of  Tennessee  and  died  in  1833.  Our  subject  was  a farmer  boy  and  remained  with  his  par- 
ents until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  then  attended  school  at  Murfreesboro  for 
three  sessions,  after  which  he  taught  two  sessions  of  school  at  Mount.  Vernon  and  half  a 
session  at  Dogwood  Grove,  Bedford  County.  While  teaching  at  Mount  Vernon  he  began 
the  study  of  medicine  with  a view  of  making  it  a profession,  and  about  1841  began  study- 
ing medicine  with  Dr.  Boskett,  and  in  1843  began  practicing  with  the  above  named  phy- 
sician. At  the  end  of  a year  he  located  at  Eagleville  and  practiced  medicine  for  three 
years.  He  then  attended  one  course  of  lectures  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
graduated  from  that  institution  in  1845.  He  then  returned  to  Eagleville  and  resumed  the 
practice  of  medicine.  In  1847  he  moved  to  his  present  place  and  practiced  medicine,  and 
also  farmed  to  some  extent.  His  reputation  as  a learned  and  skillful  physician  spreads  far 
and  wide,  and  his  practice  covers  a large  scope  of  country.  In  1846  he  wedded  Mary  J. 
Porter,  a native  of  this  county,  and  a daughter  of  James  B.  Porter.  To  them  were  born 
nine  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  living.  Her  name  is  Fannie  P.  James  P.  died  in  1848; 
John  P.  died  in  1855  ; Joseph  W.  died  in  1855  ; Lura  died  in  1865  : Mary  E.  died  in 
1865;  Dr.  Wiliam  B.  died  in  1879;  Walter  S.  died  in  1879,  and  E.  Burk,  died  in 
1883.  Dr.  Sharber  has  been  a Mason  for  eighteen  years  and  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  for 
nearly  forty  years.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  he  being  an  elder  in  that  church  for  about  forty- 
four  years. 

WILLIAM  F.  A.  SLIAW  is  a native  of  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  born  April  1,  1809,  son 
of  Joseph  B.  and  Martha  (Gooch)  Shaw,  born  in  Maryland  and  Virginia.  The  father  was 
born  in  1774  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  Shaw,  a native  of  Maryland  and  a Revolutionary  sol- 
dier. The  Shaw  family  came  to  Tennessee  when  our  subject  was  about  eighteen  years  of 
age.  The  father  died  in  1863  and  the  mother  in  1854.  William  was  one  of  ten  children 
and  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  He  has  always  followed 
the  life  of  a farmer  and  is  very  successful.  In  1835  he  married  Jane  Rountree,  daughter  of 
Andrew  Rountree,  of  North  Carolina,  and  to  them  were  born  Mary  0.,  Thomas  B.,  Martha 
I.,  James  P.,  Emily  E.,  Margaret  E.,  William  F.  A.,  Joseph  J.  and  Andrew  J.  Mrs.  Shaw 
died  July  22,  1864,  and  November  15,  1865,  Mr.  Shaw  wedded  Mary  A.  E.  Renfroe,  who 
was  born  in  Maury  County  in  1827.  To  them  was  born  one  son,  Barclay  R.,  born  in  1868. 
Mr.  Shaw  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  was  a magistrate  of  Williamson  County 
a number  of  years.  He  has  been  a citizen  of  Tennessee  for  about  sixty  years  and  is  recog- 
nized as  an  honest,  upright  citizen. 

THOMAS  D.  SIMMONS,  farmer,  was  born  October  6,  1842,  and  received  a good 
common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Thirty- 
second  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  as  a high  private  in  that  company  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  began  farming.  In  1866  he  removed  to  his 
mother’s  farm  in  this  county,  where  he  remained  until  1871.  He  then  purchased  his  present 
farm  and  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  In  1870  he  wedded 
Sarah  A.  McKee,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  nine  children:  Robert  H., 
Thomas  G.,  Mary  A.,  William  C.,  McKee,  Quinton,  Eva,  Charlie  and  Edward,  all  of 
whom  are  living.  Mr.  Simmons  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  himself  and  family  are 
consistent  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  is  classed  among  the  enterprising  and 
successful  farmers  of  the  county  and  is  a respected  citizen.  His  parents  were  Thomas 
A.  and  Eliza  A.  (German)  Simmons,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a 
farmer  and  was  moderately  successful  in  this  occupation.  His  death  occurred  in  1862. 
The  mother  still  lives  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-seven  and  is  a resident  of  Maury 
County. 

REV.  FRANKLIN  G.  SMITH  (deceased)  was  born  in  Bennington,  Vt.,  December 
14,  1797,  and  was  educated  at  Princeton  (N.  J.)  Theological  Seminary  and  graduated  at 
the  remarkably  early  age  of  fifteen.  He  began  preparing  himself  for  the  Presbyterian  min- 


954 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


istry,  but  changed  his  views  while  in  college  and  espoused  the  Episcopal  faith.  He  con 
ducted  a private  school  in  Milledgeville,  Ga.,  some  years,  and  then  went  to  Lynchburg, 
Va.,  and  started  a school  for  young  ladies,  and  also  organized  the  St.  Paul’s  Episcopal 
Church  of  that  city  in  1822,  of  which  he  was  rector  during  his  residence  there.  He  was 
married  to  Sarah  A.  Davis,  in  1835,  and  a year  later  removed  to  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and 
took  charge  of  the  Female  Institute  of  that  city.  In  1852  he  established  the  Atheneum, 
which  he  has  conducted  during  his  lifetime.  During  the  war  he  was  a refugee,  owing  to 
his  outspoken  sentiments  in  favor  of  the  Confederate  cause.  His  wife  conducted  the  school, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned,  but  died  August  4 of  the  following  year.  He  be- 
queathed his  property  to  his  wife  and  she  managed  the  Atheneum  until  her  death,  Janu- 
ary 11,  1871.  Of  their  eight  children  three  sons  and  two  daughters  are  now  living:  Fan- 
nie P.  (wife  of  Maj.  L.  M.  Hasea,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,),  Capt.  Robert  D.,  present  principal 
of  the  Atheneum;  Dr.  W.  A.,  Prof.  Frank  H.  and  Carrie  E.,  all  of  whom  are  teachers  in 
the  various  departments  of  the  school.  Rector  Smith  was  a man  of  extraordinary  literary 
ability.  He  was  editor  and  founder  of  The  Guardian,  a monthly  journal  of  high  order,  started 
in  1841,  and  is  yet  published  by  the  family.  He  may  be  called  the  founder  of  the  educational 
interests  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  was  never  known  to  turn  away  a pupil,  no  matter 
how  poor,  who  was  desirous  of  obtaining  an  education.  He  was  one  of  the  finest  educa- 
tors in  the  country  and  his  views  and  teachings  were  acknowledged  as  undoubted  authority 
by  many  of  the  best  educators  of  the  land. 

CAPT.  ROBERT  D.  SMITH,  principal  of  the  Columbia  Atheneum.  was  born  Octo- 
ber 9,  1842,  son  of  the  late  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith.  He  was  educated  by  his  father,  and 
completed  a scientific  and  literary  course  with  him.  He  served  in  the  late  war  in  Com- 
pany B,  Second  Tennessee  Infantry,  enlisting  in  April,  1861.  He  was  promoted  at  the 
battle  of  Shiloh  to  first  lieutenant  on  Gen.  Claiborne’s  staff,  and  served  with  Gens.  Clai- 
borne, Polk  and  Walthall  until  the  surrender,  being  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  din  - 
ing the  Dalt.on-Atlanta  campaign.  He  participated  in  every  battle  of  the  war  that  the 
Army  of  Tennessee  was  engaged  in  except  Chickamauga,  when  he  was  sick  in  the 
hospital.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  completed  his  education,  hav- 
ing, however,  made  great  progress  in  mathematics  while  in  the  service  by  much  desultory 
study  with  members  of  the  engineer  corps  of  the  army.  He  assumed  management  of  the 
Atheneum  after  the  war,  which  he  has  ever  since  retained,  and  upon  the  death  of  his 
mother  became  the  principal  and  prime  manager  of  the  school.  In  1867  he  married  Mar- 
garet I.,  daughter  of  Hon.  James  H.  Thomas,  of  Maury  County.  Two  sons  and  one 
daughter  have  blessed  this  union.  Mr.  Smith  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and 
he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

MUNFORD  SMITH  is  a well-known  and  worthy  citizen  of  Maury  County,  and  was 
born  August  18,  1842,  and  is  one  of  nine  children  of  Munford  and  Elizabeth  (By rum' 
Smith.  Munford  Smith,  Sr.,  was  a native  of  East  Tennessee,  born  in  1805,  and  his  wife 
of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  Our  subject’s  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm,  and  he  was  ed- 
ucated at  Mount  Pleasant,  Columbia,  and  Florence,  Ala.  May  17,  1861,  he  joined  Com- 
pany C,  Third  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Fort  Donelson, 
Chickamauga,  Port  Hudson,  Raymond,  Miss.,  and  many  engagements  of  lesser  note.  He 
was  paroled  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  in  May,  1865,  and  immediately  returned  to  Maury 
County  and  settled  on  a farm.  He  was  married,  November  21,  1871,  to  Miss  Anua  M. 
Cecil,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  six  children:  William  C.,  Julia  I.,  Flora  K.,  Anna 
M.,  Julia  E.  and  Virginia  L.,  the  latter  two  being  deceased.  Politically  Mr.  Smith  is  a. 
Democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the  F.  & A.  M.,  and  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,  and  is  considered  one  of  Maury  County’s  moral  and  energetic  citizens. 

PATRICK  H.  SOUTHALL,  Jr.,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  September  9. 
1853,  son  of  Patrick  IL.  Southall,  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Maury  County.  Our  sub 
ject  was  reared  in  the  county,  and  in  1872  entered  the  Cumberland  University,  of  Leb- 
anon,  Tenn.,  graduating  from  the  literary  department  in  1875,  and  a year  later  grad- 
uated from  the  law  department  of  the  same  institution.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


955 


came  to  Columbia,  where  he  has.  became  a successful  practitioner,  and  was  for  a time  a. 
partner  of  L.  P.  Padgett.  He  is  now  practicing  alone,  and  is  doing  well.  He  is  a Demo- 
crat, and  favors  a protective  tariff,  and  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  vice-president  of  the  city  board  of  education, 
and  takes  quite  an  active  interest  in  the  local  campaigns,  and  has  won  quite  a reputation 
as  an  orator. 

THOMAS  W.  SOWELL,  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  enterprising  citizens,  was  born 
December  28,  1856,  son  of  William  J.  and  Emily  .J.  (Hardison)  Sowell,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Maury  County  in  1824  and  1833,  respectively.  The  father  was  a successful  farmer 
and  became  the  owner  of  several  hundred  acres  of  land.  He  enlisted  as  colonel  (in  the 
late  war)  of  the  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  a brave  and  faithful  officer.  He 
was  married  in  1850  and  became  the  father  of  the  following  family:  William  I.,  Alice  J., 
Thomas  W.,  Fannie  P.,  Felix,  Emily  E.,  Wallace  T.,  Carrie  E.,  James  D.  and  Albert  B. 
The  father  was  a teacher  in  early  life.  He  died  on  the  13th  of  August,  1884.  The  mother 
is  yet  living.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  began  working  for  himself  at  the  age 
of  eighteen  as  clerk  in  the  mercantile  business  for  about  eighteen  months.  He  then 
worked  in  his  father’s  mill  one  year,  and  then  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for 
himself  two  years,  being  fairly  successful.  October  25,  1883,  he  wedded  Jennie  R.  Chis- 
holm, born  in  Alabama  January  15,  1860,  daughter  of  Dr.  Lewis  C.  and  Jane  Chisholm. 
The  father  was  born  in  Alabama  in  1821  and  the  mother  in  1827.  Dr.  Chisholm  gradu- 
ated from  a dental  college  in  Nashville  and  was  professor  in  the  same  one  year.  The 
mother  died  in  1862,  and  the  Doctor  afterward  married  Isabel  Dickson,  of  Alabama.  Our 
subject  and  wife  have  two  children:  Barkley,  born  August  30,  1884  (deceased),  and 
Nina,  born  September  15,  1885.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sowell  belong  to  the  Christian  Church  and 
he  is  a supporter  of  Democratic  principles. 

GEORGE  W.  STACK ARD,  a well-known  agriculturist  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  Rutherford  County  November  6,  1823,  son  of  Nathan  and  Mary  (Kinzer)  Stockard, 
natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  an  enterprising- 
farmer  and  was  regarded  by  all  as  a moral,  upright  man.  His  death  occurred  in  1879  and 
the  mother’s  in  1853.  They  were  Methodists  in  belief.  The  subject  of  our  memoir  was 
united  in  matrimony  in  1862  to  Miss  Sallie  Walker.  Mr.  Stackard  is  a Democrat  in  his 
political  views  and  gives  his  support  to  that  party  on  all  occasions.  He  is  at  the  present 
time  magistrate  of  his  district  and  has  served  in  this  capacity  for  the  last  fifteen  years. 
In  1865  Mr.  Stackard  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  but  abandoned  that  in  1877.  By 
his  energy,  enterprise  and  economy  he  has  accumulated  considerable  property. 

WILLIAM  W.  STANLEY,  a young  and  enterprising  farmer  of  Maury  Count}',  and 
a native  of  that  county,  was  born  February  27,  1846,  and  is  a son  of  Austin  C.  and  Rhoda 
C.  (McConnico)  Stanley,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  -was  a 
farmer  and  the  son  of  Wright  Stanley,  and  during  the  late  war  enlisted  in  the  Fourth 
Tennessee  Regiment  and  served  as  a high  private  until  he  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  War- 
trace,  Tenn.,  in  1862.  The  mother  died  in  1856.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents 
until  he  was  seventeen  years  old,  receiving  his  education  in  the  district  schools.  He  then 
enlisted  in  Company  H,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee,  serving  as  high  private  until  December, 
1864,  when  he  joined  the  Sixteenth  Confederate  Cavalry  Regiment  and  remained  there 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  to  this  county  and  began  farming.  About 
1868  he  purchased  his  present  property,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock 
raising.  In  1866  he  was  married  to  Ellen  Rountree,  a native  of  this  county.  They  have 
five  children,  only  three  of  whom  are  living:  Thomas  A.,  Carrie  I.  and  William  W.,  Jr. 
Mr.  Stanley  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

WILLIAM  K.  STEPHENS,  a successful  merchant  of  Culleoka,  Maury  Co.,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Marshal  County,  January  7,  1852,  son  of  Thomas  M.  and  Mary  (Goodrich)- 
Stephens,  born,  respectively,  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  Culleoka, 
Tenn.,  in  1858,  and  followed  the  mechanic’s  trade  several  years,  but  lately  has  gived  his 
attention  to  farming.  Our  subject  received  his  education  under  Prof.  Webb,  of  Culleoka;. 


956 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


at  the  age  of  seventeen  lie  began  doing  for,  himself,  and  became  a partner  in  the  firm  of 
C.  B.  Abernathy  & Co.,  and  after  Mr.  Abernathy’s  death  he  purchased  his  interest,  and 
since  1883,  has  been  sole  proprietor  with  the  exception  of  one  month.  Mr.  Stephens  has 
succeeded  well  in  his  business  enterprises  and  has  a fine  stock  of  goods.  He  has  a farm 
consisting  of  seventy  acres,  and  May  8,  1873,  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  O.  Wilkes,  daugh- 
ter of  B.  L.  Wilkes;  they  have  five  children:  Thomas  N.,  William  K.,  Leroy  W.,  Walter 
S.  and  Mary  C.  Mr.  Stephens  is  a Democrat,  and  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Culleoka, 
March  3,  1874.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

SAMUEL  R.  STONE,  farmer,  was  born  in  Fayette  County,  Ky.,  July  21,  1827,  and 
and  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Berry)  Stone,  both  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  was 
an  extensive  farmer,  owning  at  his  death  1,200  acres  of  as  good  land  as  Kentucky  affords, 
to  be  divided  among  his  children.  His  death  occurred  in  1872,  and  the  mother  followed 
in  the  same  year.  Our  subject  assisted  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age. 
securing  a good  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  then  began  farming  for  himself  in 
Kentucky  until  1884,  when  he  removed  to  this  county,  renting  his  Kentucky  land.  He 
purchased  the  Cooper  farm  of  537  acres,  on  which  he  has  been  steadily  engaged  ever  since. 
In  1854  he  wedded  Mary  Marshall,  native  of  Kentucky,  and  they  have  five  children  by 
this  union:  Walker  J.,  William,  Birdie,  Samuel  and  Jessie.  Mr.  Stone  is  a Democrat  in 
politics,  and  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

REV.  JOSEPH  HART  STRAYIIONE,  a well-known  farmer  and  influential  citizen 
of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  a native  of  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  was  born  October  12, 
1821,  son  of  Daniel  and  Penelope  (Berry)  Strayhone.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  also 
born  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1822.  He  located  on  a farm  in 
Maury  County  and  lived  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1824.  He  was  a worthy 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  was 
also  for  many  years  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  later  years  she  became  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Her  death  occurred  in  1848.  Our  subject 
passed  his  youthful  days  in  aiding  his  father  on  the  farm.  January  6,  1843,  he  wedded 
Mary  C.  Aikins,  a native  of  Maury  County  and  the  daughter  of  John  Aikins.  The  fruits 
of  this  union  were  the  following  children:  Nellie  C.,  John  Alison,  Jennet  E.  and  William 
Bascom.  In  March,  1859,  Mrs.  Strayhone  died;  she  was  an  excellent  woman  and  a devout 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In  September,  1859,  our  subject  took  for  his 
second  wife  Olevia  A.  Mullins,  a native  of  Bedford  County  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Will- 
iam Mullins.  This  second  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  children:  H.  Elizabeth  B.  and 
William  D.,  both  living.  In  1852  Mr.  Strayhone  became  proprietor  of  a tannery  in 
Lawrence  County,  which  business  he  successfully  managed  for  twenty  years.  In  1861  he 
enlisted  as  a private  in  the  Confederate  Army,  in  the  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment 
Volunteer  Infantry,  to  serve  as  chaplain.  He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Richmond  and 
Perry ville,  Ivy.,  and  was  honorably  discharged  at  Shelby ville,  Bedford  County,  in  1862. 
He  immediately  returned  to  Lawrence  County  and  resumed  the  tannery  business.  He  re- 
ceived a good  education  in  the  schools  of  Maury  County,  and  has  been,  politically,  a life- 
long Democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  has  been 
a minister  of  the  gospel  since  1849.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  Tennessee  Conference, 
joined  that  body  in  1868,  and  had  traveled  as  itinerant  preacher  three  years  previous  to 
joining  the  conference.  He  has  a farm  of  157  acres,  and  is  a member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity. 

PATRICK  SULLIVAN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Ireland  in  September,  1823.  He  is  one 
of  eight  children  born  to  Flourence  and  Honora  (Reyney)  Sullivan.  The  father  was  a na- 
tive of  Ireland,  born  about  1800,  and  was  by  occupation  a well-to-do  farmer.  He  was  an 
ardent  advocate  of  the  cause  of  temperance,  and  was  a member  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church.  He  died  in  1882.  The  mother  was  also  a native  of  Ireland,  born  about  1803;  sbe 
was  a member  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  and  a devout  Christian.  She  died  in  1884 
Our  subject’s  early  life  was  employed  in  the  shoe-making  business.  He  came  to  America 
in  1849,  and  in  1851  settled  in  Maury  County,  where  he  was  employed  as  a laborer.  In 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


957 


1853  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Hand,  a native  of  Maury  County,  and  to  this  union  were  born 
these  children  named:  Flourence,  Patrick  8.,  John,  James,  Timothy,  Honora,  Julia,  Kate 
and  Margaret,  all  living  except  Mary  A.,  who  died  in  1856.  Mr.  Sullivan  is  a Democrat, 
and  has  a good  farm  of  eighty-five  acres.  He  is  a prominent  member  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  and  is  a well  respected  citizen. 

C.  TAYLOR  was  born  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  July  6,  1818.  At  the  age  of  twenty 
he  began  business  for  himself.  He  has  given  his  attention  to  farming.  December  24, 
1839.  he  married  Elizabeth  B.  Foster,  born  in  1819,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Elizabeth 
Foster.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  were  born  the  following  children:  James  R.,.  William, 
Sarah  P.,  Frances  M.,  George  C.,  Jasper,  Callie  D.,  Martha,  Cornelia,  and  an  infant 
deceased.  At  the  latter’s  birth  the  mother  died,  and  May  10,  1866,  Mr.  Taylor  married 
Mary  E.  (Thompson)  Fowler,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  four  children:  Calabie  M.,  Burt 
F.,  Floyd  A.  and  Earl  F.  (deceased).  Mr.  Fowler  is  a Democrat  and  a wealthy  farmer. 
His  wife  is  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  the  mother 
of  two  sons  by  her  former  marriage:  Walter  W.  and  Joseph  C.  Both  are  in  Texas,  the 
former  a physician,  and  the  latter  a salesman  in  a drugstore.  Our  subject’s  parents  were 
James  and  Martha  (Washam)  Taylor,  both  born  in  Virginia.  They  were  married  in  1815, 
and  came  to  Tennessee  soon  after  the  birth  of  their  first  child  and  located  in  Giles  County. 
They  died  in  1821  and  1836,  respectively. 

HON.  GEORGE  C.  TAYLOR,  attorney  at  law,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  member  of 
the  Forty-fourth  General  Assembly  of  Tennessee,  is  a native  of  Maury  County,  born 
December  9,  1848,  son  of  Claybourne  Taylor,  a well  known  and  worthy  farmer  of  the 
county.  George  C.  Taylor  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  county.  In  1862  being 
only  fourteen  years  of  age,  he  ran  away  from  home,  and  entered  the  Confederate  Army, 
enlisting  in  Company  F,  Forty-eighth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  serving  until  the 
close  of  the  war,  being  one  of  the  youngest  soldiers  of  the  Tennessee  army.  He  was 
seriously  wounded  in  the  hip  at  Atlanta,  from  which  he  still  suffers.  After  his  return 
home  he  attended  school  and  clerked  in  a store  until  1866,  when  he  went  to  Arkansas, where 
he  farmed  and  taught  school.  In  1869  he  returned  to  Columbia,  and  began  studying  law 
with  Hon.  James  H.  Thomas,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1871.  He  is  an  uncompro- 
mising Democrat,  and  as  such  was  elected  to  the  State  Legislature  in  the  fall  of  1884,  and 
served  with  credit.  In  1872  he  wedded  Laura  Burte,  who  died  less  than  a year  after. 
June  8,  1874,  he  married  Mrs.  Susie  D.  Stone.  They  have  two  daughters:  Laura  C.  and 
Georgie  C.  Mr.  Taylor  is  one  of  the  successful  members  of  the  Maury  County  bar,  and 
is  an  able  and  popular  representative  of  the  people. 

WILLIAM  C.  TAYLOR  was  born  October  18,  1852,  in  Marion  County,  Ky.,  and  is  a 
son  of  Clark  and  Frances  M.  (Tucker)  Taylor,  both  of  whom  were  Kentuckians  by  birth, 
and  are  now  deceased.  The  father  was  a resident  of  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  at  the  time 
of  his  death.  William  C.  was  reared  and  educated  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  attending 
the  Lebanon  Kentucky  Seminary,  and  also  St.  Mary’s  College,  near  that  city.  At  the  age 
of  twenty-one  he  began  his  legal  studies  at  Danville,  Ky.,  continuing  there  until  1875, 
when  he  came  to  Columbia  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  which  he  has 
continued  up  to  the  present  time,  and  has  met  with  very  flattering  success.  He  is  a strong 
supporter  of  Democratic  principles,  and  has  held  the  office  of  city  attorney  for  five  years, 
giving  the  best  of  satisfaction  in  the  performance  of  his  duties.  He  is  a Mason  of  the 
Knight  Templar  degree. 

DR.  HEZEKIAH  TERRELL,  a prominent  physician  and  farmer  of  Maury  County; 
was  born  February  15,  1815,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  was  reared  in  the  country 
and  secured  a good  common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  began  the 
study  of  medicine  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  where  he  remained  over  two  years.  He  then  at- 
tended a course  of  lectures  at  the  Medical  University,  of  Louisville.  In  1843  he  began 
the  practice  of  medicine,  which  he  has  been  engaged  in  ever  since.  He  has  an  extensive 
' practice  and  has  been  very  successful.  December  20,  1838,  he  wedded  Margaret  S. 
Dabney,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children,  only  five 


60 


958 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


of  whom  are  living:  Mary  E.,  William  J.,  Alexander  C.,  Joel  and  Anna.  Dr.  Terrell  was 
an  old  line  Whig  before  the  war,  but  since  that  time  has  voted  with  the  Democratic 
party.  Himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  The  Doctor  has  been 
a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  since  1852.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Mary  (House) 
Terrell,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  a pioneer  settler  of  Williamson 
County,  emigrating  from  North  Carolina  to  that  county  in  1806.  He  was  a farmer  and 
blacksmith.  His  reputation  as  a skilled  mechanic  spread  far  and  wide.  He  died  April 
25,  1826.  The  mother  followed  August  13,  1842. 

JOHN  M.  TERRY,  a well-known  citizen  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in 
Warren  County,  N.  C.,  February  21,  1821.  He  is  the  sixth  of  eleven  children — six  sons 
and  five  daughters — born  to  the  marriage  of  David  Terry  and  Nancy  B.  (Jordan)  Terry. 
The  parents  were  born  in  Warren  County,  N.  C.,  and  came  to  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
about  1831,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  First  District,  where  they  resided  until 
their  respective  deaths  in  1834  and  1856.  John  M.  Terry’s  early  life  was  spent  on  his 
father’s  farm.  He  attended  school  at  the  Mount  Pleasant  Academy,  where  he  secured  a 
good  English  education.  May  16,  1867,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Cald- 
well, of  Maury  County,  and  five  children — two  sons  and  three  daughters—blessed  their 
union:  John  O.,  Madison,  Nannie  Seymoura,  Carena  G.  and  Zula.  Mrs.  Terry  was  born 
May  12,  1841.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  was  a 
faithful  helpmate  to  her  husband.  She  died  February  11,  1882.  Mr.  Terry  has  been  a 
life-long  Democrat  and  is  a strong  advocate  of  the  principles  of  his  party.  He  is  a mem 
her  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JAMES  M.  TINDEL  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  February  10,  1838,  and  is 
the  son  of  Anderson  Tindel,  who  was  born  June  2, 1809,  and  who  came  to  Tennessee  when 
young,  locating  in  Bedford  County.  He  engaged  in  farming,  which  he  followed  very 
successfully  for  several  years.  He  then  moved  to  Maury  County  and  located  in  the 
Fourth  District,  where  he  still  continued  farming,  but  in  connection  worked  at  the  shoe 
maker’s  trade.  By  his  marriage  to  Lety  Caffe,  who  was  born  in  1808,  he  became  the 
father  of  eleven  children,  of  whom  our  subject  is  one.  The  mother  of  these  children  was 
a member  of  the  Christian  Church  and  was  faithful  to  her  Christian  duties.  She  died 
January  1.  1873.  The  father  was  also  a member  of  the  Christian  Church  and  died  June 
14,  1879.  Our  subject  reached  his  majority  on  the  farm,  and  in  1863  enlisted  in  the  Forty- 
eighth  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Infantry.  He  was  at  Fort  Henry  guarding  stock  about  the 
time  of  the  battle  at  Fort  Donelson.  He  escaped  from  Fort  Henry  and  came  home,  where 
he  remained  but  a short  time.  He  then  went  through  Mississippi  to  Jackson,  and  after- 
ward came  home.  January  2,  1868,  he  wedded  Adeline  Jones,  a native  of  Maury  County. 
Tenn.,  born  May  7,  1850,  and  the  daughter  of  Jesse  and  Sarah  (Moore)  Jones.  To  our 
subject  and  wife  was  born  one  child,  a daughter,  Lettie  A.,  born  August  29,  1868.  Nr. 
Tindel  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church  and  have  the  re- 
spect of  all  who  know  them. 

THOMAS  J.  TINDEL  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  May  2,  1845,  and  is  the 
son  of  Anderson  and  Lety  (Caffe)  Tindel.  (For  further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch 
of  James  M.  Tindel.)  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  owing  to  circumstances  his 
education  was  rather  limited,  but  by  his  own  exertions  he  has  gained  sufficient  education 
for  the  business  of  life.  November  7,  1867,  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Van  D.  Cheek, 
and  by  this  union  he  became  the  father  of  an  interesting  family  of  five  children — four  sons 
and  one  daughter:  George  W.,  born  May  4,  1869;  Lillie  L.,  born  November  16,1871; 
Jackson  P.,  born  September  3,  1874,  and  died  September  15,  1876;  Wilburn,  born  April 
17,  1878,  and  Henry  M.,  born  October  24,  1881.  Mr.  Tindel  is  justly  recognized  as  an  hon- 
est, upright  citizen,  and  has  many  warm  friends. 

DR.  JAMES  T.  S.  THOMPSON  was  born  in  this  county  February  6,  1836,  and  is  one 
of  six  children  born  to  the  union  of  Capt.  Absalom  and  Mary  B.  (Sanford)  Thompson, 
natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  from  the  family  of 
John  Thompson,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Williamson  County,  who  was  born  in  1800. 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


959 


Capt.  Thompson  has  filled  a large  space  in  the  history  of  the  community  for  the  last  half 
century.  He  has  taken  a lively  interest  in  developing  the  resources  of  the  country  and  in 
promoting  the  cause  of  education.  He  was  one  of  the  projectors  and  liberal  supporters 
of  Jackson  College,  and  after  its  removal  to  Columbia  he  was  an  active  participant  in  the 
establishment  of  both  the  Female  and  Male  Academies  of  Spring  Hill,  and  was  a trustee 
of  both  schools  for  many  years.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  since 
1833,  and  was  ordained  one  of  its  ruling  elders  in  May,  1844.  His  death  occurred  Febru- 
ary 17,  1881.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  passed  his  youth  on  the  farm  with  his  parents. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  began  reading  medicine  with  Dr.  S.  T.  McMurray  with  a view 
of  making  it  a profession.  He  attended  two  courses  of  lectures  at  the  Nashville  Medical 
College,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  at  the  sessions  of  1857-58.  He  then  returned 
to  Maury  County  and  began  the  practice  of  medicine.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he 
enlisted  in  Company  E,  Third  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry,  serving  as  lieutenant  until 
the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson,  after  which  he  served  as  assistant  surgeon  of  Robertson’s  bat- 
tery, and  at  the  exchange  of  his  regiment  was  made  surgeon  of  the  Third  Tennessee  Reg- 
iment, and  remained  as  such  for  three  years,  after  which  time  the  regiments  consolidated, 
and  he  then  joined  Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston’s  staff,  and  remained  with  him  until  Gen. 
Hood  took  charge  of  the  army,  and  served  in  the  same  capacity  under  the  latter  General 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  resumed  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine. At  the  end  of  . a year  he  removed  to  Corinth,  Mississippi,  and  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  milling.  He  remained  in  this  State  until  1876,  when  he  returned  to  this  county, 
locating  on  the  old  homestead,  where  he  has  been  bngaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising 
ever  since.  November  30, 1870,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  MaryL.  Cheairs,  a native  of 
this  county  and  the  daughter  of  John  W.  Cheairs,  whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in 
these  pages.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson  were  born  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are 
living,  viz.:  Mary  P.,  John  C.  (deceased),  James  M.,  Thomas  St.  C.,  Leo  Duloney, 
Hattie  C.,  Myra  R.,  Susie  P.  and  an  infant  not  named.  The  Doctor  is  a Democrat  in  pol- 
itics, and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Thompson  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Church. 

HARVEY  S.  THOMPSON’S  birth  occurred  in  Giles  County,  Tenn..  June  20,  1843.  He 
is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  was  raised  and  educated  in  his  native  county.  His  educa- 
tion consists  of  good  common  schooling,  which  he  greatly  improved  by  much  desultory 
reading  and  study.  After  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war  he  enlisted  as  private  in  the 
Third  Tennessee  Infantry  in  1863,  and  served  about  one  year  in  the  Confederate  Army. 
He  followed  farming  and  school  teaching  in  Marshall  and  Maury  Counties,  Tenn.,  also  in 
Mississippi  two  years,  and  in  the  meantime  stored  his  mind  with  the  legal  lore  of  Black- 
stone.  In  1876  he  had  so  mastered  the  profession  that  he  gave  up  pedagoging  and  came 
to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Columbia  bar,  and  there  he  has. since 
practiced  his  profession  with  success.  Mr.  Thompson  was  raised  a Whig,  but  is  now  In- 
dependent in  his  political  views.  In  1883  he  was  appointed  United  States  commissioner 
for  the  Middle  District  of  Tennessee,  and  has  since  filled  the  position  in  a highly  satis- 
factory manner.  Mr.  Thompson  is  unmarried,  and  is  a son  of  David  N.  and  Eliza 
(Shields)  Thompson,  who  were  born  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  where  they  have  both  long 
been  tenants  of  the  grave-yard  at  old  Elkridge,  which  contains  one  of  the  most  ancient 
and  honored  Presbyterian  Churches  in  that  county.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  strictly 
a self-made  man;  the  war  left  him  entirely  penniless. 

WILLIAM  E.  TOMLINSON,  a successful  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Giles  County,  this  State,  in  1833,  being  a son  of  John  and  Anna  (Murphy)  Tomlinson, 
who  were  born  in  North  Carolina,  where  the  father  followed  the  life  of  an  agriculturist 
and  became  quite  well  to  do  in  worldly  goods.  He  died  about  1838.  The  mother  is  still 
living  and  is  a resident  of  Giles  County,  Tenn.  William  E.,  our  subject,  assisted  his 
father  on  the  farm  and  was  married  in  March,  1874,  to  Martha  English,  and  one  child 
blessed  this  union;  Mary  S.  Mr.  Tomlinson  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting 
in  Company  E,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  for  three  years,  at  the  expir 


960 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ation  of  which  time  he  was  transferred  to  Gen.  Forrest’s  division  and  served  until  thc- 
surrender  of  Lee.  Mr.  Tomlinson  is  a Democrat  politically,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic 
fraternity.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  H.  TOOMBS  was  born  near  Culleoka,  Tenn.,  January  6.  1819,  son  of  John  and 
Catherine  (Wems)  Toombs.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1793,  and  came  to  Ten- 
nessee with  his  parents,  Edmund  and  Sabra  Toombs,  when  a small  lad.  He  became  a 
prosperous  farmer  of  Davidson  County,  and  died  in  1830,  and  his  wife  about  1852.  John 
H.  was  their  third  child.  He  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  after 
attaining  his  majority  began  earning  his  own  livelihood  at  farming.  In  1844  he  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Elizabeth  P.  Hill,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County  May  20,  1822,  daughter 
of  William  C.  and  Maria  (Dickson)  Hill,  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Georgia  in  1795  and 
1797,  respectively.  They  were  early  pioneers  of  Tennessee  and  were  farmers  of  Maury 
County.  The  father  died  in  1835  and  the  mother  in  1870.  Mr.  Toombs  is  a Democrat 
and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

JOSEPH  M.  TOWLER,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  July  17,  1822,  and  is  of 
English-Scotch  descent.  His  father  died  when  he  was  eleven  years  of  age, and  he  removed 
to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1833,  and  was  educated  in  La  Grange  College,  Alabama,  and 
afterward  served  as  one  of  the  faculty  in  the  same  eight  years.  After  attaining  his 
majority  he  began  studying  medicine  under  Dr.  B.  W.  Dudley,  and  graduated  from  the 
medical  department  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1847.  He  then  returned  to 
Columbia,  where  he  has  since  continued  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  is  considered  a 
highly  eminent  physician.  He  is  a member  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  and 
ex-president  of  the  Tennessee  State  Medical  Society.  Joseph  is  his  son,  born  to  his  mar- 
riage with  Catharine  Chapman  Voorliies,  of  Maury  County,  which  occurred  March  16, 
1847.  He  is  a prominent  Mason,  being  Past  Grand  Commander  of  the  State.  He  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  an  elder  in  the  same.  He  was 
originally  an  old-line  Whig, but  since  the  war  has  affiliated  with  the  Democratic  party,  lie 
served  as  first  surgeon  of  Col.  Biffle’s  regiment  in  the  civil  war,  and  later  as  brigade  sur- 
geon of  Gen.  John  Adams  until  he  was  captured  and  paroled.  He  has  been  resident 
physician  of  the  noted  summer  resort  at  Waukesha,  Wis.,  for  the  last  ten  years,  where  he 
annually  spends  his  summers. 

JOSEPH  F.  TUCKER,  editor  and  manager  of  the  Maury  County  Democrat  at  Col- 
umbia, Tenn.,  is  a son  of  Joseph  F.  and  Mary  J.  (Faris)  Tucker,  who  were  Tenneesseans 
by  birth.  Joseph  F.  was  born  December  14,  1853,  and  attended  the  schools  of  his  native 
county  and  finished  his  education  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  taking  an  academical  course.  He 
was  salesman  in  a mercantile  establishment  a number  of  years,  and  afterward  accepted 
the  position  as  traveling  salesman  for  a Louisville  firm.  For  several  years  he  was  local 
editor  of  the  Columbia  Herald  and  conducted  a campaign  paper  at  Bowling  Green,  Kv., 
during  the  campaign  of  1884.  In  February,  1885,  he  returned  to  Columbia  and  has  since 
edited  the  Democrat  of  that  city,  in  which  he  is  ably  assisted  by  his  brother,  Jesse  P. 
Nannie  Mayis  a daughter  born  to  his  marriage  with  Miss  Ada  B.  Webster,  which  occurred 
in  October,  1884.  Mrs.  Tucker  is  a native  of  Williamson  County,  and  our  subject  belongs 
to  the  K.  of  H.  fraternity. 

OTEY  WALKER,  merchant  and  agriculturist,  is  a son  of  Asberry  and  Sarah  (Jossey) 
Walker  and  is  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  July  31,  1849,  and  May  30.  1873, 
united  his  fortune  with  Miss  Laura  Dorsett,  daughter  of  T.  J.  Dorsett,  a well-known  citizen 
of  Maury  County.  To  their  union  was  born  one  child,  Sarah  E.  Mr.  Walker  is  a strong 
supporter  of  Democratic  principles  and  is  a believer  in  Episcopalianism,  and  his  wife  is  a 
worthy  member  of  that  church.  Asberry  Walker  was  an  enterprising  merchant  and  was 
regarded  as  one  of  Maury  County’s  most  substantial  citizens.  His  death  occured  in  1860. 
The  mother  is  still  living,  and  is  a resident  of  Maury  County. 

MRS.  SARAH  J.  WEBSTER,  is  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sallie  (Vaughn)  Weakley, 
and  was  born  in  1818.  Her  parents  were  both  born  in  the  “ Old  Dominion,”  the  father 
being  a skillful  surveyor  and  enterprising  farmer  of  that  State,  where  his  death  occurred 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


961 


about  1830.  The  mother  died  ten  years  later  and  she  and  her  husband  were  worthy 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church . Our  subject  was  married,  on  the  17th  of  March,  1836,  to 
James  H.  Webster,  an  industrious  farmer  of  Maury  County,  and  their  union  was  blessed 
with  eleven  children,  the  following  seven  of  whom  are  living:  Fannie  P.  (wife  of  Thomas 
S.  Porter),  Roenia  C.,  James  J.,  Mattie  J.  (wife  of  Shade  Murray),  Lizzie  D.,  Kate  W.  and 
Frank  W.  Mr.  Webster  died  in  1873.  His  widow  is  an  accomplished  lady  and  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  She  owns  considerable  land,  and  is  much 
esteemed  by  her  neighbors  and  friends. 

WILLIAM  J.  WEBSTER,  attorney  at  law,  of  Columbia,  son  of  William  J.  and 
Mary  A.  (Porter)  Webster,  and  grandson  of  Jonathan  Webster  and  Nimrod  Porter,  who 
were  early  pioneers  and  farmers  of  Maury  County.  The  former  was  for  many  years 
sheriff  of  the  county.  William  J.  Webster,  Sr.,  was  a farmer,  a Democrat  and  a mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  died  in  1859,  followed  by  his  widow  in  1868.  Our 
subject  was  born  October  17,  1847,  and  in  addition  to  the  common  school  education  he  at- 
tended the  Washington-Lee  University,  of  Lexington,  Ya.,  and  then  entered  the  Leb- 
anon (Tenn.)  Law  School,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1869.  During  the  year  1869  he 
was  admitted  to  practice  at  the  bar  of  Maury  County,  and  has  followed  his  profession  in 
Columbia  with  well-deserved  success.  October  23,  1872,  Mary  C.  Allison  became  his  wife 
and  the  mother  of  his  three  children:  William  J.,  Hylemati  A.  and  Virginia  M.  Mrs. 
Webster  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Webster  is  a member  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  has  given  much  attention  to  raising  and 
breeding  fine  stock,  and  is  a one-half  owner  and  president  of  the  Columbia  Jersey  Cattle 
Company. 

PROF.  HENRY  Y.  WEISSINGER,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
was  born  in  Wilson,  Ala.,  February  9,  1842,  and  is  the  youngest  son  of  Leonard  Weissin- 
ger  by  his  second  wife,  Eliza  M.  (Bond)  Weissinger.  His  first  wife  was  a Miss  Cobb,  who 
died  in  1839.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  a native  of  Georgia,  and  was  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation. At  one  time  he  edited  a paper  in  Perry  County,  Ala.,  but  moved  to  this  county 
in  1872.  His  death  occurred  in  1876.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  North  Car- 
olina, but  resided  the  principal  part  of  her  life  in  Marion,  Ala.  She  was  gifted  with  rare 
moral  and  intellectual  endowments,  -which  were  carefully  cultivated  under  the  judicious 
supervision  of  Miss  Mary  Burk,  her  mother’s  sister,  one  of  the  best  educators,  as  well  as 
one  of  the  best  women  of  her  day.  Our  subject  received  a collegiate  education  at  the 
Howard  College  of  Alabama,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1862  with  the  degree 
of  A.  M.  He  then  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Twenty-eighth  Alabama,  serving  as  a high 
private,  but  afterward  sergeant  of  the  company.  He  then  joined  Company  I,  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  Alabama  Regiment,  and  served  as  lieutenant  of  the  company.  In  1864  he 
joined  his  brother’s  staff  and  served  as  captain  until  the  close  of  the  war,  He  then  re- 
turned home  and  began  teaching  school,  and  followed  that  profession  in  that  State  until 
1868,  when  he  returned  to  Mount  Pleasant,  Maury  County,  and  continued  teaching 
school,  remaining  there  until  1873.  He  then  moved  to  West  Tennessee  and  taught 
in  a high  school  for  three  years.  In  1875  he  removed  to  Spring  Hill,  Maury  County, 
and  taught  there  until  1881.  In  1884  he  began  farming  on  his  present  place,  where  he  has 
been  steadily  engaged  ever  since.  In  1870  he  wedded  Emily  E.  Miller,  a native  of  this 
County,  and  to  them  were  born  seven  children:  Henry  Y.,  Mary  L.,  Charles  M.,  George 
J.,  Leonard  A.,  William  M.  and  Anna  M.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Prof.  Weissinger  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  all  his  family,  with  the  exception  of  one,  are  members  of 
the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  L.  WHITE  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  December  31,  1842;  was  rearea 
on  the  farm  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  he  began  farming  for  himself,  and,  September  6,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Ophelia  T. 
Davidson,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  September  5,  1847,  and  the  daughter 
of  John  and  Martha  (Davis)  Davidson.  To  our  subject  and  wife-  were  born  these  chil- 
dren: John  W.,  George  M.,  Willie  E.,  E.  M.,  Margaret  E.,  James  E.,  Patiie,  Grover  C. 


"962 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


In  1862  Mr.  White  enlisted  in  Company  F.  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  left  for 
Jackson,. Miss.,  where  he  remained  a short  time  and  then  came  home.  He  then  joined 
Company  F.  First  Tennessee  Regiment  Cavalry  and  went  to  Mississippi,  Alabama, Georgia, 
South  Carolinia  and  North  Carolina,  after  which  he  was  paroled  and  returned  home.  In  1878 
he  was  elected  constable  and  served  four  years.  In  1882  he  was  elected  magistrate,  and  holds 
that  position  at  the  present  time.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  Our  subject’s  parents,  Will- 
iam and  Margaret  White,  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The 
father  was  born  in  1811,  and  was  the  son  of  Lewis  and  Nancy  White.  He  was  a farmer, 
an  upright  citizen  and  had  many  friends.  He  died  in  1835.  The  mother  was  a member 
of  the  Christian  Church  and  was  always  ready  and  willing  to  aid  in  the  cause  of  Christi- 
anity. 

WASHINGTON  CURRAN  WHITTIIORNE  was  born  in  that  part  of  Lincoln  County 
subsequently  made  a part  of  Marshall  County,  Term. ; was  raised  in  Bedford,  attended 
school  at  Arrington  Academy  in  Williamson,  Campbell  Academy  in  Wilson,  and  graduated 
at  East  Tennessee  University.  He  was  a student  of  law  under  James  K.  Polk  at  the  time 
of  his  election  to  the  presidency,  and  entered  into  the  politics  of  the  State  at  an  early  age; 
was  a member  of  the  State  Senate  in  1855-56  and  1857-58,  and  was  speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  in  1859-60,  having  been  elected  to  the  House  over  W.  L.  McConnico, 
the  Whig  candidate,  and  one  of  the  foremost  orators  in  the  State.  In  1860  he  was  selected 
by  bis  party  as  a candidate  for  elector  for  the  State  at  large.  He  canvassed  the  State 
from  one  end  to  the  other,  meeting  more  competitors  of  the  ablest  of  his  opponents  than 
was  ever  done  in  any  former  political  canvass  in  the  State.  Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  he  became  assistant  adjutant-general,  serving  with  Gen.  Anderson  in  West  Virginia 
in  1861.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  .Columbia, 
in  which  he  achieved  great  success  until  the  year  1871, when  he  was  elected  to  the  Forty-sec- 
ond congress  where  he  continued  to  serve  without  intermission  until  the  close  of  the  Forty- 
seventh  Congress.  During  his  service  in  Congress,  his  most  marked  work  was  as  a mem 
ber  of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs,  of  which  he  was  chairman  for  six  years.  Of  Gen. 
Wliitthorne’s  services  to  his  party  and  country  since  the  war,  it  is  unnecessary  to  speak  at 
length.  He  has  served  both  with  untiring  zeal,  energy  and  ability.  While  earnest,  bold 
and  energetic  by  nature,  he  combines  with  those  qualities  a prudence,  conservatism  and 
sagacity  which  gives  them  extraordinary  weight  and  influence.  He  was  appointed  to  the 
Senate  by  Gov.  Bate  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Senator  Howell  E.  Jackson,  appointed 
United  States  Circuit  Court  Judge. 

REV.  WILLIAM  II.  WILKES,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  May  7, 
1821.  He  is  the  son  of  Richard  A.  L.  and  Judith  (Harris)  Wilkes,  who  were  natives  of  the 
“Old  Dominion,”  immigrating  to  Tennessee  in  1806,  which  remained  their  home  untfl. 
their  respective  deaths  in  1867  and  1880.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  prin- 
cipally at  the  Triune  and  Pleasant  Grove  Academies.  At  eighteen  years  of  age  he  entered 
the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  His  appointments  have  included  the 
towns  of  Springfield,  Wartrace,  Mount  Pleasant,  Spring  Hill,  Pulaski,  Franklin,  Nashville 
and  Columbia.  Mr.  Wilkes  was  married  January,  1848,  to  Miss  Mary  K.  Amis,  who  died 
in  1856,  leaving  three  children:  Izora  (Mrs.  C.  S.  Williamson),  Richard  (who  served  in  the 
State  Legislature  in  1881  and  1882),  and  Alice  (Mrs.  Rev.  W.  R.  Peebles).  His  second  mar- 
riage was  to  Miss  Zurelda  Amis,  who  died  soon  after  her  marriage  leaving  one  daughter, 
Mary  K.,  wife  of  Thomas  E.  Andrews.  His  present  wife  was  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Martin) 
Johnson.  Mr.  Wilkes  has  been  for  many  years  connected  with  the  movements  to  advance 
the  interest  of  education  by  the  establishment  of  schools  of  high  grade. 

COL.  NATHANIEL  ROBARDS  WILKES  was  born  in  Oxford,  Granville  Co., 
N.  C.,  July  26,  1833,  son  of  James  LI.  and  Eliza  (Robards)  Wilkes,  who  were  born  in  Vir- 
ginia and  North  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  removed  with  his  wife  and  family  to 
this  State  in  1837,  and  located  in  Maury  County.  Here  he  farmed  and  taught  school.  He 
served  about  six  years  'in  all  as  magistrate,  and  was  also  superintendent  of  the  county 
sschools  two  years.  He  died  in  1879.  Nathaniel  R.  Wilkes  was  reared  in  Maury  Count}, 


MAURY  COUNTY. 


963 


and  graduated  from  Jackson  College  in  July,  1854.  A year  later  lie  began  the  study  of 
law  with  a view  to  making  it  a profession  and  remained  with  Frierson  & Fleming  until 
1857.  He  advanced  rapidly  in  his  profession  as  a lawyer  of  ability  and  promise,  and  for 
two  years  was  a partner  of  William  H.  Polk.  At  a later  period  he  was  associated  with 
N.  H.  Burt,  an  eminent  member  of  the  Chattanooga  bar.  From  1865  to  1867  he  practiced 
with  H.  T.  Osborne,  and  from  1870  to  1872  with  J.  L.  Bullock.  Mr.  Wilkes  is  a partner 
of  Mr.  Padgett,  and  his  well-established  reputation  as  a lawyer  has  contributed  largely  to 
the  success  of  this  firm.  Col.  Wilkes  is  a Democrat,  but  was  a Whig  previous  to  the 
war.  He  twice  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  but  after  a service  of  ten  months  he  was 
discharged  on  account  of  physical  disability  contracted  during  service.  In  October,  1858, 
he  and  Miss  Jennie  Thompson  were  united  in  marriage.  Mrs.  Wilkes  died  in  1859,  leav- 
ing no  issue.  June  23,  1875,  he  married  Miss  Anna  Y.  Baird,  who  was  born  in  Nashville. 
Col.  Wilkes  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  K.  of 
P.  and  K.  of  H.  Mrs.  Wilkes  is  an  Episcopalian  in  faith. 

MRS.  LENNIE  M.  WILKES,  widow  of  James  H.  Wilkes,  was  born  in  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  November  21,  1835.  She  is  a daughter  of  W.  R.  and  Cynthia  (Davidson)  Caldwell, 
who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  followed  the 
occupation  of  tilling  the  soil,  and  accumulated  considerable  property,  and  is  now  a resi- 
dent of  Mississippi.  The  mother  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  died  in  1862.  Mrs.  Wilkes,  our  subject,  was  twice  married;  the  first  time  to 
G.  W.  Kinzer  in  1857,  and  six  children  were  born  to  them,  four  of  whom  are  living:  Will- 
iam J.,  E.  C.,  Ella  M.,  W.  O.,  Charles  H.  G.  and  Ethel  G.  Mr.  Kinzer  was  a good  busi- 
ness man,  and  was  much  respected  by  his  fellow-men.  He  departed  this  life  in  1873.  His 
widow  was  married,  in  1874,  to  James  H.  Wilkes,  and  to  them  was  born  one  child,  a son, 
Joseph  T.  In  1879  Mr.  Wilkes  died.  Since  that  time  Mrs.  Wilkes  has  managed  her  farm, 
and  is  doing  well  financially.  She  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  H.  WILKES,  M.  D.,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Maury  County  July 
26,  1839,  and  is  a brother  of  N.  R.  Wilkes,  whose  sketch  precedes  this.  James  H.  at- 
tended the  Jackson  College,  of  Columbia,  and  in  1858  became  a disciple  of  JEsculapius 
under  Drs.  A.  H.  & W.  H.  Brown.  Later  he  attended  lectures  in  the  medical  department 
of  the  Nashville  University  (now  Vanderbilt),  graduating  in  1862.  He  was  assigned  hos- 
pital duty  for  the  Confederate  Army  as  assistant  surgeon,  continuing  one  year,  when  he 
was  promoted  to  first  surgeon.  At  the  time  of  the  surrender  he  was  acting  surgeon  for 
Gen.  Thomas  Harrison's  Texas  brigade  of  cavalry.  He  remained  at  home  during  1866, 
but  in  1867  removed  to  Arkansas,  where  he  remained  two  years,  and  then  returned  to 
Maury  County,  Tenn.,  but  shortly  after  began  practicing  in  Edgefield,  a suburb  of  Nash- 
ville. In  the  latter  part  of  1869  he  returned  to  Maury  County,  and  in  1880  removed  to 
Columbia,  where  he  has  since  resided  and  practiced.  He  is  a member  of  the  State  Medi- 
eal  Society  and  the  Masonic  fraternity,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  a Democrat.  In 
1868  he  was  married  to  Dora  I.  Davis,  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters have  blessed  their  union. 

GEORGE  C.  WILLIAMSON  was  born  near  the  waters  of  the  Little  Harpeth  River 
January  19,  1815,  son  of  Samuel  and  Judith  (Woodfin)  Williamson,  born  in  the  Old  Do- 
minion in  1786  and  1796,  respectively.  The  father  was  a son  of  Cutbert  Williamson  (who 
was  a farmer  and  an  1812  soldier)  and  followed  the  mechanical  trade  until  his  death.  He 
was  the  father  of  eight  children,  and  he  and  wife  were  worthy  and  consistent  Christians. 
He  was  in  the  war  of  1812  and  was  a Whig  in  politics.  He  died  in  1860  and  the  mother  in 
1873.  Our  subject  began  farming  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty  and  March  31,  1836,  he 
married  Mildred  A.  Brown,  born  in  Maury  County  in  1818,  daughter  of  Charles  E.  and 
Elizabeth  (Acres)  Brown.  The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williamson  are  Charles  S., 
born  in  1837;  John  T.,  born  in  1839;  James  G.,  born  in  1842.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williamson 
are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  is 
a Democrat. 

JOSHUA  L.  WILLIAMS’  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  October  13,  1829. 


964 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


He  attended  the  common  schools  and  later  in  life  began  farming  and  merchandising,  in 
which  he  was  very  successful,  and  now  owns  600  acres  of  very  productive  land.  He  was 
married  in  1874  to  Miss  Martha  Peller,  daughter  of  David  W.  Peller,  and  four  children 
have  blessed  their  union:  Samuel  W.,  Lottie  G.,  Sarah  G.  and  Archibald  D.  Mr.  Will- 
iams is  a Democrat  in  politics,  but  was  formerly  a Whig,  and  has  served  his  county  in  the 
capacity  o?  clerk  and  master  of  the  chancery  court  six  years.  He  and  Mrs.  Williams  are 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  he  is  a Fi-eemason  and  a son  of  Gen.  William 
D.  and  Sarah  G.  (Earley)  Williams,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  re- 
spectively. The  father  was  a farmer  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Maury  County, 
Tenn.,  coming  to  this  State  in  1806.  His  death  occurred  in  1859.  The  mother  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  died  in  1884. 

MAJ.  JOHN  T.  WILLIAMSON,  attorney  at  law,  of  Columbia,  Tenn.,  was  born  in 
Maury  County  August  11,  1839,  son  of  George  C.  and  Mildred  A.  (Brown)  Williamson,  the 
former  born  in  Giles  County  and  the  latter  in  Maury/  County.  John  T.  was  brought  up 
on  a farm  in  the  county  and  finished  his  literary  education  in  the  Cumberland  University 
at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  became  a student  of  Blackstone  shortly  before  the  war,  but  in 
1861  entered  the  Confederate  Army  as  brevet  second  lieutenant,  Capt.  Jones’  company, 
Third  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry.  In  1863  he  was  promoted  to  major  of  the  Fifty-first 
Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  and  resumed 
his  legal  studies,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1868.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  a suc- 
cessful practitioner  of  Columbia  and  has  met  with  the  success  his  knowledge  of  legal  lore 
and  his  industry  merited.  In  1869  he  married  Miss  Albina  G.  Bugg,  of  Charlotte  County, 
Ya.  They  have  four  children — one  son  and  three  daughters.  Mr.  Williams  is  a Democrat, 
and  was  mayor  of  the  city  of  Columbia  in  1877-78.  In  1882  he  was  elected  to  the  State 
Senate  from  Maury  and  Lewis  Counties.  He  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  is 
a member  of  the  Royal  Arcanum.  He  and  wife  belong  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church. 

WALTER  P.  WOOLDRIDGE  is  a son  of  Dr.  Ferdinand  S.  and  Louise  T.  (Parrish/ 
Wooldridge,  both  natives  of  Williamson  County  and  members  of  prominent  families  of 
that  county.  The  father  was  a prosperous  physician  and  druggist  of  Franklin,  and  died 
there  in  1869.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Franklin,  Tenn.,  May  31,  1856,  and  after  securing 
an  ordinary  high  school  education,  came,  in  1870,  to  Maury  County  and  engaged  as  clerk 
in  the  drug  business  with  Titcomb  & Williams,  and  afterward  with  R.  M.  Frierson  and 
T.  B.  Rains,  of  Columbia.  In  1878  he  engaged  in  selling  drugs  on  his  own  responsibility, 
in  which  he  has  remained  to  the  present  time.  He  has  met  with  more  than  ordinary  suc- 
cess, which  fact  is  due  to  his  energetic  and  industrious  business  habits  and  strict  integrity. 
He  is  identified  with  many  private  and  public  enterprises  of  Columbia.  April  27,  1882,  he 
married  Miss  Eliza  Keesee,  of  Clarksville,  Tenn.  They  have  one  daughter,  named  Louise 
D.  Mr.  Wooldridge  is  a Mason  and  a Knight  of  Pythias,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Wooldridge 
are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

JAMES  C.  WOOTEN,  vice-president  of  the  Columbia  Banking  Company,  was  born 
in  Fayetteville,  N.  C.,  June  18,  1832,  and  is  a son  of  Shedrick  O.  and  Elizabeth  (Blake) 
Wooten.  The  father  came  from  North  Carolina  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1833.  He 
was  originally  a hatter  by  trade,  but  followed  milling  and  farming  in  this  county.  He 
died  in  1851.  James  C.’s  rudimentary  education  was  limited,  but  he  afterward  attended 
the  Jackson  College  during  1852-53.  He  then  began  clerking  for  S.  F.  Mayes,  and  soon 
became  a partner  in  the  firm  of  Mayes,  Wooten  & Co.,  but  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
he  abandoned  the  business  and  enlisted  as  a private  in  Capt.  Gordon’s  company,  of  the 
Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  afterward  appointed  to  the  quartermaster  3 
department  in  the  Confederate  Army,  ranking  as  captain.  After  his  return  home  he  was 
made  agent  for  the  Nashville  & Decatur  Railroad  and  held  the  position  three  years,  after 
which  he  engaged  in  the  wholesale  grocery  and  cotton  business,  with  T.  W.  Keesee  & 
Co.,  remaining  one  year.  He  was  married  in  1869  and  then  removed  to  Leighton,  Ala., 
and  was  engaged  there  for  fifteen  years  in  buying  and  selling  cotton  to  Memphis  and  to 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


965 


Eastern  spinners,  but  returned  in  1885,  and  has  since  been  identified  with  the  Columbia 
Banking  Company  in  the  capacity  of  vice-president,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  stockhold- 
ers. He  still  retains  a large  interest  in  Leighton,  Ala,  owning  and  managing  several  large 
cotton  plantations  there,  as  well  as  other  property.  He  married  Hattie  A.  Abernathy,  of 
Alabama,  in  1869,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  three  children:  John  T.,  William  B.  and 
Emma.  Mr.  Wooten  is  a Democrat,  a Mason  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.  He  is  essen- 
tially a self-made  man  and  has  a handsome  competency,  which  he  has  acquired  by  his 
own  exertions.  He  spent  one  year  traveling  in  Europe,  visiting  most  of  the  large  cities  in 
England  and  on  the  Continent,  and  has  of  late  years  traveled  over  all  the  Western  Terri- 
tories, having  visited,  at  various  times,  all  the  States  of  the  Union.  He  owns  a handsome 
residence  in  Columbia,  which  he  now  occupies. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 

WILLIAM  E.  ALEXANDER,  a prominent  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born 
in  this  State  July  8,  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  Jesse  W.  and  Phoebe.  (Williams) « Alexander, 
both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  July  8,  1800,  and  moved  to  this  county 
in  1807.  He  was  a Mason  in  good  standing  and  was  noted  for  his  hospitality.  The  moth- 
er was  born  in  1799,  and  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-seven  years.  The 
father  died  October  19,  1870.  Our  subject  followed  agricultural  pursuits  from  early  boy- 
hood. In  1852  he  wedded  Miss  Antoinette  Lavender,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in  1831, 
and  the  daughter  of  Nelson  and  Purmelia  (White)  Lavender.  To  our  subject  and  wife 
were  born  eight  children:  William  C.,  Laura  A.,  Ebenezer  C.,  Lucy  F.  (deceased),  An- 
toinette V.  (deceased),  Yolona  L.,  Viola  V.  and  Nora  L.  In  1865  Mr.  Alexander  moved 
to  his  farm,  which  lies  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  county,  and  contains  107  acres 
of  finely  cultivated  land.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  mem- 
bers of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

S.  ANDERSON,  an  influential  citizen  of  this  district,  was  born  in  Williamson  County 
in  the  year  1825,  and  is  one  of  eight  children  born  to  Joseph  and  Sallie  (Hartley)  Ander- 
son. Mr.  Anderson  has  followed  farming  from  early  boyhood.  In  1847  he  married  Miss 
Ella  Hartley,  a native  of  this  county,  born  in  1827,  and  the  daughter  of  Laburn  and 
Nancy  (Carson)  Hartley.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  nine  children  : Sarah.  C., 
born  August  14,  1849;  Thomas  W.,  August  14,  1851;  JohnW.,  August  27, 1853 ; William 
P.,  March  27,  1854;  Sophia  E.,  April  11,  1856:  Robert  B.,  deceased,  born  April  27,  1858; 
Berry  G.,  born  January  27,  1861;  Eliza  J.,  August  27,  1864,  and  Tennessee,  March  29, 
1868.  In  1857  our  subject  moved  to  the  farm  upon  which  he  is  now  living,  which  is  known 
as  “Cross  Keys.”  It  contains  190  acres  of  land  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  and  wife  are  worthy 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

REV.  MARK  LYELL  ANDREWS  was  born  on  the  2d  day  of  December,  1796,  be- 
tween Lexington  and  Richmond,  Ky.  His  parents  were  born  and  reared  in  the  State  of 
Virginia,  married  and  moved  to  Kentucky  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1795.  In  1810  the 
father  of  our  subject,  George  Andrews,  moved  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  May  16, 
1816,  our  subject  married  Eliza  Dean,  and  in  the  fall  of  1819  he  became  impressed  relig- 
iously and  sought  for  and  found  pardon,  after  which  he  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  November,  1819,  and  was  licensed  as  a local  preacher  in  September,  1822.  In 
1826  he  was  ordained  deacon  by  Bishop  Soule,  and  in  1836  was  ordained  an  elder,  at  Col- 
umbia, by  Bishop  Roberts.  In  the  economy  of  the  church,  there  being  no  provision 


966 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


made  to  support  her  local  ministers,  he  was  forced  to  look  to  other  sources  for  employ- 
ment tp  support  a large  and  growing  family.  In  March,  1840,  he  was  elected  clerk  of  the 
Circut  Court  of  Williamson  County,  and  re-elected  thereafter  from  time  to  time  until  the 
year  1874,  having  held  the  office  continuously  for  a period  of  34  years.  This  is  a long  time 
to  hold  an  office,  especially  in  a country  notoriously  fond  of  rotation  in  public  life.  In  1874, 
his  health  declining  at  that  time,  he  withdrew  from  any  further  wish  to  serve  the  public,  j 
and  retired  to  private  life.  He  died  at  his  residence  two  miles  west  of  Franklin,  November 
16,  1878,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one.  He  was  a blessing  to  the  d_ying,  and  stood  by  the  bedside 
of  more  dying  men  and  women  than  most  any  one  else  in  our  State  history.  He  was  an 
example  to  the  living  and  a benefactor  to  his  race.  The  world  is  vastly  better  off  from 
his  having  lived  in  it,  and  is  indeed  poorer  in  Christian  charity  now  that  he  has  gone  to  j 
his  reward. 

JOHN  ANDREWS,  an  influential  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  in  this 
State  December  18, 1813.  His  father,  James  Andrews,  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1785, 
and  in  1805  was  married  to  Jane  McGuire,  also  a native  of  North  Carolina,  who  was  born  in 
1787.  To  this  union  were  born  seven  children — six  sons  and  one  daughter — all  dead  but 
our  subject.  The  father  fought  in  the  Creek  Indian  war  and  died  in  1850.  The  mother 
died  in  1845.  Our  subject  took  to  the  hymeneal  altar,  September  20,  1840,  Minerva  Mat- 
thews, who  was  born  in  this  State  February  28,  1818,  and  who  is  the  daughter  of  Isham 
and  Mary  B.  (Simms)  Matthews,  the  former  born  in  1782  and  died  in  1862,  and  the  latter 
born  1788  and  died  in  1865.  Our  subject  and  wife  are  the  parents  of  three  children:  Nan- 
nie R.,  born- July  18,  1841;  Mary  E.,  born  January  20,  1845,  and  Lucy  J.,  born  August  23, 
1846.  Mr.  Andrews  followed  farming  until  1838,  after  which  he  clerked  in  a drug  store  at, 
Franklin.  In  1847  he  began  merchandising  at  Peytonsville  this  district  and  was  very  suc- 
cessful in  that  business.  He  was  also  postmaster  there  for  two  years.  In  1853  he  moved  to 
his  present  farm  which  consists  of  223  acres  of  good  land.  He  has  besides  this  farm  144 
acres  of  land  in  this  district.  He  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  Mr.  Andrews  is  a stanch  Democrat. 

WILLIAM  ARMSTRONG,  deceased,  was  born  in  Virginia  in  the  year  1809,  and  like 
the  average  country  boy  received  his  education  in  the  primitive  schools.  In  1813  he  came 
to  Tennessee  and  located  in  Williamson  County.  He  entered  on  life’s  journey  with  Miss 
Elizabeth  Leigh  as  his  companion  November  2, 1836.  Mrs.  Armstrong  was  a daughter  of  Ben- 
jamin Leigh,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  who  immigrated  to  Tennessee  in  1812,  and  married 
Martha  Whitby.  Only  two  children  blessed  the  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Armstrong:  Will- 
iam W.  and  Benjamin  F.,  both  of  whom  are  dead;  William  W.  died  November  18,  1860, 
and  Beniamin  F.  died  while  in  the  service  of  his  country  during  the  late  civil  war 
between  the  North  and  the  South.  Our  subject  moved  to  the  Seventh  District,  Williamson 
County,  in  1838,  to  the  place  known  as  “ Rocky  Hill,”  where  he  died  February  20,  1870. 
He  was  a man  who  had  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him,  and  was  a worthy 
member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Armstrong  is  still  living  at, 
‘•Rocky  Hill,”  six  miles  north  of  Franklin,  and  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  ATWOOD  was  born  in  what  is  now  Stokes  County,  N.  C.,  October 
22,  1846,  son  of  William  F.  and  Mary  (Steele)  Atwood,  and  of  English  descent.  The  father 
was  born  in  Virginia  in  1803,  and  the  mother  in  North  Carolina  in  1808;  they  both  died  ta 
North  Carolina.  Our  subject  came  to  Tennessee  in  1868  and  settled  at  Nashville,  where  he 
engaged  in  the  broom-making  business.  This  he  continued  in  that  city  until  1873,  after 
which  he  clerked  in  a grocery  store  until  1876.  He  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business 
for  himself  and  has  since  continued  that  occupation.  He  is  one  of  the  leading  business 
men  of  the  county,  and  handled  last  year  over  400,000  pounds  of  broom  corn.  May  28, 
1878,  he  wedded  Maggie  A.  Sinclair,  of  this  county,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of 
three  children:  John  B.,  Bessie  May  and  Jeneva  V.  Mr.  Atwood  is  a Democrat,  a mem 
ber  of  the  K.  of  H.,  and  also  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mrs. 
Atwood  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


967 


ROBERT  A.  BAILEY,  son  of  Albert  H.  and  Louise  A.  (Figuefs)  Bailey,  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  September  11,  1849.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia,  and 
j_at  an  early  day  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Franklin.  He  was  both  a farmer 
and  merchant,  and  in  early  life  was  married  to  Miss  Louisa  A.  Figuers,  and  four  children 
were  born  to  them:  John  H.,  William  T.,  Patrick  R.  and  Robert  R.  The  father  died  in 
1852,  and  his  son  John  H.  died  August  4,  1845.  William  T.  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Mis- 
sionary Ridge.  Our  subject  resided  on  his  father’s  farm  until  the  year  1868,  when  he  en- 
gaged as  salesman  in  the  dry  goods  house  of  J.  W.  Harrison,  where  he  remained  six  years. 
He  then  engaged  in  the  same  business  for  himself,  but  in  1875  sold  his  stock  of  goods  in 
Franklin  and  purchased  a farm  in  the  adjoining  county.  In  1872  he  was  united  in  mar- 
i riage  to  Miss  Leonora  Mayberry,  and  three  children  have  blessed  their  union:  Henry  M., 

| William  T.  and  Robert  A.  Mrs.  Bailey  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

THOMAS  R.  BARRICK,  station  agent  and  general  manager  for  the  Louisville  & Nash- 
ville Railway  at  this  plaee,  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Ky.,  November  7,  1862,  and  is  the  son 
; of  J.  R.  and  Lou  M.  (Moss)  Barrick.  His  parents  were  both  natives  of  Barren  County, 
Ky.  The  father  was  born  in  1824,  and  for  a number  of  years  was  editor  of  the  Atlanta 
Constitution,  and  gained  some  prominence  as  a writer  and  contributor  to  some  of  the  lead- 
ing papers  and  magazines  of  the  country.  He  died  at  Atlanta  in  1869.  The  mother  was 
born  in  1820  and  died  in  1885.  The  subject  was  educated  at  the  schools  of  his  native 
■ county,  and  the  early  years  of  his  business  life  were  spent  in  the  drug  and  dry  goods  busi- 
ness as  clerk.  At  sixteen  years  of  age  he  began  the  study  of  telegraphy.  In  1880  he  was 
telegraph  operator  at  Columbia,  Tenn.  In  1882  he  came  to  Franklin,  where  he  has  ever 
since  been  station  agent.  He  attends  to  all  the  railway  business  at  this  place,  and  enjoys 
a lucrative  and  responsible  position  with  the  Louisville  & Nashville  Company.  He  is 
thoroughly  posted  in  railway  affairs,  and  is  one  of  the  most  popular  railroad  men  on  the 
Louisville  & Nashville  line.  January  20,  1886,  he  wedded  Miss  Mattie  A.  Brown,  a daugh- 
ter of  Benjamin  and  Virgin  Brown,  of  this  county.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Barrick  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  They  are 
leading  young  people  of  the  county. 

JOHN  J.  BEECH,  druggist,  was  born  in  Williamson  County  November  12,  1826, 
son  of  Robert  A.  and  Martha  C.  (Beech)  Beech,  and  is  of  English  extraction.  His  father 
was  born  in  Nottaway  County,  Va.,  in  1798,  and  his  mother  in  Charlotte,  Va.,  in  1800.  His 
paternal  grandfather,  John  Beech,  was  also  a Virginian,  and  was  a faithful  soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  war.  The  Beech  family  came  to  Williamson  County  from  Virginia  at  a 
very  early  day,  and  here,  in  1843,  the  mother  of  our  subject  died,  and  his  father  followed 
in  1855.  Our  subject,  John  J.  Beech,  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm  and  secured  a 
good  education  in  the  Franklin  schools.  In  1844  he  went  to  Nashville  and  began  learn- 
ing the  drug  business,  and  in  1851  commenced  the  same  business  for  himself  in  Nashville  in 
partnership  with  Dr.  Samuel  Flemming.  This  he  continued  until  1860,  when  he  removed 
to  Austin,  Tex.,  and  for  four  years  was  very  successfully  engaged  in  the  drug  business  in 
that  city.  In  1865  he  removed  to  Franklin,  and  in  1866  began  the  drug  business  in  this 
place,  where  he  has  since  continued.  He  is  the  oldest  druggist  in  Franklin  and  one  of  the 
oldest  in  the  State.  In  1851  he  wedded  Sarah  J.  Johnson,  of  Williamson  County,  and  be- 
came the  father  of  one  son,  Eugene  L.  Mr.  Beech  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

THOMAS  O.  BETTS  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Clarissa  (Whittington)  Betts,  and  was 
born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  November  21,  1834.  The  Betts  family  are  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject  moving  to  Nashville  at  an  early  day,  and 
erecting  the  first  hotel  in  the  place.  He  afterward  moved  to  Belle  view  and  operated  a 
grist-mill  and  distillery  for  a number  of  years.  Our  subject’s  father  was  a tanner  by 
trade,  and  owned  a farm  on  Harpeth  River.  He  became  the  father  of  ten  children,  and 
■died  in  1845.  Our  subject  is  one  of  five  surviving  children,  and  from  early  youth  has 
shown  aptitude  for  merchandising  and  has  always  followed  that  occupation.  In  1875  he 
■was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  M.  Burk,  who  is  a native  of  Washington  City.  Mr.  Betts 


968 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


began  merchandising  in  Thompson’s  Station  in  1877,  under  the  firm  name  of  T.  O'.  Betts  j 
& Co.  They  carry  a stock  of  -$8,000,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  $13,000. 

WILLIAM  F.  BINGHAM  was  born  in  the  county  where  he  now  resides,  September  | 
25,  1838,  son  of  James  J.  and  Amelia  (Haley)  Bingham,  and  is  of  Irish  lineage.  The 
parents  born  in  Guilford  County,  N.  C.,  and  Halifax  County,  Va.,  in  1800  and  1807,  and 
died  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1876  and  1872,  respectively.  Their  family  consisted 
of  nine  children,  our  subject  being  the  sixth.  He  received  a common  school  education, 
and  learned  the  tanner’s  trade,  which  he  followed  three  years.  He  enlisted  in  the  First 
Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  four  years.  He  was  slightly  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  was  a participant  in  some  of  the  hardest  fought  battles 
of  the  war.  Since  the  close  of  that  conflict  he  has  followed  farming,  with  the  exception 
of  six  years,  when  he  served  as  sheriff  of  Williamson  County.  He  was  married,  March  1, 
1867,  to  Miss  Susan  Davis,  of  the  same  county  as  himself.  Mr.  Bingham  is  a Democrat, 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows  fraternities.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Christian  Church. 

JAMES  J.  BINGHAM,  farmer  and  merchant,  was  born  November  22,  1840,  in  Will- 
iamson County,  Tenn.,  son  of  J.  J.  and  Amelia  (Haley)  Bingham,  and  is  of  Irish  descent 
The  family  came  from  North  Carolina  to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  day.  Our  subject  re-  \ 
ceived  a common  school  education,  and  has  made  farming  his  chief  occupation  through 
life.  He  was  in  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and  served 
one  year.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Luversa  E.  Dodd,  September  27,  1864.  They  have 
had  five  children,  four  now  living:  Thomas  R.,  born  in  1865;  Laura  Lee,  born  in  1868; 
Jennie  D.,  born  in  1870,  and  Sallie  M.,  born  in  1872.  Mr.  Bingham  and  wife  belong  to- 
the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Bingham,  by  his  untiring  application  to  business,  has  secured 
reasonable  results,  and  is  now  spending  a happy  life  with  his  family. 

THOMAS  LI.  BOND  was  born  July  26,  1826,  and  is  a son  of  William  Bond,  who  was 
an  early  settler  of  Tennessee  and  a native  of  Virginia.  He  located  in  Williamson  County 
in  1S04  and  a year  later  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Dabney,  of  North  Carolina,  and  thir- 
teen children  were  born  to  them  : Sidney  S.,  Margaret,  Lucy,  Elizabeth,  Bethenia,  John 

D. ,  Morris  L.,  Charles  A.,  William  J.,  Thomas  II.,  Robert  W.,  Benjamin  F.  and  Nancy  D 
William  and  Nancy  Bond  died  in  1850  and  1868,  respective^.  They  were  members  of  the 
Christian  Church.  The  place  of  our  subject’s  nativity  was  Williamson  County,  Term., 
where  he  was  educated  in  the  common  schools.  September  12,  1850,  he  wedded  Miss 
Mary  M.  Banks,  who  bore  him  twelve  children— Henry  M.,  Laura  E.,  Bethenia  D.,  Annie 
M.,  James  D.,  Benjamin  F.,  Thomas  II.,  Florence  L.,  William  W.,  John  D.,  Morris  L. 
and  Nannie  D.  Bethenia  died  in  1861,  Morris  L,  in  1867,  and  John  D.  in  1884.  In  1845 
our  subject  began  merchandising  in  Nashville,  continuing  six  years,  and  then  returned  fo 
Williamson  County  and  resumed  farming.  He  owns  a very  fine  tract  of  land  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat  and  was  a Whig  before 
the  dissolution  of  that  party. 

JAMES  C.  BOSTICK  was  born  in  1835,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  is  a son 
of  James  A.  and,  Nancy  Bostick,  and  grandson  of  John  and  Mary  G.  Bostick,  who  were 
born  in  North  Carolina,  and  settled  in  Tennessee  in  1809.  Our  subject’s  mother  was  tin- 
daughter  of  William  and  Sarah  King,  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  settled  in  Tennessee  at 
an  early  date.  The  parents  of  our  subject  were  married  in  this  State  in  1827.  To  them 
were  born  eight' children  : Thomas  K.,  Mary  J.,  James  C.,  Manoah  IJ.,  Sarah  P.,  Martha 

E. ,  John  and  William.  James  C.  attended  the  Hardeman  Academy,  near  Triune,  in 
1854-55,  and  the  Western  Military  Academy,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  fitted 
himself  for  civil  engineering,  and  in  1856  served  in  that  capacity  for  the  Louisville  & 
Nashville  Railroad.  Three  years  later  he  abandoned  this  and  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business  in  Nashville.  Tenn.,  the  firm  being  known  as  Bostick  & Abston.  At  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  war  in  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Thirteenth  Tennessee  Cavalry  under  Gen. 
Morgan,  and  participated  in  all  the  principal  battles.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned 
to  Sumner  County,  where  he  remained  until  1869,  when  he  moved  to  Williamson  County 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


969 


•where  he  now  resides.  In  1859  he  wedded  Fannie  L.  Abston.  daughter  of  Merry  and 
Mary  Abston.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bostick  five  children  Were  born  : Janie?  A.,  Merry  C., 
Mary  A.,  Sallie  P.  and  Fannie  M.  Mr.  Bostick  was  elected  county  surveyor  in  1878,  and 
justice  of  the  peace  in  1871,  which  office  he  still  holds.  Mrs.  Bostick  died  in  1885.  She 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  as  is  her  husband.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  is  of  English  descent. 

JOSEPH  H.  BOWMAN  was  born  July  5,  1847,  in  Madison  County,  Miss.,  where  he  re- 
mained until  the  death  of  his  father.  He  then  came  to  Tennessee  and  located  near  Frank- 
lin, where  he  received  his  education.  March,  1863,  Mr.  Bowman  shouldered  his  musket 
and  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Infantry.  He  was  in 
Bragg’s  retreat  from  Tennessee,  and  also  with  Johnston  in  Georgia.  He  received  a wound 
June  22,  1864,  from  which  he  feels  the  effects  to  this  day.  He  was  paroled  May,  1865. 
After  the  war  he  clerked  in  a store  in  Franklin,  and  afterward  went  to  Nashville  and 
clerked  there  for  some  time.  Leaving  Nashville  he  wedded  Miss  Jennie  E.,  second  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Margaret  S.  Brown.  Mr.  Brown  died  January  13,  1870.  Mrs.  Brown 
is  still  living,  and  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  Our  subject  moved  to  Williamson 
County  and  engaged  in  farming,  and  by  his  union  with  Jennie  E.  Brown  became  the  father 
often  children:  Thomas  B.,  William  H.,  Joseph  H.,  Maggie  B.,  Elizabeth  M.,  George  B., 
Jennie  B.,  Inez  B.,  Dunklin  C.  and  James  G.  Mr.  Bowman  has  a fine  farm  of  about  148 
acres,  and  it  is  known  as  the  “Owl  Nest  Farm.”  Mrs.  Bowman  is  a worthy  member  of  the 
Christian  Church.  Our  subject’s  father,  William  Bowman,  was  born  January  8,  1809,  and 
received  his  education  in  the  University  of  Nashville.  September  20,  1843,  he  wedded 
Miss  Elizabeth  M.  Maney,  daughter  of  William  Maney,  of  Franklin.  William  Bowman 
was  a Master  Mason,  and  died  at  his  residence  in  Mississippi,  June  27,  1853.  The  mother 
is  still  living,  and  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  She  was  for  many 
years  a teacher  in  Ward’s  Seminary  at  Nashville. 

PHILIP  BOXLEY,  son  of  Harrison  and  Nancy  (Claude)  Boxley,  was  born  July  16. 
1841,  in  Williams  County,  Tenn.  Harrison  Boxley  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  immigrated 
to  Tennessee  about  1828,  and  settled  in  Williamson  County,  where  he  afterward  became  a 
well-to-do  farmer.  His  wife  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and  to  them  were  born  two  children: 
Philip  and  James.  Mrs.  Boxley  died  in  1844,  and  Mr.  Boxley  wedded  Mrs.  Maury  (a 
widow),  who  bore  him  one  child,  a daughter  named  Mary.  Our  subject  was  educated  in 
the  country  schools,  and  in  1871  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Hattie  Boxley.  He  en- 
listed in  the  Southern  Army  in  1861,  in  the  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regiment,  under  Col. 
Battle,  and  was  a participant  in  the  following  battles:  Shiloh,  Missionary  Ridge,  Chatta- 
nooga, Franklin,  Atlanta  and  Vicksburg.  In  1869  he  removed  to  Arkansas,  where  he  re- 
mained two  years,  when  he  returned  to  Tennessee  and  located  on  the  West  Harpeth  River, 
in  Williamson  County,  where  he  owns  a fine  farm  and  is  a good  citizen. 

WILLIAM  W.  BROOKS  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  N.  C.,  in  1817,  and  is  the  son 
of  Christopher  and  Martha  Brooks,  who  were  married  in  North  Carolina,  December  22, 
1808,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1824.  They  became  the  parents  of  six  children:  Martha 
A.,  Susan,  Christopher  B.,  William  W.,  Mary  F.  and  Alexander  N.  B.  Our  subject  re- 
ceived good  educational  advantages,  and  has  spent  his  days  in  farming  and  blacksmithing. 
He  located  on  his  present  farm  in  1852.  It  consists  of  198  acres  of  valuable  land,  well- 
improved,  near  Owen’s  Station.  Mr.  Brooks  started  in  life  with  but  little  capital,  except 
hishands  and  willing  heart,  and  by  his  energy  and  good  management  is  in  very  comforta- 
ble circumstances,  financially.  July  11,  1847,  he  wedded  Martha  Alley,  who  was  born  in 
August,  1828,  in  Williamson  County.  She  is  a daughter  of  Walter  and  Perna  C.  Alley, 
of  North  Carolina.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brooks  have  these  four  children:  William,  MaryE., 
Martha  J.  and  Eliza  L.  Mrs.  Brooks  died  May  29, 1872,  and  Mr,  Brooks  took  for  his  second 
wife  Mary  C.  Brown  (widow  of  Dr.  LI.  T.  Brown),  daughter  of  David  and  MaryC.  Beech. 
She  was  born  August  14,  1833,  and  became  the  mother  of  one  child,  Kate  B.  Mr.  Brooks 
belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  is  of  English  extraction. 

JOHN  A.  BUCHANAN  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  December  16,  1835, 


970 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


son  of  Moses  and  Sarah  Buchanan,  and  grandson  of  Maj.  John  Buchanan,  who  emigrated 
from  Scotland  to  America  about  1750  and  was  a participant  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and 
the  war  of  1812.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Tennessee  April  4,  1806,  and  the 
mother  July  16,  1810.  She  was  a daughter  of  James  and  Ann  ^Ridley  who  were  born  in 
Tennessee.  Moses  Buchanan  and  his  wife  were  married  about  1826  and  became  the  par- 
ents of  these  children:  Sarah  A.,  Mary  J.,  James  A.,  Elizabeth  C.,  John  A.,  Katherine  L, 
Tennessee L., George  R., Samuel  J.. Moses  R.,  Hance  H., Henry  S. .Nannie  A.  and  VirginiaL. 
John  A.,  our  subject,  received  a liberal  education  and  in  early  life  was  engaged  in  the  mill, 
ing  business  with  his  father.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1861  he  enlisted  in  Doug- 
las’ regiment  and  was  third  lieutenant  of  Carter’s  company.  At  the  end  of  two  years  he 
was  captured  and  taken  to  Murfreesboro  but  after  a short  time  was  paroled  and  returned 
home  to  Rutherford  County.  March  21,1860,  he  wedded  Miss  Ridley  who  was  born 
in  Giles  County,  September  23,  1842,  daughter  of  William  and  Minerva  T.  Ridley. 
Our  subject  located  on  his  present  farm  of  160  acres  in  1879.  He  is  the  father  of  these 
children:  Moses  R.,  born  July  14,  1861,  and  died  January  8,  1885;  Sallie  M.,  born  Novem- 
ber?.T863;  John  B.,  born  December  29,1866,  and  died  September  24,  1872;  Henry  L.,  horn 
October  16,  1869;  Nannie,  born  October  6,  1871,  and  died  October  12,  1872;  Mattie  L.,  born 
August  18,  1873;  Willie  M.,  born  October  21,  1875,  and  died  October  1,  1876;  Scrap  H , 
born  December  31,  1877,  and  Jimmie,  born  May  8,  1880.  Mr.  Buchanan  is  a Democrat  in 
politics  and  in  1880  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace.  Mr.  and  Mrs,  Buchanan  have  two 
adopted  daughters:  Nannie  P.,  born  December  11,  1866,  and  Beulah  C.,  born  Novembers, 
1871,  daughters  of  William  and  Isabella  Ridley. 

E.  B.  BUCHANAN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  August  9,  1840, 
son  of  Robert  S.  Buchanan,  who  was  born  in  this  county  February  3,  1818.  He  received 
a common  school  education  and  was  married  in  1838  to  Miss  Harriet  Bateman  and  our  sub- 
ject is  the  second  of  their  twelve  children.  The  father  died  in  June,  1883,  and  the  mother 
in  March,  1862.  The  family  first  came  to  Tennessee  from  Pennsylvania  in  1778,  and 
were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Nashville.  Our  subject  received  an  academic  education 
at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  until  twenty  years  of  age,  when  he 
began  working  for  the  Memphis  & Charleston  Railroad  Company,  and  resided  in  Collier- 
ville until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  then  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Fourth  Tenn- 
essee, and  was  in  the  battles  of  Perryville,  Corinth,  Murfreesboro,  and  the  Atlanta  cam- 
paign. He  was  captured  June  21,  1864,  but  made  his  escape  at  Murfreesboro  and  re 
turned  home  but  soon  re-enlisted  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Franklin  and  Nashville.  After 
his  return  home  he  began  clerking  on  a steam-boat,  continuing  one  year  and  then  engaged 
in  the  mercantile  business  in  Nashville  one  year.  He  then  taught  school  the  following 
year  and  later  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  deputy  sheriff  from  September,  1870,  to  Sep 
tember  1874,  and  has  been  justice  of  the  peace  from  1874  to  the  present  time,  his  term  e.v 
piring  in  1888;  has  also  been  deputy  county  clerk.  He  was  married,  Febuary  2,  1868, 
to  Miss  Mattie  McKay,  daughter  of  John  P.  and  Margaret  McKay.  They  are  the  parents 
of  these  children:  John  M.,  Hattie,  R.  D.,  and  Willie  E.  Mr.  Buchanan  is  a Democrat  ami 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  K.  of  H.  and  A.  O.  U.  W.  He  and  wife 
belong  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

REV.  CLAUDIUS  BUCHANAN,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  Decem- 
ber 17,  1842.  His  father,  Joseph  Buchanan,  was  born  in  this  State  about  1809,  and  in  1836 
he  wedded  Martha  Edmiston,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  about  1809.  To  this  union  were 
born  seven  children,  two  of  whom  are  yet  living,  our  subject  being  one  of  them.  The 
father  died  in  1876.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  John  Buchanan,  was  born  in  Washingtoa 
County,  Va.,  in  1772,  and  married  Margaret  Edmondson  in  1798;  she  was  also  a native  of 
Virginia,  born  about  1774.  They  came  to  Tennessee  about  1800  and  purchased  200  acres 
of  land  in  this  district  on  what  is  known  as  the  “Old  High  Tower  Road.”  He  died  io 
1820  and  the  grandmother  in  1858.  Our  subject  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  the 
principal  part  of  his  life.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, was  taken  prisoner  at  Missionary  Ridge,  imprisoned  at  Rock  Island,  111.,  and  re- 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


971 


tained  there  fifteen  months.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  in  1866  was 
married  to  Miss  Dolly  J.  Smithson,  a native  of  this  State,  horn  October  12,  1844,  and  the 
daughter  of  Sylvanus  and  Louisa  Smithson,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennes- 
see. The  father  was  born  about  1791  and  served  as  a private  in  the  late  war;  was  wound- 
ed in  the  Cheat  Mountain  campaign.  He  died  in  1872  and  the  mother  in  1850.  To  our 
subject  and  wife  were  born  six  children:  Josephine  E.,  born  September  11,  1867;  M. 
Blanche,  born  December  29,  1869;  William  C.,  born  August  10,  1871;  John  B.,  born  July 
24,  1874;  Lillian  M.  born  September  10,  1877,  and  Gerald  M.,  born  March  28,  1870.  In 
January,  1867,  Mr.  Buchanan  moved  to  the  farm  upon  which  he  is  now  living  and  in  1870 
purchased  it  from  his  father.  It  contains  800  acres  of  medium  land  in  a fair  state  of  cul- 
tivation. In  1871  he  obtained  license  to  preach,  and  has  since  been  a local  preacher.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  and  wife  are  de- 
vout members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOSIAH  BUTT  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  February  6,  1832,  son  of  Nathan- 
iel and  Rebecca  Butt,  who  were  born  in  this  State.  Nathaniel  Butt  was  the  son  of  James 
Butt,  who  came  to  this  State  from  the  “ Old  Dominion”  and  settled  in  Davidson  County 
about  1814.  The  mother,  Rebecca  Butt,  was  a daughter  of  Joseph  E.  Cook,  who  came 
from  North  Carolina  to  this  State  in  the  early  part  of  the  present  century.  The  parents 
of  our  subject  were  married  about  1828,  and  to  their  union  were  born  five  children — three 
sons  and  two  daughters:  Arthur,  Josiah,  Mary,  Rebecca  and  Nathaniel.  Our  subject  was 
educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  in  1866  located  on  his  present  farm,  where  he  has 
followed  tilling  the  soil,  wagon-making  and  blacksmithing,  and  is  the  owner  of  175  acres 
of  'valuable  farming  land.  By  the  sweat  of  his  brow  he  has  acquired  his  present  property, 
and  deserves  much  credit  therefor.  January  19,  1854,  he  wedded  Martha  Jackson,  daugh" 
ter  of  John  J.  Jackson,  a native  of  North  Carolina.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Butt  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  at  Concord.  To  them  were  born  nine  children: 
Porterfield,  Theodore,  Clara,  Joanna,  Willie,  Georgiana,  Ada,  Olive  and  Nettie.  Mr.  Butt 
is  a member  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  the  family  are  of  German-Irish  descent. 

ANDREW  CAMPBELL  is  a son  of  William  and  Margaret  (Stewart)  Campbell,  and 
was  born  in  the  year  1818  in  Donegal  County,  Ireland.  His  father  was  a native  of  the 
same  country,  and  died  there  about  1839.  He  was  the  father  of  five  sons:  John,  William 
S.,  Andrew,  James  and  Patrick.  John,  William  and  James  are  dead.  Our  subject's 
mother  was  of  English  descent,  belonging  to  the  Stewart  family  of  that  country,  who  set- 
tled in  the  northern  part  of  Ireland  in  1690,  and  in  1790  came  to  the  United  States  and 
located  in  East  Tennessee.  Our  subject  came  to  Tennessee  in  1839,  and  located  near 
Franklin.  He  received  an  excellent  education  at  Bethany  College.  Va.,  and  after  gradu- 
ating returned  to  Tennessee,  where  he  followed  school  teaching  in  Williamson  and  David- 
son Counties  thirty-five  years.  Since  1883  he  has  followed  farming  on  a large  scale,  and 
in  politics  was  a Whig  until  the  death  of  that  party,  when  he  became  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party.  The  family  have  always  been  prominent  citizens  of  the  county. 

NEWTON  CANNON,  dealer  in  hardware  and  groceries,  was  born  near  Franklin  June 
14,  1846,  son  of  William  P.  and  Susan  A.  (Perkins)  Cannon,  and  of  French  and  English 
descent.  The  family  is  traced  back  to  three  brothers  who  came  to  America.  One  settled 
in  Maryland,  one  in  South  Carolina,  and  the  other  in  North  Carolina.  Our  subject  is 
traceable  to  the  North  Carolina  branch  of  the  family.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject  was  Newton  Cannon,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Williamson 
County  in  early  life.  He  was  a saddler  by  trade,  a colonel  in  the  Seminole  war,  under 
Jackson,  and  was  twice  governor  of  Tennessee,  and  a member  of  Congress.  He  was  one 
of  the  early  prominent  men  of  this  State,  a leader  of  the  Whig  party,  and  died  at  Nash- 
ville in  1842.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  this  county  in  1816,  and  was  a farmer 
by  occupation,  and  was  wounded  in  the  Florida  war.  He  now  lives  in  southern  Ken- 
tucky. The  mother  was  born  in  this  county  in  1821  and  died  in  1849.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  the  farm,  attended  Franklin  schools,  and  in  1862  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Elev- 
enth Tennessee  Cavalry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and  was  paroled  in  May,  1865,  at 


V 


972  BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 

Gainesville,  Ala.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home,  and  in  1873  was  appointed 
deputy  county  court  clerk,  which  position  he  occupied  for  one  year.  For  thirteen  years 
he  has  been  engaged  in  merchandising,  five  years  of  which  time  were  spent  in  the  whole- 
sale hardware  business  in -Nashville.  He  is  now  engaged  in  retail  merchandising  in 
Franklin,  but  in  connection  with  this  carries  on  farming  ion  250  acres  of  valuable  land 
near  Franklin.  February,  1873,  he  wedded  Miss  Jennie  B.  McEwen,  daughter  of  John 
B.  McEwen,  and  by  this  union  became  the  father  of  five  children:  John  B.,  Leah  A.,  Cyn- 
thia G.,  Newton  and  Samuel  P.  Mr.  Gannon  is  a Democrat,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOSEPH  CARL  is  a native  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  born  April  5,  1828. 
son  of  Jacob  B.  and  Jane  B.  (Stewart)  Carl,  born  in  1802  and  1806,  in  Dutchess  County, 
N.  Y.,  and  Todd  County,  Ky.  Jacob  B.  Carl  was  brought  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn., 
when  a child  by  his  parents,  and  died  January  1,  1854.  The  mother  is  yet  living.  Our 
subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  a common  school  education,  and  always  fol- 
lowed agricultural  pursuits.  He  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  and  belonged  to  the 
Twelfth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  served  three  years  and  surrendered  with  his  regiment  in 
Georgia  by  order  of  Gen.  Johnston.  Since  the  cessation  of  hostilities  he  has  made  agri- 
culture his  chief  pursuit  and  at  the  present  time  owns  250  acres  of  -well-tilled  land.  On 
the  20tli  day  of  February,  1851,  he  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Miss  Mary  J.  Alston,  of 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.  To  them  were  born  twelve  children — ten  sons  and  two  daugh 
ters;  one  son  and  one  daughter  are  deceased.  Mr.  Carl  is  a Democrat  and  Mason  and  he 
and  wife  belong  to  the  Christian  Church. 

COL.  MOSCOW  B.  CARTER,  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  county,  was  born  in- 
Franklin  December  5,  182,5,  son  of  Fountain  and  Mary  A.  (Adkinson)  Carter,  and  of 
Frencli-Scotch  origin.  The  father  was  born  in  Halifax  County,  Va.,  in  1797,  and  the 
mother  in  the  same  county  in  1806.  The  Carter  family  immigrated  to  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1809,  and  here  our  subject’s  father  died  in  1872  and  the  mother,  in  1852.  Our 
subject  received  a good  education  in  the  Franklin  schools,  and  in  1846  enlisted  in  the 
Mexican  war,  and  served  one  year.  He  is  one  of  five  living  Mexican  soldiers  of  this 
county.  He  then  came  home  and  engaged  in  farming  and  surveying,  carrying  on  these 
occupations  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war.  In  1861  he  raised  a company  for  the 
Confederate  States  Army,  of  which  he  was  elected  captain,  and  in  May  of  the  same  year, 
was  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel.  January,  1862,  he  was  captured  at  the  battle  of  Mill 
Springs  and  held  as  a prisoner  of  war  for  nine  months.  He  remained  in  the  service  until 
the  latter  part  of  1863,  when  he  came  home.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  now  has  120  acres.  On  this  farm  the  battle  of  Franklin  was  fought.  Prior  to  the 
war,  in  1851,  Mr.  Carter  wedded  Callie  Dobbins,  and  three  children  blessed  this  union: 
Lena,  Walter  and  Hugh.  Mrs.  Carter  died  in  1860,  and  in  1866  Col.  Carter  wedded 
America  Cattles,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  children:  Alma  and  Moscow. 
The  second  Mrs.  Carter  died  in  1876,  and  our  subject  married  his  present  -wife,  Mrs.  Pa- 
melia  Miot,  a native  of  South  Carolina,  and  to  this  union  were  born  two  children:  Emma 
L.  and  Frank  F.  Col.  Carter  is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOSEPH  T.  CHADWELL  was  born  on  the  7th  of  November,  1824,  in  Williamson 
County,  Tenn.  His  parents,  John  and  Mary  (Thompson)  Chadwell,  were  the  father  and 
mother  of  nine  children,  our  subject  being  the  third.  The  father’s  native  State  was  North 
Carolina,  and  he  came  to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  day,  settling  near  Nolensville,  Tenn., 
where  he  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  owned  a fine  tract  of  land.  His  children  were  Rob- 
ert, Thomas,  Joseph  T.,  John,  Everett,  George,  Martha  H.  and  Sarah;  only  five  are  now 
living.  The  father  died  in  1854,  and  in  1863  his  widow  followed  him.  Our  subject’s  early 
days  were  spent  on  his  father’s  farm  and  in  attending  the  county  schools  near  his  home. 
In  1859  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Mary  Parks,  a widow  lady.  Mr.  Chadwell 
owns  an  excellent  farm  of  220  acres,  and  is  one  of  the  enterprising  and  leading  men  of 
Williamson  County,  Tenn. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


973 


JOEL  CHAMPION  may  be  mentioned  as  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  was  born  in  Hancock  County,  Ga.,  son  of  Alexander  and 
Mary  (Benson)  Champion^  who  were  also  born  in  Georgia,  and  were  married  about  1810, 
and  to  them  were  born  these  three  children:  Joel,  Nancy  and  Rebecca.  The  family  came 
to  Tennessee  in  1822.  The  father  died  in  Putnam  County,  Ga.,  in  1817,  and  the  mother  in 
Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1859.  Joel  Champion’s  early  education  was  limited.  His  early 
days  were  spent  on  a farm,  and  agriculture  has  been  his  chosen  calling  through  life,  at 
which  he  has  been  fairly  prosperous,  as  he  started  in  life  with  little  or  no  money.  He 
owns  140  acres  of  land  on  which  he  settled  in  1840,  and  which  is  in  a good  state  of  cultiva- 
tion: December  2,  1851,  he  married  Elizabeth  C.  McMahon,  who  was  born  December  9, 
1827,  and  became  the  mother  of  these  children:  Ann  E.,  Louisa  J.,  Susan  I.,  John  R., 
Mary  F.  and  Minnie  J.  Both  husband  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  in  political  views  our  subject  is  a Democrat. 

JOHN  GILLEM  CLAY,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  the  late  Judge  Thomas  J.  and  Sarah  A. 
(Green)  Clay,  and  was  born  at  Madison,  Ala.,  May  3,  1859.  Thomas  Jefferson  Clay  was  a 
Virginian  by  birth,  born  in  Petersburg,  January  12,  1819.  His  father  was  Thomas  Clay,  a 
native  of  Virginia,  whose  ancestry  were  prominent  among  the  most  wealthy  families  of 
that  period.  He  -was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Webb  and  resided  many  years  in  Petersburg, 
and  subseqently  lived  in  Nottaway  County  five  years.  At  that  time  Thomas  Jefferson 
moved  to  Madison  County,  Ala.,  and  while  a youth  came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn., 
and  entered  Arrington  Academy.  He  was  there  a classmate  of  Gen.  W.  C.  Whitthorne 
and  others  who  have  become  eminent  in  the  history  of  Tennessee.  His  education  -was 
completed  at  Huntsville,  Ala.  Being  educated  as  a teacher,  he  taught  school  at  Nolens- 
ville,  Tenn.,  after  which  he  returned  to  north  Alabama,  where  on  January  29,  1850,  he 
wedded  Miss  Sarah  Armistead  Green,  daughter  of  Dr.  William  B.  Green,  of  Madison 
County,  Ala.,  whowas  from  Newbern,  N.  C,,  where  he  was  born  and  married  to  Sarah 
Bass.  After  Mr.  Clay’s  marriage  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  and  in  1856  moved 
to  the  town  of  Madison  on  the  Memphis  & Clarksville  Railroad,  being  one  of  the  first 
settlers  of  the  place  and  one  of  its  most  successful  business  men.  He  served  as  mayor  of 
the  town  for  a number  of  years  and  also  as  district  judge.  In  1883  he  moved  to  the  city 
of  M ontgomery,  remaining  there  two  years,  when  he  moved  to  his  home  at  Madison,  and 
there  died  April  25, 1886.  He  was  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  and  was 
noted  for  his  Christian  virtue.  John  G.  Clay,  M.  D.,  our  subject,  was  reared  in  Madison, 
Ala.,  and  there  received  his  academic  education.  He  spent  two  years  at  Salado  College, 
in  Texas,  and  graduated  in  the  commercial  department  of  that  institution.  He  returned 
to  Alabama  in  1879  and  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year  entered  the  medical  department 
of  Vanderbilt  University  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  the 
spring  of  1882,  and  in  1883  also  graduated  at  the  University  of  Nashville.  At  the  former 
date  he  began  practicing  medicine  at  Thompson’s  Station,  Tenn.,  and  at  a later  date  he 
also  engaged  in  the  drug  business  at  the  same  place.  He  carries  a stock  of  $1,500  and  does 
a business  from  $2,000  to  $3,000  per  year.  He  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Church  and  is  an  honest  dealer  with  his  fellow-man. 

JOHN  S.  CLAYBROOKE  is  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  Claybrooke,  who  were  born  in 
the  “ Old  Dominion,”  and  a grandson  of  William  and  Sarah  (Overton)  Claybrooke,  who 
were  of  the  F.  F.  V.’s.  The  Claybrooke  family  was  of  English  descent,  and  came  to 
America  and  settled  on  the  James  River,  in  Virginia,  about  1600.  Our  subject’s  father, 
John  Claybrook.  was  born  about  1767,  and  was  a farmer  and  merchant  by  occupation. 
He  married  our  subject’s  mother  in  1796.  She  was  born  in  1773  and  died  in  1850.  They 
were  the  parents  of  these  children:  Elizabeth  P.,  James  O.,  Mary  A.,  Sarah  W.,  John  S., 
Thomas  W.,  Jane  R.  and  Lucretia.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Louisa  County,  Va., 
March  28,  1808.  He  received  his  education  in  Virginia,  and  came  to  this  State  in  1828, 
and  made  his  home  with  his  uncle,  Judge  John  Overton.  He  taught  school  in  Hardeman 
Acade  my,  near  Triune,  for  twelve  sessions.  In  1836  he  settled  where  he  now  lives  and 
owns  550  acres  of  valuable  and  well  improved  land.  He  also  owns  1,800  acres  of  land  in 


6 


974 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Haywood  County,  Tenn.,  and  several  other  tracts  in  West  Tennessee.  Mr.  Claybrooke 
was  married  to  Mary  A.  Perkins,  April  24,  1834,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sallie  Perkins, 
who  were  horn  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claybrooke  be- 
came the  parents  of  ten  children:  Frederick,  John  P.,  Sarah,  Annie  W.,  Samuel  P.,  Mary 
E.,  Elvira  L.,  Susan  F.,  Eliza  M.  and  Virginia  0.  In  politics  our  subject  is  a Democrat, 
and  his  ancestors  were  among  the  early  pioneer  settlers  of  Tennessee,  and  several  of  them 
participated  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject  has  a fine  educa- 
tion and  is  one  of  the  esteemed  men  of  the  county,  and  was  the  first  president  of  the 
Nashville  & Decatur  Railroad,  holding  the  position  from  1852  to  1868.  His  wife’s  death 
occurred  November  10,  1863. 

WILLIAM  COLLINS,  son  of  John  and  Mary  (Cole)  Collins,  was  born  December  7. 
1838.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  quite  young.  He 
was  a farmer,  and  became  the  father  of  eight  children:  William,  Sallie  J.,  John, 

James,  Zibbie,  Lewis,  Fannie  and  Franklin.  The  father  died  August  22,  1872.  He  was 
twice  married,  his  second  wife  being  a Miss  M.  Johnson.  William  Collins  was  the  only 
child  born  to  John  and  Mary  Collins.  He  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the 
country  schools,  and  in  1861  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Regiment,  urulei 
Col.  Wilson,  participating  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga,  Atlanta  and  others  of 
lesser  note.  In  1866  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Rease,  a native  of  William- 
son County,  and  daughter  of  Joe  T.  Rease.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  are  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  are  esteemed  citizens. 

HENRY  HOWE  COOK  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  November  23,  1843, 
son  of  Lewis  and  Margaret  Jane  Cook.  Lewis  Cook  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1801, 
and  moved  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  when  a boy  with  one  of  the  members  of  Gen  Na- 
thaniel Green’s  family.  From  thence  he  went  to  Nashville  and  learned  the  carpenter’s 
trade,  which  occupation  he  followed  for  years,  but  spent  the  latter  part  of  his  life  as  a 
farmer.  He  died  in  1873.  His  father’s  name  was  William,  and  his  mother’s  maiden  name 
was  Howe.  Margaret  Jane  Cook  was  the  daughter  of  Nathan  Owen,  who  came  from  Pe- 
tersburg, Va.,  and  settled  on  Mill  Creek,  in  Davidson  County  at  an  early  day.  He  mar- 
ried Jennie  Hightower,  mother  of  Margaret  Jane.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  on  the 
farm,  and  at  fifteen  years  of  age  entered  Franklin  College,  near  Nashville,  where  he  re- 
mained until  April,  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  First  Tennessee  Regiment, 
Confederate  States  Army,  and  went  to  Virginia.  He  was  discharged  on  account  of  ill 
health  in  the  winter  of  1861.  Soon  after  his  return  from  Virginia  he  went  to  Fort  Donel- 
son,  from  which  place  he  made  his  escape  about  8 o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  sur- 
render. He  then  joined  the  Fifty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh. 
After  the  consolidation  of  the  Forty-fourth  and  Fifty-fifth  Tennessee  he  was  elected 
lieutenant  in  the  Reed  and  McEwen  consolidated  companies,  and  was  with  the  regiment 
at  the  battles  of  Perryville  and  Murfreesboro.  At  the  last  named  place  he  was  wounded 
twice.  After  Capt.  Samuel  Jackson  was  mortally  wounded,  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
our  subject  commanded  the  company,  and  was  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Sanders  at  Knov.- 
ville,  at  the  battle  of  Bean’s  Station,  Port  Walthall  Junction  and  Drury’s  Bluff,  where  he 
was  captured  and  taken  to  Fortress  Monroe,  Point  Lookout  and  Fort  Delaware.  He  was 
one  of  the  600  officers  who  were  selected  at  Fort  Delaware  and  put  under  fire  of  the  Coo- 
federate  batteries  at  Morris  Island,  off  Charleston,  and  from  thence  he  was  taken  to  Fort 
Pulaski  for  purposes  of  further  retaliation;  thence  he  was  taken  back  to  Fort  Delaware. 
He  suffered  greatly  in  prison  from  hunger  and  cold,  and  his  health  was  much  impaired. 
In  June,  1865,  he  reached  home  and  began  the  study  of  law,  and  was  licensed  to  practice 
in  1867.  In  1870  he  was  elected  county  judge  of  Williamson  County  for  a term  of  eight 
years,  and  was  re-elected  in  1878.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  a Mason  and  a member 
of  the  Christian  Church.  In  1882  he  married  Miss  Fanny  Crockett  Marshall,  a daughter 
of  the  late  John  Marshall,  one  of  Tennessee’s  best  lawyers.  To  this  marriage  was  born 
one  daughter — Genevieve.  Judge  Cook  is  a citizen  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  the  law. 


/ 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY.  97o- 

MRS.  SARAH  E.  COOKE  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  June  4,  1837.  Her 
father,  Lemuel  Jones,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1811,  and  her  mother  in  South  Caro- 
lina in  1815.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  and  resided  inTVIaury  County 
until  his  death,  which  took  place  September  6,  1845.  The  mother  died  July  26,  1885.  The 
father’s  family  consisted  of  four  children,  our  subject  being  the  eldest.  Mrs.  Cooke  was 
educated  in  the  common  schools  and  at  Springhill  College,  Tennessee.  She  was  married 
December  1,  1857,  to  Mr.  P.  H.  Cooke,  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  who  was  born  September 
3,  1830,  in  Maryland.  He  was  educated  at  Jackson  College,  Tennessee,  and  was  of  Scotch 
descent.  He  was  a Confederate  soldier  and  belonged  to  the  Maury  Artillery,  being 
captured  at  Fort  Donelson  and  died  July  11,  1862,  while  a prisoner  in  Camp  Douglas, 
Chicago.  Mrs.  Cooke  has  one  son,  John  L.,  who  was  born  January  23,  1860,  and  educated 
at  Culleoka  College,  Tennessee.  He  manages  their  farm  of  200  acres  in  a very  satisfactory 
manner,  and  he  and  mother  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR,  -J.  D.  CORE,  a successful  practitioner,  was  born  in  Tennessee  November  3,  1839, 
and  was  the  son  of  John  D.  and  Deborah  (Carroll)  Core.  The  father  was  born  in  North 
Carolina  February  1,  1787,  and  was  a strict  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
for  over  sixty  years,  and  died  November  6,  1877,  with  the  full  assurance  of  a blessed  here- 
after. The  mother  was  born  in  Moore  County,  N.  C.,  December  25,  1801,  and  was  also  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  many  years.  As  a wife  and 
mother  she  was  kind  and  affectionate;  as  a neighbor  she  had  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all 
who  knew  her,  and  her  death,  which  occurred  June  24,  1875,  was  universally  regretted. 
Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  best  county  schools.  At  the  age  of 
sixteen  he  began  reading  medicine  with  his  brother,  Dr.  Jesse  G.  Core,  and  remained  with 
him  until  1857,  when  he  entered  the  University  of  Nashville,  took  the  courses  of  1857-58, 
also  1859,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1860.  In  1861  he  enlisted  as  a 
private  in  the  army,  but  at  the  expiration  of  two  years  he  was  promoted  to  second  lieu- 
tenant and  held  that  office  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  located 
at  Bethesda,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  January  22, 1867, 
he  was  wedded  to  Miss  Bettie  J.  Blythe,  and  by  her  he  became  the  father  of  one  child, 
named  John  B.  Mrs.  Core  died  November  11,  1872.  Dr.  Core  then  married  Mary  R. 
Blythe,  May  7,  1874.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Andrew  T.  Blythe,  and  was  born  in  this 
State  in  1825.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  two  children:  Willie  T.  and  Richard  E. 
The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  a Methodist  in  belief  and  a Democrat 
in  politics.  Mrs.  Core  is  a member  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church. 

DAVID  R.  CORLETT  was  born  in  this  county  November  19,  1830.  His  father,  John 
C.  Corlett,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  May  28,  1798,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  a 
young  man.  He  was  married,  February  25,  1830,  to  our  subject’s  mother  Mary  A.  Chi'ies- 
man,  a native  of  this  county,  born  July  7,  1807.  The  father  died  in  1862  and  the  mother 
in  1885.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  is  now  living  near  the  farm  of  his  birth. 
In  1854  he  wedded  Miss  Lucy  J.  Roberts,  a native  of  this  State,  born  April  4,  1833,  and 
the  daughter  of  John  R.  and  Annie  (Giles)  Roberts.  April  18,  1857,  Mrs.  Corlett  died,  and 
in  1858  Miss  Martha  H.  Warren  became  his  second  wife.  She  was  a native  of  Tennessee, 
born  May  31,  1831,  and  died  February  6,  1862.  Our  subject  then  married  his  present  wife, 
Sarah  C.  Thompson,  December  28,  1865.  She  was  born  in  this  State  May  21,  1837,  and  is 
the  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Mary  A.  (Blackwell)  Thompson,  natives,  respectively,  of  South 
Carolina  and  Alabama.  To  Mr.  Corlett  and  wife  were  born  four  children:  Mary  T.,  born 
1870;  David  H.,  born  1874;  Annie  P.,  born  1876,  and  Marvin,  born  1878.  In  1862  he 
enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  captured  and  taken  to 
Camp  Chase,  where  he  was  retained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1867  he  moved  to  his 
present  farm,  which  contains  319  acres,  in  the  Twelfth  District.  In  Marshall  County  he 
has  another  farm  of  about  111  acres.  In  1876  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
re-elected  in  1882  and  holds  the  office  at  the  present  time.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  Mr.  Corlett  is  an  unswerving  Democrat. 

R.  F.  COTTON  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  July  24,  1838,  and  was  the  six 


976 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


teent.h  of  seventeen  children  born  to  Allen  and  Mary  (Barham)  Cotton.  The  father  was 
horn  in  North  Carolina  and  died  in  1867,  and  his  wife  in  1863.  Our  subject  received  a 
good  English  education,  and  taught  school  a number  of  years.  He  enlisted  in  Company 
F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  in  1861.  At  Richmond,  Ky.,  he  captured  a Federal  cap- 
tain and  fifteen  men  by  making  them  believe  he  had  a large  force.  He  was  promoted  on 
the  field  to  a first  lieutenant,  and  was  in  the  secret  service,  under  Gen.  Bragg,  until  cap- 
tured September  19,  1863.  He  was  discharged  in  May,  I860,  and  after  his  return  home 
engaged  in  farming.  At  the  end  of  one  year  he  came  to  Williamson  County  and  pur 
chased  a farm  near  Franklin,  which  he  has  increased  until  he  now  ow'ns  325  acres  of  good 
land.  In  September,  1865,  he  wedded  Lucinda  J.  Smith,  daughter  of  Turner  Smith.  She 
died  in  May,  1868,  leaving  one  daughter,  Amanda.  He  then  married  Mary  E.  Owen, 
daughter  of  Richard  and  Mary  Y.  (Temple)  Owen,  October  22,  1871.  Their  children  are 
Alcenia  G.,  Mary  E.,  Owen  T.,  Robert  A.,  Lucila,  Maggie  and  Park.  Mr.  Cotton  is  a 
Democrat  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  P. 

ROBERT  S.  COWLES  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (King)  Cowles,  born  in  Virginia  in 
1801  and  1811,  respectively.  John  Cowles  came  to  Tennessee  in  1825  and  located  near 
Cowles  Chapel.  His  occupation  was  school  teaching  and  farming,  and  he  was  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  and  Mary  King  were  married  in  1830,  and 
to  them  •were  born  ten  children:  William  IT. , Mary  F.,  James  B.,  Sallie  E.,  John  W.. 
Lucy.  Alice,  Robert  S.,  Susie,  Samuel  and  Ann  J.  John  Cowles  died  May  14,  1882,  and 
his  wife  February  22,  1886.  Robert  S.  Cowles  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.. 
January  31,  1844,  and  was  educated  in  the  county  schools.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  he  enlisted  in  the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  Regiment,  under  Col.  Mitchell.  He  was  in 
the  following  battles:  Shiloh  (where  he  was  wounded),  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga,  all 
•the  battles  in  the  Georgia  campaign,  second  battle  of  Murfreesboro,  Nashville  and  surren- 
dered at  Greensboro,  N.  C.  Since  that  time  he  has  farmed.  In  1872  he  was  married  to 
Maggie  North,  daughter  of  H.  B.  North.  They  have  two  children:  James  B.  and  Maggie 
R.  Mr.  Cowles  owns  a fine  tract  of  land  and  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Williamson 
County  Both  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

COL.  N.  N.  COX  was  born  in  Bedford  County  January  6,  1837.  C.  and  N.  Cox,  his 
father  and  mother,  moved  from  North  Carolina  about  1811  and  settled  in  Bedford.  When 
our  subject  was  about  nine  months  old  his  father  died,  leaving  thirteen  children,  our  sub- 
ject being  the  youngest.  The  mother,  with  some  of  the  younger  children,  moved  to  Ar- 
kansas, and  from  there  to  southwestern  Texas,  in  1847.  She  located  in  Seguin,  near  San 
Antonio.  Her  son,  N.  N.,  spent  his  early  years  on  the  frontiers  of  Texas  and  was  in  sev- 
eral scouts  and  fights,  protecting  the  settlers  from  the  Indians.  He  left  Texas,  in  1857,  to 
enter  the  law  school  at  Lebanon,  Tenn..  and  graduated  from  the  law  department  in  June, 
1858.  He  located  in  Linden,  Perry  County,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  law.  In  I860, 
being  quite  young,  he  was  placed  on  the  electoral  ticket  representing  Breckenridge  and 
Lane.  He  enlisted  in  the  army  in  1861  as  captain  in  the  cavalry  service.  At  the  organi- 
zation of  the  battalion  to  which  his  company  was  attached  he  was  elected  major,  and 
when  the  battalion  was  organized  into  a regiment,  just  after  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  he  was 
ordered  to  organize  another  command,  which  he  did.  This  command  was  placed  under 
-Gen.  Forrest.  At  the  battle  of  Parker’s  Cross  Roads,  in  West  Tennessee,  Maj.  Cox  was  capt- 
ured, with  a number  of  his  men.  He  was  confined  in  Camp  Chase  for  some  time.  Dur- 
ing his  imprisonment  his  troops  were  organized  into  the  Tenth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
Maj.  Cox,  while  in  prison,  upon  the  recommendation  of  Gen.  Forrest,  was  appointed  colo- 
nel of  the  regiment,  by  the  War  Department  at  Richmond.  He  continued  to  command 
the  regiment  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  located  in  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  resumed 
the  practice  of  law.  In  1872  he  was  one  of  the  electors  of  the  Democratic  party  again  for 
his  district.  In  one  of  the  hottest  contests  ever  known  in  Tennessee  for  congressional 
honors  he  was  one  of  the  contestants.  He  was  twice  rewarded  for  gallantry  by  Gen.  For- 
rest, and  was  made  a full  colonel  without  his  knowledge.  He  has  never  held  a civil  office, 
:and  at  this  writing  is  still  engaged  in  his  profession. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


977 


WILLIAM  H.  CROUCH  is  of  Scotch- Irish  descent,  and  is  a son  of  William  H.  and 
Eliza  (Stone)  Crouch.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1804,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
when  a boy.  He  learned  the  shoe-maker’s  trade,  and  in  1832  or  1833  was  married  to  our 
subject’s  mother,  and  to  them  were  born  seven  children:  Mary,  William,  John  (deceased), 
Peter,  Barton  ( deceased),  Charles  (deceased)  and  Eliza.  The  father  was  twice  married, 
his  second  wife  being  Lucy  Carter.  He  died  in  1874,  and  the  mother  some  time  in  the 
forties.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  he  was  educated  at  the  Harpeth 
Male  Academy.  He  was  first  employed  in  his  father’s  merchandise  store  in  Franklin,  and 
remained  with  him  until  1859,  when  he  engaged  in  the  ready-made  clothing  business  un- 
der the  firm  name  of  Cummins  & Crouch.  In  1860  he  sold  out  his  interest  and  began 
clerking  for  Mr.  Cummins,  continuing  until  1861,  when  he  went  to  work  for  C.  A.  Bailey 
& Co.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  the  Fourth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry,  under  J.  W. 
Starn.  He  was  wounded  in  the  thigh  in  a skirmish  at  Sugar  Hill,  Tenn.,  and  was  com- 
pelled to  go  on  crutches  four  years.  In  1857  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mollie  Hodge,  of 
Franklin,  who  died  in  1862,  leaving  one  son,  John  H.  Mr.  Crouch  is  now  in  business  in 
Harpeth  Station  for  R.  H.  North,  and  is  agent  for  the  Louisville  & Nashville  and  Great 
Southern  Railroads,  and  is  postmaster  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

JAMES  P.  CRUTCHER,  a prominent  citizen  of  this  district,  was  born  in  this  county 
May  22,  1825,  and  is  the  son  of  Robert  and  Nancy  (Children)  Crutcher,  both  natives  of 
Virginia.  The  father  was  born  September  22,  1788,  and  was  married  about  1815.  In  1824 
he  came  to  Tennessee  and  died  in  that  State  January  3,  1866.  The  mother  was  born  April 
26,  1803,  and  died  April  18,  1861.  Our  subject’s  grandfather  was  James  Children,  who 
was  born  March  25,  1771,  and  his  great-grandfather  was  Samuel  Matthews  who  was 
born  in  1742.  Our  subject  was  a country  boy  and  received  a fair  education  in  the 
county  schools.  He  was  a dentist  by  occupation,  and  practiced  his  profession  for  twenty- 
seven  years.  In  1851  he  wedded  Miss  Susan  V.  Bond,  a native  of  this  State  born 
March  5,  1830,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  L.  Bond.  To  Mr.  Crutcher  and  wife 
were  born  seven  children:  Robert  S.,  William  H.  (deceased),  Mary  T.  (deceased),  SinaV., 
Jane  E.,  James  M.  and  an  infant  daughter,  deceased.  In  1866  Mrs.  Crutcher  died,  and 
our  subject  wedded  Tennessee  McConnico  in  1867,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  three 
children:  Magnes  V.,  David  P.  and  Susan  C.  In  1864  our  subject  volunteered  in  the  serv- 
ice when  Hood  made  his  advance  into  Tennessee,  and  remained  but  a short  time.  In  1876 
he  removed  to  his  farm  which  contains  110  acres  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation.  He  and  chil- 
dren are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

CHARLES  H.  DAVIS  is  a son  of  F.  H.  and  Mary  A.  (Gray)  Davis,  and  is  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  Both  parents  were  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1822.  The  Davis 
family  came  to  the  State  at  an  early  date,  and  the  mother  died  in  1869.  Our  subject  was 
reared  in  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  received  his  education  in  the  male  Academy  of  that  place. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  Confederate  Army,  and  belonged  to  the  Thirty-second  Regiment 
Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson  where  he  was  captured  and  was 
held  at  Camp  Norton.  Indianapolis,  Ind.  He  afterward  participated  in  the  battles  of  Chick- 
arnauga,  Mission  Ridge,  and  all  the  various  battles  of  the  Georgia  campaign.  Since  the 
war  he  has  followed  farming  and  merchandising.  He  was  married,  November  27,  1867r 
to  Miss  Alabama  V.  Reaves,  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  Mr.  Davis  is  a Democrat,  and  he 
and  wife  belong  to  the  Christian  Church. 

JOHN  D.  de  GRAFFENRIED,  county  clerk  of  Williamson  County,  wvas  born  near 
Franklin,  November  17,  1854,  son  of  M.  F.  and  M.  M.  (McLemore)  de  Graffenried,  and  of 
Swiss-French  origin.  The  family  came  to  America  from  Berne,  Switzerland,  and  settled 
in  North  Carolina,  and  from  thence,  in  an  early  day,  the  family  immigrated  to  this  county. 
The  father  of  our  subject  was  a general  uuder  Gen.  Jackson.  By  occupation  he  was  first 
a lawyer,  but  later  in  life  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  and  at  one  time  was  one  of  the 
wealthiest  men  in  this  part  of  Tennessee.  He  died  in  1869.  The  mother'  of  our  subject 


“978 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


died  in  1861.  Our  subject  is  the  eighth  child  by  his  father's  second  marriage.  He  was  ed- 
ucated at  the  Military  Institute  at  Nashville,  at  which  school  he  was  adjutant  for  some 
time.  Later  he  was  a clerk  in  the  county  clerk’s  office,  and  subsequently  engaged  in  the 
dry  goods  and  lumber  business.  Politically  he  is  a thorough  Democrat.  In  1882  he  was 
elected  county  court  clerk,  defeating  some  of  the  county's  strongest  men.  He  has  made 
one  of  the  best  officers  the  county  has  ever  had.  In  1883  he  wedded  May  Sneed, 
of  Rutherford  County,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  one  daughter,  Patti  Russ. 
He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  one  of  the 
prominent  young  men  of  Williamson  County,  and  the  family  one  of  the  best  known  in 
this  section. 

JOHN  F.  DEMUMBRAN  was  born  in  this  State  in  1841,  and  is  the  son  of  William 
and  Mary  A.  (Patton)  Demumbran.  The  father  was  born  near  Nashville  in  1793,  and  was 
a farmer  by  occupation.  The  mother  was  also  born  in  this  State,  in  1865,  and  by  her  un- 
ion with  William  Demumbran  became  the  mother  of  eleven  children,  five  of  whom  are 
yet  living.  The  father  died  January  11,  1870,  and  the  mother  in  1854.  Our  subject  was 
united  in  marriage,  in  1761,  to  Miss  Sallie  Merritt,  a native  of  this  State,  born  in  1840, 
and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Susan  (Burden)  Merritt.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Demumbran 
were  born  seven  children:  Minnie  M.  (deceased),  William,  Francis  E.,  Hattie,  John  W. 
B.,  Wallace  and  Carrie  D.  In  the  fall  of  1861  our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Twen- 
tieth Tennessee  Regiment,  and  remained  with  that  company  for  about  six  months,  when 
he  joined  the  artillery,  and  remained  in  that  until  the  close  of  the  war  In  1868  he  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  this  district,  and  re-elected  in  1874,  and  again  in  1880.  He 
is  holding  the  office  at  the  present  time,  and  is  giving  evident  satisfaction.  He  is  a stanch 
Democrat. 

JOSEPH  T.  DEMUMBRAN,  an  influential  citizen  of  this  district,  was  born  in  this 
State  January  19,  1826,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Mary  A.  (Patton)  Demumbran, 
Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  all  his  life.  He 
has  been  quite  successful,  and  has  a splendid  farm  of  over  400  acres,  with  an  elegant  resi- 
dence erected  on  it  in  a good  location.  February  14,  1855,  he  wedded  Miss  Elizabeth  Red- 
man, daughter  of  Thomas  J.  and  Julia  A.  (Bayne)  Redman,  and  a native  of  Virginia, 
born  in  1834.  By  this  union  our  subject  became  the  father  of  one  child,  Mary  E.,  wdio 
was  born  in  1855.  His  first  wife  having  died,  he  married  Ann  T.  Redman,  a sister  of 
his  first  wife.  She  was  born  in  Virginia  May  11,  1836.  Our  subject  directs  his  attention 
principally  to  raising  corn,  small  grain  and  stock.  He  was  formerly  a considerable  cot- 
ton grower.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and 
at  the  death  of  Second  Lieut.  Helm  he  was  elected  to  fill  his  place,  and  held  that  position 
until  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh  in  1862.  He  was  taken  care  of  by  relatives  until 
sufficiently  recovered  to  travel,  when  he  returned  home.  In  politics  he  is  an  unswerving 
Democrat. 

ALEXANDER  DODD,  farmer,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  September 
7,  1824,  son  of  Samuel  and  Xernia  (Johnson)  Dodd.  His  father  was  born  in  1795  and  was 
a native  of  the  Carolinas,  and  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day.  He  was  a soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  and  aided  in  erecting  the  famous 
cotton  breastworks.  In  early  life  he  was  married  to  Miss  Johnson,  who  was  born  in 
1796.  and  they  became  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  our  subject  being  the  sixth.  He 
was  reared  on  a farm  and  secured  a common  school  education  and  has  followed  agricult- 
ural pursuits  through  life.  He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jane  Davis,  of  Williamson 
County,  September  17,  1846,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  seven  children— five  sons  and 
two  daughters;  one  son  is  dead.  Mrs.  Dodd  died  May  5,  1885.  Our  subject  belongs  to  the 
Democratic  party  and  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  owns  200  acres  of  good 
land,  on  which  he  has  lived  over  thirty  years.  He  and  family  belong  to  the  Christian 
Church. 

TALBOT  F.  DODD,  dealer  in  general  merchandise  at  Thompson’s  Station,  Tenn.,  is 
a son  of  A.  and  Jane  (Davis)  Dodd,  and  first  saw  the  light  of  day  December  28,  1863,  in 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


979 


Williamson  County.  The  father  is  a native  Tennesseean,  and  he  and  wife  became  the 
parents  of  seven  children.  He  has  always  been  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  owns  a tract  of 
land  in  the  Second  District  of  Williamson  County.  The  mother  died  April  5,  1885.  Tal- 
bot F.  Dodd  was  reared  on  his  father’s  farm  and  was  educated  in  Franklin,  Tenn.  In 
1882  he  began  business  with  Dodd,  Dudley  & Lipscomb,  but  remained  in  this  connection 
only  a short  time,  when  he  went  to  Shaw,  Tenn.,  and  engaged  in  the  same  business 
under  the  firm  name  of  Dodd  Bros.,  but  remained  only  a short  time  when  he  went  to 
Birmingham,  Ala.,  and  from  there  to  the  town  of  Thompson’s  Station,  where  he  has 
since  resided.  He  carries  a stock  of  goods  valued  at  $ 2,000,  and  does  a business  of  $8,000 
per  annum. 

ROBERT  M.  DOSS  was  born  on  the  3d  of  June,  1856,  and  was  reared  on  a farm  and 
received  a good  education  in  the  schools  of  Mobile,  Ala.,  and  in  1881  came  to  Tennessee 
with  his  father  and  settled  in  Williamson  County.  In  1882  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar, 
Miss  Mattie  Reams,  daughter  of  Robert  Reams,  and  one  child  has  blessed  their  union, 
named  Robert  R.  Mr.  Doss  is  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  and  owns  a good  tract  of  land 
in  Williamson  County.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
south  and  are  prominent  citizens  of  the  county.  His  parents  are  William  and  Elizabeth 
(Moore)  Doss.  The  father  was  born  in  Alabama,  where  he  lived  a number  of  years  and 
then  became  a resident  of  Mississippi.  William  Doss  was  twice  married  and  by  his  first 
wife  became  the  father  of  these  children : John  B.,  Alice  I.  and  Robert  M.,  and  by  his 
second  wife  (Bettie  Jones),  became  the  father  of  three  children:  William  W.,  Edward  L., 
Maggie  and  Sawrie. 

EDWIN  H.  DOUGLAS  is  a son  of  Byrd  Douglas,  who  was  a native  of  Lynchburgh, 
Va.,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1830  settling  in  Fayetteville.  He  was  always  a merchant 
and  followed  that  calling  in  Nashville.  In  1839  he  wedded  Martha  R.  Bright,  sister  of 
Hon.  J.  M.  Bright,  and  to  them  were  born  these  five  children:  Edwin  H.,  Hugh  B.,  Lee 
(deceased),  Byrd  and  Mary  M.  Mrs.  Douglas  died  and  Mr.  Douglas  married  a Mrs.  Cook 
(widow),  who  bore  him  two  children:  Ellen  and  Bruce.  After  his  second  wife’s  death  he 
married  Sarah  Cragnall,  of  Davidson  County.  They  have  one  son,  Dr.  Richard  Douglas. 
The  father  died  in  December,  1882,  leaving  a large  sum  of  money  to  his  children.  Edwin 
H.  Douglas' was  born  May  11,  1840,  and  was  educated  at  the  Western  Military  School  of 
Nashville  and  graduated  in  1860.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war  and  was  first  lieutenant 
of  Freeman’s  battery  when  the  war  closed.  He  participated  in  many  of  the  principal 
battles  and  was  a true  soldier  and  commander.  After  the  war  he  engaged  with  his  father 
in  the  grain  and  cotton  business  for  several  years.  He  was  married  in  1869  to  Miss  Bettie 
McGavock,  who  died  shortly  after  her  marriage.  In  June,  1883,  he  wedded  a Mrs.  Wood- 
fin  (widow),  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  to  them  was  boyn  one  child,  Margaret  Richards.  In 
1871,  Mr.  Douglas  moved  to  Williamson  County,  and  purchased  the  J.  R.  McGavock  farm, 
where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  rearing  stock,  and  has  owned  some  speedy  runners, 
trotters  and  pacers,  and  also  breeds  Short-horn  cattle. 

HENRY  C.  EDMONDSON  was  born  June  15,  1828,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn., 
son  of  John  and  Mary  (Cummins)  Edmondson,  and  grandson  of  John  and  Barbara  Ed- 
mondson, of  Virginia,  who  came  to  Tennessee  in  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century. 
Our  subject’s  parents  were  born  in  1805  and  1811,  respectively,  and  were  married  Septem- 
ber 18,  1827,  and  became  the  parents  of  seven  daughters  and  four  sons.  The  father  died 
December  11,  1880.  Our  subject  was  their  eldest  child  and  received  a liberal  education, 
and  from  early  boyhood  has  tilled  the  soil.  He  owns  180  acres  of  valuable  and  well  im- 
proved farming  land,  on  which  he  located  in  1856.  December  27,  1853,  he  wedded  Bethe- 
nia  H..  daughter  of  Constant  P.  C.  and  Susan  Sneed,  natives  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee, 
and  to  them  were  born  six  children — one  daughter  and  five  sons:  John,  Constant  P.  C., 
William  H.,  Thomas,  Charles  and  Sarah.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edmondson  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  belongs  to  the  F.  & A.  M.  fraternity,  and  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  origin. 

David  C.  Edmondson,  farmer  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  October  7, 


980 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


1881,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  Edmondson,  who  were  natives  of  the  State.  To  them 
were  horn  these  children:  Henry  C.,  David  C.,  Barbara  H.,  John  A.,  Mira  L.,  Elizabeth 
B.,  Jane  W.,  William  A.,  Mary,  Martha  and  Caroline.  Our  subject’s  boyhood  days  were 
spent  in  farming  and  attending  the  common  schools,  where  he  received  a good  education. 
He  has  always  followed  the  occupation  of  farming  and  has  succeeded  well  financially,  and 
owns  at  the  present  time  a comfortable  home  and  205  acres  of  as  good  land  as  Williamson 
County  produces,  on  which  he  located  in  1882.  December  22,  1858,  he  was  married  to 
Priscilla  O’Neal,  who  was  born  June  16,  1840,  daughter  of  John  F.  and  Matilda  O’Neal,  of 
Davidson  County,  Tenn.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edmondson  became  the  parents  of  three  interest- 
ing children — one  daughter  and  two  sons:  Jennie  P.,  Starnes  W.  J.  and  John  F.  Mrs. 
Edmondson  died  May  20,  1879;  she  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our 
subject  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  in  politics  is  a Demo- 
crat. The  family  are  early  settlers  of  Tennessee,  and  of  Seotch-Irish  descent. 

EDMOND  W.  EGGLESTON,  a native  of  Virginia,  was  born  January  14,  1825,  and 
came  to  Tennessee  in  1850.  His  father,  Josiah  C.  Eggleston,  was  born  in  Virginia  De- 
cember 21,  1802,  and  February  7,  1822,  was  married  to  Sarah  M.  Smith,  our  subject’s 
mother,  who  was  also  a native  of  Virginia,  born  March  14,  1800.  The  father  died  De- 
cember 26,  1827,  and  the  mother  then  married  James  L.  Harris,  by  whom  she  had  five 
children.  She  died  July  27,  1842.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Edmond  Eggleston,  was 
born  in  Virginia  January  24,  1773,  and  married  the  Widow  Epperson,  formerly  Susan 
Smith,  who  was  also  a native  of  Virginia,  born  November  22,  1772.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  1847,  when  he  Clerked  in  a store 
for  about  four  years;  later  he  resumed  farming  and  has  continued  that  up  to  the  present 
time.  In  1854  our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  H.  Flemming,  a na- 
tive of  this  county,  born  November  16,  1833,  and  the  daughter  of  Josiah  and  Jarie  B. 
(Sharp)  Flemming,  natives,  respectively,  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  born 
January  24,  1798,  and  died  November  18,  1853.  The  mother  was  born  January  5,  1800, 
and  died  January  5,  1856.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  five  children:  Josiah,  Ju- 
nius V.  (deceased),  Edward  E.,  Sarah  J.  (deceased),  and  Thomas  B.  (deceased).  April  25, 
1866,  Mrs.  Eggleston  died,  and  December  23,  1869,  he  married  Miss  Hilu  A.  Flemming,  a 
sister  of  his  first  wife.  Mrs.  Eggleston  was  born  January  12,  1844,  and  by  her  union  with 
Mr.  Eggleston  became  the  mother  of  four  children:  James  F.,  Susan  C.,  Robert  W.  and 
William  C.  In  1852  he  moved  to  this  district,  and  in  1870  purchased  his  present  farm  for 
the  second  time.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  and  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JOSIAH  E.  ELLIOTT,  son  of  Exom  and  Jeannette  (Mebane)  Elliott,  was  born  No- 
vember 2,  1817,  in  North  Carolina.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  in  1820  and  became  a 
successful  farmer  of  Williamson  County.  He  and  wife  became  the  parents  of  seven  chil- 
dren: Mebane,  Seth,  Robert,  Josiah,  George,  Alexander  and  Allen,  all  of  whom  are  de- 
ceased with  the  exception  of  our  subject  and  Seth.  Exom  Elliott  died  in  1827  and  his 
widow  in  1870.  Our  subject’s  early  days  were  spent  on  his  father’s  farm  and  in  attending 
the  country  schools.  In  1848  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  D.  Tucker,  and  to  them  were  bom 
twelve  children:  Mary  J.,  Exom  A.,  James  L.,  Josiah  H.,  William,  Seth  M.,  John  M., 
Charles  E.,  Minerva  B.,  Lillian  H.,  Addie  L.  and  Claude  E.  Mary  J.  Elliott  died  in 
1885.  She  was  the  wife  of  E.  W.  Napier  and  was  married  in  1874.  Our  subject  owns  a 
tract  of  land  in  the  Tenth  District  and  is  a thrifty  farmer.  He  is  a member  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  and  the  family  are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent. 

WILLIAM  H.  EVANS,  an  old  and  prominent  citizen,  was  born  October  16,  1812,  and 
is  the  son  of  William  G.  and  Mary  S.  (Saddler)  Evans.  The  father  was  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  and  received  a limited  education  in  the  common 
schools.  He  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Davidson  County  and  his  death  occurred  in 
1844.  The  mother  died  in  July  of  the  same  year.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  on  a farm  and  received 
his  education  in  the  common  schools.  February  19,  1835;  he  married  Miss  Margaret  A. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


981 


Charlton,  daughter  of  G.  W.  Charlton,  and  by  this  union  he  became  the  father  of  these 
children:  G.  W.,  Sallie  A.,  E.  C.,  Nancy  H.,  Margaret  E.,  Cleo,  Emma  S.,  S.  W.  and 
Jackson  Z.  In  1878  Mr.  Evans  moved  to  the  . Seventh  District  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn. , where  he  now  resides  on  his  place  known  as  Rough  Rock.  Mr.  Evans  is  a Demo- 
crat in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  and  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church. 

JOHN  T.  FLEMING  is  a son  of  William  and  Mixey  (Thompson)  Fleming  and  was 
born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  May  14,  1823.  The  family  are  of  Irish  and  Welsh 
descent,  and  William  Fleming  was  a native  of  Campbell  County,  Va.,  and  emigrated  to 
Tennessee  in  1814.  He  was  married  in  1815,  and  five  children  were  born  to  them  : Eliza- 
beth, Samuel,  Elmira,  John  T.  and  William.  The  father  died  in  1875.  John  T.  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  Franklin.  He  has  followed  farming  from  boyhood, 
and  in  1852  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  BettieMaun,  and  nine  children  have  blessed 
their  union;  namely:  Blanche,  Della,  Mary,  William,  Charles,  John,  Robert,  Sallie,  and 
Myra.  Mr.  Fleming  is  a well-to-do  farmer,  and  owns  a fine  tract  of  well  cultivated  land, 
and  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Williamson  County. 

JOHN  T.  FLEMING,  son  of  Samuel  Fleming,  was  born  November  27, 1827.  Samuel 
Fleming  was  born  in  the  “ Old  Dominion,”  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1812,  locating  on  a 
farm  in  Williamson  County.  In  1814  he  married  Miss  Jane  Thompson,  of  Virginia,  and 
to  them  were  born  ten  children  : Elizabeth,  Keziah,  Malissa  J.,  Virginia,  David  R., 
William  T.,  Watson,  John  T.,  E.  L.,  and  Samuel.  The  father  died  in  1876  and  the 
mother  in  1839.  They  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  was  educated  in  the  country  schools.  In  1854  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Mallory,  and  their  union  was  blessed  with  eleven  children  : 
Philip  M.,  Adelbert  W.,  Mattie,  James,  Albert,  William,  John,  Lizzie,  Joe,  Nathaniel  and 
one  who  died  in  infancy.  Those  who  are  dead  are  Nathaniel,  Albert,  William  and  Lizzie. 
Mr.  Fleming  ownes  223  acres  of  land,  and  is  a prosperous  farmer  of  the  county.  His  fam- 
ily are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent. 

WILLIAM  C.  FLEMING  was  born  October  4,  1859,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn., 
and  is  a son  of  Dr.  Sam  and  Lizzie  (Brooks)  Fleming.  The  Doctor  was  born  and  reared 
in  Williamson  County.  He  acquired  his  medical  education  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  gradu- 
ating from  the  medical  school  of  that  city.  He  was  a druggist  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  for 
some  time,  but  soon  returned  to  Williamson  County,  where  he  died  in  January,  1875.  He 
was  the  father  of  these  seven  children:  Fillmore,  Malvina,  William  C.,  Samuel,  Lee, 
Thomas  and  Mickey.  Dr.  Fleming  was  a man  of  some  means,  and  was  a leading  citizen 
of  the  county  in  which  he  resided.  William  C.  Fleming,  our  subject,  was  educated  in  the 
country  schools,  and  took  a course  at  Jackson,  Tenn.  In  1883  he  was  united  in  matri- 
mony to  Miss  Addie  Reams,  daughter  of  Henry  Reams,  of  Williamson  County.  To  them 
was  born  one  child,  Reams.  Mr.  Fleming  is  a prosperous  farmer  and  owns  400  acres  of 
land. 

A.  BRICE  FLEMING  is  a native  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  born  April  18,  1849, 
son  of  David  R.  and  Emily  M.  (Andrews)  Fleming.  The  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  de- 
scent, a native  of  Kentucky,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father  when  an  infant.  He 
became  the  father  of  two  sons,  David  B.  and  A.  Brice,  and  was  a farmer  and  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  died  December  15,  1858,  and  the  mother  in  Janu- 
ary, 1876.  Our  subject  spent  his  juvenile  days  on  a farm,  and  finished  his  education  in 
the  Presbyterian  University,  at  Clarksville,  where  he  remained  three  years.  In  1876  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Haddox,  of  Maury  County,  who  died  in  1878,  leaving  one 
child,  Mary.  He  was  in  the  commission  business  at  Nashville  two  years,  and  then  re- 
turned to  Williamson  County  and  married  Lelia  Steele.  One  child  has  blessed  their  union, 
named  Pauline.  Mr.  Fleming  owns  900  acres  of  fine  land,  and  is  a stock  dealer  and  farm- 
er of  note.  He  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

CHARLES  FULTON  was  born  August  5,  1862,  and  passed  his  early  life  in  assisting 
his  father  on  the  farm  and  in  getting  a fair  education  at  the  common  schools.  He  is  now 


982 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


engaged  in  running  his  father’s  farm,  which  consists  of  1,050  acres.  Mr.  Fulton  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  is  the  son  of  W.  D.  and 
Sarah  M.  J.  (Henderson)  Fulton.  The  father  was  a native  of  Georgia,  born  November  17, 
1820,  and  received  a common  school  education.  At  fifteen  years  of  age  he  was  clerk  in 
the- postoffice  at  Athens;  shortly  afterward  he  was  made  clerk  in  the  bank  of  Athens,  and 
at  the  early  age  of  seventeen  was  made  teller  in  the  same  bank.  Here  he  remained  until 
he  was  about  twenty  years  of  age,  when  he  began  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  Mitchell, 
a prominent  lawyer  of  the  Athens  bar.  Soon  after  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and 
practiced  at  Summerville  and  Trenton.  In  1844  he  married  Sarah  M.  J.  Henderson, 
daughter  of  James  Henderson,  of  Georgia,  and  to  this  union  were  born  ten  children. 
W.  D.  Fulton  continued  to  practice  law  until  1847,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Mexican  war, 
August  30.  He  was  captain  in  the  Mounted  Battalion  of  Georgia  Volunteers.  At  the  close 
of  the  war  he  returned  home  and,  moving  to  Atlanta,  superintended  the  Georgia  State 
Railroad.  Here  he  remained  until  1852,  when  he  went  to  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  and  was 
cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Chattanooga  until  the  late  war.  He  then  moved  to  Nashville  and 
superintended  the  completion  of  the  Maxwell  House.  In  1869  he  moved  to  Williamson 
County  and  located  in  the  Seventh  District,  north  of  Nashville.  Here  he  died  November 
15,  1882.  He  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  a Democrat  in  politics. 

WATSON  MEREDITH  GENTRY,  M.  D..  was  born  near  Stoekett’s  Church,  William- 
son County,  Tenn.,  January  31,  1831,  the  second  son  of  Theophilus  L.  and  Rebecca  B. 
Gentry,  and  is  of  Welsh  and  English  descent.  Theophilus  Gentry  was  born  in  North 
Carolina  in  1802,  but  came  with  his  father  to  Williamson  County  when  a boy  and  settled 
at  College  Grove.  He  died  at  his  home  in  Marshall  County  in  1883.  He  was  a man  noted 
for  his  great  piety,  vigorous  mind,  exceeding  pleasantness  and  sobriety,  and  was  con- 
sidered, by  those  who  knew  him  best,  equally  smart  as  his  distinguished  brother,  Col. 
Meredith  P.  Gentry,  who  for  sixteen  years  was  one  of  Tennessee’s  most  popular  and 
eloquent  statesmen.  He  had  a wonderful  memory  and  was  a very  gifted  conversation- 
alist. Dr.  Gentry,  on  his  maternal  side,  was  also  of  distinguished  ancestiy;  his  mother’s 
father,  Dr.  Thomas  Sappington,  of  Tennessee,  was  the  inventor  of  “ Sappington’s  Pills,’’ 
noted  for  their  wonderful  curative  properties ; he  made  a large  fortune  out  of  them;  they 
are  considered  a very  fine  medicine  in  this  progressive  nineteenth  century.  Dr.  Gentry’s 
mother  was  born  in  this  country  in  1810,  and  died  in  1837.  The  Doctor  was  named  for  his 
paternal  grandfather,  Watson  Gentry,  a North  Carolinian,  received  an  academic  educa" 
tion  at  Owen’s  Hill  and  Triune  Academies,  after  which  he  was  a professor  of  mathemat- 
ics and  the  languages  for  two  terms.  At  this  time  he  was  only  seventeen  years  of  age. 
In  1852  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  E.  Edmonson,  of  Bethel,  Giles  Co., 
TenD.  The  latter  part  of  1852  he  went  to  New  York  to  attend  lectures  at  the  University 
of  New  York  City,  where  he  graduated  with  honors  in  March,  1855.  Immediately  after 
his  graduation  he  went  to  Europe,  and  visited  and  studied  at  the  most  noted  colleges  of 
that  continent.  On  his  return  to  this  country  he  accepted  a position  as  surgeon  of  Belle- 
vue Hospital,  N.  Y.,  which  he  held  for  two  years.  In  1857  he  located  at  Shelbyville’ 
Tenn.,  where  he  practiced  until  May,  1861  ; in  June  of  that  year  he  was  commissioned  a 
surgeon  of  the  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  Confederate  States  Army.  In  1862  he  was 
promoted  to  chief  surgeon  of  Gen.  Crittenden’s  division,  which  position  he  held  until  1868. 
when  he  was  sent  to  Montgomery,  Ala.,  to  take  charge  of  the  hospitals  there.  He  had  nine 
hospitals  under  his  charge,  with  2,300  beds.  In  1866  he  located  near  College  Grove,  on  the 
place  formerly  owned  by  Dr.  Reuben  Gentry,  his  cousin,  where  he  farmed  for  four  years. 
In  1870  he  moved  to  Franklin  and  resumed  the  practice  of  medicine,  where  he  still  lives 
In  1858  he  married  Miss  Martha  A.  Jones,  of  Nashville,  who  was  a great  belle  in  her  day- 
being  a woman  of  remarkable  beauty  and  sprightliness  ; daughter  of  Dr.  John  R.  Jones, 
a retired  cotton  planter  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  who  died  in  1866.  Dr.  Gentry  has 
but  one  child,  a daughter,  who  is  said  to  be  quite  accomplished  in  art  and  music.  He  is  a 
a nc-h  Democrat  and  a Mason  of  high  order,  being  a member  of  the  Commanderv. 
Himself,  wife  and  daughter  are  members  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


983 


DANIEL  GERMAN,  M.  D.,  was  born  near  Franklin,  March  19,  1831  ; son  of  Daniel 
-and  Elizabeth  (Rounsaville)  German,  and  is  of  French-Dutch  extraction.  The  father  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  in  1787,  and  when  quite  young  came  with  his  parents  to  Tennes- 
see and  settled  near  Nashville,  but  subsequently  the  family  removed  to  Williamson 
County,  and  here  the  father  of  Dr.  German  died  in  1858.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was 
a Tennesseean,  born  in  this  county  in  1805  and  died  here  in  1882.  The  early  life  of  Dr. 
German  was  spent  on  the  farm  and  in  getting  an  education  in  the  Franklin  schools.  He 
began  studying  medicine  in  1850,  and  graduated  from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1854.  He  then  located  in  Franklin  and  practiced  his  profession  until  the  beginning  of  the 
war.  During  that  conflict  he  was  a surgeon  in  the  Cpnfederate  Army,  and  as  such  was 
one  of  the  very  best.  In  1868  he  was  transferred  from  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Infantry, 
Cheatham’s  division  to  Roddy’s  division  of  cavalry,  of  north  Alabama,  as  chief  surgeon. 
He  surrendered  May  20,  1865,  at  Decatur,  Ala.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  actively 
•engaged  in  his  profession  in  this  town,  and  has  won  for  himself  an  extensive  and  lucra- 
tive practive.  He  was  married,  in  January,  1869,  to  Miss  Adalitia  McEwen,  daughter  of 
John  B.  and  Cynthia  (Graham)  McEwen.  The}r  have  five  children,  the  two  eldest  being 
daughters,  Misses  Graham  and  Alice,  the  other  three  boys,  Daniel,  Richard  McEwen  and 
Horace  Bright  German.  He  is  a man  with  many  friends,  and  stands  high  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  best  people  of  this  and  adjoining  counties;  he  is  a Democrat,  a Mason  and  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

MOSES  G.  GOSEY,  an  old  and  a prominent  citizen  of  this  district,  was  born  in  Ten" 
uessee  December  2,  1815.  His  father,  James  Gosey,  was  born  in  Virginia  about  1770,  and 
was  married  in  1798  to  Rebecca  Bowers,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  about  1785.  In  1801 
they  came  to  Tennessee,  where  the  father  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer.  He  was 
a good,  pious  citizen,  having  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  an  early  day.  He 
died  in  1856,  and  his  widow  followed  in  1859.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  A.  Nevils  in  1846.  She  was  a native  of  this  State,  born  August  12,  1S24,  and  the 
daughter  of  Josiah  and  Sallie  (Beech)  Nevils.  Our  subject  and  wife  became  the  parents 
of  five  children:  James  G.,  Sarah  E..  Mary  T.,  Mattie  L.  and  an  infant  not  named.  All 
have  crossed  the  dark  river  into  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  only  two  lived 
to  be  grown.  In  1849  our  subject  began  merchandising  at  Peytonsville,  and  carried  on  a 
thriving  business  there  until  1860.  During  the  war  he  was  very  unfortunate,  losing  about 
•117,000  of  hard-earned  money.  He  lives  on  a farm  of  seventy-two  acres  on  the  edge  of 
Peytonsville,  and  since  the  war  has  directed  his  attention  to  farming.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

WILLIS  K.  GREEN,  of  the  firm  of  Green  & Fitzliugh,  of  Nolensville,  Tenn.,  deal- 
ers in  groceries  and  general  merchandise,  first  saw  the  light  of  day  September  18,  1824, 
son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Green,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  were  married 
■January  29,  1807.  To  them  were  born  ten  children:  Green  B.,  Pollie,  Thomas,  Henry, 
Robert,  Willis  K.,  Susan  Patsie,  Jane  and  one  infant  daughter.  Our  subject  was  educated 
in  the  common  schools,  and  in  early  life  was  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  liquor  business 
at  Nolensville,  Tenn.  In  1860  he  sold  out  his  business  and  worked  as  clerk  for  J.  Pick 
& Co.,  of  Nashville,  dealers  in  groceries  and  general  merchandise.  Here  he  remained 
unril  1865,  when  he  moved  back  to  Nolensville  and  formed  a partnership  with  John  A. 
Fitzliugh  in  the  grocery  and  general  merchandise  business.  January  11,  1848,  Mr.  Green 
wedded  Sarah  A.  Holiway,  who  was  born  October  13,  1827.  They  have  three  children: 
Mary  J.,  Maggie  and  Madison  G.  Mrs.  Green  died  February  22,  1856,  and  Mr.  Green  took 
for  his  second  wife  Martha  J.  Fields,  August  13,  1856.  She  was  born  January  26,  1830, 
and  died  October  17,  1879,  after  becoming  the  mother  of  four  children  named  Ella  M., 
Charley  B.,  Sarah  M.  and  Katie  E.  Mr.  Green  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  family  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a member  of  the  F.  & A.  M. 
and  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  owns  100  acres  of  land,  and  is  of  Irish  descent. 

MADISON  G.  GREEN,  M.  D.,  was  born  on  the  1st  of  September,  1S54,  in  this  county. 


984 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


He  is  one  of  three  children  born  to  Willis  K.  and  Sarah  A.  (Holiway)  Green  (see  sketch  of 
Willis  K.  Green),  and  in  his  boyhood  days  received  a common  school  education  and  spent 
the  free  and  happy  life  of  a farmer’s  boy.  In  1874  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  with 
Dr.  T.  G.  Shannon,  of  Nolensville,  and  a year  later  entered  the  Vanderbilt  University  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  after  receiving  two  courses  of  lectures  graduated  from  that  institu- 
tion as  an  M.  D.  He  then  located  in  Arkansas  and  practiced  his  profession  until  1877, 
when  he  returned  to  Nolensville,  Tenn.,  where  he  has  since  remained  actively  engaged  in. 
the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  is  regarded,  and  deservedly,  as  a skillful  physician. 
May  29,  1879,  he  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Cora  E.  Hailey,  who  was  born  November 
11,  1859,  and  is  the  daughter  of  William  N.  and  Mary  A.  Hailey.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Green 
have  two  children,  Mary  A.  and  Clifton  H.  Both  husband  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  Mr.  Green  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  and 
favors  Democratic  principles. 

DeWITT  C.  GRIGGS  is  of  English  descent,  and  was  born  in  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  June  28,  1883,  son  of  John  and  Jane  Griggs,  who  were  married  in  North  Carolina, 
about  1810,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  18 11.  They  were  the  parents  of  these  nine  chil- 
dren: William,  Mary,  Lucy  A.,  Thomas  J.,  James  B.,  John  A.,  Madison,  Virginia  T.  and 
DeWitt  C.,  who  received  a liberal  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  has  been  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  carpentering  all  his  life,  and  located  on  the  farm  of  fifty-five  acres 
where  he  now  lives  in  1865.  His  farm  is  well  tilled  and  fertile,  and  the  principal  products 
are  corn  and  wheat.  He  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Hawkins  August  16,  1857.  She  was  born' 
October  15, 1839,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Lucas  P.  and  Eleanor  Hawkins,  natives  of  Vir- 
ginia. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Griggs  were  born  the  following  family  of  children:  Adelaide, 
William  M.,  Eflie  J.,  Mary  E.,  John  L.,  Edgar  C.,  Henry  C.  and  Owen  J.  Mrs.  Griggs 
died  July  14,  1873,  and  December  11,  1873,  Mr.  Griggs  wedded  Elizabeth  H.  Hawkins, 
born  August  1,  1844,  widow  of  William  Hawkins  and  daughter  of  Moses  and  Jane  N. 
Watkins,  of  Tennessee.  To  Mrs.  Griggs’  first  marriage  were  born  two  daughters:  Mariah 
J.  and  Millie  H.  To  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Griggs  this  family:  Lena,  Daisy  D.,  Lucy  M., 
St.  Elmo,  Maude  E.  and  Ruby  B.  were  born.  Mr.  Griggs  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  0.  F.,  and  he  and  family  are  highly  respected  citizens  of  the  county. 

RICHARD  T.  HAILEY,  a prominent  wagon  and  carriage  manufacturer  at  Nolens- 
ville, Tenn.,  was  born  May  11,1832,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry 
and  Joanna  Hailey,  who  came  to  this  State  about  1822  and  were  married  in  1828.  Henry 
Hailey  settled  near  Nolensville  in  1834,  and  worked  at  carpentering  until  his  death  in 
1854.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject  was 
the  second  of  five  children,  and  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  From  boy- 
hood he  has  followed  wagon  and  carriage-making,  and  has  been  very  successful.  In  1850 
he  went  to  Louisiana,  and  was  overseer  of  a large  cotton  plantation,  but  after  remaining 
a short  time  returned  to  Tennessee,  and  is  yet  a resident  of  Nolensville.  He  was  married 
to  Elizabeth  Hamlet  in  1854,  and  to  them  were  born  four  children:  Laura,  Mary,  Kittie 
and  Henry.  In  1861  Mr.  Hailey  enlisted  in  the  First  Tennessee  Cavalry  under  James  T. 
Wheeler,  and  participated  in  many  battles.  In  1882  Mr.  Hailey  was  elected  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  has  faithfully  performed  the  duties  of  his  office.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a 
member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  and  he  and  wife  belong  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

JOHN  C.  HALEY,  an  influential  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  in  this. 
State  in  1839,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Tolitha  (Garrett)  Haley.  The  subject  is  of  En- 
glish descent  and  received  his  education  in  the  best  schools  of  the  county.  He  was  reared 
on  a farm  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  for  seventeen  years,  when  he  began  trading 
in  stock,  and  has  made  that  a specialty  ever  since.  In  1860  the  subject  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Powell,  a native  of  Mississippi,  born  about  1840,  and  the  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Sallie  Powell.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  two  children — Beulah 
E.,  born  in  1865,  and  Clarence  B.,  born  in  1877.  Mrs.  Haley  died  in  1877,  and  Mr.  Haley 
took  for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Mary  (Pierson)  Berry,  widow  of  Thomas  Berry.  She  was- 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


985 


Lorn  in  Tennesee  in  1841  and  was  the  daughter  of  William  and  Mrs.  (Williams)  Pierson. 
The  subject  has  about  240  acres  of  good  land,  well  watered  and  in  a fine  state  of  cultiva- 
tion. It  lies  on  the  pike,  near  College  Grove.  On  this  he  has  erected  a neat  residence, 
which  is  beautifully  located.  He  is  an  extensive  stock  trader  and  well  known  in  Nashville, 
this  and  adjoining  counties.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  Politically  Mr.  Haley  is  a Democrat. 

WILLIAM  C.  HALEY,  a prominent  citizen  and  stock  trader  of  this  county,  was 
born  in  Tennessee  October  12,  1844,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Tolitha  (Garrett)  Haley. 
The  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  at  Triune  Academy,  this  county.  He  has 
lived  on  a farm  from  boyhood,  with  the  exception  of  three  years  from  1882,  when  he 
lived  in  Nashville  and  a portion  of  the  time  in  Winchester,  educating  his  children.  In 
1884  he  returned  to  his  farm  near  College  Grove,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming 
and  trading  in  stock.  He  has  a splendid  farm  containing  ninety  acres  with  a neat  resi- 
dence on  it.  It  is  situated  near  the  pike  leading  through  College  Grove.  In  1864  our 
subject  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  E.  Withoite,  a native  of  this  State,  and  the  daughter 
of  Young  and  Eliza  (Dunawa}^)  Wilhoite.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haley  were  born  ten  chil- 
dren: Mattie  E.,  born  December  13,  1865;  Kate  M.,  born  January  4,  1867:  Nannie  T.,  born 
April  29,  1868;  John  A.,  born  December  31, 1869;  Samuella,  born  December  13,  1871;  Young 
W.,  born  September  25,  1873;  Lula  II.,  born  July  14,  1875;  Annie  B.,  born  September  11, 
1879;  Willie  D.,  born  November  6,  1880,  and  died  March  27,  1883,  and  Linus  P.,  born  April 
12,  1885.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  was  taken 
prisoner  near  Murfreesboro  in  1863,  he  then  took  a non-combatant  oath  and  came  home. 
He  is  a Democrat  and  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge,  No.  172.  He,  wife  and  six  of  his 
children  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

WILLIAM  E.  HAMILTON  was  born  in  Tennessee  December  26,  1827,  and  was  edu- 
cated in  the  county  schools.  In  1845  he  was  married  to  Miss  Maggie  Shy,  and  three  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them,  named  William  E.,  Lizzie  M.  and  William  N.  William  E.,  Jr., 
died  in  1860,  and  Lizzie  in  1862.  Our  subject  died  in  1872  and  was  a member  of  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  1849  moved  to  Missouri  and  purchased  a tract  of 
land,  where  he  lived  until  his  death.  His  widow  then  took  charge  of  the  farm,  managing 
it  until  1882,  when  she  was  stricken  with  paralysis.  Since  that  time  her  youthful  son 
William  N.,  has  operated  the  farm  and  cared  for  his  mother.  They  own  forty-six  acres 
of  land  in  the  Fifth  Civil  District  of  Williamson  County,  and  also  a tract  of  land  in  Mis- 
souri. The  Hamilton  family  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  county.  Our  subject’s  parents 
were  James  and  Eliza  (Swisher)  Hamilton. 

DANIEL  A.  HAMPTON,  a resident  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  March 
4,  1814,  in  Brunswick  County,  Ya.,  and  is  the  fifth  of  nine  children  born  to  David  and 
Elizabeth  Hampton,  who  came  to  Tennessee  in  1832  and  located  in  Williamson  County. 
Their  children  were  named  as  follows:  Richard  C.,  Louisa,  Emily,  Hammeditha,'  Daniel 
A.,  Rufus  S.,  Joseph  H.,  Ann  and  Mary  E.  Our  subject  received  a common  school  edu- 
cation, and  has  been  engaged  in  farming  from  boyhood.  Hp  has  been  fairly  prosperous 
in  his  business  enterprises  and  has  a good  home,  and  is  the  owner  of  153  acres  of  fertile 
and  well  improved  farming  land.  He  located  upon  this  farm  about  1831.  In  1849  he 
was  married  to  Mary  Mitchell,  daughter  of  David  A.  and  Eliza  Mitchell  of  Tennessee. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hampton  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children:  David,  Richard,  Eva  G., 
John  II.,  James  C.,  Harris  B.,  Lulu  B.,  Nancy  E.,  Louella,  Thomas  P.,  Aubra  A.  and 
Emily  C.  Mr.  Hampton  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  in 
politics  is  a Democrat.  The  Hamptons  are  of  English  descent,  and  are  highly  respected 
citizens,  being  residents  of  this  State  for  almost  a century. 

JAMES  P.  HANNER,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Nashville,  Tenn,,  July  4,1835;  son  of  Rev. 
John  W.  Hanner,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1810,  and  who  has  for  many  years 
been  a leading  Methodist  clergyman  and  is  now  a resident  of  Clarksville.  The  mother  of 
Dr.  Hanner, Rachael E.  Park,  was  born  in  Maryland,  January  31, 1814,  and  died  in  Nashville 
February  18,  1841.  Dr.  Hanner  was  educated  at  the  Western  Military  Institute,  and  was 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


98(3 

instructed  in  mathematics  by  James  G.  Blaine.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  in  1855  at 
Franklin,  and  attended  one  course  of  lectures  at  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  later  he 
attended  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  March, 
1857.  In  1861  he  was  mustered  into  the  Confederate  service  as  captain  of  Company  E,  of 
the  First  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  at  the  end  of  one  year  resigned  his  commission  and  was 
appointed  surgeon  of  Morton’s  battery,  Forest’s  command,  and  thus  continued  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  Came  home  in  1865  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession.  He  has  been  for  many  years  a leading  practitioner  of  this  part  of  Tennessee. 
November  30,  1865,  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  Walker,  a Mississippian  by  birth — resident  of 
Franklin  since  early  childhood — and  by  this  union  is  the  father  of  four  children  : Loulia 
A.,  James  P.,  Jr.,  John  W.  and  Lizzie  McR.  Mr.  Hanner  is  a Democrat,  a Mason 
(Knight  Templar),  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He 
has  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  know  him,  and  is  one  of  the  best  men  of  Franklin. 

TURNER  L.  HARRISON  was  born  in  Tennessee  June  5,  1838.  His  father.  Nathaniel 
L.  Harrison,  was  born  in  Warren  County,  N.  C.,  December  2,  1808,  and  came  to  Tennes- 
see with  his  parents  when  quite  young.  He  remained  in  this  county  many  years  and  held 
the  office  of  constable  and  deputy  sheriff.  He  was  a good  neighbor,  a kind  father,  and 
reared  and  educated  his  childen  to  become  useful  men  and  women.  His  home  was  in  the 
Tenth  District  until  1843  when  he  moved  to  the  Thirteenth.  His  death  occurred  Novem- 
ber 21, 1885.  Our  subject’s  mother,  Christiana  Knight,  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1812, 
and  in  the  year  1832  was  wedded  to  Nathaniel  L.  Harrison,  by  whom  she  became  the 
mother  of  eleven  children.  Her  death  occurred  in  1863.  Our  subject  was  united  in  mar- 
riage, in  1863,  to  Ella  A.  Martin,  a native  of  this  State,  born  in  1843,  and  the  daughter  of 
Benjamin  F.  and  Jane  D.  (Alston)  Martin.  To  her  union  with  Mr.  Harrison  she  became 
the  mother  of  four  children:  Covoda,  born  in  1863,  Modera,  born  1865;  Odo,  born  1870, 
and  Goldie,  born  1877.  Our  subject  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  1858,  when  he 
began  merchandising  in  Nashville.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  service,  was 
promoted  to  third  lieutenant,  and  stood  at  his  post  of  duty  during  the  entire  war.  In  1865 
he  returned  home  and  began  blacksmithing  in  the  village  of  Peytonsville,  his  present 
location.  In  1881  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JAMES  W.  HARRISON  was  born  near  Franklin,  Tenn.,  August  21,  1847,  and  is  of 
English  extraction.  His  father,  William  Harrison,  was  born  in  this  county  in  1820,  was  a 
tiller  of  the  soil  and  died  in  this  county  January  8,  1878.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject  was  William  Harrison,  a Virginian,  born  in  1799.  He  came  to  Williamson 
County  in  early  life  and  was  sheriff  of  that  county  for  the  years  1836-42.  He  died  in  the 
year  1865.  The  mother  of  our  subject,  Martha  (Terrell)  Harrison  was  born  in  this  county 
in  1820  and  died  in  1854.  James  W.  Harrison,  our  subject,  is  fourth  in  a family  of  eleven 
children.  Like  the  average  country  boy  he  spent  his  early  life  in  assisting  on  the  farm 
and  in  acquring  an  education  in  the  common  schools.  In  1865  he  went  to  Spring  Hill 
and  began  clerking  in  a store  where  he  remained  until  1867,  when  he  came  to  Franklin, 
and  in  April  of  that  year  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  which  he  successfully  contin 
ued  until  1885.  October  10,  1869,  he  married  Miss  Anna  Briggs,  of  Franklin,  daughter  of 
Isaac  W.  and  Dorithy  M.  Briggs.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harrison  have  an  adopted  child— Annie 
James.  He  is  a thorough  Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

ABRAM  W.  HATCHER  was  born  in  this  county  in  the  year  1835.  His  father,  Will- 
iam Hatcher,  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1796,  and  in  1814  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lucy 
Rucker,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1797.  The  father  died  in  1867  and  the  mother  in 
1884.  Our  subject  was  married  to  Mary  S.  Dodson,  a native  of  this  State,  born  June 
23,  1841,  and  a daughter  of  Eli  and  Elizabeth  (Fitzgerald)  Dodson.  To  Mr.  Hatcher 
and  wife  were  born  three  children,  Ernest  L.,  born  July  11,  1859;  William  D , born  May 
14,  1861;  Robert  A.,  born  August  26,  1865,  and  died  October  7,  1865.  Our  subject  had  the 
misfortune  to  lose  his  wife  September  2,  1865,  and  married  for  his  second  wife  Martha  E. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


987 


Chriesman,  a native  of  this  State,  born  December  27,  1844.  Her  father,  George  W.,  was 
born  in  this  State  in  1801,  and  died  in  1868.  Her  mother,  Jane  Sprott,  was  born  August 
25,  1817,  also  in  this  State,  and  died  December  27,  1881.  Our  subject  became  the  father 
of  eight  children  by  his  last  marriage:  Mary  S.,  born  1870;  James  C.,  born  1871;  Charles 
W.,  born  1873;  Lucy  J.,  born  July,  1875;  Sallie  A.;  Elizabeth  R.,  born  1880;  Madeline, 
born  1881;  and  George  A.,  born  1885.  In  1861  our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Forty- 
fifth  Tennessee,  as  a private,  but  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  second  lieutenant,  and  fought 
through  the  entire  war.  He  was  hit  by  spent  balls  six  different  times,  but  was  never  dis- 
abled. Since  the  war  he  has  been  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil.  He  is  a member  of  the  K. 
of  H.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics. 

HON.  THOMAS  ELLIOT  HAYNES  was  born  near  Franklin,  Tenn.,  October  17, 
1842,  son  of  N.  J.  and  Elizabeth  H.  Haynes,  and  is  of  English  extraction.  The  father  was 
born  in  Williamson  County  in  1820,  and  died  in  this  town  in  1876.  The  mother  was  born 
in  the  same  county  in  1822,  and  at  the  present  is  residing  in  Franklin.  She  is  a daughter 
of  the  late  Rev.  M.  L.  Andrews,  and  the  mother  of  ten  children,  four  of  whom  are  living. 
Our  subject’s  grandfather  came  to  Williamson  County  at  an  early  day,  and  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject  received  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  county 
schools,  and  subsequently  attended  Franklin  Male  Academy.  He  learned  the  printing- 
business  in  Franklin,  and  in  1865  he  with  his  father  resumed  the  publication  of  the  Revieio, 
which  had  suspended  during  the  war,  and  Mr.  Haynes  continued  with  the  paper  until 
March,  1886,  when  he  sold  out  to  the  present  owners.  Mr.  Haynes  was  formerly  a Whig, 
but  since  the  war  has  been  a persistent  Democrat.  In  1879  he  was  elected  to  the  lower 
house  of  the  General  Assembly  to  represent  Williamson  County,  and  was  re-elected  in  1881. 
He  was  a delegate  to  the  National  Democratic  Convention  in  1884,  and  in  June  of  the 
same  year  was  elected  chairman  of  the  Williamson  County  Democratic  Executive  Com- 
mittee. For  twenty  years  he  has  been  one  of  the  leading  politicians  of  this  part  of  Ten- 
nessee. November  2,  1865,  he  wedded  Bettie  Hill,  who  was  born  near  Franklin  in  1846. 
To  this  union  were  born  five  children:  Minnie,  Metta,  Natus,  Narcissa,  and  Lizzie,  who 
died  in  1884.  Mr.  Haynes  joined  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  1866,  and  he  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  February  24,  1886,  he  was 
appointed  postmaster. 

E.  MARCELLUS  HEARN,  attorney  at  law,  was  born  in  Sumner  County.  Tenn., 
May  7,  1842;  son  of  Whitson  P.  and  Anna  E.  (Dickason)  Hearn,  and  is  of  English  descent. 
The  father  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  April  12,  1820,  and  was  a tiller  of  the  soil. 
He  died  September  14,  1881.  The  mother  was  a native  of  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  born 
August  17,  1824,  and  died  May  30,  1884.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  near  Lebanon 
in  Wilson  County,  to  which  place  he  removed  with  his  parents  when  but  four  years  of  age. 
He  was  educated  at  Linwood  Academy  in  Wilson  County,  and  in  1861  he  enlisted  in  the 
Confederate  Army  in  Capt.  Sterling’s  company,  First  Regiment  of  Heavy  Artillery,  com- 
manded by  Andrew  Jackson  Donaldson.  He  was  at  the  battle  of  Columbus,  Ky.,  Island 
No.  10,  Fort  Pillow,  siege  of  Vicksburg  (where  he  was  captured,  paroled  and  exchanged), 
and  the  siege  of  Fort  Morgan,  where  he  was  again  captured.  He  was  taken  to  New  Or- 
leans, thence  by  water  to  Governor’s  Island,  N.  Y.,  and  later  to  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
remained  a prisoner  of  war  six  months.  Just  before  the  surrender  he  was  exchanged,  and 
came  home  in  the  spring  of  1865.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  entered  the  law  depart- 
ment of  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1867. 
He  then  went  to  Memphis  and  began  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  continued  in  that  city 
until  1878,  when  he  came  to  Franklin,  and  here  has  since  continued  the  practice  of  law. 
In  1868  he  wedded  Miss  Louisa  D.  James,  by  whom  he  had  two  children.  Mrs.  Hearn 
was  born  October  25,  1847,  and  died  March  3,  1874.  November  8,  1877,  Mr.  Hearn  mar- 
ried Mary  Alice  McEwen,  daughter  of  John  B.  McEwen,  of  Franklin.  To  this  union  was 
born  one  child,  named  John  B.  Our  subject  is  a true  Democrat,  a Mason,  and  a member 
of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  K.  of  H.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 


988 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Church  South.  Mr.  Hearn  was  a true  and  brave  soldier,  and  is  a prominent  lawyer  and 
a good  man. 

JOHN  H.  HILL,  was  born  January,  25,  1814,  spent  his  early  life  on  a farm  and  in 
getting  an  education.  In  1839  he  wedded  Miss  Susan  A.  Cox,  daughter  of  Samuel  Cox, 
of  Franklin,  Tenn.  To  this  union  was  born  one  child,  James  R.,  who  died  in  infancy.  In 
1842  Mr.  Hill  married  his  second  wife,  Susan  E.  Hughes,  daughter  of  James  and  Susan 
Hughes,  and  to  his  last  union  Mr.  Hill  became  the  father  of  eight  children:  James  N.. 
Talitia  C.,  John  R.,  Ophelia  LI.,  Susan  J.,  Emma  P.,  Mary  W.,  and  Thomas  R.,  two  of 
whom  are  dead.  In  1850  Mr.  Hill  moved  to  the  farm  now  known  as  '“Harpeth  Home,”  in 
the  Sixth  District  of  Williamson  County,  and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  is 
a Democrat  in  politics  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  Our  subject’s  father,  Robert  Hill,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  about  1775,  spend- 
ing his  early  life  on  a farm  and  receiving  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  He 
married  Miss  Jane  Fisher,  and  by  this  union  was  the  father  of  these  children:  Joseph  F., 
James  B.,  Hugh,  John  LI.,  Margaret  C.,  Easter  J.  In  1807  Mr.  Hill  immigrated  to  Ten- 
nessee and  located  in  the  Sixth  District.  He  died  here  in  1850. 

CHARLES  LI.  HILL,  a prominent  young  farmer,  was  born  in  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  November  5,  1856,  son  of  John  H.  and  Sallie  A.  Hill,  natives  of  Tennessee.  Charles 
LI.  received  a liberal  education,  and  early  in  life  was  engaged  in  farming,  but  owing  to 
bad  health  was  obliged  to  abandon  this  work  and  in  1878  commenced  teaching  school  and 
followed  this  occupation  until  1883,  when  his  health  was  much  improved.  In  1879  he  be- 
gan reading  law  with  Thomas  & Turley  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  but  soon  abandoned  this  and 
since  1883  has  been  a tiller  of  the  soil.  He  owns  100  acres  of  valuable  and  well  improved 
land,  and  his  principal  products  are  corn  and  wheat.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat  and  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  The  Hill  family  are  of  Scotch-Irish 
descent  and  were  among  the  settlers  and  esteemed  citizens  of  the  county. 

JAMES  H.  HOGE  may  be  mentioned  as  a well-to-do  farmer  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.  He  was  born  in  Maury  County  March  28,  1833,  and  was  reared  in  Mount  Pleasant, 
where  he  remained  until  twenty -five  years  of  age,  when  he  moved  near  Columbia  and 
there  resided  twenty-three  years.  He  then  sold  out  and  came  to  Williamson  County, 
where  he  purchased  142  acres  of  land  in  1881.  He  was  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  the 
Ninth  Tennessee  Regiment  under  George  Gant.  He  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  fall  of  Fort 
Donelson  and  was  retained  two  months  at  Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  and  was  then  taken  to 
Indianapalis,  where  he  remained  five  months  when  he  was  exchanged  at  Vicksburg,  Miss. 
James  H.  Lloge  is  a son  of  Harvey  and  Lucy  A.  (Lester)  Hoge.  The  father  was  born  in 
Virginia,  and  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  being  one  of  Maury  County’s  pioneer 
settlers.  He  followed  merchandising  and  became  the  father  of  eight  children;  all  of 
whom  are  dead  save  our  subject.  The  father  died  in  1856  and  the  mother  in  1868. 

C.  H.  HOSKINS,  son  of  Robert  T.  and  Tennessee  (Abernathy)  Hoskins,  was  born  in 
Davidson  County,  November  22,  1838,  and  received  a common  school  education.  From 
1857  to  1862  he  taught  school  and  then  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
and  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  war.  He  returned  home  in  April,  1865, 
and  commenced  farming  and  has  followed  that  occupation  up  to  the  present  time.  He 
was  married,  October  26,  1862,  to  Fannie  E.  Mays,  of  Cheatham  County,  Tenn.  To  them 
were  born  these  children:  Charles  H.,  Robert  J.,  John  W.,  Nannie  E.,  James  T.,  Sterling 
F.,  Josie  T.,  Lulu  T.,  Fannie  E.,  and  William  B.  Mr.  Hoskins  is  a supporter  of  Demo- 
cratic principles  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  Our  subject’s  father 
was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1809,  and  went  to  Davidson  County  when  a young 
man  and  worked  for  D.  Young.  He  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  Nashville  in 
1868,  and  after  following  this  several  years  his  health  failed  and  he  retired  from  the  bus- 
iness. He  died  March  22,  1882,  and  his  wife  in  1880. 

WILLIAM  HOUSE,  a member  of  the  Williamson  County  bar,  was  born  in  Franklin, 
December  6,  1849,  son  of  Hon.  Samuel  S.  and  Sarah  J.  (Parks)  House,  and  is  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  The  father  of  Mr.  House  was  born  in  Williamson  County  in  1822,  and  in 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


989 


his  early  life  was  a Franklin  merchant.  Later  he  began  the  study  of  law  and  was  admit- 
ted to  the  bar  in  1856.  For  many  years  he  was  one  of  the  leading  lawyers  of  this  section, 
and  a member  of  the  law  firm  of  Ewing  & House.  In  1861  he  was  a member  of  the  Ten- 
nessee General  Assembly  and  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  in  1870.  After  the  war  he  ' 
was  one  of  the  first  to  shape  and  advocate  a new  policy  for  the  people  of  this  county. 
Previous  to  the  war  he  was  one  of  the  projectors  of  the  Tennessee  Female  College  at  this 
place  and  with  others  who  were  then  prominent  citizens  he  contributed  both  money  and 
effort  for  the  building  and  success  of  the  college,  etc.,  and  was  secretary  and  treasurer  for 
many  years.  He  was  a prominent  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and 
did  much  for  the  church  all  through  life.  He  wedded  Miss  Sarah  J.  Parks,  a native  of  this 
county,  and  left  a large  family,  nearly  all  of  whom  still  reside  in  Williamson  County.  He 
died  July  31, 1876.  No  man  stood  higher  in  the  estimation  of  the  people;  his  life  was  use- 
ful and  “his  end  was  peace.”  Our  subject  received  his  education  at  the  private  schools  in 
Franklin  and  the  University  of  Virginia.  He  began  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  Judge 
Turley  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1872  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  active  prac- 
tice of  his  profession.  He  is  now  a law  partner  of  Atha  Thomas,  whose  sketch  appears 
elsewhere  in  this  volume.  In  1873  he  married  Miss  O.  C.  Wood,  of  Bolivar,  Tenn.  They 
have  five  children.  He  is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  leading  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  The  family  is  particularly  traced  to  Mansfield 
House  who  came  here  from  North  Carolina  in  the  very  early  settlement  of  the  county. 

S.  J.  HOUSE,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  June  8,  1855,  son  of 
SamuelS.  and  Sallie  J.  (Parks)  House,  and  is  of  English  descent.  He  was  educated  in 
the  Franklin  schools,  reared  on  a farm  near  the  town,  began  the  study  of  medicine  in 
Franklin  in  1874,  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  James  P.  Hanner,  attended  lectures  at  Van- 
derbilt University  at  Nashville,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  March,  1876.  He 
then  located  in  Franklin  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  active  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion. For  nearly  six  years  he  held  the  office  of  jail  physician,  and  in  January,  1885,  he 
was  elected  county  health  officer  of  Williamson  County  and  re-elected  to  the  same 
office  in  January,  1886.  He  is  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  this  section  and  has  made 
his  own  way  in  life.  December  18,  1884,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Sallie  E.  Gooch, 
of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  daughter  of  N.  and  E.  Gooch,  of  Nashville.  To  our  subject 
and  wife  were  born  one  child,  Evie.  Dr.  House  is'a  Democrat,  and  is  a representative  of 
one  of  most  prominent  and  widely  known  families  of  Tennessee.  He  and  wife  are  leading 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

B.  R.  HUGHES,  a native  of  Virginia,  was  born  August  10,  1819,  and  was  the  son  of 
Richard  and  Elizabeth  (Reynolds)  Hughes,  natives  of  Virginia.  The  father  immigrated 
to  Tennessee  in  1827.  B.  R.  Hughes,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  reared  on  a farm  and 
received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  August,  1841,  he  wedded  Mrs.  E.  Cox,  and 
by  her  he  is  the  father  of  six  children,  only  two  of  whom  ai'e  now  living:  George  R.  and 
Narcissie.  Mrs.  Hughes’  death  occurred  during  the  late  civil  war,  she  was  a consistent 
member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and  had  the  love  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew 
her  In  1865  our  subject  wedded  Miss  Nannie  Simmons,  daughter  of  Thomas  Simmons, 
and  by  this  union  is  the  father  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living:  James  T.,  Will- 
iam S.  and  Fannie.  In  1874  Mrs.  Hughes  died  and  in  1875  our  subject  wedded  his  present 
wife,  Permelia  A.  Hulme  (Hungarford),  who  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  Mr.  Hughes  is  an  extensive  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  owning  at  the  present 
about  324  acres  of  good  land.  He  has  been  magistrate  in  his  district  for  about  eight  years 
and  filled  the  office  in  an  able  and  satisfactory  manner. 

G.  R.  HUGHES,  son  of  B.  R.  and  E.  P.  (Reynolds)  Hughes,  was  born  June  1,  1848. 
and  spent  his  early  life  on  his  father’s  farm  in  the  Sixth  District  of  Williamson  County. 
He  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  the  county,  and  later  appeared  on 
life’s  grand  stage  as  a blacksmith  and  wagon-maker.  In  December,  1864,  he  enlisted  in 
Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  at  the  youthful  age  of  seventeen,  and  participated 
in  the  battle  of  Nashville  and  numerous  skirmishes.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned 


62 


990 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


home  and  engaged  in  farming.  September  20,  1868,  Mr.  Hughes  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Narcissie  Johnson,  daughter  of  Louis  Johnson,  of  Williamson  County.  To  this 
union  were  born  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  L.  B.,  Ennis,  Willie  and 
Leonard.  Mrs.  Hughes  is  a worthy  and  consistent  member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist 
Church.  He  was  elected  magistrate  of  his  district  in  August,  1882,  which  office  he  now 
fills. 

LEE  HUGHES,  Sr.,  a prominent  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  in  this 
State  September  6,  1828.  His  father,  Arch  Hughes,  was  born  in  JSTorth  Carolina  Novem- 
ber 28,  1787,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  In  April,  1811,  he  wedded  our  subject’s 
mother,  Martha  Rogers,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  February  10,  1791.  To  this 
union  were  born  ten  children,  three  of  whom  are  yet  living.  The  mother  died  in  1850, 
and  the  father  followed  in  1854.  Our  subject  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  from 
early  youth,  and  is  at  present  living  on  the  farm  of  his  birth,  which  he  inherited  from  his 
father.  It  consists  of  225  acres  of  good  land  with  a large  brick  residence  on  it  in  a suita- 
ble location,  and  is  known  as  “Locust  Hill.”  In  1854  our  subject  wedded  Miss  Lucy  Pope, 
a native  of  Tennessee,  born  November  4,  1837,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Dolly  (Etta) 
Pope,  natives  of  this  State.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hughes  were  born  five  children : Martha 
A.,  born  May  29,  1855;  Alexander  R.,  born  April  18,  1857;  Nancy  P.,  born  February  17, 
1859;  Leander,  born  April  9,  1861, jand  an  infant  not  named.  Martha  ;A.  died  May  14, 
1881.  On  the  22d  of  June,  1863,  our  subject  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his  wife.  He  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics. 

JOHN  H.  HUNTER,  farmer,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  August  15, 
1828.  within  two  miles  of  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Jane  W.  (Ben- 
nett) Hunter,  and  is  of  Irish  descent.  His  father  was  born  in  Chatham  County,  N.  C , in 
1786,  and  his  mother  in  the  same  county  in  1801.  They  were  married  in  1821,  and  died  in 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1762  and  1871,  respectively.  The  Hunter  family  were  among 
the  very  early  settlers  of  Tennessee.  Our  subject  received  his  rudimentary  education  in 
the  common  schools  of  the  county,  after  which  he  took  an  academic  course  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.,  and  finally  completed  his  education  by  a collegiate  course  in  the  Cumber- 
land University  at  Nashville.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  joined  the  Confederate 
Army,  enlisting  in  the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee,  Johnson’s  brigade  and  Hardee’s  corps,  and 
finally  surrendered  at  Appomattox  Court  House,  Va,  Since  the  war  he  has  farmed,  with 
the  exception  of  two  years  (1867  and  1868)  spent  in  Texas.  He  was  married,  January  26, 
1859,  to  Miss  Martha  M.  Bennett,  of  Columbus,  Miss.,  who  also  received  a collegiate  edu- 
cation at  Nashville.  They  have  three  children:  Henry,  born  in  1868;  Hendly  B.,  born 
in  1873,  and  Roberta  G.,  a daughter.  Mr.  Hunter  is  a Democrat,  and  is  the  owner  of  1,200 
acres  of  fine  land  and  a model  farmer.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

DR.  GEORGE  B.  HUNTER  was  born  on  the  17th  of  June,  1831,  in  District  No.  3,  of 
Williamson  County, Tenn.  His  parents  were  Henry  and  Jane  (Bennett)  Hunter  (see  sketch 
of  John  H.  Hunter).  Our  subject  is  the  youngest  of  their  five  children  and  spent  his  boy- 
hood days  on  a farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools.  He  afterward  attended  Jackson 
College  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  read  medicine  with  Dr.  John  W.  Morton,  of  Franklin. 
Tenn.,  and  afterward  graduated  with  high  honors  from  the  Medical  University  of  Phila- 
delphia, Penn.  He  practiced  his  chosen  profession  before  the  war,  when  he  received  an  | 
injury  by  being  thrown  from  a horse,  which  prevented  his  joining  the  army,  but  left  him 
with  a greater  burden,  that  of  medical  attendant  of  over  sixty  families  of  widows  and  or- 
phans. Since  the  war  he  has  given  his  entire  attention  to  his  large  farm  of  1,300  acres  of 
fine  land.  August  31,  1871,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lou  M.  Bennett,  daughter  of  Judge 
H.  S.  Bennett,  of  Granada,  Miss.  They  have  one  daughter,  Anna  M.  Dr.  Hunter  was  a 
Whig,  but  is  now  neutral  in  politics.  Mrs.  Hunter  belongs  to  the  Christian  Church. 

JAMES  P.  JOHNSON,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  is  a 
son  of  Thomas  B.  and  Harriet  C.  (Patterson)  Johnson,  and  was  born  in  Fayette  County, 
Ky.  The  father  was  born  in  the  same  county  in  1808,  and  in  1832  came  to  Tennessee  and 
settled  twelve  miles  south  of  Nashville.  His  occupation  was  farming  and  stock  raising. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


991 


About  1840  he  moved  to  Mississippi,  but  soon  returned  and  purchased  the  Laurel  Hill 
Stock  farm,  which  he  cultivated  very  successfully.  He  was,  for  a number  of  years,  pres- 
ident of  the  State  Agricultural  Association,  and  was  contractor  on  the  Nashville  & Chat- 
tanooga Railroad  while  it  was  building.  In  1828  he  was  married  to  Miss  Harriet  C. 
Patterson,  of  Virginia,  and  seven  sons  were  born  to  them.  James  P.  and  Andrew  H.  are 
the  only  living  descendants  of  this  union.  Thomas  B.  Johnson  was  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  died  in  1874.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  Nash, 
ville  University  and  graduated  in  1847.  In  1852  he  began  farming,  but  four  years  later  he 
sold  his  farm  to  the  State  for  the  benefit  of  the  Insane  Asylum.  He  then  purchased  the 
Laurel  Hill  stock  farm,  and  in  1853  became  a member  of  the  firm  of  Johnson,  Brown  & 
Gibson,  stock  dealers,  but  retired  at  the  end  of  four  years.  In  1853  he  wedded  Sarah  J. 
Sykes,  daughter  of  Jesse  Sykes.  Ten  children  were  born  to  them;  James  W.,  Harriet  L. 
(deceased),  Thomas  B.,  Jesse  S.,  Jennie  S.,  William  A.,  Addie  L.,  James  P.,  Andrew  V. 
and  Richard  E.  Mr.  Johnson  and  his  children  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  His  wife  is  a Missionary  Baptist. 

S.  A.  JOYCE  was  born  in  Alabama  November  10,  1839.  His  father,  Jackson  Joyce, 
was  horn  in  Tennessee  about  1810,  and  went  to  Alabama  when  a young  man.  His  moth- 
er, Lutitia  Dunnagee,  was  born  about  1819,  and  died  in  1851;  the  father  followed  in  1866. 
To  their  union  were  born  sis  children,  one  sister  and  the  subject  are  the  only  ones  living. 
Our  subject  followed  farming  until  1865,  when  he  began  trading  in  stock,  and  has  made 
that  a specialty  ever  since.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Seventeenth  Tennessee 
Infantry,  under  Gen.  Crittenden,  and  was  captured  near  Cleveland,  East  Tenn.  He  was 
then  taken  to  Rock  Island,  where  he  was  held  about  eighteen  months.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  he  returned  home,  and  in  1868  was  married  to  Mrs.  Mary  E.  (Sheppard)  Holt, 
widow  of  John  H.  Holt,  and  daughter  of  Clinton  and  Polly  (Riggs)  Sheppard.  By  his 
union  with  Mrs.  Holt  our  subject  became  the  step-father  of  three  Holt  children,  named: 
Eva,  born  April  30,  1857;  Willie,  born  January  10,  1860,  and  Josie,  born  September  13, 
1863,  and  the  father  of  five  children:  Joseph,  born  November  7,  1868;  Maggie,  born  Feb- 
ruary 19,  1870;  Mary  E.,  born  June  30,  1872;  Eula,  born  October  28,  1874,  and  Samuel  M., 
born  May  27,  1878.  Mrs.  Joyce  died  June  25,  1884.  In  1870  he  moved  to  his  farm,  which 
contains  100  acres  of  medium  land,  and  is  situated  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county. 
The  principal  products  of  this  farm  are  corn  and  small  grain.  He  has  a neat  residence, 
situated  near  the  pike  and  two  miles  from  Alisona.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church  and  a stanch  Democrat  in  politics. 

DAVID  J.  KENNED  AY,  dry  goods  merchant,  was  born  in  Oxford,  Lafayette  Co., 
Miss.,  August  21,  1850,  son  of  D.  J.  and  Eliza  (Harfis)  Kenneday,  and  is  of  Irish  lineage. 
The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1816.  In  early  life  he  emigrated  from  North 
Carolina  to  Mississippi.  He  was  married  twice,  and  is  the  father  of  eleven  children.  He 
now  resides  in  Mississippi.  The  mother  was  born  near  La  Grange,  Miss.,  and  died  in  that 
State  in  1852.  Our  subject  was  the  fifth  child  by  his  father’s  first  union.  He  received  his 
education  at  Oxford  (Miss.)  University,  and  in  1867  he  came. to  Franklin  and  began  clerk- 
ing in  a store.  In  1869  he  accepted  a position  in  the  dry  goods  house  of  J.  W.  Harrison, 
and  with  him  remained  as  salesman  until  March,  1885,  when  he  became  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Smithson,  Kenneday,  Hodge  & Co.,  the  leading  dry  goods  firm  of  Franklin, 
and  is  doing  a successful  business.  January,  1876,  he  wedded  Miss  Florence  Scruggs, 
of  this  county,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Angeline  Scruggs.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenneday 
were  born  five  children:  Joseph  S.,  Annie  D.,  David  J.  (twins),  James  W.  and  Theodore. 
Mrs.  Kenneday  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church  and  Mr.  Kenneday  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a Democrat,  a prominent  young  business  man  and  a true 
gentleman. 

DR.  T.  H.  KENNEDY  is  the  son  of  Richard  and  Martha  R.  (Early)  Kennedy,  niece  of 
Bishop  Early.  Richard  Kennedy  became  the  father  of  eight  children  and  in  his  religious 
views  was  a Baptist.  Our  subject  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  Virginia.  He  was  born 
October  25,  1827,  and  was  educated  in  the  Old  Dominion.  In  1S48  he  entered  the  Phila- 


992 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


delphia  College  of  Medicine,  and,  after  graduating  in  1850,  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and 
began,  practicing  his  profession.  The  same  year  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Miss  Sallie 
H.  Waldron,  of  Virginia,  who  died  in  1851.  He  afterward  married  Miss  Fannie  H.  Hum- 
phries, who  is  a woman  of  intelligence  and  is  in  every  sense  of  the  word  a helpmeet.  Dr. 
Kennedy  owns  a tine  farm,  comprising  265  acres  of  fertile  and  well  cultivated  land  in  the 
Fourth  District  of  Williamson  County,  and  he  may  truly  be  said  to  be  a leading  citizen. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

JOHN  W.  KING  was  born  in  Rockingham  County,  N.  C.,  April  27,  1808.  His 
parents,  William  and  Mary  King,  were  married  about  1807,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
three  years  later.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  he  and  wife  became  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  John  W.,  George  P.,  Elizabeth,  Leana  P.,  Mary,  Alias,  William, 
Thomas,  James,  Robert  and  Nancy.  William  King  the  father,  died  in  1863,  and  the 
mother  in  1834.  Our  subject  received  a limited  education.  January  2,  1834,  he  wedded 
Lucy  A.  Alston,  who  was  born  March  26,  1810,  daughter  of  John  and  Jane  H.  Alston,  of 
North  Carolina.  Our  subject  owns  350  acres  of  land  on  which  he  settled  in  1835.  He  has 
succeeded  quite  well  in  his  financial  undertaking  and  is  very  comfortably  situated.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  King  became  the  parents  of  this  family:  John  A.,  James  C.,  Thomas  S.,  Will- 
iam, Mary  E.,  Eliza,  Laura  J.,  Sarah  J.  and  one  infant  son.  Mr.  King  is  a Democrat,  and 
he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

WILLIAM  KING,  undertaker  and  funeral  director  at  Nolensville,  Tenn.,  was  born 
October  7,  1841,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn,  and  secured  a fair  education  in  the  country 
schools.  He  farmed  until  1869,  when  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  general  merchandise 
business  in  Nolensville,  but  in  1872  sold  out  this  store  and  has  since  been  engaged  in 
his  present  business,  in  which  he  has  been  quite  successful.  His  marriage  to  Annie  Mas- 
sey was  celebrated  in  1869.  She  was  born  in  1852,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Thomas  J.  and 
Frances  C.  Massey,  who  were  born  in  Tennessee.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  King  were  the  parents  of 
two  children — a son  and  daughter:  William  E.  and  Fannie  G.  Mrs.  King  died  in  1873, 
and  a year  later  Mr.  King  wedded  Addie  King,  bom  in  1852,  her  parents  being  Benjamin 
and  Susan  J.  King,  natives  of  Tennessee.  Our  subject  and  wife  became  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Susie  M.,  Lucy  E.,  Walter  H.,  Bessie  L.  and  John  M.  Husband 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  belongs  to  the  K. 
of  H.  and  in  politics  is  a Democrat.  Mr.  King  was  a soldier  in  the  Twentieth  Tennessee 
Regiment  of  Volunteers  under  Col.  Battle,  and  was  in  many  of  the  principle  engagements 
of  the  war. 

B.  F.  KING  was  born  June  2,  1856,  and  was  the  son  of  John  B.  and  Sarah  V.  Philips, 
The  father  was  a native  of  Portugal  and  spent  his  boyhood  at  home,  receiving  a common 
school  education.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  left,  home  and  took  passage  as  cabin  boy  in 
a ship  engaged  in  the  slave  trade  running  from  Africa  to  South  America;  while  on  tic- 
voyage  the  ship  was  captured  by  an  English  cruiser  and  the  prisoners  taken  to  the  near- 
est English  port.  Here  the  boy  was  released,  owing  to  his  youth.  He  afterward  came  to 
America  and  located  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  block  and  tackle  busi 
ness  used  in  erecting  the  State  Capitol.  H^re  he  remained  about  seven  years  and  while  in 
Nashville  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Philips  and  by  her  had  one  child,  viz. : John  A.  Mr, 
King  lost  his  wife  in  1847  and  the  following  year  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Virginia  Philips, 
sister  of  his  former  wife  and  the  mother  of  our  subject.  Mrs.  King  died  February,  1867. 
She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  King  is  still  living  on 
his  farm  in  the  Twelth  District  of  Davidson  County.  He  is  a Democrat,  a member  oi 
the  I.  O.  O.  F..  and  also  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  sub- 
ject spent  his  life  on  a farm  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  school.  At  the  age 
of  seventeen  he  left  the  home  of  his  youth,  went  to  Nashville  and  served  an  apprentice- 
ship at  the  carpenter’s  trade.  He  remained  here  five  years  after  which  he  went  to  Clarks 
ville  where  he  worked  at  his  trade.  In  1883  he  came  to  Forest  Home,  in  the  Sixth  District 
of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  with  B.  F.  Tatum. 
The  following  year  he  bought  out  his  partner.  November  26,  1884,  he  wedded  Miss  Ella 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


993 


Hows,  daughter  of  Jack  Hows,  of  Davidson  County.  To  this  union  was  born  one  child, 
Albert  Edward.  Mr.  King  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.,  also  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

CLAIBOURNE  H.  KINNARD,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenu.,  October 
1, 1857.  Here  he  was  reared  and  educated,  attending  the  Southwestern  Presbyterian  Uni- 
versity at  Clarksville.  In  1877-78  he  attended  the  Vanderbilt  University  and  took  a course 
of  lectures  in  the  medical  department.  October  17,  1882,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca 
Campbell,  of  Williamson  County,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Rebecca  Campbell.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Kinnard  were  born  two  children:  Rebecca  M.  and  Claibourne  H.  Mr.  Kinnard 
owns  540  acres  of  fine  land,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
His  parents  were  Claibourne  H.  and  Elizabeth  (Fleming)  Kinnard.  The  father  was  born 
and  raised  in  Williamson  County,  and  by  occupation  was  a farmer.  In  1834  he  married 
our  subject’s  mother,  who  was  a daughter  of  William  Fleming,  and  the  following  seven 
children  were  born  to  them:  Ann  F.,  Susan  E.,  Adella  B.,  George,  OrlenaC.,  Kate  C.  and 
Claibourne  H.  The  father  died  in  1863,  and  the  mother  August  29,  1884. 

GEORGE  M.  KITTRELL,  son  of  M.  J.  and  Annie  A.  (Hunter)  Kittrell,  was  born 
December,  20,  1829,  near  Mount  Pleasant,  Maury  County.  The  parents  were  born 
in  North  Carolina,  and  about  1814  the  father  came  to  Tennessee  and  followed  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming.  To  him  and  wife  were  born  seven  children:  Riddic,  Loretta,  Martha, 
Jacob,  George  M„  Armesa  andEudora.  George  M.,  Reddic  and  Loretta  are  the  only  ones 
living.  The  father  died  in  1874  and  the  mother  in  1854  or  1855.  George  M.  attended  the 
Mount  Pleasant  school,  and  in  1855  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  W.  Fleming, 
daughter  of  Thomas  F.  Fleming.  They  have  five  children:  Whitney  F.,  Laura  R.,  William 
H.,  Thomas  F.  and  Annie  A.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  Mr.  Kittrell  was  living  in  Ar 
kansas  and  enlisted  in  McNeal’s  regiment  (Infantry),  and  was  in  many  engagements. 
After  the  war  he  lived  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Tenn.,  nine  years,  and  in  1875  located  on  a farm 
in  Williamson  County,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South,  and  is  a good  citizen. 

ROBERT  H.  KITTRELL  is  a son  of  George  and  Bettie  (Rutherford)  Kittrell,  and  was 
born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  November  30,  1839.  The  father  was  a North  Carolinian  by 
birth,  and  in  1805  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Maury  County,  near  Hampshire. 
He  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  owned  considerable  land  in  that  county.  He  and  our  subject’s 
mother  were  married  in  1818  and  thirteen  children  were  born  to  them,  four  being  dead. 
Those  living  are  Elizabeth,  James,  William,  George,  John,  Benjamin,  Adaline,  Robert  H. 
and  Rufus.  George  Kittrell,  the  father,  died  in  1868,  and  the  mother  in  1861.  Both  were 
members  of  the  Christian  Church.  Our  subject  attended  the  common  schools  in  boyhood, 
and  in  1861  enlistedin  the  First  Tennessee  (Cavalry)  Regiment,  under  Col.  Wheeler,  and 
was  a participant  in  most  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  late  war,  and  surrendered  at 
Durham,  N.  C.,  in  April,  1865.  In  1857  he  was  married  to  Miss  Josephine  McDonald,  and 
their  three  children  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Kittrell  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business 
in  Isom’s  Store,  Tenn.,  for  about  nine  or  ten  years,  when  he  sold  his  interest  and  moved 
to  Williamson  County.  For  his  second  wife  he  took  Miss  Sue  Underwood,  in  1883.  They 
have  had  two  children  born  to  them,  Blanche  C.  and  Anna  L.,  who  died  October  4,  1885. 
Our  subject  owns  a fine  stock  farm  and  is  a prosperous  agriculturist. 

GILBERT  H.  LAMB,  resident  and  farmer  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
April  11,  1829,  and  is  the  son  of  Davis  and  Mary  (Evans)  Lamb,  natives  of  North  Carolina 
who  settled  in  Tennessee  in  1810.  They  were,  the  parents  of  ten  children — seven  daughters 
and  three  sons,  namely:  Charity,  Penina,  William,  Luticia,  Hannah  T.,  Abraham,  Celia, 
Gilbert  H.,  Mary  and  Elizabeth.  The  ^ubjectof  our  sketch  received  a very  limited  edu- 
i cation  in  the  common  schools,  and  has  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  from  boy- 
hood. He  settled  on  his  farm  of  109  acres  in  1859,  where  he  has  been  quite  successful  in 
his  calling,  and  has  a comfortable  home.  April  7,  1853,  he  was  married  to  Matilda  A. 
Vernon,  who  was  born  January  28,  1829,  daughter  of  Obadiah  and  Ellen  Vernon,  who 
were  born  in  North  Carolina.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight  children:  Will- 


994 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


iam  H.,  George  D.,  Abraham,  Martha,  Louis  M.,  Mary  F.,  Cora  A.  and  Gilbert  T.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lamb  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

DR  HIRAM  A.  LAWS  is  a son  of  Col.  John  and  Mary  M.  (Cathey)  Laws.  The 
father  was  born  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1828  and  settled  at 
Chapel  Hill,  Marshall  County.  He  was  a farmer  and  represented  Marshall  County  three 
times  in  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature  and  one  time  the  upper  house.  He  was 
also  sheriff  of  the  county,  and  filled  every  office  from  justice  of  the  peace  to  State  senator. 
He  died  in  1874.  Hiram  A.  Laws  was  born  November  10,  1850,  in  Marshall  County,  and 
attended  the  common  schools.  He  also  studied  medicine  in  the  University  of  Nashvile  and 
graduated  from  the  same  in  1873.  He  practiced  some  time  at  Thompson’s  Station  and  in 
1884  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel.  In  1877  he  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Thompson, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Elijah  Thompson,  and  to  them  these  children  were  born  : Daisy  C.,  E. 
H.  and  Mary  F.  Dr.  Laws  is  in  good  circumstances,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  are  one  of  the  leading  families  in  the  county. 

JOSHUA  B.  LILLIE,  proprietor  of  the  Franklin  Flouring  mills,  was  born  near  Water- 
town,  N.  Y.,  September  6,  1828,  sou  of  James  and  Caroline  (Akins)  Lillie,  and  is  of 
French-Dutch  descent.  The  father  of  Mr.  Lillie  was  born  in  New  York  and  the  mother 
in  Connecticut.  They  both  died  in  Canada.  When  our  subject  was  six  years  of  age  he 
was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Canada,  where  he  received  a common  school  education, 
and  served  an  apprenticeship  as  house  carpenter  and  joiner.  Continued  this  business  until 
1861.  lie  came  to  Tennessee  in  1855,  and  in  1864  engaged  in  the  saw-mill  business, 
which  he  continued  until  1869.  He  then  bought  the  Franklin  Mill,  which  was  then 
very  imperfect,  and  began  at  once  to  improve  it  and  adopted  the  “ roller  process  ” in 
1884.  The  capacity  now  is  200  barrels  of  flour  per  each  twenty -four  hours  and  500  bushels 
of  meal.  In  1860  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sallie  M.  Smith,  of  this  county,  and  is  the 
father  of  an  interesting  family  of  three  children  : Emma,  James  and  Pryor.  During  the 
late  war  he  was  a Union  man,  and  is  now  a Republican  in  principle.  His  first  wife  died 
in  1875  and  the  next  year  he  married  Lucy  A.  Smith,  a sister  of  his  first  wife.  He  and 
wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  is  one  of  the  leading  millers  of 
the  South,  and  is  a fair  business  man. 

THOMAS  MAHON,  Sr.,  was  born  January  6,  1779,  in  County  Cork,  Ireland.  He  was 
of  wealthy  parentage  and  a descendant  of  one  of  the  noblest  families  of  the  Emerald 
Isle.  He  was  educated  for  the  priesthood,  but  as  that  life  was  not  congenial  to  him  he 
never  assumed  the  duties  of  a priest.  At  the  age  of  sixeeen  he  left  his  home  in  Dublin, 
Ireland,  and  came  to  New  York  to  transact  some  important  business  for  his  father,  who 
was  a merchant,  and  being  charmed  with  this  country,  determined  to  make  the  “land  of 
the  free’’  his  future  home.  After  residing  five  years  longer  in  Ireland  he  returned  to 
America  and  spent  some  time  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  married  Miss  Abigail  Shute,  i 
young  lady  of  French  descent,  and  a resident  of  North  Carolina,  who  onty  lived  a few 
years,  and  died  in  1808  when  their  only  child  was  two  years  old.  Five  years  later  Mr. 
Mahon  wedded  Miss  Emily  T.  Brooks  and  came  to  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  spent 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  a teacher  for  many  years,  and  for  a long  time  was  sur- 
veyor of  Maury  County.  He  and  his  son  by  his  first  wife,  Thomas  E.,  were  for  many 
years  engaged  in  erecting  mills,  but  the  venture  proved  disastrous.  They  lost,  by  floods 
and  other  misfortunes,  seven  mills  and  a factory.  Mr.  Mahon  died  in  1856  and  bis  widow 
in  1872.  Thomas  E.  Mahon,  Jr.,  was  born  February  1,  1806,  in  North  Carolina,  and  came 
to  Tennessee  with  his  father.  He  married  Nannie  B.  Brooks,  April  7,  1841.  She  was 
born  July  17,  1818,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Nancy  (Jones)  Brooks,  who  came  to  Tennes- 
see from  North  Carolina  on  horseback.  The  father  was  a good  farmer  and  operated  one 
of  the  finest  mills  in  Tennessee.  At  his  death  he  left  a handsome  legacy  to  each  of  In- 
thirteen  children.  Thomas  E.  Mahon,  like  his  father,  was  for  many  years  a school 
teacher  and  county  surveyor.  He  and  his  wife  became  the  parents  of  the  following 
family  : Thomas  E.,  Martha  M.,  James,  William  S.,  George  AY.,  Brooks,  John  and  Julia. 
His  life  was  characterized  by  his  strong  religious  principles  and  conscientious  in- 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


995 


tegrity.  He  was  educated  in  Jackson  College.  He  died  July  14,  1883,  leaving  his  widow 
and  seven  surviving  children. 

JOHN  W.  MALLORY  is  a native  of  Northampton  County,  Va.,  born  in  1780,  and 
came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1812,  locating  on  a farm  near  Franklin  in  1814. 
The  same  year  he' was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Crockett,  daughter  of  Andrew  Crockett, 
of  this  county.  To  them  were  born  these  sis  children  : Lucinda,  Andrew  C.,  James  H.> 
John,  Newton  and  Sarah  E.  Lucinda  is  the  only  one  now  living.  The  son,  James  H. 
Mallory,  was  born  March  14,  1818,  a graduate  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  was 
afterward  a teacher  in  Franklin  and  Gallatin.  He  established  a nursery  on  the  farm 
owned  by  his  father,  and  carried  on  this  business  very  successfully  until  his  death  January 
19,  1857.  He  wedded  Miss  Susan  S.  Jones,  of  Logan  County,  Ky.,  in  1855,  who  bore  him 
one  child,  J.  W.  Mallory,  who  was  born  June  29,  1856,  and  received  a common  school 
education,  and  May  23,  1878,  wedded  Miss  Mamie,  daughter  of  Thomas  S.  Buford,  of 
Williamson  County.  They  have  two  children:  Clarence  B.  and  Mamie  L.  J.  W.  Mallory 
owns  200  acres  of  land,  where  his  grandfather,  John  W.  Mallory,  settled.  Mr.  Mallory  is 
a Democrat,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

CLEMENT  W.  MALLORY  is  a son  of  Philip  and  Martha  (Nance)  Mallory,  and  was 
born  March  25,  1883.  Philip  Mallory  was  born  in  Virginia  and  came  to  Tennessee  at  an 
early  day,  locating  in  White  County.  He  afterward  became  a brick  contractor  in  Nash- 
ville and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  Of  a large  family  born  to  him  these  are  liv- 
ing: Elizabeth,  Clement  W.,  William  M.,  Mary  A.,  Harriet  S.  and  Josiah.  The  fa,ther 
died  of  cholera  in  1854.  His  wife  died  in  1849.  Clement  W.  Mallory  was  educated  in 
Nashville,  and  his  first  work  for  himself  was  done  for  a dry  goods  firm  of  that  city.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  Col.  Ewing’s  company,  and  participated  in 
many  battles  of  note.  On  account  of  physical  disability  he  was  discharged,  and  since 
that  time  has  resided  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a thrifty  farmer.  He  was  mar- 
ried, in  1865,  to  Malissa  Fleming,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  three  children:  Lemuel  P., 
Martha  J.  (deceased  in  1874)  and  John  R.  Mr.  Mallory  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  his  wife  is  a Baptist. 

FtTLTON  A.  MAYBERRY,  son  of  AmericusC.  and  Elizabeth  M.  (Dotson)  Mayberry, 
was  born  October  17,  1851,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  His  father  was  born  in  Tennes- 
see and  his  grandfather  in  Virginia,  and  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day.  He  was  a 
mechanic  and  started  in  life  very  poor,  financially,  but  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1840, 
was  worth  $150,000.  Americus  Mayberry  was  a farmer  and  owned  a large  tract  of  land 
in  Williamson  County.  He  was  a successful  farmer  and  business  man,  and  at  one  time 
sold  family  groceries  in  Columbia,  but  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  sold  his  stock  of 
goods  and  turned  his  attention  to  farming.  He  was  the  father  of  six  children:  Fulton 
i(deceased),  John  H.  (deceased),  Fulton  A.,  John  H.,  Presley  (deceased)  and  Nannie. 
Americus  Mayberry  died  in  November,  1868,  a believer  in  the  Methodist  faith.  His 
widow  married  H.  G.  Mayberry,  a brother  of  her  first  husband,  and  is  living  in  William- 
son County.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  was  educated  at  Franklin,  and  in 
1879  was  married  to  Miss  Nannie  Seal,  daughter  of  W.  H.  Seal.  They  have  one  child  : 
Bessie.  Mr.  Mayberry  owns  626  acres  of  land  in  Williamson  County,  and  is  a member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  The  family  are  of  English  descent. 

W.  L.  McCALL,  a prominent  citizen  of  this  county,  was  born  in  Tennessee,  March  15, 
1842,  and  is  the  son  of  Lycurgus  and  Emeline  M.  (Hartley)  McCall.  The  father  was 
born  in  Tennessee  December  19,  1814,  and  married  our  subject’s  mother  January  26,  1837. 
The  mother  was  also  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  October  15,  1817.  She  died  October  4, 
1866,  and  the  father  followed  September  23,  1877.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Laburn 
Hartley,  and  grandmother,  Nancy  Carson,  natives  of  North  Carolina,  emigrated  to  Ten- 
nesee  about  1800.  Our  subject  has  followed  farming  from  early  childhood,  with  the 
•exception  of  two  years  when  he  was  elected  as  constable.  In  1866  he  wedded  Miss  Mar- 
ilda  Irvin,  a native  of  this  State,  born  September,  1842,  and  the  daughter  of  Andrew  and 
Elizabeth  (Evans)  Irvin.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  December  17,  1804,  and 


996 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ried  March  27,  1868.  The  mother  was  also  born  in  North  Carolina.  To  our  subject  and 
wife  were  born  six  children:  DoraM.,  born  1866;  Anna  L.,  born  1867;  Lizzie  E.,  born 
1870;  Wallace  E.,  born  1872;  Andrew  L.,  born  1875,  and  Louisa  J.,  born  1879.  Mr.  Mc- 
Call has  109  acres  of  medium  land,  situated  in  the  southeast  portion  of  the  county.  He 
is  a member  of  the  masonic  fraternity,  and  is  a stanch  Republican. 

AARON  C.  McCORD  is  a native  of  Williamson  County.,  Tenn.,  born  October  3, 
1823,  son  of  James  and  Rebecca  (Curtis)  McCord,  natives  of  Georgia  and  North  Carolina, 
respectively.  In  1800  the  father  came  to  Tennessee.  He  was  a cabinet-maker  by  trade, 
but  also  followed  farming  on  a small  scale.  He  and  wife  became  the  parents  of  twelve 
children:  Mary,  Martha  J.,  Russell,  Myra,  Aaron  C.,  Benjamin  S.,  Calvin,  Marshall  P., 
James  A.,  Harriet,  Fountain  and  Sarah  J.  Mary  and  Martha  are  dead.  Benjamin  S., 
and  Marshall  P.  left  Tennessee  before  the  war,  and  have  never  been  heard  of  since. 
Husband  and  wife  died  in  1849  and  1841,  respectively.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools,  and  in  1843  was  married  to  Miss  Elmina  Caskey,  of  Maury  County,  and 
to  them  were  born  the  following  children;  James  C.  (deceased),  Russell  F.,  William  F., 
Milton  A.,  Rebecca  J.  and  John  Wesley  (deceased).  In  1875  Mr.  John  McCord  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  for  the  Eleventh  District,  Williamson  County.,  and  still  holds 
that  office.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a representa- 
tive man  of  the  county. 

JAMES  McEWEN  is  a son  of  Maj.  J.  L.  and  Tabitha  H.  (Barfield)  McEwen,  and 
was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  The  father 
was  born  in  Madison  County,  Ky.,  in  1794,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents,  in 
1798.  He  was  major  of  the  State  militia  in  Williamson  County,  and  was  a soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812.  He  was  a farmer  and  was  married  in  1821.  The  father  died  April  15, 1879,  and 
the  mother  December  28.  1853.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  David  McEwen,  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1756,  and  came  to  Indiana  in  1798,  where  he  died  in  1821.  James  McEwen 
received  an  academic  education,  and  resided  with  his  parents  until  the  breaking  out  of 
the  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  First  Tennessee  Infantry,  in  April,  1861.  After 
his  return  home  in  May,  1865,  he  took  charge  of  his  father’s  plantation,  and  now  owns 
550  acres  of  as  good  land  as  there  is  in  the  county.  Mr.  McEwen  makes  a specialty  of 
raising  fine  stock,  and  was  the  breeder  and  owner  of  the  celebrated  trotting  mare, 
Annie  W.  Mr.  McEwen’s  house,  one  of  the  best  and  oldest  brick  houses  in  the  county, 
was  destroyed  by  fire  April  6,  1877.  He  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party. 

JOHN  McGAYOCK  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  April  2,  1815,  son  of 
Randal  and  Sarah  (Rogers)  McGavock.  The  family  are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and 
Randal  was  born  in  Virginia  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1786,  locating  in  Nashville,  where 
he  was  clerk  of  the  superior  court  and  clerk  of  the  land  office.  In  1825  he  moved  to 
Williamson  County,  and  located  near  Franklin.  He  was  married  in  1810  and  became  the 
father  of  these  four  children:  John,  Mary,  Elizabeth  and  James  R.,  all  being  dead  ex- 
cept our  subject.  Randal  McGavock  died  in  1843  and  his  wife  in  1850.  They  were 
pioneer  settlers  of  Tennessee,  and  leave  a name  behind  them  that  will  remain  green  in 
the  hearts  of  those  who  knew  them.  John,  our  subject , was  educated  at  the  University 
of  Nashville  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1837.  He  has  always  been  a farmer. 
In  1848  he  wedded  Miss  Carrie  Winder,  of  Louisana,  and  two  children  were  born  to  them: 
Winder  and  Hattie.  In  1845  he  was  appointed  colonel  in  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  by 
James  K.  Polk,  and  was  made  director  of  the  Bank  of  Tennessee  by  Andrew  Johnson, 
which  office  he  held  eight  years.  Mr.  McGavock  has  always  been  a Democrat  and  cast 
his  first  presidential  vote  for  Martin  Van  Buren. 

WILLIAM  S.  McLEMORE,  circuit  judge,  was  born  ten  miles  south  of  Franklin,  in 
Williamson  County,  February  1,  1830,  son  of  A.  J.  and  Bethenia  S.  (Dabney)  McLemore, 
and  is  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  this  county  in 
1801,  and  died  here  in  1849.  The  mother  was  born  in  1803  and  died  in  1857.  Gf  thirteen 
children  born,  our  subject  was  the  fifth  child  and  second  son.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm 
and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood  in  which  he  lived. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


997 


At  seventeen  years  of  age  he  entered  the  Transylvania  University  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  and 
in  1849  he  entered  Lebanon  Law  School,  where  he  graduated  in  1851.  In  the  same  year 
he  began  to  practice  in  Franklin,  and  in  1856  he  was  elected  county  court  clerk,  and  held 
this  office  until  1860,  when  he  declined  re-election  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  In 
1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and 
was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant,  then  captain,  major,  and  in  1863  was  commissioned  colonel. 
The  last  six  months  he  was  colonel,  commanding  a brigade  of  cavalry,  and  was  a brave 
and  gallant  soldier.  In  1865  he  returned  home  and  immediately  began  the  practice  of 
law,  which  he  continued  until  1872  when  he  was  elected  criminal  judge,  the  circuit  then 
being  composed  of  Williamson,  Maury,  Marshall  and  Giles  Counties.  He  held  this  office 
six  years  and  in  1878  was  elected  circuit  judge  of  the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit;  his  present 
term  expires  in  August,  1886.  He  has  made  a splendid  record  as  judge,  and  as  a lawyer 
has  been  quite  successful.  May  15,  1856,  he  wedded  Miss  Anna  S.  Wharton,  daughter  of 
Dr.  W.  H.  Wharton,  of  Nashville.  To  Judge  McLemore  and  wife  were  born  five  children: 
Annie  L.,  Bethenia,  Albert  8.,  William  W.  and  Lizzie  M.  He  was  formerly  a Whig  but 
since  the  war  has  been  a thorough  Democrat.  He  is  a Mason  and  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  Mrs.  McLemore  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JOHN  A.  MILLER,  a native  of  Maury  County,  was  born  November  25,  1838,  and  is 
the  son  of  W.  W.  and  Susan  J.  (Hadley)  Miller.  The  father  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  and 
spent  his  early  life  in  assisting  his  father  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  common 
schools.  He  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  The  mother  died  at  her  residence  in 
Maury  County  in  1883.  Our  subject,  in  1855,  entered  the  Jackson  College,  at  Columbia, 
Tenn.,  where  he  finished  his  education.  May  1,  1861,  Mr.  Miller  enlisted  in  Company  G, 
First  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga  and 
other  engagements.  In  1864  Mr.  Miller  was  captured  and  carried  to  Fort  Delaware, 
where  he  was  paroled  February  6,  1865.  After  the  war  he  engaged  in  farming,  and  in 
December,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Miss  B.  A.  Brown,  daughter  of  Thomas  Brown,  of 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  who  was born'in  Virginia,  near  the  old  battle-field  of  Manassas. 
In  early  life  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee,  locating  near  Nashville,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
nine  he  married  Miss  Nancy  Allison,  of  Davidson  County,  and  after  her  death  was  wed- 
ded to  Mrs.  Hunter.  Mr.  Brown  died  in  February,  1870,  and  was  a worthy  member  of 
the  Christian  Church.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  six  children:  John,  Maggie  B., 
Thomas  B.,  William  W.,  Joe  A.  B.  and  Mary  M.,  deceased.  January  1,  1874,  he  moved 
to  the  Sixth  District  of  Williamson  County,  to  the  farm  known  as  “Old  Town,”  where 
he  now  resides.  Mr.  Miller  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity,  and  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

J.  G.  MOODY,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  the  Fourteenth  District  of  Williamson 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  December  27,  1838,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of 
two  children  of  William  and  Eliza  B.  (Roy)  Moody.  The  father  was  born  in  Tennessee 
and  was  of  Scotch  descent.  He  was  a farmer  and  married  in  1836,  and  died  August  14, 
1841.  The  mother  was  born  October  12,  1818,  and  survives  her  husband.  Our  subject 
was  reared  in  his  native  county  and  was  educated  in  the  country  schools.  When  only 
fourteen  years  of  age  he  left  home  and  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  at  which  he  worked 
fourteen  years.  At  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities,  in  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  D, 
First  Tennessee  Volunteers,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Franklin,  Nashville 
and  Stone  River.  December  30, 1867,  he  wedded  Mary  Lou  (Page)  Moody,  born  December 
17,  1847,  in  Williamson  County,  Term.,  daughter  of  J.  T.  and  Mary  (Harrison)Moody.  Our 
subject  and  wife  have  seven  children;  William  P.,  James  A.,  John  T.,  Charley  E.,  Mary 
0..  Walter  B.  and  Ida.  Mr.  Moody  supports  Democratic  principles  and  is  a member  of 
the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

ALEXANDER  MOORE,  an  old  and  retired  farmer,  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  N. 
C.,  March  2,  1798,  son  of  James  and  Eleanor  (Irvin)  Moore.  The  father  of  Mr.  Moore  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  in  1764,  and  died  in  Tennessee  in  1838.  The  mother  was  also  born 
in  North  Carolina  in  1771,  and  died  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1809.  Our  subject’s 


998 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


grandfather,  Gen.  Robert  Irvin,  was  a delegate  to  the  Independent  Convention  at  Char- 
lotte, 1ST.  C.,  in  May,  1775.  Our  subject  is  the  fourth  of  seven  children.  His  eldest  broth- 
er, Robert  I.  Moore,  was  born  in  1791,  and  was  a leading  merchant  in  Nashville  for  many 
years;  he  died  in  that  city  in  1848.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm.  In  1818 
he  began  teaching  school,  and  continued  that  occupation  until  1825,  when  he  began  farm- 
ing, and  this  he  continued  successfully  until  1874,  when  he  removed  to  Franklin,  and  here 
he  now  resides.  He  still  owns  380  acres  of  tine  land  and  the  place  is  known  as  Moore’s 
Lane.  In  1824  he  married  Miss  Nancy  Merritt,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  who  was  born 
in  1800.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  have  now  lived  together  for  sixty-two  years,  perhaps  the 
oldest  couple  in  the  county.  They  have  one  childi  James  P.,  now  a prosperous  farmer. 
Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Gen.  Jackson  in  1824.  He  has  been 
successful  in  life  and  one  of  the  first  men  of  this  county.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOHN  B.  MURREY  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  July  6,  1822,  and  spent 
his  boyhood  on  his  father’s  farm,  receiving  his  education  in  the  commonschool.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-two  he  wedded  Miss  Adaline  Wilson,  a daughter  of  Thomas  Wilson,  a na- 
tive of  North  Carolina,  but  a resident  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Murrey  were  born  two  children;  Gallic  E.  and  Maggie  J.  In  1846  our  subject  moved  to 
the  Eleventh  District  in  Davidson  County,  and  was  elected  collector  and  served  his  county 
in  that  capacity  as  well  as  deputy  sheriff  until  1861.  In  the  spring  of  1872  he  moved  to 
the  Sixth  District  in  Williamson  County,  on  the  farm  known  as  “Mount  Pier,”  where  he 
now  resides.  His  farm  contains  1,173  acres.  He  is  a member  of  the  Old  School  Presby- 
terian Church  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and 
has  been  since  quite  young.  Our  subject  is  the  son  of  Ennis  and  Anna  (Buchanan)  Mur- 
rey, natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  born  m 1795,  and 
received  a common  school  education  by  his  own  exertions.  In  1818  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Anna  Buchanan,  daughter  of  John  Buchanan,  a native  of  Virginia.  In  1822  our  subject’s 
father  was  elected  collecting  officer  of  his  district.  In  1833  he  went  to  Nashville  and  lo- 
cated on  a farm  where  North  Nashville  now  is,  and  afterward  moved  to  Franklin,  Will- 
iamson Co.,  Tenn.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South.  He  died  March,  1824. 

ISAAC  L.  NEELY’S  birth  occurred  February  5,  1821,  in  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.  He  is  a son  of  John  C.  and  Elizabeth  Neely,  who  were  born  in  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  and  grandson  of  Isaac  and  Fannie  Neely.  The  father,  John  Neely,  came  to 
Tennessee  about  1800.  He  was  in  the  war  of  1812  and  died  in  1867.  The  mother  died  in 
1872.  They  were  married  about  1814,  and  our  sub  j ect  is  the  third  of  their  eleven  children. 
He  has  always  been  a farmer,  and  in  1878  purchased  131  acres  of  land  near  Nolensville  on 
which  he  is  doing  well.  In  1841  he  was  married  to  Sarah  E.  C.  Burk,  who  was  born  about 
1818,  in  North  Carolina,  daughter  of  John  and  Lucy  Burk,  and  who  died  May  1.  1861, 
leaving  one  child,  Miles  E.  Mr.  Neely  then  married  Eliza  Pyner,  October  18,  1861.  She 
was  the  widow  of  Mason  Pyner,  and  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Peggy  Burke.  The  Neely 
family  are  highly  respected  citizens  and  were  among  the  first  families  who  settled  in  this 
State.  Mr.  Neely  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  he  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  in  politics  is  a Democrat. 

J.  W.  L.  NEVILS,  a leading  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  in  this  State 
July  14,  1834.  His  father,  Josiah  Nevils,  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1794,  and  the  mother, 
Sallie  Beech,  was  also  born  in  Virginia,  about  1809.  They  both  came  to  Tennessee  in 
the  year  1821  and  in  1823  were  united  in  marriage.  The  father  left  his  farm  to  fight  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  was  in  the  memorable  battle  of  New  Orleans.  He  died  in  the  year  1854 
and  his  wife  in  1852.  Our  subject  wedded  Miss  Ella  G.  Low  in  1871.  She  was  born  in 
Tennessee  September  13,  1851,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Gabriel  and  Vina  H.  (Pinkston) 
Yarbrough  Low.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  six  children:  John  L.,  deceased, 
born  in  1872;  Augie  V.,  born  in  1874;  Josiah  W.,  deceased,  born  in  1876;  William  W.,  born 
in  1877;  Sallie  M.,  born  in  1880,  and  an  infant  not  named,  Our  subject  engaged  in  the 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


999 


mercantile  business  in  Maury  County,  Tenc.,  in  1856,  and  in  1861  closed  out  and  enlisted 
Tn  the  Confederate  Army,  serving  liis  country  until  the  close  of  the  war.  One  year  after 
returning  from  the  war  he  engaged  again  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Peytonsville  for 
about  ten  years,  after  which  he  sold  out  his  stock  of  goods  and  gave  his  undivided  atten- 
tion to  farming.  He  has  104  acres  of  good  land  near  Peytonsville.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  lodge,  also  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Nevils  is  a Democrat  and  in  1874  he  was  elected  mag- 
istrate in  this  district. 

JOHN  M.  NEVILS,  sheriff  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn., 
October  3,  1835,  son  of  Josiali  and  Sarah  (Beech)  Nevils,  and  of  Dutch-English  descent. 
Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a good  practical  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  He  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer  until  the  beginning  of  the  late 
war,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  Company  B,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, and  served  four  years.  In  1865  he  engaged  in  merchandising  in  Nashville,  but 
.soon  removed  to  Peytonsville,  this  county,  and  continued  farming  and  merchandising. 
In  1868  he  wedded  Lydia  A.  Lowe,  who  died  in  1878.  In  1879  he  wedded  Alice  Merritt, 
and  to  them  were  born  three  children:  Emmett,  Annie  C.  and  an  infant  unnamed.  To 
his  first  marriage  were  born  two  children:  Robert  H.  and  Edward  M.  Mr.  Nevils  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  has  made  one  of  the  best 
sheriffs  the  county  has  ever  had.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and 
is  one  of  the  prominent  men  of  this  county.  Mrs.  Nevils  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

JAMES  A.  NORTH,  M.  D.,  is  the  son  of  H.  B.  and  Martha  J.  North,  who  were  na- 
tives of  Virginia.  The  North  family  came  to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  day  and  settled  in 
Williamson  County.  H.  B.  North  was  a Methodist  minister  and  belonged  to  the  Tennes- 
see Conference  and  was  preaching  the  gospel  in  Montgomery  County  when  he  married 
our  subject’s  mother,  and  nine  children  were  born  to  their  union:  R.  H.,  James  A.,  Ann 
W.,  Margaret  S.,  Thomas  B.,  Alice,  Ida,  Elizabeth  and  Lucy.  The  father  died  about  1878 
and  the  mother  March  4,  1882.  James  A.  North  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  January 
4,  1838,  and  was  educated  in  Thompson  Academy,  and  in  1859  entered  the  medical  Uni- 
versity at  Nashville  and  graduated  in  1861.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in 
First  Regiment  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Fishing  Creek,  after 
which  his  command  went  to  Mississippi  under  Col.  Bartow  and  later  were  united  with 
Hen.  Forrest’s  force  and  was  in  all  its  exploits.  In  1879  he  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza 
Baker,  and  five  children  have  blessed  their  union:  Jesse  W.,  Henry  B.,  Carrick  H.,  Eloise 
and  Robert  J.  Dr.  North  began  practicing  his  profession  at  Harpeth  Station  in  1865. 
He  owns  150  acres  of  fine  land  and  is  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  the  county. 

JEROME  J.  O’CONNER,  farmer,  formerly  a merchant,  was  born  in  Manchester, 
England,  July  3,  1827,  and  came  to  America  in  the  year  1838.  His  parents,  William  and 
Anne  (Synnott)  O’Conner,  were  born  in  County  Wexford,  Ireland,  in  1790  and  1789,  re- 
spectively. The  former  died  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in  1852,  and  the  latter  in  the  same  place 
in  1858.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  after  which  he  learned  the 
shoe-maker's  trade.  He  commenced  merchandising  in  1865,  but  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  in  the  Sixth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and 
served  fifteen  months.  He  was  married,  in  1873,  to  Miss  Henrietta  Blackman,  who  has 
borne  him  five  children:  Miles,  Albert,  Annie,  Laura  and  one  deceased.  Mr.  O’Conner  is 
a Democrat  in  his  political  views,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity;  is  a temperance 
man  in  every  respect.  He  started  in  life  in  straightened  circumstances,  but  by  his  energy 
-and  perseverence  has  surrounded  his  family  with  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  life. 
His  wife  belongs  to  the  Christian  Church. 

DR.  URBANE  G.  OWEN,  a successful  practitioner,  was  born  in  this  State  June;  2, 
1833.  His  father,  Richard  C.  Owen,  was  born  in  this  State  December  12,  1809,  and  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation  and  manufactured  tobacco  for  several  years  before  his  death.  The 
subject’s  mother,  Henrietta  (Rivers)  Owen,  was  born  in  this  State  May  22,  1810,  and  mar- 


1000 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ried  to  Richard  C.  Owen  in  1832.  The  father  died  April  17,  1860,  and  his  widow  followed1 
him  in  death  September  8,  1868.  The  subject  is  of  Welsh  descent  and  was  educated  in 
the  best  country  schools.  In  1855  and  spring  of  1856  he  attended  the  old  University  of 
Pennsylvania  and  in  the  fall  of  1856  he  went  to  New  York  and  then  graduated  in  the 
spring  of  1857.  He  practiced  in  the  Brooklyn  hospital  twelve  months,  when  he  resigned 
and  went  to  the  city  of  New  York  and  practiced  until  January,  1859.  He  then  returned 
to  Tennessee  and  located  at  Owen  Hill,  where  he  practiced  until  1861.  In  September, 
1859,  Miss  Laura  Dobson  became  his  wife;  she  was  born  in  this  State  June  29,  1843,  and 
was  the  daughter  of  Matthew  andLetitia  (Hughes)  Dobson.  To  the  subject  and  wife  were 
born  five  children:  Annie  L.,  Richard  G.,  William  T.,  Letitia  and  Polly  P.  In  1861  he 
enlisted  as  private  in  Rucker’s  company,  Battle’s  regiment  and  remained  with  it  until  the 
fall  of  1861,  when  he  was  ordered  to  report  to  the  Fourth  Confederate  (Church well's) 
Regiment  at  Knoxville,  which  he  did  and  was  made  medical  surgeon  of  that  regiment. 
Here  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war,  after  which  he  returned  home  and  located  at 
College  Grove,  where  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Since  locating  there 
eight  of  his  consulting  physicians  have  died.  The  subject  has  not  taken  a dose  of  medi- 
cine in  nineteen  years.  He  has  a good  practice  and  is  conceded  to  be  very  successful. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge,  No.  172,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of. the 
Christian  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Owen  is  a Democrat. 

PETER  D.  OWEN,  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Williamson  County,  was 
born  February  3,  1833,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  near  Nashville,  and  is  the  son  of  Peter 
and  Charity  Owen,  natives  of  Virginia,  who  were  married  about  1816,  and  had  born  to 
them  these  children:  John  T.,  Floyd  H.,  Elizabeth,  Sarah  G.,  Ambrose  R.,  Herbert  H., 
Peter  D.,  Obadiah  F.,  Carrie  L.,  Hiram  and  Betsy.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a 
liberal  education  in  the  common  schools  and  has  been  engaged  in  farming  from  boyhood. 
In  1882  he  settled  on  his  present  farm  of  200  acres,  which  is  very  valuable,  all  well 
improved,  and  a part  of  the  same  in  a high  state  of  cultivation.  December  3,  1873,  he  was 
married  to  Sallie  F.  Waller.  She  was  born  September  10,  1851,  and  is  the  daughter  of 
Pierce  and  Elizabeth  Waller,  natives  of  Tennessee.  Mr.  Owen  and  wife  are  the  parents 
of  these  children:  Mary,  John  F.  and  Willie.  The  early  members  of  the  Owen  family 
were  among  the  first  families  that  settled  in  Tennessee  and  were  highly  respected  citizens. 
They  are  of  Scotch-Irish  origin.  Our  subject  started  in  life  very  poor,  financially,  but  by 
industry  and  good  management  has  made  himself  a very  comfortable  home  and  is  well- 
to-do  in  this  world’s  goods. 

D.  C.  PADGETT  was  born  in  this  State  May  15.  1S43,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  G.  and 
Mary  W.  (Anderson)  Padgett,  both  natives  of  Virginia.  The  father  was  born  iu  1796  and 
came  to  Tennessee  about  1817  after  his  return  from  the  war  of  1812.  He  taught  school 
for  several  years  after  he  became  of  age,  and  was  a life-long  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  His  death  occurred  in  1853.  The  mother  was  born  in  1797,  and 
died  August  2,  1885.  By  her  union  with  Henry  G.  Padgett  she  became  the  mother  of 
eleven  children — seven  males  and  four  females — seven  of  whom  are  yetliving.  Mrs.  Padg- 
ett was  a kind  neighbor  and  was  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  her.  Our  subject  is  at  pres- 
ent living  on  the  farm  formerly  owned  by  his  father;  it  lies  in  the  southeastern  portion  of 
the  county  and  contains  eighty-seven  acres  of  very  good  land,  the  products  from  it  being 
corn,  tobacco  and  small  grain.  Mr.  Padgett  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JACOB  T.  PAGE  is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent  and  a son  of  David  D.  and  Charity  Page, 
who  were  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  settled  in  Tennessee  about  1800.  The  early  mem- 
bers participated  in  the  war  of  1812.  Jacob  T.  was  born  October  30,  1819,  in  William- 
son County,  Tenn.,  and  in  early  days  received  a liberal  education.  He  has  been  a farmer 
from  boyhood  and  located  on  his  present  farm  of  125  acres  in  1855.  His  land  is  well  im- 
proved and  under  good  cultivation.  January  26,  1843,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary 
J.  Harrison,  the  daughter  of  William  P.  and  Edith  Harrison,  of  this  State  and  county. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Page  have  had  born  to  them  six  children — two  daughters  and  four  sons:  Will- 
iam F.,  Mary  L.,  JohnD.,  Thomas  H.,  Jacob  S.  and  Olivia  E.  Mrs.  Page  died  in  1878. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1001 


She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  her  husband  being  a mem- 
ber of  the  same.  Mr.  Page  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  is  a member  of  the 
F.  & A.  M. 

JOHN  PAGE  (deceased),  was  born  in  1798,  in  Wayne  County,  N.  C.,  and  was  the  son 
of  John  and  Lovey  (Davis)  Page,  who  came  to  Tennessee  from  North  Carolina  and  located 
in  Williamson  County  about  1801.  To  their  union  were  born  nine  children — five  sons  and 
four  daughters:  David  D.,  John,  Jacob,  Harvey,  Frederick,  Nancy,  Sarah,  Betty  and 
Martha.  Our  subject  came  to  this  State  with  his  parents  when  three  years  of  age,  and 
was  educated  in  the  common  schools.  His  early  days  were  spent  in  farming,  and  about 
1826  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  general  merchandise  business  in  Triune,  in  which  he 
was  fairly  successful.  In  1830  he  was  married  to  Margaret  A.  Wilson,  who  was  born  in 
1814  in  Williamson  County,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Martha  (Davis)  Wilson,  natives  of 
Ireland  and  North  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  came  to  America  about  1770,  and 
was  married  to  Martha  Davis  in  1802  in  Tennessee.  Our  subject,  Mr.  Page,  sold  out  his 
business  at  Triune  in  1827  and  moved  to  Nolensville,  where  he  carried  on  the  same 
business  until  1833,  when  he  sold  out  and  removed  to  Louisiana,  where  he  managed  a 
cotton  plantation  until  his  death,  in  1873.  He  and  wife  became  the  parents  of  ten  children: 
Eudora  M.,  John  J.,  Walter,  Katie,  Robert  W.,  Almira,  Jason  W.,  Harry  H.,  Maggie  and 
Webb  M.  Mr.  Page  was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  were  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  W.  PARHAM,  carpenter,  was  born  April  10,  1851,  in  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  son  of  George  W.  and  Eliza  (Bingham)  Parham,  and  is  of  Irish  descent.  The  par- 
ents were  born  in  the  same  county  as  our  subject,  in  1824  and  1830,  respectively.  The 
mother  died  January  9,  1885.  John  W.  was  the  second  of  their  ten  children,  and  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  attended  the  common  schools.  He  afterward  learned  the  carpenter’s 
trade,  at  which  he  has  since  worked.  He  was  married,  April  22,  1877,  in  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  to  Miss  Nancy  Y.  Thweatt,  of  the  same  county.  She  was  born  February  12,  1857, 
and  has  borne  her  husband  two  children  : Oscar,  born  February  12,  1878,  and  Florence, 
born  August  23,  1881.  Mrs.  Parham  was  a daughter  of  W.  H.  Thweatt,  who  was  born  in 
1808  and  died  in  1876.  Her  mother  was  born  in  1820  and  died  in  1882.  Their  family  con- 
sisted of  sixteen  children — eight  sons  and  eight  daughters.  Of  the  number  five  are  dead. 
Mr.  Parham  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party. 

JAMES  PATTON,  a prominent  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born  July  17, 
1812.  His  father,  Jason  Patton,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1787,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
about  1802,  where  he  was  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil.  His  mother,  Bithunia  Bostick,  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  about  1789,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  her  father  in  1809.  In 
1811  she  was  married  to  Jason  Patton  and  became  the  mother  of  nine  children,  three  of 
whom  are  yet  living.  Mr.  Patton  died  August  7,  1841,  and  his  widow  followed  him  in 
death  May  10,  1870.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  James  Patton,  was  born  in  Tennessee  in 
1760.  The  grandmother,  Margaret  (Wilson)  Patton,  emigrated  from  Scotland  to  Ireland 
and  from  there  to  North  Carolina,  where  she  was  married.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a 
farm,  and  with  the  exception  of  a few  years  that  he  spent  trading  in  slaves,  might  be  called 
a life-long  farmer.  In  1839  he  married  Miss  Susan  Thompson,  a native  of  this  State,  born 
June  2,  1820,  and  the  daughter  of  Jason  and  Susan  (Cobb)  Thompson.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Patton  were  born  four  children  : Mary  B.,  born  December  7,  1841;  Jason  H.,  born  August 
5,  1849;  A*|;nes  J.,  born  November  19,  1851,  and  Joseph  J.,  deceased,  born  November  6. 
1854.  Mrs.  Patton  died  December  18,  1881.  Shortly  after  marriage  he  moved  to  Mis- 
sissippi and  ran  a cotton  plantation  for  ten  years,  after  which  he  moved  back  to  Tennes- 
see. In  1850  he  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides,  it  consists  of  500  acres  of 
first-class  land  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation.  In  1854  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace 
and  served  the  people  in  that  capacity  for  about  eighteen  years.  He  was  a conscript 
officer  with  the  rank  of  major  in  the  Confederathe  service.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

THOMAS  F.  PERKINS,  Sr.,  first  saw  the  light  of  day  March  12,  1809',  in  William- 
son County,  Tenn.  He  was  reared  on  a farm  until  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  then  en- 


1002 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


gaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Triune,  Tenn.,  where  he  remained  twelve  months,  when 
he  removed  to  Harpeth  Lick,  where  he  resided  five  years.  In  1833  he  wedded  Miss  Leah 
A.  Cannon,  who  bore  him  seven  children:  Louisa,  Letitia,  Laura,  Samuel  F.,  Newton  C., 
Thomas  F.,  Jr.,  and  William  C.  All  the  sons  were  soldiers  in  the  Confederate  Army.  Only 
two  of  the  children  are  living:  Thomas  F.,  Jr.,  and  Newton  C.  Our  subject  was  a mer- 
chant for  twelve  years  and  then  engaged  in  farming,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
was  the  owner  of  127  slaves.  He  now  owns  a farm  near  Memphis,  Tenn.,  and  also  one  in 
Williamson  County.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  a 
leading  man  in  the  county.  His  parents,  Samuel  and  Sarah  P.  Perkins,  were  natives  of 
Virginia  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  About  1804  the  father  came  to  Tennessee,  where 
he  tilled  the  soil.  He  held  several  offices  in  Virginia,  and  in  1807  was  married  and  be- 
came the  father  of  seven  children:  Louisa,  Eliza  M.,  Mary,  Sarah  P.,  Elvira,  Susan  and 
Thomas  F.,  all  being  dead  except  our  subject.  Mrs.  Perkins  died  in  1824,  and  Mr.  Per- 
kins then  married  Nancy  Richardson,  who  bore  him  one  child,  Samuel.  Mr.  Perkins  rep- 
presented  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  was  a very  influential 
man  of  his  day.  He  died  in  March,  1843. 

SAMUEL  F.  PERKINS  (deceased),  son  of  Thomas  F.  Perkins  and  grandson,  on  his 
mother’s  side,  of  G.  Cannon,  of  Tennessee,  was  born  July  1,  1833.  He  spent  his  early 
boyhood  on  a farm,  attending  the  common  schools  of  the  county.  Quite  early  in  life  he 
entered  the  Jackson  College  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  after  finishing  his  education  he 
returned  home  and  engaged  in  farming,  and  also  the  mercantile  business  in  Franklin.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-five  he  wedded  Miss  Theresa  G.  (Ewin)  Perkins,  daughter  of  Henry  C. 
Ewin,  of  Todd  County,  Ky.  Mrs.  Perkins  was  a granddaughter  of  D.  H.  Hill,  one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Nashville,  and  grandniece  of  Col.  Ewin  Hickman,  who  was  killed  by  the 
Indians  near  the  place  where  Centerville  now  stands,  in  Hickman  County,  and  after  whom 
Hickman  County  received  its  name.  Mr.  Perkins  is  the  father  of  nine  children:  Leah 
L.  (wife  of  Leland  Jordan,  of  Murfreesboro),  Lizzie  E.  (wife  of  John  H.  Henderson), 
Thomas  F.,  Samuel  F.,  Theresa  (wife  of  Frank  Y.  McGavock),  Henry  C.,  Newton  C., 
Leah  M.  and  William  Ewin.  In  1861  Mr.  Perkins  obeyed  his  country’s  call  and  volun- 
teered to  fight  her  battles.  He  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Fifty-fifth  Tennessee  Infantry, 
and  was  promoted  to  a lieutenancy  in  his  company.  He  participated  in  the  battle  of 
Corinth,  Miss.  He  was  also  in  numerous  skirmishes.  In  1862  Mr.  Perkins  returned  to 
his  rural  pursuits,  and 'also  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  Franklin,  Tenn.  In 
1879  he  moved  to  his  farm  on  the  Hillsboro  & Nashville  Pike.  He  died  June  9,  1885,  at 
Franklin.  Mr.  Perkins  was  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  in  the  county,  his  farm 
consisting  of  about  700  acres.  Mrs.  Perkins  is  still  living  at  “Hill  Side,”  the  home  place, 
and  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

N.  EDWIN  PERKINS  was  born  in  Williamson  County  in  1821,  and  received  the 
rudiments  of  his  education  in  Franklin  and  subsequently  attended  college  in  Danville,  Ky. 
Being  fond  of  the  country,  he  passed  his  life  in  rural  pursuits.  He  wedded  Miss  Martha 
T.  Maury,  and  to  this  union  were  born  three  children:  Edwin  M.,  Leighla  O.  and  Maud 
C.  (wife  of  J.  W.  Reid,  grandson  of  Maj.  John  Reid,  aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Jackson  at  the 
battle  of  New  Orleans).  Our  subject  was  a member  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
and  a member  of  high  rank  in  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  was  a man  of  unblemished  honor  and 
was  universally  respected.  His  death  occurred  in  1871  at  his  place,  “The  Meeting  of  the 
Waters.”  He  was  of  Welsh  descent,  and  the  grandson  of  Hardin  Perkins,  who  was  a 
native  of  Virginia,  a captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  one  of  the  first  settlers  in 
Williamson  County.  He  was  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  in  the  State,  and  amassed 
a large  fortune.  Nicholas  Perkins,  our  subject’s  father,  was  born  in  Davidson 
County.  After  reaching  manhood  he  went  to  Fort  Stephens,  then  on  the  confines  of  the 
territory  of  the  United  States,  where  he  entered  into  partnership  with  George  S.  Gaines 
in  the  practice  of  law.  While  there  he  was  instrumental  in  the  capture  of  Aaron  Burr, 
who  was  attempting  to  make  his  escape  to  the  Spanish  possessions.  He  carried  Mr.  Burr 
to  Richmond  and  delivered  him  up  to  the  authorities.  Nicholas  Perkins  wedded  his 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1003 


cousin,  Miss  Mary  Perkins,  practiced  law  in  Franklin  and  served  several  terms  in  the 
State  Legislature,  and  died  one  of  the  largest  property  holders  in  the  State.  He  was  a 
man  of  fine  practical  ability.  Our  subject’s  wife,  Martha  T.  (Maury)  Perkins,  was  the 
granddaughter  of  Mr.  Abram  Maury,  who  was  a descendant  of  the  Maury  and  Fountaine 
families,  of  Virginia.  They  were  a Huguenot  family,  who  were  forced  to  leave  France  on 
account  of  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes  by  Louis  XIV.  Mr.  Abram  Maury  was 
born  in  Virginia,  and  was  the  first  settler  in  Williamson  County.  He  was  the  founder  of 
the  town  of  Franklin,  and  Maury  County  was  named  in  honor  of  him.  He  held  many 
offices  of  honor  and  trust  in  his  State,  and  was  a man  of  erudition  and  nobility  of  charac- 
ter. His  son,  the  Hon.  A.  P.  Maury,  father  of  Mrs.  M.  T.  Perkins,  was  a worthy  man  of 
a noble  sire.  He  served  his  country  both  in  the  State  Legislature  and  in  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States.  His  greatest  eulogium  was  that  he  was  an  incorruptible  politician.  His 
wife,  Mary  Claiborne,  belonged  to  the  Lewis  and  Claiborne  families  of  Davidson  County. 
They  have  three  children  now  living:  Mrs.  M.  T.  Perkins,  Mrs.  W.  S.  Reid  and  Mr.  F.  C. 
Maury,  of  Nashville,  Tenn. 

CAPT.  HENRY  P.  POINTER  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Wilmoth  (Boyd)  Pointer.  The 
father  was  born  in  the  “ Old  Dominion”  and  emigrated  to  Tennessee  in  1827,  settling  near 
Spring  Hill,  Maury  County.  He  was  a farmer,  and  eventually  became  the  possessor  of 
a fine  farm  in  Williamson  County.  In  the  earlier  part  of  his  life  he  wedded  a Miss  Rag- 
land, and  three  children  were  born  to  their  union  : Martha,  Mary  (deceased),  and  Eliza- 
beth. Mrs.  (Ragland)  Pointer  died  and  Mr.  Pointer  then  married  Wilmoth  Boyd,  of  Vir- 
ginia, who  bore  him  eight  children:  William,  Susan,  Henry  P.,  Thomas  G.,  Sammie, 
Ellen,  Harriet  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Hemy  Pointer,  Sr.,  died  in  the  year  1868.  His 
wife  died  several  years  previously.  Our  subject,  Henry  P.  Pointer,  was  born  May  5, 
1822,  in  Halifax  County,  Va.,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  when  a small  lad* 
He  was  educated  in  Jackson  College,  Maury  County,  and  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  in 
1858  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha  J.  Caldwell,  who  died  shortly  afterward 
and  he  then  wedded  Miss  Virginia  Brown,  and  one  child  was  born  to  their  union,  named 
Henry  Strange.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  Mr.  Pointer  enlisted  in  the  Third  Regi- 
ment Tennessee  Infantry  under  John  C.  Brown,  and  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of 
Fort  Donelson  and  carried  to  Camp  Chase,  where  he  was  kept  two  or  three  months, 
when  he  was  taken  to  Johnson’s  Island,  and  at  the  end  of  two  or  three  years  was  ex- 
changed at  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  and  went  on  Gen.  Forrest’s  staff  and  remained  with  him  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  was  made  captain  of  Company  E (Infantry),  and  was. 
wounded  near  Memphis.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  came  home  and  has  since  been  en- 
gaged in  farming  on  his  200-acre  farm,  and  is  one  of  the  principal  stock  raisers  in  the 
county. 

GEORGE  W.  POLLARD,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,. 
Tenn.,  February  7. 1815, son  of  Joseph  and  Martha  (Nicholson)  Pollard. natives  of  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina,  respectively,  and  married  in  1814  and  became  the  parents  of  eleven 
children:  George  W.,  Isaac  N.,  Malachi  W.,  Joseph  J.,  William  C. , Robert  L.,  Newton  N., 
Nancy  D.,  Martha  E.,  Mary  J.  and  Virginia  A.  The  father  died  in  1839,  and  the  mother- 
in  1852,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  Our  subject,  George  W.  Pollard,  received  a liberal 
education,  and  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  spent  in  farming.  In  1831  he  began 
clerking  in  the  dry  goods  store  of  Charles  R.  Abbott,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  remainin'^ 
two  years,  when  he  went  to  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  became  clerk  for  James  S.  Walker.  In- 
1835  he  began  clerking  for  a house  in  Nashville,  and  in  the  spring  of  1836  commenced 
business  for  himself  in  Mississippi  under  the  firm  name  of  Pollard  & Shattuck,  of  Carrol  ton. 
In  1837  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Tindall,  born  August  20,  1819,  daughter  of  Noah  B.  Tindall, 
of  Maury  County,  Tenn.  Mrs.  Pollard  died  July  9,  1839,  leaving  one  child,  Isaac  C. 
In  1842  Mr.  Pollard  returned  to  his  native  county  and  married  Martha  E.  Mebane,  who 
was  born  February  9,  1824,  daughter  of  William  and  Mickie  Mebane.  In  1844  Mr.  Pol- 
lard purchased  500  acres  of  land,  but  in  1868  again  engaged  in  the  general 
merchandise  business  on  his  farm.  Since  1878  he  has  given  his  time  and  attention 


1004 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


to  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  and  wife  have  four  children  : William  M.,  Julia,  Laura 
(who  died  December  14,  1854),  and  Marti)  a,  G.  Mr.  Pollard  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  for- 
merly a Whig.  He  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  1848  and  served  until  1854.  After 
his  father’s  death  he  was  the  only  support  of  his  motherland  younger  brothers  and  sisters, 
but  by  hard  work  managed  to  give  them  a good  education  He  and  his  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  they  are  highly  respected  and  es- 
teemed citizens  of  the  county. 

JAMES  H.  PORTER,  son  of  Stephen  S.  and  Mary  (Henry)  Porter,  was  born 
September  11,  1850,  in  Blount  County,  East  Tenn.  Stephen  S.  Porter  came  to  Tennessee 
from  Virginia  about  1840.  In  early  life  he  married,  and  to  him  and  wife  were  born  three 
children:  Isabella,  Lou  and  James  H.  Mrs.  Porter  died  in  the  fall  of  1807,  and 
Mr.  Porter  then  married  Miss  Catharine  Peck,  and  four  children  were  born  to  them: 
Amelia,  Mary,  Saunders  and  Robert.  Saunders  died  in  1866.  In  1865  Stephen  S.  Por- 
ter moved  to  Maury  County,  where  he  has  since  lived,  engaged  in  farming.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  James  H.  Porter  was  educated 
at  Spring  Hill,  Maury  County,  and  in  1876  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alice  A.  Potter. 
They  have  three  children  : Walter  S.,  Ellen  A.  and  Florence  E.  In  1877  Mr.  Porter 
came  to  Williamson  County  and  purchased  his  present  farm  of  131  acres  of  line  land. 
He  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  county,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  South. 

PETER  H.  REED,  farmer  and  fruit  grower  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  this  county  in  1824  and  is  one  of  four  children — one  daughter  and  three  sons — born  to 
the  marriage  of  Andrew  and  Nancy  Reed,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  res- 
pectively, who  came  to  this  State  and  county  at  an  early  day.  Our  subject  was  the  eldest 
of  the  family  and  following  him  were  Andrew  J.,  Mary  F.  and  William  F.  Peter  H.  re- 
ceived a very  limited  education  and  from  early  boyhood  has  been  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  Of.  late  years  he  has  given  a great  deal  of 
attention  to  raising  fruit,  and  is  known  throughout  the  county  as  a successful  fruit  raiser. 
He  has  been  fairly  prosperous  in  all  his  undertakings  and  is  regarded  as  a very  industri- 
ous farmer.  He  served  two  years  in  the  late  war  in  the  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regiment, 
under  Col.  Battle.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  his  father,  Andrew  Reed,  was  a cap- 
tain in  the  war  of  1812  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  Our  subject  is  a 
bachelor  and  of  Irish  descent. 

GIDEON  W.  RIGGS,  deceased,  was  born  in  this  county  November  17,  1845,  and  is 
the  son  of  Gideon  and  Catharine  (Holden)  Riggs,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina 
and  Ireland.  The  father  was  born  March  8,  1790,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  but  a lad. 
He  died  November  17,  1879.  The  mother  was  born  September  1,  1815,  and  at  an  early  age 
immigrated  to  Alabama,  and  from  there  to  Tennessee,  where  she  married  Mr.  Riggs,  she 
being  his  third  wife.  She  died  August  10,  1864.  Our  subject  followed  farming  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  his  life  and  in  1862  entered  the  Confederate  service,  where  he  remained  two 
years,  being  discharged  on  account  of  ill  health.  In  1866  our  subject  married  Miss  Nan- 
nie Jordan,  a native  of  this  county,  born  December  28,  1842,  and  the  daughter  of  Newton 
and  Mary  Jordan,  both  natives  of  this  State.  The  father  was  born  in  1803  and  the  mother 
in  1805;  they  were  married  in  the  year  1827  and  had  thirteen  children  born  to  their  union, 
■five  of  whom  are  yet  living.  The  mother  died  February  10,  1885.  Our  subject  and  wife 
became  the  parents  of  seven  children:  Gideon,  born  in  1867;  Kate,  born  in  1868;  Lillie  M., 
born  in  1870;  Emmet,  born  in  1871;  Jordan,  born  in  1873;  Oliver,  born  in  1876,  and  Earl, 
born  in  1877.  May  17,  1879,  our  subject  passed  from  life,  and  since  that  time  the  widow 
assumed  control  of  the  farm,  cultivates  a portion  and  rents  the  remainder  out.  This  farm 
contains  250  acres  of  land  in  a fair  state  of  cultivation.  Mrs.  Riggs  and  eldest  daughter 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

HIRAM  E.  RING,  deceased,  was  the  son  of  George  Ring,  and  spent  his  early  life  in 
the  city  of  Lancaster,  Ohio.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  entered  the  college  at  Granville) 
Ohio,  from  which  he  afterward  graduated  and  then  began  teaching,  which  he  continued 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1005 


•until  1845.  About  this  time  Mr.  Ring  volunteered  in  Company  I,  Second  Regiment  of 
Ohio  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Col.  George  W.  Morgan,  and  participated  in  some  of 
the  battles  of  the  Mexican  war.  In  1847  he  was  discharged  at  New  Orleans  and  re- 
turned home.  He  then  came  to  Nashville  and  engaged  in  teaching,  where  he  remained 
until  1848,  after  which  he  moved  to  Williamson  County  and  located  in  the  Sixth  District. 
June  12,  1849,  he  wedded  Miss  Emma  T.  Motheral,  daughter  of  Joseph  Motheral,.of  Will- 
iamson County,  whose  father  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  county.  To  the 
union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ring  were  born  two  children:  Henry  H.  and  Leonidas  R.,  both 
living.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  Ring  lived  two  years  in  Sumner  County,  after  which  he 
moved  to  Dover  in  Stewart  County,  and  took  charge  of  the  Male  Academy  at  that  place. 
He  continued  teaching  until  his  death,  which  occurred  October,  1858.  He  was  a member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  After  her  husband’s  death,  Mrs.  Ring 
returned  to  her  home  where  she  lived  with  her  father  until  1872,  when  his  death  occurred. 
Mrs.  Ring  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  still  living  at  her  residence  in 
the  Sixth  District. 

W.  T.  ROBERTS,  a successful  farmer,  was  born  in  this  State  October  11,  1850,  and 
is  the  son  of  William  R.  Roberts,  a native  of  this  State,  born  April  17,  1817,  and  who  mar- 
ried our  subject’s  mother,  Charity  E.  Demumbrane,  in  1840.  She  was  a native  of  Ten- 
nessee, born  about  1820.  Mrs.  Roberts  died  October  27,  1855,  and  William  Roberts  mar- 
ried Rebecca  J.  Merrett,  June  24,  1858.  The  second  Mrs.  Roberts  died  October  5,  1859, 
and  in  1873  Mr.  Roberts  took  for  his  third  wife  Miss  Ella  Bradley,  a native  of  this  State, 
born  July  27,  1840.  Our  subject's  grandfather,  Benjamin  Roberts,  was  born  in  Virginia 
May  20,  1776,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  His  wife,  Juda  Fuqua,  was  also  born  in 
Virginia.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  is  at  present  living  with  his  father  at 
the  old  homestead;  this  farm  lies  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  county  and  contains  110 
acres  of  average  land.  He  directs  his  attention  principally  to  raising  corn  and  small 
grain.  He  has  a large,  commodious  residence,  well  located  on  the  farm.  His  father  is  a 
member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  In  1876  our  subject  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Elizabeth  T.  Bradley,  a native  of  this  State,  born  June  29,  1853.  To  this  union 
were  born  two  children;  one  died  in  infancy;  the  other,  William  R.,  born  August  31, 
1879,  is  still  living.  Mrs.  Roberts  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 
Politically  Mr.  Roberts  and  father  are  Democrats. 

CAPT.  WILLIAM  J,  ROBINSON  was  born  September  28,  1832,  and  his  early  life 
was  passed  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  district  school.  In  1861  he  en- 
listed in  Company  A,  Twentieth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of 
Fort  Donelson,  Fishing  Creek,  Parkerls  Cross  Roads,  and  was  also  in  many  skirmishes, 
where  he  was  wounded.  In  1863  he  was  promoted  to  captain  of  Company  D,  of  Napier's 
battalion,  and  afterward  of  Cox’s  Tenth  Tennessee  Regiment.  Capt.  Robinson  was  capt- 
ured September,  1863,  and  carried  to  Johnson’s  Island,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  eighteen 
months.  He  was  paroled  just  before  Lee’s  surrender.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  re- 
turned home,  and  in  1866  was  married  to  Miss  Sallie  N.  Newsom,  daughter  of  James  E. 
Newsom,  of  Davidson  County,  and  by  her  he  is  the  father  of  five  children:  Walter,  Cath- 
arine L.,  Bellefield  N.,  Baley  P.  and  Sallie  N.,  four  of  whom  are  now  living.  Capt. 
Robinson  was  married  a second  time  to  Miss  Ella  V.  Newsom,  June  28,  1877,  and  five 
children  blessed  this  union:  William  J.,  James  T.,  Susie  N.,  Sallie  M.  and  Ella  V.,  all  of 
whom  are  now  living.  Our  subject  is  the  son  of  James  C.  and  Susan  (Litton)  Robinson. 
The  father  was  born  in  Virginia,  October  5,  1795,  and  in  quite  early  life  he  served  an  ap- 
prenticeship with  a cabinet-maker.  After  finishing  his  apprenticeship  he  went  to  Ken- 
tucky and  there  followed  his  trade.  He  afterward  moved  to  Nashville,  where  he  was 
married,  February  6,  1828.  In  1840  be  moved  to  Williamson  County  and  located  in  the 
Sixth  District,  on  the  place  known  as  Blue  Springs.  He  was  a member  of  the  Legislature 
during  the  years  1847-48.  He  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  died  Octo- 
ber 1?,  1852.  His  widow  died  July  28,  1863.  She  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South. 


63 


1006 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


JOHN  HENRY  ROLFFS  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  May  25, 1843,  son  of  John 
and  Kate  (Yon  Bastel)  Ro'lffs,  and  of  German  lineage.  The  parents  of  Mr.  Rolffs  were 
both  born  in  Germany.  Our  subject’s  father  was  a soldier  in  the  battle  of  Waterloo  un- 
der Wellington.  The  Rolffs  family  came  to  America  about  1850,  landing  at  New  Orleans, 
and  came  by  river  to  Nashville,  where  the  parents  of  our  subject  died.  He  is  the  eighth 
of  nine  children,  was  reared  in  the  city  of  Nashville  and  attended  the  schools  there.  In 
1859  he"  began  working  as  an  apprentice  at  the  tinner’s  trade  and  worked  at  this  for  some 
time.  In  1866  he  came  to  Franklin  and  engaged  in  the  house-furnishing  business,  which 
he  has  followed  nearly  ever  since.  In  1871  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Miss  Mary  Jane 
Pugh,  of  Franklin,  though  a native  of  New  York  City,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one 
child,  Anna  Pugh.  Mr.  Rolffs  is  a Democrat  and  a Mason  (Knight  Templar).  He  is  one 
of  the  oldest  merchants  of  Franklin  and  also  one  of  the  most  successful. 

ASHLEY  B.  ROZELL  may  be  mentioned  as  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  grower  of 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  the  Palmeto  State  June  11,  1802,  and  is  a son  of 
Solomon  and  Mary  Rozell.  who  were  born  in  Maryland  and  North  Carolina,  respectively. 
They  were  married  in  North  Carolina  in  1800,  and  immigrated  to  this  State  about  1804 
and  located  in  Williamson  County,  but  soon  moved  to  West  Tennessee  where  they  re- 
mained several  years,  afterward  moving  to  Shelby  County,  locating  near  Memphis,  where 
both  father  and  mother  died.  To  them  were  born  six  children — five  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter— named  Ashley  B.,  Yerbie  P.,  Rufard  A.,  Martha  D.,  Blackman  L.  and  Claybion  W. 
Our  subject  received  a common  school  education  and  always  followed  the  occupation  of 
farming.  In  1821  he  became  a minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Tennessee  Conference  until  1833.  Since 
that  time  he  has  been  a local  minister  and  is  widely  known  in  the  State.  In  1828  he  was 
married  to  Margaret  M.  Rolston,  who  was  born  in  1809,  and  the  daughter  of  Maj.  Alex- 
ander Rolston.  She  died  in  1830,  and  in  1832  he  wedded  Henrietta  S.  Burnett,  born  in 
1810,  daughter  of  Brooken  Burnett,  of  Rutherford  County.  They  have  five  children: 
Mary  T.,  Logan  D.,  Ruford  B.,  Martha  C.  and  Ashley  B.  Mrs.  Rozell  died  in  1846,  and 
for  his  third  wife  Mr.  Rozell  took  Martha  A.  Chambers.  She  is  a daughter  of  Thomas 
and  Nancy  Chambers,  of  Virginia,  and  was  born  in  1823.  To  them  were  born  four  chil- 
dren: William  R.,  Henrietta,  Lockie  B.  and  Lizzie  B.  The  family  are  all  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  their  early  ancestors  were  among  the  first  families 
that  settled  in  the  State.  They  are  of  French  descent.  Mr.  Rozell  has  been  quite  pros- 
perous, and  in  1865  located  on  his  farm  of  420  acres  of  valuable  land,  known  as  the  Mount 
View  stock  farm. 

A.  G.  SCALES,  an  old  and  prominent  citizen  of  this  county,  was  born  in  Tennessee 
October  14,  1821.  His  father,  Joseph  G.  Scales,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  about  1795, 
and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father  when  seventeen  years  old.  He  was  of  English 
extraction  and  a farmer  by  occupation.  Our  subject’s  mother,  Frances  Webb,  was  bom 
in  Virginia  about  1801,  and  came  to  Tennessee,  where  she  married  Joseph  G.  Scales  in 
1815,  and  became  the  mother  of  sixteen  children,  five  of  whom  are  yet  living.  Mr.  Scales 
died  in  1870,  and  his  widow  followed  him  in  1875.  October  16,  1845,  our  subject  wedded 
Miss  Martha  E.  Lavender,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  December  5,  1821,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Nelson  and  Nancy  ( Bugg)  Lavender.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight 
children.  William  N.,  Fletcher  A.,  Laura  M.,  James  A.,  Allie  A.,  Joseph  D.,  Charles  E. 
and  Samuel  W.  Mrs.  Scales  died  April  22,  1863,  and  he  took  for  his  second  wife  Eliza  L. 
Westervelt,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  November  20,  1839,  and  the  daughter  of  Dr. 
Peter  A.  and  Ann  W.  (Gribble)  Westervelt.  By  this  last  union  Mr.  Scales  became  the 
father  of  five  children:  Frank  B.,  born  in  1867;  Peter  S.,  born  in  1869;  Risdon  G.,  born 
in  1871;  Willis  C.,  born  in  1875,  and  Frances  H.,  born  in  1882.  Our  subject  was  reared  on 
a farm  and  lives  in  sight  of  his  birth-place.  He  started  out  to  make  a living  for  himself 
when  quite  young,  and  by  close  application  and  hard  work  accumulated  considerable 
wealth,  which  he  retained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  chairman  of  the  Vigilance 
Committee  organized  during  the  war.  His  farm  was  often  made  the  camping  grounds  of 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1007 


both  armies  at  different  times,  who  destroyed  his  fences  and  carried  off  his  stock  and  also  his 
slaves,  who  numbered  about  thirty,  leaving  him  nothing  to  cultivate  his  farm.  About  the 
close  of  the  war  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  this  district.  He  was  substan- 
tiated before  the  United  States  Court  as  a loyal  man  and  succeeded  in  getting  a claim  of 
§1,260  some  time  after  peace  was  declared.  He  has  donated  money  for  the  erection  of 
churches  in  all  directions.  He  has  a tine  farm  of  300  acres  lying  on  both  sides  of  the 
Farmington  & Fayetteville  Pike.  He  takes  great  pride  in  rearing  fine  stock  and  has 
some  fine  blooded  animals  at  his  place.  He  has  been  trustee  of  the  Male  and  Female  Col- 
lege at  College  Grove  from  its  beginning.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  devout 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  SCALES  first  saw  the  light  of  day  on  the  24th  of  January,  1829,  in  this  county. 
His  parents,  John  and  Sallie  Scales,  came  to  Tennessee  from  North  Carolina  about  1820. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  sons,  our  subject  being  the  third.  From  early  boyhood  he 
has  been  a farmer  and  now  deals  also  in  stock  and  owns  seventy-nine  acres  of  valuable 
and  well  improved  farming  land,  a part  of  the  same  in  a high  state  of  cultivation.  He 
located  on  his  farm  in  1885.  September  4,  1884,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Bettie  E. 
Sayers,  who  was  born  August  28,  1856,  and  is  a daughter  of  Abner  and  Jane  Sayers,  who 
are  natives  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scales  have  one  child,  a son  named 
John.  Mr.  Scales  is  a strong  supporter  of  Democratic  principles.  The  family  were  early 
settlers  of  Tennessee  and  have  always  been  considered  valuable  citizens.  They  are  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent  and  some  of  their  early  ancestors  were  participants  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war  and  the  war  of  1812. 

PLEASANT  D.  SCALES,  son  of  Samuel  and  Melissa  A.  A.  (Wilson)  Scales,  was 
born  in  Tennessee,  October  1,  1839.  His  father  died  in  1841,  and  his  mother  then  married 
Matthew  Wilson,  by  whom  she  had  three  children.  Our  subject  lived  on  a farm  in  Ruther- 
ford County  until  eleven  years  of  age,  when  he  came  to  this  county  and  farmed  until 
1857.  He  then  clerked  in  a store  two  years,  after  which  he  attended  school  at  College 
Grove,  where  he  remained  until  1861.  He  then  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Twenty-fourth 
Tennessee  Regiment,  and  remained  in  service  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1865  he  came 
home  and  began  merchandising  at  Bethesda,  which  he  has  continued  ever  since.  He  is 
also  postmaster  at  the  same  place.  May  24,  1876,  our  subject  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar 
Miss  Mary  O.  Ratcliffe,  a native  of  this  State,  born  March  11,  1852,  and  the  daughter  of 
Francis  G.  and  Martha  (Reams)  Ratcliffe.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scales  were  born  four 
children:  Ella,  born  June  23,  1877;  Eva  M.,  born  February  14,  1879;  Annie  C.  (deceased), 
born  May  16,  1881,  and  Frank  E.,  born  April  23,  1884.  In  1883  Mr.  Scales  was  elected 
magistrate  in  this  district  and  holds  the  office  at  the  present  time.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity  and  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  his  wife  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

YOUNG  SCRUGGS,  son  of  Edward  and  Althea  (Hassel)  Scruggs,  was  born  in  Will- 
iamson  County,  Tenn.,  February  17,  1840.  His  father  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  at 
an  early  day  came  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Williamson  County.  He  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812  under  Gen.  Jackson,  and  when  about  thirty  years  of  age  was  married  to 
Miss  Althea  Hassel,  and  nine  children  were  born  to  them:  Thomas  (deceased),  William, 
Joseph,  Edward,  John,  Drury  (deceased),  Theo,  Young  and  Nancy.  Edward  Scruggs, 
Sr.,  died  in  1847.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  town  of  Frank- 
lin. He  has  always  followed  the  occupation  of  farming,  and  owns  360  acres  of  fine  and 
well  cultivated  land.  In  1874  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  Bennett,  and  four  children  have 
been  born  to  them,  named  Allen  M.,  Edward  H.,  Mattie  T.  and  Louie,  who  died  in  1880.. 
Mr.  Scruggs  was  a Confederate  soldier  and  enlisted  in  the  First  Tennessee  Regiment  under 
Col.  George  Manny,  and  was  a faithful  and  brave  soldier.  Since  that  time  he  has  been 
a resident  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  much  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who 
know  him. 

THEO  SCRUGGS  is  a son  of  Edward  and  Althea  (Hassel)  Scruggs,  and  was  born 
December  4,  1834,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  (For  parents’  life  see  sketch  of  YToung 


1008 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Scruggs.)  His  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  his  education  was 
obtained  in  Franklin,  Tenn.,  under  Andrew  Campbell.  He  has  always  been  a tiller  of  the 
soil  and  has  met  with  good  succesjs.  He  owns  400  acres  of  fertile  and  well  cultivated 
land  and  is  doing  well  financially.  In  1878  he  took  for  his  companion  and  helpmate 
through  life  Miss  Lizzie  Bond,  who  died  shortly  after  her  marriage,  and  he  then  wedded 
Miss  Isabella  White.  They  have  no  children.  Mr.  Scruggs  is  a leading  member  of  the 
Christian  Church  and  is  one  of  the  first  citizens  in  the  county. 

COL.  SAMUEL  E.  SHANNON  is  a son  of  Samuel  R.  and  Elizabeth  Shannon,  and 
was  born  March  12,  1888,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.  The  parents  were  married  in 
1828,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children:  Tennessee  E.,  Robert  W.,  MaryF.,  Sarah 
A.,  Thomas  G.,  Samuel  E.,  Cornelia  P.  and  Martha  V.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  re- 
ceived a good  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  was  a teacher  of  the  county  until 
1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Regiment  with  the  rank  of  sec- 
ond lieutenant,  and  was  promoted  to  captain,  then  major,  and  lastly  to  lieutenant-col- 
onel. He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Corinth,  Miss. ; Perryville,  Ky. ; Murfrees- 
boro, Chickamauga,  Missionary  Ridge,  Jonesboro,  Atlanta  and  Franklin.  Since  the  war 
Mr.  Shannon  has  been  engaged  in  farming,  aud  owns  280  acres  of  well  improved  land. 
He  has  been  quite  prosperous  in  his  undertakings,  and  by  his  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment has  made  himself  a good  home.  He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  H.  Roberts  March 
7,  1866.  She  was  born  November  4,  1837,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Benjamin  F.  and  Mar- 
garet Roberts,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee.  Mr.  Shannon  is  a Democrat,  and  in  August. 
1876,  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and  has  been  a faithful  and  efficient  performer  of 
his  duties., 

J.  A.  SHORT,  a prosperous  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  April  25,  1839,  and  re- 
ceived his  education  in  the  common  schools.  In  1861  he  obeyed  his  country’s  call  and 
volunteered  to  fight  her  battles.  He  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Twentieth  Tennessee  In- 
fantry, and  was  a participant  in  several  battles  of  note,  viz.:  Shiloh-,  Murfreesboro, 

Chickamauga  and  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  also  numerous  minor  engagements.  He  was 
wounded  three  times  during  the  war,  and  at  its  close  returned  home,  and  is  now  engaged 
in  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  and  B.  F.  Short,  his  brother,  own  about  700  acres  of 
land.  Our  subject’s  parents  were  William  H.  and  Juda  (Atkinson)  Short.  The  father 
was  a native  of  Halifax  County,  Va.,  and  in  1808  he  left  his  native  State  and  immigrated 
to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  July  28,  1881.  The  mother  was  a daughter  of  the  late  Elder  John 
Atkinson,  of  Virginia,  who  was  a noted  preacher  of  his  day,  and  a descendant  of  one  of 
the  first  families  of  Virginia. 

WILLIAM  H.  SMITH  was  born  in  Powhattan  County,  Va.,  February  6,  1829,  son  of 
Francis  S.  and  Elizabeth  C.  (Lockett)  Smith,  who  were  of  English  and  French  descent, 
and  horn  in  1801  and  1808,  respectively,  in  Virginia.  The  family  removed  to  Missouri  iu 
1839,  and  then  to  Alabama  in  1846,  after  which  our  subject  came  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in 
1852.  He  received  his  preparatory  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  afterward  grad- 
uated from  Howard  College,  Ala.  He  then  took  a Latin  and  Greek  course  in  Franklin 
College,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  at,  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  enlisted  in  the  Forty- 
fourth  Tennessee,  afterward  transferred  to  the  Thirty-fifth  Tennessee,  Polk’s  brigade, 
and  was  clerk  in  the  quartermaster’s  department.  He  was  married,  January  18,  1854,  to 
Miss  Mary  E.  Moore,  of  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  Mrs.  Smith  was  born  near  the  Hermit- 
age November  17,  1830.  To  them  were  born  seven  children,  two  of  whom  are  dead.  Mr. 
Smith  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  is  a 
farmer  and  nurseryman,  and  for  about  twelve  years  before  the  war  taught  school.  Mrs. 
Smith’s  parents  were  John  and  Mary  (Stewart)  Moore,  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Ten- 
nessee in  1795  and  1800,  and  of  Irish-Scotch  descent,  respectively.  The  father  died  in 
1878,  and  the  mother  in  1862.  Their  family  consisted  of  seven  children.  Mrs.  Smith’s 
grandfather,  William  Stewart,  came  from  Scotland  to  America  when  eighteen  years  of 
age,  and  was  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  the  Hermitage,  and  died  about  1848. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812  under  Gen.  Jackson. 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1009 


SAMUEL  A.  SMITH  was  bom  in  this  county  June  4.  1844,  and  is  the  son  of  William 
M.  and  Margaret  M.  Smith,  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  in  1809,  and  died 
about  1872.  The  mother  was  born  September  26,  1814,  and  died  November  20.  1857.  Our 
subject’s  grandfather,  John  Smith,  was  born  in  the  last  century,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
in  1809  and  located  on  the  farm  on  which  our  subject  is  now  living.  Samuel  A.  Smith 
passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm,  and  is  now  living  on  the  farm  of  his  birth,  which 
lies  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  county,  and  contains  eighty-five  acres  of  land  in  a 
good  state  of  cultivation.  In  1868  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry, and  remained  with  that  company  until  captured  at  Middleton,  Tenn.  After  remain- 
ing a prisoner  about  six  weeks  he  was  exchanged.  In  1864  he,  with  several  others,  left 
the  company  and  went  to  Mississippi  and  joined  Gen.  N.  B.  Forrest’s  command,  where 
they  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  in  the  memorable  battle  of  Franklin, 
and  had  many  narrow  escapes,  but  never  received  a wound.  November  8,  1866,  he  wed- 
ded Miss  Mary  F.  Smith,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  July  8,  1849,  and  the  daughter  of 
William  N.  and  Martha  A.  (Giles)  Smith.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  four  chil- 
dren: William  N.  M.  (deceased),  born  in  1867;  Margaret  A.,  born  in  1870;  Annie,  born  in 
1873,  and  Jennie  P.  (deceased),  born  in  1875.  Mrs.  Smith  died  January  9,  1878,  and  our 
subject  then  married  Miss  Louella  Chriesman,  in  January,  1879.  She  was  born  in  this 
State  September  11,  1860,  and  is  the  daughter  of  David  V.  and  Lydia  A.  (Dunlap)  Chries- 
man.  By  this  last  union  our  subject  became  the  father  of  two  children:  Samuel  D.,  born 
in  1880,  andEffie  M.,  born  in  1882.  In  1876  Mr.  Smith  was  elected  constable,  and  held  the 
office  for  six  years.  He  is  at  present  deputy  sheriff.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  as  is  also  his  two  eldest  children.  In  politics  he 
is  a Democrat. 

NATHANIEL  N.  SMITHSON,  a respected  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  was  born 
in  this  State  April  2,  1826.  He  received  his  education  as  the  average  country  boy  in  the 
district  schools.  November  30,  1851,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  K.  Johnson,  a native 
of  Tennessee,  born  March  8,  1833,  and  the  daughter  of  Jesse  and  Dolly  (Smithson)  John- 
son. Our  subject  and  wife  were  blessed  by  an  interesting  family  of  ten  children:  James 
M.,  born  in  1852:  Joseph  P.,  born  in  1855;  Tandy  (deceased),  born  in  1857;  Elijah  K., 
born  in  1860;  Dolly  A.,  born  in  1863;  Martha  P.,  born  in  1865,  Permelia  (deceased),  born 
in  1867;  Mary  E.,  born  in  1879;  Lydia  O.,  born  in  1874,  and  Jesse  W.  (deceased),  born  in 
1877.  In  1870  our  subjeet  moved  to  his  present  location  in  the  edge  of  Peytonsville,  where 
he  has  a fine  farm  of  190  acres;  besides  this  he  has  another  farm  of  400  acres  in  another  part 
of  the  county.  He  is  a Mason,  a stanch  Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Smithson  is  the 
son  of  Tandy  S.  and  Ann  (Cheatham)  Smithson.  Her  father,  a native  of  Virginia,  was 
born  in  1802,  and  died  in  1873,  and  the  mother  was  born  in  1804. 

GEORGE  W.  SMITHSON,  of  the  firm  of  Smithson,  Kenneday,  Hodge  & Co.,  is  a native 
of  Lunenburg  County,  Va.,  his  birthday  being  December  30,  1838,  son  of  William  G.  and 
Mary  Smithson,  whose  maiden  name  was  Crenshaw.  The  parents  were  born  in  Virginia, 
the  father  in  1819  and  the  mother  in  1820.  The  family  is  of  English  extraction  and  came 
to  Tennessee  about  1840.  There  the  mother  of  our  subject  died  in  1846  and  the  father  in 
1852.  Our  subject  lived  on  a farm  until  he  reached  the  age  of  thirteen,  when  he  began 
clerking  in  the  store  of  Charles  W.  Smithson  at  Peytonsville,  this  county.  He  continued  as 
clerk  until  1859,  when  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself  at  Peytonsville  in  partnership 
with  John  C.  Helms,  and  remained  in  this  business  until  1861.  He  then  enlisted  in  Capt. 
Ewing’s  company.  First  Battalion,  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  was  twice  wounded,  once  at 
Paducah,  Ky.,  and  again  at  the  battle  of  Franklin,  Tenn.  In  1865  he  came  to  Franklin 
and  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  and  the  same  he  now  continues.  From  October, 
1883,  to  March,  1885,  he  was  cashier  of  the  Farmers’  National  Bank,  of  Franklin.  In  the 
spring  of  1885  he  became  a partner  of  the  firm,  Smithson,  Kenneday,  Hodge  & Co.  This 
is  the  most  extensive  dry  goods  store  in  Franklin,  and  is  doing  a large  t.ade.  In  1871  he 
wedded  Miss  Sallie  M.  Henderson,  daughter  of  Dr.  Samuel  Henderson  of  this  county.  To 


1010 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smithson  were  born  four  children:  Janey,  George  H.,  Mary  and  Sallie. 
Mr.  Smithson  is  a first-class  citizen,  a Democrat,  a Royal  Arch  Mason,  and  his  wife  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

DR.  SETH  C.  SPARKMAN  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  November  27, 
1830,  son  of  Seth  and  Rebecca  (Latta)  Sparkman,  who  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and 
were  born  in  Tennessee  and  North  Carolina,  respectively,  in  1797.  After  his  fourth  year 
the  father  was  a resident  of  Williamson  County,  where  he  died  October  18,  1884,  and  the 
mother  April  20,  1883.  Our  subject  is  the  fourth  of  seven  children,  and  received  his  edu- 
cation in  the  best  schools  of  the  county,  after  which  he  chose  the  profession  of  mediciue 
and  read  with  Dr.  J.  T.  Cox.  He  attended  lectures  at  Macon,  Ga.,  and  obtained  a diploma. 
He  was  married  September  27,  1866,  to  Lucy  M.  Cummins,  daughter  of  William  Cummins. 
They  have  two  children:  Ernest,  born  March  9,  1868,  and  Lena,  born  December  23, 
1870  The  Doctor  has  practiced  his  profession  successfully  for  twenty  years.  He  owns  576 
acres  of  land,  and  is  neutral  in  politics.  He  is  a Mason  and  his  family  belong  to  the  Church 
of  Christ.  John  Latta,  father  of  Mrs.  Sparkman,  was  born  about  1764,  and  came  to 
Tennessee  from  North  Carolina  in  1813,  and  died  September  15,  1827.  Our  subject’s 
father.  Seth  Sparkman,  was  reared  on  a farm  in  the  cane  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn. 
His  early  education  was  limited,  but  with  advancing  years  he  acquired  a fair  education. 
July  9,  1822,  he  was  married,  and  followed  blacksmithing  and  farming  through  life,  and 
also  practiced  medicine  to  some  extent.  His  father  was  William  Sparkman,  born  in  1764, 
in  North  Carolina.  He  came  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1796.  He  moved  to  Williamson 
County,  Tenn.,  in  1801.  He  died  March  15,  1832. 

JAMES  T.  SPARKMAN,  farmer  and  stock  breeder,  was  born  in  Williamson  County. 
Tenn.,  August  16,  1836,  son  of  Seth  and  Rebecca  (Latta)  Sparkman,  and  is  of  Scotch-Irish 
descent  (for  history  of  ancestors  see  sketch  of  Dr.  S.  C.  Sparkman).  Our  subject  was  edu- 
cated in  the  common  schools,  and  spent  the  free  and  happy  life  of  a farmer’s  boy.  He 
has  been  twice  married.  The  first  time  to  Miss  M.  .J.  Dabney,  who  bore  him  four  chil- 
dren: Dabney,  born  December  30,  1860;  Latta,  born  July  4,  1864;  Tabitha  C.,born  Septem- 
ber 15.  1862,  and  died  June  1,  1863;  and  Mary  P.,  born  September  23,  1867,  and  died  De- 
cember 16,  1869.  Mrs.  Sparkman  was  born  March  21,  1842.  and  died  June  4,  1873.  Octo- 
ber 10,  1876,  he  wedded  Miss  Laura  King,  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  born  June  23. 
1849.  The  entire  family  belong  to  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Sparkman  owns  a farm  of 
280  acres,  which  is  under  good  cultivation  and  which  yields  fair  profits. 

THOMAS  W.  SPARKMAN  was  born  on  the  same  farm  where  he  now  resides  June 
14,  1812.  He  is  a son  of  William  and  Rosanna  (Williams)  Sparkman  (see  note  of  father  in 
Dr.  S.  C.  Sparkman’s  sketch).  William  Sparkman’s  family  consisted  of  nine  children— 
four  daughters  and  five  sons.  Our  subject  was  the  youngest,  was  reared  on  a farm,  and 
received  a common  school  education,  and  has  made  farming  his  chief  business  through 
life.  September  23,  1840,  he  was  married  to  Miss  I).  Fitzgerald,  and  for  his  second  wife- 
married  Miss  Nellie  Ann  White,  March  16,  1843.  His  first  wife  died  August  11,  1841.  His 
second  wife  was  born  November  2,  1822,  and  died  August  21,  1879.  She  became  the 
mother  of  twelve  children — eight  sons  and  four  daughters.  Four  sons  are  dead.  Mr. 
Sparkman  was  in  the  Home  Guard  service  during  the  war,  being  too  old  for  the  army,  but 
was  represented  by  both  sons  and  sons-in-law.  He  and  family  belong  to  the  Christian 
Church. 

JOHN  B.  SPROTT  was  born  in  this  State  May  19,  1826,  and  is  the  son  of  Blythe  and 
Rachael  Sprott,  the  father  born  in  North  Carolina  December  29,  1792,  and  died  June  15. 
1868.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  Creek  and  In- 
dian war.  The  mother  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  the  year  1794,  and  died 
April  1,  1840.  Our  subject  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Crutcher,  a native  of 
this  county,  born  June  4,  1831,  and  the  daughter  of  A.  P.  and  Jane  P.  (Children)  Crutcher. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sprott  were  born  ten  children:  Ophelia  Z .,  born  1851;  Absalom  B.,  born 
1853;  Rachael,  born  1855;  Mary  V.,  born  1857;  Sarah  M.,  born  1861;  Emma  C.,  born  1863: 
John  A.,  born  1865;  Thomas  P.,  born  1868;  Nora  P.,  born  1871.  and  James  F.  P..  born 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1011 


1877.  Our  subject  lived  on  a farm  till  1845,  after  which  he  taught  school  for  several  years. 
He  traded  considerably  in  stock  in  early  life,  and  during  the  late  war  was  the  errand  man 
for  the  neighborhood.  In  1866  he  was  elected  magistrate  in  this  district,  which  office  he 
held  for  several  years.  In  1853  he  moved  to  his  farm,  which  lies  in  the  southeastern  por- 
tion of  the  county,  and  contains  250  acres  of  good  land.  He  formerly  raised  considerable 
stock,  but  of  late  years  directs  his  attention  chiefly  to  raising  corn,  tobacco,  and  small 

I grain.  Hehasa  farm  of  193  acres  in  the  Eleventh  District,  and  another  of  seventy  acres.  He 
had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his  wife  in  November,  1878.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

WILLIAM  H.  SPROTT  was  born  March  23, 1835,  and  is  the  son  of  Blythe  and  Rachael 
Sprott,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  Our  subject  led  to  the  altar,  in  1860,  Mary  S.  Foster, 
a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  August  7,  1846,  and  the  daughter  of  Henry  and 
Susan  (Stevenson)  Foster,  natives,  respectively,  of  South  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  To 
our  subjet  and  wife  were  born  three  children:  Rachael  J.,  born  March  10,  1866;  William 
H.,  born  July  20,  1869,  and  Minnie  M.,  born  December  16,  1875.  Mr.  Sprott  was  reared 
on  a farm  and  is  living  in  the  house  of  his  birth.  He  has  followed  farming  from  early 
boyhood  and  has  been  quite  successful.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Forty-fifth  Tennessee 
Regiment  and  remained  with  his  company'  until  captured  in  Georgia  April  17,  1864,  when 
lie  was  taken  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  retained  eleven  months.  He  returned  unscathed 
from  the  war  with  the  exception  of  a slight  wound.  His  farm  lies  in  the  southeastern 
portion  of  the  county  and  coutains  ninety-one  acres  of  land  in  a good  state  of  cultivation. 
Politically  Mr.  Sprott  is  a Democrat.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South. 

JAMES  P.  SPROTT  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  June  19,  1832,  and  is  the  son 
of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (Podgett)  Sprott,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and 
Virginia.  The  father  was  born  January  26,  1791,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father 
when  but  a child.  He  died  April  1,  1876.  The  mother  was  born  about  1803  and  died 
about  1830.  Our  subject  passed  his  early  life  on  the  farm,  and  when  a young  man  learned 
the  saddler’s  trade  and  also  the  tailor’s  trade  which  he  followed  for  about  two  years.  In 
1857  he  married  Miss  Caroline  Pratt,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in  the  year  1842,  and  to 
this  union  was’born  one  child,  Caroline  G.  He  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his  wife  Sep- 
tember 19,  1860,  and  took  for  his  second  wife  M.  M.  Herron,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born 
March  2, 1833,  and  a daughter  of  James  H..  and  Maria  (Bond)  Herron,  natives,  respectively, 
of  Tennessee  and  Virginia.  To  this  last  union  one  child,  Jimmie,  was  born.  Mr.  Sprott 
is  at  present  living  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county  on  a farm  of  225  acres.  In  1861 
he  enlisted  in  the  army  and  after  remaining  there  about  eighteen  months  he  returned 
home  and  resumed  his  life-long  occupation  of  farming.  Mrs.  Sprott  is  a worthy  member 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Politically  Mr.  Sprott  is  a Democrat. 

JAMES  W.  STEVENS  first  saw  the  light  of  day  May  12, 1828,  in  Williamson  County, 

I Tenn.,  son  of  Edward  and  Nancy  Stevens,  who  had  born  to  their  union  ten  children— 
eight  sons  and  two  daughters.  Our  subject  was  the  ninth  child  and  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools.  He  began  life  very  poor  financially,  but  by  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment made  himself  a very  good  home,  and  is  comfortably  situated.  In  1870  he  purchased 
114  acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  has  since  resided.  February  9,  1848,  he  took  for  his  life 
companion  Nancy  Westbrook,  who  was  born  June  10,  1832,  a daughter  of  Thornton 
and  Betsy  Westbrook,  of  Tennessee.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens  were  born  these  children: 
Mary  E.,  Adaline,  Robert  L.,  Nancy  J.,  Henry,  Effie,  Ernest,  Walter  D.,  James  A.,  Joseph- 
ine, Beulah,  Thomas  and  Sarah.  The  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  in  politics  Mr.  Stevens  was  formerly  a Whig,  but  now  declines  to  side 
with  either  party.  His  ancestors  were  English. 

PARK  STREET,  farmer,  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  August  3,  1807,  in 
Lunenburg,  County,  Va.,  son  of  Anthony  and  Mary  Street,  born  in  the  “Old  Dominion” 
and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1811.  They  were  married  in  1803  and  became  the  parents  of 
four  sons:  Alexander,  James,  Park  and  Anthony  G.  The  father  served  very  conspicu- 


1012 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ously  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  a farmer.  He  died  in  1809  in  Virginia.  His 
wife  died  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  in  1849.  Our  subject  received  a common  school  ed- 
ucation in  the  Marshall  County  schools,  and  in  1828  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  general 
merchandise  business,  at  Fishing  Ford,  until  1830.  He  then  purchased  a farm  near  Col- 
umbia, in  Maury  County,  where  he  tilled  the  soil  until  1851,  and  then  purchased  his 
present  farm.  He  owns  155  acres  of  valuable  land  and  is  well-to-do  financially.  July  28, 
1829,  he  married  Mary  J.  Smith,  born  September  10,  1813,  daughter  of  James  and  Martha 
Smith, of  Virginia.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Street  were  born  eight  children:  William  M.,  John 
M.,  Ann  P.,  James  P.,  Eugene,  Mary  J.,  James  A.  and  Grief.  Mrs.  Street  died  November 
23,  1848,  and  May  8,  1850,  Mr.  Street  married  Christiana  Rainey,  who  was  born  February 
2,  1807,  widow  of  Maj.  Jesse  G.  Rainey  and  daughter  of  John  and  Frances  Raines,  natives 
of  West  Vii’ginia.  The"  second  wife  died  December  19,  1860,  and  for  his  third  wife  Mr. 
Street  took  Tennie  E.  J.  Barns,  February  5, 1862,  born  January  27,  1830,  daughter  of  Thomas 
and  Mourning  Barns.  To  them  were  born  one  son,  Claud  P.  Both  husband  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Street  is  a Democrat  and  a 
member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace  in  Maury  County,  and  was  elected 
to  the  same  office  in  this  county  in  1852,  holding  the  office  until  1882,  when  he  declined 
re-election.  The  Street  family  are  highly  respected  citizens  and  were  among  the  first  to 
settle  in  Tennessee. 

JAMES  J.  SAYERS,  deceased,  was  a prosperous  farmer  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.;  he  was  born  March  14,  1801.  His  parents,  Robert  and  Nancy  Sayers,  were  born 
in  Virginia  and  were  the  parents  of  six  children — four  sons  and  two  daughters.  The  par- 
ents came  to  Tennessee  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Here  our  subject  was. 
educated  in  the  best  schools  of  the  State  and  spent  several  years  of  his  early  life  as  a ped- 
agogue, and  instructed  and  ruled  his  pupils  with  more  than  ordinary  ability.  He  wedded 
Ann  M.  Taliaferro  January  29,  1835.  She  was  a daughter  of  Baldwin  and  Nancy  (Spots- 
wood)  Taliaferro,  and  was  born  March  6,  1806.  Her  parents  were  born  in  Virginia,  and 
the  Spotswood  family  were  among  the  F.  F.  V’s.  To  the  above  mentioned  union  were 
born  four  children:  Robert  B.,  Mary  E.,  Jimmie  A.  and  Sarah  J.  Our  subject  settled  on 
the  farm  where  he  died,  in  1844.  He  owned  700  acres  of  good  land,'  and  his  death,  which 
occurred  April  16,  1863,  was  felt  as  a universal  loss.  His  wife,  Ann  M.,  died  April  18, 
1886.  She  was  a woman  endowed  with  more  than  ordinary  intellect  and  was  for,  many 
years  a successful  teacher  in  the  county.  Both  parents  were  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  the  father  was  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  F.  & A.  M., 
and  the  early  members  of  his  family  figured  very  conspicuously  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 

JOHN  M.  STREET,  deceased,  was  a prominent  farmer  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  was  born  February  26,  1834,  son  of  Park  and  Mary  J.  Street,  who  were  born 
in  Virginia.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  spent  in  working  at  the  carpenter’s  trade. 
February  7,  1858,  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Vernon,  who  was  born  October  16,  1844,  and  is  the 
daughter  of  Ashlem  and  Nancy  Vernon,  who  were  natives  of  North  Carolina.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Street  were  born  ten  children:  Nancy  E.,  Mary  A.,  Lazinka  U.,  Jennie,  James 
P.,  William  D.,  Eugene,  John  A.,  Moffitt  and  David  A.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  Oc- 
tober 4,  1879,  our  subject  owned  212  acres  of  good  land.  Mr.  Street  was  a man  of  noble 
impulses  and  his  death  was  mourned  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  widow,  Mary  Street' 
married  Capt.  William  T Ridley  December  29,  1882,  and  to  them  was  born  a son  named 
Bunk.  The  Street  family  are  highly  respected  citizens,  have  been  known  in  Tennes- 
see for  almost  a century  and  are  of  Euglish  descent.  Mr.  Street  was  a Democrat  in  his, 
political  views  and  favored  the  principles  of  that  party. 

JOSEPHUS  L.  SWEENY,  blacksmith,  was  born  on  the  21st  of  February,  1842,  in 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.  He  is  one  of  seventeen  children — eleven  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters— -born  to  the  marriage  of  Charles  P.  Sweeny  and  Sallie  Huggins,  who  are  of  Irish  de- 
scent, born  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee  in  1816  and  1818,  respectively.  Both  are  yet 
living.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  was  reared  on  a farm, 
after  which  he  learned  the  blacksmith’s  and  wagon-maker’s  trade.  He  was  a soldier  in 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1013 


the  late  war  and  served  in  Baxter’s  artillery  for  over  two  years.  Since  the  close  of  the 
war  he  has  worked  at  his  trades  and  has  been  quite  successful.  April  19,  1866,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Minerva  Jane  Gathire,  bom  in  Edgefield,  Tenn.,  December  25,  1849.  To 
them  were  born  six  children:  Lemuel  F.,  born  June  10,  1867;  Edward  L.,  born  August  29, 
1869;  John  L.,  born  July  17,  1875;  Bouie  L.,  born  August  26,  1878;  Charles  D.,  born  Feb- 
ruary 15,  1885,  and  Annie  L.,  born  September  18,  1872.  Mr.  Sweeny  is  a Democrat  and 
he  and  wife  belong  to  the  Christian  Church. 

REV.  STEPHEN  ALLEN  TAYLOR  is  a son  of  William  Taylor,  who  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  and  was  a farmer  in  Georgia  for  about  eighteen  years.  In  early  life,  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Malinda  Nunn,  of  North  Carolina,  and  of  their  twelve  chil- 
dren eleven  grew  to  manhood  and  womanhood:  George,  Hiram,  Sallle,  Mary,  John, 
Nancy,  Solomon,  Stephen,  Martha,  James  and  Margaret.  William  Taylor  died  about 
1835,  and  was  buried  in  Georgia.  He  was  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  His  wife 
died  in  1853.  Our  subject  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia  February  15,  1829.  He  re- 
ceived his  rudimentary  education  in  thq  country  schools,  and  in  1850  entered  the  Univer- 
sity of  Lebanon  and  graduated  in  June,  1854.  He  first  followed  school-teaching  and  was 
licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  in  1849.  In  1854  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rachel 
D.  Miller,  a native  of  Tennessee,  and  five  children  have  been  born  to  them:  John  M., 
William  A.,  Christina  B.,  Carrie  Bell  and  Elbridge  G.  Mr.  Taylor’s  ancestors  were  of 
English  birth  and  came  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Virginia  or  North  Carolina.  Mr. 
Taylor  has  been  a minister  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  nearly  forty  years. 
He  owns  the  Independence  farm  of  459  acres  of  land,  and  is  highly  respected  by  all  who 
know  him. 

HERBERT  R.  TEMPLE  (deceased)  was  born  May  1,  1815,  and  passed  his  early  life  in 
assisting  his  father  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools.  Later  he  went  to 
Texas  and  engaged  in  farming,  but  at  the  age  of  thirty-four  he  left  Texas  and  returned  to 
Tennessee,  locating  in  Williamson  County.  August  26,  1852,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Susan  Brown,  and  to  this  union  were  born  four  children:  William  E.,  Mary  F.,  Roberta 
L.  and  Herbert  R.  Mr.  Temple  was  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  which  occurred  August  28, 1880,  was  living  at  his  farm  known  as  “Oakland.’’ 
Mrs.  Herbert  Temple  is  still  living  at  her  residence  in  the  Sixth  District  of  Williamson 
County,  and  is  a worthy  member  of  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Brown,  father  of  Mrs. 
Temple,  is  a native  of  Virginia  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  where  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  which  he  was  quite  successful.  August,  1832,  he  wedded  Miss  Fannie  Claud,  and  by 
her  he  is  the  father  of  these  children:  Susannah,  Catharine,  Virginia,  Nannie  E.,  Mary  F., 
Coleman  and  Enoch.  Mr.  Brown  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

HON.  ATHA  THOMAS,  attorney  at  law  and  ex-treasurer  of  State,  was  born  in 
Williamson  County,  October  5,  1829,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Eliza  Thomas, 
both  natives  of  Virginia.  In  a family  of  twelve  children  the  subject  is  the  tenth 
and  is  of  Welsh-English  extraction.  The  father  of  Mr.  Thomas  immigrated  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1796  and  settled  in  Davidson  County,  but  in  1801  he  removed  to  Williamson 
County  and  here  he  and  his  wife  died.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received 
a liberal  education  at  private  schools  and  at  Wirt  Academy  in  Sumner  County.  In  1851 
he  began  teaching  school  and  about  the  same  time  he  began  reading  law.  He  continued 
teaching  for  two  years  and  then  entered  the  Lebanon  Law  School  and  graduated  from 
that  institution  in  1853.  In  1854  he  took  charge  of  Thompson’s  Academy  in  this  county 
where  he  conducted  a most  successful  school  until  the  beginning  of  the  war.  From  1861 
to  1864,  he  had  charge  of  Harpeth  Academy  in  Franklin  and  was  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful teachers  the  county  has  ever  had.  In  1865  he  began  the  practice  of  law  in  this  and 
adjoining  counties  and  was,  for  a number  of  years,  associated  in  the  practice  with  G.  W. 
Hicks,  and  was  a member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  1869-70.  In  1883  Mr.  Thomas 
was  elected  State  treasurer  of  Tennessee,  and  accepted  that  office  at  an  inauspicious  time, 
which  was  during  the  greatest  financial  crisis  the  State  has  ever  experienced.  He  held 
the  office  one  term  and  then  resumed  the  law  practice,  which  he  now  continues  in  partner- 


* 


1014 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


nership  with  William  House,  and  together  they  constitute  one  of  the  best  law  firms  in  the 
county.  In  1856  our  subject  wedded  Miss  Sajah  E.  North,  daughter  of  Rev.  Henry  B. 
North.  Mrs.  Thomas  died  in  1858,  and  in  1882  Mr.  Thomas  was  married  to  Mrs.  Bettie 
Sikes,  of  Rutherford  County.  To  the  last  union  were  born  two  children:  Atha  and 
Woodlief.  Mr.  Thomas  has  always  been  a true  Democrat.  He  is  a Mason  (Knight 
Templar)  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  addition  to  his  ex- 
tensive law  practice,  he  has  held  many  positions  of  trust  and  is  one  of  the  first  men  of  the 
State.  Mrs.  Thomas  is  a worthy  member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

PROF.  HUGH  BLAIR  TODD,  one  of  the  best  known  men  in  the  State,  was  born  in 
Spottsyivania  County,  Va.,  June  2,  1815,  and  is  a descendant  on  both  sides  of  distinguished 
English  and  Scotch  families.  Some  of  his  ancestors  were  noblemen  and  were  among  the 
early  adventurers  to  America.  His  maternal  grandfather,  Col.  Winslow,  of  the  British 
Army,  finally  settled  in  America,  where  he  died.  His  paternal  grandfather,  Richard  Todd, 
settled  in  Virginia,  and  there  his  father,  William  Todd,  who  was  an  Episcopal  clergyman, 
was  born.  His  father  died  in  that  State  in  1854.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  private 
schools  of  Virginia,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  began  teaching.  In  1835  he  moved  to 
Fayette  County,  Ky.,  and  there  established  his  first  boarding  school,  and  after  four  years 
of  success  purchased  “Green  Hill,”  near  the  home  of  Henry  Clay,  and  there  established  a 
school  which  became  famous  throughout  the  State.  He  conducted  schools  at  Lexington, 
Ky. ; Carlisle,  Ky. ; Mount  Sterling,  Ky. ; Camden  Point  College,  Mo.,  and  Platt  City,  Mo., 
where  he  remained  until  the  beginning  of  the  late  war.  He  then  cast  his  fortunes  with 
the  South,  but  on  account  of  failing  health  was  compelled  to  resign,  after  which  he  re- 
turned home,  and  in  1862  took  charge  of  the  Rogersville  Academy,  in  East  Tennessee. 
Our  subject  has  been  married  three  times — the  first  was  in  1836;  he  wedded  Eliza  Dicken- 
son, of  Virginia,  and  by  this  union  has  three  living  children.  In  1862  he  wedded  Mrs. 
Kate  Carr,  of  Tennessee,  and  has  one  child  by  her.  In  1868  he  took  for  his  third  wife  Mat- 
tie  T.  Gorth,  a native  of  Todd  County,  Ky.,  and  by  her  has  one  son,  Hugh  Blair,  Jr.  Prof. 
Todd  is  one  of  the  most  successful  and  distinguished  teachers  the  South  has  ever  known. 
He  is  an  able  and  fluent  speaker,  and  carries  with  him  the  feelings  of  the  people.  For 
years  he  was  the  friend  of  Henry  Clay,  whom  he  resembled  somewhat.  He  is  an  active 
worker  and  member  of  the  Christain  Church.  During  the  year  1883  he  was  chief  of  the 
department  of  agriculture,  horticulture,  floriculture  and  decorator  of  the  grounds  at  the 
Louisville  Exposition.  In  1884  Prof.  Todd  moved  to  Franklin,  where  he  expects  to  pass 
the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

HON.  B.  B.  TOON,  an  old  and  influential  citizen  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  this  State  August  20,  1816.  His  father,  James  Toon,  was  a native  of  Virginia, 
born  in  1779,  and  in  1815  was  wedded  to  Dorcus  Dodson,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  Octo- 
ber, 1788.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  in  1811  and  located  in  West  Harpeth,  in  this 
county.  He  fought  in  the  war  of  1812  and  also  in  the  Creek  Indian  war.  He  died  in 
1839,  and  the  mother  died  in  1863.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah 
Nolan,  a native  of  this  county,  born  May  13,  1832,  and  the  daughter  of  Stephen  Nolan, 
a native  of  Virginia.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  seven  children:  Michael  M.. 
born  in  1850;  Fannie  D,,  born  in  1852;  James  M.,  born  in  1855;  Florence  M.,  born  in  1857; 
William  B.,  born  in  1860;  Rufus  C.,  born  in  1866,  and  Vera  P.,  born  in  1874.  Our  subject 
was  reared  on  a farm,  and  in  early  life  taught  school  in  this  county.  In  1849  he  moved 
to  his  present  farm,  which  lies  on  Harpeth  River,  about  seven  miles  from  the  county  seat, 
and  which  contains  330  acres  of  good  land  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation.  In  1842  he  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  this  district,  and  re-elected  in  1850,  which  office  he  held 
until  1876,  with  the  exception  of  four  years  during  the  war.  In  1874  he  was  elected  to  the 
State  Legislature,  representing  Williamson  and  Maury  Counties.  He  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  a member  of  the  Masonic' fra- 
ternity and  a Democrat  in  politics. 

ALPHEUS  TRUETT,  son  of  Henry  M.  and  Sarah  (Clampett)  Truett,  was  born  May 
17,  1823,  in  Hickman  County,  Tenn.  His  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina  and  at  an 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY. 


1015 


■early  day  immigrated  to  Hickman  County,  Tenn,  where  he  followed  agricultural  pursuits 
and  was  also  engaged  in  the  nursery  business.  He  had  the  first  fruit  nursery  in  the  State. 
His  mother  was  a native  of  Delaware  and  by  her  union  with  Henry  M.  Truett  became  the 
mother  of  twelve  children,  only  two,  our  subject  and  James  M.,  now  living.  The  father 
died  in  1833  and  the  mother  followed  in  1840.  Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
the  country.  In  the  year  1849  he  wedded  Miss  Roena  A.  Beard,  a native  of  this  State. 
By  this  union  they  became  the  parents  of  one  child,  Edwin  C.  Mrs.  Roena  Truett  died 
in  1850,  and  in  1852  our  subject  wedded  Miss  Susan  E.  Meritt,  who  bore  him  five  children: 
SallieA.,  Jennie,  Alice  R.,  John  H.  and  Susan  J.  Sallie  A.  died  in  1873.  Our  subject’s 
second  wife  died  in  1863,  and  in  1865  Mr.  Truett  married  Miss  Sarah  J.  Taylor.  Three 
children  blessed  this  union:  Lanie  E.,  Richard  E.  and  William  A,  Richard  E.  died  in 
1872.  Mr.  Truett  is  at  present  engaged  in  the  nursery  business  at  Franklin,  Tenn.  He 
has  a good  stock  of  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees,  and  in  connection  with  this  runs  a flower  gar- 
den which  is  very  fine.  He  also  owns  a tract  of  land  adjoining  the  town  of  Franklin.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  one  of  Franklin's  best 
■citizens. 

C.  R,  TURNER  was  born  in  Williamson  County  July  10,  1831,  and  is  the  third  of 
nine  children  born  to  John  and  Sallie  (Richerson)  Turner.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a 
farm  and  had  reached,  the  age  of  seventeen  when  his  father  died,  leaving  him  control  of 
the  farm  and  care  of  the  large  family.  In  1867  he  wedded  Miss  Martha  J.  McCord,  a na- 
tive of  this  State,  born  March  1, 1846,  and  the  second  of  eight  children  born  to  Newton  and 
Sallie  A.  (Knott)  McCord.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turner  were  born  six  children:  William  H. 
C.  (deceased),  born  January  16,  1877;  James  R.  (deceased),  born  March  1,  1882;  John  N., 
born  February  3,  1868;  Sarah  E.,  born  March  24,  1875;  Anna  T.,  born  September  30,  1874, 
and  Maggie  L.,  born  October  15, 1879.  Mrs.  Turner  died  October  25, 1882,  and  our  subject 
then  married,  November  15,  1883,  Martha  J.  Wood,  a native  of  this  State,  born  June  14, 
1843,  and  the  daughter  of  William  T.  and  Louisa  E.  (Crocket)  Wood.  In  1862  our  subject 
enlisted  in  Company  D,  Holeman’s  regiment,  and  remained  in  the  army  until  the  fall  of 
1864,  when  he  returned  home.  In  1867  he  moved  to  his  present  farm,  which  contains  145 
acres  of  good  land.  Mr.  Turner  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

WILLIAM  M.  TURNER,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Williamson  County  September  26,  1831, 
son  of  Joseph  R.  and  Elizabeth  H.  (Marshall)  Turner,  and  is  of  English  and  Scotch-Irish 
descent.  The  father  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1801  and  his  mother,  who  was  a sister  of 
Hon.  Johu  Marshall,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  T$nn.,  in  1808.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject  came  to  Tennessee  in  the  pioneer  days  of  the  State,  and  the 
Marshall  family  was  one  of  the  most  distinguished  of  Tennessee  families.  The  Turner 
family  came  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Williamson  County  about  1828,  but  subsequently 
removed  to  Marshall  County,  and  there  the  father  of  Dr.  Turner  died  in  1879,  the  mother 
having  died  in  1856  in  Marshall  County.  Our  subject  is  the  eldest  of  eleven  children,  ten 
of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  He  was  educated  at  Chapel  Hill  Academy  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.,  and  in  1854  began  the  study  of  medicine.  In  1857  he  graduated  from  the 
old  medical  college  in  Nashville  and  subsequently  located  at  Chapel  Hill,  where  he  began 
the  practice  of  medicine  and  dentistry  until  1872.  He  then  moved  to  Franklin  and  here 
makes  a specialty  of  dentistry,  having  almost  entirely  abandoned  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine. He  is  considered  one  of  the  best  dentists  in  this  section.  In  1863  he  wedded  Ann 
L.  Bain,  nee  Bullock,  of  Franklin,  who  for  many  years  was  one  of  the  leading  teachers  of 
the  Tennessee  Female  College  of  Franklin.  To  Dr.  Turner  and  wife  were  born  one  son. 
Dr.  Dick  B.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

ANDREW  C.  YAUGHAN  was  born  in  Hardeman  County,  Tenn.,  April  16,  1837,  son 
of  William  and  Mary  M.  (Craig)  Vaughan,  and  is  of  Irish-English  lineage.  The  parents 
■of  our  subject  were  both  born  in  Tennessee,  the  father  about  1804  and  the  mother  about 
1806.  His  paternal  grandfather,  William  Vaughan,  was  a native  of  Virginia  and  emi- 
grated to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  date.  Our  subject’s  father  died  in  Perry  County, 


1016 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Term.,  in  1864  and  his  mother  died  in  the  same  county.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  farm  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  went  to  Franklin  and  learned  the  harness-maker’s- 
trade.  He  engaged  in  that  business  for  about  eight  years.  In  1860  he  was  married  to- 
Lutitia  A.  McAlpin,  a native  of  this  county.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  seven  chil- 
dren: William  T.,  Lulu  E.,  Dan  E.,  Jessie  E.,  Myrtle,  Lutitia  and  Ada.  In  1862  Mr. 
Vaughan  enlisted  and  served  three  years  in  the  Confederate  service.  He  was  taken  pris- 
oner in  1868  and  conveyed  to  Camp  Butler,  111.,  but  was  exchanged  at  the  end  of  six 
weeks.  He  then  came  home  and  resumed  the  harness  business,  which  he  continued  for 
quite  a number  of  years.  He  has  also  been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  brick,  and  was 
in  the  livery  business.  He  is  a Democrat,  a Royal  Arch  Mason  and  he  and  wife  belong 
to  the  Christian  Church.  He  is  a leading  citizen  of  the  county. 

JOHN  H.  WAGGONER  is  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  Waggoner,  who  were  born  in 
Tennessee.  Their  ancestors  were  North  Carolinians  by  birth,  and  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject was  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  his  father  was  a Revolutionary  soldier.  Our  subject  was 
born  on  the  30th  of  April,  1824,  and  received  a liberal  education.  He  has  followed  farm- 
ing from  boyhood,  and  was  first  married  to  Jane  Burnett,  who  was  the  daughter  of 
Henry  and  Sarah  Burnett,  of  Davidson  County.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Waggoner  became  the 
parents  of  seven  children:  James  L.,  William  S.,  Robert  S.,  Benjamin  S.,  Neal  S.,  Joel 
S.  and  Mary  F.  Mr.  Waggoner's  wife  died  in  1862,  and  in  1863  he  wedded  Sulula  A. 
Beech,  daughter  of  William  and  Jane  Beech.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Waggoner  were  born 
eleven  children:  Merry  E.,  L.  M.,  Ophelia  B.,  Laurence,  Emily  K.,  Vida  P.,  Flurida  A., 
Thomas  J.,  John  H.,  Lee  and  Andrew..,  Our  subject  settled  on  his  present  farm  of  165 
acres  in  1865.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

OBADIAII  WALLER,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  February  3, 
1827,  and  is  the  son  of  Joel  Waller,  who  was  born  in  Virginia.  The  family  were  early 
pioneers  of  Tennessee,  and  are  of  Scotch  descent.  In  early  life  Joel  Waller  married  a 
Miss  Scales,  by  wh6m  he  had  eleven  children,  our  subject  being  the  youngest.  He  was 
educated  in  the  Franklin  Male  University  and  finished  his  literary  course  at  Nashville,  af- 
ter which  he  studied  medicine  under  Dr.  S.  S.  Mayfield  and  Dr.  John  W.  Morton,  and  in 
1849  he  attended  the  Louisville  (Ky.)  Medical  College,  and  was  a member  of  the  Societas 
Louisvillensis  Medica,  and  completed  his  medical  studies  in  the  Medical  University  of 
Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia,  and  received  his  diploma  in  1851.  He  served  as  surgeon 
in  the  late  war  in  the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  since  the  close  of  that  con- 
flict has  followed  his  profession  in  Williamson  County  and  also  superintends  his.  farm. 
He  was  married,  March  8,  1854,  to  Miss  Nannie  Marion  Carl,  whose  mother,  Mrs.  Jane 
B.  Carl,  is  now  residing  with  the  Doctor,  and  was  born  in  1806,  but  is  yet  bale  and  vigor- 
ous. Dr.  Waller  is  a Democrat  and  a Master  Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

J.  E.  WALTERS  is  a son  of  Eli  A.  and  Mary  (Carsey)  Walters,  and  was  born  in 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  June  23,  1849,  and  received  a common  school  education.  In 
1869  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alice  Bond,  daughter  of  Page  Bond,  of  Maury 
County,  and  their  union  was  blessed  with  five  children;  those  living  are  James,  Nannie, 
Morris  and  Tommy.  Mrs.  Walters’  death  occurred  iu  1884.  Mr.  Walters  is  a Democrat 
in  his  political  views  and  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  His  fa- 
ther, Eli  A.  Walters,  was  born  in  the  Old  Dominion  in  1807,  and  came  to  Williamson. 
County,  Tenn.,  with  his  parents,  when  twelve  years  of  age.  After  attaining  his  majority 
he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  in  1836  was  married  to  Mary  Carsey,  daughter  of 
Thomas  B.  Carsey,  of  this  county.  They  have  four  children:  J.  E.,  W.  C.,  Dora  P.  (Mrs. 
James  Mahon,  of  Maury  County,)  and  Thomas.  The  father  died  January  19,  1861. 
Thomas  P.  Carsey  was  born  in  Maryland,  in  1797,  and  came  to  Tennessee  about  1812.  The 
Walters  family  are  also  old  settlers  of  the  county,  having  come  to  this  State  in  1819. 

JOHN  C.  WELLS,  carriage  manufacturer  and  undertaker,  was  born  in  Nottoway 
County,  Va.,  September  12,  1812,  and  is  the  son  of  Coleman  and  Elizabeth  (Phillips)- 
Wells.  The  father  and  mother  were  born  in  Virginia,  the  former  in  1781  and  the  latter 


WILLIAMSON  COUNTY.  1017 

» 

in  1786.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  ofll812  and  died  in  1833.  The  mother  died 
in  Virginia,  in  1882.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Giles  Wells,  was  a Virginian  and  a sol- 
dier in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  died  in  Virginia,  at  a good  old  age.  At  the  age  of 
fifteen  our  subject  began  serving  a four  years’  apprenticeship  at  the  wagon-maker’s  trade 
and  worked  at  that  trade  in  his  native  State  until  1839,  when  he  immigrated  to  William- 
son County,  Tenn.,  and  settled  in  Franklin,  where  he  carried  on  the  wagon  business  for 
nineteen  years  and  then  began  the  carriage  business,  which,  in  connection  with  the  un- 
dertaking business,  he  has  carried  on  since  the  war.  June  3,  1834,  he  married  Catherine 
Robinson,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  November  27,  1810,  and  by  this  union  became  the 
father  of  an  interesting  family  of  seven  children:  James  C.,  Postlienia  E.,  Sarah  F.,  John 
W.,  Edward  T.,  Richard  P.  and  Virginia  H.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wells  are  the  grandparents 
of  twenty-seven  children.  Mr.  W’ellsisa  Democrat  and  a Mason,  and  this  aged  couple 
have  been  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  for  half  a century.  He  is  one  of  the  promi- 
nent men  of  the  county  and  a leading  citizen. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Franklin, Williamson  Co.,  Tenn., 
son  of  William  and  Mary  (Bennett)  White,  and  of  English  extraction.  The  father  was 
born  in  this  county  in  1810,  as  was  also  the  mother  in  1814.  The  former  died  in  1850  and 
the  latter  in  1874.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  passed  on  the  farm.  He  received  the 
rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  subsequently  attended  the  Frank- 
lin schools.  In  1867  he  began  the  study  of  medieine  under  Dr.  J.tD.  Bennett,  of  Maury 
County,  Tenn.  In  the  fall  of  1868  he  went  to  New  Orleans  and  entered  the  Medical  Uni- 
versity of  Louisiana.  In  1871  he  was  elected  resident  student  of  Charity  Hospital  in  the 
Crescent  City,  and  in  March,  1873,  graduated  from  the  University  of  Louisiana.  He  then 
returned  to  Williamson  County  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  which  he 
continued  until  1877,  when  he  engaged  in  the  drug  business  in  Franklin,  and  in  this  has 
since  continued.  He  is  one  of  the  most  reliable  druggists  in  that  town,  and  is  doing  a 
successful  business.  In  1881  he  wedded  Sallie  Watson,  of  Franklin,  a daughter  of  Thomas 
J.  and  Kate  Watson.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  December,  1885,  he  was  elected  director  of  the  National 
Bank  of  Franklin.  He  is  an  honorable  man  and  is  in  every  sense  a gentleman. 

I)R.  THOMAS  W.  WHITFIELD,  deceased,  was  born  in  February,  1827,  and  spent 
his  early  life  in  assisting  his  father  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  country  schools.  In 
1853  and  1854  Mr.  Whitfield  attended  lectures  in  the  Nashville  Medical  College  and  grad- 
uated from  the  same  the  next  year.  Dr.  Whitfield  located  in  Davidson  County  and  be 
gan  practicing  his  profession.  Miss  Sarah  M.  Berry  became  his  wife  March  4,  1855,  and 
to  them  were  born  eight  children : John  H.,  Mattie  H.,  Anna  E.,  Julia  W.,  Jimmie  D., 
Thomas  W.,  William  B.  and  Clifton  B..  all  of  whom  are  living.  In  1860  Dr.  Whitfield 
left  Davidson  County  and  located  in  Henry  County,  West  Tenn.  Here  he  remained  about 
fiftem  years,  when  he  removed  to  Williamson  County,  and  there  died  July  13,  1879,  on 
his  farm  known  as  “Hill  Side  Home.”  He  was  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and 
was  also  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  John  Berry,  father  of  Mrs.  Whitfield,  died 
October  7,  1856.  Her  mother  died  September,  1876,  and  was  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church.  Our  subject’s  widow  is  still  living  and  is  also  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JAMES  T.jWILHOITE  was  born  January  19,  1846.  His  father,  Young  Wilhoite,  was 
born  in  Tennessee  January  5,  1817,  and  was  reared  on  a farm  but  left  it  in  early  boyhood 
and  began  merchandizing,  which  might  be  termed  his  life-long  occupation.  The  subject’s 
mother,  Eliza  (Dunaway7)  Wilhoite,  was  born  in  Tennessee  July  14, 1817,  and  by  her  union 
with  Young  Wilhoite  became  the  mother  of  nine  children,  three  of  whom  are  dead.  The 
mother  died  in  1852.  December  25,  1866,  the  subject  wedded  Anna  M.  Hume,  who  was 
born  in  this  State  October  24,  1848.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Alfred  and  Mary  Hume. 
To  the  subject  and  wife  was  born  one  child,  Annie  E.,  who  was  born  November  7,  1867. 
His  wife  died  December  21,  1867.  He  then  married  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Bettie  E. 
Johnson  January  31,  1871.  She  was  born  in  this  State  April  6,  1850,  and  was  the  daughter 
of  Joshua  and  Minnie  T.  Johnson.  By  the  subject’s  last  union  he  became  the  father  of 


1018 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


five  children:  Jimmie  Y.,  born  November  7,  1871;  Minnie  P.,  born  May  17,  1875;  Willie, 
born  December  28,  1882,  and  two  boys,  twins,  not  named,  born  February  20,  1886.  The1 
subject  was  born  in  Shelbyville,  Tenn.,  and  was  educated  in  the  best  schools  of  that  town. 
When  sixteen  years  of  age  he  lived  four  years  on  his  father’s  farm  near  Shelbyville.  In 
1865  he  came  to  Allisona  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  where  he  remained  about 
ten  years.  He  then  returned  to  Shelbyville  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  business,  where 
he  remained  two  years,  after  which  he  again  returned  to  Allisona  and  engaged  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  In  1879  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  and  continued  to  do  so 
until  1883.  Since  that  time  he  has  directed  his  attention  to  farming.  He  has  200  acres  of 
good,  level  land.  He  has  been  a considerable  stock  raiser  and  trader,  and  his  fine  farm  is 
situated  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  county  and  has  a good  pike  road  running  by  it. 
He  is  a Mason,  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  a stanch  Demo- 
crat in  politics. 

CLEM  W.  WILLIAMS  was  born  July  11,  1814,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  His 
parents,  Freeman  and  Martha  Williams,  were  born  in  Virginia,  and  were  married  about 
1795,  and  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children:  Jourdan,  Herbert,  Joseph,  Susan,  Nancy, 
Joshua,  Clem  W.,  Luke,  Rachel,  William,  Levi  and  Berry.  Our  subject  was  educated  in 
the  common  schools,  and  in  early  life  was  engaged  in  farming.  In  1838  he  began  the 
shoe-maker’s  trade,  and  also  worked  at  stone-masonry,  following  this  until  1871,  when  he 
again  commenced  farming.  He  owns  470  acres  of  valuable  land,  on  whjch  he  lo- 
cated. He  was  married  to  Adaline  Barns  in  1839.  She  was  the  daughter  of  George  and 
Nancy  Barns,  and  died  in  1841.  Iu  1847  Mr.  Williams  wedded  Tabitha  Barns,  daughter 
of  Peter  and  Pollie  Barns.  To  them  were  born  these  sons:  John  W.,  Thomas  L.  and 
Samuel  L.  This  wife  died  in  1853,  and  Elizabeth  Osborn  became  his  third  wife  in  1857, 
and  bore  seven  children:  Mary  H.,  Fannie  P.,  Ada,  Robert,  Noble,  Martha  C.  and  Char 
ley.  The  present  Mrs.  Williams  was  the  daughter  of  Noble  and  Hannah  Osborn,  natives 
of  North  Carolina.  Mr.  Williams  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  WILSON  (deceased)  was  born  in  the  year  1806,  in  Georgia.  When  about  six 
years  of  age  he  went  with  his  father  to  Mississippi,  and  after  finishing  his  education  en- 
tered on  life’s  rough  track  as  a planter  in  Mississippi.  October  9,  1836,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Mahala  H.  McPherson,  daughter  of  Joseph  McPherson,  and  by  this  union 
became  the  father  of  an  interesting  family  of  children.  Mr.  Wilson  located  on  Harpeth 
River,  in  the  Seventh  District,  where  he  remained  nine  years  engaged  in  farming.  In 
1849  he  removed  to  Richland,  where  he  died  August  8,  1852.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mrs.  Wilson’s  father,  Joseph  McPherson,  was  a 
native  of  North  Carolina.  He  wedded  in  early  life  Miss  Mary  Taylor,  and  by  her  became 
the  father  of  thirteen  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mrs.  McPherson  was  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  as  also  is  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Wilson. 

WILLIAM  E.  WINSTEAD,  clerk  and  master  of  chancery  court,  was  born  near 
Franklin,  in  this  county,  January  18,  1838,  son  of  John  M.  and  Nancy  A.  (Whitfield) 
Winstead,  and  is  of  Scotch  ancestry.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  this  county 
in  1807,  and  for  twenty-five  years  was  a magistrate  of  the  county.  He  is  still  liv- 
ing. The  mother  was  born  in  Davidson  County  in  1811,  and  died  in  February,  1885.  Of 
twelve  children  our  subject  was  the  fifth  son;  he  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  received 
the  rudiments  of  his  education  at  the  country  schools,  and  subsequently  attended  Shelby- 
ville University,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1859.  In  1860  he  taught  school  ten  months, 
and  in  1861  he  was  appointed  deputy  clerk  and  master  of  this  county.  In  the  fall  of  1861 
he  enlisted  in  Capt.  John  L.  McEwen’s  company,  and  in  1863  was  discharged  on  account 
of  physical  disability.  In  1865  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  master,  and  has  held  the  office 
ever  since,  and  has  been  one  of  the  leading  officials  of  this  county  for  twenty  years.  He 
was  one  of  five  brothers  who  was  in  the  Confederate  Army.  He  was  formerly  a Whig  but 
is  now  a Democrat.  November  1,  1870,  he  wedded  Miss  Anne  E.  Bradley,  daughter  of 
R.  H.  Bradley,  of  Franklin.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winstead  were  born  two  daughters:  Mag- 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1019 


gie  A.  and  Katie  Mel.  Mr.  Winstead  is  a Mason,  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  he  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a representative  of 
one  of  the  earliest  families  of  Tennessee,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Franklin. 

JOHN  M.  WINSTEAD  was  born  March  9,  1807,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  son 
of  John  and  Mary  Winstead,  natives  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  grandson  of 
William  and  Elizabeth  Winstead,  of  Virginia,  who  settled  in  Tennessee  in  1795.  The 
mother’s  maiden  name  was  Chapman  and  her  parents  came  to  Tennessee  about  1800.  Our 
subject’s  father  was  a farmer  and  was  married  about  1795,  becoming  the  father  of  seven 
children,  our  subject  being  the  sixth.  The  father  died  July  28,  1822,  and  the  mother  in 
1837.  Our  subject  is  the  only  living  member  of  his  father’s  family,  and  has  always  been 
engaged  in  farming.  He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  March  8,  1827,  was 
married  to  Nancy  A.  Whitfield  (daughter  of  Harrison  and  Mary  Whitfield),  born  August 
5,  1811,  in  Williamson  County.  They  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children:  James  M., 
Harrison  W.,  John  M.,  Walker  W.,  William  E.,  Robert  O.,  Meredith  P.  G.,  Thomas  E., 
Mary  E.,  Winfield  S.,  Lucy  T.  and  Ida.  Our  subject  owns  500  acres  of  very  valuable 
land.  His  wife  died  February  7,  1885.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.  In  1854  he  was  chosen  justice  of  the  peace,  continuing  until  1882.  Our  sub- 
ject coines  of  a prominent  family  and  some  of  his  ancestors  were  soldiers  in  the  Revolu. 
tionary  war  and  the  war  of  1812,  and  were  prominent  men  in  this  State. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 

COL.  JOHN  H.  ADKERSON,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  in  this  county  and 
State  October  15,  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  James  A.  and  Percilla  (Jones)  Adkerson,  both 
natives  of  Virginia.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county,  coming  here 
in  1820.  He  was  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  county,  and  his  death,  which  occurred 
December  3,  1853,  was  a sad  shock  to  all  who  knew  him.  The  mother  died  September  12, 
1877.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  John  H.,  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  his  educa 
tion  in  the  county  schools.  At  the  ag.e  of  twenty-one  he  took  charge  of  his  father’s  fram, 
and  in  the  year  1861  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment,  as  first 
lieutenant,  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  eight  months,  when,  on  account  of  his  health 
failing,  he  was  honorably  discharged  September,  1861.  He  then  returned  to  his  farm,  and 
has  since  been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  On  January  20,  1854,  Mr.  Adkerson 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sallie  Sneed,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were 
born  the  following  children:  Sallie  M.  (deceased),  Ida,  Ella,  Katie  N.,  George  M.,  James 
A.,  John  N.,  Mabel  and  Clinton.  Air.  Adkerson  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  served  as 
deputy  sheriff  for  four  years  in  this  county.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  Missionary  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  the  balance  of  the  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  Mr.  Adkerson  is  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the  county. 

ANDREW  M.  ALEXANDER,  born  May  19,  1815,  is  a son  of  Andrew  M.,  Sr.,  and 
Nancy  (Doran)  Alexander,  who  were  born  in  Maryland  and  Virginia  respectively.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  county,  and  was  killed  at  New  Orleans  dur- 
ing the  war  of  1812,  in  which  he  served  until  his  death  in  1814.  The  mother’s  death 
occurred  in  1865.  Andrew  M.’s  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  the  farm  with  his  mother 
and  in  securing  a limited  education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  engaged  in  the  mercan- 
tile business  with  Gilman  & Moore,  with  whom  he  remained  two  years.  He  afterward 
clerked  for  J.  L.  Moore  & Co.,  remaining  three  years.  In  the  spring  of  1838  he  began 
farming  close  to  his  present  place,  and  in  1850  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides 
and  where  he  has  since  been  steadily  engaged.  In  1855  he  erected  a grist-mill  on  his- 


1020 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


place  which  has  a capacity  of  thirty  barrels  per  day.  He  controls  the  leading  business  in 
that  line  in  his  part  of  the  county,  and  is  doing  well  financially.  December  3,  1837,  he 
wedded  Miss  Rebecca  Wright,  a native  of  North  Carolina.  Her  death  occurred  Novem- 
ber 1,  1882.  This  marriage  was  without  issue.  Mr.  Alexander  is  a Democrat  and  a leading 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

MRS.  ANNIE  E.  ALEXANDER,  widow  of  Albert  G.  Alexander,  a prominent  farmer 
of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  March  31,  1814,  in  Virginia.  Mr.  Albert  G. 
Alexander,  a native  of  this  State,  was  born  August  8,  1810,  and  is  the  son  of  Daniel  and 
Sarah  (Alexander)  Alexander.  He  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county,  coming 
here  with  his  parents  about  1827.  He  was  an  extensive  and  very  successful  farmer,  and 
himself  and  family  were  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  His  death 
occurred  February  26,  1862.  His  wife,  Mrs.  Annie  E.,  still  lives  on  the  old  homestead. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  were  born  five  children  : Eliza  J.  Madison  (who  died  in 
March,  1862,  in  the  prison  of  Camp  Butler,  111.,  during  the  war),  Robert  L.,  Elizabeth 
and  Ophelia.  Mrs.  Annie  E.  Alexander  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  and  are  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  families  of  the  county. 

HON.  B.  F.  ALEXANDER,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  January 
20,  1849,  and  is  the  son  of  Madison  H.  and  Catharine  (Buttle)  Alexander,  natives,  respect- 
ively, of  Tennessee  'and  Virginia.  The  father,  who  is  a well-known  and  prosperous 
farmer,  still  resides  in  this  county.  The  mother,  who  died  in  this  county  November  23, 
1877,  was  reared  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  and  often  spoke  of 
that  illustrious  statesman  in  warmest  terms  of  praise.  Our  subject  graduated  at  Union 
University,  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  in  1870,  and  a year  later  took  the  degree  at  the  law  school 
of  Cumberland  University.  He  then  practiced  his  profession  for  several  years  at  Murfrees- 
boro, editing  the  Murfreesboro  Monitor  in  the  meantime.  In  1878  he  was  chosen  over 
four  competitors  to  represent  Rutherford  and  Bedford  Counties  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, where  he  served  in  a faithful  and  highly  efficient  manner.  In  1880  he  was 
nominated  by  acclamation  by  the  Democrats  of  Rutherford  County  to  represent  his  sena 
torial  district  in  the  Forty-second  General  Assembly,  and  although  his  party  was  divided 
he  was  elected  by  a handsome  majority.  In  1881  he  was  elected  temporary  speaker  of  the 
Senate.  He  was  made  chairman  of  three  different  committees  and  was  appointed  a mem- 
ber of  a committee  sent  to  New  York  to  compromise  with  holders  of  Tennessee  bonds,  but 
declined  on  the  ground  that  a sovereign  State  ought  to  settle  her  local  concerns  without 
dictation  from  her  creditors.  Mr.  Alexander  always  advocated  the  rights  and  worked  in 
the  interest  of  the  laborer  and  producer  of  the  country,  and  the  people  of  his  district  man- 
ifested their  approval  by  electing  him  without  opposition  to  a seat  in  the  Forty-third 
General  Assembly,  and  although  he  had  declared  himself  not  a candidate  for  the  position 
he  was  elected  speaker  after  a few  hours’  balloting.  Mr.  Alexander  is  a Democrat  of  the 
old  Jefferson  type,  a man  of  affable  and  generous  nature,  and  was  reared  in  the  Methodist 
faith,  to  which  he  still  inclines.  He  is  unmarried  and  is  engaged  in  agriculture,  which  is 
his  favorite  pursuit. 

JAMES  H.  ALLEN,  proprietor  of  the  livery,  feed  and  sale  stable  at  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  Warren  County  N.  J.,  August  26,  1831,  son  of  Obadiah  A.  and  Eliza 
beth  (Harris)  Allen,  both  natives  of  New  Jersey,  where^  the  father  died  and  the  mother 
still  resides.  James  H.  .spent  his  early  days,  on  a farm  in  his  native  State  where  he 
acquired  but  a limited  education  such  as  was  common  to  farmers’  children  at  that  day. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  left  home  and  began  learning  the  harness-maker’s  trade  which 
he  mastered  and  at  which  he  worked  in  Pennsylvania,  North  Carolina,  Alabama  and  his 
native  State,  and  on  the  27th  of  March,  1857,  he  came  to  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  fol- 
lowed his  trade  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  when  he  was  employed  by  the  Confed- 
erate Government  in  the  quartermaster’s  department,  continuing  until  the  battle  of  Stone 
River,  when  he  was  employed  in  the  quartermaster’s  department  of  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment and  continued  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1866  he  engaged  in  his  present  business 
and  has  met  with  good  atd  merited  success.  He  controls  a large  share  of  the  trade  in 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1021 


town  and  county  and  is  also  engaged  extensively  in  the  sale  of  horses  and  mules.  Febru- 
ary 2,  1860,  he  was  married  to  Sarah  E.  Lane,  a native  of  the  county.  To  them  were  born 
four  children,  two  of  whom  are  living  : Harris  L.  and  Emmet  C.  Mr.  Allen  was  a Whig 
as  long  as  that  party  existed.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  independent  in  his  political 
views.  He  is  a Mason  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

MAJ.  CHARLES  W.  ANDERSON,  a prominent  and  successful  farmer  of  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Franklin,  Ky.,  November  28,  1825,  and  is  a son  of  Harry  I. 
and  Adaline  (Hickman)  Anderson,  both  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  came  to  this 
State  in  1835,  and  took  charge  of  the  Tennessee  State  prison  at  Nashville,  where  he  re- 
mained for  thirteen  years,  after  which  he  commenced  farming.  He  died  in  the  year  1882. 
The  mother  died  when  our  subject  was  an  infant.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a 
good  education  and  then  went  into  the  mercantile  business  in  Nashville,  where  he  re- 
mained for  six  years.  In  1848  he  became  interested  in  steam-boats,  owning  an  interest  in 
the  following  steamers:  “Milwaukee,”  “Colorado,”  and  commanded  the  “North  Carolina,” 
“Colorado”  and  the  “Embassa.”  He  was  the  first  man  to  take  out  a contract  for  the  semi- 
weekly mail  packet  between  Nashville  and  Memphis  for  the  government.  In  the  winter  of 
1851,hesold  out  the  mailline  and  took  a position  as  general  freight  agent,  where  he  remained 
for  some  years.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  received  notice  from  Quartermaster 
Meyers,  appointing  him  transportation  quartermaster  of  all  the  troops  passing  through 
Chattanooga,  with  headquarters  at  the  above  place.  After  the  battle  of  Shiloh  he  returned 
to  his  present  farm  and  found  his  home  burnt  out  by  the  Federals.  He  then  joined  Gen. 
Forrest’s  staff  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant,  was  aid-de-camp  of  Gen.  Forrest  till  the  close 
of  the  war.  Mr.  Anderson  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles,  and  never  received  a 
wound  of  any  kind  during  this  time.  He  returned  to  his  home,  repairing  and  mending  up 
his  broken  fortune  as  best  he  could.  Mr.  Anderson  is  a Democrat  and  his  family  are  lead- 
ing members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  In  1852  Mr.  Anderson  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Mattie  Love,  and  to  this  union  were  born  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living, 
namely:  Harry  L,  Lillie  L.  and  Mattie  C.  Maj.  Anderson  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers 
of  this  county  and  is  respected  by  all. 

JAMES  L.  ANDERSON,  a well-known  farmer,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  June  16,  1826,  and  is  the  son  of  George  W.  and  Martha  M.  Anderson,  natives  of 
Virginia.  The  father,  a successful  carpenter  and  farmer,  came  to  this  county  in  1818,  lo- 
cated on  a farm  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1847.  The  subject  was 
reared  on  the  farm  and  obtained  a fair  education  at  the  common  schools,  and  at  a proper 
age  began  farming  on  property  inherited  from  his  father.  Afterward  he  sold  out  and 
moved  to  the  place  where  he  now  resides.  In  1845  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emily  M. 
Beesley,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children,  namely:  Martha  H.,  George  D.  and  Sallie 
T.,  wife  of  Arthur  M.  Edward.  Mr.  Anderson  is  an  unswerving  Democrat,  and  in  1862 
enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  I,  of  the  First  Tennessee.  He  took  an  active  part  in 
most  of  the  battles  in  which  his  company  was  engaged,  received  a wound  at  Missionary- 
Ridge,  and  was  unfit  for  active  service  for  about  two  months;  after  recovering  he  joined 
the  command  at  the  battle  of  Atlanta.  He  then  joined  a cavalry  company  and  served 
until  t he  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Anderson  is  an  influential  citizen,  and  has  held  the  office 
of  justice  of  the  peace  for  some  time. 

HORACE  N.  ARNOLD,  merchant,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  March  29,  1860.  He  is  a son  of  Capt.  Ed  and  Harriett  (McLanahan) 
Arnold,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee 
when  a young  man  and  followed  farming,  contracting  and  building  and  brick-masonry. 
He  built  probably"  two-thirds  of  the  brick  buildings  in  Murfreesboro,  which  were  erected 
before  the  war.  He  was  captain  of  a company  in  Gen.  Forrest’s  regiment,  and  led  that 
body  in  the  capture  of  Murfreesboro  from  the  Federals.  He  died  suddenly  of  supposed 
heart  disease  in  the  streets  of  Murfreesboro  November  21,  1884.  He  was  a Democrat  and 
was  sheriff  of  the  county"  about  sixteen  years.  He  was  a member  of  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  Horace  N.  Arnold  obtained  a collegiate  education  and  served  four  years  as 


64 


1022 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


deputy  sheriff  under  his  father.  In  1880  he  engaged  in  the  hook  and  stationery  business, 
but  from  1882  to  1883  followed  farming,  and  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  dry  goods 
business  in  Murfeesboro.  In  January,  1886,  he  moved  to  his  present  commodious  busi- 
ness rooms  on  the  Square  where  he  carries  a full  and  select  line  of  staple  and  fancy  grocer- 
ies, dry  goods,  boots,  shoes  and  general  merchandise.  December  17,  1885,  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Fannie  B.  Butler,  a native  of  the  town.  Mr.  Arnold  is  a Democrat  and  a member 
of  the  board  of  aldermen  in  the  city.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  South. 

JAMES  MONROE  AVENT,  a prominent  and  wealthy  attorney  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  was  born  December  10,  1816,  in  Greenville  County,  Ya.  His  parents,  James  and 
Mary  Avent,  were  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  removed  from 
the  father’s  native  State  to  Alabama,  from  whence  they  came  to  this  State  and  county  in 
1830.  They  resided  here  until  1856,  when  they  removed  to  Hardeman  County,  Tenn., 
where  the  elder  Avent  died  in  1868.  James  M.  Avent’s  boyhood’s  days  were  spent  on  the 
farm  and  in  the  schools,  differing  from  the  experience  of  many  lads  of  his  day,  insomuch 
that  his  education  was  superior  to  that  of  the  ordinary  youth.  He  secured  a good  liter- 
ary education  at  the  Clinton  College,  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.  At  the  age  of  twenty- one 
he  had  decided  to  make  the  law  his  profession  for  life,  and  entered  the  office  of  Charles 
Ready,  of  this  city,  with  whom  he  read  law  until  he  was  admitted  to  the  Rutherford 
County  bar  in  1840.  He  then  engaged  in  the  practice  here,  rapidly  growing  in  reputation 
and  character  as  a lawyer,  and  was  for  many  years  a partner  of  the  late  ex-Chancellor  B. 
L.  Ridley.  Mr.  Avent  is  now  the  senior  member  of  the  well-known  law  firm  of  Avent, 
Smith  & Avent,  and  it  may  be  justly  said  that  he  has  contributed  largely  to  the  success 
and  high  standing  of  this  firm  at  the  Rutherford  County  bar.  February  27,  1857,  Mr. 
Avent.married  Mary  W.,  the  daughter  of  the  late  Maj.  John  W.  Childress,  of  this  county. 
The  result  of  this  union  has  been  five  children,  the  following  four  now  living:  Frank, 
James  M.,  Bettie  B.  and  Sarah  W.  Mr.  Avent  is  a Democrat  of  the  old  “JacksoniaD 
school,”  and  has  always  been  an  active  and  zealous  worker  for  his  party,  but  never  as- 
pired to  office.  He  has  frequently  been  appointed  judge  pro  tem  of  our  courts,  and  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  this  highly  responsible  position  in  a manner  that  indicated  his  su- 
perior qualities  as  a jurist.  He  is  a prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  has 
been  identified  with  all  public  and  private  enterprises  that  were  calculated  to  promote 
the  prosperity  of  the  city  or  county.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Stone’s  River 
Creamery  Company,  of  which  he  is  now  the  president.  Himself  and  wife  have  been  life- 
long members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  justly  and  universally 
recognized  as  one  among  the  leading  and  successful  citizens  of  our  county,  a lawyer 
of  fine  judgment  and  ability  and  a consistent  Christian  gentleman. 

FRANK  AVENT,  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Avent,  Smith  & Avent,  attorneys  at 
law  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  March  7,  1858,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 

and  is  a son  of  James  M.  Avent,  senior  member  of  the  firm.  Frank  received 

the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Murfreesboro,  and  after- 
ward entered  the  Vanderbilt  University  at  Nashville,  from  which  college  he  gradu- 
ated in  1878.  In  the  fall  of  1879  he  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland 

University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  graduating  in  1880.  He  spent  several  months  in  the  West, 
and  in  1881  was  a law  partner  of  his  uncle,  Capt.  John  W.  Childress.  He  then  joined 
his  father  in  this  city,  and  they  control  a large  share  of  the  legal  business  done  in  the 
county.  Mr.  Avent  is  a Democrat,  and  was  a candidate  for  nomination  to  the  State  Leg 
islature,  but  was  defeated.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.,  post  chancellor  of  the  local 
lodge,  and  is  secretary  of  the  County  Fair  Association.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  a rising  young  barrister  of  Rutherford  County. 

BAIRD  & MARTIN,  stove  and  tinware  merchants  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  began 
their  business  in  February,  1886.  They  keep  a fine  and  extensive  stock  of  goods,  and  do 
a large  business.  They  also  deal  extensively  in  harvesting  machinery.  James  S.  Baird, 
of  the  firm  of  Baird  & Martin,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  April  15,  1861,  son  of  Jo- 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1023 


siah  M.  and  Sarah  (McKnight)  Baird,  both  natives  of  the  county  (see  father’s  sketch). 
James  S.  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  received  a common  school  education.  At  the  age  of 
twenty  he  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  engaged  in  the  coal  business,  in  which  he  has  re- 
tained an  interest  to  the  present  time,  being  a member  of  the  coal  firm  of  W.  N.  Perry  & 
Co.  In  April,  1883,  he  purchased  the  Murfreesboro  News,  which  he  conducted  creditably 
one  year,  and  in  February,  1886,  engaged  in  his  present  business  as  above  stated.  He  is  a 
Democrat,  unmarried,  and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  one  of  the  reli- 
able young  business  men  of  the  county. 

STERLING  B.  BARING,  a prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  April 
17,  1823,  in  this  county,  and  is  the  son  of  Amos  and  Nancy  (Ethel)  Baring,  natives  re- 
spectively of  Green  County,  Tenn.,  and  Petersburg,  Ya.  The  father,  a mechanic  and 
farmer,  came  to  this  county  in  1820  and  lived  here  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1839.  The  Son  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a fair  education  in  the  country 
schools,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  began  learning  the  house  carpenter  trade.  After  finish- 
ing this,  he  started  to  contracting  for  himself,  following  this  with  success  for  twenty- 
five  years.  He  then  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  which  contains  27b  acres 
of  good  land.  In  1854  he  married  Elizabeth  Edward  and  became  the  father  of  eight  chil- 
dren : Mamie  L.,  the  wife  of  D.  N.  Fain,  Tennie  V.,  Ella,  Lizzie  C.,  Julia  P.,  Mary  E., 
Josie  J.  and  Lydia.  Mr.  Boring  is  a Democrat,  and  has  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace  in  four  districts  for  twelve  years.  He  is  a Master  Mason,  and  his  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

BENJAMIN  BATEY,  sheriff  and  native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  on 
the  4th  of  July,  1846.  His  parents,  Benjamin  and  Tabitha  (Searcy)  Batey,  were  natives 
respectively  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  in  1801  and  came  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1807  or  1808,  being  among  the  first  settlers  of  Davidson  County.  About  a year  later 
he  came  to  Rutherford  County  where  he  was  reared,  married  and  raised  a large  family  of 
children.  He  was  a successful  farmer  and  served  as  magistrate  several  years.  He  died  in 
1873.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  and 
graduated  from  the  Law  Department  of  that  institution.  In  1863  he  enlisted  as  a private 
in  Company  D,  Twenty -first  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  in  the  Southern  Armyuntil  its 
surrender.  He  then  returned  home  and  completed  his  education  as  above  stated.  He  fol- 
lowed farming  until  August,  1882,  when  he  was  elected  by  the  Democratic  party  to  the  of- 
fice of  sheriff  of  Rutherford  County,  and  re-elected  in  1884.  He  has  proved  an  excellent 
man  for  the  position,  and  has  given  good  satisfaction.  He  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar, 
and  is  also  a K.  of  P. 

FRANK  BATTLE,  an  influential  farmer  of  Robertson  County,  was  born  April  5, 
1841,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Joel  and  Adaline  (Morely)  Battle, 
natives  of  Davidson  County.  The  father  served  as  captain  in  the  Florida  war,  after 
which  he  was  elected  general  of  the  Tennessee  Militia.  In  1861  he  enlisted  as  colonel  in 
the  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry,  and  was  captured  at  Shiloh;  during  that 
fierce  and  bloody  battle  his  horse  was  killed,  and,  falling  on  him,  disabled  him  from  active 
service.  After  his  return  he  was  appointed  treasurer  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  serving  in 
that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  then  appointed  by  Gov.  Brown  superin- 
tendent of  the  State  prison,  and  held  this  office  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Sep- 
tember, 1872.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  an  academic  education  at 
White  Creek  Academy  of  Davidson  County.  He  has  been  quite  successful  in  farming, 
having  at  present  200  acres  of  well  improved  land.  January  1,  1866,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Bettie  House,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children  : Joel  A.,  Alfred  B.,  George  S., 
Addie  M.,  Frank  P.,  Paul,  Julia  H.  and  James  M.  Mr.  Battle  is  an  unswerving  Dem- 
ocrat. In  1861  he  enlisted  as  private  in  Company  B,  of  the  Twentieth  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, and  after  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  was  promoted  to  captain  of  a company  of 
Wheeler,  scouts.  In  July,  1862,  he  was  captured  by  the  Federal  Army  and  taken  to  John- 
son’s Island  and  held  as  hostage  for  Capt.  Harris,  and  later  was  removed  to  Fort  Warren, 
where  he  was  held  for  eight  months,  and  then  sent  through  as  especial  exchange.  After 


1024 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


the  war  he  was  appointed  sheriff  of  the  Supreme  Court  iu  Nashville,  served  three  years 
and  then  moved  to  Rutherford  County,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a Mason,  and  he  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

GRANVILLE  C.  BATY,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  Septem- 
ber 4,  1848,  being  a son  of  William  G.  W.  and  America  (Crockett)  Baty,  both  natives  of 
this  State  and  county.  The  father,  who  was  a well-known  and  successful  farmer  of  the 
county,  died  in  1872.  Granville  was  reared  on  a farm  with  his  parents,  and  secured  an  ordi- 
nary common  school  education  in  his  boyhood  days.  When  he  was  ten  years  of  age  his 
mother  died,  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen  he  began  life  for  himself;  working  about  on  a farm 
until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  then  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  mercantile  business 
in  this  city,  continuing  until  1869.  He  soon  after  erected  a store-house  about  six  miles 
from  Murfreesboro  on  Franklin  road,  to  engage  in  the  business.  Being  disappointed  in 
this  went  to  West  Tennessee  and  engaged  first  in  railroading  and  later  in  the  mercan- 
tile business  in  Dyer  County,  continuing  there  until  his  father’s  death,  when  he  returned 
to  this  county  and  settled  up  his  father’s  estate,  and  then  followed  farming  in  this  county 
until  1883,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  as  wholesale  and  retail  merchant.  In 
1876  he  married  Lucy  L.,  daughter  of  Ivy  J.  C.  Haynes.  They  have  five  children:  Lizzie 
G.,  Martha  J.,  Fannie  B.,  Hal  C.,  and  Rufus  II.  Mr.  Baty  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

CAPT.  RICHARD  BEARD,  attorney  at  law,  notary  public,  and  general  insurance 
agent  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  near  Canton,  Miss.,  February  28,  1842,  son  of  Rev. 
Richard  Beard  and  Cynthia  (Castleman)  Beard,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Ten- 
nessee. The  father  was  born  in  1799,  and  was  educated  for  the  ministry  in  the  Cumber- 
land College  at  Princeton,  Ivy.  He  began  his  professional  career  as  president  of  his 
alma  mater , and  filled  the  theological  chair  of  Cumberland  University  from  1854  until 
his  death  in  1881  or  1882.  The  immediate  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  in  Princeton, 
Ky.,  and  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  securing  a good  education  in  the  latter  place,  and  graduating 
from  its  college  in  1858.  He  then  spent  another  year  studying  English  literature,  and  dur- 
ing 1860  entered  the  legal  department  with  the  view  to  making  the  practice  of  law  his  pro- 
fession. In  the  spring  of  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Seventh  Regiment  Tennessee 
Infantry,  and  served  until  after  the  battle  of  Seven  Pines  in  1862,  when  he  was  severely 
wounded,  and  was  afterward  appointed  second  lieutenant  in  the  Fifth  Confederate  Regi- 
ment., and  after  the  battle  of  Perryville,  Ivy.,  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant.  At  the 
battle  of  Murfreesboro  he  was  appointed  adjutant,  and  after  Chickamauga  was  raised  to 
the  rank  of  captain,  being  also  wounded  in  this  engagement.  He  was  an  eye  witness  to 
the  death  of  Maj.-Gen.  McPherson,  commander  of  the  Federal  Army  of  the  Tennessee, 
and  refutes  the  charges  made  by  the  Federals  that  McPherson  was  murdered,  and  since 
the  war  wrote  an  article  on  the  same,  which  has  been  published  throughout  the  country, 
North  and  South.  Iu  1864  Capt.  Beard  was  captured  and  kept  a prisoner  at  Johnson's 
Island,  Lake  Erie,  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home,  and  in  the  spring 
of  1866  graduated  in  law  and  came  immediately  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  has  built  up  a ( 
good  practice.  During  the  fall  of  1869  and  years  of  1870-71  he  owned  and  edited  the 
Murfreesboro  Monitor , a weekly  paper  devoted  to  the  interests  of  Democracy.  He  finalh 
disposed  of  his  paper  advantageously.  He  is  a Democrat,  a Mason  and  Knight  Templar. 
February  15,  1870,  he  wedded  Marie  L.  Dromgoole,  who  has  borne  him  four  children: 
Sallie,  William  E.,  Richard,  and  Marie  L.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  BEESLEY,  farmer,  was  born  December  23,  1838,  and  is  the  eldest  child 
born  to  Christopher  and  Susan  (Ridoubt.)  Beesley,  natives  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn. 
Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a good  common  school  education.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-one  lie  began  trying  to  make  a livelihood  by  farming  for  Arthur  Miller 
and  others,  and  so  continued  up  to  the  time  of  the  war.  In  1866  he  rented  a farm  in  the 
Seventh  District,  where  he  lived  for  twelve  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  was  able  to 
buy  land.  In  1878  he  purchased  the  property  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Beesley  has  met 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1025 


with  evident  success  in  his  occupation  of  farming  and  at  present  owns  112  acres  of  land. 
In  1866  he  married  Miss  Alice  G.  Elliott,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  to 
this  union  were  born  eight  children:  Adelaide  S.,  Christopher  E..  Mattie  T.,  Carrie  E., 
Susan  W.,  Ethel  L.,  William  A.  and  John  R.  Mr.  Beesley  is  a Democrat,  and  enlisted  in 
1861  in  Company  I of  the  First  Tennessee  Regiment  as  a private.  He  was  engaged  in 
some  of  the  noted  battles,  such  as  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga,  Perryville.  Frank- 
lin, Murfreesboro  and  Bentonville.  He  was  wounded  in  the  leg  during  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  which  disabled  him  from  active  service  for  about  sis  weeks.  In  1863  he 
was  wounded  for  the  second  time  in  the  leg,  and  at  the  battle  of  Franklin  he  received  a 
flesh  wound  which  disabled  him  for  three  months.  After  the  war  he  returned  home  and 
resumed  his  business  of  farming.  He  is  an  influential  citizen  and  a good  neighbor. 

JOHN  BEESLEY,  brother  of  William  and  Christopher  Beesley,  whose  biographies 
are  found  elsewhere  in  this  work,  was  born  September  3,  1840,  in  Rutherford  County.  He 
was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a good  English  education  at  Salem  Academy.  At  the 
age  of  twenty- two  he  engaged  in  farming  on  rented  property,  and  four  years  later  pur- 
chased land  in  the  Fourth  District,  where  he  remained  three  years.  He  then  sold  out 
and  bought  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Beesley  has  an  excellent  farm  of  100 
acres.  In  1865  he  married  Miss  Martha  A.  Job,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  two  chil- 
dren, viz.:  Minnie  P.  and  Mary  S.  In  January,  1883,  he  married  for  his  second  wife  Miss 
Mary  E.  Mathews,  a native  of  Weakley  County,  Tenn.  Mr.  Beesley  is  a Democrat,  and 
April  2,  1861,  enlisted  as  private  in  Company  I,  First  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Infantry, 
where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Beesley  and  family  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  of  the  county,  and  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

CHRISTOPHER  BEESLEY,  a prominent  farmer  of  the  Seventh  District,  was  born 
March  20,  1853,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Christopher  and  Susan  J. 
(Ridoubt)  Beesley.  The  father,  a well-known  pioneer  farmer,  died  at  his  old  homestead 
in  this  county  March  9,  1879.  The  mother  is  still  living.  The  subject  was  reared  on  a 
farm,  receiving  but  a limited  education  in  the  common  schools  of  the  county.  After 
reaching  his  majority  he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  rented  land  for  the  first  five 
years,  after  which  he  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  is  at  the  present  living.  It  consists 
of  261  acres  of  well  improved  land.  In  November,  1876,  he  married  Miss  Bettie  O.  Pope, 
a native  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and  to  this  union  were  born  three  children:  Mary 
0.,  Huston  D.  and  Sarah  G.  Mr.  Beesley  is  an  unswerving  Democrat,  and  he  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church. 

WILLIAM  R.  BELL,  watch-maker,  jeweler  and  musical  instrument  dealer,  of 
Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  Robert  F.  Bell,  of  this  city,  and  was  born  in  Rutherford 
County,  September  14,  1857.  William  R.  obtained  a fair  education  and  at  the  age  of 
seventeen  began  learning  the  watch-maker's  trade,  which  he  mastered  and  at  which  he 
worked  until  1879,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  on  his  own  responsibility,  and 
has  met  with  the  success  his  honesty  and  industry  has  merited.  He  has  one  of  the  best 
stores  in  the  city,  well  stocked  with  jewelry  of  all  kinds,  silver  and  plated-ware,  watches 
and  clocks,  and  controls  the  majority  of  the  trade  in  this  city  and  county.  Besides  this 
he  keeps  a fine  stock  of  pianos,  organs,  and  other  musical  instruments,  in  which  he  does 
a thriving  business.  October  25,  1881,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Nellie  Frost,  a native 
of  Rutherford  County.  They  are  the  parents  of  three  children:  Lizzie  M.,  William  R. 
and  Lyda.  Mr.  Bell  is  a Democrat  in  his  political  views  and  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F 

SAMUEL  P.  BLACK,  M.  D.,  an  enterprising  citizen  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and 
proprietor  of  the  Smyrna  grist-mill,  was  born  in  Tennessee  April  10,  1837,  and  is  a son  of 
Dr.  Thomas  C.  and  Catharine  W.  (Morton)  Black,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  this  State. 
The  father  was  born  in  Sumner  County  March  15,  1809,  and  is  the  son  of  Samuel  P. 
Black,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  who  received  a liberal  education  in  that  State,  and 
was  noted  for  his  learning  and  morality.  Dr.  Thomas  C.  Black  received  his  literary 
and  classical  education  entirely  from  his  father;  he  afterward  attended  Bradley's 


1026 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Academy,  where  he  commenced  the  study  of  medicine.  He  graduated  at  the  Transyl- 
vania University,  of  Kentucky,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Rutherford  County 
Medical  Society.  His  death  occurred  May  28,  1878.  The  mother  still  survives  and  re- 
sides on  the  old  homestead.  Our  subject,  Samuel  P.,  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured 
a good  classical  education,  attending  school  at  the  Stone’s  River  Academy  and  Washington 
Institute.  At  an  early  age  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  his  father,  and  later  at- 
tended lectures  in  the  medical  department  of  the  College  of  Nashville,  graduating  at  that 
institution  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  He  then  returned  home  and  practiced  medicine  with 
his  father  until  1859,  when  he  engaged  in  the  milling  bnsiness.  In  1862  he  was  appointed 
assistant  surgeon  of  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  where  he  remained  for  some  time,  but  re- 
turned home  on  account  of  sickness,  shortly  afterward  he  enlisted  in  the  Fourth  Tennes- 
see Cavalry  Company,  and  was  transferred  to  the  medical  department  of  East  Tennessee, 
where  he  filled  the  position  of  assistant  surgeon.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned 
home  and  resumed  his  milling  business,  which  he  has  since  continued  and  in  which  he 
has  been  quite  successful.  Mr.  Black  is  a single  gentleman,  a Democrat  in  politics  and 
has  been  a Mason  since  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age. 

ADAM  BOCK,  carriage  and  buggy  manufacturer,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  February  8,  1883,  being  a son  of  John  and  Margaretta 
(Flath)  Bock,  both  natives  of  Germany,  where  they  lived  and  died.  Adam  received  a fair 
collegiate  education  in  his  native  language  and  learned  the  carriage-maker’s  trade  of  his 
father.  In  1851  he  came  to  the  United  States,  landing  at  New  York  City  and  soon  after 
came  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  he  followed  his  trade  about  eight  years.  In  the  spring  of 
1860  he  came  to  Murfreesboro,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  enlisted  in  Company  I, 
First  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  Confederate  Army  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
In  November,  1865,  he  engaged  in  his  present  businesss,  in  company  with  others,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Osborn,  Bock  & Co.,  but  since  1879  Mr.  Bock  has  conducted  the  business 
alone.  He  manufactures  superior  carriages  and  buggies  and  is  doing  well  from  a financial 
standpoint.  In  1889  he  wedded  Virginia  C.  Jordan,  of  Tennessee.  They  have  four  chil- 
dren: Margaret  J..  George  I.,  John  A.  and  Estelle.  Although  independent  in  politics  Mr. 
Bock  rather  favors  Democratic  principles.  He  is  a member  of  I.  O.  0.  F.  and  he  and  Mrs. 
Bock  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

COLUMBUS  T.  BRITTAIN,  a prominent  farmer  and  fruit  grower  of  Third  District, 
was  born  July  13, 1834,  in  Rutherford  County',  Tenn.,  and  was  the  son  of  John  and  Martha 
M.  (Smith)  Brittain,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father, 
a cabinet-maker  by  trade,  came  to  this  county  in  1818,  and  afterward  farming  with  such 
evident  success,  that  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1859,  he  left  300  acres  of 
land.  The  son  was  reared  and  educated  as  the  average  farmer  boy,  and  at  the  age  of 
twenty-five  commenced  farming  for  himself  on  his  father’s  place.  Mr.  Brittain  has  met 
with  well-deserved  success,  having  one  of  the  largest  and  best  improved  farms  in  the 
county.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  as  a private  and 
and  took  an  active  part,  in  most  of  the  battles  in  which  his  command  engaged.  He  was 
mustered  out  in  1865,  returned  home  and  resumed  his  farm  duties.  In  1869  he  married 
Miss  L.  Brothers,  who  died  October  31,  1871,  leaving  one  child,  Margaret  M.  In  1873  he 
was  again  married  to  Miss  Frances  M.  Batey,  and  by  this  union  had  twro  children:  John 
W.  and  Frankie  D.  Mr.  Brittain  is  a Democrat,  a Master  Mason  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

ROBERT  S.  BROWN,  a widely-known  and  energetic  merchant  of  Eagleville,  was 
born  in  Bedford  County,  October  27,  1844,  and  is  the  son  of  Solomon  and  Evaline  (Kim- 
mons)  Brown,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  a prominent  farmer  and 
a soldier  in  the  Mexican  war;  his  death  occurred  in  1850.  The  mother  still  survives  him 
and  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  Chambers.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married,  February 
11,  1864,  to  Miss  Alice  Booker,  and  this  union  was  blessed  by  eight  children:  Thomas  E .. 
James  W.,  Ada,  Robert,  Nina,  Mary,  Irene  and  Horace.  Mr.  Brown  took  an  active  part 
in  the  late  war,  being  captain  of  a company  of  Federal  scouts,  operating  in  this  State  for 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1027 


one  year,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  resigned  his  commission  and  refrained  from 
further  participation  in  the  war.  He  returned  home  to  engage  in  business  and  is  now  the 
leading  merchant  in  Eagleville.  Mr.  Brown  is  a Republican  in  the  broadest  meaning  of 
the  term  and  is  the  present  magistrate  of  a strongly  Democratic  district.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Brown  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church  and  have  the  respect  of  all  who  know  them. 

BUTLER  & DRUMRIGHT,  merchants.  The  business  was  estalished  in  1878,  by 
I.  H.  Butler  and  J.  C.  Mosbey,  who  conducted  it  two  years  and  then  divided  the  stock, 
and  Mr.  Butler  and  J ohn  W.  Childress  were  partners  for  two  "years  longer.  Mr.  Butler 
then  purchased  his  partner’s  interest,  and  Thomas  Kerr  became  a partner,  continuing  so 
one  year.  He  then  dropped  out  and  Horace  Arnold  became  associated  in  this  business, 
and  remained  a partner  until  1885.  Mr.  Butler  continued  alone  until  February,  1886,  when 
it  came  into  the  hands  of  the  present  firm,  who  keep  a general  merchandise  store,  and  do 
an  extensive  business.  Isaac  H.  Butler  was  born  in  Murfreesboro,  July  26,  1844,  son  of 
Thomas  O,  and  Permelia  (Ware)  Butler  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Louisiana 
respectively.  They  were  married  about  1838,  and  the  father  followed  farming  until  his 
death  in  1865.  Isaac  H.  was  prevented  from  receiving  an  extended  education  by  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  enlisted  as  first  lieutenant  of  Capt.  Lytle’s  company, 
Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  after  serving  one  and  a half  years,  was  discharged  on 
account  of  his  youth,  but  re-enlisted  in  Carter’s  regiment  of  cavalry,  and  was  made 
captain  of  Company  C,  of  that  regiment.  " He  was  captured  near  Murfreesboro  in  1864, 
and  was  imprisoned  on  Johnson’s  Island  in  Lake  Erie  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then 
returned  home  and  farmed  until  1873,  with  the  exception  of  one  year  (1867)  spent  in 
Texas.  He  came  to  this  city  and  operated  the  City  (now  Miles’)  Hotel  one  year,  and  then 
engaged  in  the  liquor  business  for  the  same  length  of  time.  He  was  elected  to  the  police 
force  and  served  during  1876-77.  In  1878  he  engaged  in  his  present  business,  but  has 
since  been  compelled  to  close  out  on  account  of  ill  health.  In  1865  he  wedded  Mary  E. 
Murphey,  who  bore  him  six  children.  Mr.  Butler  is  a Democrat,  and  in  1878  was  elected 
city  recorder,  an  office  he  held  continuously  until  1886.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  A.  CAMPBELL,  a successful  and  well-to-do  agriculturist,  was  born  in  Ruth- 
erford County,  Tenn.,  in  the  year  1853,  and  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Elvira  (Eagleton) 
Campbell,  who  were  native  Tennesseeans.  The  father  was  also  a farmer  of  thrifty  habits 
and  had  established  a wide  reputation  as  a successful  tiller  of  the  soil.  He  died  in  1875, 
the  mother’s  death  occurring  three  years  later.  They  were  both  earnest  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Our  subject,  John  A.  Campbell,  took  for  his  life  companion  Miss 
Nettie  Sumpter,  in  1877.  Two  children  were  born  to  their  union,  one  of  whom  is  living: 
Sumpter.  Mr.  Campbell  favors  Democratic  principles  and  gives  his  aid  and  support  to 
that  party.  Both  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  he  is  one  of 
the  wide-awake  and  enterprising  farmers  of  the  county. 

JOSEPH  L.  CANNON,  attorney  at  law,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  April 
29,  1835,  son  of  Alanson  and  Elizabeth  (Sharp)  Cannon,  natives  of  Rutherford  and  Sum- 
ner Counties,  Tenn.  The  father,  who  was  an  active  and  successful  farmer,  is  now  living 
a retired  life  with  our  subject,  who  received  a good  literary  education  and  graduated  from 
the  literary  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  in  1858.  In 
1859-60  he  took  a course  in  law  at  the  same  institution  and'then  located  at  Shelbyville, 
where  he  opened  a law  office.  Owing  to  the  war  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  this,  and 
in  1862  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eighteenth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  un- 
til the  close.  He  began  practicing  law  in  Murfreesboro  in  1865,  and  has  met  with  good 
success.  During  1872-73  he  was  a partner  with  J.  W.  Burton.  October  9,  1860,  he  mar- 
ried Margaret,  daughter  of  Richard  Beard,  D.D.,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children, 
seven  now  living:  Alanson  B.,  Elizabeth  E.,  Annie  W.,  Minnie,  Nellie  L.,  Franklin  B. 
and  Sarah  L.  Mr.  Cannon  has  always  been  a Democrat  and  has  been  temporary  judge  of 
the  court,  also  chancellor  by  appointment  numerous  times.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 


1028 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


THOMAS  F.  CARLTON,  a Widely -known  and  successful  merchant,  was  horn  in 
Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  March  7,  1853,  and  is  the  son  of  Blake  and  Mary  (Walker) 
Carlton.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Mr.  Thomas  F.  Carlton,  is  an  uncompromising 
Democrat,  and  is  known  by  all  his  acquaintances  as  amoral,  upright  citizen. 

ALFRED  M.  CAWTHORN,  a well-known  business  man  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  November  28, 1840,  being  a son  of  James  and  Nancy  (Mc- 
Dowell) Cawthorn,  natives  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  The  father  came  to  Ruther- 
ford County,  Tenn.,  in  1840,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  Murfreesboro,  where 
he  followed  the  carpenter’s  trade  and  later  gunsmithing  and  the  locksmith’s  trade.  His 
death  occurred  in  the  spring  of  1882.  Alfred  M.  Cawthorn  was  reared  in  Murfreesboro 
and  learned  the  tinner’s  trade  at  which  he  worked  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when 
he  enlisted  in  Capt.  White’s  company,  Second  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  one  year  as 
private,  when  he  was  honorably  discharged  on  account  of  ill  health.  At  the  close  of  the 
war  he  engaged  in  the  stove  and  tinware  business  in  Murfreesboro,  and  has  continued  to 
the  present  time,  with  the  exception  of  eight  or  nine  years  which  he  spent  in  McMinn- 
ville, Tenn.,  engaged  in  the  same  business.  Mr.  Cawthorn  controls  the  leading  trade  in  his 
line  in  the  city  and  county.  In  1865  he  wedded  Vienna  Manor,  a native  of  Rutherford 
County.  They  have  two  children:  Anna  M.  and  Mary  A.  Mr.  Cawthorn  is  a Democrat 
and  was  alderman  of  the  city  one  term  before  removing  to  McMinnville.  He  also  served 
as  constable  one  term,  and  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Strangers’  Refuge  Lodge,  No.  14, 
and  is  also  an  ex-member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  and  he  and  wife  belong  to  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church. 

HENRY  H.  CLAYTON,  M.  D.,  is  a sou  of  Benjamin  and  Lockey  (Quarles)  Clayton, 
and  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  December  27,  1826.  His  parents  were  born  in  Vir- 
ginia. The  father  came  to  Tennessee  from  Kentucky  as  early  as  1815.  He  died  in  1864. 
Henry  H.  resided  on  the  home  farm  with  his  parents  and  secured  a good  academic  educa- 
tion. At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  began  studying  medicine  iu  the  office  of  J.  M.  Watson  & 
J.  E.  Wendel,  where  he  remained  a student  three  years.  He  then  took  a course  of  lec- 
tures in  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Kentucky  and  graduated  from  the 
University  of  Tennessee  in  1849.  He  then  returned  home  and  practiced  two  years  in  the 
county  and  then  removed  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  has  met  with  excellent  success  in  the 
practice  of  his  profession.  In  June,  1849,  he  married  Maria  Helen,  a native  of  Kentucky, 
who  died  in  1873,  leaving  five  children:  John  B.,  Jennie  M.,  Mary,  Henry  H.  and  William 
L.  In  1874  Dr.  Clayton  married  Mrs.  Hattie  A.  Keeble.  In  1861  he  raised  Company  I, 
Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  as  captain  two  years,  when  he  was  elected  first 
surgeon  and  served  as  such  on  the  battle  field  one  year,  and  the  rest  of  the  time  was  hos- 
pital surgeon.  He  is  a member  of  theK.  of  H.,  and  A.  0.  U.  W.,  and  was  mayor  of  Mur- 
freesboro in  1877.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  one  of 
the  ablest  practitioners  of  the  county, 

JAMES  CLAYTON,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Clayton,  Overall  & Co.,  are  dealers 
in  general  merchandise  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  The  business  was  established  in  1865  by 
James  Clayton  and  Rufus  Jetton,  who  kept  a grocery  store  until  1870,  and  then  added  a 
line  of  dry  goods  and  other  merchandise.  At  this  time  Mr.  Jetton  retired  and  T.  B.  Ivie 
took  his  place.  Two  years  later  Mr.  Ivie  died  and  in  1875  Mr.  Asbury  Overall  and  his 
brother,  John  H.,  became  connected  with  the  business,  but  the  latter  retired  in  1881  and 
James  H.  Crichlow  purchased  an  interest  in  the  business  and  since  that  time  the  film  has 
been  as  above — doing  a successful  business,  and  they  are  now  one  of  the  most  firmly  es- 
tablished firms  in  the  city.  James  Clayton,  senior  member  of  the  firm,  was  born  March 
7,  1833,  and  is  a son  of  Benjamin  Clayton,  Sr.  (see  sketch  of  Dr.  H.  H.  Clayton).  James 
received  an  ordinary  education,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  came  to  this  city  and  became 
salesman  in  the  mercantile  business.  In  1857  he  engaged  in  a similar  business  in  Nash- 
ville, but  a year  later  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  kept  a hat,  cap,  boot  and  shoe  store  with 
Rufus  Jetton.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-third  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and 
oon  after  became  quartermaster,  with  the  rank  of  captain.  In  1864  he  was  commissioned 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1029 


major.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  and  other  comrades  started  home  on  horseback,  but 
were  robbed  by  bushwackers  in  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  being  compelled  to  come  the 
rest  of  the  way  on  foot,  and,  as  above  stated,  engaged  in  his  present  business.  October 
29,  1868,  he  wedded  Haddeassa  Cowan,  who  bore  him  seven  children.  Mr.  Clayton  has 
always  been  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  was  mayor  of  the  city  for  the  years  1881-82, 
during  which  time  the  Corporation  debt  was  very  considerably  reduced  and  its  affairs 
placed  upon  a firm  and  solid  basis.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  and  K.  of  H.  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Asbury  Overall,  general  merchant, 
and  member  of  the  above  firm,  was  born  on  the  20th  of  April,  1844,  and  is  a son  of  James 
and  Rachel  W.  (Davis)  Overall.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  died  in  Rutherford  County 
in  1874.  Our  subject  secured  a fair  education  and  resided  on  the  farm  with  his  parents. 
In  1875  he  removed  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  became  a member  of  the  present  firm. 
In  1881  Mr.  Crichlow  became  a partner  and  they  are  now  doing  a thriving  business. 
In  1878  Mr.  Overall  married  Hudie  Lowe.  They  have  two  children,  Gertrude  and 
Floyd.  In  November,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eighteenth  Regiment  Tennessee 
Infantry.  He  was  captured  at  Atlanta  and  held  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  until  April,  1865. 
He  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

ROBERT  A.  COLEMAN,  a merchant  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  Febru- 
ary 6,  1859,  in  this  county,  and  is  the  son  of  Edwin  and  Mary  E.  (Wrather)  Coleman,  na- 
tives, respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  son  was  reared  on  a farm  and  re- 
ceived a moderate  education,  attending  the  common  country  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  he  started  in  business  for  himself,  clerking  in  the  store  that  he  has  since  purchased  in 
partnership  with  his  brother,  W.  B.  Coleman.  He  has  met  with  evident  success,  and  has 
the  postoffice  in  connection  with  one  of  the  best  general  supply  stores  in  the  county.  In 
September,  1882,  Mr.  Coleman  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  Fly.  Mr.  Coleman  is  a Democrat 
and  he  and  wife  are  members,  respectively,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Christian 
Churches  South.  He  is  justly  considered  as  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  the  county,  a- 
conscientious  Christian  and  one  of  the  influential  men  of  the  county. 

CARROL  COLLINS,  superintendent  of  the  Murfreesboro  Gaslight  Company,  was 
born  in  the  State  of  New  York,  September  3,  1851,  son  of  Edward  H.  and  Rosanna  (Ben- 
nett) Collins,  also  natives  of  New  York.  When  a small  lad  our  subject  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Peoria,  111.,  where  he  learned  the  gas-fitters  trade.  At  the  age  of  twenty  years 
he  accepted  the  position  as  superintendent  of  the  gas-works  at  Pekin,  111.  He  was  then 
assistant  superintendent  of  the  gas-works  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  and  afterward  went  to  Chi- 
cago and  there  had  charge  of  the  Hyde  Park  gas-works  some  months.  At  a later  period 
he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  retorts  and  fire-brick,  and  in  1880  accepted  the  position 
as  superintendent  of  the  gas-works  at  Cairo,  111.,  where  he  remained  until  May,  1883,  when 
he  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  has  taken  almost  complete  control  of  the  gas  works  of  that 
city.  Mr.  Collins  owns  a controling  interest  in  the  works  and  the  citizens  have  profited 
greatly  by  his  experienced  management.  He  has  greatly  improved  the  quality  of  the  gas 
and  added  many  new  and  needed  improvements.  In  November,  1884,  Mr.  Collins  mar- 
ried Lizzie  Garrett,  of  Rutherford  County,  and  daughter  of  an  old  and  highly  respected 
citizen  of  the  county.  Mr.  Collins  is  a worthy  citizen  and  reliable  business  man  of  the 
county. 

THOMAS  W.  COX  was  born  October  7,  1845,  in  Alabama,  and  is  the  son  of  Middle- 
ton  and  Louisa  (Oden)  Cox,  both  natives  of  Georgia.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  is 
an  energetic  and  successful  farmer,  was  married  February  1,  1870,  to  Miss  Emma  Overall, 
and  to  this  union  were  born  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  living:  Minos  L.,  Jessie  L., 
Thomas  W.  and  William  M.  Mr.  Cox  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in 
Company  A,  Thirtieth  Alabama  Infantry.  He  was  courier  for  Gen.  Pettus  during  the 
Georgia  campaign,  was  captured  May  16,  1863,  and  remained  a prisoner  until  July  7, 
when  he  was  exchanged  and  returned  to  his  original  command,  where  he  served  with  dis- 
tinction until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Cox  is  a Democrat  of  the  most  pronounced  type. 


1030 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Cox  is  a worthy  and  consistent  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  they  are  justly  recognized  as  influential  citizens  of 
Rutherford  County. 

JAMES  H.  CRICHLOW,  a well-known  business  man  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  this  city  February  11,  1850.  His  father,  Thomas  H.  Crichlow,  who  was  a native 
of  the  State  aud  for  many  years  a successful  merchant  of  Murfreesboro,  removed  in  1853 
to  Florida,  where  he  died  two  years  later.  James  H.  then  returned  to  this  county  with 
his  mother  and  family,  and  here  our  subject  was  reared,  securing  a fair  education  in  his 
youthful  days.'  At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  accepted  a clerkship  in  a hotel  and  restaurant 
here,  and  later  in  a mercantile  business,  continuing  at  the  latter  until  1869,  when  he  acted 
as  assistant  postmaster  for  two  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  with  J. 
B.  Lane  two  years,  when  he  again  returned  to  clerking,  in  which  he  continued  until  1881, 
when  he  entered  into  his  present  partnership  with  the  firm  of  Clayton,  Overall  & Co.,  in 
which  he  has  contributed  to  and  shared  equally  in  the  success  of  this  well-known  business 
firm.  October  25,  1874,  Mr.  Crichlow  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Miss  Emma  Lane,  of 
Rutherford  County.  By  this  union  they  have  three  children:  Laila  J.,  Newton  C.  and 
Helen  M.  Mr.  Crichlow  is  a Democrat  in  his  political  views,  and  a member  of  the  I.  0. 
O.  F.,  K.  of  P.  and  K.  of  H.  fraternities,  also  of  the  R.  A.  He  has  held  high  positions 
in  both  the  local  and  State  lodge  of  Odd  Fellowship,  being  Past  Grand  Master  of  the  State 
lodge;  was  also  Grand  Representative  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  Himself  and  wife  are 
leading  and  active  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Crichlow  is  very 
popular  as  superintendent  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday-school,  and  possessing  unu- 
sual musical  ability  as  a vocalist,  together  with  other  commendable  faculties,  he  is  ren- 
dered singularly  fit  for  this  position;  besides,  he  is  invariably  called  upon  by  the  public  to 
preside  over  all  public  and  social  entertainments  given  in  the  city,  and  he  fulfills  the  part 
of  master  of  ceremonies  on  all  such  occasions  in  a highly  satisfactory  and  efficient  manner. 

DR.  GEORGE  D.  CROSTHWAIT,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent  physicians 
of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  a native  of  Virginia,  was  born.May  4,  1808,  and  is  the 
son  of  Shelton  and  Elizabeth  (Thompson)  Crosthwait,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county,  coming  here  in  the  year 
1804,  and  engaged  in  farming  and  milling.  His  death  occurred  in  1825  and  the  mother’s 
in  1864.  Our  subject  received  a good  classical  education  at  the  common  schools,  and  at 
the  age  of  eighteen  attended  the  University  of  Virginia  at  Charlotte,  Va.,  taking  one 
course  in  the  medical  department  with  a view  to  making  it  a profession.  He  afterward 
attended  the  medical  college  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  where  he  graduated  with  honor  in  1832. 
He  then  returned  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  practiced  medicine  in  that  town  and  vicinity. 
He  then  moved  to  Iowa  City,  Iowa,  and  practiced  medicine  there  for  some  time.  In  1862 
he  returned  to  this  county,  but  did  not  take  an  active  part  in  the  war,  being  over  fifty 
years  of  age  at  that  time,  but  he  warmly  sympathized  with  the  Southern  cause,  having 
lost  three  sons  in  the  war.  He  was  a Whig  in  politics  before  the  war,  and  in  1852  repre- 
sented Johnson  County  in  the  State  Senate  of  Iowa.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  went  to 
California,  where  he  remained  three  years.  In  1849  and  1850  he  was  a representative  of 
Rutherford  County  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  was  clerk  of  the  chancery  court  of  Ruth- 
erford County  from  1844  to  1849.  In  1836  Mr.  Crosthwait  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Eliza  Burton,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children,  only 
three  of  whom  are  living:  Lavina  C.,  Dr.  George  W.  and  Eliza  F.  Mrs.  Crosthwait  died 
December  22,  1860,  and  in  1862  Mr.  Crosthwait  was  united  in  marriage  to  Caroline 
Harding,  a native  of  this  State.  On  account  of  his  advanced  age  Dr.  George  D.  Cros- 
thwait retired  from  practice  in  1883,  and  has  since  lived  a quiet  life.  He  is  a Mason,  and 
himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

DR.  JAMES  W.  DAVIS,  a prominent  and  well-known  physician  of  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  and  a native  of  this  State,  was  born  September  22,  1821.  His  parentswere 
William  H.  and  Mary  (Broughton)  Davis,  natives  respectively  of  North  and  South  Caro- 
lina. The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  county,  came  here  in  1804  and  en- 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1031 


gaged  in  farming.  He  was  a Democrat,  holding  the  office  of  magistrate  in  his  district  for 
twelve  years.  His  death  occurred  in  June,  1852.  The  mother  died  in  1830.  Our  subject 
was  a country  boy,  and  received  a good  classical  education.  He  taught  school  in  this 
county  for  two  years  and  then  began  the  study  of  medicine,  and  afterward  attended  lec- 
tures at  the  medical  department  of  the  Louisville  College,  graduating  at  this  institution 
at  the  sessions  of  1850  and  1851.  He  then  returned  to  this  county  and  began  the  practice 
of  medicine  at  which  he  has  ever  since  been  engaged.  His  reputation  as  a learned  and 
skilled  physician  is  well  known.  Mr.  Davis  did  not  take  an  active  part  in  the  late  war 
but  his  sympathies  were  with  the  South.  In  1860  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Mary 
J.  Weakly,  a native  of  this  State,  and  to  this  union  were  born  four  children  (only  one  of 
whom  is  living) : James  W.,  Mary  E.  (deceased),  Samuel  L.  (deceased),  and  Sue  H.  (deceased). 
Mr.  Davis  is  a Democrat,  and  himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  which  he  has  been  an  elder  for  upward  of  eighteen  years.  He  is  a prominent 
citizen  and  a good  man. 

WILLIAM  L.  DAVIS  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  April  17,  1833,  son  of  Charles  L. 
and  Elizabeth  (Sanders)  Davis,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  Virginia.  The  father  came 
to  Tennessee  in  1825,  where  he  became  a well-to-do  farmer.  His  death  occurred  in  1874. 
The  mother  died  in  1841.  Our  subject,  William  L.,  secured  a common  education,  and  at 
the  age  of  twenty-one  purchased  a farm  in  .Bedford  County,  on  which  he  lived  two  years. 
In  1860  he  returned  to  Rutherford  County,  and  took  a half  interest  in  his  father’s  mill,  of 
which  he  is  now  proprietor.  The  mill  was  established  at  an  early  date,  and  is  now  classed 
among  the  best  custom  mills  of  the  county,  outside  of  Murfreesboro,  having  a capacity  of 
thirty  barrels  per  day.  Mr.  Davis  is  always  strictly  accurate  in  his  business  transactions 
and  accordingly  controls  the  leading  trade  in  his  section  of  the  country.  In  1856  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Sallie  Searsey,  a native  of  this  county.  They  have  this  family: 
Robert  O.,  John;  Mollie  E.,  wife  of  Robert  Bell;  Ella,  wife  of  Joseph  Blake;  and  Samuel 
B.  Mr.  Davis  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

JASPER  F.  DICKENS  (deceased)  was  a prominent  and  energetic  farmer  of  Ruther- 
ford County,  Tenn.,  and  was  born  in  Cannon  County,  Tenn.,  November  18,  1828,  son  of 
Baxter  B.  and  Nancy  (Holt)  Dickens,  who  were  also  natives  of  the  State.  His  death, 
which  was  a great  loss  to  his  family  and  friends,  occurred  March  21,  1885.  In  1858  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  J.  Prater,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and  still  survives 
him.  They  became  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  only  eight  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Nancy  C.  (wife  of  J.  A.  Todd),  died  May  7,  1880;  William  T.,  Martha  E.  (died  August  15, 
1884),  Baxter  M.,  Thomas  P.,  Quitnian,  Rufus  G.,  Edna  F.,  John  T.,  Charley  G.  and 
James,  who  died  February  16,  1886.  Mrs.  Dickens  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  since  her  husband’s  death  has  resided  on  and  managed  the  farm,  being 
quite  successful  in  her  business  transactions.  She  belongs  to  one  of  the  leading  families 
of  the  county. 

DR.  JAMES  M.  DILL,  a widely  known  practitioner,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County 
in  1831,  and  is  a son  of  Isaac  and  Gilley  (Cooper)  Dill,  who  were  natives  of  South  Caro- 
lina, the  father  being  an  active  agriculturist.  He  departed  this  life  in  1847;  the  mother 
died  in  1851.  They  were  earnest  and  faithful  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  died 
earnest  believers  in  that  faith.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  united  in  matrimony  to 
Miss  Jestina  Kelton  August  11,  1857,  and  to  this  union  seven  children  were  born,  only  two 
of  whom  are  living,  Joseph  W.  and  Nettie  F.  Mrs.  Dill  died  February  9,  188-.  She  was 
an  excellent  and  charitable  lady,  and  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  a large  circle  of  ac- 
quaintances. The  Doctor  took  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Mary  Hill,  September  19,  1883. 
He  is  a Democrat  of  the  Jacksonian  order,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  worthy  and  consistent 
members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  are  recognized  as  worthy  and  influential  citizens 
of  the  county. 

WILLIAM  B.  DRUMRIGHT,  of  the  firm  of  Butler  & Drumright,  merchants  of  Mur- 
freesboro. Tenn.,  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  July  8,  1841,  son  of  Richard 


1032 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  Elizabeth  (Rainey)  Drumright,  both  of  the  Old  Dominion.  . The  father  located  on 
. a farm. in  Williamson  County  in  1825,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days  a tiller  of  the 
soil.  He  died  in  1844.  Our  subject  resided  on  the  farm  with  his  mother  until  her 
death,  in  1858,  and  secured  a common  school  education.  He  came  to  Murfreesboro  at  the 
latter  date  and  learned  the  brickmason’s  trade,  which  he  followed  until  the  beginning  of 
the  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  First  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served 
as  private  and  non-commissioned  officer  until  the  surrender  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 
He  then  worked  at  his  trade  in  Jackson  and  Madison  Counties,  Tenn.,  two  years  and  then 
returned  to  Murfreesboro,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  contracting  and  building,  and 
has  erected  some  of  the  finest  buildings  in  the  city.  In  February,  1886,  he  engaged  in  the 
general  merchandise  business,  and  has  been  quite  prosperous.  November  15,  1868,  he 
married  Martha  F.  Rather.  They  have  six  children — one  son  and  five  daughters.  Mr. 
Drumright  is  a Democrat,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  aldermen  of  the  city 
one  term.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

DR.  JOHN  N.  DYKES,  a successful  practitioner,  was  born  near  Rogersville,  Tenn.. 
November  14,  1833,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Rebecca  (Curry)  Dykes.  The  father  de- 
parted this  life  in  1857,  and  his  widow  followed  him  in  1885.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  married  April  19,  1857,  to  Miss  Sallie  Long,  and  their  wedded  life  was  blessed  by  four 
children,  three  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  Henry  E..  James  M.  and  Sidney  B.  Mrs.  Dykes 
departed  this  life  in  1876;  she  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church, 
dying  with  a full  possession  of  all  Christian  hopes.  Dr.  Dyke  married  the  second  time  in 
1880  to  Mrs.  Maggie  Smotherman,  having  by  this  union  two  children,  one  of  whom  is  liv- 
ing, namely,  Horace  G.  The  Doctor  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  took  an  active  part  in  the 
late  war,  enlisting  in  Company  G,  Thirty -first  Tennessee,  remaining  with  his  company  un- 
til after  the  fall  of  Vicksburg,  when  his  company  was  changed  from  infantry  to  cavalry, 
and  the  Doctor  changed  from  surgeon  to  lieutenant.  He  was  with  John  H.  Morgan  at 
Greenville  and  saw  Miss  Williams  when  she  rode  out  of  town  to  direct  the  Union  troops 
through  the  Confederate  lines.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church  and  are  regarded  as  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  the  community  in  which 
they  live. 

W.  B.  EARTHMAN  & CO.,  manufacturers  of  red  cedar  lumber,  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.  For  the  past  eight  years  Murfreesboro  has  grown  to  be  a cedar  market  of  greater 
importance  and  reputation  than  any  other  city  in  the  country,  considerably  overshad- 
owing many  other  cities  of  a much  larger  population.  This  result  has  heen  attained  on 
account  of  the  superior  advantage  Murfreesboro  has  in  locality,  being  surrounded  by  im- 
mense cedar  groves,  and  because  the  above  named  firm  has  had  the  necessary  capital, 
capability  and  push.  The  business  of  this  firm  reaches  out  over  a large  extent  of  terri- 
tory; their  chief  markets  are  St.  Louis,  Cincinnati,  Louisville  and  Indianapolis.  The  bus- 
iness was  first  established  by  W.  B.  Earthman  & Co.  in  1878,  and  they  have  been  very 
successful  in  the  business.  They  started  in  with  no  capital  but  that  which  nature  had  en- 
dowed them  with,  and  the  fact  of  their  owning  the  building  and  yards  in  which  they  do 
business  gives  them  superior  advantage  now.  William  W.  Earthman  was  born  December 
3,  1818,  and  is  a son  of  James  and  Margaret  (Webber)  Earthman,  natives,  respectively,  of 
Tennessee  and  Mississippi.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  afterward  a merchant  of  Win- 
chester, Miss.  He  came  to  this  State  in  1829  and  died  in  the  spring  of  1830.  The  mother 
died  in  1858.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a fair  educa- 
tion at  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  went  into  business  for  himself.  In 
1847  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Bnrnpas,  a native  of  this  State,  and  to 
them  were  born  five  children:  William  B.,  Ira  0.,  Ella  M.,  V.  K.  Stephenson  and  Fannie, 
who  died  in  1884.  Mr.  Earthman  is  an  old-line  Whig  in  politics.  Himself  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  William  W.  Earthman  is  one  of 
the  oldest  and  most  reliable  business  men  of  the  county,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  a 
moral,  upright  citizen.  William  B.  Earthman,  a native  of  this  State,  was  born  December 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1038 


S,  1848,  and  is  the  son  of  William  W.,  senior  member  of  the  firm,  and  Elizabeth  Earth- 
man,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  engaged  in  farming  in  the  county  for  many 
years,  and  also  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  in  this  place  in  1847.  William  B.  was 
reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a good  common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen 
he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  and  afterward,  in  1878,  engaged  in  his  present  bus- 
iness. In  1877  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mattie  T.  Frost,  a native  of  this  State, 
-and  to  them  were  born  four  children:  Hewett  F.,  Weber  B.,  John  B.,  Christine  R.,  all  of 
whom  are  still  living.  Mr.  Earthman  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  himself  and  family 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  classed  among  the  enterprising 
and  successful  business  men  of  the  county.  Ira  Overton  Earthman,  junior  member  of 
the  firm,  is  a native  of  this  county,  and  was  born  January  3,  1852.  He  is  a son  of  Will- 
iam W.  and  Elizabeth  Earthman.  Ira  Earthman  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a 
good  common  school  education,  afterward  attending  the  Union  University,  at  Murfrees- 
boro, and  Franklin  University,  near  Nashville.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  began  the  mer- 
cantile business,  which  he  continued  for  three  years;  he  was  then  employed  by  Hodge  & 
Smith,  and  remained  with  them  for  five  years.  In  1878  he  engaged  in  his  present  busi- 
ness. December  1,  1885,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Rivens,  a native  of  this 
State.  Mr.  Ira  Earthman  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

DAVID  F.  ELAM  may  be  mentioned  as  an  energetic  and  prosperous  farmer  of  Ruth- 
erford County,  Tenn.,  born  in  Murfreesboro,  July  27,  1829.  son  of  Edward  and  Rebecca 
(Wade)  Elam,  who  were  born  in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  respective!}".  Edward  Elam  was 
a descendant  of  Daniel  Elam,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  county,  and  a school 
teacher  in  his  day,  being  one  of  the  early  educators  of  Murfreesboro.  Edward  Elam  was 
a mechanic  and  farmer,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  a merchant  of  Jacksonville,  Ala. 
He  was  one  of  the  first  men  that  ginned  cotton  at  Murfreesboro,  and  made  quite  a fortune 
at  that  business.  He  was  a Jacksonian  Democrat.  His  death  occurred  in  1839,  and  the 
mother’s  in  1858.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  made  his  parents’  house  his  home  until 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  then  began  for  himself,  and  in  1858  purchased  a farm  in 
West  Tennessee,  but  in  1865  returned  to  Rutherford  County  and  purchased  his  present 
farm,  consisting  of  600  acres  of  excellent  land.  In  1856  his  marriage  to  Miss  Ellen  P. 
Crawford-was  celebrated.  They  have  these  children:  Franke  E.  (wife  of  Samuel  P.  Black), 
Edward  E.,  Mamie  (wife  of  Dave  Miller),  Annie,  Wade  H.  and  Washington  E.  Mr. 
Elam  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR,  THOMAS  J.  ELAM,  a prominent  physician  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  born 
November  25,  1832,  and  is  a son  of  Edward  and  Rebecca  (Wade)  Elam,  who  were  born  in 
Virginia  and  Maryland,  respectively.  The  father  was  a Robertson  County  pioneer  and 
farmer,  and  died  in  the  fall  of  1889.  He  was  a participant  of  the  fvar  of  1812,  and  was  in 
the  battle  of  New  Orleans  under  Gen.  Jackson.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  days  on 
a farm,  and  received  a collegiate  education,  attending  Irving  College  in  Warren  County 
in  1856.  He  began  studying  medicine  under  Drs.  J.  E.  & R.  S.  Wendel,  of  Murfreesboro, 
and  attended  the  medical  college  of  Nashville,  and  received  his  diploma  in  1858.  He  has 
since  practiced  in  Rutherford  County,  and  has  met  with  good  success,  owning  400  acres  of 
land  on  the  Stone  River.  February  6,  1861,  he  married  Elizabeth  Snell,  and  to  them  were 
born  eight  children — three  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are  Samuel  B.,  Franklin, 
Francis  C.,  Thomas  J.  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Elam  was  a Whig  previous  to  the  war,  but 
since  that  time  -lias  been  a Democrat.  He  was  a surgeon  in  the  late  war,  serving  the 
Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment.  In  1864  he  was  discharged  on  account  of  ill-health  and 
returned  home.  He  is  a Master  Mason,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church. 

HON.  EDWIN  H.  EWING,  LL.  D.,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Nash- 
ville December  2,  1809,  being  a son  of  Nathan  and  grandson  of  Andrew  Ewing,  who  was 
one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Nashville.  The  names  of  Nathan  and  Andrew  Ewing  appear 
in  the  county  court  records  as  clerks  successively  from  1783  to  1830.  Our  subject 


1034 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


secured  a good  literary  education  and  graduated  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  from  the 
University  of  Nashville  in  1827,  and  later  had  the  honorary  degree  of  LL.  D.,  conferred 
upon  him.  He  began  studying  law  without  a preceptor,  using  the  books  of  an  elder  brother 
and  occasionally  appealing  to  that  able  lawyer,  Francis  B.  Fogg,  who  generously  assisted 
him  in  his  struggles  to  rise.  In  1830  he  was  licensed  to  practice  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  a year  later.  He  was  a partner  of  James  P.  Grundy  until  1837,  and  grew  rapidly  in 
character  and  standing  as  a lawyer.  He  and  his  brother  Andrew  formed  a partnership, 
and  in  1840  he  worked  with  so  much  vigor  for  the  election  of  the  Whig  ticket  that  he  was 
honored  by  an  election  to  the  State  Legislature  in  1842,  where  he  became  reputed  for  his 
able  speeches.  In  1844  he  favored  Henry  Clay  for  the  presidency,  and  in  1845  he  was 
elected  to  fill  a vacancy  in  Congress  for  the  Nashville  District.  He  served  two  sessions 
in  that  b^dy,  when  he  declined  to  fill  a seat  in  the  House  longer.  While  there  he  delivered 
several  able  speeches,  one  on  the  Oregon  question;  one  on  the  Tariff  of  1846,  which  was 
favorably  commented  on  by  his  room  mate,  Alexander  H.  Stephens;  one  on  the  River 
and  Harbor  Bill  of  1846,  and  one  on  the  Mexican  war.  Meanwhile  his  reputation  as  a 
lawyer  increased  and  he  was  frequently  chosen  special  judge  on  the  supreme  bench,  and 
his  opinion  delivered  on  the  great  Winchester  case  won  him  a wide-spread  reputation. 
In  1850  he  made  a fortunate  speculation  in  real  estate,  which  rendered  him  financially  in- 
dependent. He  then  decided  to  make  a tour  of  the  globe,  and  in  1851  left  for  the  Old 
World,  taking  copious  and  interesting  notes  of  the  many  countries  he  visited.  Mr.  Ewing 
practiced  his  profession  in  Nashville  until  1856,  when  he  came  to  Rutherford  County  and 
resided  with  his  daughter  until  1860,  when  she  removed  to  Nashville  and  he  continued  to 
make  his  home  with  her  until  1861.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  lie  spoke  and  voted 
for  the  Union  in  the  election  of  February,  1861,  but  after  Lincoln’s  proclamation  he  took 
a position  against  coercion.  In  the  latter  part  of  1863  he  advised  the  people  of  the  State 
to  submit  to  the  Federal  Government.  His  letter  to  this  effect  was  published  and  sub- 
jected him  to  much  criticism  and  aided  probably  in  his  defeat  for  judgeship  of  the 
supreme  court  afterward.  After  the  war  he  practiced  his  profession  in  Murfreesboro, 
but  of  late  years  has  retired  from  active  duties  and  is  spending  his  declining  years  at  his 
residence  in  this  city.  Mr.  Ewing  has  always  been  an  energetic  student  in  literature  and 
has  contributed  largely  to  newspapers  and  has  been  much  sought  after  throughout  the 
State  as  a public  lecturer. 

JOSIAH  W.  EWING  is  a well-known  citizen  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  is  the 
eldest  of  two  children  and  only  son  of  Hon.  E.  H.  Ewing,  whose  sketch  precedes  this. 
He  was  born  in  Nashville  August  11,  1834,  and  attended  the  Nashville  University,  his 
father’s  old  alma  mater,  being  in  the  sophomore  class  at  the  classing  of  that  institution. 
He  then  completed  his  education  at  Bethany  College,  Virginia,  graduating  with  the  de- 
gree of  A.  B.  in  1881.  He  then  removed  to  this  county  and  followed  agricultural  pur- 
suits until  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  Capt.  Ledbetter’s  company,  First  Regiment  Tennes- 
see Infantry,  and  served  in  this  capacity  until  after  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  when  he 
was  made  provost-marshal  of  the  court  of  Hardee’s  military  corps,  continuing  thus  about 
fifteen  months,  when  he  was  made  assistant  inspector  of  field  transportation  for  the  Con- 
federate forces  of  Tennessee,  which  position  he  retained  until  the  surrender.  He  then 
returned  to  Rutherford  County  and  resumed  the  management  of  his  farms,  but  in  1873 
came  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  has  since  resided.  November  21,  1855,  he  wedded  Miss 
Ada  B.  Hord,  of  this  county.  They  have  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  Mr.  Ewing,  like 
his  father,  was  an  old  time  Whig  until  that  party  ceased  to  exist.  Since  that  time  he 
has  affiliated  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN  W.  FARIS,  a successful  farmer,  was  born  in  this  county  September  30,  1846, 
and  is  the  son  of  Rev.  C.  B.  and  Mary  (Ransom)  Faris,  natives  of  this  State.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  was  united  in  wedlock,  April  18,  1866,  to  Miss  Lizzie  Hopkins,  and  to 
them  were  born  the  following  children:  Mary  A.,  Sue  E.,  Charley  B.,  James  R.,  Ada, 
Sallie  and  Lena  M.  Mr.  Faris  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  Company 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1035 


A,  Twenty -fourth  Tennessee,  serving  as  second  lieutenant,  but  was  afterward  promoted 
to  lieutenant  of  Company  F,  Alabama  State  troops.  Later  he  joined  Company  D,  Elev- 
enth Tennessee  Cavalry,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  a gallant 
soldier  and  a brave  man.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Faris  are  members  in  good  standing  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  are  regarded  with  esteem  and  affection  in  the  commun- 
ity in  which  they  reside. 

R.  W.  FARIS,  a prominent  merchant,  saw-mill  owner,  proprietor  of  a well-boring 
machine  and  manager  of  a blacksmith  shop,  is  financially  embarrassed,  and  was  never 
otherwise.  Mr.  Faris  is  an  uncompromising  Democrat  from  away  back.  In  youth  he 
was  noted  for  mule  riding  and  coon  hunting.  He  enlisted  in  the  army  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen, in  Company  A,  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee,  and  was  as  timid  a soldier  as  ever  shoul- 
ered  a musket.  He  served  one  year,  was  discharged  for  youthfulness,  and  was  sworn  in 
the  next  day  for  three  years,  and  served  until  1865.  He  joined  the  Kuklux,  Good  Tem- 
plars, Free  Masons,  and  is  a consistent  member  of  all  the  above  named  societies.  Mr. 
Faris  has  been  twice  married;  the  first  time  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Z.  Jackson,  having  three 
children:  Walter  R.,  Mary  J.  and  Charles  R.  The  second  time  he  was  married  to  Miss- 
Mattie  Mathews,  and  one  child  was  born  to  this  union,  Angre.  Mr.  Faris  is  now  super- 
intendent of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday-school,  and  is  in  many  respects  the  equal  of 
Sam  Jones. 

MINOS  L.  FLETCHER,  farmer,  was  born  in  this  county  in  1822,  and  is  the  son  of 
John  and  Martha  (Howlet)  Fletcher,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina,  who  immigrated  to- 
this  State  in  1818,  and  fully  participated  in  all  the  hardships  and  inconveniences  of  those 
times.  The  father  died  in  1849,  and  the  mother  in  1828.  They  were  prominent  members 
of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and  died  in  full  faith  of  a blessed  hereafter.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  was  married,  June  7,  1841,  to  Miss  Lucretia  H.  Overall,  and  to  this  un- 
ion were  born  two  children,  both  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Fletcher  was  an  ardent 
advocate  of  the  union  of  States,  but  being  a resident  of  the  South  he  refrained  from  par- 
ticipating in  the  late  war.  Mr.  Fletcher  supports  the  man  and  the  principle  rather  than 
the  party.  Our  subject  was  elected  magistrate  by  the  Democratic  party,  and  served  his 
county  in  that  capacity  for  sixteen  years.  He  was  also  elected  circuit  court  clerk  by  the 
Republican  party,  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  six  years.  Mr.  Fletcher  is  independent 
in  politics,  and  has  the  confidence  and  friendship  of  both  parties.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher 
are  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

THOMAS  B.  FOWLER,  cashier  of  Stone  River  National  Bank  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  was  born  in  Cannon  County  Tenn.,  July  7,  1838,  son  of  R.  and  H.  (Craft)  Fowler, 
who  were  natives  of  the  same  place.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  was  clerk  of  the  county 
courts  twelve  years.  He  represented  his  county  in  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legisla- 
ture, the  sessions  of  1851-52.  His  death  occurred  in  1863.  At  the  age  of  twelve  years  our 
subject  left  home  and  came  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  became  clerk  in  a book  store  and 
later  acted  as  book-keeper  in  the  dry  goods  business  until  the  war,  when  he  enlisted  as  a 
private  in  Capt.  S.  N.  White’s  Company,  and  served  until  after  the  battle  of  Franklin, 
where  he  lost  a leg  in  a skirmish  near  Overall  Creek.  He  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant and  adjutant.  He  was  revenue  collector  for  Rutherford  County  for  the  years 
1866-67.  After  he  had  recovered  from  his  wound  he  accepted  a position  as  book-keeper  at 
the  Savings  Bank  and  later  became  teller  of  the  First  National  Bank.  In  1870  he  became 
clerk  of  the  circuit  court  and  filled  the  position  until  1882.  He  then  accepted  his  pres- 
ent position.  February  8,  1868,  he  wedded  Mrs.  Sallie  (Major)  Richardson.  They  have  an 
adopted  daughter  named  Katie  B.  Mr.  Fowler  is  a Democrat  and  is  a Mason,  Knight 
Templar  and  Scottish  Rite  degrees.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  K.  of  H.  and  he 
and  Mrs  Fowler  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  R.  FOX,  proprietor  of  the  livery,  feed  and  sale  stables  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  which  were  established  by  Fox  & Smith,  in  1884,  was  born  in  this  county  July 
31,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Tennie  Fox,  natives,  respectively,  of  Ire- 
land and  this  State.  The  father  is  known  in  this  county  as  the  leading  trader  in  stock 


1036 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


since  the  war,  making  a specialty  of  cattle.  He  is  a Democrat,  politically,  and  his  family 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  William  R., 
was  reared  with  his  parents  and  secured  a good  education,  attending  the  University  of 
Tennessee,  at  Knoxville,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  engaged  in  business  with  his  father, 
dealing  and  trading  in  all  kinds  of  live-stock.  In  1884  William  R.  Fox  purchased  his  part- 
ner’s share  in  the  livery  business  and  has  since  conducted  it.  He  has  from  twenty  to 
twenty-five  head  of  good  livery  horses  on  hand  at  all  times  and  carriages  and  vehicles  of 
all  styles.  On  October  27,  1885,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lizzie  E.  Robertsou,  a 
native  of  this  State.  Mr.  Fox  is  classed  among  the  energetic  business  men  of  the  county 
and  has  the  respect  of  all. 

CAPT.  THOMAS  FRAME,  a well-known  citizen  of  Rutherford  County  and  superin- 
tendent of  the  Stone  River  National  Military  Cemetery, is  a native  of  Ireland,  and  was  born 
In  Londonderry  in  1829.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Bessie  (Black)  Frame,  both  natives  of 
Ireland.  The  father  followed  the  occupation  of  farming  and  his  son  Thomas  was  reared 
on  the  farm,  securing  a good  common  school  education  in  the  country  schools.  At  the  age 
of  sixteen  he  was  engaged  by  the  surveyors  of  Ireland,  and  here  he  remained  for  ten  years. 
He  then  studied  architecture  for  one  year  at  the  city  of  Londonderry  and  in  the  summer  of 
1850  he  immigrated  to  this  country  and  engaged  in  surveying  in  the  State  of  Louisiana. 
In  1854  he  enlisted  in  the  regular  army  at  New  Orleans,  and  served  three  years.  When 
the  slavery  question  came  up  in  Kansas,  in  1857,  he  was  stationed  at  that  point  to  keep 
peace,  and  in  1858  was  sent  to  quell  the  Mormon  trouble,  and  afterward  was  engaged  in 
fighting  the  Indians.  In  1863  he  started  south  with  Company  F,  United  States  Cavalry, 
and  their  first  engagement  was  at  Chickamauga,  and  afterward  in  all  the  principal  battles 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  then  appointed  first  sergeant  of  the  metropolitan  po- 
lice, which  position  he  held  until  1870  when  he  was  appointed  to  his  present  position.  In 
1869  Mr.  Frame  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Sarah  (Graham)  Hawthorn,  widow  of 
Adam  Hawthorn.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frame  vyere  born  two  children:  Irene  H.  and  Lula 
T.  Mr.  Frame  is  a member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

W.  C.  FROST,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Murfreesboro  News , was  born  in  Yazoo 
County,  Miss.,  November  9,  1859,  and  is  the  son  of  William  D.  and  Mattie  L.  (Brown) 
Frost,  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  is  a practicing  physician  of  good  standing  in 
Bedford  County  to-day.  Walter  C.,  our  subject,  was  reared  to  agricultural  pursuits  in  his 
boyhood  days,  securing  a fair  literary  education,  preparing  himself  for  teaching,  which 
profession  he  followed  for  about  one  year;  then,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  he  began  the 
study  of  law  at  Fayetteville,  Tenn.,  reading  in  the  office  of  Holman  & Holman,  and  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one  was  admitted  to  the  Lincoln  County  bar  and  entered  into  the  practice  of 
law.  There,  in  partnership  with  S.  W.  Carmack,  and  later  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  with  John 
Y.  Wright  and  Lee  Bullock.  In  the  spring  of  1884  he  removed  to  Nashville  with  a view 
to  establishing  practice  there,  but  in  September,  1885,  he  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  bought 
out  the  News  of  that  city,  and  has  since  conducted  the  paper  in  a faithful  and  highly  effi- 
cient manner.  Mr.  Frost  is  an  unswerving  Democrat  in  politics, and  his  paper,  which  is 
devoted  to  the  interests  of  this  party,  is  free  and  fearless  in  proclaiming  the  principles 
and  sentiments  of  the  Democracy  in  Rutherford  County.  Although  comparatively  a new 
comer  in  Rutherford  County,  Mr.  Frost  bears  the  respect  and  esteem  of  the  entire  com- 
munity, and  is  justly  recognized  as  one  among  the  enterprising  and  successful  young  citi- 
zens of  Murfreesboro  and  an  efficient  newspaper  man. 

JOHN  A.  GILLEY,  a prominent  and  enterprising  farmer  and  a native  of  the  county, 
was  born  February  4,  1843,  and  is  a son  of  Peterson  and  Elizabeth  (Cornehan)  Gilley,  both 
natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  a distinguished  minister  of  the  Sepa- 
rate Baptist  Church.  He  departed  this  life  July  13,  1884.  The  mother  is  still  living  and 
is  a resident  of  this  county.  Our  subject  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  McCrary  May  8, 
1866.  To  them  were  born  four  children:  Ephraim  D.,  John  F.,  Jessie  P.  and  Arthur  T. 
Mr.  Gilley  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war,  and  served  in  Company  G,  Fourth  Tennessee 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1037 


Cavalry,  until  Iris  capture  shortly  after  the  evacuation  of  Savannah.  He  remained  a pris- 
oner about  two  months,  and  then  returned  home  and  refrained  from  further  participation 
in  the  war.  Mr.  Gilley  is  a believer  in  Democratic  principles,  and  gives  his  aid  and  sup- 
port to  that  party. 

JOHN  BUCHANAN  GOODWIN  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  October  6, 
1827,  son  of  George  and  Jane  T.  (Buchanan)  Goodwin,  natives,  respectively,  of  North 
Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a mechanic  of  Nashville,  and  was  an  extensive 
lumber  manufacturer,  in  which  business  he  secured  a very  comfortable  competence.  His 
death  occurred  in  1837.  The  mother  was  a daughter  of  Maj.  John  Buchanan,  one  of  the 
prominent  settlers  of  the  State  and  a noted  surveyor.  She  died  in  1838.  Our  subject,  John 
B.,  was  reared  on  a farm  with  his  eldest  sister  until  he  was  twelve  years  of  age.  He  then 
attended  school  until  seventeen  years  of  age  when  he  purchased  a farm  in  this  county; 
since  1869  he  has  resided  on  his  present  farm,  and  March  29,  1845,  he  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Ledocia  Thompson,  a native  of  Alabama.  Thejr  have  eight  children:  Mary  J. 
(deceased).  Sarah  E.  (Buchanan),  MargaretJL.  (Burnett),  George  M.,  Tennessee  L.  (Sanders)’ 
Ledocia  (Sanders)  . Mrs.  Goodwin  died  in  1859  and  he  took  for  his  second  wife  Mrs. 
Sarah  (Buchanan)  Mobry,  who  bore  him  five  children,  only  three  now  living:  Henry  M., 
William  H.  and  Joseph  D.;  she  was  the  mother  of  one  child,  Sarah  A.  (Goodwin)  by  her 
first  marriage.  Mr.  Goodwin  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  held  the  office  of  magistrate 
for  seventeen  years;  he  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  he  is 
among  the  successful  farmers  and  upright  citizens  of  the  county. 

JOSEPH  P.  HALE,  trustee  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Franklin 
County  of  the  same  State,  December  14,  1828,  son  of  Ellis  H.  and  Mary  E.  (Miller)  Hale* 
The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1801,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1826  or  1827. 
He  was  married  December  20,  1827,  and  about  1830  came  to  this  county  and  followed 
fanning  with  fair  success  until  his  death  October  21,  1877.  His  wife  died  March  25,  1885. 
Our  subject  resided  on  the  farm  with  his  parents.  His  early  education  was  limited  but 
in  later  years  he  prepared  himself  for  teaching,  which  profession  he  followed  for  a number 
of  years.  He  is  a natural  mechanic,  so  abandoned  school  teaching  and  began  following 
the  carpenter’s  trade.  In  August,  1882,  he  was  elected  county  trustee  and  served  one 
term  of  two  years  in  so  faithful  and  efficient  a manner  that  he  was  re-elected  to  the* office 
in  1884,  and  is  now  discharging  the  duties  of  that  office.  December  14,  1853,  he  wedded 
Elizabeth  C.  Yaughn.  They  have  these  children:  Thomas  J.,  William  S'.,  Edgar  P., 
Laura  P.  (Barber),  Charles  V.  Branch  P.,  James  D.,  ahd  Rufus  O.  Mr.  Hale  is  a Demo- 
crat and  was  a warm  advocate  for  the  Confederate  cause  during  the  late  war.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Forty-fifth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served 
until  he  was  wounded  at  Shiloh,  when  he  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant.  He 
was . discharged  in  1862  but  re-enlisted  and  served  until  December  7,  1864,  at  which 
time  he  was  severely  wounded  in  an  engagement  in  front  of  Murfreesboro,  having  his  right 
arm  broken  and  his  left  hand  badly  mangled.  Mr.  Hale  is  a member  of  the  Primitive 
Baptist  Church  and  is  an  able  official  and  excellent  citizen. 

JOHN  W.  HALL,  Esq.,  a prominent  farmer  and  fruit  grower  of  Rutherford  County, 
was  born  June  25,  1834,  in  this  county,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Charlotte  (Gambill) 
Hall,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  this  county  in 
1812  and  employed  his  time  in  teaching  school  and  farming.  He  died  in  the  fall  of  1846. 
The  son  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
the  county.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  started  to  farm  for  himself  on  a rented  farm,  at- 
tending school  and  farming.  He  purchased  a farm  in  the  Fourth  District,  but  seven 
years  later  sold  it  and  still  later  bought  the  farm  on  which  he  is  now  living.  On  Febru- 
ary 8,  1859,  he  was  married  to  Mary  J.  Shelton,  and  to  this  union  were  born  the  following 
children:  William  A.,  Larraphine,  Charlotta,  Sarah  E.,  Jimmie  S.,  Mary  L.,  and  John  W. 
Mr.  Hall  is  a Democrat,  and  in  1862  enlisted  in  Lytler  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry  as  a 
private.  He  participated  in  most  of  the  battles  that  the  command  was  engaged  in;  was 
taken  sick  soon  after  the  Franklin  battle  and  was  left  in  Davidson  County  until  he  was 


65 


1038 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


able  to  get  home.  In  1876  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  of  the  Fourth  District  and 
has  held  the  office  up  to  the  present  time.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian 
Church  and  are  respected  and  esteemed  by  all. 

MRS.  JULIA  A.  HALL,  a widely  known  and  eminently  successful  land-owner,  was 
born  in  Bedford  County,  this  State,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Isaiah  and  Mary  (Rainy) 
Gault.  The  father  was  a gentleman  highly  respected  as  a kind  neighbor  and  a warm 
friend.  His  death  occurred  in  the  year  1852  and  the  mother,  who  was  loved  and  esteemed 
by  all  who  knew  her,  followed  her  husband  to  his  last  resting  place  in  the  year  1876. 
They  were  devout  Baptists  and  died  in  full  fruition  of  all  Christian  hope.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  united  in  marriage  in  the  year  1858,  to  John  L.  Hall.  To  this  brief  but 
happy  union  were  born  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  living:  Rainy  I.,  John  B.,  Albert 
S.,  Delphia  C.  (wife  of  James  E.  Floyd)  and  Thomas  J.  Mr.  Hall’s  death, which  occurred 
in  1878,  was  a sad  blow  to  his  bereaved  family  and  friends.  He  was  justly  considered  a 
moral,  upright  man.  Mrs.  Hall  is  a worthy  and  consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church 
and  occupies  a prominent  position  in  the  community  in  which  she  resides. 

JOHN  C.  HARRIS,  a prominent  and  well-known  farmer  of  Rutherfotd  County  and 
a native  of  this  State,  was  born  June  1,  1842.  He  is  the  son  of  John  C.  and  Jane  P.  (Rags- 
dale) Harris,  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  February  17,  1800,  and  was  one 
of  the  wealthiest  and  most  prominent  farmers  of  the  county,  and  one  of  its  pioneer  settlers, 
coming  here  as  early  as  1823,  and  securing,  when  land  was  cheap,  one  of  the  finest  farms 
in  the  county.  In  1853,  having  lost  his  companion  in  life,  he  conceived  the  idea  that  he 
would  be  his  own  administrator,  hence  about  twenty  years  ago  he  divided  his  landed  es- 
tate among  his  children,  giving  to  each  one  an  excellent  farm.  Many  are  they  who  can 
testify  to  the  kind  hospitality  and  broad  benevolence  of  this  noble  man.  He  was  an  elder 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  a period  of  sixty  years,  and  on  his  death,  which  sad  event 
occurred  February  10,  1885,  he  lacked  just  seven  days  of  being  eighty-five  years  old.  The- 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  secured  a fair  education  at  the  common 
schools.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, serving  as  a private  for  two  years,  and  was  afterward  made  first  lieutenant  of  his 
company  until  the  close  of  the  war;  was  imprisoned  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  in  December, 
1863,  where  he  remained  until  March,  1865.  He  then  returned  home  and  attended  school  at 
College  Grove,  Williamson  County,  for  three  years,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-five  com- 
menced farming  for  himself  on"  his  father’s  tract.  His  first  wife,  Miss  Annie  M.  Green, 
died  in  April,  1883;  they  had  one  child— Janie  R.  In  May,  1884,  Mr.  Harris  was  united  in 
marriage  to  his  second  wife,  Miss  Maggie  Green,  a native  of  this  county. 

ROBERT  B.  HARRIS,  M.  D.,  a prominent  man  of  Rutherford  County  and  a native 
of  this  State,  was  born  September  6,  1837,  and  is  the  son  of  John  C.  and  Jane  P.  (Rags- 
dale) Harris,  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
secured  a good  common  school  education.  In  1856-57  he  attended  the  Cumberland  Uni- 
versity, of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  and  returning  home  in  1858,  commenced  the  study  of  medicine, 
and  in  1858  attended  two  courses  of  lectures  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  at  Phila- 
delphia, medical  department,  with  a view  to  making  it  a profession.  In  March,  1860,  be 
graduated  at  this  institution  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.,  after  which  he  returned  to  Ruther- 
ford County,  and  followed  the  practice  of  medicine  as  a business.  He  is  known  all  over 
the  county  as  a learned  and  skillful  physician.  On  account  of  his  health  failing  Dr.  Har 
ris  was  compelled  to  withdraw  from  practice  in  1876,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Regiment,  serving 
as  a private  until  the  organization  of  the  regiment,  when  he  was  made  assisiant 
surgeon,  and  after  the  battle  of  Shiloh  was  promoted  to  surgeon  of  the  regiment, 
and  continued  with  this  regiment  until  after  the  fall  of  Petersburg,  when  he 
was  detailed  to  hospital  service  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  remaining  there  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  In  1883  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Kittie  Y.  Byers,  a native  of  this  county,  and  Mr. 
Harris’  second  wife,  his  first  wife,  Miss  Susie  R.  Hill,  having  died  in  1879.  To  the  last 
union  two  children  have  been  born:  James  P.  and  Robert  G.  Mr.  Harris  is  a Democrat,  !j 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1039 


in  politics  and  Re  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
of  which  Mr.  Harris  has  been  an  elder  for  some  time. 

HAYNES,  HOLLOWELL  & CO.  are  merchants  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  In  1882- 
the  business  was  established  by  Thomas  R.  Hollowell  (see  sketch)  and  his  brother  George 
S.,  under  the  firm  name  of  G.  S.  Hollowell  & Co.  The  following  year  Thomas  R.  assumed 
complete  control  of  the  business,  and  conducted  it  alone  until  the  latter  part  of  1883,  when 
Mr.  G.  C.  Batey  took  an  interest,  continuing  until  January,  1885,  when  William  R.  Haynes 
purchased  an  interest.  They  carry  a large -and  select  stock  of  general  merchandise,,  and 
are  doing  a lucrative  business.  William  R.  Haynes  was  born  in  Cannon  County,  Tenn., 
February  11,  1840,  being  a son  of  Ivy  J.  C.  and  Elvira  (Fletcher)  Haynes,  natives,  respect- 
ively, of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  about  1823,  and 
located  in  Rutherford  County,  where  he  learned  the  cabinet-maker’s  trade,  which  he  fol- 
lowed until  1853.  He  then  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business,  but  in  1881  re- 
tired to  a farm  near  the  city,  where  he  now  resides.  Our  subject,  William  R.,  worked  in 
his  father’s  store,  and  in  1877  became  a partner  in  the  business.  In  1881  he  retired  from 
business,  and  two  years  later  removed  to  the  country,  but  in  1885  returned  to  the  city  and 
engaged  in  his  present  business.  In  1878  he  married  Miss  Sophia  M.  Reeves,  of  Bedford 
County,  Tenn.  Mr.  Haynes  is  a Democrat.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Forty-fifth 
Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  commissary  department  of  the  Confeder- 
ate Army  until  its  surrender.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church. 

JAMES  F.  HENDERSON,  a pioneer  fafmer  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  May 
4,  1811,  in  Lincoln  County,  N.  C.,  and  was  the  son  of  Logan  and  Margaret  E.  (Johnson) 
Henderson,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  immigrated  to  this  county  in  1818,  set- 
tling on  a farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Murfreesboro,  and  was  a successful  farmer,  and  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace,  which  office  he  held  for  a number  of  years.  He  died  in  this 
county  in  the  fall  of  1846,  leaving  a large  estate.  The  son  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  re- 
ceived a good  education  at  Nashville  University.  After  reaching  his  majority  he  took 
charge  of  his  father’s  farm  for  eight  years,  and  then  moved  to  the  place  where  he  now 
lives.  He  has  been  a successful  farmer,  giving  each  of  his  three  sons,  a farm  of  over  100 
acres  of  land.  On  December  20, 1832,  he  married  Miss  Amanda  Veoores,  a native  of  Tennes 
see,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living,  namely: 
Medra,  Octavine,  Yansinderan,  Hortense,  Frank,  Clifford  C.  and  Estella,  Mr.  Henderson 
is  a Democrat,  a Royal  Arch  Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  is  a leading  farmer  of  the  county  and  an  excellent  citizen. 

JAMES  W.  HILL,  a farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  October  1,  1841,  and  is 
the  son  of  William  G.  and  Eliza  M.  (Westall)  Hill,  natives  of  Texas.  William  Hill  was  a 
wealthy  farmer  of  Texas  and  one  of  the  leading  citizens;  he  died  in  1859.  The  subject  was 
reared  on  a farm,  receiving  a moderate  education  at  the  University  of  North  Carolina.  In 
1871  he  moved  to  Rutherford  County,  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  and  met  with  evident 
success,  having  165  acres  of  well  improved  land.  He  was  married  in  1863  to  Sarah  Ml 
McLean,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eight  children,  six 
of  whom  are  living:  Charley  B.,  Annie  B.,  John  W.,  Herbert  N.,  Florence  S.  and  Sadie 
C.  Mr.  Hill  is  a Democrat.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  with  Terry”  s 
Texas  Rangers,  as  a private,  serving  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Hill  is  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  farmers  and 
a moral  and  upright  man. 

SAMUEL  H.  HODGE,  a prominent  business  man  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  a native 
of  this  city,  was  born  November  6,  1838.  His  parents,  Samuel  H.  and  Sarah  C.  (Mitchell) 
Hodge  were  both  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1800,  and  immigrated  to  this  county  with  their 
respective  parents,  about  1814  or  1815.  Our  subject’s  father  was  raised,  married  and  raised 
his  family  in  this  county,  following  farming  the  greater  part  of  his  life,  in  which  he  was 
very  successful.  He  was  an  old-time  Whig  politically,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  local 
campaigns  in  his  day.  He  was  elected  by  his  party  to  the  office  of  clerk  of  the  circuit 


1040 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


com!,  which  he  filled  continuously  and  in  a faithful  and  efficient  manner  for  several  terms. 
His  death  occurred  in  1846,  but  his  widow  survived  him  twenty  years.  The  immediate  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  secured  a good  education  in  his  youthful  days  at  the  Cumberland  Uni- 
versity at  Lebanon.  Tenn.  In  May,  1861,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  I,  First 
Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  this  capacity  in  the  late  war  until  1863,  when 
he  was  detached  from,  his  regiment  to  serve  as  a secret  scout  for  Gen.  Bragg,  and  was 
captured  in  the  latter  part  of  the  same  year,  while  engaged  in  discharging  the  duties  of 
this  most  perilous  and  difficult  task,  and  held  as  a prisoner  of  war  at  Fort  Delaware  until 
March,  1865.  He  was  then  exchanged  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  returned  home.  Here 
he  began  business  life  as  a clerk,  and  in  1868  he  established  a mercantile  establishment  for 
himself,  and  has  remained  in  the  same  to  the  present  time,  meeting  with  more  than  or- 
dinary and  well-deserved  success.  In  January,  1885,  Mr.  Smith  became  his  partner  in 
business,  Mr.  William  Mitchell,  his  former  partner,  having  withdrawn  to  engage  in  busi- 
ness for  himself.  Alexander  Smith  was  also  a partner  previous  to  Mr.  Mitchell’s  connec- 
tion with  the  business,  this  partnership  being  severed  by  Mr.  Smith’s  death.  Under  the 
firm  name  of  Hodge  & Smith  the  present  firm  carry  a large  and  well-selected  stock  of 
general  merchandise  of  nearly  every  conceivable  description  and  command  the  leading 
trade  in  their  line  in  the  city  and  county.  They  also  buy  and  sell,  probably,  more  cotton, 
grain  and  seeds  than  any  other  firm  in  Rutherford,  County.  I'n  December.  1868,  Mr. 
Hodge  married  Emma  Smith,  of  this  county,  by  whom  he  is  the  father  of  five  children; 
George  W , Samuel  II.,  Florence,  Lillian  and  Emma  Sue.  Politically  he  is  an  unswerv- 
ing Democrat.  He  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar  and  Scottish  Rite  degrees  in  Masonry 
and  himself  and  wife  are  zealous  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  this  city. 

THOMAS  R.  HOLLOWELL,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  Sep- 
tember 16,  1839.  His  parents,  Edwin  C.  and  Ann  M.  (Crockett)  Hollowed,  were  born,  re- 
spectively, in  North  Carolina  and  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  At  an  early  period  the 
father  came  to  Tennessee  and  followed  farming  and  carpentering  for  a living.  The  latter 
part  of  his  life  was  spent  in  Murfreesboro,  where  he  died  in  1868.  Thomas  R.  secured  a 
common  school  education  and  followed  the  carpenter’s  trade  until  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  LI,  Twelfth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry  and  served 
as  private  in  the  Southern  Army  until  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  where  he  was  wounded  and 
left  on  the  field  for  dead.  He  was  captured  by  the  Federals  and  held  until  the  September 
following,  when  he  was  exchanged  and  re-enlisted,  serving  in  the  commissary  department. 
In  1864  he  was  made  captain  of  Company  I,  Twenty-first  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  From  that  time  until  1878  he  farmed,  and  at  the  latter  date 
he  was  elected  county  trustee  and  served  faithfully  and  well  four  years.  He  is  at  present 
engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  and  is  doing  well  financially.  In  1867  he 
married  Nannie  P.  Jobe,  of  Murfreesboro,  and  four  children  have  blessed  their  union: 
Mary  Ann,  Thomas,  Bessie  and  Lena.  Mr.  Hollowell  has  always  been  an  unswerving 
Democrat.  He  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

M.  HIRSCH  & CO.  are  dry  goods  and  notion  merchants,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn. 
The  firm  is  composed  of  Moses  Hirsch,  resident  partner,  and  Joseph  Franklin,  of  Nash 
ville,  and  the  business  was  established  in  January,  1884,  Mr.  Hirsch  having  active  manage  - 
ment and  control.  They  carry  a fine  line  of  goods  pertaining  to  their  business  and  have 
a dress-making  department  in  connection.  Mr.  Hirsch  is  a well-known  business  man  and 
a native  of  the  city.  He  was  born  March  9,  1859,  and  is  a son  of  Llenry  Hirsch,  of  Mur- 
freesboro (see  sketch).  Moses  was  reared  with  his  parents  and  secured  an  ordinary  busi 
ness  education.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  began  his  career  as  clerk  in  the  mercantile  es- 
tablishment of  his  uncle,  E.  Rosenfeld,  continuing  with  him  and  A.  Tobias  & Bro.  until 
January,  1884,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  as  above  stated.  He  is  unmarried, 
a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  a wide-awake  young  business  man  of  the  city. 

"CAM ILEUS  B.  HUGGINS,  a citizen  and  native  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born 
June  5.  1822.  His  parents,  Jonathan  and  Elizabeth  W.  (Smith)  Huggins,  were  born, 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1041 


respectively  in  North  Carolina  and  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  The  father  came  to  Ruther- 
ford County,  Tenn.,  in  1818,  and  spent  the  greater  portion  of  his  life  in  mercantile  pur- 
suits, in  which  he  met  with  good  success.  In  politics  he  was  a Whig  before  the  late  war, 
and  was  a participant  in  the  war  of  1812.  His  death  occurred  at  Manchester,  Tenn.,  Sep- 
tember 30,  1870.  Our  subject’s  boyhood  days  were  spent  in  his  native  county,  where  he 
received  limited  educational  advantages.  He  began  his  business  career  as  clerk  in  a 
mercantile  establishment,  and  afterward  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  two  years  with 
J.  W.  Nelson,  in  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  and  then  returned  to  Murfreesboro,  and  after  clerking 
a number  of  years,  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  with  Isaac  Lohman,  and  afterward 
with  his  father  and  brother  in  the  grocery  business,  continuing  until  1857.  Mr.  Huggins 
was  in  the  commissary  department  of  the  Confederate  Army  after  the  battle  of  Stone 
River  until  the  surrender.  Since  that  time  he  has  followed  different  occupations.  He  was 
connected  with  the  First  National  and  Stone  River  Bank  as  teller,  but  of  late  years  has 
devoted  his  time  and  means  to  general  trading  and  speculation.  In  January,  1855,  he 
wedded  Miss  Sarah  E.  Ridley,  of  Rutherford  County.  To  them  were  born  eight  children, 
the  two  eldest,  a son  and  daughter,  dying  young.  Those  living  are  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.  Mr.  Huggins  is  now  a Democrat  in  politics,  although  a Whig  before  the  war. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  his  wife  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church. 

THOMAS  G.  IYIE  was  a successful  merchant  at  Murfreesboro,  born  in  this  county 
September  17,  1887,  and  was  the  son  of  Charles  D.  and  Judith  (Wood)  Ivie,  natives,  re- 
spectively, of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  wedded  December 
18, 1870,  to  Sallie  Sawing,  and  to  this  brief  but  happy  period  of  wedded  bliss  were  born  two 
children,  one  of  whom  is  living,  namely:  Thomas  G.  Mr.  Ivie  was  a consistent  Method- 
ist and  one  of  Rutherford  County’s  best  citizens,  and  by  his  unswerving  integrity  was 
highly  esteemed  Jay  all.  His  death  which  occurred  'March  13,  1872,  was  a sad  blow  to 
his  bereaved  family  and  acquaintances.  Mrs.  Ivie  still  survives  him  and  is  an  accomplished 
lady  and  a devout  Christian,  being  a leading  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  know  her. 

NATHAN  R.  JACKSON,  a well-known  and  successful  agriculturist,  was  born  in 
this  county  December  27,  1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Nathan  and  Indiana  Jackson,  na- 
tives, respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married 
January  29,  1873,  to  Miss  Emma  L.  Dawson,  and  to  this  union  were  born  five  children: 
William  F.,  Clara,  Cora  and  Flora  (twins)  and  Ruth.  Mr.  Jackson  took  quite  an  active 
part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  Capt.  Miller’s  company  of  cavalry,  was  captured  at  Col- 
umbia, Tenn.,  and  remained  a prisoner  for  a short  time.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  took 
the  oath  and  returned  home.  Mr.  Jackson  is  a Democrat  with  prohibition  tendencies,  and 
a Methodist  by  inclination.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
and  they  are  justly  recognized  as  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  the  community  in 
which  they  live. 

PROF.  ROBERT  D.  JAMISON,  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  wTas  born  April 
13,  1838,  in  Rutherford  County,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  D.  and  Sarah  W.  (Thomas)  Jami- 
son. The  father,  a well-known  saddler  and  farmer,  came  here  at  an  early  date  and  settled 
at  Murfreesboro,  where  he  remained  for  fifteen  years.  He  then  moved  on  a farm  near  a 
placewliere  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Murfreesboro  & 
Nashville  Turnpike  Company,  was  a follower  of  the  old  Whig  party  and  a successful  farm- 
er, having  a large  estate  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  March,  1858.  Our 
subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  a good  education  at  Thomson  Academy,  in 
Williamson  County.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  taught  school  in  Williamson  County  for  a 
year  and  a half.  After  his  father’s  death  he  took  charge  of  the  farm,  which  he  conducted 
until  1861.  In  1865  he  purchased  a farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Murfreesboro,  erected  a school- 
house  and  taught  school  and  attended  the  farm  until  1878,  when  he  took  charge  of  Union 
University,  conducting  it  in  an  able  manner  for  five  years.  He  then  retired  from  a pro- 
fessional life  to  a farm  that  he  had  purchased  near  Murfreesboro,  and  where  he  now  re" 


1042 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


sides.  December  26,  1860,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Camilla  T.  Patterson,  of  this  county, 
and  to  them  were  born  seven  children,  one  dying  in  infancy:  those  living  are  Atha  T., 
Evis  C.,  Samuel  P.,  Heury  D.,  Ella  aud  Maddie.  Mr.  Jamison  is  an  unswerving  Demo- 
crat. He  enlisted  in  1861  as  private  in  Company  D,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment  of 
Infantry,  and  was  promoted  to  surgeon  of  ambulance  train.  Mr.  Jamison  is  a member  of 
the  K.  of  11.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

JAMES  F.  JENKINS,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  July  5,  1840, 
by  the  marriage  of  Hiram  and  Nancy  (Puckett)  Jenkins,  natives,  respectively,  of  Pettis 
County,  Mo.,  and  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  Hiiam  IJ.  Jenkins  came  to  Rutherford 
County  in  1832,  and  settled  on  a farm,  which  he  improved  and  enlarged  to  a great  extent. 
Here  he  remained  and  farmed  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  December,  1870.  The 
subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a fair  education  at  Union  University,  after 
which  he  commenced  farming  on  his  father’s  place  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war, 
when  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  of  the  First  Tennessee  Infantry,  as  a private,  serving 
three  and  a half  years.  In  1865  he  went  to  farming  again  on  the  old  place.  He  left  there, 
and  after  moving  around  for  some  time  and  after  his  father’s  death,  which  occurred  in 
1868,  he  came  back  on  the  old  place.  He  has  since  followed  farming  aud  has  purchased  a 
part  of  his  grandfather’s  estate,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  has  been  quite  successful 
and  owns  about  250  acres  of  good  land.  The  subject  was  married  in  1864,  to  Lizzie  Wil- 
son, who  died  in  1868.  He  then  married  Beulah  Clement,  a native  of  Gainesville,  Ala. 
One  child,  AnnaM.,  -was  born  to  him  by  his  first  wife;  and  by  his  second  wife  seven  chil- 
dren have  been  born,  namely:  Clement  B.,  Mary  A.,  James  F.,  Minnie  S.,  Kate  B.,  Ruby 
M.  and  Beulah.  Mr.  Jenkins  is  an  unswerving  Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Jenkins  is  one  of 
the  leading  farmers  and  an  excellent  citizen. 

COL.  ROBERT  B.  JETTON,  register,  and  native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  February  15, 1818,  and  is  one  of  eight  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  Robert  Jetton 
and  Nancy  Wilson,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  came  to  this  State  about 
the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  He  was  a farmer  and  a Democrat  of  the  Jacksonian 
school,  being  a major  under  Jackson  in  the  Seminole  war.  He  was  a member  of  the  Leg- 
islature a number  of  terms,  and  was  recognized  asoue  of  the  leading  spirits  of  Democracy 
in  the  county  during  his  time.  He  was  prominently  identified  with  all  private  and  public 
enterprises  and  was  a member  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  faith  he 
died  December  26,  1840.  Our  subject  resided  with  his  parents  on  the  home  farm  and  re- 
ceived a good  collegiate  education,  attending  the  Nashville  University.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-two  he  began  farming  for  himself,  continuing  the  same  until  the  ravages  of  war 
almost  ruined  him  financially.  After  the  war  he  made  an  attempt  to  regain  his  former 
financial  standing,  aud  succeeded  in  part.  Later,  owing  to  financial  embarrassments,  he 
was  compelled  to  abandon  farming  and  seek  other  employment  as  a means  of  livelihood, 
and  for  a time  was  deputy  under  Hard}7  Murfree,  register  of  the  county,  and  served  two 
years.  Mr.  Murfree  died  about  this  time  and  Mr.  Jetton  was  elected  to  fill  the  unexpired 
term,  and  in  1882  was  elected  to  the  office  by  the  people.  He  has  been  unfortunate  in 
matrimonial  affairs,  having  lost  two  -wives  by  death.  His  present  wife  was  Miss  Esther 
L.  Murfree,  whom  he  married  in  1857.  They  have  five  children  living.  He  had  one 
daughter  by  his  first  wdfe,  now  Mrs.  G.  W.  Fall,  of  Nashvdle,  who  was  reared  by  ex 
President  Polk’s  wife.  Mr.  Jetton  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church. 

ELIIIU  C.  JOB,  one  of  the  enterprising  farmers  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  Au- 
gust 7,  1809,  in  Murry  County,  Tenn.  He  is  the  sou  of  James  aud  Catharine  (Pitt)  Job. 
natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  The  father  came  to  Maury  Count} 
at  an  early  date  and  settled  ou  a farm.  He  is  one  of  the  constructors  of  the  first  cotton- 
gins  in  that  county.  His  death  occurred  in  1833.  The  son  was  a farmer  boy,  and  received 
a good  common  school  education.  At  an  early  age  he  served  an  apprenticeship  in  a eabi 
inet  shop.  After  finishing  his  trade  he  started  in  business  for  himself  in  Rutherford 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1043 


County.  He  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides,  and  has  met  with  evident  suc- 
cess. In  1833  he  married  Miss  Mary  W.  Smith,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eight  chil- 
dren, of  whom  six  are  now  living,  namely:  Luke  E.,  Elizabeth  C.,  Benjamin  A.,  Nancy 
P.  (wife  of  T.  H.  Hollowell),  Martha  A.  (wife  of  J.  T.  Beesley)  and  Lavina  S.  (wife  of 
W.  T.  Edwards).  Mr.  Job  is  a Master  Mason  and  a Democrat.  He  is  considered  a good 
citizen  and  a kind  neighbor. 

COLUMBUS  N.  JOHNSON,  a successful  farmer,  "was  born  in  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Jane  (Miller)  Johnson,  both  natives  of  this 
county.  The  father  died  in  the  year  1866,  and  the  mother  in  1838.  They  were  consistent 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  died  happy  in  the  faith  of  a blessed  Redeemer.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  married,  in  1854,  to  Miss  Mary  Davis,  and  to  them  were  born 
eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  living:  Tilman  D.,  Robert  B.,  Raymond  R.,  Sillie  G., 
Charles  C.  and  Tabitha  J.  When  the  late  war  broke  out  Mr.  Johnson  shouldered  his 
musket,  and  with  many  a gallant  companion  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Forty-fifth  Tennes- 
see Infantry,  serving  in  this  capacity  for  three  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time,  ow- 
ing to  ill  health,  Mr.  Johnson  left  the  army  and  refrained  from  further  participation  in 
the  war.  Mr.  Johnson  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  are  kind  neighbors  and  good  citizens. 

WILLIAM  S.  JONES  & BROS.,  dealers  in  drygoods  and  groceries,  boots  and  shoes, 
queensware  and  general  merchandise  at  Jefferson,  Rutherford  Co.,  Tenn.  The  junior 
member  of  the  firm  succeeded  his  uncle,  W.  E.  Jones,  in  1878,  in  the  business,  and  in  1886 
his  brother,  A.  M.  Jones,  purchased  a partnership  in  it.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  Will- 
iam S.,  was  born  September  9,  1840,  in  this  State,  and  is  the  son  of  Albert  and  Nancy  J. 
(Jones)  Jopes,  natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  one  of 
the  leading  farmers  of  the  County,  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  was  elected  sheriff  of  this 
county  for  one  term,  and  was  magistrate  of  the  Fifth  District  for  twelve  or  thirteen  years. 
Himself  and  family  were  leading  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  the  farm,  and  received  an  education  like  the  average  country  boy.  At  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Forty -fifth  Tennessee,  serving  as  a 
high  private  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  returned  home  and  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  with  his  uncle  until  he  started  in  his  present  business  in  1878.  Mr.  Jones 
is  a single  gentleman,  a- Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church.  He  is  spoken  of  as  one  of  the  enterprising  and  successful  business  men 
of  the  county. 

MRS.  LIZZIE  H.  JONES,  widow  of  Amzi  Jones,  who  died' November  18,  1878,  is  a 
native  of  this  State,  born  at  Murfreesboro  September  23,  1846,  being  a daughter  of  Alfred 
and  Narcissa  (Bradford)  Miller,  natives,  respectively,  of  Alabama  and  North  Carolina. 
The  father  was  a money  broker  of  considerable  note  in  this  county.  Amzi  Jones  was  a 
prominent  and  energetic  farmer  of  this  county,  born  near  Smyrna  October  7,  1841.  He 
lost  both  of  his  parents  when  an  infant,  and  was  adopted  by  his  half-brother,  Dr.  George 
Jones,  and  lived  the  greater  part  of  his  younger  days  with  him  in  Memphis,  Tenn.  He 
received  his  education  at  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  and  enlisted  in  the  army  of  the  Confederate 
States  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  but 
Continued  in  the  army  until  the  war  closed.  He  contributed  largely  to  the  literary  depart- 
ment of  the  county  papers,  and  was  a gentleman  of  much  intelligence  and  possessed  an 
untiring  energy,  which  was  depicted  in  a business  transaction  only  a few  hours  before  his 
death.  He  was  always  strictly  exact  in  his  business  transactions,  meeting  his  obligations 
faithfully  and  promptly.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  engaged  in  the  cotton  business, 
being  a very  successful  trader.  In  1870  he  came  to  this  county,  purchasing  a farm  close 
to  the  one  his  widow  now  resides  on,  and  in  January,  1878,  removed  to  her  present  farm, 
at  which  place  he  died  one  month  later.  Mr.  Jones  was  a successful  farmer,  was  univer- 
sally esteemed,  and  had  many  friends.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Jones,  has 
lived  on  and  controlled  the  farm  since  his  death,  and  in  1882  finished  building  a grist-mill 
which  her  husband  had  commenced  shortly  before  his  death.  She  has  conducted  this 


1044 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


business  in  connection  with  her  farming  interests  up  until  the  present  time.  Their  mar- 
riage occurred  in  1869.  They  have  one  child  by  this  union — Amzi.  Mrs.  Jones  is  apleas- 
ant  and  very  intelligent  lady;  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  is  justly  recog- 
nized among  the  leading  families  of  the  county. 

EDWARD  L.  JORDAN,  president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Murfreesboro,  and 
one  of  Rutherford  County  ’g  wealthiest  and  most  prominent  citizens.  Our  subject  first  saw 
the  light  of  day  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  July  23,  1817.  Archer  Jordan,  our  sub- 
ject’s father,  was  born  in  Lunenberg  County,  Ya. , about  1770,  where  he  was  reared  tO' 
manhood  and  married  our  subject’s  mother,  Elizabeth  Walker,  also  a native  of  that 
county.  In  1795  Archer  Jordan  emigrated  West,  locating  first  in  Kentucky,  but  the  fol- 
lowing year  came  to  Tennessee,  and  crossing  the  Cumberland  River  on  the  ice  with  his 
wife,  and  his  father  and  family,  and  all  their  earthly  possessions,  which  wa^  limited  to  a 
few  essential  household  articles,  he  located  in  Davidson  County,  but  soon  after- 
ward removed  to  Williamson  County,  where  he  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  dis- 
trict, in  which  he  resided  until  his  death  in  1835.  Edward’s  mother  dying  when  he 
was  but  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  his  father  three  years  later,  he  was  left  upon  his 
own  resources  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  and  consequently  his  education  was  somewhat  lim" 
ited.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  he  entered  a mercantile  house  at  Hardeman  Cross 
Roads,  uow  Triune,  Williamson  County,  as  clerk,  continuing  three  years  in  this  capacity, 
when,  in  company  with  William  P.,  son  of  the  late  Gov.  Cannon,  he  bought  out  his 
employer’s,  Thomas  F.  Perkins  & Co.  The  new  firm  conducted  the  business  successfully 
together  until  Mr.  Cannon’s  withdrawal,  in  1841,  after  which  Mr.  Jordan  owned  and  con- 
ducted the  business  alone  three  years.  He  then  repaired  to  a farm  in  that  county,  where 
he  resided  until  1851.  He  then  removed  to  this  city  and  conducted  a mercantile  business 
successfully  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  lgte  war,  when  he  was  compelled  to  close  out 
the  business,  as  well  as  many  others,  at  a great  sacrifice.  Mr.  Jordan  was  a non-partic- 
ipant in  that  bloody  strife,  but  strongly  maintained  his  position  in  favor  of  the  preserva- 
tion of  the  Union,  although  he  extended  a sympathizing  and  helping  hand  to  his  suffering 
and  sometimes  helpless  brethren  of  the  South.  Mr.  Jordan  has  always  taken  an  active 
lead  in  all  public  and  private  enterprises  in  this  city,  and  has  contributed  largely  to  the 
prosperity  of  the  county.  He  was  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Planters’  Bank  prior  to  the 
war,  which  was  never  reopened  after  that  time,  but  in  company  with  others  Mr.  Jordan 
established  the  savings  bank,  of  which  he  was  president  until  it  united  with  the  First 
National,  when  he  became  one  of  the  directors  of  the  latter,  and  finally  its  president,' 
which  position  he  fills  in  a faithful  and  highly  efficient  manner.  He  has  also,  since  the 
war,  devoted  a great  amount  of  time  and  attention  to  the  collection  of  war  claims  from 
the  United  States  Government,  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  Mr.  Jordan  has 
been  very  unfortunate  in  matrimonial  affairs,  having  lost  two  wives  by  death.  In  1840  he 
married  Martha,  daughter  of  the  late  Montford  Fletcher,  of  tliis  county.  She  died  in 
1853,  leaving  four  children — three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Montford  F.,  Mary  (the  widow 
of  the  late  Dr.  G.  S.  Nuckolls,  of  Alabama)  and  Leland.  His  union  with  Mrs.  Jane 
Cook,  daughter  of  the  late  James  Carothers,  of  Williamson  County,  was  without  issue. 
In  1858  he  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Mrs.  Mildred  Williams,  his  present  wife,  and 
daughter  of  the  late  Dr.  George  Hopson,  of  Montgomery  Count}r,  Tenn.  The  following 
named  children  are  the  result  of  this  union:  Maggie  (the  wife  of  the  Rev.  E.  A.  Taylor, 
of  Knoxville,  Tenn.)  and  Edward  L.  Mrs.  Jordan  has  three  children  by  her  former  mar- 
riage. They  are  Mrs.  E.  R.  Thomas  and  Mr.  H.  H.  Williams,  of  this  city,  and  John  P. 
Williams,  vice-president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Nashville.  Mr.  Jordan  was  for- 
merly an  old-line  Whig  before  the  war,  but  has,  since  that  party  ceased  to  exist,  been 
strictly  independent  in  his  political  views.  Himself  and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the 
Missionary  Baptist  Church  of  this  city,  and  he  is  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  most 
enterprising  and  successful  business  men  of  Rutherford  County,  and  is  a reliable  and 
consistent  Christian  gentleman.  His  aged  brother,  Dr.  Clement  Jordan,  is  living  a retired 
life  at  our  subject’s  home,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty -five  years.  He  also  has  a sister. 


BUTHEBFORD  COUNTY. 


104a 


Mrs.  Ralston,  eighty-six  past,  living  in  West  Tennessee.  Mr.  Jordan  is  one  of  six  sons 
and  six  daughters  who  lived  to  maturity,  who  all  raised  large  families  with  exception  of 
two — three  sons  and  one  sister  now  living. 

MINOR- C.  JORDAN  (deceased)  was  a very  successful  agriculturist,  and  was  a native 
of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  was  born  September  29,  1820,  and  is  a son  of  John- 
son and  Rachel  (Hill)  Jordan,  who  were  born  in  the  “ Old  Dominion.”  Our  subject  was 
married  July  20,  1842,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  W.  Jordan,  and  to  their  union  fourteen  children 
were  born,  seven  of  whom  are  living  : Martha  J.  (wife  of  D.  S.  McCullough),  Mary  W. 
(wife  of  W.  T.  Allison),  Clement  J.  (married  to  Martha  Lytle),  John  A.,  Minor  C.  E.^ 
James  S.  and  Lulu  B.  Mr.  Jordan,  who  was  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church ; 
died  February  14,  1879.  Mrs.  Jordan  still  survives  and  is  a member  of  the  same  church 
as  her  husband.  She  is  very  charitable  to  the  poor  and  is  a woman  worthy  of  all  respect. 

DR.  ROBERT  F.  KEYES,  a well-known  and  eminently  successful  practitioner,  was 
born  in  Ontario,  in  1844,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Martha  (Taylor)  Keyes.  The  father 
was  one  of  the  few  men  who  were  born  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  The  mother  was  a native 
of  Ireland.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a graduate  of  the  Queen’s  Medical  College 
Weymouth,  is  a licentiate  of  Great  Britain,  a member  of  the  United  States  Board  of 
Health,  and  also  a member  of  the  State  Medical  Association  of  Tennessee.  He  was  one 
of  the  representatives  of  this  association  at  the  World’s  Fair.  The  Doctor  was  married 
March  27, 1867,  to  Miss  Josephine  Hood,  and  this  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  two 
children:  George  L.  and  John  W.  Our  subject  is  a radical  Democrat  of  the  most  pro- 
nounced type,  and  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  His  wife  is  a devout 
and  worthy  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are  promi- 
nent and  respected  citizens  of  the  community  in  which  they  reside. 

CAPT.  WILLIAM  D.  KILLOUGH,  a prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County, Tenn., 
who  was  born  in  said  county  March  15,  1838,  and  is  son  of  James  and  Matilda  (Martin)- 
Killough.  The  father  was  a prosperous  agriculturist  and  engaged  in  commercial  broker- 
age to  a considerable  extent.  He  was  a Presbyterian  and  died  in  1863.  The  mother  is 
still  living  and  is  a resident  of  this  county.  Our  subject  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Miss 
Alice  Cunningham  in  1872,  and  two  children  blessed  their  union:  Martin  C.  and  William 
D.  Mr.  Killough  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  civil  war  and  enlisted  in  Company  I, 
Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  soon  made  fourth  corporal.  He  achieved  distinc- 
tion in  this  position  and  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  orderly  sergeant,  and  was  soon  after 
promoted  to  first  lieutenant,  and  later  was  made  captain  of  his  company  and  served  in 
this  capacity  two  years.  He  was  wounded  at  Stone  River  and  was  brought  home.  He 
was  paroled  to  report  when  his  health  would  permit  his  rejoining  his  regiment,  but,  as 
there  was  no  exchange  of  officers,  he  never  reported  but  remained  at  home,  not  participat- 
ing further  in  the  war.  The  Captain  is  a very  firm  Democrat,  and  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  are  worthy  citizens  of  the  county. 

MRS.  AMANDA  (FRAZIER)  KIMBRO,  a widely  known  and  eminently  success- 
ful land-owner,  was  born  in  north  Alabama,  October  11,  1832.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  came  to  this  country  in  1852,  and  was  wedded  to  John  Bell  Kimbro  October  12, 
1852.  Mr.  Kimbro  was  a gentleman  possessing  large  business  ability  and  wealth.  He 
was  the  first  president  of  the  First  National  Bank  at  Murfreesboro,  and  a Union  man; 
did  not  take  an  active  part  in  the  late  war,  being  religiously  opposed  to  it.  In  1872  Mr. 
Kimbro  died,  leaving  his  wife  and  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Clarence 
S.,  John  B.,  Frazier,  Azariah,  Fitzie  and  La  Salle.  Mrs.  Kimbro  is  a devout  and- consist- 
ent member  of  the  Baptist  Church;  is  an  enterprising  and.  estimable  lady,  and  is  justly 
recognized  as  a prominent  and  influential  member  of  the  community  in  which  she  lives. 

COL.  JAMES  MOORE  KING  (deceased),  who  was  one  of  Rutherford  County’s  most 
highly  respected  pioneer  citizens,  was  born  near  Clinton,  Sampson  Co.,  N.  C.,  November 
18,  1792.  He  came  to  this  county  with  his  mother  in  1809;  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of' 
1812.  He  participated  with  his  regiment  and  company  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  and 
was  also  a volunteer  in  Jackson’s  expedition  against  the  Seminole  Indians,  taking  an  act- 


1046 


BIOGKAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ive  part  in  all  the  battles  of  that  campaign.  He  was  not  a regular  enlisted  soldier  in  the 
late  war,  hut  was  engaged  in  seven  battles  and  cavalry  skirmishes,  spending  the  greater 
part  of  his  time  during  this  period  in  the  camps  and  on  the  battle  field.  In  1863  he  went 
south  and  did  not  return  until  after  the  close  of  the  war.  November  29,  1821,  he  married 
Miss  Martha  Batey,  an  excellent  woman,  and  to  them  were  bom  nine  children:  Julia, 
wife  of  C.  W.  Moore;  Helen  J.,  widow  of  Capt.  Lythe;  James  M. ; Charles  H.;  Bettie  K., 
wife  of  Col.  Thomas  G.  Morley;  Thomas  M. ; Morrison  D. ; John  H.  and  William  H. 
Charles  H.  King,  a prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  October  8,  1835, 
and  is  a son  of  Col.  James  Moore  King.  He  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  a fair  ed- 
ucation at  Salem  Academy,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  took  charge  of  his  father’s  farm, 
and  two  years  later  engaged  in  farming  on  the  place  where  he  now  resides,  inheriting  the 
land,  which  now  consists  of  262  acres,  from  his  father’s  estate.  July  18,  1856,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Ann  Wood,  and  to  them  were  born  seven  children:  Nettie  M.,  Mary  F., 
George  W.,  Pattie  B.,  Charles  H.  and  Anna  M.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat,  andin  1861  en- 
listed as  private  in  Company  I of  First  Tennessee  Regiment;  was  promoted  to  lieutenant, 
and  served  one  year  in  that  capacity.  He  then  volunteered  as  private  in  the  same  company, 
remaining  until  1863,  when  he  was  paroled,  and  went  on  detached  duty  as  a scout  after- 
ward. During  the  battle  of  Perryville  he  received  a wound  in  the  left  arm,  which  dis- 
abled him  from  active  service  for  three  months.  He  is  a Knight  Templar,  a Mason,  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Primitive  Baptist  Churches, 
respectively.  John  H.  King,  a brother  of  Charles  H.  King  and  a son  of  Col.  James 
Moore  King,  was  born  October  10,  1845,  in  Rutherford  County;  was  reared  On  a farm,  and 
received  a limited  education.  In  1867  he  took  charge  of  his  father’s  farm  and  remained 
there  one  year.  He  then  commenced  for  himself,  farming  on  a portion  of  his  father’s 
land,  where  he  lived  until  his  father’s  death,  which  occurred  in  1879;  he  then  purchased 
the  old  homestead,  where  he  now  resides,  and  supports  his  aged  mother.  May  18,  1882,  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Ophelia  (Alexander)  Rucker,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child — 
Robert  P.  Mr.  King  is  a Democrat,  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  in  1862,  he  enlisted  in  the 
war.  He  was  a participant  in  all  of  the  battles  in  which  the  command  was  engaged,  and 
in  1865  returned  home.  He  is  a Master  Mason,  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  a moral  and  upright  citizen.  William  H.  King,  another  son  of  Col.  James 
Moore  King,  was  born  December  7,  1847,  in  Rutherford  County,  and  received  a collegiate 
education  at  Union  University,  in  Murfreesboro.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began 
farming  for  himself  on  a portion  of  his  father’s  property,  it  afterward  being  deeded  to 
him.  He  has  succeeded  remarkably  well  in  his  farming  interests,  and  at  the  present  he 
has  over  200  acres  of  excellent  land.  November  29,  1871,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Olivia 
M.  Jamison,  and  this  event  took  place  the  same  night  of  his  father’s  golden  wedding.  To 
JVIr.  and  Mrs.  King  were  born  seven  children:  S.  Moulton,  Jeannette  M.,  Anna  B.,  Henry 
J.,  John  C.,  James  R.  and  Dorsey  T.  Mr.  King  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers, respectively,  of  the  Old  and  Primitive  Baptist  Churches.  He  is  respected  by  all  who 
know  him,  and  is  an  honorable,  upright  man. 

ROBERT  N.  KNOX,  a prominent  physician  and  farmer,  was  born  April  7j  1846,  in 
Rutherford  County,  and  is  the  son  of  William  F.  and  Armenia  E.  (Brown)  Knox,  natives 
of  Rutherford  County.  The  father,  a successful  farmer  of  this  county,  died  about  1850. 
The  son  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  a good  literary  education  at  Oak  Hill  and 
Science  Hill  Seminary  of  Tennessee.  After  reaching  his  majority  and  in  order  to  make  a 
livelihood,  he  first  taught  school  in  this  county,  and  two  years  later  he  entered  the  medi- 
cal university  at  Nashville  and  Vanderbilt  of  the  same  place.  He  graduated  and  received 
his  diploma  from  both  institutions.  In  1874  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Coffee 
County,  and  after  living  there  one  year  moved  to  this  county,  where  he  purchased  the 
farm  where  he  is  now  living.  January  4,  1871,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy  Catharine 
Fox,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  the  following  children:  Sallie  E.  and 
William  C.  Mr.  Knox  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  enlisted  in  1864  in  Company  E,  Fourth 
Tennessee  Cavalry,  as  a private,  serving  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1047 


JOHN  J.  LEE,  farmer,  was  born  May  1,  1845,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  son  of 
Asa  and  Elizabeth  (Jacobs)  Lee,  both  born  in  Tennessee,  the  former  in  Coffee  County  and 
the  latter  in  Rutherford  County.  The  father  was  a house  carpenter,  and  was  born  in  1819 
and  died  in  1868.  He  was  a'Democrat  and  a leading  member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Our 
subject  received  an  academic  education,  attending  the  Big  Spring  Academy,  and  after 
reaching  his  majority  worked  at  his  trade  seven  years.  He  then  purchased  a farm,  which 
he  worked  four  years.  After  residing  in  different  parts  of  the  county,  he  in  1881  pur- 
chased the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  He  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world,  and  has 
met  with  well  deserved  success.  September  9,  1866,  he  married  Amanda  M.  Jernigam 
who  bore  him  nine  children:  Sarah  E.  (wife  of  Calvin  Lowe),  Anna  E.,  MaryM.,  William 
At,  Thomas  E.,  Zoror  E.,  Shelley  J.,  Oder  M.  and  Kate.  Mr.  Lee  is  a Democrat,  and  in 
July,  1864,  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  E,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  is  a Master  Mason,  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

NATHANIEL  M.  LEWIS,  M.  D.,  a prominent  physician  and  merchant  of  Florence 
Station,  Rutherford  Co.,  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  this  county,  born  November 24,  1849,  son  of 
John  W.  and  Elizabeth  (Miller)  Lewis.  The  father  was  a successful  farmer,  and  is  now 
extensively  engaged  in  stock  raising.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  himself  and  family  are 
members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  a farm 
and  received  but  twenty  months  schooling  until  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  at  which 
time  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  under  W.  H.  Alexander.  At  the  age.  of 
twenty-one  he  returned  home  and  attended  school,  and  also  assisted  his  father  on  the 
farm.  He  studied  medicine  at  nights.  In  1875  he  engaged  in  the  drygoods  business  for 
himself  at  Walter  Hill,  and  met  with  good  success.  In  1880  he  attended  the  Vanderbilt 
University  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  graduated  with  first  honors  in  1881.  He  practiced 
medicine  in. Nashville  during  the  small-pox  epidemic  of  1882.  He  then  returned  to  his 
father’s  farm,  and  in  1883  engaged  in  merchandising  in  Florence,  where  he  has  continued 
to  the  present  time,  meeting  with  good  success.  February  6, 1883,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Estella  L.  Andrews,  daughter  of  John  T.  Andrews,  deputy  clerk  of  the  Williamson  County 
Court  for  a number  of  years.  Dr.  Lewis  is  a well  known  and  prominent  physician,  and  is 
one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  the  county. 

L.  K.  LOWE,  an  enterprising  and  successful  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County, 
this  State,  January  9,  1837,  and  is  the  son  of  Neri  and  Elizabeth  (Keeling)  Lowe,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  this  State.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  September, 
1860,  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Davis,  and  to  this  short  but  happy  wedded  life  were  born  three 
■children,  two  of  whom  are  living,  namely:  Margaret  E.  and  Rosy  B.  Mr.  Lowe  was  soon 
called  to  mourn  the  death  of  his  wife  which  occurred  in  1866.  In  the  year  1870  he  took 
for  his  second  wife  Miss  Sophia  P.  Williams,  and  to  this  happy  union  nine  children  were 
born,  seven  of  whom  are  living:  Elizabeth  P.,  James  W..  William  T.,  George  K., Leonard  K.. 
Effie  S.  and  Mary  D.  Mr. Lowe  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war, enlisting  in  the  Third  Ken- 
tucky Cavalry,  serving  in  this  capacity  until  his  capture,  which  occurred  May  10,  1863.  He 
was  soon  exchanged,  and  returned  to  his  original  command,  where  he  remained  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  He  is  a Democrat  of  the  most  pronounced  type,  and  he  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  are  respected  by  all  who  know 
them. 

JAMES  M.  LOYD,  a prominent  teacher  and  citizen  of  Smyrna,  Tenn.,  is  a native 
of  the  State,  born  in  Wilson  County,  March  9,  1838,  son  of  Janies  and  Matilda  (Morris) 
Loyd,  born  in  Alabama  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died 
February  17,  1852.  The  mother  died  in  1869.  Our  subject  secured  a limited  early  educa- 
tion, but  finished  his  education  by  hard  study  at  home.  At  the  age  of  twenty  years  he  be- 
gan teaching  school,  and  has  since  made  that  his  profession.  August  12,  1885,  he  came  to 
■Smyrna,  where  he  has  had  charge  of  the  schools,  and  is  considered  an  excellent  instructor. 
He  is  very  original  in  his  methods  of  instructing,  and  does  not  confine  himself  to  the  text- 
books. He  has  gained  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  patrons,  and  has  made  the 


1048 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


school  a complete  success.  January  29,  1885,  he  wedded  Miss  Sallie  Garrett,  daughter  of 
George O.  Garrett. 

MOSES  S.  LYNCH  may  be  mentioned  as  a successful  farmer  and  blacksmith  of 
Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  born  July  27,  1833,  son  of  Ecasmur  C.  and  Sallie 
(Swan)  Lynch.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  brick-mason,  and  at  the  present  time  is  a 
resident  of  Georgia.  The  mother  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
died  in  1864.  May  20,  1858.  our  subject,  Moses  S.,  married  Drucilla  Numan,  and  they 
became  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Robert  H.,  Catharine  (wife  of  Thomas 
Hayes),  James  S.,  Oliver  S.,  Arthur  B.  and  Leonard.  Mr.  Lynch  was  an  active  soldier  in 
the  late  war,  and  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Forty -fifth  Tennessee,  and  served  two  months. 
At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  was  detailed  to  the  railroad,  owing  to  his  superior  mechan- 
ical qualifications,  and  remained  in  that  service  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  a very 
stanch  Democrat,  and  is  at  the  present  time  magistrate  of  his  district,  serving  in  this  ca- 
pacity for  fourteen  years.  He  is  a Presbyterian  in  belief,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of 
the  same  church.  They  are  excellent  citizens,  and  have  many  friends  where  they  reside. 

DR.  WILLIAM  Id.  LYTLE,  a practicing  physician,  was  born  in  this  county  September 
30,  1827,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Violet  (Henderson)  Lytle,  natives,  respectively,  of 
Tennessee  and  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  a man  of  energy  and  perseverence,  and 
his  death  was  universally  regretted.  The  Doctor  studied  medicine  under  the  eminent  physi- 
cians— Drs.  Wendel  & Watson.  Our  subject’s  marriage  to  Miss  Laviuia  J.  Dashiell,  was 
solemnized  in  1849.  To  this  union  were  born  six  children — three  of  whom  are  living: 
Annie  R.,  wife  of  John  B.  Johns:  Violet  H..  wife  of  Leroy  B.  Wade,  and  Sophia  D.,  wife 
of  Frank  Henderson.  The  Doctor  did  not  participate  in  the  late  civil  war-  between 
the  North  and  South,  but  his  sympathies  were  with  the  South.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are- 
exemplary  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  have  the  confidence  and  respect  of 
all  their  acquaintances. 

MRS.  JULIA  LYTLE,  an  enterprising  and  eminently  successful  land  owner,  was  born 
in  this  county  in  1824  and  is  the  daughter  of  Col.  William  and  Sarah  (Morton)  Searcy, 
natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  The  father  died  in  the  year  1846, 
and  the  mother  in  1832.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  June  12,  1844,  to  Col. 
Ephraim  F.  Lytle,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eight  children — seven  of  whom  are  living: 
Mary  E.,  wife  of  Henry  Murphy,  a prominent  farmer  of  this  county;  Catherine,  widow  of 
Robert  Lytle;  Sallie  E.,  wife  of  E.  C.  Cannon,  a merchant  at  Murfreesboro;  John;  Lizzie 
S.,  wife  of  II.  D.  Nichol,  of  Davidson  County;  E.  F.  and  Thomas  B.  Mr.  Lytle  took  an 
active  part  in  the  late  civil  war  between  the  North  and  South,  and  was  made  lieu- 
tenant-colonel  of  the  Forty -fifth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and. served  in  this  capacity  until  the 
beginning  of  1863.  At  that  time  his  health  failed  and  he  resigned  his  commission  and  re- 
frained from  further  participation  in  the  war.  He  was  a Methodist  in  inclination  and  was 
justly  regarded  amoral,  upright  man.  He  departed  this  life  February  10,  1868.  Mrs.  Lytle 
still  survives  him  and  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

DR.  A.  W.  MANIRE,  a prominent  and  eminently  successful  practitioner,  was  born 
in  this  county  February  8,  18 17,  and  is  the  son  of  Lemuel  and  Susan  (Jackson)  Manire, 
both  natives  of  Virginia.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  March  11,  1858,  to  Miss- 
Julia  W.  White,  and  to  this  union  were  born  the  following  children:  Dr.  John  W.,  Eliza 
J.,  wife  of  John  Lamb;  Josephine,  wife  of  J.  N.  Cothran;  Florence  E. ; Julia  A.;  Susan 
O.  and  Ella  M.  The  Doctor  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  is  now  a candidate  for,  and  will 
probably  be  elected,  clerk  of  the  circuit  court.  The  Doctor  took  an  active  part  in  the 
late  civil  .war,  enlisting  in  Company  A,  Twentjr  fourth  Tennessee,  serving  in  the 
capacity  of  hospital  steward  and  detailed  assistant  surgeon.  He  resigned  his  commission 
in  1862,  came  home  and  resumed  his  practice  and  has  been  an  active  practitioner  ever 
since.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  and  his  wife  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian ’Church,  and  they  are  justly  recognized  as  influential  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity. 

WELCOM  MANKIN  was  born  October  5,  1835,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  son  of 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1049 


I 

John  and  Elizabeth  (Hodge)  Mankin,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respect- 
ively. The  father  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day  and  located  on  a farm  in  Rutherford 
County,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  June  8,  1883.  The  mother  departed  this  life 
February  14,  1879.  Welcom  Mankin  received  a fair  English  education  in  the  common 
schools  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  years  began  earning  his  own  living  by  farming  on  his 
father’s  place,  which  was  subsequently  deeded  to  him.  In  1871  he  purchased  the  place 
where  he  now  resides,  and  is  well  fixed  financially.  February  25,  I860,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Sarah  Lyon,  who  bore  him  two  children:  J.  E.  (wife  of  W.  R.  Manley),  and  John  P. 
Mrs.  Mankin  died  December  3,  1863,  and  September  17,  1866,  he  wedded  Mrs.  Louisa  Har- 
rison, and  to  them  were  born  three  children,  only  one  now  living:  Samuel  W.  In  April. 
1861,  Mr.  Mankin  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  F.  Second  Tennessee  Regiment,  and 
served  in  that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  July  19,  1864,  he  was  taken  prisoner  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek  and  was  kept  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  111.,  nine  months,  and  was 
then  moved  to  Point  Lookout,  Md.,  and  there  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr. 
Mankin  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

BENTON  P.  MANKIN,  a successful  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Rutherford  County, 
was  born  November  12,  1843,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Hodge)  Mankin,  na- 
tives, respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm 
and  received  a limited  education  as  he  attended  school  but  a short  time  before  the  war 
broke  out.  Afterreachinghis  majority  he  began  farming  and  so  continued  until  the  death 
of  his  father,  when  he  moved  to  the  old  homestead.  In  1884  he  purchased  and  moved  to 
the  place  where  he  now'  resides.  In  1877  he  was  married  to  Miss  Alice  F.  Hearn,  of  Wil- 
son County,  and  to  this  union  have  been  born  two  children:  Mardilla  H.  and  Mary  L.  In 
1884  he  married  Miss  S.  J.  Atkinson,  of  this  county,  and  one  child.  Jessie  J.,  has  blessed 
this  union.  Mr.  Mankin  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Fourth  Ten- 
nessee Cavalry,  as  a private.  He  took  an  active  part  in  most  of  the  battles  in  which  his 
command  was  engaged,  and  was  w’ounded  at  Thompson’s  Station  and  a second  time  near 
Knoxville,  being  off  duty  one  month.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  at- 
tended school,  going  at  intervals  and  farming  until  1869,  when  he  attended  strictly  to  his 
farm  duties.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church  and  he  is  justly  consid- 
ered one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  county. 

REY.  JOHN  J.  MARTIN,  a retired  minister  of  Milton.  Rutherford  Co.,  Teun.,  was 
born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  March  24,  1811,  being  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  (Wallace) 
Martin,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  South  Carolina.  The  father  was  of  German  parent- 
age and  came  to  this  State  in  1810,  being  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Wilson  County,  and 
a farmer  by  occupation.  He  was  an  old-time  Whig  and  was  magistrate  in  his  county  for 
upward  of  tw'enty  years.  His  death  occurred  in  1864  and  the  mother’s  in  1873.  The 
subject,  John  J.,  was  reared  by  his  parents  on  the  farm,  where  he  remained  until  he  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  securing  but  a limited  education  in  early  days.  He  subsequently 
attended  the  Lascasas  Academy  with  a view  to  making  school-teaching  his  profession,  and 
afterward  taught  the  young  idea  in  that  vicinity  for  fifteen  years,  also  giving  part  of  his 
attention  to  ministerial  work.  He  afterward  gave  all  his  attention  to  the  ministry  until 
his  health  failed  in  1885.  In  February,  1849,  he  wedded  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Winsepp,  his  first 
wife  being  M%s  North  Vaughan.  She  died  in  1848.  To  them  were  born  two  children, 
both  of  whom  are  dead.  Mr.  Martin  has  a wude-spead  reputation  as  a learned  minister  of 
the  gospel  and  is  recognized  as  an  excellent  citizen. 

WILLIAM  MASON,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 
July  31,  1827,  and  is  the  son  of  Reynear  H.  and  Elizabeth  (Moss)  Mason,  natives,  respect- 
ively, of  Virginia  and  this  State.  The  father,  an  early  settler  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  came  to  this  county  in  1821  and  purchased  the  farm  William  Mason  now  lives  on. 
He  was  a Whig  in  politics  and  was  constable  of  the  Second  District  from  1824  to  1833,  also 
justice  of  the  peace.  His  death  occurred  January  2,  1852.  The  mother  died  in  1831.  The 
subject  of  our  sketch  was  a country  boy  and  received  his  education  in  the  country  schools, 
which  at  that  early  time  were  held  in  the  primitive  log  sc-hoolhouses.  At  the  age  of 


1050 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


twenty-one  he  was  elected  constable  of  the  Second  District,  and  in  1849  he  purchased  his 
present  farm,  which  consists  of  1,400  acres  of  good  land.  He  was  re-elected  constable  in 
1852  and  deputy  sheriff  iu  1856.  In  1858  he  was  again  elected  sheriff  and  was  re-elected  in 
1862.  He  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Second  District,  and  is  now  holding,  the  office. 
On  October  3,  1864,  he  was  married  to  his  second  wife,  Miss  Frances  J.  Sanders,  a native 
of  this  State,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eight  children  : William  A.,  Dora  C.,  Daisy  L., 
M.  A.,  Eulolia  P.,  Sanders,  R.  H.,  Moss  G.  and  Parthenia  M.  His  first  marriage  was  with 
Miss  Martha  J.  Hoover,  who  died  August  22,  1862.  To  this  union  were  born  four  chil- 
dren : Isabella H.,  Robert  T.,  Pleasant  P.  and  Martha  J.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Mr. 
Mason  is  an  attendant  at  and  his  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  He  is  classed  among  the  enterprising  and  successful  farmers  of  the  county. 

PLEASANT  P.  MASON,  attorney  at  law,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  March 
23,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  William  N.  and  Martha  J.  (Hoover)  Mason,  both  born  in  Ruth- 
erford County,  Tenn.  The  father  is  a well-to-do  citizen  of  the  county.  Pleasant  P.  se- 
cured a good  literary  education  in  the  public  schools  and  also  by  desultory  study.  At  the 
age  of  twenty  he  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon, 
Tenn.,  and  graduated  in  June,  1881.  He  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  in  January,  1882,  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  and  practiced  his  profession  two  years  with  ex-Congressman  Sheafe. 
Since  that  time  he  has  practiced  his  profession  alone  and  has  met  with  well-deserved  suc- 
cess. November  29, 1882,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Richie  H.  Keeble,  who  was 
born  in  the  county.  They  have  one  son,  Richard  K.  Mr.  Mason  is  a Democrat  in  poli- 
tics and  has  taken  quite  an  interest  iu  the  political  affairs  of  the  State  and  county,  being 
appointed  State’s  attorney  February  1,  1885,  and  at  the  same  time  was  chosen  attorney  for 
Rutherford  County.  He  is  at  present  a candidate  for  attorney- general  for  Davidson  and 
Rutherford  Counties,  subject  to  election  August  5,  1886.  He  was  nominated  by  a conven- 
tion composed  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  of  Rutherford  County,  on  the  5th  day  of  April, 
1886,  as  Rutherford  County’s  candidate  for  this  position,  defeating  his  opponent,  Edgar  P. 
Smith,  a lawyer  many  years  his  senior  and  considered  among  the  most  popular  men  in 
Rutherford  County.  He  is  one  of  the  rising  members  of  the  Rutherford  County  bar, 
and  belongs  to  the  K.  of  H.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOHN  B.  McCLANAHAN,  an  eccentric  old  resident  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 
was  born  February  17,  1820,  being  a son  of  Matthew  and  a grandson  of  Samuel  McClana- 
han,  who  came  from  Culpepper  County,  Va„  to  Rutherford  County  in  1801,  Samuel’s  fa- 
ther having  come  to  that  State  from  his  native  country  (Ireland)  with  his  two  brothers  pre- 
sumably 300  years  ago.  Samuel  McClanahan  was  a major  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and 
after  his  removal  to  this  county  participated  in  the  war  of  1812  with  Gen.  Jackson,  as 
major,  Matthew  being  also  a participant  in  the  latter  war  and  a colonel  in  the  Florida 
war.  He  (our  subject’s  father)  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  after  the  Indian  trouble  had 
subsided  he  followed  farming  in  this  county,  being,  as  was  his  father,  a Democrat  polit- 
ically. He  was  the  second  sheriff  of  the  county  and  afterward  represented  the  county  in 
the  State  Legislature.  Our  subject’s  maternal  grandfather,  Mr.  Bradley,  had  a noted 
race  track  on  his  farm  two  and  one-half  miles  north' of  Murfreesboro,  on  what  is  now  the 
Johnson  farm.  This  course  was  largely  attended  yearly  by  some  of  the  most  noted  turf- 
men of  Tennnessee,  Mississippi,  Kentucky,  Alabama  and  Virginia.  John  B.  was  a pro- 
fessional rider  at  these  races  in  his  boyhood  days  and  has  set  astride  of  many  of  Gen. 
Jackson’s  coursers,  as  well  as  others  equally  noted,  often  riding  sixteen  miles  in  one  race 
before  it  came  to  a finish.  Our  subject’s  father  and  grandsire  died  in  this  county,  both 
having  spent  long  and  useful  lives,  the  latter  having  attained  his  one  hundredth  year  and 
outliving  our  subject’s  father,  ’who  died  about  1835.  John  B.  has  emulated  the  example  of 
his  sires  only  partially.  He  adheres  to  their  strict  examples  of  honesty  and  sobriety  but  has 
never  aspired  to  any  honors  or  position  other  than  to  attend  to  his  farm  and  command  the 
respect  of  his  neighbors  and  friends.  He  has  in  his  possession,  as  relics,  a pair  of  silver  knee- 
buckles  that  were  made  in  Ireland  over  300  years  ago,  and  a glass  bottle  that  was  made 
there  which  is  nearly  as  old.  He  has  been  twice  married,  having  lost  his  first  wife  by 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1051 


death.  He  has  two  sons.  He  was  a private  in  Company  I,  Forty-fifth  Regiment, 
Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  surrender.  He  has  quite  a notoriety 
in  the  county  as  a breeder  and  raiser  of  game  chickens,  having  some  handsome  specimens 
of  the  same  at  his  little  place  near  Murfreesboro.  He  is  a Democrat. 

MR.  LEVI  McCLURE,  a native  of  Augusta  County,  Va.,  and  son  of  John  and  Eliza- 
beth (Graham)  McClure,  who  emigrated,  or  were  driven  from  Georgetown,  S.  C..  by  the 
Tories  during  the  Revolution,  was  born  May  29,  1806.  Our  subject  received  a limited  edu- 
cation, but  being  a lover  of  literature,  particularly  historical  and  biographical,  read  all 
that  came  in  his  way,  and  by  this  means  his  education  was  considerably  enhanced.  Leav- 
ing Virginia  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  with  his  mother  and  brother  and  sister,  he  immi- 
grated to  Green  County,  Ohio,  near  Xenia,  where  he  worked  at  the  brick-mason’s  trade 
until  he  had  accumulated  a sufficient  amount  to  purchase  a large  farm  in  Shelby  County, 
Ohio.  In  the  year  1841  he  married  Miss  Charlotte  MofEet,  whose  parents  were  from  Lex- 
ington, Ky.,  her  father  a descendant  of  the  celebrated  hunter,  Daniel  Boone,  and  her 
mother  a near  relative  of  Jesse  Grant,  father  of  U.  S.  Grant.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McClure’s 
wedded  life  was  blessed  by  these  children:  John  H.  (deceased),  Frank  W.,  William  G., 
James  F.,  Curtiss  H.,  Augustus  L.,  Sarah  E.  (deceased),  Mary  J.  and  Margaret  A.  During 
the  late  war  our  subject  took  quite  an  active  part,  sending  four  sons  to  assist  the  Federals 
during  the  civil  war.  After  moving  about  for  some  years  he  concluded  to  pass  the  residue 
of  his  life  in  the  “ Sunny  South,”  and  bought  a large  farm  and  settled  near  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  on  the  Franklin  road.  The  family  was  trained  under  the  influence  of  the  Old 
School  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR.  WILLIAM  H.  McCORD,  a successful  practitioner,  was  born  in  Marshall  County, 
Tenn.,  September  1, 1838,  and  is  the  son  of  Allen  and  Jane  (Jordan)  McCord,  both  na- 
tives of  this  State,  who  with  their  parents  endured  all  the  hardships  and  privations  of 
those  early  times.  The  Doctor  is  a graduate  of  the  University  of  Louisiana  City  of  Hew 
Orleans.  His  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  Williams  was  solemnized  November  24,  1868,  and 
by  this  union  the  following  children  were  born  : William  E.,  John  H.,  Emmet  A.  and 
Anna  V.  The  Doctor  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  late 
civil  war  between  the  North  and  the  South.  He  enlisted  in  Gen.  Forrest’s  company 
and  was  surgeon  in  the  Eighth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  in  this  capacity  throughout 
the  entire  war.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Church,  and  the  Doctor  is  considered  one  of  the  best  physicians  in  the  county,  and  has  an 
extensive  practice. 

McFADDEN  & SON,  merchants  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  The  business  was  begun  by 
James  S.  McFadden  in  1852,  but  was  closed  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  and  resumed  in 
1866.  For  the  last  two  years  his  son,  Edgar  S.,  has^  been  his  partner.  He  sold  out  his 
stock  in  March,  1885,  and  in  September  of  that  year  established  his  present  general  mer- 
chandise store,  and  is  making  life  a success  financially.  J ames  S.  McFadden  is  the  oldest 
merchant  of  Rutherford  County,  and  was  born  near  Murfreesboro  December  14,  1823,  be- 
ing a son  of  Samuel  and  Hollie  (Posey)  McFadden,  natives  of  South  Carolina.  The  father 
came  to  Tennessee  when  a boy  and  was  reared  on  a farm  in  Davidson  County.  He  came 
to  Rutherford  County  and  located  on  a.  farm  where  he  reared  his  family  of  four- 
teen children,  and  was  a successful  farmer.  He  was  magistrate  of  his  district  a number 
of  years  and  died  in  1852.  James  S.  McFadden  secured  a fair  education  in  his  boyhood 
days,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  came  to  this  city  and  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  mercantile 
business  and  worked  one  year  for  W.  H.  Lytle  & W.  R.  McFadden,  and  then  went  to 
Milton  with  the  latter,  with  whom  he  remained  one  year.  He  engaged  in  the  business  for 
himself  in  1844  in  Milton,  following  that  occupation  there  and  in  Wilson  County  for 
nearly  two  years,  and  then  went  to  Mississippi,  where  he  remained  abofit  six  years.  In  1851 
he  returned  to  Murfreesboro,  and  in  1852  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business, 
which  he  has  continued  ever  since,  with  the  exception  of  four  years  during  the  war,  when 
he  was  badly  crippled  financially.  March  13,  1844,  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Mor- 
gan, who  bore  him  six  children,  five  living:  Anna  E.,  James  T.,  Laura  C.,  Walter  M.  and 


1052 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Edgar  S.  Mr.  McFadden  was  an  old  time  Whig,  hut  is  now  a Democrat.  He  was  not  a 
participant  in  the  war,  hut  sympathized  with  the  Southern  cause.  He  lias  been  alderman 
of  the  city  for  a number  of  terms,  is  a Mason,  Knight  Templar  degree,  and  he  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  L.  McKNIGHT,  proprietor  of  a livery  stable  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  is  a 
successor  of  J.  H.  Major  in  the  business,  commencing  in  1881.  In  1885  his  buildings 
caught  Are  and  were  consumed  together  with  about  $4,500  worth  of  stock  and  vehicles. 
He  afterward  opened  his  present  stables  and  now  has  an  excellent  lot  of  horses  and  car- 
riages. Mr.  McKnight  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  May  22,  1857,  and  is  a son  of  A.  D. 
and  Mary  (Hare)  McKnight,  also  born  in  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a farmer  for  many 
years  and  good  luck  attended  his  efforts.  He  is  now  residing  with  the  subject  of  our 
sketch,  who  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  parents  until  seventeen  years  old,  securing  a 
good  education.  He  was  then  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  with  E.  Rosenfield  for 
five  years,  and  afterward  with  PI.  H.  Kerr,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1881,  when  he 
engaged  in  his  present  business.  December  27, 1882,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Susie  Pitts,  who 
bore  him  two  children,  both  now  deceased.  Mr.  McKnight  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  'He  is  courteous  and  accommodating  in 
his  business  transactions,  and  has  a fair  share  of  the  trade  in  city  and  county. 

GEORGE  W.  McLAUGHLIN,  a prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  August  5,  1827,  in  Davison  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  William  IP.  and  Cath- 
arine (Peebles)  McLaughlin,  natives  respectively  of  Rowan  and  Warren  County,  N.  C. 
The  father  immigrated  to  Davidson  County  in  1800,  and  settled  on  the  farm,  operated  a 
tannery  and  attended  the  farm  duties.  In  1810  he  was  elected  colonel  of  the  State  militia, 
between  Nashville  and  Stewart  Creek,  and  was  trustee  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Washington  Institutions.  He  resided  in  Davidson  County  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
in  February,  1854.  The  son  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a good  literary  education 
at  Pleasant  Grove  Seminary  and  Washington  Institute.  After  reaching  his  majority,  he 
taught  school  in  different  localities.  September  16,  1855,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Tennis- 
see  L.  Morton,  and  became  the  father  of  five  children:  Joseph  W.,  James  M.,  Mary  N., 
William  H.,  Ervin  M.  After  his  marriage,  he  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides. 
Mr.  McLaughlin  was  a Whig  before  the  war,  and  since  has  voted  the  Democratic  ticket. 
He  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  from  1865  till  1877.  He  and  family  are  members 
of  the  Christian  Church,  and  are  good  conscientious  people. 

THOMAS  B.  MILES.  Pattison  Miles,  the  father  of  Thomas  B.,  was  a son  of  Thomas 
and  Nancy  (Pattison)  Miles,  natives  respectively  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  Thomas 
Miles  served  seven  years  in  the  Revolutionary  war  in  the  capacity  of  lieutenant.  He  came  to 
Tennessee  with  his  family  and  negroes  in  1792,  settling  in  Williamson  County.  He  died  in 
1837,andhis  wife  in  1846.  Pattison  Miles  died  in  1873;  he  was  an  old  time  Whig,  amemberof 
the  Methodist  Church  and  a farmer  by  occupation.  His  wife,  formerly  Dicey  Moore  of  Ken- 
tucky, died  in  1882.  Thomas  B.  Miles,  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  was  born  near  Triune, 
Williamson  Co.,  Tenn.,  February  14,  1814,  and  remained  on  the  farm  until  seventeen 
years  of  age.  He  received  a limited  early  education,  but  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  engaged 
in  the  mercantile  business  in  Jefferson,  Tenn.,  remaining  until  1840,  and  for  the  next  five 
years  resided  on  a farm  which  he  had  purchased  near  Murfreesboro.  From  that  date  until 
1850,  he  managed  a cotton  plantation  in  Mississippi,  meeting  with  go  del  success.  At  the 
latter  date  he  returned  to  Tennessee,  farmed  near  Overalls  Creek  for  about  eight 
years,  and  therf  resided  on  another  farm  near  Murfreesboro.  In  1866  he  moved  to  the 
town  where  he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  until  1874,  and  then  clerked  for  differ- 
ent firms  until  1882,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  of  keeping  the  hotel  known 
as  the  Commercial  Men’s  Home  at  Murfreesboro.  He  keeps  a first-class  house  in  every 
respect,  and  is  known  to  be  strictly  exact  in  all  his  dealings.  June  9,  1841,  he  wedded 
Miss  Catherine  E.  Johns,  born  in  Tennessee,  in  1822.  Thomas  B.  is  a Democrat,  and  he 
and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

I.  D.  MILLER,  an  eminently  successful  agriculturist,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County, 


I 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY.  1058 

Term.,  January  6, 1855,  and  is  the  son  of  Alfred  and  Narciora  (Bradford)  Miller,  natives, 
respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Alabama.  The  father  was  a hatter  by  trade  but 
spent  the  latter  part  of  his  life  in  commercial  brokerage,  and  his  death,  which  occurred 
June  24,  1867,  was  universally  regretted  by  all  his  acquaintances.  The  mother  was  a good 
Christian  woman  and  died  with  full  confidence  of  a blessed  hereafter,  April  14,  1875. 
Our  subject  received  a collegiate  education  attending  the  noted  military  college  of  Frank, 
fort,  Ky. ; he  also  took  a thorough  course  at  the  Commercial  College  of  Evansville,  Ind- 
'On  September  18,  1883,  his  marriage  to  Miss  Mamie  Elam  was  solemnized;  the  fruits  of 
this  union  was  one  child,  I.  M.  Mr.  Miller  is  a Democrat  and  is  now  a candidate  for,  and 
will  probably  be  elected  county  court  clerk.  Mrs.  Miller  is  a leading  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  family  are  respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

WILLIAM  MITCHELL,  president  of  Stone  River  Bank,  and  a prominent  business 
man  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  Rutherford  County,  July  8,  1840. 
Col.  Addison  Mitchell,  our  subject’s  father,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina  and  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents,  locating  on  a farm  where  he  was  raised.  He  was  married  in  this 
county  to  our  subject’s  mother,  Mary  A.  Hodge,  and  they  raised  a family  of  three  children, 
including  William.  The  father  was  a colonel  in  the  Confederate  Army  and  met  his  death 
in  the  spring  of  1863  at  Iuka,  Miss.  William  obtained  a good  education  in  his  youthful 
days  at  the  Union  University  of  this  city  and  the  Cumberland  University  of  Lebanon,  Tenn- 
Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  I,  First  Regi- 
ment of  Tennessee  Infantry,  serving  one  year  in  this  capacity,  when  he  was  prompted  to 
first  lieutenant  of  the  Fourth  Confederate  Tennessee  Regiment,  serving  in  this  capacity 
and  later  as  captain  of  Company  I,  of  this  regiment,  until  near  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
then  repaired  to  his  farm  in  this  county,  which  he  managed  in  a successful  manner  until 
1879,  when  he  moved  to  Murfreesboro  and  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business 
with  Hodge,  Smith  & Co.,  with  whom  he  remained,  sharing  equally  in  the  success  of  that 
well-kn  own  firm  until  January  of  1885,  when  he  engaged  in  a similar  business  for  and  by 
himself  and  has  met  with  his  usual  good  and  well-deserved  success  in  this  enterprise.  He 
dealt  exclusively  in  grain,  cotton  and  provisions  during  1885,  but  in  1886  added  a large 
stock  of  groceries  and  general  merchandise,  and  now  controls  a large  share  of  the  trade 
in  this  combined  line  in  the  city  and  county.  In  1871  Mr.  Mitchell  took  unto  himself  a 
wife  in  the  person  of  Mary  E.  Howse,  of  Rutherford  County.  He  is  one  of  the  firm  and 
unswerving  but  progressive  Democrats  of  the  county,  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar 
and  Scottish  Rite  degrees  in  Masonry,  and  has  been  among  the  foremost  in  all  public 
and  private  enterprises  that  are  conducive  to  the  prosperity  of  his  native  county.  He 
has  been  a stock-holder  in  the  Stone  River  Bank  for  some  years,  and  January  1,  1885, 
was  made  its  president,  which  position  he  has  since  filled  in  a faithful  and  efficient  man- 
ner. Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR.  JAMES  B.  MURFREE,  an  old  and  prominent  physician  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  is  a native  of  this  county,  born  September  16,  1835,  and  is  the  son  of  Matthias  B. 
and  Mary  A.  (Roberts)  Murfree,  both  of  whom  were  natives 'of  North  Carolina.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  county,  from  whose  family  the  town  of  Mur- 
freesboro derives  its  name.  His  death  occurred  September  15,  1856.  The  mother  died 
July,  1857.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  his  education 
at  Union  University,  Murfreesboro,  and  received  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  from  that  insti- 
tution. At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  two  years. 
In  the  summer  of  1856  he  commenced  studying  medicine  with  a view  of  making  it  a pro- 
fession, and  October,  1856,[  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville. 
In  1857  Mr.  Murfree  entered  the  Jefferson  Medical  College,  of  Philadelphia,  taking  two 
courses  of  lectures.  In  March,  1859,  he  graduated  at  the  above  college  with  the  degree 
of  M.  D.  He  then  returned  home  and  began  the  practice  of  medicine,  which  he  con- 
tinued u ntil  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  First  Tennessee 
Volunteers,  and  served  as  a private  until  June,  when  he  was  appointed  surgeon  and  was 
afterward  ordered  to  Knoxville,  Tenn., t and  assigned  to  duty  as  assistant  surgeon  at  that 


66 


1054 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


place.  In  September,  1861,  he  was  commissioned  assistant  surgeon  of  the  Confederate 
Army.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  resumed  the  practice  of  medicine 
with  good  success  up  to  the  present  date.  Dr.  Murfree  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and 
served  two  terms  as  mayor  of  Murfreesboro  during  1874-75.  Himself  and  family  are 
leading  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  1862  Mr.  Murfree  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Ada  J.  Talley,  a native  of  this  county  and  a daughter  of  Maj.  P.  C.  Talley. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Murfree  were  born  nine  children:  Hordy,  Talley,  Jane  R.,  Ada  J.,  James 
B.,  Fannie  D.,  Libbie  M.,  Mary  R.  and  Matthias  B.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Dr.  Mur- 
free is  classed  as  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  Murfreesboro  and  Rutherford  County. 

JOHN  M.  NAYLOR,  a retired  merchant  of  Rutherford  County,  was  born  October  6, 
1848,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Wade  H.  and  Hannah  (McMinn)  Naylor, 
natives,  respectively,  of  South  Carolina  and  Bedford  County,  Tenn.  The  father,  a prom- 
inent farmer  of  this  county,  moved  to  Bedford  County  in  1827,  and  came  to  this  county 
some  years  later,  and  settled  on  a farm  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
November  17,  1857.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  received  a fair  education  at 
the  common  schools  of  the  county.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  was  left  in  charge  of  his 
mother’s  farm,  where  he  remained  until  after  the  war,  attending  school  until  1872,  when 
he  engaged  in  merchandising  in  Fosterville.  In  1885  he  sold  out  and  moved  to  the  place 
where  he  now  resides.  He  has  met  with  well  deserved  success,  having  a good  farm  of  126 
acres.  January  20,  1876,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Jessie  Robinson,  daughter  of  Dr.  George 
W.  Robinson,  an  eminent  practitioner  of  this  county,  and  captain  of  a company  of  cavalry 
under  Forrest;  was  killed  at  Richmond,  Ky.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Naylor  were  born  three 
children:  Eugene  B.,  William  E.  and  Arthur  T. ; they  also  have  an  adopted  child,  Lavie  M. 
Robinson,  who  was  an  orphan  of  his  wife’s  brother.  Mr.  Naylor  is  a Democrat, 1 and  he 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

MOSES  A.  NELSON  was  born  in  Bedford  County  Tenn.,  September  22,  1838,  son  of 
Benjamin  A.  and  Agnes  J.  (Nelson)  Nelson,  natives  also  of  Bedford  County,  and  residents 
of  the  same:  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Moses  Nelson,  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
Middle  Tennessee.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm  in  his  native  county, 
and  received  an  ordinary  education.  In  May,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Eleventh 
Regular  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  Confederate  Army  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
He  was  promoted  during  service,  to  first  lieutenant,  and  paroled  as  such  at  Greensboro, 
N.  C.  He  then  returned  home,  and  in  1868  removed  to  Murfreesboro  and  engaged  in  the 
liquor  and  restaurant  business,  and  has  continued  to  the  present  time.  He  keeps  a strictly 
first-class  house,  and  controls  the  leading  trade  in  his  line  in  the  city.  In  July,  1855,. 
Mr.  Nelson  leased  the  opera  house  in  Murfreesboro,  and  has  managed  it  very  successfully 
to  the  present  time.  In  1866  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Kate  R.  Melchar.  a native 
of  Arkansas.  They  have  six  children  living— three  sons  and  three  daughters.  In  politics 
Mr.  Nelson  is  a Democrat,  though  he  was  raised  a Whig  and  voted  that  ticket  previous  to- 
the  war. 

JOSEPH  G.  NELSON,  druggist,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  a native  of  the  city, 
was  born  September  17,  1843,  being  a son  of  the  late  Joseph  W.  and  Mary  (Graves)  Nel- 
son, natives,  respectively,  of  Prince  Edward’s  County,  Va.,  and  Alabama.  The  father 
was  born  in  1803,  and  came  to  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  in  1815,  and  was  a resident  of 
Murfreesboro  for  more  than  half  a century.  He  was  energetic,  industrious  and  possessed 
the  attributes  that  make  an  excellent  man  and  citizen.  His  death,  which  occurred  when 
he  was  seventy-nine  years  of  age,  was  much  deplored  by  his  many  relatives  and  friends. 
He  was  buried  in  Evergreen  Cemetery  by  the  side  of  his  wife,  whose  death  preceded  his 
several  years.  Joseph  G.  Nelson  received  an  ordinary  education,  and  in  1861  enlisted  as. 
private  in  Company  C,  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Regular  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  After  his  return  home  he  clerked  in  his  father’s  store  until  the  latter’s  death, 
in  1882,  when  he  assumed  control  and  management,  and  has  since  carried  on  his  drug 
store  with  perfect  success.  Mr.  Nelson  is  a Democrat  and  is  unmarried.  He  is  wide 
awake  and  promises  to  be  one  of  the  first  business  men  of  the  city. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1055 


JAMES  0.  OSLEST,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Teun., 
September  22,  1885,  a son  of  Lucas  and  Mary  A.  (Arnold)  Oslin,  who  were  both  born  in 
Virginia,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1825  and  settled  in  Rutherford  County.  In  January, 
1850,  they  removed  to  Murfreesboro,  at  which  place  his  father  died  in  1851,  and  his 
mother  in  1864.  After  the  death  of  his  father  his  mother  remained  a widow  the  balance 
of  her  life.  They  both  died  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  James 
spent  his  early  days  on  a farm  and  secured  a limited  education.  He  learned  tue  brick- 
mason  and  plasterer’s  trade,  and  followed  that  occupation  until  the  war  between  the  States, 
when  he,  in  April,  1861,  enlisted  as  private  in  Company  A,  Second  Tennessee  Infantry,  and 
served  until  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  lost  his  left  leg.  He  was  in  the  first 
battle  of  Manassas,  Shiloh,  Richmond,  Ky. ; Perry ville,  Ky.,  and  Stone  River.  He  never 
missed  a battle  or  skirmish  that  his  regiment  engaged  in  until  after  he  had  lost  his  leg,  as 
above  stated.  After  he  was  wounded  he  remained  with  kind  friends  and  relatives  in  Ala- 
bama and  Georgia  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  returned  home  in  July,  1865,  and  en- 
gaged as  clerk  in  a mercantile  store,  and  after  a year  or  more  he  accepted  the  position  of 
deputy  register  of  Rutherford  County,  continuing  until  January,  1870,  when  he  was 
elected  recorder  of  the  city  of  Murfreesboro,  serving  but  three  months,  when  he  resigned 
and  became  a candidate  for  the  office  of  county  court  clerk,  and  was  elected  in  August, 
1870,  under  the  new  State  constitution,  and  served  by  re-election  until  1878.  In  March, 
1879,  he  engaged  in  the  sale  and  livery  stable  business,  and  while  he  remained  as  one  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  “City  Stables’’  he  did  the  leading  business  of  the  city,  and  has  been 
fairly  prosperous.  Mr.  Oslin  is  an  own  cousin  of  the  gunner,  James  Oslin,  of  Vicks- 
burg, Miss.,  who  threw  the  grape-shot  referred  to  in  the  history  of  the  Mexican  war  at 
the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  where  Gen.  Taylor  told  Capt.  Bragg  to  “give  ’em  a little  more 
grape,  Capt.  Bragg,  a little  more  grape.’’  Mr.  Oslin  in  a stanch  Democrat  and  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  K.  of  H.  and 
A.  O.  U.W.  fraternities.  He  is  the  owner  of  the  Stone  River  Stock  Farm,  near  the  city* 
and  gives  nearly  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  breeding  Holstein,  Friesian  cattle,  some 
of  which  are  second  to  none  in  America. 

REV.  WILLIAM  B.  OWEN  was  born  in  the  “Old  Dominion”  June  29,  1825,  and  is  a 
son  of  Thomas  and  Sallie  (Stewart)  Owen,  who  were  born  in  the  same  State.  They  came 
to  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  in  1840,  and  followed  the  lives  of  farmers.  The  father  was 
also  a minister  of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  died  November  20,  1859,  and  the  mother  in  1835. 
William  B.  Owen  was  reared  on  the  farm  with  his  father,  and  secured  a good  common 
school  education.  He  attended  the  Stone  River  Academy,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-two 
began  working  for  himself  on  his  father’s  farm.  In  1850  he  purchased  the  place  where  he 
now  lives,  and  March  8,  1860,  he  wedded  Betty  M.  Nance,  a native  of  the  State  and 
daughter  of  Elder  Josiah  C.  Nance,  a well-known  farmer  and  minister  of  Davidson 
County.  To  them  were  born  these  children,  all  of  whom  are  dead:  Josiah  W.,  died  April 
15,  1883,  and  Eugenia  S.,  died  April  14,  1883.  Mr.  Owen  is  classed  among  the  successful 
farmers  of  the  county  in  which  he  resides,  and  is  a man  strictly  honest  and  fair  in  big 
business  transactions. 

NATHANIEL  OWEN,  an  old  and  prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.* 
was  born  in  Virginia  October  9,  1820,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Sallie  (Stewart)  Owen* 
who  were  also  born  in  the  State  of  Virginia.  Nathaniel  Owen,  the  subject  of  this  me- 
moir, remained  and  assisted  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  se- 
curing but  a limited  education.  He  then  began  tilling  the  soil  on  his  own  account,  and 
has  since  been  steadily  engaged  at  that  work,  and  has  met  with  the  success  that  has  al- 
ways attends  industry,  economy  and  fair  dealing.  December  23,  1857,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  E.  McNeil,  of  Rutherford  County.  They  have  six  childrens 
Mary  A.  (wife  of  John  Pitts),  Thomas  E.,  Martha  L.,  John  W.,  Lillie  V.  and  Sally  C.,  all 
of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Owen  is  independent  in  his  political  views,  and  he  and  family 
are  leading  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

GEN,  JOSEPH  B.  PALMER,  a well-known  and  prominent  member  of  the  Ruth- 


1056 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


erford  County  bar,  was  born  in  this  county  November  I,  1825.  He  is  a son  of  William  H. 
and  Mildred  C.  (Johns)  Palmer,  who  were  natives,  respectively,  of  Halifax  County,  Ya., 
and  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  William  H.  Palmer  secured  a liberal  education  in»his 
early  days,  attending  not  only  literary  but  medical  institutions  of  learning  in  his  native 
State.  About  the  year  1820,  having  attained  his  majority,  he  immigrated  to  this  county, 
where  he  married  soon  after,  and  locating  on  a farm  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until 
1830,  when  his  wife  died  and  he  removed  to  Illinois  and  followed  the  practice  of  medicine 
until  his  death  in  that  State,  when  Joseph  B.  was  still  quite  young.  After  his  mother’s 
. death  and  his  father’s  departure  for  Illinois,  our  subject,  Joseph  B.,  was  taken  to  raise  by 
his  maternal  grandparents,  Joseph  B.  and  Elizabeth  Johns.  He  received  a good  collegiate 
education  early  in  life,  attending  the  old  Union  University  of  Murfreesboro.  After  com- 
pleting his  literary  education  he  followed  school  teaching  in  the  county  one  year,  in  order 
to  secure  means  enough  to  enable  him  to  begin  the  study  of  law.  Later  he  entered  the 
office  of  Hardy  M.  Burton,  of  this  city,  with  whom  he  read  law  until  March,  1848,  when 
he  had  so  far  mastered  his  profession  as  to  be  admitted  to  the  Rutherford  County  bar, 
and  opening  an  office  in  this  city  he  engaged  in  the  practice,  gradually  increasing  his  repu- 
tation as  a lawyer  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war,  when  he  renounced  a large  and 
lucrative  practice,  and  in  May,  1861,  organized  a company  of  infantry  from  here,  of  which 
he  was  elected  captain,  but  immediately  proceeded  to  organize  the  Eighteenth  Regiment 
of  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  elected  colonel  of  the  same.  He  served  with  this  re- 
nowned and  gallant  regiment  in  the  capacity  of  colonel,  and  later  in  command  of  a brigade 
until  July,  1864,  when  he  was  commissioned  a brigadier-general.  The  history  of  this  well- 
known  regiment  will  give  evidence  of  the  gallant  and  soldierly  bearing  of  our  subject  dur- 
ing its  many  and  repeated  engagements  throughout  the  entire  war.  As  an  instance  of 
the  same  we  might  mention  the  capture  of  the  General  with  nearly  his  entire  regiment  and 
Floyd’s  entire  command  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson.  He  was  imprisoned  by  the  Fed- 
erals  at  Fort  Warren  eight  months,  when  he  was  exchanged  and  soon  after  returned  to 
his  command.  In  the  engagement  at  Stone  River  the  General  was  three  times  wounded 
while  leading  his  regiment  in  the  famous  and  fatal  Breckinridge  charge,  but,  notwith- 
standing his  •wounds  were  severe,  he  did  not  leave  the  field  until  the  close  of  the  battle, 
when  he  lay  disabled  from  his  wounds  until  April,  1863.  He  then  resutned  his  command 
at  Tullahoma,  and  was  again  seriously  wounded  at  Chickamauga  while  leading  a charge, 
it  being  thought  at  the  time  that  his  wound  was  mortal;  but  he  so  far  recovered  as  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  Dalton-Atlanta  campaign;  then  returned  with  Hood’s  campaign  to  Tennessee, 
and  in  company  with  other  brigades  covered  Hood’s  retreat  from  Nashville  to  across  the 
Tennessee  River.  The  General  was  a participant  in  the  closing  battle  of  the  war,  at  Ben- 
tonville,  N.  C.,  having  his  horse  shot  from  under  him  and  himself  receiving  a slight  flesh 
wound.  As  is  well  known,  shortly  before  the  close  of  the  war  Gen.  Palmer  was  placed  in 
charge  of  all  the  Confederate  Tennessee  soldiers,  and  he  surrendered  and  disbanded  them, 
as  brave  a body  of  men  and  officers  as  ever  raised  a weapon  in  defense  of  their  property, 
wives  and  families.  At  the  close  of  the  war  the  General  returned  home  and  resumed  his 
legal  practice,  in  which  he  has  remained  continuously  to  the  present  time,  meeting  with 
more  than  ordinary  and  well-deserved  success,  the  law  Arm  of  Palmer  & Palmer,  of  which 
he  is  the  senior  member,  ranking  among  the  first  at  the  Rutherford  County  bar.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1854,  the  General  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Miss  Ophelia  M.  Burrus,  who  died 
July  8.  1856,  leaving  one  son,  Horace  E.  June  10,  1869,  he  married  his  present  wife,  who 
was  Mrs.  Margaret  .J.  Mason,  of  Pulaski,  Tenn.  There  are  no  children  of  this  union. 
The  General  was  originally  an  old-line  Whig,  and  was  the  acknowledged  leader  of  the 
party  in  this  county  a number  of  years  prior  to  the  war.  He  represented  this  District  in 
the  State  Legislature  in  the  session  of  1849-50,  also  1851-52.  Gen.  Palmer  was  a firm  sup- 
porter of  the  Union  before  and  up  to  the  firing  upon  Fort  Sumter,  being  decidedly  averse 
to  secession  of  the  Southern  States.  But  when  the  unfortunate  crisis  was  attained  and  the 
Union  was  virtually  broken  and  out  of  existence,  he  took  up  the  cause  of  his  people, 
solely  from  a strict  sense  of  duty  and  his  conscientious  convictions  of  honor  and  right,  and 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1057 


so  conducted  his  course  through  the  entire  war  as  to  emphasize  and  verif3r  this  fact  beyond 
a doubt.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  an  uncompromising  Democrat  in  his  political  views. 
The  General  is  a Mason  of  high  standing,  having  attained  the  Knight  Templar  and  Scot- 
tish Rite  degrees,  and  is  Past  Grand  Commander,  also  Knight  Templar  of  Tennessee.  He 
is  a leading  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  of  this  city.  His  entire 
military,  official  and  legal  career  has  been  such  as  to  command  the  love  and  esteem  of  his 
friends  and  the  respect  of  his  enemies,  if  any  there  be  of  the  latter,  and  he  is  justly  recog- 
nized as  an  enterprising  and  reliable  business  man,  an  able  and  experienced  iurist  and 
practitioner  and  a consistent  Christian  citizen,  to  whom  the  citizens  of  “old  Rutherford” 
may  refer  with  pride  and  esteem. 

HORACE  E.  PALMER,  attornejr  at  law,  and  mayor  of  the  city  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  a native  of  the  city,  and  only  son  of  Gen.  Joseph  B.  Palmer,  was  born  Septem- 
ber 26,  1855.  Horace  was  educated  in  the  Union  University,  his  father’s  old  alma  mater, 
and  would  have  graduated  there,  but  for  the  suspension  of  the  institution  in  September 
1873.  He  then  attended  the  University  of  Virginia  at  Charlottsville,  taking  an  eclectic 
course.  In  the  fall  of  1875  he  began  the  study  of  law  in  his  father’s  office,  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  attended  the  Lebanon  (Tenn.)  Law  School,  from  which  he  graduated  June  7, 
1877.  He  was  admitted  to  the  Rutherford  County  bar  the  following  month  and  began  the 
practice  alone,  continuing  successfully  until  January  1879,  when  he  formed  his  present 
partnership  with  his  father,  in  which  he  has  shared  equally  the  success  of  this  well-known 
legal  firm.  May  15,  1879,  he  married  Willie  T.  Mason,  of  Giles  County,  Tenn.  They  have 
three  children  by  this  union,  named  William  M.,  Joseph  B.,  and  Horace  E.  Mr.  Palmer 
is  a Democrat  of  the  active,  progressive  and  younger  class.  He  was  elected  November 
10,  1885,  to  the  office  of  mayor,  and  is  now  discharging  the  duties  of  the  office  in  a zealous 
and  efficient  manner.  Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,  and  he  is  known  as  an  active  and  rising  attorney,  a reliable  citizen  and  justly 
popular  official  of  the  city  and  county. 

COL.  WILLIAM  K.  PATTERSON,  an  influential  farmer  of  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  and  a native  of  this  State,  was  born  October  22,  1823.  He  is  the  son  of  Hugh  K. 
and  Cynthia  (Murray)  Patterson,  both  natives  of  North  Cax-olina.  The  father  was  one  of 
the  early  settlers  of  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  coming  here  in  1800  and  engaging  in  farming 
and  milling,  conducting  the  latter  business  for  sixty-five  years.  He  was  a Democrat  in 
politics,  of  the  old  Andrew  Jackson  type;  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Presby 
terian  church,  and  in  1872,  at  the  unusual  age  of  ninety-two  he  passed  from  this  earth.  The 
mother  died  in  1866.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  secured  a good  education, 
attending  the  Wirt  College  of  Sumner  County;  at  the  early  age  of  seventeen  he  com- 
menced teaching  school  and  studying  law  in  Sumner  County.  He  studied  law  for  eight 
years,  and  in  1853  removed  to  Arkansas  where  he  purchased  a farm  and  commenced  the 
practice  of  his  profession.  He  was  soon  afterward  appointed  presiding  judge  of  the  cav- 
elry  court  of  Arkansas,  under  Gen.  Kirby  Smith,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  remaining  as 
such  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  In  1876  he  removed 
to  Tennessee,  purchasing  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides;  and  has  since  been  engaged 
successfully  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  having  600  acres  of  excellent  land.  On  Novem- 
ber 27,  1849,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  S.  J.  Ridley,  a native  of  this  State  and  a 
daughter  of  Moses  Ridley,  a prominent  farmer  of  this  county,  whose  sketch  appears  in 
this  volume.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patterson  were  born  four  children,  only  two  of  whom  are 
living:  Thomas  R.,  deceased;  Mary  J.,  deceased;  William  K.  and  EllaM.  Col.  Patterson 
is  a Democrat  in  politics,  a member  of  the  Masons  (a  Knight  Templar),  and  I.  O.  O.  F., 
and  himself  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

BURR  F.  PATY,  the  leading  and  senior  member  of  the  firm  B.  F.  Paty  & Co.,  is  a 
native  of  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  born  August  28.  1839.  His  early  life  was  spent  upon  the 
farm  in  that  county  with  his  parents,  John  W.  and  Frances  (Parker)  Paty,  who  were  both 
natives  of  Middle  Tennessee.  At  about  the  age  of  fourteen  years  our  subject  left  home 
and  began  life  for  himself  as  a clerk  in  a mercantile  business  at  Alexandria,  and  later  in 


1058 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Lebanon,  Tenn.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  he  enlisted  from  the  latter  place  in  1861 
as  private  in  Company  A,  of  Gen.  Hadden’s  regiment,  and  seven  months  later  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  commissary  department  and  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain,  but  never  re- 
ceived his  commission,  as  he  was  honorably  discharged  at  the  time  .on  account  of  ill 
health,  caused  by  exposure  during  his  service.  After  the  war  Mr.  Paty  engaged  in  a mer- 
cantile business  for  himself  at  Yiola,  Warren  Co.,  Tenn.,  where  he  continued  success- 
fully until  his  removal  to  this  city  in  1878.  In  1879,  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  as 
above  stated,  and  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  he  has  contributed  largely  to  the  success 
of  this  enterprising  firm,  by  his  energy,  industry  and  practical  business  tact  and  experi- 
ence. In  1872  Mr.  Paty  married  Miss  Flora  Lillard,  of  this  city,  who  died  five 
years  later.  In  1879,  he  married  Mary  Lillard,  his  present  wife.  They  have  no  chil- 
dren of  their  own,  but  have  an  adopted  daughter  named  Mattie  G.  Mr.  Paty  is  a Demo- 
crat in  politics,  although  he  was  formerly  an  old-line  Whig,  having  cast  his  first  vote  for 
John  Bell.  He  has  never  aspired  to  any  official  position,  having  been  too  wholly  engrossed 
with  his  business  matters  to  give  any  time  to  such  matters  even  were  he,  so  inclined.  He 
has  been  a life-long  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  popu- 
larly conceded  to  be  one  of  Rutherford  County's  most  energetic  and  successful  business 
men,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  fellow  citizens  for  his  many  excellent  qualities  as  a 
consistent  Christian  gentleman. 

B.  F.  PATY  & CO.,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  dealers  in  dry  goods  and  general  mer- 
chandise. The  firm  is  composed  of  the  following  named  persons:  Burr  F.  Paty,  M.  F. 
Leatherman  and  E.  C.  Cannon.  This  business  was  established  in  1879  by' Messrs.  Paty  & 
Leatherman,  who  conducted  it  in  a successful  manner  up  to  August,  1884,  when  Mr.  Can- 
non, who  had  been  their  book-keeper  up  to  this  time,  was  admitted  as  a partner.  These 
gentlemen  carry  a large  and  well  selected  general  stock,  consisting  of  dry  goods,  gents’ 
clothing  and  furnishing,  hats,  boots  and  shoes,  making  a specialty  of  the  latter,  and  con- 
trol probably  the  leading  trade  in  this  combined  line  in  the  city  and  county. 

DANIEL  P.  PERKINS  was  born  in  Hinds  County,  Miss.,  June  27,  1839,  son  of  Peter 
and  Sarah  P.  (Camp)  Perkins,  who  were  born  in  Tennessee  and  Virginia,  respectively. 
When  Daniel  P.  was  but  one  year  old  his  father  died  in  Mississippi,  and  he  and  his  mother 
came  to  Tennessee  and  located  in  his  father’s  native  countjr  (Williamson).  Here  Daniel 
was  reared  and  secured  a fair  literary  education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  began  his 
business  career  as  clerk  in  a mercantile  store,  where  he  continued  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war.  In  1861  he  enlisted  from  Nashville,  in  Company  I,  Forty -fourth  Regiment 
Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  Confederate  Army  until  April  2,  1865,  when  he  was 
captured  at  Hatcher’s  Run,  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  and  held  a prisoner  at  Fort  Delaware 
until  after  the  close  of  the  war.  He  returned  home  much  impaired  in  health,  and  until 
1870  was  engaged  in  farming.  At  that  date  he  began  keeping  a retail  boot  and  shoe  store 
in  Nashville,  and  continued  until  1873,  when  he  came  to  Rutherford  County  and  located 
on  a farm  near  the  city.  In  1883  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  with  George  W.  Ran- 
som. Mr.  Perkins  was  married  in  1861  to  Miss  Kate  Morgan,  who  died  in  1872,  leaving 
five  children,  all  now  living:  MaryM.  (wife  of  J.  B.  Ransom),  Morgan,  Charles  F.,  Jennie 
and  Kate.  In  1873  Mr.  Perkins  wedded  Mrs.  Florence  (Ewing)  Fletcher,  daughter  of 
Hon.  E.  H.  Ewing.  To  them  were  born  three  children,  two  now  living:  Rebecca  W.  and 
Sarah  L.  Mr.  Perkins  is  a Democrat,  and  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
K.  of  H. 

HENRY  CLAY  PIERCE,  proprietor  of  the  Pierce  Grist  and  Saw-mills  of  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  this  county  March  3,  1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Granville  S.  and 
Elizabeth  (Abbott)  Pierce,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  this  State.  The  father  engaged 
in  milling  and  farming,  and  was  also  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  the  county.  He 
was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  his  death  occurred  April  22,  1879.  The  mother  died  Jan- 
uary 19,  1883.  The  milling  business  at  Walter  Hill  postoffice  was  established  by  Map 
Abbott,  grandfather  of  Henry  C.,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Granville  S.,  father  of  Henry 
€.  After  the  death  of  Granville  S.,  his  son,  Henry  C„  took  control  of  the  mill  and  oper- 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1059 


ated  it  with  success  one  year,  after  which  he  rented  it  to  his  cousin,  Lee  Pierce.  Our  sub- 
ject was  never  married.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  also  a member  of  the  Old  School 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  resides  on  the  old  homestead  with  his  two  sisters,  Tennie  and 
Annie  Pierce.  Mr.  Pierce  is  well  known  in  the  county  and  is  respected  by  all. 

WILLIAM  P.  PRATER,  a prominent  and  well-to-do  farmer  of  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  November  28,  1850.  His  parents,  Monroe  and  Caroline  (Knox)  Prater, 
were  natives  of  Rutherford  and  Bedford  Counties,  respectively,  and  the  father  was  a well- 
known  farmer  and  Democrat,  and  he  and  "wife  were  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Church.  Our  subject’s  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm,  and  his  educational  advantages 
were  limited,  only  attending  the  common  schools  of  the  county  a short  time.  At  the  age 
of  twenty  years  he  began  working  for  himself,  and  farmed  two  years  on  the  old  home 
place.  He  then  rented  land  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  and  farmed  one  year.  He 
then  returned  to  the  paternal  roof,  and  there  resided  until  1875,  when  he  moved  on  his 
present  property.  Mr.  Prater  has  met  with  good  and  well  deserved  success,  and  now  has 
a well  improved  farm  of  100  acres.  In  1871  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lethie  Pruiett, 
and  their  union  has  been  blessed  with  four  children:  Sallie  C.,  D.- J.,  Fannie  P.  and  Mary 
L.  Mr.  Prater  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Prater  are  members  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Baptist  Church. 

BEVERLY  RANDOLPH,  clerk  of  the  circuit  and  criminal  courts  of  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  is  a descendant  of  the  old  and  time-honored  Randolph  family  of  Virginia, 
and  is  a son  of  Beverly  and  Lucy  (Searcy)  Randolph,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and 
Kentucky.  The  father  came  to  Rutherford  County  in  1816,  and  was  here  married  in  1818, 
and  was  a successful  merchant  of  Murfreesboro  a number  of  years.  Later  he  operated  a 
large  plantation,  continuing  until  his  death  February  9,  1868.  He  was  an  active,  old-time 
Whig,  and  was  a magistrate  of  more  than  ordinary  ability.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  well  and  widely  known  as  a successful  and 
honorable  business  man.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Rutherford  County,  and  secured  a 
fair  literary  education  in  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  has  always 
been  a farmer,  and  has  met  with  more  than  ordinary  success  in  that  vocation.  In  1882  he 
was  elected'  to  his  present  office,  which  he  has  filled  ably  and  efficiently.  Mr.  Randolph 
still  resides  on  his  farm,  which  is  situated  about  eight  miles  north  of  the  city.  December 
19,  1865,  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth  C.  Wade,  a native  of  the  county.  They  have  six 
children:  Sallie  L.,  Annie,  John  B.,  Catherine,  Henry  S.  and  Walter  A.  Mr.  Randolph 
was  formerly  a Whig,  but  has  been  a Democrat  since  the  war.  He  served  four  years  as 
a private  and  non-commissioned  officer  in  the  Forty-fifth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry, 
but  was  a prisoner  at  Camp  Morton,  Ind.,  sixteen  months.  He  is  a Mason  of  the  Roya} 
Arch  degree,  and  himself  and  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church. 

RANSOM  & PERKINS.  This  firm,  composed  of  George  W.  Ransom  and  Daniel  P. 
Perkins,  are  dealers  in  lumber  and  operate  a saw  and  planing- mill  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn. 
The  business  was  established  in  the  fall  of  1879  by  G.  W.  Ransom,  who  conducted  it  suc- 
cessfully until  January,  1883,  when  Mr.  Perkins  purchased  an  interest.  They  do  an  ex- 
tensive and  lucrative  business,  and  are  one  of  the  leading  firms  of  the  city.  George  W. 
Ransom  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  July  29,  1838,  and  is  the  youngest  son  in  a family 
of  thirteen  children  (seven  now  living)  born  to  the  marriagd  of  John  Ransom  and  Elizabeth 
Bowman,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Pennsylvania,  respectively.  Both  father  and 
mother  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  period  with  their  parents,  and  in  this  State  our  sub- 
ject’s father  reared  his  family.  He  was  a farmer  and  cotton  dealer,  a Whig  in  politics, 
and  was  magistrate  of  his  district  a number  of  years.  He  died  September  9, 1849.  George 
W.  secured  a good  education,  taking  an  academic  course  in  his  boyhood  days.  In  1857  he 
took  a prospecting  trip  through  Texas,  but  in  1858  returned  and  followed  merchandising 
in  this  city  and  Fayetteville,  Tenn,,  until  the  war.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  D, 
Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Since  that  time  he  has 
been  engaged  in  merchandising  and  the  lumber  business.  In  1859  he  married  Bettie  Bos- 


1060 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


tick,  who  died  in  1863,  leaving  two  sons:  John  B.,  of  this  city,  and  George  T.,  of  William- 
son County.  In  1869  Mr.  Ransom  married  Margaret  Buchanan,  of  Davidson  County. 
They  have  seven  children— -five  sons  and  two  daughters.  Mr.  Ransom  is  a Democrat,  and 
has  served  several  terms  as  alderman.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  and  A.  O.  U.  W., 
and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

DR.  JOHN  W.  RICHARDSON  was'  born  in  Charlotte  County,  Va.,  November  23, 
1809,  and  died  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  November  19,  1872.  He  came  to  Tennessee 
with  his  parents  about  1815,  and  settled  at  Old  Jefferson,  Rutherford  County.  He  received 
a fair  education,  and  studied  medicine  at  Transylvania  University.  He  never  removed 
from  the  civil  district  of  the  county  in  which  his  parents  first  settled.  Here  he  practiced 
his  profession  actively  until  his  last  illness,  and  was  for  a number  of  years  one  of  the  lead- 
ers of  the  Whig  party  in  Rutherford  County.  He  was  elected  to  the  lower  house  of  the 
State  Legislature  as  a Whig  for  four  terms— for  the  years  1843-44,  1845-46,  1851-52,  1857- 
58;  to  the  Senate  two  terms— for  the  years  1847-48,  1859-60.  In  the  session  of  1857-58  he 
was  the  choice  of  his  party  for  speaker  of  thd  House,  and  in  1859-60  for  speaker  of  the 
Senate.  His  father,  James  Richardson,  and  his  mother,  Mary  Richardson,  died  in  Ruther- 
ford County.  In  1833  he  married  Miss  Augusta  Mary  Starnes,  who  still  survives  him,  as 
his  widow,  living  in  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  At_  his  death  he  left  four  children,  who  are  still 
living:  Mrs.  Sue  W.  Jolly,  of  Alabama:  James  D.  Richardson;  Mrs.  Mary  H.  Batey  and 
John  E.  Richardson,  of  Rutherford  County.  He  was  a devoted  member  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  on  many  occasions  publicly  conducted  religious  exercises.  After  the  war  be- 
tween the  States  he  acted  and  voted  with  the  Democratic  party. 

HON.  JAMES  D.  RICHARDSON,  congressman  from  the  Fifth  Congressional  Dis- 
trict of  Tennessee,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County  March  10,  1843.  He  secured  a good 
education  in  the  common  branches  during  his  boyhood  days,  and  on  the  breaking  out  of 
the  civil  war  was  attending  Franklin  College,  near  Nashville.  Before  graduating,  and  at 
eighteen  years  of  age,  he  entered  the  Confederate  service,  serving  the  first  year  as  private 
and  the  succeeding  three  years  as  adjutant  of  the  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Infantry.  At  the 
close  of  the  war  he  began  the  study  of  law,  and  January  1,  1867,  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  at  Murfreesboro,  where  he  soon  became  recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost  law- 
yers of  that  locality.  As  a Democrat  he  was  elected  to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legis- 
lature in  1870,  and  on  the  organization  of  that  body  was  made  speaker,  at  that  time  being 
only  twenty-eight  years  of  age.  The  year  following  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate, 
serving  in  the  session  of  f873-74.  In  1876  he  was  a delegate  to  the  National  Democratic 
Convention  that  met  at  St.  Louis,  and  the  same  year  was  elected  to  tbe  Forty-ninth  Con- 
gress. He  was  also  chairman  of  the  Democratic  Convention  of  that  year  that  nominated 
a candidate  for  governor  of  Tennessee.  Mr.  Richardson  is  a prominent  member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  having  served  as  Grand  Master  and  High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Chapter. 
He  is  also  the  author  of  “Tenuessee  Templars,”  a work  containing  the  biographies  of  all  the 
Knights  Templar  of  the  State.  Mr.  Richardson  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church-  He 
wedded  Miss  Alabama  R.  Pippin  in  1865,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  five  children,  all  liv- 
ing but  one. 

JOHN  E.  RICHARDSON,  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Ridley  & Richardson,  at- 
torneys at  law,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  born  January 
7,  1857,  son  of  John  W.  and  Augusta  M.  (Starnes)  Richardsoa,  who  were  born  in  Virginia 
and  Georgia,  respectively  (see  sketch).  John  E.  was  reared  in  the  county  of  his  birth, 
and  entered  the  Princeton  (N.  J.)  College,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1877  with  the  de- 
gree of  A.  B.  He  then  entered  the  legal  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at 
Lebanon,  Tenn.,  graduating  in  June,  1878.  He  then  returned  home  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar,  a,nd  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  Murfreesboro.  May  18, 
1882,  he  was  uuited  in  marriage  to  Miss  Annie  Lou  McLemore,  of  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  daughter  of  Judge  W.  S.  McLemore.  They  have  had  two  children:  William 
M.,  living,  and  Augusta,  deceased.  Mr.  Richardson,  in  1879,  entered  in  partnership  with 
James  D.  Richardson,  continuing  until  July  1,  1885,  when  he  formed  his  present  partner- 
ship. He  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  belong  to  the  Christian  Church. 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1061 


G.  S.  RIDLEY,  of  the  firm  of  Ridley  & Richardson,  attorneys  at  law,  of  Murfrees- 
boro, Term.,  was  horn  May  12,  1847,  son  of  James  and  Almira  (Russwurm)  Ridley,  who- 
were  born  in  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a physician,  and  the  greater  part  of  his  life  was 
spent  near  Smyrna  Depot,  where  he  successfully  followed  his  calling.  He  was  a Demo- 
crat, and  was  a member  of  the  State  Senate  during  the  sessions  of  1871-72.  He  is  now 
practicing  his  profession  in  Nashville.  Our  subject  resided  with  his  parents  in  Ruther- 
ford County,  and  secured  a good  literary  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  entered  the 
law  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  and  graduated  in  .June, 
1868.  Fie  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  this  county,  and  has  since  continued  to  practice  liis 
profession  here.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  but  has  never  aspired  to  office.  He  has 
been  connected  with  B.  L.  Ridley,  Jr.,  and  Judge  John  W.  Burton  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession.  Subject  is  a grandson  of  Henry  Ridley,  late  of  Rutherford  County,  who  was 
a public  man  in  the  county  in  his  day,  and  was  a member  of  the  State  Constitutional  Con- 
vention of  1834. 

THOMAS  RIDOUT,  a prominent  citizen,  was  born  in  Virginia  November  25,  1795, 
and  came  to  this  county  in  February,  1827.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  December  19, 
1822,  to  Elizabeth  A.  Butts,  and  to  this  union  were  born  ten  children,  three  of  whom  are 
living,  namely:  Jessie  B.,  Anna  R.  Blackborn,  wife  of  Raven  C.  Blackborn,  a successful 
farmer  of  this  county,  and  Mrs.  Mary  Henry,  wife  of  T.  B.  Henry,  a prominent  farmer. 
Mr.  Ridout  was  a man  of  pronounced  type,  and  was  justly  recognized  as  a moral  and  up- 
right citizen.  His  death  occurred  in  1875.  Mrs.  Ridout  is  a consistent  member  of  the- 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  her. 

LINSFORD  M.  ROBERTS  was  born  in  Tennessee  November  12,  1844,  and  is  the 
son  of  James  M.  and  Louisa  (Couly)  Roberts,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and 
Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  this  State  at  an  early  day,  and  has  spent  a long  and  use- 
ful life  on  the  farm.  He  is  in  very  comfortable  circumstances,  and  now  resides  in  Can- 
non County  with  his  wife,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm, 
and  secured  an  ordinary  education.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army, but  being- 
under  age  could  not  enlist  until  the  following  year,  when  he  enlisted  in  Capt.  Nmols’  com- 
pany, Smith’s  Fourth  Tennesee  Cavalry,  and  served  as  private  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
when  he  came  home  and  returned  to  farming  until  1868,  when  he  removed  to  this  city 
and  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  general  merchandise  business  with  evident  success  until 
1879,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  lively  business.  In  1876  Mr.  Roberts  married  Jo- 
sephine Arnold,  of  this  county,  and  to  them  one  child — Erskine  P. — was  born.  Mr.  Rob- 
erts is  a Democrat,  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Murfrees- 
boro. 

COL.  WILLIAM  D.  ROBISON,  clerk  of  the  Rutherford  County  Court,  a native  of 
this  county,  was  born  June  30,  1840.  His  father,  Samuel  B.  Robison,  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  removed  to  this  county  with  his  parents  about  the  year  1824.  Soon  afterward 
his  parents  emigrated  to  Illinois  where  they  both  died.  Samuel  B.,  being  of  age  at  the 
time  of  his  parents’  removal  to  the  West,  remained  in  this  county  and  engaged  as  clerk 
in  the  mercantile  business  at  old  Jefferson.  A few  years  later  he  engaged  in  business  for 
himself  at  Versailles,  continuing  two  years,  when  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  a 
view  to  making  it  his  profession  for  life.  He  attended  lectures  in  the  Jefferson  Medical 
College,  of  Philadelphia,  from  which  institution  he  graduated,  and  soon  after  located  at 
Salem,  this  county,  where  he  practiced  his  profession  until  1852,  when  he  removed  to  Mur- 
freesboro, where  he  soon  acquired  a large  and  lucrative  practice.  Politically,  the  Doctor 
was  an  old-time  Whig  before  the  late  war,  but  after  this  event  he  affiliated  with  the  Dem- 
ocratic party.  He  was  a Mason  of  high  standing  and  a life-long  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  Soon  after  his  removal  to  this  county  he  married  Mary  North,  a 
native  of  Virginia  and  mother  of  our  subject.  She  died  January,  1862.  The  Doctor’s 
death  occurred  in  1871,  while  on  a visit  to  his  daughter  near  Rome,  Ga.  William  D., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  reared  in  this,  the  county  of  his  birth,  with  his  parents, 
securing  a fair  literary  education.  Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war  he  enlisted  in 


1062 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


April,  1861,  as  a private  in  Company  F,  Second  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry,  under 
Col.  Bate,  now  governor.  He  was  promoted  early  in  tlie  service  to  second  lieutenant, 
and  after  the  battle  of  Shiloh  to  captain  of  his  company.  After  the  promotion  of  Col. 
Bate  to  brigadier-general,  our  subject  was  made  colonel  of  his  regiment,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  in  a faithful  and  valiant  manner  until  the  battle  of  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  where 
he  received  a severe  bullet  wound  in  the  left  hip,  which  totally  disabled  him  for  further 
service,  confining  him  to  his  bed  eight  months.  At  close  of  the  war,  having  partially  re- 
covered from  the  effects  of  his  wound,  Col.  Robison  returned  home  and  obtained  employ- 
ment as  clerk  and  book-keeper  in  mercantile  establishments  in  this  city,  and  being  elected 
to  the  office  of  county  trustee  in  1866,  fulfilled  the  duties  of  this  office  also.  In  1869  he 
was  elected  county  tax  collector,  serving  the  remainder  of  the  unexpired  term  of  his  pre- 
decessor, who  had  died.  He  also,  in  the  meantime,  continued  his  clerkship  in  mercantile 
houses  until  1876,  when  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  general  merchandise  business  for 
himself.  He  conducted  this  business  with  good  success  until  1878,  when  he  was  elected 
county  court  clerk,  and  he  has  filled  this  office  continuously  by  re-election  in  a faithful 
and  highly  efficient  and  satisfactory  manner  to  the  present  time.  September  15,  1869,  Col. 
Robison  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Fannie  Rice,  a most  estimable  lady,  daughter  of 
John  P.  Rice,  who  was  a highly  respected  resident  of  this  county  from  after  the  war  until 
his  death.  Our  subject’s  wife  departed  this  life  March  6,  1885,  leaving  no  issue,  but  her 
memory  will  ever  be  cherished  by  the  bereaved  husband  and  a large  circle  of  admiring 
friends  and  relatives.  Col.  Robison  has  always  been  a firm  supporter  of  Democracy,  and 
his  many  terms  of  public  office  give  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  his  con- 
stituency in  this  county.  He  is  a Mason  of  the  Knight  Templar  and  Scottish  Rite  degrees, 
being  Past  Grand  Commander  of  the  Tennessee  State  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar. 
He  is  a zealous  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  justly  recog- 
nized as  one  among  the  leading  and  enterprising  business  men  of  old  Rutherford,  and  a 
highly  popular  official. 

L.  A.  ROGERS,  Esq.,  an  energetic  and  prominent  farmer-of  Rutherford  County,  was 
born  November  14,  1842.  in  Jefferson  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  the  son  of  Elisha  and  Mary 
(Statham)  Rogers,  natives  of  Jefferson  County.  The  father  was  one  of  Jefferson  County's 
leading  farmers,  and  died  in  1879  in  that  county.  The  son  was  reared  on  the  farm,  received 
a moderate  education,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  started  out  for  himself.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  he  purchased  the  place  where  he  now  resides,  and  has  been  successful  in  farming' 
In  1869  he  married  Miss  Mattie  A.  Carter,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children:  Charlie 
E.  (deceased),  Sallie  M.  W.  and  Maggie  M.  Mr.  Rogers  is  a Democrat  and  enlisted  in 
1861  in  Company  C,  Thirty-seventh  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  participated  in  many  of  the 
battles.  After  the  battle  of  Franklin  he  was  detailed  to  care  for  the  wounded,  and  served 
in  that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Rogers  is  a Master  Mason.  He  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  has  held  the  office  of  justice 
of  the  peace  and  has  given  evident  satisfaction.  He  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the 
district  and  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

MORRIS  G.  ROSENFELD,  merchant,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  the  king- 
dom of  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  February  3,  1850,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  July, 
1867.  He  came  to  Murfreesboro  soon  after  landing  in  America,  and  became  a clerk  in  his 
uncle’s  (E.  Rosenfeld)  store,  remaining  with  him  until  1870,  when  he  engaged  in  his  pres- 
ent business.  He  carries  a full  and  select  stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries,  dry  goods, 
boots,  shoes  and  general  merchandise,  and  has  succeeded  well  in  his  business  ventures,  and 
controls  a large  share  of  the  trade  in  town  and  county.  October  15,  1873,  he  was  united 
In  marriage  to  Miss  Minnie  Hirsch,  of  this  city,  and  the  following  five  children  have 
blessed  their  union:  Gabriel,  Ruby, ’Sylvia,  Sigmond  and  Emanuel.  Mr.  Rosenfeld  votes 
the  Democratic  ticket,  and  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  and  A.  O.  U.  W.  He  and  Mrs. 
Rosenfeld  belong  to  the  Jewish  faith,  and  are  considered  worthy  citizens. 

CAPT.  CHARLES  A.  SHEAFE  is  a prominent  attorney  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and 
came  to  Tennessee  from  his  native  State  in  1865,  and  located  first  at  Manchester,  Coffee 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1063 


County,  where  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  continued  thereuntil  Jan- 
uary, 1872.  In  1868  he  was  elected  by  the  Democratic  party  to  Congress  for  this  district, 
but  was  prevented  from  taking  his  seat  by  the  governor  giving  the  certificate  to  the  Repub- 
lican candidate.  In  1872  he  removed  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  soon  acquired  a fairly 
large  and  remunerative  practice.  He  is  a Democrat.  In  1862  he  was  made  captain  of 
Company  I,  Fifty-ninth  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  The  second  year  he  served 
as  provost-marshal  on  the  stall  of  Gen.  H.  P.  Van  Cleve,  and  during  the  Georgia  cam- 
paign was  in  command  of  his  regiment,  and  was  mustered  out  in  February,  1865,  as  cap- 
tain of  his  company. 

JOHN  B.  SHELTON,  constable  of  the  Fourth  District,  Rutherford  County,  was 
born  February  10,  1846,  in  this  county,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Sallie  A.  (Bennett) 
Shelton,  natives,  respectively,  of  Patrick  County.  Va.,  and  Rutherford  County,  Tenn. 
The  father,  a widely  known  farmer  of  this  county,  died  January  6,  1872.  The  subject  was 
reared  and  educated  like  the  average  country  boy,  and  upon  reaching  his  majority  en- 
gaged in  farming  for  himself,  and  purchased  the  property  where  he  now  resides.  He  has 
been  quite  successful,  having  at  present  106  acres  of  well  improved  land.  In  1868  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan  E.  House.  Mr.  Shelton  is  a solid  Democrat,  and  in  1862 
enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  K,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry;  took  an  act- 
ive part  in  most  of  the  battles  in  which  his  company  was  engaged.  After  the  battle  of 
Mission  Ridge  he  was  detailed  as  guard  of  commissary.  Upon  returning  to  the  command 
he  was  captured  and  held  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Shelton  is  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  of  the  county,  and  an  honest,  industrious  man. 

CAPT.  WILLIAM  H.  SIKES,  a successful  farmer,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  April  27,  1884,  and  is  the  son  of  Jesse  and  Martha  L.  (Howse)  Sikes,  natives,  re- 
spectively, of  Georgia  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  coun- 
ty, coming  here  in  1824  and  engaging  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  and  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1869,  was  a sad  blow  to  the  county  and  community.  The  mother  still  survives 
at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-eight.  Mr.  William  Sikes  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  re- 
ceived his  education  at  the  Union  University  at  Murfreesboro.  At  the  age  of  twenty-four 
he  purchased  a farm,  where  he  remained  two  years.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  E, 
Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment,  as  first  lieutenant  and  retained  this  rank  until  after  the 
battle  of  Shiloh,  when  he  was  appointed  captain  of  his  company,  serving  in  this  capacity 
from  the  summer  of  1862  until  the  autumn  of  1863  when  he  was  put  on  the  staff  of  Maj- 
Gen.  Brown,  serving  with  him  but  a few  months  when  he  was  transferred  to  Maj-Gen. 
Stephenson’s  staff,  subject  to  a requisition  issued  by  the  General  himself  and  was  with 
the  General  in  all  his  commands  until  the  surrender  in  April,  1865.  Mr.  Sikes  did  not  re- 
ceive any  wounds  whatever  during  his  service  in  the  army;  he  then  returned  to  Ruther- 
ford County,  purchased  a farm  adjoining  his  father’s  on  which  he  remained  until  1882, 
when  he  removed  to  the  old  homestead  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Sikes  is  a Democrat  in 
politics  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  In  1866  he  was  married  to 
his  second  wife,  Miss  Bettie  Thompson,  a native  of  Alabama.  To  this  union  were  born 
four  children:  Mary  L.,  Mattie  N.,  Bessie  T.  and  William  H.,  Jr.  His  first  wife,  Miss 
Mattie  Gooch,  a native  of  this  State,  died  in  1861,  and  his  second  wife  died  in  1884.  Capt. 
Sikes  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  this  county  and  is  an  estimable  citizen  in  every 
respect. 

JAMES  M.  SMITH,  a well-known  and  eminently  successful  farmer,  was  born  in  this 
county  February  6,  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  John  P.  and  Elizabeth  (Sims)  Smith.  The 
father  died  in  1862  and  the  mother  followed  in  1885.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Fannie  Beckton  in  the  year  1857.  To  this  union  was  born  one  child,  Jennie 
The  sad  event  of  Mrs.  Smith’s  death  occurred  in  1858  and  Mr.  Smith  realizing  that  it  is 
not  well  for  man  to  live  alone  took  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Margaret  Hutton,  in  1860.  To 
. them  were  born  seven  children:  John  H.,  Sallie  J.,  Mary  M..  James  D.,  Ruth,  William  S. 
and  Sidney  B.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  Mr.  Smith  shouldered  his  musket  and  en- 


1064 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


listed  in  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  nearly  three  years;  at  the  expiration  of 
that  time  he  returned  home  and  refrained  from  further  participation  in  the  war.  Mr. 
Smith  is  a strong  Democrat  and  he  and  his  wife  are  worthy  and  exemplary  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOSEPH  P.  SMITH,  farmer,  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  July  28,  1840, 
and  is  a son  of  Daniel  D.  and  Lockie  (McAdoo)  Smith,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
this  county.  The  father  is  a descendant  of  Samuel  Smith,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of 
the  county  and  State.  The  father  was  a prosperous  farmer,  a Whig  in  politics,  aod  he  and 
family  were  leading  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He  died  in  1871 
and  the  mother  in  1841.  Our  subject,  Joseph  P.,  was  reared  by  his  grandmother,  Mrs. 
Mary  McAdoo,  until  he  was  twelve  years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to  his  father’s,  living 
with  him  until  he  was  twenty  years  old,  and  securing  a common  school  education.  In 
1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  as  a high 
private  during  the  war.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson,  and  was  a prisoner  at  Camp 
Butler  seven  months.  He  was  again  taken  prisoner  at  Atlanta  in  July,  1863,  and  held  as 
such  until  April,  when  he  returned  home  and  purchased  a farm  in  this  county,  where 
he  has  since  been  steadily  engaged.  In  November,  1865,  he  was  married  to  Lockie  W. 
Weatherly,  who  bore  him  two  children:  Ida  L.,  and  Joseph  W.  Mrs.  Smith  died  in 
October  1883.  Mr.  Smith  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

EDGAR  P.  SMITH,  of  the  firm  of  A vent,  Smith  & Avent,  attorneys  at  law,  of  Mur- 
freesboro, was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  February  21, 1850,  son  of  Ephraim  and 
Carolina  (Miles)  Smith,  who  were  born  in  Middle  Tennessee.  The  father  spent  his  life- 
time on  a farm  in  the  county,  and  his  death  occurred  in  October,  1855.  Edgar  P.  resided 
with  his  parents  and  secured  a good  education,  graduating  from  the  Union  University  of 
Murfreesboro  in  1872.  He  then  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland  University 
of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  and  was  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1874.  He  then  returned  to 
Murfreesboro  and  was  admitted  to  the  Rutherford  County  bar  injMay,  1874,  and  imme- 
diately began  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  W.  H.  Washington,  continuing  until  four 
years  after  the  latter’s  election  to  the  office  of  attorney-general  for  Davidson  and  Ruther 
ford  Counties,  acting  as  his  assistant  during  that  time.  In  1885  Mr.  Smith  entered  into 
his  present  partnership  and  has  shared  equally  in  the  success  of  this  well-known  firm. 
April  29,  1880,  Mr.  Smith  married  Miss  Eloise  Childress;  they  have  two  children:  Saline 
and  Mary.  Mr.  Smith  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  to  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
and  is  a rising  member  of  the  Rutherford  County  bar. 

DEWITT  H.  SMITH,  of  the  firm  of  Hodge  & Smith,  merchants  of  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  and  a son  of  George  W.  Smith,  the  well-known  magistrate  of  the  Seventh  District, 
was  born  in  this  county  March  31,  1860.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  in  his  boyhood  days, 
securing  a fairly  good  literary  education.  In  1880  he  graduated  from  the  Southern  Business 
College  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  and,  returning  home,  he  found  employment  as  clerk  and  book- 
keeper with  the  firm  of  McKinley  & Jackson,  remaining  with  them  until  they  became 
insolvent,  when  Mr.  Smith  was  appointed  assignee,  and  he  closed  out  and  settled  up  the 
business  of  the  firm.  In  1883  he  entered  the  store  in  which  he  is  now  a partner,  and  re- 
mained here  in  the  capacity  of  a clerk  until  1885,  when  he  entered  into  partnership.  Jan- 
uary 8,  1885,  Mr.  Smith  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Miss  Lulie  J.  Collier,  of  this  city.  By 
this  union  they  have  a daughter,  named  Jessie.  Mr.  Smith  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
himself  and  wife  are  Presbyterians  in  their  religious  faith. 

FOUNT  SMITHSOM,  attorney  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Williamson 
County,  July  31,  1849.  His  parents,  John  G.  and  Ann  V.  (Ladd)  Smithson,  were  born 
in  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  respectively,  and  the  father  came  to  the  latter  State  in  1827  or 
1828  and  followed  the  life  of  a farmer.  Both  parents  now  reside  in  Giles  County.  Our 
subject  attended  Giles  College  two  years  and  paid  his  expenses  while  there  by  teaching 
school.  In  1870  he  began  reading  law  in  the  office  of  his  brother,  Noble  Smithson,  and 
two  years  later  was  admitted  to  the  Giles  County  bar.  In  August,  1882,  he  came  to  Mur- 
freesboro, where  he  has  practiced  his  profession  successfully  to  the  present  time.  Decern- 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1065 


ber  17,  1879,  Mr.  Smithson  married  AlrnaE.  Doughty,  daughter  of  Capt.  W.  W.  Doughty, 
of  this  city.  They  have  one  daughter  named  Sarah  W.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  a 
member  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  K.  of  H.  and  is  Past  Grand  Dictator  of  the  State  for  the  K.  of 
H.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOSEPH  P.  SMOTHERMAN,  a widely  known  and  eminently  successful  tobacco 
manufacturer,  was  born  in  this  county  October  21,  1850,  and  is  the  son  of  Eldridge  and 
Sue  (May)  Smotherman.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  passed  as  most  boys’  in  attending 
school,  and  at  the  age  of  manhood  he  was  wedded  to  Miss  Gray.  This  was  in  1873. 
Their  wedded  life  has  been  blessed  and  they  have  five  children:  Sue  L.,  Robert  T.,  Alice 
T.  Fred  and  Joseph.  Mr.  Smotherman  is  a Democrat  of  the  most  pronounced  type.  He 
and  wife  are  zealous  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  are  regarded  as 
prominent  citizens  of  the  community  in  which  they  live. 

JESSE  W.  SPARKS,  clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court  of  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  -was  born  in  Nacogdoches  County,  Tex.,  January  1,  1837.  His  father,  James 
Sparks,  who  was  a soldier  in  the  battle  of  San  Jacinto,  where  he  lost  four  brothers,  was 
born  in  South  Carolina,  and  died  in  Texas  in  1$40  or  1841.  The  mother,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Massey  C.  Wadlipgton,  was  a native  also  of  South  Carolina.  Jesse  W.  spent 
his  boyhood  days  upon  a plantation  in  his  native  State  with  his  parents.  At  the  age  of 
seventeen  years  he,  in  company  with  three  lads  in  his  neighborhood,  were  sent  to  this 
State  to  complete  their  education,  their  objective  place  being  Nashville,  hut  they  entered 
the  Union  University  of  Murfreesboro  instead  and  from  this  institution  our  subject  gradu- 
ated in  July,  1860.  Early  in  1861,  upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war,  Mr.  Sparks  enlisted 
as  a private  in  the  company  commanded  by  Capt.  Richard  S.  Walker  (at  present  one  of  the 
judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Texas).  Soon  after  entering  the  service  Mr.  Sparks  was 
promoted,  through  the  influence  of  Judge  W.  B.  Ochiltree,  to  a second  lieutenantcy  in  the 
Regular  Confederate  Army,  with  orders  to  report  to  Gen.  Van  Dorn,  at  San  Antonio,  Tex- 
Soon  after  complying  with  this  order  he  was  ordered  by  Yan  Dorn  to  muster  in  and  or- 
ganize a lot  of  troops  at  Houston,  Tex.,  which  he  proceeded  to  do,  and  among  them  were 
the  afterward  famous  Texas  Rangers,  of  which  regiment  Lieut.  Sparks  was  made  adju- 
tant, serving 'as  such  about  one  year,  when  in  1863  he  was  promoted  to  major  with  instruc- 
tions to  report  to  Gen.  Kirby  Smith  west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  Complying  readily 
with  this  injunction,  Mr.  Sparks  served  under  Smith  as  major  in  the  adjutant-general’s 
department  until  he  was  made  lieutenant-colonel  of  a cavalry  regiment  and  served  in  this 
capacity  with  ardent  vigor  until  the  surrender  of  his  regiment  at  Houston,  Tex.,  June  5, 
1865.  Returning  to  his  home  in  Texas,  Maj.  Sparks  soon  made  preparations  for  removing 
to  this  State  and  county.  In  December,  1865,  he  started  for  here  and  after  being  captured, 
imprisoned  and  released  various  times  by  the  Federate  whom  he  encountered  on  the  way, 
arrived  in  the  spring  of  1866  and  locating  on  a farm,  followed  agricultural  pursuits 
successfully  until  1875,  when  he  was  appointed  to  his  present  office,  which  he  has  filled  by 
appointment  until  the  present  time,  and  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  Maj.  Sparks  has 
discharged  the  duties  of  this  important  office  in  a faithful  and  highly  efficient  manner. 
The  Major  is  and  always  has  been  an  uncompromising  Democrat  in  his  political  views, 
and  this  together  with  his  generosity,  natural  wit  and  affable  manners,  has  made  him 
justly  popular  in  Rutherford  County  as  an  official  and  citizen.  April  18,  1866,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  his  presnt  wife,  who  was  Miss  Josephine  Bivens,  a native  of  this 
county.  The  result  of  this  union  has  been  six  children,  all  of  whom  are  living:  Jesse  W.. 
Henry  B.,  Docie,  James,  Fannie  and  Ingraham  Twohig.  Maj.  Sparks  is  a Mason  of  the 
Royal  Arch  and  Scottish  Rite  degrees,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  an  enterprising  and  re- 
liable citizen. 

JOHN  C.  SPENCE.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is'of  Irish-American  descent,  the 
father,  John  Spence,  having  been  born  in  Ireland,  and  the  mother.  Mary  Chism,  in  Vir- 
ginia, John  C.  Spence  was  born  November  14,  1809,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  He 
had  about  the  usual  experience  of  boys  of  his  day.  His  school  days  extended  over  a period 
of  about  seven  years.  Eighteen  months  of  this  time  were  spent  in  Hopewell  Academy. 


1066 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Within  this  period  he  obtained  a fair  knowledge  of  the  English  language,  and  learned  the 
rudiments  of  the  natural  sciences.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  years  he  entered  the  store  of  his 
uncle,  Marman  Spence,  with  whom  he  remained  eight  years,  at  which  time  he  went  to 
Somerville,  West  Tenn.,  and  opened  a store  on  his  own  account.  He  remained  in  business 
at  Somerville  from  1832  to  1847,  when  he  moved  to  Memphis,  and  continued  in  business 
there  till  1849,  at  which  time  he  returned  to  Murfreesboro.  He  remained  in  the  mercan- 
tile business  at  the  latter  place  until  age  unfitted  him  for  the  active  duties  of  life.  He 
was  married  to  Elizabeth  Spence,  their  family  name  being  the  same,  September  16,  1834, 
in  Murfreesboro.  The  result  of  this  marriage  was  eight  children;  of  these,  Ellen,  Henry 
C.,  John  C.,  William  J.  and  Ellen  S.  are  dead;  and  Mary  S.  Roulet,  Henry  and  Florence 
still  survive.  The  wife,  Elizabeth,  died  January  13,  1884.  Our  subject  became  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  October  15,  1882,  under  the  ministration  of 
the  Rev.  J.  R.  Plummer.  Mr.  Spence  has  since  lived  a consistent  member  of  said  church. 
Politically  he  was  always  a Whig  so  long  .as  that  party  existed.  At  the  outbreak  of  the 
Rebellion  he  bitterly  opposed  secession,  but  when  the  war  began  his  influence  and  feelings 
were  with  the  South.  His  course  was  such  as  to  maintain  the  friendship  of  his  friends 
and  command  the  respect  of  his  enemies.  Since  the  war  Mr.  Spence  has  voted  the  Demo- 
cratic ticket.  For  a number  of  years  Mr.  Spence  was  engaged  in  writing  annals  of  Ruther- 
ford County,  which  has  been  valuable  as  reference  to  the  compilers  of  this  work,  and  is 
cited  frequently  herein.  In  these  he  has  a large  collection  of  facts,  incidents  and  remini- 
scences of  the  past.  Mr.  Spence  has  always  borne  the  reputation  of  an  honest,  upright, 
intelligent  gentleman. 

SQUIRE  JAMES  E.  STOCKIRD,  a farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  the  county  where  he  now  resides,  September  9,  1817,  son  of  William  and  Jane  (Elliott) 
Stockird,  who  were  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  settled  in  this  county  in  1809, 
and  was  an  energetic  and  successful  farmer,  and  lived  a long  and  useful  life.  He  was  a 
Whig  in  politics,  and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  served  a number  of 
years  in  the  Indian  war,  and  his  death  occurred  in  August,  1876.  James  E.  was  reared 
by  his  grandmother,  Deborah  Elliott,  on  a farm,  and  secured  a limited  education.  At  the 
age  of  eighteen  he  served  an  apprenticeship  in  mechanics  and  engaged  in  making  cotton- 
gins,  and  followed  this  business  for  sixteen  years.  At  the  age  of  thirty-four  he  purchased 
the  farm  of  300  acres  where  he  now  resides.  On  February  17,  1842,  he  was  married  to 
Lucy  McGowen,  daughter  of  Rev.  E.  McGowen,  a prominent  Methodist  Episcopal  minis- 
ter. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stockird  were  born  these  eight  children:  Frances  J.  (Sander),  Will- 
iam F. (deceased),  Mary  C.  (Hunt),  James  E. (deceased),  Alice  E.  (Miles),  Nancy  F. (deceased), 
and  Thomas  A.  Mrs.  Stockird  died  April  28, 1866,  and  in  1869  Mr.  Stockird  married  Mary 
L.  Russwurm,  daughter  of  Gen.  John  S.  Russwurm.  They  have  four  children:  Samuel 
R.,  Rosalind  D.,  John  E.  and  Virginia  L.  Mr.  Stockird  did  not  take  an  active  part  in  the 
late  war,  but  sympathized  with  the  Southern  cause.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  has  been 
squire  of  the  Ninth  District  for  twenty  years.  He  and  family  are  members  of  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church. 

STREET,  BYRN  & CO.  are  dealers  in  general  hardware,  agricultural  implements, 
saddles,  harness,  etc.,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  The  business  was  established  in  January, 
1869,  by  W.  M.  Street  and  others  under  the  firm  name  of  Street,  Andrews  & Co.  In 
March,  1875,  Mr.  Street  purchased  the  entire  stock  and  conducted  it  until  December  15, 
1877,  when  he  sold  to  Binford  & Wade;  in  1879  the  business  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
present  firm, who  carry  on  a successful  business.  William  M.  Street,  senior  member  of  the 
firm,  was  born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  September  13,  1830,  son  of  Park  and  Mary  J. 
(Smith)  Street,  who  were  born  in  Virginia  and  were  married  in  that  State  in  1828,  and  came 
to  Tennessee  the  same  year.  The  father  was  a successful  farmer,  and  now  resides  in 
Williamson  County.  The  mother  died  in  1848.  William  M.  received  a good  rudimentary 
education  in  the  common  schools,  and  attended  the  Emery  & Henry  Virginia  College 
two  years.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  in  Columbia, 
Tenn.,  first  as  clerk,  and  later  as  partner  in  the  business,  but  closed  out  shortly  before  the 


BUTHEBFOBD  COUNTY. 


1067 


war.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Ninth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  in  this  and 
Col.  N.  W.  Carter’s  Regiment  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  then  engaged  in  the 
hardware  business  in  Columbia  until  1869,  when  he  removed  to  this  city  and  established, 
his  present  business.  June  14,  1855,  he  married  Elizabeth  C.  Johnson,  of  Columbia, 
Tenn.  Mr.  Street  was  a Whig  in  olden  days,  but  is  now  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Charley  H. 
Byrn,  a junior  member  of  the  above  named  firm,  is  a native  of  Rutherford  County, 
born  February  8,  1856,  son  of  William  B.  and  Sarah  C.  (Hunt)  Byrn,  who  were 
horn  in  Wilson  and  Williamson  Counties,  Tenn.  The  father  spent  the  greater  part 
of  his  life  on  a farm  in  Rutherford  County,  where  he  died  August  5, 1888.  He  was  a Whig: 
before  the  war,  but  after  that  time  was  a Democrat.  He  was  a magistrate  a number  of 
years  and  a life-long  member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Charley  H.  was  reared  on  a farm 
and  secured  an  ordinary  education  in  the  country  schools.  In  April,  1875,  he  engaged  as 
clerk  for  W.  M.  Street,  and  in  November,  1879,  became  a partner  in  the  business.  He  is 
a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

ROBERT  T.  TOMPKINS,  a well-known  citizen  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  a native  of 
Rutherford  County,  was  born  January  3.  1835,  being  a son  of  James  M.  and  Kitty  G. 
(Ruckel)  Tompkins,  both  natives  of  Fluvanna  County,  Va.  The  father  was  born  in  1807, 
came  to  this  county  in  1831  with  his  wife  and  located  on  a farm  in  the  Seventh  District, 
when  he  followed  farming  very  successfully  until  1855,  when  he  removed  to  this  city  and 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  until  the  war.  He  was  an  old-time  Whig  in  politics- 
and  was  magistrate  of  this  district  a number  of  years,  and  served  also  as  county  surveyor. 
Before  the  war  he  served  three  terms  of  two  years  each,  and  in  1855-56  represented 
this  county  in  the  State  Legislature.  After  the  war  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  master 
of  chancery  court,  which  office  he  filled  in  a highly  efficient  and  satisfactory  manner  until 
his  death,  June  3,  1870.  Robert  T.  was  reared  with  his  father  on  a farm  until  after  he  at- 
tained his  majority.  In  1861  he  enlisted  as  aprivate  in  CompanyjC,  Forty-fifth  Regiment, 
Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  Southern  Army  one  year.  He  was  promoted  to 
sbrgeant  and  then  to  first  lieutenant  of  his  company,  when  he  was  honorably  discharged 
on  account  of  ill  health.  Before  the  war  he  was  in  the  mercantile  business,  and  in 
1860  was  appointed  deputy  sheriff,  which  position  he  filled  until  he  enlisted  in  the  service. 
In  July,  1865,  he  was  appointed  deputy  clerk  and  master  of  chancery  court  under  his 
father,  and  served  in  this  capacity,  having  almost  the  entire  work  and  responsibility  rest- 
ing upon  him  until  his  father’s  death,  when  he  was  appointed  to  his  father’s  position, which 
he  held  one  year  during  the  change  of  the  constitution.  Since  that  time  he  has  acted  as 
deputy  in  the  office,  and  has  also  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile  and  general  tradings 
business.  He  was  a member  of  the  board  of  aldermen  and  treasurer  of  the  city  during 
1871-72,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  city  school  board  twelve  years,  being  clerk, 
and  treasurer  of  the  same.  June,  1869,  he  was  married  to  Mary  J.  Clark,  of  this  city 
They  have  one  daughter,  named  Mary  J.  In  politics  Mr.  Tompkins  is  a conservative 
Democrat,  and  has  taken  an  active  partin  the  political  affairs  of  the  county  as  his  num- 
erous terms  of  office  testify.  He  is  a Mason  of  Knight  Templar  and  Scottish  Rite  degrees, 
and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

ALBERT  G.  TOMPKINS,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  is  a dealer  in  produce,  hides,  furs, 
poultry,  eggs,  etc.,  etc.  The  business  was  established  in  1879  by  Tompkins  & Riee,  and 
was  purchased,  a year  later,  by  our  subject,  who  has  carried  on  the  business  very  success- 
fully to  the  present  time.  The  chief  markets  for  his  produce  are  in  Georgia  and  Alabama, 
and  for  furs,  in  the  East.  He  controls  the  trade  in  this  line  in  Murfreesboro  and  is  doing- 
extremely  well  financially.  Mr.  Tompkins  was  born  in  this  State  December  31,  1842,  and 
is  the  son  of  James  M.  and  Kittie  G.  (Rucker)  Tompkins,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Virginia.  He  resided  on  the  farm  until  fifteen  years  of  age  and  secured  a good  common 
school  education.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  began  attending  the  military  school  at  Mur- 
freesboro: April  16,  1861,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  C,  Eighteenth  Tennessee 
Regiment,  and  served  in  that  company  until  after  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  when  he  was. 


1068 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


transferred  to  the  Forty-fifth  Regiment,  Company  C,  and  served  as  a private  until  the 
close. of  the  war,  and  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson  he  received  a serious  wound  in  the 
head.  August  31,  1864,  he  was  imprisoned  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  and  was  released 
in  April,  1865.  He  then  returned  home  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  with 
Tompkins,  Singleton  & Co.  From  1869  to  1870  he  was  engaged  in  speculating  in  cotton 
and  grain  and  was  afterward  engaged  in  the  boot,  shoe  and  hat  business  in  this  place, 
with  a Mr.  Singleton  as  partner.  He  afterward  engaged  at  millinery  work  in  the  firm  of 
Jamerary  & Tompkins.  At  a later  period  he,  in  company  with  a Mr.  Jetton,  began  keep- 
ing a grocery  store  and  continued  until  1880,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  employment. 
February  7,  1867,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lizzie  Jamerary,  a native  of  this  State. 
They  became  the  parents  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  still  living:  Martha  H.,  Mar- 
garet M.,  Wade  H.,  Robert  T.,  Albert  S.  and  Speer  T.  Mr.  Tompkins  is  a Democrat,  be- 
ing a magistrate  for  the  Thirteenth  District  for  three  years.  He  and  family  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  he  is  classed  among  the  enterprising  business  men  of  the 
county,  and  is  justly  recognized  as  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

THOMAS  TOBIAS  was  born  in  Poland,  December  24,  1851,  and  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1865,  locating  immediately  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  he  resided  until  1869, 
when  he  came  to  Murfreesboro,  where  he  has  since  resided.  April  2,  1878,  he  married 
Hannah  Abrahams,  of  Nashville,  and  three  children  have  blessed  their  union:  Emory 
Lee,  Daisy  and  Nettie.  Mr.  Tobias  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  A.  0. 
U.  W.,  and  is  proprietor  of  the  leading  dry  goods  and  clothing  house  of  Murfreesboro. 
The  business  was  established  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  by  Amos  & Abraham  Tobias,  about 
the  close  of  the  war.  At  Amos’  death,  in  1866,  Thomas  purchased  a one-half  interest, 
and  in  the  latter  part  of  1869  came  to  Murfreesboro  and  opened  a branch  store,  called 
“The  Nashville  Store.”  The  entire  business  was  removed  here  in  1870  and  was  conduct- 
ed successfully  under  the  firm  name  of  A.  Tobias  & Bro.  until  Abraham’s  death,  in  1883. 
In  January,  1884,  Solomon  Tobias,  a younger  brother,  was  taken  into  the  business,  but 
December  28,  1885,  our  subject  became  sole  proprietor  and  manager.  His  store  is  the 
largest  of  the  kind  in  Rutherford  County,  and  is  well  stocked  with  dry  goods,  clothing, 
carpets,  gents’  furnishing  goods,  hats,  boots,  shoes  and  millinery.  He  and  Mrs.  Tobias 
belong  to  the  Hebrew  faith. 

AARON  TODD,  a farmer  of  Rutherford  County.  Tenn.,  was  born  August  8,  1840,  and 
his  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm.  He  received  a limited  education,  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  began  doing  for  himself,  and  farmed  on  rented  property  until  1872,  when  he  pur- 
chased a farm  of  185  acres  on  which  he  resided  until  1882.  He  then  moved  to  his  present 
farm.  He  has  been  quite  prosperous  in  his  undertakings,  and  now  owns  two  well  improved 
farms,  consisting  of  436  acres  in  all.  In  1867  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Prater,  and  to  them  were  born  six  children,  one  of  whom  is  deceased;  those  living  are 
Josephine,  Andrew,  Mattie  K.,  George  and  Ida  F.  July  16,  1861,  Mr.  Todd  enlisted  in  the 
Twenty-third  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In 
1864  he  was  taken  sick  with  small-pox,  and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Federals  and  was 
taken  to  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  where  he  was  retained  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr. 
Todd  is  a Democrat,  and  has  been  constable  of  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  and  in  January, 
1886,  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  the  county,  and  is  one  of  its  leading  men  and  prosperous 
citizens. 

TODD  & MORGAN,  merchants,  of  Murfreesboro.  The  business  was  established  in 
October,  1883,  by  Thomas  J.  Todd  and  W.  W.  Sageley,  who  conducted  it  until  February, 
1884,  when  Mr.  Todd  purchased  his  partner’s  interest  and  carried  on  the  business  part  of 
the  time  alone  and  part  with  a partner  until  November  1,  1885,  when  J.  A.  Morgan  pur- 
chased a one-half  interest.  Thomas  J.  Todd  was  born  in  Cannon  County,  Tenn.,  October 
26,  1855,  son  of  Jefferson  and  Mary  (Simmons)  Todd,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The 
father  died  when  our  subject  was  two  years  of  age,  and  the  mother  when  he  was  sixteen. 
Thomas’  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  he  engaged  in  mer- 
cantile pursuits  in  his  native  county,  continuing  until  his  removal  to  this  city.  December 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1069 


29,  1882,  he  wedded  Martha  B.  Creson.  They  have  two  children:  Herman  A.  and  Palmer 

D.  Mr.  Todd  is  a Democrat  and  Mason  and  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  James  A. 
Morgan  was  born  in  Cannon  County,  Tenn.,  October  26,  1851,  being  a son  of  Allen  and 
Sylvia  (Barrett)  Morgan,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  and  South  Carolina.  They  came 
to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  and  located  on  a farm  in  Cannon  County,  where  they  both 
died.  James  A.  resided  with  his  parents  on  a farm,  and  secured  an  ordinary  education. 
He  worked  at  farming  and  shoe-making  until  1878,  when  he  engaged  in  the  drug  business 
in  Auburn,  Tenn., * continuing  two  years.  He  was  salesman  in  a mercantile  store  until 
1884,  and  in  November,  1885,  engaged  in  his  present  business.  In  1870  he  wedded  Sarah 

E.  Reed.  They  have  one  daughter — Hattie  E.  Mr.  Morgan  is  a Democrat,  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  belonged  to  the  Christian  Church. 

LEONIDAS  S.  TUCKER,  an  energetic  and  prominent  farmer,  was  born  in  Ruther- 
ford County,  Tenn.,  March  21,  1850,  and  is  the  son  of  Silas  and  Ellen  M.  Tucker, 
natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  county,  and  one  of 
its  leading  and  successful  farmers.  His  death  occurred  June  27,  1863.  The  mother  died 
August,  1867.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  Cumberland  Uni- 
versity, of  Lebanon,  where  he  secured  a good  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  Mr. 
Tucker  took  charge  of  his  father’s  homestead,  which  he  inherited  at  his  father’s  death, 
and  which  contains  550  acres  of  good  land.  October  11,  1871,  Mr.  Tucker  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Lizzie  C.  Davis,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  this  union  were  born  six 
children:  Oscar  D.,  Johnnie  M.,  Lee  S.  (deceased),  Silas,  Collier  B.  and  Carrie  T.  In 
politics  our  subject  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  is  a good,  conscientious,  Christian  man,  and  is  esteemed  and  respected  by  all. 

CAPT.  CHARLES  F.  YANDERFORD,  a well-known  and  prominent  farmer  of 
Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  South  Carolina  August  21,  1833,  and  is  the  son  of 
Charles  and  Eliza  (Duatt)  Vanderford,  natives,  respectively,  of  Massachusetts  and  South 
Carolina.  The  father  was  a sailor,  being  the  captain  of  the  first  steam-boat  that  went  up 
Cape  Fear  and  the  Peedee  River,  and  mate  of  the  privateer  “Obellina”  in  the  war  of  1812. 
His  death  occurred  in  1843  and  the  mother’s  in  1870.  Our  subject  received  a good  educa- 
tion and  engaged  in  business  as  a telegraph  operator,  being  one  of  the  first  operators  in 
the  country.  After  being  with  them  about  eight  months  he  was  employed  by  Henry  Mis- 
roon  as  shipping  merchant  and  steamship  agent,  and  here  he  remained  until  he  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  then  took  the  position  of  assistant  secretary  of  an  insur- 
ance company  of  St.  Louis,  then  book-keeper,  and  afterward  manager  of  a firm  at  St. 
Louis.  At  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  returned  to  Nashville,  offering  his  services  to  the 
vigilance  committee  to  put  electric  torpedoes  in  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  Rivers  to 
protect  the  forts.  In  1861  he  enlisted  inCapt.  W.  H.  Sike’s  company,  Forty-fifth  Tennes- 
see Regiment,  as  a private,  but  was  soon  appointed  ordnance  officer  of  the  troops.  After- 
ward he  was  transferred  to  the  brigade  commanded  by  Col.  Palmer.  He  soon  received  the 
rank  of  captain,  and  received  orders  to  report  to  Gen.  P.R.  Cleburne, and  afterward  to  Gen. 
Johnston,  then  commander  of  the  Confederate  forces  in  Mississippi.  He  was  afterward 
made  acting  chief  ordnance  officer  of  the  army,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  that  posi- 
tion to  the  satisfaction  of  the  generals.  At  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Vanderford  returned 
to  his  present  home  and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  has  been  postmaster 
and  agent  at  Florence  Station  for  twenty  years.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  December  16,  1858,  Mr.  Vanderford 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Florence  Anderson,  a native  of  this  State,  and  to  them  were 
born  six  children:  Eugene  S.,  Charles  R.,  Harry  A.,  Mary  F.,  Silas  M.,  Bertha  E.  Capt. 
Charles  F.  Vanderford  is  one  of  the  energetic  and  successful  farmers  of  the  county,  and 
is  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

GEORGE  WALTER,  manufacturer  and  dealer  in  carriages,  buggies,  phaetons  and 
spring  wagons  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Germany,  State  of  Baden,  County  of 
Offenburg,  town  of  Zunsweierer,  April  23,  1837,  and  is  a son  of  Kasper  and  Katherine 
(Bittmann)  Walter,  who  lived  and  died  in  Germany.  George  left  his  native  home  at  the 


67 


1070 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


age  of  sixteen,  and  came  to  the  United  States  by  way  of  New  Orleans,  and  learned  the 
carriage-maker’s  trade  at  Memphis,  Tenn.  He  came  to  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  July  17, 
1857,  and  worked  for  N.  G.  Garrett  until  January  1,  1860,  when  he  engaged  in  business 
for  himself  with  William  Fox  and  John  Gilbert,  under  the  style  of  Fox,  Gilbert  & Co. 
At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  between  the  States  he  enlisted  as  private  in  Company 
I.  First  Tennessee  Regiment.  In  1866  he  began  business  again  for  himself  under  the  style 
of  Osborn,  Bock  & Co.,  continuing  until  January,  1879,  when  the  above  firm  dissolved  by 
mutual  consent,  when  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself,  and  has  established  a good 
trade.  Mr.  Walter  married  his  second  and  present  wife,  Miss  Emily  E.  Parrish,  a native 
of  London,  England,  May  3,  1883.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and  a Mason,  and  he  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

CHARLES  A.  WARD,  a young  and  enterprising  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  was 
born  in  Tennessee  June  15,  1852,  and  is  the  son  of  Jackson  J.  and  Mary  J.  (Leath)  Ward, 
natives  of  this  State.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county,  and  was 
extensively  engaged  in  farming,  owning  1,900  acres  of  the  best  land,  and  was  known  as 
one  of  the  wealthiest  men  of  the  county.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  his  death, 
which  occurred  February  1,  1886,  was  a sad  blow  to  the  community.  The  mother  still 
survives  at  the  age  of  sixty-two,  and  resides  on  the  old  homestead.  The  subject  of  our 
sketch,  Charles  A.,  was  reared  on  the  farm  with  his  parents,  and  secured  a good  common 
school  education,  and  has  for  the  last  four  years  conducted  his  father’s  business.  Mr, 
Ward  is  a single  gentleman,  and  is  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him. 

DR.  H.  JOSEPH  WARMUTH,  a prominent  physician  of  Rutherford  County,  was 
born  January  19,  1840,  in  the  City  of  Mexico,  and  is  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Maria  (Munoz) 
Warmuth,  natives,  respectively,  of  Bavaria  and  Madrid,  Spain.  The  father,  an  importer 
of  merchandise  in  Mexico  died  in  1859  in  that  city.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  the  City  of 
Mexico  until  he  reached  his  sixth  year;  he  was  then  taken  to  New  Orleans,  and  from  there 
to  Paris  where  he  commenced  his  studies  in  a preparatory  school,  then  at  Lycee  Bonaparte;; 
finished  a literary  course  at  the  gymnasium  at  Wurzburg  and  entered  the  university 
at  the  same  place  as  medical  student.  After  his  father’s  death  he  returned  to  the  United 
States  and  graduated  from  Rush  Medical  College  in  1862.  During  the  late  war  he  entered 
the  army  as  a private  in  the  Ninth  Georgia  Battalion,  Artillery,  and  was  promoted  to  first- 
assistant  surgeon  in  the  same,  after  passing  the  Medical  Army  Examining  Board,  at 
Chattanoogo.  March  23,  1863,  he  was  promoted  to  surgeon  in  the  same  command,  and 
passed  the  examination  at  Shelbyville,  Tenn.  After  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  he  was 
sent  to  the  rear  as  hospital  surgeon,  at  Marietta,  Rome,  and  Covington,  Ga.  In  the  fall 
of  1864  he  returned  to  Johnston’s  army  as  surgeon  of  the  Seventeenth  and  Eighteenth 
Texas  Regiments.  After  the  Franklin  fight  he  took  charge  of  the  Thirty-seventh  Georgia 
Infantry,  and  was  left  by  Forrest  in  charge  of  all  the  hospitals  between  Smyrna  and  Mur- 
freesboro, Tenn.  After  the  war  he  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  where 
he  remained  until  January,  1866,  when  he  moved  to  Tennessee  and  married  Miss  Mary 
Worsham  Peebles,  born  in  this  county  in  1846,  and  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Isham  R.  Peebles. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warmuth  were  born  three  children:  Sallie  A.,  Laura  (deceased),  and 
Mitchell  P.  W.  Dr.  Warmuth  has  practiced  his  profession  ever  since  in  this  county. 
In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  has  held  the  offce  of  president  of  Rutherford  County 
Medical  Society,  and  vice-president  of  the  medical  society  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  He 
is  a Master  Mason,  an  Odd  Fellow  and  member  of  Encampment,  and  he  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Christian  Church. 

FRANCIS  WHITING  WASHINGTON,  a well-known  and  prosperous  farmer  and 
citizen  of  Rutherford  County,  is  the  son  of  Francis  Whiting  and  Elizabeth  Mason  (Hall) 
Washington.  Our  subject  is  a descendant  of  John  Washington,  who  was  an  uncle  of 
George  Washington  and  a grandson  of  the  original  John  Washington,  who  immigrated  to 
the  United  States  from  the  North  of  England  in  1657.  Francis  Whiting  Washington, 
the  father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Frederick  or  Clark  County,  Va.,  in  1781,  and  was 
educated  at  Liberty  Hall,  Lexington,  Va.,  afterward  called  Washington  College.  In  1806- 


BUTHERBOBD  COUNTY. 


1071 


or  1808  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee,  settling  first  in  FrankliD,  Williamson  County,  where, 
in  1813,  he  married,  and  soon  after  moved  to  Logan  County,  Ky.  By  this  union  he  had 
five  sons:  Beverly,  James,  Allen  H.,  John  and  Francis  Whiting.  In  1884  he  removed  to 
Nashville,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  education  of  his  children,  and  afterward  to  Augusta, 
Ga.,  where  he  died  at  the  residence  of  his  son,  Dr.  Beverly  Washington,  in  1871.  All  the 
sons  have  died,  with  the  exception  of  our  subject,  who  is  the  sole  survivor  of  the  family. 
Pie  resided  at  Nashville  from  1834  until  his  marriage,  which  occurred  soon  after  attaining 
his  majority,  to  Miss  Sarah  Catharine  Crockett.  He  then  removed  to  this  county,  where 
he  has  since  resided  on  the  Ancient  Manor  of  Springfield,  except  during  the  late  war, 
wheD  he  served  with  distinction  in  the  Confederate  Army.  Springfield  is  a majestic  and 
antique  mansion  on  the  bank  of  Overalls  Creek,  and  was  built  in  1814.  Our  subject’s 
wife  was  a descendant  from  the  Virginia  Crocketts.  Her  grandfather,  Col.  Anthony 
Crockett,  was  a first  cousin  of  the  famous  David  Crockett.  Our  subject’s  married  life 
has  been  blessed  with  three  children:  William  Hunter,  America  Isabella  (deceased)  and 
John  Henry. 

SAMUEL  B.  WATKINS,  an  old  and  prominent  farmer  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 
and  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  county,  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Md.,  April 
18,  1813,  being  a son  of  Thomas  S.  and  Mary  (Magruder)  Watkins.  Samuel  B.  Watkins 
was  raised  with  his  parents  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  securing  but  a limited  educa- 
tion. He  then  engaged  in  business  with  his  father,  who  was  a contractor  on  the  Chesa- 
peake & Ohio  Canal.  He  witnessed  the  first  shovel  of  dirt  taken  in  the  construction  of 
that  famous  canal  in  1829,  and  worked  with  his  father  until  1830,  at  which  time  his  father 
retired.  He  then,  with  his  two  brothers,  succeeded  their  father  in  contracting  on  this 
work.  In  1840  he  immigrated  to  Texas  staying  in  that  country  six  months;  he  then  came 
to  this  county  in  1841,  purchasing  his  present  farm,  where  he  has  since  lived.  Mr.  Wat- 
kins is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  did  not  take  any  active  part  in  the  lati  war,  but  sym- 
pathized with  the  Southern  cause,  as  he  had  one  son  in  the  Southern  Army.  Himself 
and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  In  1842  Samuel  B.  Watkins 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Anne  Wade,  a native  of  this  county  and  daughter 
of  Walter  Wade,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  county.  They  have  five  children  by 
this  union,  of  which  only  two  are  living,  viz.:  Samuel  S.  and  Mary  S.,  wife  of  William 
Roberts,  a well-known  farmer  of  this  county.  The  death  of  Mrs.  Watkins,  which  was  a 
sad  blow  to  the  bereaved  family  and  friends,  occurred  September  8, 1877.  Mr.  Watkins  is 
classed  among. the  energetic  and  successful  farmers  of  the  county  and  is  justly  recognized 
as  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

ADALINE  W.  WATKINS,  widow  of  Col.  Wilson  L.  Watkins,  was  born  in  Virginia 
March  6,  1815,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Ambrose  and  Mary  (Hartwell)  Howse.  Wilson  L. 
Watkins,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  county,  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1802,  and  came 
to  this  county  when  quite  young.  He  was  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Catharine  (McGrudy) 
Watkins,  both  natives  of  Maryland.  Col.  W.  Watkins  was  a Democrat  in  politics  and 
held  the  office  of  sheriff  of  this  county  for  eight  years  and  for  many  years  was  colonel  of 
the  militia  in  this  State;  his  death,  which  was  a sad  blow  to  the  bereaved  family  and 
friends,  occurred  in  March,  1861.  He  was  a strong  Union  man  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death.  In  January,  1851,  Mr.  Watkins  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Adaline  W.  Howse, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  and  by  this  union  two  children  were  born:  Louise  S.,  wife  of 
Jerome  Winford,  a farmer  of  this  State,  and  Wilson  L.  Mrs.  Adaline  Watkins  had  three 
children  by  her  first  union,  which  was  with  Hubbard  P.  Wilkinson,  in  1832.  These  chil- 
dren are  Mary  E.,  widow  of  Col.  Thomas  B.  Johnson,  William  A.  and  George  H.  The 
mother  lives  on  the  farm  and  with  the  help  of  her  oldest  son,  William  A.,  carries  on  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising.  She  and  family  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  justly  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  families  in  the  county. 

JAMES  E.  WENDEL,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  leading  practitioners  of  Rutherford  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  at  Cheek’s  Cross  Roads,  Jefferson  Co.,  Tenn.,  November  29,  1812.  He  is 
the  eldest  son  of  four  surviving  members  of  the  family  of  David  and  Sarah  H.  (Neilson) 


1072 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Wendel.  David  Wendel  was  born  in  Virginia  and  removed  to  Tennessee  with  his  father, 
Christopher  Wendel,  at  or  shortly  before  the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  The 
family  located  on  a farm  near  Nashville,  where  our  subject's  grandparents  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives.  In  1801  David  was  apprenticed  to  his  uncle  in  a mercantile  busi- 
ness in  East  Tennessee,  remaining  with  him  in  the  capacity  of  a clerk  until  March, 
1806,  when  he  married  our  subject’s  mother,  who  was  a native  of  that  section  of  the  State, 
and  succeeded  his  uncle  in  business,  continuing  there  until  August,  1817.  He  then  re- 
moved to  Rutherford  County  and  established  a store  in  Murfreesboro,  which  he  conducted 
successfully  until  1839.  After  that  date  he  retired  from  active  life,  having  accumulated 
sufficient  means  by  his  frugal  and  industrious  habits  in  early  life  to  enable  him  to  spend 
his  declining  years  in  peace  and  comparative  luxury  and  ease.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
active  politicians  of  the  county  in  his  day,  and  gained  considerable  local  notoriety  for  his 
antagonistical  views  to  Gen.  Jackson’s  administration,  basing  his  views  upon  the  grounds 
that  no  military  man  should  hold  civil  office.  Notwithstanding  this  opposition  to  Jack- 
son  he  was  postmaster  of  Murfreesboro,  under  as  well  as  before  and  after  that  gentle- 
man’s term  of  office.  He  was  a strict  Presbyterian  in  his  religious  views,  as  was  also  his 
wife,  who  died  in  August,  1838,  followed  by  her  husband  October  8,  1840.  There  were 
few,  if  any,  better  or  more  enterprising  and  reliable  pioneer  citizens  of  Rutherford  County 
than  was  David  Wendel.  James  E.  Wendel,  the  immediate  subject  of  this  sketch,  se- 
cured a good  literary  education  in  his  boyhood  days.  He  took  a common  school  and  clas- 
sical course  in  this  county  and  then  after  a four  years’  attendance  at  the  Nashville  Uni- 
versity, graduated  from  that  institution  in  1831.  Returning  home  he  entered  the  office  of 
his  uncle.  Dr.  Patrick  D.  Neilson,  under  whom  he  read  medicine  until  1834,  when  he  en- 
tered the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  at  Philadelphia 
and  remained  there  during  the  winter  and  summer  months  continuously  for  a period 
of  eighteen  months,  when  his  health  failed  him,  and  abandoning  his  studies  he 
traveled  rather  extensively  through  the  New  England  States,  Canada,  and  finally  re- 
turned home,  but  the  following  fall  returned  to  the  university,  where  in  the  winter 
of  1836  he  was  elected  a resident  physician  of  Blockley  Hospital,  Philadelphia.  He 
held  the  position  one  year,  when  he  resumed  his  studies  at  the  university,  from 
which  he  graduated  in  1839.  Returning  home  the  Doctor  entered  into  the  practice 
of  his  profession  in  this  city.  And  the  fact  alone  that  after  nearly  fifty  years  residence 
in  our  midst,  during  which  time  he  has  given  his  whole  time,  attention  and  en- 
ergy to  the  success  and  advancement  of  his  profession,  and  yet  retains  a large  and  lu- 
crative practice,  speaks  more  highly  in  his  favor  than  words  or  pen  can  portray.  Dr. 
Wendel  is  Democratic  in  politics,  although  he  was  formerly  a warm  advocate  for  the 
principles  of  the  Whig  party  until  it  ceased  to  exist.  He  is  a zealous  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  this  city,  aud  is  justly  recognized  as  one  among  the  leading  and 
successful  members  of  the  medical  profession  of  Middle  Tennessee  and  an  enterprising 
and  reliable  citizen  of  our  county. 

ROBERT  S.  WENDEL,  M.  D.,  brother  af  Dr.  James  E.  Wendel,  and  a well-known 
and  successful  physician  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County  July  14, 
1821.  He  secured  a good  literary  education  in  his  early  days,  and  in  1839  began  the  study 
of  medicine  with  a view  to  making  it  his  profession  for  life.  He  graduated  from  the  med- 
ical department  of  the  University  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  March,  1843.  He  first  began  the 
practice  of  medicine  in  Mississippi,  where  he  remained  six  years;  then  returned 
home,  where  he  has  since  been  wholly  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
meeting  with  good  and  well  deserved  success.  In  1852  the  Doctor  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Emma  C.  James,  a native  of  Virginia.  They  have  ten  living  children  by  this 
union — one  son  and  nine  daughters.  Dr.  Wendel  is  Democratic  in  his  political 
views,  although  like  his  brother,  he  was  formerly  an  old-line  Whig.  During  the  late 
war  the  Doctor  participated  in  it  in  his  professional  capacity  as  hospital  surgeon  for  a 
term  of  three  years,  being  stationed  during  the  time  at  Dalton,  Marietta  and  Forsyth, 
Ga.,  and  Columbus,  Miss.  Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1073 


Church  South,  and  he  is  one  of  the  acknowledged  enterprising  and  reliable  citizens  of  our 
county,  and  a physician  of  equally  high  standing. 

DR.  BARTLEY7  N.  WHITE,  a widely  known  and  eminently  successful  practitioner, 
was  born  in  this  county  August  16,  1841,  and  is  a son  of  Burrell  G.  and  Mary  (Donley) 
White,  natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  Ireland.  The  father  was  an  enterprising 
merchant  and  farmer,  and  departed  this  life  October  31,  1884.  He  was  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Christian  Church.  The  mother  still  survives  him  and  is  a resident  of  this 
county.  Our  subject  is  a graduate  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  is  one  of  the  class 
of  1867.  He  was  married  in  May  of  that  year  to  Sue  Ransom,  of  Bedford  County,  and 
five  children  have  blessed  their  union:  Walter  M.,  Sallie  W.,  William  R.,  Burrell  G.  and 
Bartley  N.  The  Doctor  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  May,  1861,  in 
Company  F,  Second  Tennessee  Infantry,  serving  in  the  capacity  of  sergeant  for  three 
years.  He  was  captured  July  20,  1864,  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.,  and  was  a prisoner  nine 
months.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  was  exchanged.  He  was  on  parole  for  sixty 
days,  and  during  that  time  the  surrender  of  the  Confederate  Army  was  announced.  The 
Doctor  is  a Democrat  of  the  most  pronounced  class,  and  is  at  present  a candidate  for  and 
will  probably  be  elected  clerk  of  the  circuit  court.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  are  recognized  as  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  they  reside. 

FRANK  WHITE,  postmaster  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  first  saw  the  light  of  day 
August  5,  1843,  son  of  Burrell  G.  and  Mary  M.  (Donley)  White,  natives,  respectively,  of 
Tennessee  and  the  Emerald  Isle.  Our  subject  was  brought  up  to  the  mercantile  business 
by  his  father,  and  secured  a good  business  education.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebel- 
lion he  was  chosen  second  lieutenant  of  Company  E,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
served  until  the  reorganization  of  the  company  a year  later,  when  he  was  made  first  lieu- 
tenant. After  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits. 
In  1878  he  was  appointed  deputy  clerk  of  the  county  court,  and  removed  to  Murfreesboro. 
In  December,  1885,  he  was  appointed  by  President  Cleveland  postmaster  of  Murfreesboro, 
and  is  now  discharging  the  duties  of  that  office.  March  6,  1866,  he  wedded  Miss  Joe  E. 
Miller.  They  have  three  children  living:  Mary  L.,  Kate  and  Frankie.  Mr.  White  is  a 
Democrat  and  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

LEVI  B.  WHITE  was  born  in  Tennessee  February  18,  1813,  son  of  Henry  and  Eliza- 
beth (Ward)  White,  natives,  respectively,  of  this  State  and  North  Carolina.  The  father's 
family  were  old  settlers  of  the  county,  and  were  prominent  people  of  their  day,  and  he 
was  an  old-time  Whig.  He  was  strictly  exact  in  all  his  business  transactions,  and  his 
death  occurred  in  1855.  The  mother  died  in  1815.  Levi  B.  White,  our  subject,  was 
reared  on  a farm  by  his  uncle,  Levi  White,  and  secured  a common  school  education  in  the 
old  log  schoolhouse  of  long  ago.  When  thirty  years  of  age  he  began  farming  for  himself, 
and  has  met  with  good  success  in  that  work.  July  7,  1846,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza 
J.  Hall,  born  in  Alabama.  She  died  April  25,  1865,  having  borne  these  children:  Sallie 
B.  (Alexander),  Henry  H.,  Kate  (Goodloe),  John  M.  and  James  L.  In  August,  1867,  Mr. 
White  was  married  to  his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Kate  Mays,  widow  of  Samuel  Mays  and  sister 
of  his  first  wife.  They  have  one  child,  Azile.  Mr.  White  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  He  is  very  prosperous,  and  owns 
from  1,000  to  1,100  acres  of  good  land. 

WILLIAM  B.  WHITE  was  born  near  Gallatin,  Sumner  Co.,  Tenn.,  September  10, 
1814,  and  is  a son  of  Stephen  and  Jane  (Bell)  White,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Caro- 
lina and  Tennessee.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  educators  of  Sumner  County,  and 
was  a school-teacher  in  that  part  of  the  State  for  many  years.  He  was  a farmer  of  con- 
siderable note  and  his  death  occurred  in  1821.  The  mother  died  in  1859.  William  B. 
made  his  home  with  his  uncle,  John  Bell,  of  Gallatin,  and  served  an  apprenticeship  at 
tailoring,  and  followed  that  occupation  for  ten  years.  He  removed  to  Miiion  in  1833  and 
began  merchandising  there  in  1844.  In  1855  he  purchased  a farm  south  of  Milton  on  which 


1074 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


he  remained  five  years  and  then  purchased  his  present  farm.  June  5,  1850,  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Martha  C.  Peebles,  a native  of  the  State,  and  daughter  of  George  Peebles.  They 
have  four  children:  Sarah  J.  (deceased),  wife  of  George  Martin;  Martha  P.  (wife  of  R.  T. 
Knox);  George'A.  and  William  Thomas.  Mr  White  was  twice  married,  his  first  wife  being 
Sarah  A.  Wilson,  who  died  March  18,  1847.  He  was  the  father  of  four  children  by  this 
union:  Hugh  L.  (died  in  1862),  John  H.  (died  in  1870),  Elizabeth  A.  (wife  of  W.  J.  Hooper) 
and  Mary  A.  Mr.  White  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Old  School 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  good  farmer  and  takes  considerable  interest  in  stock  raising. 

JOHN  Y.  WHITE,  merchant,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  Monroe  County, 
Miss.,  born  September  24,  1850.  His  parents  were  Peyton  H.  and  Sarah  (Lee)  White. 
The  father  died  in  Mississippi  and  the  mother  still  resides  in  that  State.  John  Y.  was 
reared  on  a Mississippi  plantation  and  secured  a good  practical  education  in  his  boyhood 
days.  In  1877,  he  came  to  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  was  salesman  in  a mercantile 
store  two  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  same  business  for  himself  and  has  continued  to 
the.  present  time,  meeting  with  good  and  well  deserved  success.  Mr.  White  started  in 
business  with  a limited  capital  and  small  stock,  butby  industry,  economy  and  strict  busi- 
ness integrity  has  climbed  the  ladder  of  success  until  he  now  is  one  of  the  first  merchants 
of  the  city,  and  controls  a large  share  of  the  trade  in  city  and  county.  April  15,  1882,  wit- 
nessed the  celebration  of  his  nuptials  with  Miss  Bettie  Jarrett,  of  this  county.  They  have 
one  son  named  Thomas  V.  Mr.  White’s  political  views  are  Democratic,  and  he  and  wife 
are  members  of  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  he  is  justly  considered  one  of  the  relia- 
ble and  prosperous  business  men  of  Murfreesboro. 

DR.  WILLIAM  WHITSON  was  born  near  Nashville,  Tenn.,  August  22,  1821,  and  is 
a son  of  George  and  Mary  (Deth)  Whitson,  both  natives  of  Virginia,  and  the  father  a 
skilled  mechanic  and  farmer.  He  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Christian  Church  and 
died  about  1840.  The  mother  was  a devout  Methodist  and  died  in  1833.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  a member  of  the  first  class- that  graduated  from  the  Nashville  University 
of  Medicine.  He  was  married  the  22d  of  February,  1844,  to  Miss  Mernira Newman;  to 
them  were  born  two  children,  one  now  living,  Lurenza  D.,  a resident  of  Columbia,  N. 

C.  Mrs.  Whitson  died  December  31,  1849,  and  the  Doctor  took  for  his  second  wife  Maria 
E.  Phillips,  November  6,1850.  To  them  were  born  five  children,  three  now  living:  George 

D. ,  Hygene  and  William  W.  On  the  3d  of  November,  1885,  the  Doctor’s  second  wifedied. 
She,  as  well  as  the  first  wife,  was  an  earnest  member  of  the  Christian  Church.  Dr.  Whitson 
was  an  active  participant  in  the  late  war,  being  surgeon  of  the  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, and  served  two  years.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  resigned  his  commission  and  returned 
home.  He  is  an  enthusiastic  Democrat  and  a worthy  and  consistent  membpr  of  the  Christ- 
ian Church.  He  has  a thorough  knowledge  of  his  profession  and  is  doing  well  finan- 
cially. 

CHESLEY  WHLLIAM  S.  a retired  merchant  of  Eagleville,  was  born  in  Williamson 
County,  July  22,  1809,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Sallie  (Allison)  Williams,  both  natives 
of  North  Carolina.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  December  9,  1830,  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Jordan,  and  to  this  union  were  born  eight  children,  namely:  Martha  J.,  wife  of 
Whit.  Ransom;  Mary  V.,  wife  of  Joseph  Ransom;  James  C. ; Macon  S.,  wife  of  Dr.  W. 
H.  McCord;  Sophia  P.,  wife  of  S.  K.  Lowe;  Fannie  F.,  wife  of  Prof.  Savage;  Emma,  wife 
of  Jesse  E.  Sullivan,  and  Robert  E.  Mr.  Williams  did  not  take  an  active  part  in  the  late 
war,  but  had  a son  in  the  Confederate  Army,  and  for  that  reason  his  sympathies  were  with 
the  South,  and  yet  he  was  always  in  favor  of  the  union  of  States.  Mr.  Williams  is  an  old- 
line  Whig.  He  has  served  his  county  in  the  capacity  of  magistrate  fora  number  of  years, 
and  was  postmaster  at  Eagleville  for  thirty  years.  He  and  his  wife  are  devout  and  con- 
sistent members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  are  respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

JAMES  C.  WILLIAMS,  a prominent  and  successful  merchant,  was  born  in  William- 
son County,  Tenn.,  September  22,  1842,  and  is  the  son  of  Chesley  and  Elizabeth  (Jordan) 
Williams,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  served  as  magistrate  for 
a number  of  years  and  was  postmaster  at  Eagleville  for  thirty  years.  The  subject  of 


RUTHERFORD  COUNTY. 


1075 


this  sketch  was  married  November  12, 1868,  to  Miss  Mary  T.  McLean,  and  their  wedded 
life  has  been  blessed  by  seven  children,  namely:  Minnie,  Samuel,  James  C.,  Horace, 
Granville,  Edward  L.  and  Thomas  S.  Mr.  Williams  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war, 
shouldered  his  musket,  and  in  1862,  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
and  served  in  that  capacity  with  Maj.  Deering  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Williams 
is  now  a Democrat,  formerly  a Whig.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  and  consistent  members 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  are  respected  and  esteemed  as  kind  neighbors  and 
excellent  citizens. 

J OHN  A.  WILLIAMSON,  a successful  farmer  and  saw-mill  owner,  was  born  in  this 
county  May  24,  1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Jane  (Jordon)  Williamson,  both  natives 
of  this  State.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  November  28,  1865,  to  Miss  Lizzie 
Faris,  and  became  the  father  of  eight  children:  Charles  T.,  Horace  S.,  Eula  D.,  Sue  M., 
Abbie  L.,  Richard  W.,  Maggie  E.  and  Alfred  F.  Mr.  Williamson  took  an  active  part  in 
the  war,  enlisting  in  Company  D,  Twenty -fourth  Tennessee  Infantry,  was  honorably  dis- 
charged in  1863,  but  re-enlisted,  after  a few  months’  recreation,  in  Company  D,  Twenty- 
first  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  with  that  company  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Will- 
iamson is  a Democrat  with  prohibition  tendencies.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williamson  are  worthy 
and  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  are  justly  recognized  as 
influential  citizens  of  the  community  in  which  they  live. 

JOSEPH  T.  B.  WILSON,  a cotton  dealer,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  established  his 
business  in  that  city  in  1874.  He  controls  the  leading  trade  in  his  line  (cotton-ginning)  in 
the  county,  and  is  doing  well  financially.  He  was  born  in  the  “ Keystone  State”  at  New 
-Castle,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Martha  (Graham)  Wilson,  who  were  natives,  respectively, 
of  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was  a merchant  for  a number  of  years  and 
afterward  became  a successful  tiller  of  the  soil  in  Pennsylvania.  The  subject  of  this 
memoir,  Joseph  T.  B.  Wilson,  spent  his  boyhood  days  at  work  on  the  home  farm  and  in 
attending  the  common  schools,  where  he  received  a good  education.  He  located  in  Mur- 
freesboro, Tenn..  about  1874  and  engaged  in  his  present  occupation,  at  which  he  has  since 
been  steadily  engaged.  He  does  an  annual  business  of  about  f 40,000  and  is  always  strictly 
accurate  in  his  business  transactions  and  prompt  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  Mr.  Wil- 
son is  a strong  supporter  of  Republican  principles,  and  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

MAJ.  JOHN  WOODS,  the  well-known  and  highly  respected  chairman  of  the 
Rutherford  County  Court,  was  born  to  the  marriage  of  Thomas  Woods  and  Susan 
Baldridge,  who  were  both  natives  of  Orange  County,  N.  ,C.,  and  came  to  this  county  after 
their  marriage,  in  the  spring  of  1807.  Thomas  Woods  was  one  of  the  sturdy  pioneer  black- 
smiths of  Rutherford  County  and  he  plied  his  trade  on  Overall  Creek,  also  in  Murfreesboro, 
a number  of  years.  In  1827  he  removed  to  near  Hickman,  Ky.,  where  he  died  in  March, 
1838.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  September,  11,  1807,  and  spent  his 
youthful  days  on  the  farm  and  in  his  father’s  shop.  Like  his  father  he  was  a natural 
mechanic,  but  was  prevented  early  in  life  from  following  his  father’s  trade,  by  meeting 
with  an  accident  which  permanently  disabled  his  left  hand  and  arm.  His  early  education 
was  such  as  could  be  procured  by  a few  months  attendance  each  year  at  the  subscription 
schools,  held  in  the  primitive  “ log  structures,”  which  were  common  at  that  early  day. 
In  May,  1827,  Mr.  Woods  entered  public  life  by  being  elected,  by  the  court,  to  the  office  of 
constable  of  the  district  on  Overall  Creek.  He  served  in  this  position  two  terms  of  two 
years  each;  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  one  year  at  Middleton,  this  county, 
and  thence  until  1833  was  engaged  as  clerk  in  Murfreesboro.  During  1833-34  he  was  en- 
gaged in  business  for  himself  again  at  Salem.  In  the  latter  year  he  repaired  to  his  farm, 
to  which  he  devoted  his  entire  time  and  labors  until  1840,  when  he  was  elected  register  of 
the  county,  serving  by  re-election  until  1848.  During  his  term  of  office  he  served  also  as 
deputy  clerk  of  the  county  court.  In  1848he  was  elected  clerk  of  the  cohnty  court,  filling 
this  office  by  re-election  until  1856.  It  is  a fact  worthy  of  recording  that  Maj.  Woods’ 
popularity  as  an  official,  as  was  evinced  by  his  almost  continous  term  of  office,  for  nearly 


1076 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


thirty  years  before  the  war,  was  due  entirely  to  the  efficiency  of  the  man,  as  his  party  the 
Democratic,  were  largely  in  the  minority  during  that  time.  In  1859  he  was  elected  to  repre- 
sent this  county  in  the  State  Legislature.  He, served  in  the  regular  and  called  sessions 
during  1859-60-61.  The  Major  was  not  a participant  in  the  late  war,  but  was  a warm 
advocate  for  the  cause  of  the  people  of  the  South  and  this,  together  with  the  fact  that  he 
had  been  a member  of  the  General  Assembly  that  passed  resolutions  of  secession,  probably 
caused  him  much  annoyance  from  persecution  by  the  Federal  soldiery  after  they  had  in- 
vaded these  parts.  They  even  went  so  far  as  to  conspire  with  one  of  his  former  slaves 
and  go  though  with  a sham  of  arresting  him,  but  the  matter  was  dismissed  without  serious 
trouble.  In  March,  1866,  Mr.  Woods  was  elected  a magistrate  of  this  district,  and  the  fol- 
lowing January  was  elected  chairman  of  the  county  court,  and  it  may  be  said  to  his  credit 
that  he  has  filled  these  offices,  con  tinously,  by  re-election  to  the  present  time,  discharging  his 
duties  in  a aighly  satisfactory  manner,  to  his  constituency  and  the  people  of  the  county  at 
large.  October  30,  1383,  Maj.  Woods  married  Mary  F.  Jarratt,  of  this  county,  who  died 
August  19,  1884.  October  15,  1885,  he  married  Mrs.  Nancy  (Boring)  Jetton.  He  lias  no 
children  of  his  own,  but  has  raised  and  taken  care  of  a great  many  friendless  children. 
He  has  always  been  prominently  identified  with  all  public  and  private  enterprises  in  the 
city  and  county;  before  the  war  he  was  one  of  the  foremost  in  establishing  in  the  city  a 
branch  of  the  Planters’  Bank,  and  was  afterward  a director  and  stockholder  in  the  savings 
bank  and  also  First  National  Bank  of  this  city,  but  has  withdrawn  from  the  latter  of  late 
years,  having  by  his  economical  and  industrious  habits  acquired  a sufficient  competency 
to  support  him  in  a comfortable  manner  in  his  declining  years.  He  has  never  belonged  to 
any  secret  society  or  church,  but  is  a firm  believer  in  the  Bible,  and  his  life  has  been 
spent  in  comformity  with  these  views.  He  has  been  a life-long  Democrat  and  his  many 
and  continued  terms  of  office  give  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  the 
Democracy  of  old  Rutherford  County,  and  know  him  only  to  respect  his  many  superior 
qualities  as  an  official  and  a moral,  upright  citizen. 

THOMAS  H.  WOOD,  undertaker,  of  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  April  28, 1838,  son  of  Hughes  and  Sarah  (Kelly)  Wood,  natives  of  Virginia. 
The  father  came  to  Rutherford  County  shortly  before  our  subject  was  born,  and  died  in 
Evansville,  Ind.,  while  there  on  a visit  about  1840.  Thomas  H.  resided  in  Murfreesboro 
with  his  mother,  and  secured  an  ordinary  education.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  began 
learning  the  cabinet-maker’s  trade,  which  he  mastered  and  at  which  he  worked  until  1859. 
At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1861  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  D,  Eleventh 
Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  to  Murfrees- 
boro, and  worked  as  clerk  in  the  merchandise  business  until  1875,  when  he  began  to  keep 
furniture  and  undertaking  goods,  continuing  until  1882,  and  since  that  time  has  carried 
on  the  undertaking  business  alone.  In  1858  Mr.  Wood  married  Lucy  McKnight,  of  Bed- 
ford County,  Tenn.  They  have  one  daughter,  Lizzie.  Mr.  Wood  is  a Democrat  in  poli- 
tics, and  was  alderman  of  Murfreesboro  during  1874-75.  He  is  a Mason,  Knight  Tem- 
plar and  Scottish  Rite  degrees,  and  is  one  of  the  worthy  citizens  of  Murfreesboro. 

ROBERT  H.  YOUNG  may  be  mentioned  as  a successful  farmer  and  native  of  David- 
son County,  Tenn.  He  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  (Alford)  Young,  who  were  natives 
of  this  State.  The  father  was  a skilled  ornamental  painter,  and  acquired  quite  a repu- 
tation as  a master  of  his  trade  in  Nashville.  He  died  in  1849.  The  mother  is  yet  living, 
and  is  the  widow  of  George  Moxley,  of  Texas.  Our  subject  was  married  March  19,  1872, 
to  Miss  Sarah  Davis,  who  has  borne  him  one  child,  named  Earnest.  Mr.  Young  took  an 
active  part  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  the  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Infantry,  serving  in  this 
capacity  until  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson,  when  he  escaped  without  being  captured, 
and  attached  himself  to  Forrest’s  independent  company  of  scouts,  and  remained  with 
them  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  now  a Democrat  in  politics,  but  was  formerly  a 
Whig.  His  religion  is  humanity  to  all.  His  wife  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Method- 
ist Church,  and  they  are  highly  esteemed  and  respected  citizens  of  the  county. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1077 


WILSON  COUNTY. 

JAMES  N.  ADAMS,  farmer  and  merchant,  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn., 
August  17,  1851,  and  is  one  of  three  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  Harvey  Adams  and 
Mariah  Wasson,  natives  of  Bourbon  County,  Ky.,  and  of  Irish  and  English  descent,  re- 
spectively. The  father  was  born  in  1815,  and  before  his  marriage  (in  1840)  was  a dealer 
in  fast  horses.  After  residing  some  time  at  Nashville  he  removed  to  Wilson  County, 
where  he  owned  a farm  of  187  acres.  In  1876  he  sold  this  farm  and  again  removed  to 
Nashville,  where  he  yet  resides.  Our  subject  was  reared  at  home,  and  received  the  degree 
of  A.  B.  from  Bethany  College,  West  Virginia,  and  LL.  B.  from  the  law  department  of 
Cumberland  University  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  afterward  became  a teacher  in  the  Oak- 
land Seminary,  and  continued  in  that  capacity  two  years.  He  began  practicing  law  in 
Nashville,  but  owing  to  ill  health  was  compelled  to  discontinue.  May  11,  1881,  he  wedded 
Ladie  M.,  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Mary  It.  Fowler.  She  was  born  August  7,  1862,  in 
Nashville,  Tenn.  They  have  two  children : Eldon  and  Charmian.  After  his  marriage 
Mr.  Adams  resided  on  a farm  near  Nashville  until  1885,  when  he  removed  to  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives,  and  engaged  in  his  present  business.  He  is  a believer  in  the  princi- 
ples of  Democracy,  and  votes  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  conscience.  His  wife  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOSEPH  M.  ANDERSON,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  on 
the  southeast  corner  of  the  Public  Square,  October  17,  1815,  being  the  oldest  natural 
born  citizen  now  living,  and  is  one  of  the  two  sons  of  Patrick  and  Fannie  (Chandler)  An- 
derson. The  brother,  Thompson  Anderson,  resides  in  the  city  of  Nashville  and  is  worthy 
of  its  citizenship.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1779,  and  the  mother  in  North  Car- 
olina, in  1779.  The  father  was  a merchant  and  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Tennessee  and 
suffered  the  privations  incident  to  early  times.  His  death  occurred  in  1817,  and  his  widow 
married  Maj.  William  Hartsfleld  and  became  a resident  of  Davidson  County,  where  she 
resided  at  the  time  of  her  death,  in  1888.  Our  subject  was  reared  without  a father’s- 
guidance  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Lebanon  and  at  a school  called 
Porter’s  Hill  Academy,  afterward  Clinton  College,  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.  At  the  age 
of  eighteen  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  John  Ray,  and  in  1835  he  entered 
the  Transylvania  Medical  College  of  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  remaining  one  session.  On 
September  24,  1885,  he  wedded  Mary  Dixson  Lypert,  a daughter  of  Lawrence  and  Mary 
Lypert.  Mrs.  Anderson  was  born  October  27,  1820,  in  Wilson  County,  and  she  and  her 
husband  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  only  three  of  whom  are  living:  Joseph 
B.,  Samuel  and  Kate  Lee.  In  the  fall  of  1836  Dr.  Anderson  returned  to  college  at  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  graduated  as  an  M.  D.  in  March,  1837.  He  is  now  the  oldest  and  one- 
of  the  most  successful  physicians  and  surgeons  of  Lebanon  as  well  as  one  of  the  most 
enterprising,  public:spirited  and  progressive  citizens  of  the  county.  He  was  formerly 
a member  of  the  old  Whig  party,  but  since  the  death  of  that  party  has  affiliated  with  the 
Democracy.  He  is  a member  of  the  following  fraternities:  Lebanon  Masonic  Lodge, 
No.  98;  he  became  a Master  Mason  in  1843;  Royal  Arch  Mason,  in  1849;  Knight  Tem- 
plar, in  1886;  Junior  and  Senior  Warden  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  served  as  Grand  Master  for 
two  years,  which  fact  stands  unequaled  and  established  a precedent  in  the  Tennessee 
Grand  Lodge  for  forty  years;  was  Most  Excellent  Grand  High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Chap- 
ter of  the  State  of  Tennessee;  Thrice  Illustrious  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Council  of 
the  State  of  Tennessee,  Deputy  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery,  and  served 
as  Grand  Commander  the  same  year.  He  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  his  wife- 


1078 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


of  the  Christian  Church.  Our  subject  has  lived  a long  and  useful  life,  and  no  man  occu- 
pies a more  exalted  place  in  the  estimation  of  his  neighbors  and  fellow-citizens. 

JAMES  AUST,  a young  and  energetic  farmer  of  District  No.  3,  was  born  in  1855,  in 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Thomas  P.  and  Sarah  (Riggin)  Aust.  The 
father  was  of  German  descent  and  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1811.  He  was  a farmer  Dy 
occupation.  When  but  a youth  he  left  his  native  State  with  his  father,  who  went  to  West 
Tennessee  and  took  possession  of  a large  tract  of  land  for  services  rendered  in  the  war  of 
1812.  Thomas  Aust  lived  in  Wilson  County  at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  occurred 
in  1832.  Soon  afterward  he  bought  140  acres  of  land  and  engaged  in  farming.  In  1848 
he  sold  out  and  bought  202  acres  three  and  a half  miles  from  Lebanon.  Here  he  died  in 
1876.  The  mother  was  born  in  1812,  in  North  Carolina,  and  is  now  living  with  her  son 
James.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  country  schools  and  in  addition  he  at- 
tended the  preparatory  schools  of  the  University  at  Lebanon,  and  also  at  Transylvania 
University,  at  Lexington,  Ky.  For  the  past  eight  years  James  has  had  control  of  the  old 
home  place  and  has  managed  it  in  a skillful  manner.  He  is  a young  man  of  temperate 
habits  and  is  courteous  and  unassuming.  His  mother  is  a member  of  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

DR.  R.  H.  BAKER,  a prominent  citizen  and  physician  of  Watertown,  Tenn.,  was 
horn  in  Davidson  County  June  1,  1847,  one  of  a family  of  eight  children  of  William  D. 
and  Mary  (Fuqua)  Baker.  The  father  was  born  in  Tennessee  October  9,  1812,  and  was 
married  in  1831.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  held  the  office  of  magistrate  for 
twenty-seven  years.  Since  1883  he  and  wife  have  made  their  home  with  our  subject,  Dr. 
R.  H.  Baker,  who  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  a farm.  He  attended  the  common  schools 
and  completed  his  education  at  the  Nashville  University,  and  afterward  entered  the 
medical  department  of  that  institution  and  graduated  in  1873.  He  located  at  Cherry 
Valley,  where  he  remained  two  years,  but  since  his  marriage  has  lived  in  Watertown, 
with  the  exception  of  a short  time  spent  at  a Medical  College  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
where  he  took  a course  in  homoeopathy.  Lie  has  had  good  success  as  a physician,  and  is 
a member  of  the  Philadelphos  Society,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  an  institution  for  tile  mutual 
advancement  of  students'  and  professors.  He  owns  100  acres  of  land  which  he  manages 
in  connection  with  his  practice.  The  Doctor  is  conservative  in  politics.  For  some  time  he 
was  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  I.  O.  O.  F.,  being  a Master  Mason  in  the 
former,  but  since  joining  the  Christian  Church  he  has  ceased  to  be  an  actife  worker  in 
either  order. 

CAPT.  WADE  BAKER,  a successful  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  in  Smith 
County,  Tenn.,  January  30,  1824,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  two  children  born  to  John  E. 
and  Elizabeth  (Benshy)  Baker.  The  father  was  of  German  lineage  and  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, horn  January  8,  1781.  He  was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  by  occupation.  He  was 
in  the  war  of  1812  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  January  8,  1822,  he 
was  married.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  October  23,  1866,  he  owned  a 
considerable  amount  of  property,  both  personal  and  real.  The  mother  was  born  Febru- 
ary 2,  1804,  in  Smith  County,  and  died  September  9,  1829.  Our  subject  was  reared  in 
Wilson  County  and  received  his  education  in  the  country  schools.  In  1850  he  commenced 
farming  for  himself,  and  in  the  space  of  ten  years  had  accumulated  a considerable 
amount  of  property.  During  the  late  war  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  service,  and  in 
1861  was  made  captain  of  Company  F,  Twenty-eighth  Tennessee.  He  was  in  the  battles 
of  Fishing  Creek  and  Shiloh.  August  19,  1862,  he  returned  home  and  married  Mary  E. 
Hudleston,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  March  27,  1843,  and  the  daughter  of  William  W. 
and  Mary  Hudleston.  Capt.  Baker  continued  to  till  the  soil  and  in  1870  he  engaged  in 
merchandising  in  connection  with  farming,  which  he  continued  for  eight  years.  He  then 
retired  to  his  farm  where  he  now  lives,  enjoying  good  health,  with  his  wife  and  three 
children,  named  Lee,  John  E.  and  Wade.  The  Captain  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of 
the  Christian  Church.  Lie  has  been  postmaster  at  Rural  Hill  for  ten  years.  Mrs.  Baker  is 
a worthy  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1079 


CAPT.  WILLIAM  P.  BANDY,  sheriff  and  native  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
-on  the  4th  of  July,  1823,  one  of  five  children  of  Epperson  and  Harriet  (Pierce)  Bandy,  of 
German  and  French  origin,  born  in  1794  and  1804,  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  respectively. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  in  1800  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  and  became  the 
owner  of  300  acres  of  land.  He  was  twice  married,  his  second  wife  being  Betsy  (Denton) 
Walker.  He  died  in  1863  and  the  mother  in  1831.  Our  subject  attended  the  county 
schools,  and  June  11,  1850,  was  married  to  Lucinda  Lane,  daughter  of  Bennett  Lane. 
She  was  born  in  1830  and  became  the  mother  of  these  children:  Mildred  C.,  wife  of  George 
W.  Lanius,  and  Harriet,  wife  of  James  Boss.  Mr.  Bandy  moved  to  Arkansas  in  1855,  and 
there  his  wife  died  in  1857.  He  then  returned  home.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  K, 
Eighteenth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  being  first  lieutenant,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of 
captain.  He  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  war  and  was  wounded  at  Mur- 
freesboro and  Chickamauga,  but  not  seriously.  He  was  captured  at  the  fall  of  Fort 
Donelson  and  sent  to  Camp  Chase,  Ohio.  He  returned  home  in  May,  1865.  He  served 
as  deputy  sheriff  from  1865  to  1872,  and  in  1876  was  chosen  sheriff,  serving  as  such  six 
years,  and  the  following  year  was  deputy.  Since  1884  he  has  held  the  office  and  is  a 
-candidate  for  re-election.  In  1871  he  wedded  Mrs.  Virginia  (Holmes)  Brown,  born  in  New 
York  in  1840.  They  have  three  children  living:  Sallie  L.,  Edward  P.  and  Henry  J. 
Capt.  Bandy  came  to  Lebanon  in  1880.  He  owns  183  acres  of  the  old  home  place.  He 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JONATHAN  BANDY,  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  of  the  Fourth  District,  Wil- 
son County,  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  February  20,  1829,  and  is  one  of  five 
children  born  to  Epperson  and  Harriet  Bandy.  (See  sketch  of  W.  P.  Bandy).  Our  sub- 
ject remained  at  home  until  he  was  twenty -five  years  of  age,  receiving  his  education  in 
the  schools  of  the  county.  In  1815  he  wedded  S.  M.  Ross,  a native  of  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  born  November  12,  1842,  and  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Susan  Ross.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bandy  were  born  four  children:  Corrie  E.,  Pierce  J.,  Sudie  S.  and  Maxie  R. 
In  1854  he  bought  land  in  Wilson  County  and  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  has 
added  to  his  land  from  time  to  time  till  at  the  present  he  has  450  acres.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

DANIEL  J.  BARTON,  trustee  of  Wilson  County.  Tenn.,  is  a native  of  this  county, 
born  February  6,  1842,  son  of  Gabriel  and  Jane  (Johnson)  Barton.  The  father  was  of 
Irish  birth,  born  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  April  4,  1794,  and  followed  the  occupation  of 
farming.  His  father,  Samuel  Barton,  was  a native  Virginian,  and  came  to  Nashville 
when  there  were  but  four  families  residing  in  the  place,  and  when  it  was  necessary  to 
take  every  precaution  to  guard  against  the  Indians.  Gabriel  Barton  was  the  possessor  of 
333  acres  of  land  at  the  time  of  his  death.  June  5,  1862.  The  mother  died  in  1857.  Our 
subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools,  and  in  July,  1861,  enlisted  in  Company  K, 
Twenty-fourth  Regiment,  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  an  active  participant  in 
the  battles  of  Perryville,  Murfreesboro  and  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  right  arm  from  the  explosion  of  a shell,  the  limb  having  to  be  amputated.  He  then 
remained  in  the  commissaty  department  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned 
home  and  attended  school  at  Taylorsville  two  years,  and  in  1868  began  farming.  In  1874 
Mr.  Barton  was  appointed  revenue  collector  for  Wilson  County  for  two  years,  and  after 
farming  until  1883  was  elected  county  trustee,  and  now  holds  the  office.  December  14. 
1882,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Eudora,  daughter  of  Robert  C.  and  Anna  B.  Scobey. 
Mrs.  Barton  was  born  September  21,  1857,  in  Wilson  County,  and  she  and  Mr.  Barton  are 
members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

J.  P.  BASHAW,  an  enterprising  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  December  7,  1842, 
in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  five  children  born  to  J.  W.  and  Char- 
lotte (Cherry)  Bashaw.  The  father  was  born  May  6,  1804,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn., 
and  was  of  French  descent.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  December  5,  1833,  he 
married  and  moved  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  carried  on  stock  raising  in  con- 


1080 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


uection  with  fanning.  He  died  November  6,  1884.  The  mother  was  born  September  24„ 
1810.  and  died  August  30,  1844.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  the 
Twenty-fifth  District,  receiving  his  education  in  the  country  schools  and  at  Washington 
and  Lee  Universities.  November  10,  1870,  Salura  Cook  became  his  wife.  She  was  born 
March  19,  1851,  and  is  a daughter  of  Dr.  L.  M.  N.  Cook.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bashaw  were' 
born  four  children:  Kate  E.,  Pierce,  Eulixis  and  James  B.  Mr.  Bashaw  holds  to  the 
principles  of  Democracy,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Church. 

REV.  RICHARD  BEARD.  D.  D.  (deceased),  was  born  November  27,  1799,  in  Sum- 
ner County,  Tenn.,  and  died  December  2,  1880,  at  Lebanon,  this  State.  On  March  10, 
1819,  he  joined  the  Nashville  Presbytery  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  was 
licensed  to  preach  October  12,  1820,  and  July  29,  1822,  was  ordained.  He  attended  Cum- 
berland College  at  Princeton,  Ky.,  from  which  he  graduated  in  September,  1832,  and  the 
day  following  this  event  was  made  professor  of  ancient  languages  in  that  institution,  a 
position  he  retained  six  years.  In  the  summer  of  1838  he  was  elected  to  the  professorship 
of  languages  in  Sharon  College,  Mississippi,  entering  upon  the  duties  of  that  position  the 
succeeding  fall.  In  September,  1843,  he  was  made  president  of  Cumberland  College, 
Kentucky,  and  in  the  spring  of  1853  was  made  professor  of  systematic  theology  in  Cum- 
berland University,  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  moved  to  Lebanon,  and  in  March,  1854, 
assumed  the  position  to  which  he  had  been  elected,  and  so  continued  until  his  demise. 
Dr.  Beard  was  a man  of  keen  intellect,  extended  information,  an  able  instructor,  an  ex- 
cellent counselor  and  zealous  Christian.  He  wedded  Miss  Cynthia  E.  Castleman,  in 
Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  January  21,  1834.  Mrs.  Beard  was  born  November  22,  1804,  in 
the  county  where  she  was  married,  and  died  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  May  27,  1886. 

HON.  E.  E.  BEARD,  a son  of  Rev.  Richard  Beard,  D.  D.,  and  Cynthia  E.  Beard  was 
born  at  Princeton,  Caldwell  Co.,  Ky.,  August  27,  1850.  His  father  removed  with  his  fam- 
ily to  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  in  1854,  where  Mr.  Beard  has  resided  since  that  time.  He  gradu- 
ated in  the  academic  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  in  1870,  and  in  the  law- 
department  in  1871.  He  has  practiced  law  at  Lebanon  since  his  graduation  and  is  now  a 
member  of  the  firm  of  Williamson  & Beard.  In  December,  1877,  he  was  elected  mayor 
of  Lebanon  and  re-elected  in  1878  and  1879.  In  the  year  1881  Lebanon  became  a taxing 
district  of  the  second  class  and  Mr.  Beard  has  held  the  position  of  treasurer  of  the  board 
of  commissioners  since  that  date.  In  Januaryyl879,  Mr.  Beard  was  elected  treasurer  of  the 
trustees  of  the  Cumberland  University  and  now  holds  that  position.  In  January,  1885,  he 
was  elected  to  represent  Wilson  County  in  the  lower  house  of  the  Tennessee  Legislature, 
filling  a vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  John  C.  Forr.  On  the  12th  of  October, 
1876,  Mr.  Beard  married  Miss  Sarah  Livingstou,  of  Davidson  County,  Tenn. 

MAJ.  ROBERT  BELL,  one  of  the  old  citizens  and  farmers  of  the  Twenty-third  Dis- 
trict, was  born  in  1805  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Mary 
(Dean)  Bell.  The  father  was  born  in  1777,  in  North  Carolina,  and  in  1783  came  with  his 
parents  to  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  but  afterward  moved  to  Davidson  County.  His  father, 
Robert  Bell,  our  subject’s  grandfather,  was  the  father  of  nineteen  children,  eighteen 
of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  He  was  a captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  died  in 
1816  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  In  1819  James  Bell  came  to  Wilson  County  and 
bought  515  acres  in  the  Twenty-third  District,  settled  and  remained  here  until  his  death., 
which  occurred  in  1823.  The  mother  was  born  in  1777,  in  Virginia,  and  died  in  1829.  They 
had  nine  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living.  Our  subject  received  his  education 
mostly  outside  of  the  school  room.  During  his  boyhood  days  and  youth  the  schools  were 
few  and  far  between,  and  educational  advantages  were  very  poor.  After  the  death  of  his 
father,  Robert  being  the  eldest  child,  the  responsibility  of  the  family  fell  largely  upon  his 
shoulders.  January  21,  1830,  he  married  Polly  Hooker,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born 
in  1811,  and  the  daughter  of  Benjamin  Hooker.,  To  them  was  born  one  child,  Erastus  P., 
who  resides  in  Rutherford  County.  Mrs.  Bell  died  June  3,  1841,  and  the  following  year 
he  married  Sarah  A.  Furgason,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1818,  and  by  her  became  the 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1081 


father  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  living:  Jane  M.,  wife  of  James  A.  Neal,  who  lives 
in  Lebanon;  Samuel  S.,  Byron,  George  F.  and  Willie  S.,  wife  of  A.  D.  Peyton.  Maj. 
Bell  is  now  living  on- the  old  homestead  and  is  esteemed  as  an  honest  and  upright  citizen. 
In  politics  he  was  formerly  a Whig,  casting  his  first  vote  for  Andrew  Jackson.  February, 
1876,  he  lost  his  wife,  and  since  then  his  son,  G.  F.,  has  been  living  with  him.  Maj.  Bell 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  has  led  a conscientious 
Christian  life  for  the  past  forty-seven  years. 

W.  H.  BROWN  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  December  18,  1837,  and  is  one  of  seven 
children  of  Samuel  and  Lucy  (Chandler)  Brown,  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  in 
1800  and  1804,  and  died  in  1852  and  1872,  respectively.  The  father  was  a saddler  by  trade 
and  after  coming  to  Tennessee  always  made  Lebanon  his  home.  Our  subject  was  educated 
in  the  academies  of  Lebanon,  and  at  the  age  of  thirteen  began  clerking  for  A.  R.  Davis, 
for  whom  he  worked  ten  years.  February  2,  1860,  he  wedded  Mattie  C.  Davis,  daughter 
of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  Davis.  Mrs.  Brown  was  born  September  18,  1834,  and  to  her  and 
husband  were  born  seven  children:  Dixon  Lee,  Frank  William,  Mary,  Robert  Samuel, 
Jordan  Harry, Charlie  Brittin  and  Fannie.  In  1865  Mr.  Brown  established  a dry  goods 
store  in  Lebanon  with  a capital  of  $1,195,  $1,000  of  which  was  borrowed.  In  1876  he 
added  ready-made  clothing  to  his  stock,  continuing  until  January  1,  1885,  when  he  sold 
his  stock  to  his  son,  Dixon  Lee.  In  1874  Mr.  Brown  succeeded  in  organizing  the  Spring- 
field  National  Bank,  and  was  appointed  cashier,  but  resigned  at  the  end  of  six  months  as 
he  did  not  wish  to  leave  his  old  native  town  and  county.  In  1881  he  organized  the  Peo- 
ples Bank,  of  Lebanon,  a priyate  bank,  with  a capital  of  $25,000,  and  was  appointed 
cashier.  This  bank  paid  to  its  stockholders  13  per  cent  the  first  year.  January  1,  1883, 
the  capital  stock  of  the  bank  was  increased  to  $40,000.  In  June,  1884,  Mr.  Brown  and  his 
stockholders  bought  out  the  Second  National  Bank,  of  Lebanon,  a bank  organized  in  1872, 
with  a capital  of  $50,000.  June  9.  1884,  the  People’s  Bank  of  Lebanon  was  consolidated 
with  the  Second  National  Bank,  and  the  capital  was  increased  to  $70,000.  In  the  reorganiza- 
tion Selden  R.  Williams  was  elected  president,  successor  to  James  Hamilton,  and  W.  H. 
Brown  was  appointed  cashier,  successor  to  T.  J.  Stratton.  Mr.  Brown  owns  $23,000  stock 
in  the  bank,  two  business  houses  in  Lebanon,  seven  houses  and  lots,  a small  farm,  and 
has  a herd  of  pure  bred  Short-horn  cattle.  He  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  Lodge  No.  98,  of  Lebanon.  He  and  wife  are. mem- 
bers of  the  Christian  Church. 

T.  B.  BROWN,  farmer  and  proprietor  of  a saw-mill,  was  born  in  Page  County,  Va., 
March  31,  1844.  He  is  one  of  six  chidren  born  to  Isaac  and  Rachel  A.  (Wood)  Brown. 
The  father  was  of  German-Irish  lineage  and  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1819.  He  was  a 
cooper  by  trade  and  this  occupation  he  followed  the  principal  part  of  his  life.  He  died 
in  1885.  The  mother  was  also  of  German-Irish  lineage  and  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1821, 
and  is  at  present  living  in  De  Kalb  County,  Tenn.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  assisted  at 
home  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  receiving  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the 
county.  In  July,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fifth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Volunteers. 
He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Stone  River,  Missionary  Ridge,  Nashville  and 
many  other  minor  engagements.  He  remained  in  the  field  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when 
he  returned  home.  In  1867  he  wedded  Cauras,  daughter  of  Howard  and  Pattie  Compton. 
Mrs.  Brown  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1846.  In  1869  Mr.  Brown  married  Annie,  daugh- 
ter of  Isaac  and  Sarah  Smith.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  four  children:  Can- 
dis,  Sally,  Lulecta  and  Daisy.  In  1871  Mr.  Brown  bought  four  town  lots  in  Alexandria, 
Tenn.,  and  the  year  previous  had  purchased  the  saw-mill  which  he  is  at  present  operating 
and  has  operated  successfully  for  the  past  sixteen  years.  In  1876  he  purchased  155  acres 
of  land  in  Wilson  County  and  began  tilling  the  soil.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  over  300 
acres  of  land  and  in  connection  with  his  farming  carries  on  the  saw-milling  business.  He 
has  been  quite  successful  in  life.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics  and  a worthy  member 
of  the  Christian  Church. 

J.  W.  BRYAN,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Hali- 


1082 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


fax  County,  Va.,  March  7,  1822,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  ten  children  of  Richard  and 
Mary  (Brown)  Bryan.  The  father  was  a native  of  the  “Old  Dominion,”  born  in  1792, 
and  was  married  about  1818,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1826.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  1812  and  died  June  30,  1855.  The  mother  was  horn  in  the  same  State  as  her  husband 
in  1800,  and  died  March  27,  1884.  Our  subject’s  early  educational  advantages  were  limit- 
ed. July  15,  1849,  he  wedded  Unity,  daughter  of  John  H. -and  Elizabeth  Bryant.  She  was 
born  in  May,  1821,  and  died  December  15,  1855,  leaving  three  children,  one  now  living, 
Samuel  H.  In  1846  Mr.  Bryan  became  a soldier  in  the  Mexican  war,  enlisting  in  Com- 
pany B,  First  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  under  Gen.  Scott  in  the  bombardment  of  Vera 
Cruz  for  twenty-six  days.  He  returned  home  in  1847  and  resumed  tilling  his  farm  of  120 
acres,  which  he  had  purchased  in  1845.  April  29,  1856,  he  married  Margaret  C.,  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Carr)  Turner.  Mrs.  Bryan  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  No- 
vember 8,  1838.  They  have  eight  children:  Sarah  A.,  Tennessee,  Mary,  Alice,  Thomas 
M.,  Hugh  B.,  Ervin  and  Zula.  To  his  first  purchase  of  land  he  has  added  to  until  he 
at  one  time  owned  700  acres,  but  now  owns  about  530  acres  of  valuable  farming  land.  He 
has  been  exceptionally  prosperous  and  has  given  his  children  good  educations,  and  is 
himself  well  posted  on  all  the  topics  of  the  day.  He  is  a Democrat  and  cast  his  first  pres- 
idential vote  for  Henry  Clay.  He  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

PROF.  E.  S.  BRYAN  is  a resident  and  native  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  was 
born  October  13,  1856.  He  is  the  second  son  of  six  children  of  Algernon  and  Elizabeth 
C.  (Phillips)  Bryan.  The  father  was  a physician,  born  in  1822.  He  purchased  177  acres 
of  land  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  there  remained  until  his  career  ended.  He  was  ed- 
ucated in  the  Eclectic  Medical  Institute,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio-,  and  at  the  University  of 
Nashville,  graduating  from  both  institutions.  He  was  a successful  physician  and  died  in 
August,  1884.  The  mother  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1830,  and  like  her  hus- 
band was  of  Irish  descent;  she  died  July  18,  1881.  Our  subject,  after  attending  the  com- 
mon schools,  became  a student  in  the  Big  Spring  Seminary  and  Cumberland  University. 
In  1880  he  became  a student  in  the  Commercial  College,  at  Nashville,  and  graduated  in 
November  of  the  same  year.  In  1881  he  became  book-keeper  for  a Nashville  firm,  but 
at  the  end  of  six  months  returned  home.  He  was  an  instructor  of  the  young  about 
five  years,  the  last  two  and  a half  years  in  Santa  Fe,  Tenn.,  and  was  a good  educator  and 
disciplinarian.  After  serving  as  book-keeper  for  J.  T.  McClain  & Co.,  he  went  to  Louisville, 
Ky.,  and  attended  a business  college,  devoting  the  most  of  his  time  to  penmanship,  after 
which  he  taught  in  Santa  Fe,  as  above  stated.  Prof.  Bryan  is  a Democrat  and  cast  his 
first  presidential  vote  for  Hancock.  In  1879  he  was  deputy  postmaster  of  Lebanon.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  K.  of  P.,  and  belongs  to  the  United  Brethren 
Church. 

P.  B.  CALHOUN  was  born  on  the  12th  of  December,  1819,  in  Wilson  County,  TenD., 
son  of  Thomas  and  Mary  (Johnson)  Calhoun.  The  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  origin,  born 
in  North  Carolina  in  1782,  and  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1801.  He  was  married 
in  1809  and  died  in  1855.  The  mother  was  also  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1784  and  died 
in  1850.  Our  subject  spent  about  one  year  and  a half  in  Clinton  College,  Smith  County, 
and  afterward  entered  as  sophomore  at  Miami  College,  Oxford,  Ohio,  graduating  in  1841. 
In  1855  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Dr.  and  Sarah  Jennings,  and 
two  children  were  born  to  their  union,  named  Mary  (wife  of  John  Lamb),  and  P.  J.  Mrs. 
Calhoun  lived  but  three  years  after  her  marriage.  In  1864  Mr.  Calhoun  married  the 
widow  of  Thomas  Johnson,  who  has  borne  him  the  following  family:  Mattie  S.,  Ewing 
G.,  Lilia  M.,  Thomas  Wayne  and  Corrie  M.  Mr.  Calhoun  was  a resident  of  Columbus, 
Miss.,  a number  of  years  and  was  clerk  of  the  circuit  and  county  courts  for  three  years. 
In  1850  he  went  to  Texas  and  there  taught  school  three  years,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
land  business  five  years.  He  then  returned  home  and  remained  until  the  war,  when  he 
was  made  commissary  agent  of  the  Confederate  States  and  remained  in  Georgia  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Calhoun  is  a distant  relation  of  John  C.  Calhoun.  While  in  Texas 
he  owned  8,000  acres  of  land,  but  suffered  severe  losses  during  the  war.  He  now  owns  a 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1083- 


good  home,  and  is  a Democrat  and  Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  Church. 

JOSEPH  CAMPER,  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  October  31,  1812,  in  Bote- 
tourt County,  Va.,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Sallie  (Level)  Camper.  The  father  was  born 
in  1782  in  Virginia  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  in  Missouri  in  1858.  The 
mother  was  born  in  1778  in  Pennsylvania  and  died  in  Tennessee  in  1838.  Our  subject  re- 
ceived his  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  began  tilling- 
the  soil  for  himself.  In  1840  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  quarterly  conference  of  the- 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  continued  to  travel  and  preach  for  four  years.  May  30, 
1844,  he  married  Elizabeth  A.  (Brewer)  Camper.  She  was  born  February  15, 1826,  in  Ten- 
nessee, and  is  the  daughter  of  M.  and  S.  Brewer.  After  marriage  he  settled  in  the- 
Twenty-second  District  of  Wilson  County  on  260  acres,  where  he  now  lives.  He  is  the 
father  of  three  children:  Mary  J.,  S.  E.  and  Willie  Lee.  He  is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and 
he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  was  elected  president 
of  the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference  and  has  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  his  fellow-men. 

HON.  ROBERT  CANTRELL,  judge  of  the  Seventh  Judicial  Circuit,  is  a native  of 
Warren  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a son  of  Isaac  and  Nancy  (Adcock)  Cantrell.  The  parents 
were  of  English  lineage,  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1784  and  1790,  and  died  in  1840  and 
1872,  respectively.  He  was  twice  married,  his  first  wife  being  Bettie  Cantrell.  He  was 
the  father  of  eleven  children,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1816.  Robert  Cantrell,  the  seventh 
son,  was  educated  in  the  pioneer  schoolhouse  and  in  the  Fulton  Literary  Academy  at 
Smithville,  Tenn.  After  his  father’s  death  Robert  looked  after  the  interests  of  the  farm 
and  cared  for  his  mother.  December  23,  1846,  he  and  Martha  Magness  were  married. 
She  is  a daughter  of  Perry  and  Mary  Magness,  and  was  born  December  15,  1831.  They 
have  eight  children  living : Mary  J.,  Kate,  Harriet  P.,  William  M.,  Robert,  Bailey,  Min- 
nie and  Mattie..  He  worked  on  a farm  until  twenty-one  years  old,  for  some  time  as  clerk 
in  a store  and  afterward  became  interested  in  the  dry  goods  business.  About  1848  he 
abandoned  this  and  began  studying  law.  February  9,  1849,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar, 
and  is  now  one  of  the  leading  lawyers  of  Wilson  County.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany F,  Twenty-third  Regiment  Infantry,  and  was  chosen  captain  of  his  company,  and 
was  afterward  elected  lieutenant-colonel  and  in  1862  was  tendered  the  position  of  colonel, 
and  was  assured  he  would  have  no  opposition  in  case  he  became  a candidate,  but  declined 
on  account  of  ill  health.  He  assisted  in  collecting  stores  for  the  quartermaster  and 
commissary  departments.  He  was  captured  by  a scouting  party  in  1863,  but  was  soon 
after  paroled.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  a resident  of  Lebanon.  In  1858  he  was 
elected  to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature  and  in  1860  was  nominated  for 
the  Legislature  again,  but  having  no  desire  to  enter  into  politics  declined  the  race. 
In  1878  he  was  elected  to  his  present  position.  He  is  a prominent  and  popu! ar  judge 
and  to-day  stands  at  the  head  of  his  profession.  He  is  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a zealous  temperance  worker 
and  has  been  ever  since  1848,  and  says  he  will  continue  the  war  on  whisky  as  long  as  it 
continues  to  produce  crime,  causes  murders,  makes  widows  and  orphans,  fills  jails  and 
alms  houses  and  causes  our  helpless  women  and  children  to  cry  for  help  as  against  their 
oppressors — men  who  ought  to  aid  as  husband,  parent  and  friend. 

JOHN  D.  CARSON  is  one  of  seven  children  of  James  and  Lucinda  (Dalton)  Carson, 
and  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1826.  James  Carson  was  of  Irish  descent  andr 
a North  Carolinian  by  birth.  He  was  brought  to  Tennessee  by  his  parents  when  an  in- 
fant and  was  a resident  of  Sumner  County  at  the  time  of  his  marriage.  He  came  to  Wil- 
son County  in  1835  and  became  the  possessor  of  230  acres  near  Lebanon.  He  died  in  1875. 
The  mother  was  born  in  Virginia  and  died  in  1852.  Our  subject  made  his  home  with  his 
parents  until  twenty-six  years  old  and  February  4,  1852,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Nancy 
C.  Johnson,  born  in  1835,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Johnson.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Carson  were  born  the  following  children:  Cornelia  (wife  of  R.  M.  Williams),  Alice,  Kit, 
Bell,  Laura  (wife  of  William  King),  Ida,  Dora  and  Walter.  Mr.  Carson  possesses  377' 


1084 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


■acres  of  land  in  Wilson  County.  In  1844  lie  had  a stroke  of  paralysis,  which  has  unfitted 
him  for  manual  labor,  and  although  in  good  health  is  obliged  to  walk  with  the  aid  of 
•canes.  He  takes  but  little  interest  in  politics  and  has  not  voted  for  a presidential  candi- 
date since  1860.  Both  husband  and  wife  belong  to  the  Christian  Church. 

MAJ.  SAMUEL  A.  CARTER  (deceased)  was  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of 
Lebanon,  Tenu.  He  was  born  February  29,  1832,  in  Wilson  County,  being  one  of  eight 
•children  of  William  W.  and  Isabella  (Roane)  Carter.  Maj.  William  W.  Carter  was  born 
in  Culpepper  County,  Va.,  in  1798,  and  when  quite  young  moved  with  his  parents  to  Ken- 
tucky, and  at  a later  period  moved  to  Tennessee,  where  he  engaged  in  various  pursuits, 
dealing  extensively  in  tobacco,  built  and  owned  two  large  flouring-mills:  one  at  Lebanon, 
Wilson  County,  and  the  other  in  the  city  of  Nashville.  He  also  dealt  extensively  in  real 
estate,  owning  some  of  the  largest  and  best  farms  in  the  county;  notably  the  celebrated 
Big  Springs  farm,  containing  1,000  acres,  lying  seven  miles  east  of  Lebanon,  and  what  is 
now  known  as  the  Grigby  farm,  containing  1,000  acres,  three  miles  from  Lebanon.  Mr. 
Carter  was  noted  for  his  honesty  and  fairness  in  all  his  dealings,  and  his  word  was  always 
considered  as  good  as  his  bond,  and  with  his  great  energy  and  good  financiering  he  accu- 
mulated a handsome  fortune.  He  was  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
for  a number  of  years,  and  died  at  his  home  near  Lebanon  in  1877  at  the  ripe  old  age  of 
seventy-nine.  Isabella  (Roanel  Carter,  mother  of  our  subject,  was  of  a distinguished 
family  of  this  State.  Two  of  her  brothers,  Samuel  and  John  Roane,  were  governors  of 
Arkansas.  She  was  also  a niece  of  Gov.  Roane,  of  Tennessee.  She  died  at  the  old  home- 
stead near  Lebanon  in  1883.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Lebanon,  and 
July  4,  1876,  was  married  to  Miss  Jennie  Jackson,  daughter  of  Thomas  R.  and  Elizabeth 
Jackson,  who  were  born  in  1804  and  1814  in  North  Carolina  and  Missouri  respectively. 
Mr.  Jackson  died  May  6,  1883.  Mrs.  Carter  was  born  March  22,  1853.  She  and  husband 
became  the  parents  of  four  children:  Estelle,  Willie  W.,  Inez  and  Sammie.  Maj.  Carter 
lived  all  his  life  in  and  around  Lebanon,  and  was  closely  connected  with  some  of  the 
town’s  principal  business  interests  for  years,  and  by  his  industry  and  fine  business  capacity 
acquired  a considerable  estate,  and  at  his  death  was  a large  stockholder  in  the  Second 
National  Bank  of  Lebanon.  In  1858  he  and  J.  A.  Lester  established  a family  grocery, 
which  they  conducted  three  years.  He  was  also  a member  of  the  tobacco  firm  of  Carter 
<&  Lester.  In  1861  Maj.  Carter  enlisted  a large  company  of  volunteers  in  Wilson  County 
for  the  Confederate  Army,  and  was  elected  their  captain,  and  when  the  Forty-fifth  Ten- 
nessee Regiment  was  organized  he  was  elected  major  of  the  regiment.  After  his  father’s 
death  he  settled  on  his  farm  of  220  acres  near  Lebanon,  and  there  died  March  27,  1884. 
His  widow  and  her  mother  have  since  lived  on  the  home  farm.  Maj.  Carter  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  as  is  his  wife. 

JOHN  L.  CASTLEMAN,  farmer,  was  born  January  15,  1838,  near  his  present  home. 
He  is  the  son  of  Robert  and  Artimenta  (Reed)  Castleman.  The  father  is  of  Welsh  descent, 
born  1814  in  Wilson  County,  and  was  a tiller  of  the  soil.  His  father,  Jacob  Castleman, 
was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  about  1800.  He  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  Robert  lived  in  his  native  county  at  the  time  of  his  marriage, 
which  occurred  in  1834.  He  settled  five  miles  from  Lebanon  on  the  Murfreesboro  Pike  and 
bought  150  acres,  and  here  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  one  of  Wilson  County’s  old  citi- 
zens. He  believed  that  a rolling  stone  gathers  no  moss,  as  he  has  never  lived  more  than 
one  mile  from  his  birth-place,  and  never  been  farther  than  Nashville  from  home.  The 
mother  was  boru  1810  in  Wilson  County,  and  died  September  2,  1885.  They  had  three 
children,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  county  schools 
of  his  native  county,  and  in  addition  he  attended  the  Cumberland  University  of  Lebanon 
for  one  year.  In  1859  he  wedded  Sarah  J.  Holloway,  daughter  of  Ezekiel  Holloway. 
Mrs.  Castleman  was  born  1837  in  Wilson  County,  and  by  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Castleman 
became  the  mother  of  three  children:  JefL.,  Edward  and  Val.  Mr.  Castleman  bought 
140  acres  near  his  old  home  place,  where  he  has  since  resided.  The  Castleman  family  do 
not  possess  the  disposition  to  be  dissatisfied.  They  are  content  to  live  in  Wilson  County. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1085 


In  politics  our  subject  is  a Democrat.  In  1861  be  enlisted  in  Company  A,  First  Tennessee 
Regiment,  but  was  soon  changed  to  the  Thirty-eighth  Tennessee.  He  took  an  active 
part  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Murfreesboro,  Corinth,  and  numerous  minor  engagements. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

J.  P.  CAWTHON  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  September  27, 
1817,  and  is  one  of  three  children  of  Thomas  F.  and  Susan  (Daniel)  Cawthon.  The 
father  was  born  in  Prince  Edward’s  County,  Va.,  August  31, 1792,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
in  1808.  He  was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  died  in  June,  1873.  The  mother  was  born 
in  1794,  and  died  in  March,  1874.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District  of 
Wilson  County,  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  country  schools.  After  attaining  his 
majority  he  began  learning  the  saddlery  business,  which  he  mastered  in  four  years’  time. 
December  3,  1840,  he  was  united  in  matrimony  to  Ann  (Robbins)  Cawthon,  who  was  born 
March  15,  1827,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Ruth  Robbins.  Mr.  Cawthon  resided  for  some 
time  at  Mount  Juliet,  Tenn.,  and  in  1850  purchased  100  acres  of  land,  which  he  has  since 
increased  to  220  acres.  Since  1857  he  has  held  the  office  of  squire  and  has  given  good  sat- 
isfaction. Mr.  Cawthon  has  eight  children:  Lunsford  Polk,  Allie,  William  H.,  Sue  W., 
James  Edward,  Thomas  Preston,  Mary  A.  and  Emma  Lee.  Mr.  Cawthon  supports  Dem- 
ocratic principles,  and  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  Church. 

J.  D.  CHAMBERS,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  Sep- 
tember 17,  1844,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Edna  (Johnson)  Chambers.  The  father  was  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1806,  and  followed  agri- 
cultural pursuits  the  principal  part  of  his  life.  He  never  left  his  native  county,  and  died 
there  in  1865.  The  mother  was  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in 
1812,  and  died  in  Wilson  County,  of  that  State,  in  1878.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was 
reared  at  home,  and  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county.  After  the  death 
of  his  father  he  took  charge  of  the  estate  which  he  superintended,  with  the  assistance  of 
his  brothers,  for  about  ten  years.  In  1874  he  was  married  to  Woody,  daughter  of  John 
and  Mary  Miller.  Mrs.  Chambers  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  December  19, 1849. 
In  1867  he  bought  forty -five  acres  of  land  in  Wilson  County,  where  he  commenced  farm- 
ing on  his  own  responsibility,  and  is  now  the  owner  of  243  acres  of  land,  all  lying  in  Wil- 
son County,  Tenn.,  where  he  is  at  present  living.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

H.  A.  CHAMBERS,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  December  23,  1841, 
and  is  a son  of  John  and  Edna  (Johnson)  Chambers  (for  sketch  of  parents  see  biography 
of  J.  D.  Chambers).  Our  subject  assisted  in  agricultural  pursuits  on  the  farm  and  at- 
tended the  county  schools.  September  18,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Twenty- 
eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  bat- 
tles of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga  and  many  other  minor  engagements.  At  the  close  of  the 
war  he  returned  home,  and  in  1866  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Marcia  Holman,  a native 
of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  August  20,  1844,  a daughter  of  William  S.  and  Sophia  A. 
Holman.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight  children:  Lelia,  Eugene,  Pearl,  Hor- 
tense,  Daisy,  Sophia,  Pauline  and  Bessie.  In  1867  he  purchased  165  acres  of  land  in  Wil- 
son County,  where  he  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  now  possesses  and  controls 
about  400  acres  of  land  in  the  Fifth  District.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member 
of  the  Christian  Church. 

D.  D.  CLAYTON,  an  energetic  farmer  of  Wilson  County,  was  born  in  Macon  Coun- 
ty, Tenn..  in  1827,  and  is  one  of  five  children  born  to  John  and  Phoeebe  (Hogg)  Clayton. 
The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  was  a tiller  of  the  soil;  he  died  in  1830.  The 
mother  was  born  in  Tennessee  and  died  in  Wilson  County  July  8,  1848.  Our  subject 
passed  his  early  life  on  the  farm,  and  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county. 
In  1866  he  was  married  to  Ann  E. , daughter  of  A.  and  E.  Kirkpatrick.  Mrs.  Clayton  was 
born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1831,  and  the  fruit  of  her  union  with  Mr.  Clayton  was 


68 


1086 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


one  child — Alexander  A.  Mr.  Clayton  is  a man  of  energy  and  perseverance,  and  is  quite 
a successful  farmer.  He  is  the  present  owner  of  100  acres  of  land  lying  in  the  Fourth 
District,  where  he  is  at  present  living.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

LEMUEL  N.  M.  COOK,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  August  15,  1815, 
and  is  a son  of  Green  and  Mary  A.  (Nicholson)  Cook,  North  Carolinians,  born  in  1788  and 
1787,  and  died  in  1875  and  1853,  respectively.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  was  married  in  1814.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  Our  subject  attended  the 
common  schools,  and  his  medical  education  was  obtained  in  the  Medical  College  of  Lou- 
isville, Ky.,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1838.  He  was  married,  April  16,  1845, 
to  Alvira  Lassiter,  daughter  of  Enos  Lassiter.  She  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1823  and 
died  February  26,  1883,  leaving' eight  children:  E.  K.  (elsewhere  written),  Chloe  N.  (wife 
of  Prof.  Kennedy),  Seluria  (wife  of  J.  P.  Bashaw),  Joseph  L.,  Ella  (wife  of  Prof.  B.  M. 
Mace),  Mary,  William  and  Emma  (wife  of  H.  L.  Pickett).  In  1876  Dr.  Cook  was  elected 
trustee'of  Wilson  County,  and  served  in  that  capacity  four  successive  terms,  returning  to 
his  home  in  1884.  He  is  an  old  and  highly  esteemed  citizen,  and  is  a supporter  of  Demo- 
cratic principles.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  and  also  of  the  K.  of  P.  lodge,  No. 
20,  of  Lebanon,  and  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  He  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

CHARLES  H.  COOK,  farmer,  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  March  29,  1826, 
and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  James  II.  and  Jane  (Hope)  Cook.  The  father  was  born 
in  North  Carolina  in  1779,  and  was  of  English-German  lineage.  He  was  a mechanic  by 
trade,  and  was  elected  constable  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  several  years.  He  was 
also  magistrate,  and  held  that  office  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1844. 
The  mother  was  born  in  1800  and  was  of  English  lineage;  she  died  in  1866.  Our  subject 
was  reared  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  learned  the  plasterer’s  trade,  which  he  fol- 
lowed successfully  for  twenty  years.  In  1850  he  wedded  Rachel  A.  Carver,  who  was  born 
in  June,  1824,  and  who  is  the  daughter  of  Isaac  Carver.  Our  subject  has  been  engaged 
in  the  shoe  business,  the  blacksmithing  and  wheelwrighting  and  the  saw  and  grist-mill 
business  since  1861.  In  1865  he  wedded  Cleopatra  Ozment,  who  was  born  August  5,  1834, 
and  is  the  daughter  of  James  H.  and  Martha  Ozment.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of 
these  children:  Mary  J.,  Seleta  Ann,  Zuella  S.,  James  E.,  Martha  L.,  Oliver  C.  K.,  Eva- 
lena,  Green  G.  and  D.  Lillian.  Mr.  Cook  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church;  he  is  also  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  In  1875-76 
he  was  elected  constable,  and  filled  that  office  in  an  able  and  satisfactory  manner. 

DAVID  COOK  was  born  in  Rhode  Island  in  1795,  and  died  June  17,  1878.  He  was 
educated  in  Newport,  R.  I.,  Com.,  Perry  being  his  schoolmate.  He  was  quite  a 
mechanical  genius,  and  after  serving  an  apprenticeship  in  a machine  shop  became  a work- 
man of  superior  ability  and  was  made  foreman  in  large  factories  in  Lowell.  In  1841  he 
came  to  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  to  take  charge  of  a cotton  factory,  and  the  following  year  seDt 
for  his  wife  (formerly  Mary  Colburn)  and  family.  He  worked  at  several  occupations 
through  life,  and  was  a.  resident  of  Lebanon  for  thirty-eight  years,  being  one  of  the  sub- 
stantial and  influential  citizens  of  the  town.  This  tribute  to  his  memory  -was  proclaimed 
by  the  mayor  of  the  city  at  his  death:  “To  the  citizens  of  Lebanon — Death  has  been 
among  us;  he  has  taken  the  oldest  of  our  numbers.  David  Cook  is  no  more.  His  clear, 
sound  judgment;  his  moral,  upright  walk;  his  active,  industrious  life;  his  manly,  Christian 
bearing,  all  call  for  our  respect  and  admiration.  For  more  than  forty  years  he  has  gone 
in  and  come  out  before  this  community,  and  we  can  all  bear  witness  to  his  many  virtues. 
It  is  exceeding  appropriate  that  we  should  show  our  esteem  for  such  a life.  I therefore 
request  that  all  the  business  houses  of  the  city  be  closed  from  12  to  4 P.  M.  as  a mark  of 
respect  to  the  deceased.  E.  E.  Beard,  mayor.”  He  was  a strong  adherent  of  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  and  was  highly  honored  by  that  order.  Besides  having  filled  all  the 
chairs  of  the  Blue  Lodge,  Chapter,  Council  and  Commandery,  he  officiated  as  Deputy 
Grand  High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  and  Deputy  Grand  Commander  of 
the  Grand  Commandery.  He  was  one  of  Tennessee’s  brightest  Masons,  ancl  before  the 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1081 


time  of  his  death  was  said  to  have  been  the  oldest  living  Sir  Knight  in  Tennessee.  His 
wife  was  a sister  of  Warren  Colburn,  the  author  of  Colburn’s  Arithmetic,  which  is  widely 
known'throughout  the  United  States. 

CLARK  COOK,  farmer,  of  the  Third  District,  was  born  in  Lowell,  Mass.,  November, 
1832,  He  is  the  son  of  David  and  Mary  (Colburn)  Cook.  [For  further  particulars  of 
parents  see  sketch  of  Julia  A.  Jones,  of  the  Tenth  District.]  Our  subject  came  to  Wil- 
son County  with  his  parents  in  1841,  and  received  his  education  in  the  Cumberland  Uni- 
versity. In  1856  he  commenced  clerking  in  a dry  goods  store  in  Lebanon.  In  1858  he 
went  to  South  Carolina,  and  from  there  to  Alabama,  where  he  began  buying  and  selling 
carriages.  During  the  four  years  of  the  war  he  was  a traveling  druggist  dealing  out 
medicine  to  the  soldiers.  In  1864  he  clerked  in  a drug  store  in  the  city  of  New  York.  The 
following  year  he  came  to  Nashville  and  clerked  for  his  brother.  The  same  year  he  and 
Mr.  McCarty  established  a dry  goods  and  grocery  store  in  Lebanon,  the  first  goods  brought 
to  the  town  after  the  war.  In  1870  he  went  to  Missouri  and  kept  a first-class  restaurant 
for  eighteen  months.  In  1873  he  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  bought  125  acres  in  the 
Third  District  and  began  farming,  which  he  has  continued  nearly  ever  since.  January 
7,  1869,  he  married  Alice  Smith,  a native  of  Canal  Dover,  Tuscarawas  Co.,  Ohio,  born 
March  27,  1854,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Annie  Smith.  To  our  subject  and  wife 
were  born  four  children:  George,  Harry,  David  and  Mary.  Mr.  Cook  is  a man  of  good 
moral  character,  and  a useful  and  enterprising  citizen. 

E.  K.  COOK,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  March  3,  1846,  and  is  one  of 
eight  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  L.  N.  M.  Cook  and  Alvira  Lassiter.  (See  sketch  of 
L.  N.  M.  Cook).  Our  subject  was  educated  in  his  native  county,  and  resided  under  the 
paternal  roof  until  he  was  twenty-six  years  of  age.  In  1863  he  enlisted  in  Company  B, 
Fourth  Tennessee,  Confederate  States  Army,  Cavalry,  and  was  with  Jeff  Davis  in  Georgia 
when  the  forces  were  surrendered.  He  was  in  all  the  principal  engagements  with  Sher- 
man on  his  march  to  the  sea.  June  9.  1880,  Mr.  Cook  wedded  Susan,  daughter  of  Samuel 
and  Martha  Young.  She  was  born  March  11,  1864,  and  has  borne  her  husband  two  chil- 
dren: Bashie  and  Mamie.  Mr.  Cook  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  a member  of  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

M.  W.  COWEN,  M.  D.,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County  Tenn.,  March  7, 1828,  and 
is  one  of  seven  children  born  to  James  and  Nancy  (Walker)  Cowen.  The  father  was  born 
in  Wilson  County  Tenn.,  in  1800,  and  was  living  in  that  county  at  the  time  of  his  marriage 
and  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer  during  his  entire  existence.  He  died  in  his  na- 
tive county  August,  1838.  The  mother  was  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1806,  and  died  in 
that  county  in  1847.  Our  subject  passed  his  early  life  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  attend- 
ing the  schools  of  the  county.  Later  he  graduated  from  the  medical  department  of  the 
University  of  New  York.  Having  received  his  first  course  of  lectures  from  the  University 
of  Louisville,  Ky.  In  1851  he  was  married  to  Adeline,  daughter  of  B . and  M.  F.  Hill. 
Mrs.  Cowen  was  born  in  Wilson  County  Tenn.,  October  12,  1828,  and  by  her  union  with 
Dr.  Cowen  became  the  mother  of  an  interesting  family  of  six  children:  Julius  E.,  James 
B.,  George  W.,  Matthew  W.,  Albert  B.  and  John  W.  In  1847  Mr.  Cowen  came  in  posses- 
sion of  sixty-six  acres  of  land  and  in  1851  he  bought  150  acres  more,  in  Wilson  County  and 
began  farming  for  himself.  He  has  added  from  time  to  time  and  is  at  present  the  owner 
of  over  400  acres  of  land,  all  lying  in  the  Fourth  District,  where  he  is  at  present  living  and 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  is  a Democrat,  a member  of  the  Christian  Church, 
and  a successful  practitioner  of  this  county. 

J.  P.  COX,  undertaker,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  August  15,  1834,in  Wilson  County, 
son  of  Andrew  and  Sarah  A.  (Palmer)  Cox,  born  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  in  1800  and 
1804,  respectively.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  when  ten  years  old  with  his  parents, 
and  became  a prosperous  farmer  of  Wilson  County.  He  died  in  1856  and  the  mother  in 
1876.  After  her  husband’s  death  she  married  W.  A.  Robinson.  Our  subject  was  educated 
in  the  common  schools  and  in  1856  married  Maria  Freeman,  daughter  of  Josiah  Freeman. 
She  was  born  November  4,  1837.  Mr.  Cox  was  operating  a carriage  factory  at  the  break- 


1088 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


mg  out  of  the  war,  and  in  November,  1861,  enlisted  in  the  Fourth  Regiment,  Tennessee 
Cavalry,  and  participated  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  war.  He  was  captured  at 
Lebanon  in  1864  and  was  kept  a prisoner  at  Nashville  until  the  fall  of  Richmond.  In  1865 
he  lost  his  wife,  and  April  16,  1871,  he  married  Jackie  Maud  Wright,  daughter  of  James 
Wright,  who  was  born  in  1815.  She  was  born  December  19,  1854,  in  Arkansas;  They  have 
four  children:  Edgar  E..  Beulah  M.,  W.  Andrew  and  Fannie  O.  In  1869  Mr.  Cox  engaged 
in  photography,  traveling  in  Tennessee,  Alabama,  Georgia  and  Kentucky.  In  March, 
1882,  he  engaged  in  his  present  business.  He  is  a Democrat  and  in  1875  he  was  elected 
city  marshal,  holding  the  office  eight  years.  He  is  a Knight  of  Pythias  and  his  wife  be- 
longs to  the  Christian  Church. 

W.  T.  CRAGWALL,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  August  21, 1847,  and 
is  one  of  nine  children  born  to  William  J.  and  Ellen  B.  (Harris)  Cragwall.  The  father 
was  of  English  extraction,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  April  21,  1807.  He  came  to  Tenn- 
essee in  1835  and  bought  about  100  acres  of  land  and  began  tilling  the  soil.  He  is 
at  present  living  in  Wilson  County,  and  is  still  engaged  in  farming.  The  mother  was 
born  in  Hanover  County,  Va.,  March  2,  1811,  and  died  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  July 
15,  1861.  Our  subject  passed  his  youthful  days  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  getting  a 
fair  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county  and  at  White  Creek  Spring  in  Davidson  County, 
Tenn.  In  1875  he  married  Sally  Welkisen,  anative  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  Marcji 
4',  1858,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Isaac  J.  and  Elizabeth  J.  Welkisen.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Cragwall  were  born  four  children : Albert  O.,  Tepuple  O.,  James  W.  and  Willie  C.  In 
1873  our  subject  bought  231  acres  of  land  in  the  Fifth  District  where  he  is  at  present  liv- 
ing. He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a worthy  member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JAMES  A.  CURD  is  a native  of  Prince  Edward’s  County,  Va.,  born  in  September, 
1809,  and  is  one  of  twelve  children  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Lumpkin)  Curd.  The  father  was 
a Virginian  by  birth,  born  in  1761,  and  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1818,  where  he 
settled  and  became  the  possessor  of  800  acres  of  land.  He  died  in  1821.  The  mother  was 
Born  in  1775  in  Virginia,  and  died  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1835.  James  A.  Curd  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Susan  Everett,  November  18,  1833.  She  was  born  in  Wilson  County, 
July  4,  1809,  and  is  a daughter  of  John  Everett.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  Curd  began  to  till 
the  soil  for  himself,  and  by  his  energy  and  industry  accumulated  about  600  acres  of  good 
land,  where  he  and  wife  now  live.  To  them  were  born  the  following  children:  John,  Eliza 
and  Emma.  Mr.  Curd  is  a prominent  farmer  of  the  county,  and  favors  and  supports  Dem- 
ocratic principles.  He  and  Mrs.  Curd  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

J.  N.  CURD,  M.  D.,  of  Mount  Juliet,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in 
1834,  and  is  a son  of  William  and  Susan  (Davis)  Curd,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia 
and  Tennessee.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  period  and  during  his  lifetime 
he  followedDthe  occupation  of  farming,  owning  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1842,  about 
420  acres  of  land.  After  her  husband’s  death  the  mother,  who  was  born  in  1814,  resid- 
ed on  the  home  place  with  her  children  and  added  200  acres  to  their  already  extensive 
farm.  She  died  in  June,  1870.  Our  subject  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools 
of  his  native  county  and  in  addition  attended  the  Union  University  of  Murfreesboro, Tenn. • 
for  one  year.  At  the  age  of  twenty-five  he  began  studying  medicine  under  A.  J.  Winter. 
In  1860  he  attended  the  medical  department  of  the  Nashville  University,  remaining  until 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Hardy  Brett’s  company  of  the  Forty- 
fifth  Regular  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  capacity  of  hospital  steward  and  as- 
sistant surgeon.  He  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  war  and  numerous  skir- 
mishes. He  returned  home  May  20,  1865,  and  resumed  his  practice.  In  1866  he  returned 
to  the  University  of  Nashville,  from  which  he  graduated  as  an  M.  D.  in  March,  1867.  He 
has  a thorough  knowledge  of  his  profession  and  has  met  with  good  success.  Owing  to 
ill  health  he  has  farmed  principally  for  the  last  eleven  years  and  is  the  possessor  of  469 
acres  of  land.  In  May,  1869,  he  wedded  Ella  Winter,  daughter  of  Dr.  A.  J.  Winter.  She 
was  born  in  1849  and  became  the  mother  of  live  children:  Gela,  William  E.,  Elmer,  Edgar 
and  May.  Dr.  Curd  is  a Democrat  and  was  formerly  a Whig,  casting  his  first  presiden- 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


108§ 


tial  vote  for  Gen.  Scott.  He  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church  and  his  wife  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  being 
a Master  Mason. 

W.  P.  DAVIS  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  August  19,  1833,  and  is  one  of 
seven  children  of  I.  F.  and  Sarah  E.  (Curd)  Davis.  The  father  was  a native  of  Virginia, 
born  in  1800.  He  was  brought  to  Tennessee  when  only  four  years  old,  and  afterward  be- 
came a prosperous  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  owning  1,500  acres  of  land  at  his  death  Janu- 
ary 20,  1880.  The  mother  was  a native  of  the  same  State  as  her  husband,  born  Novem- 
ber 10,  1802,  and  is  yet  living  in  Wilson  County  with  her  son,  R.  T.  Davis.  Our  subject 
was  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  the  Union  University  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenm 
October  25,  1855,  he  was  married  to  Margaret  Elizabeth  (Lindsey)  Davis,  born  in  1834,  and 
daughter  of  Lewis  Lindsey.  Mr.  Davis  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war  and  served  as  quar- 
termaster until  its  close.  He  returned  home  and  farmed  one  year,  and  then  went  to  Colum- 
bus; Ga.,  and  was  engaged  in  the  livery  business  for  sis  years.  He  then  returned  to  Wil- 
son County,  where  he  manages  his  farm  of  425  acres.  He  and  wife  have  five  children : &. 
E.,  Mattie  A.,  Ella  B.,  James  L.  and  A.  T.  Mr.  Davis  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  family 
are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

R.  T.  DAVIS  may  be  mentioned  as  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.;  was  born  April  18,  1843,  and  is  one  of  five  children  of  I.  F.  and  Sarah 
(Curd)  Davis.  (For  parent’s  history  see  sketch  of  W.  P.  Davis.)  R.  T.  Davis  was  reared 
to  manhood  on  a farm  in  the  Second  District  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  there  re- 
ceived his  education.  In  1867  he  became  a tiller  of  the  soil  on  his  own  responsibility,  and 
on  the  14th  day  of  July,  1870,  the  nuptials  of  his  marriage  with  Alice  Reynolds  was  cele- 
brated. She  was  born  in  Cumberland  County,  Va.,  July  25,  1844,  and  is  a daughter  of 
Obadiah  Reynolds.  She  died  October  5,  1875,  and  Mr.  Davis  took  for  his  second  wife 
Miss  Rachel  J.  Winter,  who  was  born  January  10,  1854,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn. .daugh- 
ter of  Dr.  Winter.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  were  born  these  children:  Ovie  W.,  Alice  R. 
and  Nora  E.  Our  subject  is  the  owner  of  about  650  acres  of  fertile  land,  and  is  doing 
well  financially.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church, 
His  wife  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

I.  J.  DODSON,  merchant,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  July  3,  1853,  in  Wilscn 
County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  four  children  of  Isaac  J.  and  Levina  (Edwards)  Dodson. 
The  father  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  but  was  a resident  of  Wilson  Count3r  at  the 
time  of  his  marriage.  He  was  twice  married  and  the  father  of  eight  children.  He  died 
in  1853.  His  widow  married  S.  T.  Nix,  with  whom  she  lived  until  her  death  in  1883.  Our 
subject  was  left  without  a father  at  the  age  of  one  month.  His  education  was  obtained  in 
Lawrence  College,  De  Kalb  County,  Tenn.,  and  Cumberland  University,  Lebanon. 
November  17,  1874,  he  married  Sailie  Cox,  daughter  of  T.  J.  Cox.  She  was  born  Sep- 
tember 8,  1857,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  children:  Tommie,  Sailie  L.,  Maggie,  Harry  and 
Isaac  J.  From  1871  to  1873  Mr.  Dodson  was  salesman  for  Fondill  & Bennett,  grocers,  of 
Lebanon,  and  he  then  engaged  in  the  business  on  his  own  responsibility.  A year  later  he 
sold  out,  and  he  and  his  father-in-law  formed  a partnership  in  the  hardware  business, 
the  firm  being  known  as  Dodson  & Cox.  Later  they  disposed  of  their  stock,  and  Mr. 
Dodson  purchased  400  acres  of  land  and  began  tilling  the  soil.  In  1879  he  sold  out  and 
returned  to  Lebanon,  and  with  John  W.  Price  started  a hardware  store,  and  later  became 
connected  with  J.  T.  McClain  in  business,  and  the  firm  was  later  known  as  McClain  Bros. 
& Co.  They  have  about  $30,000  stock,  and  are  doing  an  extensive  business.  Mr.  Dodson 
is  a man  of  fine  business  capacity,  and  in  politics  is  a Democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the 
K.  of  P.  and  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  His  wife  is  a Baptist 

G.  T.  DODSON,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  was  born  Jan- 
uary 29,  1835,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  I.  J.  and  Geta- 
via  (Ballard)  Dodson.  The  father  was  born  in  1808  in  Tennessee,  and  w a*  of  Scotch- Irish 
extraction.  He  was  married  in  1829,  and  in  1850  moved  to  Wilson  County  and  tilled  the 
soil  until  his  death,  which  occurred  August  5,  1853.  The  mother  was  born  in  1813,  in  Wil- 


1090 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


son  County,  and  was  the  daughter  of  George  Ballard.  Her  death  occurred  in  1842.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  and  received  the  rudiments 
of  his  education  in  the  country  schools  and  subsequently  attended  college  three  terms. 
He  soon  purchased  180  acres  of  land  in  the  Eleventh  District,  and  May  12,  1857,  he  wedded 
Sarah  J.  Edwards,  daughter  of  James  Edwards.  Mrs.  Dodson  died  October  5,  1871,  and 
April  7,  1881,  he  was  married  to  Maggie  A.  Eatherly.  Mr.  Dodson  is  the  father  of  two 
children:  Stonewall  Jackson,  born  May  21,  1866  (who  has  received  a thorough  English 
education,  and  will  take  a collegiate  course,  and  will  then  study  law),  and  Kate,  who  was 
horn  September  13,  1883.  In  1861  our  subject  volunteered  in  the  Confederate  service,  and 
was  elected  captain  of  the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  (under  Col.  J.  S.  Fulton).  He  was 
in  the  battles  of  Shiloh  and  Murfreesboro,  received  a gun-shot  wound,  and  was  captured 
and  taken  to  Fort  Delaware,  where  he  remained  for  six  months,  when  he  was  exchanged 
at  Petersburg,  Va.  He  came  back,  enlisted  again,  was  at  Richmond,  Petersburg  and 
Knoxville,  and  was  with  Lee  at  Appomattox  Court  House  at  the  time  of  the  surrender. 
He  then  returned  home  and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics  and  a good  man. 

WILLIAM  W.  DONNELL,  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Courts  of  Wilson  county,  Tenn., 
was  born  October  25, 1850,  and  is  one  of  twelve  children  born  to  Robert  P.  and  Cleopatra 
(Hearn)  Donnell.  The  father  was  bf  Scotch-Irish  descent,  born  in  Virginia,  and  came  to 
Tennessee  in  his  youth.  He  was  a farmer  and  owned  about  200  acres  of  land.  He  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  county,  and  died  in  March,  1862.  The  mother  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  and  after  the  death  of  her  husband  made  her  home  with  our  subject.  She 
died  in  1876.  When  William  W.  was  but  twelve  years  old  his  father  died.  His  elder 
brother  being  in  the  army  the  burden  of  supporting  the  family  fell  upon  William.  He 
has  only  attended  school  about  fifteen  months,  but  in  spite  of  this  disadvantage  he  has  a 
good,  practical  business  education,  acquired  through  study  and  early  contact  with  busi- 
ness life.  He' early  began  speculating  in  stock,  and  when  eighteen  years  of  age  hired  out 
as  a clerk  in  the  general  merchandise  store  of  C.  C.  Hancock,  and  remained  with  him 
seven  years.  In  1870  he  purchased  Mr.  Hancock’s  entire  stock,  and  same  year  the 
building  in  which  he  did  business  caught  fire,  and  was  consumed  with  the  entire  contents. 
He  and  Marshall  Young  opened  a similar  store,  but  in  1881  disposed  of  the  stock.  A year 
later  Mr.  Donnell  was  elected  to  his  present  office  by  the  Democratic  party  for  a term  of 
four  years,  and  is  now  filling  the  duties  of  that  office  very  efficiently. 

G.  L.  DRIFOOS,  groceryman,  of  Lebanon,  was  born  August  14,  1849,  in  Nashville, 
and  is  one  of  twelve  children  of  L.  and  Eliza  (Harsh)  Drifoos.  The  father  was  born  in 
Switzerland  in  1806  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  came  to  the  United  States  and  be- 
gan his  life  as  a pack  peddler.  He  was  economical  and  persevering  and  in  a few  years 
had  accumulated  sufficient  means  to  enable  him  to  establish  a dry  goods  store,  which  he  did 
in  Harrisburg,  Penn.  After  his  marriage,  in  1838,  he  removed  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  in 
1843  came  to  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  where  he  has  been  in  the  mercantile  business  nearly  ever 
since.  Since  1870  he  has  lived  a retired  life.  The  mother  was  of  German  descent,  born 
in  Harrisburg,  Penn.,  in  1820.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  Cumberland  University  and 
Franklin  College,  Nashville.  When  about  seventeen  years  of  age  he  engaged  in  business 
with  his  father  but  in  1870  began  farming  on  326  acres  of  land  belonging  to  his  father.  In 
1883  he  purchased  his  brother  Harry’s  grocery  store,  which  he  manages  in  connection 
with  his  farming.  January  19,  1871,  he  married  Laura  Smith,  born  in  1850.  They  have 
seven  children:  Leopold,  Frank,  Alice,  Harry,  Mary  N.,  Carrie  and  Annie  Laura.  Mr. 
Drifoos  is  a Democratic  Prohibitionist  and  is  a Good  Templar  and  a member  of  the  Cum 
berland  Presbyterian  Church.  His  wife  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

JOHN  EATHERLY,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  February  3,  1821,  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a son  of  Warren  and  Peggie  (Robertson)  Eatherly,  both  natives  of 
North  Carolina.  The  father  was  born  in  1780,  followed  agricultural  pursuits,  and  was 
married  in  1805.  He  was  quite  well  off  in  this  world’s  goods,  owning  over  200  acres  of 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1091 


land  besides  a good  many  slaves.  His  death  occurred  in  1854.  The  mother  was  born 
in  1780  and  died  in  1866.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Hugh  Robertson.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  country  schools,  where  he  received 
a practical  education.  December  23,  1843,  he  wedded  Margaret  J.  Wilson,  a native  of 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  February  18,  1824,  and  the  daughter  of  John  R.  Wilson.  To 
our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eleven  children:  Nancy  C.,  John  W.,  Margaret,  Ann 
Eliza,  T.  Hugh,  Martha  E.,  Wilson  R.,  Lem  R.,  Charles  H.,  Andrew  and  Mary  F.  Mr. 
Eatherly  is  the  present  owner  of  nearly  300  acres  of  good  land  well  stocked.  He  was 
elected  constable  of  the  Second  District  from  1848  to  1851,  which  office  he  filled  in  a satis- 
factory manner.  He  was  also  elected  magistrate  and  holds  that  office  at  the  present  time. 
During  the  late  war  he  was  one  of  the  boys  in  gray  and  was  appointed  quartermaster 
under  Gov.  Harris. 

DR.  J.  C.  ESKEW,  physician  and  surgeon,  was  born  in  1840  in  Wilson  County,  and  is 
the  son  of  Dr.  Andrew  and  Matilda  (McFarland)  Eskew.  The  father  was  born  March  16, 
1811 , in  N orth  Carolina,  and  was  a physician  and  surgeon  by  profession.  His  father,  Ben- 
jamin Eskew,  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Wilson  County,  and  assisted  in  forming 
one  of  the  first  settlements  in  the  district.  Andrew  Eskew  was  married  in  1840,  and  after 
studying  medicine  for  some  time  he  took  a course  of  lectures  in  the  Transylvania  College 
at  Lexington,  Ky.  About  the  time  of  his  marriage  he  entered  upon  his  practice,  which 
he  continued  until  his  death,  which  occurred  May  6,  1854.  The  mother  was  born  August 
16,  1818,  and  died  November  27,  1854.  Our  subject  was  reared  at  home,  and  received  his 
literary  education  in  the  county  schools  and  at  Mount  Vernon  Academy.  At  the  age  of 
sixteen  he  began  teaching  and  met  with  good  success.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  com- 
menced the  study  of  medicine  under  John  Logue,  where  he  remained  for  one  year,  after 
which  he  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  from  which 
institution  he  graduated  in  1865.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Forty-fifth  Regi- 
ment Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  appointed  surgeon  in  his  regiment,  and  afterward 
commissioned  as  hospital  steward.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga,  Mis- 
sionary Ridge,  Jonesboro,  Atlanta,  Murfreesboro,  Franklin  and  others.  He  returned 
home  in  May,  1865,  and, began  practicing  medicine.  (November,  1865,  he  bought  112  acres 
in  the  Twenty-second  District,  a part  of  the  old  homestead,  where  he  has  since  lived. 
November,  1867,  he  wedded  Martha  (Rogers)  Carver,  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1845,  and 
to  them  were  born  five  children:  Alice  A.,  James  O.,  Andrew  O.,  Viola  G.  and  Lula  B. 
Mrs.  Eskew  had  one  child,  Jonas,  by  her  first  husband.  Dr.  Eskew  is  one  of  the  leading 
surgeons  of  Wilson  County,  and  bears  an  unsullied  reputation.  He  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Christian  Church. 

J.  M.  FAKES,  senior  member  of  the  boot  and  shoe  store  of  Fakes,  Taylor  & Co., 
and  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Fakes  & Co.,  dealers  in  coal  and  lumber,  was  born 
June  21,  1844,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a son  of  W.  C.  and  Elizabeth  (Moser) 
Fakes.  The  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  born  in  1816,  a farmer  by  occupation, 
and  was  married  in  1834.  The  mother  was  of  Scotch-German  descent,  born  in  1818  in 
Wilson  County,  and  she  and  her  husband  are  yet  living.  Our  subject  received  a com- 
mon education,  and  began  doing  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twelve.  He  clerked  for  some 
time  in  Lebanon,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  joined  the  Confederate  Army  in  May, 
1861,  in  Company  K,  Eighteenth  Regiment  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was  cap- 
tured at  Fort  Donelson  and  taken  to  Camp  Butler,  111.  Three  months  later  he  made 
his  escape  and  joined  Morgan’s  command.  He  afterward  joined  his  own  command,  and 
later  was  one  of  Hawkins’  scouts.  He  was  again  captured  and  taken  to  Fort  Delaware. 
June  11,  1867,  he  wedded  Rosa  A.  Gugenheim,  born  in  Nashville  in  1848.  They  have 
five  children:  Sally,  Mark,  Daisy,  Gertrude  and  Clarence.  He  has  been  engaged  in  busi- 
ness in  Lebanon  for  twenty-one  years.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic,  K.  of  H.  and  K 
of  P.  fraternities.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

COL.  O.  G.  FINLEY  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1787,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  a 
young  man,  locating  in  Lebanon  in  1807.  He  was  a son  of  Samuel  Finley,  who  was  born 


1092 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


in  the  north  of  Ireland  and  was  of  Scotch  descent.  At  what  date  he  came  to  the  United 
States  is  not  known.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Gains,  of  Kentucky  or  Virginia.  Col. 
O.  G.  Finley  wedded  Mary  Lewis  Johnson,  of  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1811,  daughter 
of  Jesse  Johnson,  of  North  Carolina,  who  was  a Revolutionary  soldier.  His  wife,  Mary 
Lewis,  was  also  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  they  came  to  Tennessee,  locating  in  Sumner 
County  at  an  early  period.  Col.  O.  G.  Finley’s  wife  died  in  1830,  leaving  the  following- 
children:  Jesse  J.,  William  M.,  John  B.  (deceased),  Foster  G.,  Sarah  A.  and  Mary  (de- 
ceased). Col.  Finley  served  in  the  Creek  war,  and  was  a member  of  the  State  Senate 
about  1812  or  1813,  when  Knoxville  was  the  capital  of  the  State.  He  was  a leather  manu- 
facturer, and  retired  to  his  farm  near  Lebanon  in  1830.  He  was  a man  of  strong  char- 
acter, reared  in  Kentucky  when  it  was  a frontier  State.  He  received  a limited  early  edu- 
cation, but  owing  to  his  fondness  for  books  and  thirst  for  knowledge  he  became  a finely 
educated  man,  and  was  pronounced  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lindsly,  president  of  the  Nashville 
University,  one  of  the  best-read  historians  in  the  State.  As  the  epitaph  on  his  tombstone 
indicates,  he  was  “an  honest  man.”  Jesse  J.,  his  eldest  son,  was  born  in  Wilson  County, 
Tenn./  November  18,  1812,  and  received  an  academic  education.  He  was  captain  of 
mounted  volunteers  in  the  Seminole  war,  and  afterward  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  1838.  He  located  in  Arkansas  in  1840,  and  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  in 
1841.  He  removed  to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  in  1842,  and  began  practicing  law.  He  was  elect- 
ed mayor  of  Memphis  in  1845,  but  a year  later  removed  to  Florida  and  was  there  elected 
to  the  State  Senate  in  1850,  and  was  appointed  candidate  for  presidential  elector  on  the 
Whig  ticket  in  1852.  He  became  judge  of  the  Western  Judicial  Circuit  of  Florida  in 
1853,  and  was  elected  to  the  same  two  terms  without  opposition.  In  1861  he  was  elected 
judge  of  the  Confederate  States  Court,  but  resigned  in  1862  and  enlisted  as  a private  in  the* 
Confederate  Army,  and  arose  to  the  rank  of.  captain,  colonel  and  brigadier-general.  In 
1871  he  located  in  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  and  in  1874  was  elected  to  the  United  States  Con- 
gress, and  re-elected  in  1876,  but  declined  to  be  a candidate  in  1878.  He  was  again  elect- 
ed in  1880,  but  is  now  practicing  law  in  Ocala,  Fla.  He  has  four  children:  Lucius, 
George,  Charles  A.  and  Maggie.  William  M.,  second  son  of  O.  G.  Finley,  was  born  in 
Lebanon,  Tenn.,  October  11,  1816;  received  an  academic  education,  and  in  1836  volun- 
teered and  served  as  private  in  the  Seminole  war.  He  returned  home  in  1837  and  began 
studying  medicine,  and  in  the  following  fall  entered  the  Cincinnati  College  of  Medicine, 
but  in  1838  removed  to  Transylvania  University  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  where  the  title  of  M. 
D.  was  conferred  upon  him  in  1839.  He  traveled  over  the  “Lone  Star  State, *’  but  in 
1840  located  in  Arkansas.  In  1842  he  was  elected  to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legis- 
lature. In  1843  he  removed  to  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  where  he  practiced  his  profession 
thirty  years.  In  1871,  owing  to  impaired  hearing,  he  gave  up  his  profession  and  pur- 
chased and  located  on  the  old  homestead.  He  was  last  married  to  Mrs.  V.  C.  (Corad) 
Boyd.  They  have  two  children:  Virgie  Lee  and  Jessie  C.  John  B.,  third  son  of  O.  G. 
Finley,  was  born  in  Lebanon  in  1820.  He  received  a practical  education,  and  early 
evinced  a fondness  for  military  tactics.  He  possessed  a splendid  physique,  and  at  the 
commencement  of  the  late  civil  war  was  made  captain  of  a corps  of  men  from  Ar- 
kansas, where  he  then  resided.  Owing  to  disease  he  was  compelled  to  resign  his  com- 
mand, and,  after  several  painful  operations,  died  at  Searcy,  Ark.,  in  1868.  He  had  taken 
the  degree  of  doctor  of  medicine,  and  ranked  high  in  the  community  where  he  practiced. 
Foster  G.,  fourth  son  of  O.  G.  Finley,  was  born  in  Lebanon  in  1822,  and  received  a fair 
English  education.  He  was  reared  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  immigrated  to  Arkansas  in 
1843.  He  soon  after  returned  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  now  resides,  and  is 
noted  for  his  generous  hospitality  and  kindness  of  heart. 

FOSTER  G.  FINLEY  may  be  mentioned  as  one  of  the  oldest  citizens  and  farmers  of 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.  He  was  born  March  22,  1822,  and  is  one  of  eight  children  of  0. 
G.  and  Mary  L.  (Johnson) Finley.  (See  Dr.  Finley’s  sketch.)  Foster  was  educated  in  the 
Campbell  Academy  at  Lebanon,  and  in  1842  married  Mary  Buckner,  who  died  the  same 
year.  In  June,  1845,  he  wedded  Almira  Taylor,  born  October  10,  1826,  daughter  of  Isaac 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1093 


and  Margaret  Taylor.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Finley  were  born  this  family:  Isaac,  Mary  (wife 
of  Louis  Peyton),  Maggie  (widow  of  Gus  Lampton),  William,  Charles  and  Obadiah.  Isaac 
has  an  orange  farm  in  Florida,  and  William  is  in  Alabama  practicing  medicine.  Mr.  Fin- 
ley spent  five  years  in  Arkansas  and  some  time  in  Florida,  but  the  greater  part  of  his  life 
has  been  spent  in  Tennessee.  In  1884  he  purchased  50  acres  of  land  in  the  Ninth  District 
where  he  yet  resides.  He  has  devoted  his  life  to  the  tilling  of  the  soil,  with  the  exception 
of  three  years'  residence  in  Nashville,  where  he  was  in  the  grocery  business  a short  time 
and  then  clerked  on  a steamer  on  the  river.  Mrs.  Finley  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South. 

ROBERT  Y.  FOSTER,  A.  M.,  D.  D.,  professor  of  exegetical  theology  and  the  Hebrew 
language  in  Cumberland  University,  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn., 
August  12,  1845,  and  is  a son  of  Rufus  H.  and  Sarah  (Spain)  Foster,  who  were  born  in 
Tennessee  in  1814  and  1818,  respectively.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject  was  John  Foster- 
who  came  from  North  Carolina  to  Tennessee  in  1796,  and  followed  the  life  of  an  agricult- 
urist. He  participated  in  the  war  for  independence,  being  a soldier  in  the  army  of  Wash" 
ington.  Rufus  H-  Foster  was  married  in  1841  and  settled  on  a portion  of  the  old  home 
place,  and  eventually  became  the  possessor  of  240  acres.  His  wife  died  in  1876,  and  he 
has  lived  with  his  son  John  and  our  subject  since  that  time.  His  children  are  John  S. 
Benjamin  S.  (the  principal  of  the  Lebanon  College  for  Young  Ladies),  Mrs.  Addie  Elling- 
ton, Mrs.  Charlotte  Brantly  and  Robert  V.,  who  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  his 
rudimentary  education  in  the  neighboring  country  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he 
entered  the  sophomore  class  of  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  graduating  as  an  A. 
B.  in  1870.  The  following  year  he  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  mathematics  in  the  Cooper 
Institute  at  Daleville,  Miss.,  which  position  he  held  four  years.  In  1875  he  returned  to 
Cumberland  University  and  graduated  from  the  theological  department  with  high  honors, 
receiving  the  degrees  of  D.  D.  and  A.  M.  The  following  year  he  entered  the  senior  class 
of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New  York  City,  and  remained  one  year,  receiving  the 
graduating  degree,  and  while  there  was  proffered  the  professorship  of  mathematics  in  the 
Waynesburg  (Penn.)  College.  He  remained  one  term  and  received  a call  to  his  first  alma 
mater  to  become  professor  of  belles  lettres  and  Hebrew,  and  entered  on  his  duties  in  the 
fall  of  1877,  occupying  the  chair  four  years.  He  was  then  tendered  his  present  position, 
which  he  has  since  filled  with  credit  to  himself  and  honor  to  the  institution.  While 
teaching  at  Waynesburg  he  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Miss  Belle  Braden,  to  whom  he 
was  married  November  7,  1882.  She  is  the  daughter  of  D.  W.  Braden,  M.  D.,  and  was 
educated  in  the  Waynesburg  College  and  at  Vassar,  and  has  traveled  in  Europe  and 
visited  the  leading  cities  of  this  country,  being  a very  intelligent  and  refined  lady.  Prof. 
Foster  is  one  of  the  leading  educators  of  the  South,  and  is  a member  of  the  Blue  Lodge 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN  H.  FREESE,  merchant  tailor,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  September  4,  1850.  His  parents  were  Wessel  and  Angelia  (Ahrens)  Freese,  the 
father  being  a forester  by  occupation  employed  by  the  Government.  They  were  born  in 
1812  and  1822,  and  died  in  1881  and  1853.  respectively.  Wessel  Freese  was  twice  married 
and  was  the  father  of  seven  children,  four  by  his  first  wife.  John  H.  Freese  was  educated 
in  the  schools  of  Hanover,  attending  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  became  an  ap- 
prentice at  the  tailor’s  trade  and  worked  as  such  two  and  a half  years.  In  1867  he 
came  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  hej  worked  at  his  trade 
until  1872,  with  the  exception  of  one  year  spent  in  Chicago.  At  the  latter  date  he  went 
to  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  remaining  two  and  a half  years  and  has  resided  in  the  followin  g 
places:  Huntsville,  Ala.,  fifteen  months;  Fayettville,  fifteen  months;  Tullahoma,  three 
years ; Nashville,  two  years,  and  in  1881  came  to  Lebanon,  where  he  has  since  re- 
resided. June  8,  1876,  he  married  Alice  Crawford,  of  Tullahoma,  Tenn.,  born  in  1858. 
They  have  two  children:  Eva  and  Katie.  Mr.  Freese  is  a skillful  tailor  and  has  built  up  a 
lucrative  trade.  He  belongs  to  the  following  fraternities:  Masonic,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  K.  of  P. 
and  K.  of  H.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 


1094 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


JESSE  H.  GLEAYES  is  a son  of  Guy  T.  and  Julia  A.  (Jennings)  Gleaves,  and  was 
born  May  6,  1859,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.  The  father  was  born  in  1814  and  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation,  and  also  followed  the  mercantile  business.  He  was  married  in 

1851  and  died  in  1867.  The  mother  was  born  in  1817  and  died  in  1885.  The  subject  of 
•our  sketch  was  reared  and  educated  in  Wilson  County.  When  only  sixteen  years  of  age 
he  began  tilling  the  soil  for  himself  and  afterward  purchased  a farm  of  thirty-five  acres 
and  is  now  a well-to-do  citizen.  On  the-28th  of  November,  1880,  his  marriage  with  Miss 
Annie  T.  Hawks  was  celebrated.  She  is  a daughter  of  Preston  and  Cassandra  Hawks. 
Our  subject  is  a highly  respected  citizen  of  the  county  in  which  he  resides,  and  a, strong 
supporter  and  believer  in  the  principles  of  Democracy.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

EUGENE  C.  GLEAVES  is  a native  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  born  March  24,  1864,  and  is 
one  of  five  children  of  James  W.  and  Emma  L.  (Stroud)  Gleaves,  natives  of  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.  They  were  married  in  1861  and  six  years  later  moved  to  Green  Hill 
Tenn.,  where  the  father  opened  a dry  goods  and  grocery  store,  continuing  until  1873, 
when  he  began  ginning  cotton.  In  1883  he  sold  his  cotton-gin  and  removed  to  Nashville, 
where  he  now  resides.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of 
Wilson  County,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  began  doing  for  himself.  He  was  married 
November  30,  1882,  to  Rosa  B.,  daughter  of  Leonard  and  Elizabeth^Lowe.  She  was  born 
March  7,  1865,  and  became  the  mother  of  two  children.  Mr.  Gleaves  has  the  reputation 
of  being  an  honest  and  trustworthy  gentleman,  and  in  politics  is  an  old  line  Democrat 
and  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  G.  T.  at  Green  Hill. 

J.  B.  GRANDSTAFF,  a thrifty  farmer  and  native  of  the  Sixteenth  District  of 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  February  17,  1831,  and  is  one  of  eight  children  of  David 
and  Margaret  (Phillips)  Grandstafl.  The  father  was  born  in  Wilson  County  about  1805, 
and  was  married  in  1828  and  immediately  began  farming.  He  died  January  1,  1852.  The 
mother  was  born  in  Wilson  County  two  years  later  than  her  husband  and  died  about 
1865.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  schools  near  home  and  remained  on  the  home 
farm  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  In  1857  he  wedded  Miss  Arsula,  daughter  of 
Stacy  and  Jane  (Anderson)  Young.  Mrs.  Grandstafl:  was  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1836. 
She  and  her  husband  became  the  parents  of  these  children:  William  D.,  Jane,  Frank, 
Mary  and  Martha.  Mr.  Grandstafl:  is  a well-to-do  farmer  and  owns  about  230  acres  of 
valuable  and  well  improved  land.  He  has  been  very  industrious  and  by  his  own  efforts 
has  accumulated  a large  amount  of  property.  He  is  conservative  in  his  political  views 
but  on  national  tickets  votes  usually  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  belongs  to  the 
Masonic  fraternity  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

WILLIAM  J.  GRANNIS,  A.  M.,  principal  of  the  preparatory  school  of  the  Cumber 
land  University,  was  born  April  24,  1823,  in  Morristown,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.  He 
was  educated  in  the  Jefferson  County  Institute  at  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  and  the  State  Nor- 
mal School  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  graduating  from  the  latter  in  1847.  He  began  his  first  work 
in  teaching  November  29,  1841,  and  afterward  followed  that  occupation  in  Chaumont,  N. 
Y.,  and  the  following  year  was  elected  principal  of  the  graded  school  at  Cape  Vincent, 
being  also  superintendent  of  the  town  schools,  which  position  he  held  four  years.  In 

1852  he  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  having  been  chosen  principal  English  teacher  of 
the  preparatory  school  of  Cumberland  University.  Owing  to  the  war  the  school  was  sus- 
pended in  1862,  and  Prof.  Grannis  was  given  a clerkship  in  the  quartermaster’s  depart- 
ment of  the  Union  Army,  stationed  at  Nashville,  holding  the  position  until  1866,  when  he 
was  appointed  as  deputy  internal  revenue  collector  of  the  Fifth  District  of  Tennessee. 
In  1873  he  resigned,  having  previously  been  elected  principal  of  the  preparatory  school  of 
Cumberland  University,  and  was  at  once  elected  to  his  former  position,  thus  forcibly  illus. 
trating  his  ability  as  an  educator  and  a disciplinarian.  Previous  to  the  war  the  degree  of 
A.  M.  was  conferred  upon  him  by  the  Cumberland  University,  which  demonstrates  how 
high  a position  he  held  in  the  estimation  of  the  faculty  and  board  of  trustees.  In 
October,  1849,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lucy  A.  Gates,  born  in  Oneida,  N.  Y.,  in 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1095 


September,  1829,  daughter  of  Eliphas  and  Lucy  Gates.  Prof,  and  Mrs.  Grannis  are  the 
parents  of  the  following  family:  Herbert  W.,  who  is  assistant  teacher  in  the  preparatory 
^school  of  the  university;  Hattie,  who  is  music  teacher  in  the  girls’  department,  and 
Henry.  Prof.  Grannis  and  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 
His  parents,  John  and  Marian  (Dunlap)  Grannis,  were  natives  of  Oneida  County  and 
Schoharie  County,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1798  and  1802,  respectively.  The  father  was  a farmer, 
nnd  always  made  “York  State  ” his  home.  He  was  married  three  times,  and  was  the 
father  of  two  children.  He  died  in  1877  and  the  mother  in  1846. 

J.  S.  GRIBBLE,  attorney  at  law,  of  Lebanon,  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Tenn.,  in 
‘October,  1834.  His  education  was  received  in  Videmour  College  and  Burrett  College,  of 
Warren  and  Yan  Buren  Counties,  respectively.  J.  S.  speculated  in  stock  for  several 
years  after  leaving ' his  parents,  and  in  1856  commenced  merchandising  in  his  native 
county,  and  continued  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  September,  1861,  he  enlisted 
in  Company  B,  Fifth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  the  same  month  was  appointed 
commissary  of  his  company,  holding  the  rank  of  captain.  He  was  captured  soon  after 
the  battle  of  Missionary  Ridge,  and  taken  to  McMinnville,  where  he  was  paroled  with  the 
condition  that  he  was  to  report  every  thirty  days.  After  the  surrender  of  the  Confeder- 
ate Army  he  returned  to  Lebanon,  and  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland 
University,  remaining  two  sessions.  In  February,  1856,  he  went  to  Woodbury,  Tenn., 
and  began  practicing  with  Judge  Robert  Cantrell,  but  in  1879  dissolved  partnership  by 
mutual  consent.  In  April  of  the  following  year  Mr.  Gribble  came  to  Lebanon.  In  1870 
he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  Cannon  County  Court,  and  held  the  office  one  year.  In 
July,  1857,  he  wedded  S.  J.  Webb,  daughter  of  B.  W.  Webb.  She  was  born  in  1836,  and 
is  the  mother  of  these  children:  Nora  (wife  of  F.  B.  Martin),  Clingman,  Gertrude  (wife 
of  J.  E.  Miller),  Hilda  (wife  of  Stokely  Black),  Robert  E.,  Power,  Cannon  and  Vida. 
Mr.  Gribble  is  an  earnest  advocate  and  safe  counselor,  and  has  arisen  to  distinction  in 
his  profession. 

J.  V.  GRIGSBY,  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  was 
born  in  Clark  County,  Ky.,  in  1826,  and  is  one  of  five  children  of  Lewis  K.  and  Fanny 
‘(Bush)  Grigsby,  natives  of  Clark  County,  Ky.,  born  in  1801  and  1804,  and  died  in  1864  and 
1849,  respectively.  They  were  married  about  1822,  and  the  father  was  a wealthy  farmer, 
owning  at  the  time  of  his  death  300  acres  of  land.  J.  V.  Grigsby  was  educated  at  Win- 
•chester,  Ky.,  and  after  the  death  of  his  mother  assumed  control  of  the  old  homestead,  of 
which  he  became  the  owner,  and  to  which  he  added  acres  until  he  owned  600  acres  of 
land.  October  16,  1867,  he  married  Mary  C.  Robinson,  daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  H.  Rob- 
inson. Mrs.  Grigsby  was  born  April  5,  1848.  They  have  six  children:  Fannie,  Mary  W., 
Thomas  R.,  Amanda  C.,  John  V.  and  Lewis  K.  In  1878  Mr.  Grigsby  sold  the  old  home 
place  and  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  purchased  618  acres  of  land.  For  the 
past  twenty  years  he  has  been  dealing  in  fine  horses,  cattle  and  mules.  His  average  price 
for  cattle  is  about  $1,000,  but  he  has  received  as  high  as  $3,000  for  one  animal.  He  is  a 
Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  church  members. 

WILLIAM  HAY  HALBERT  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  March  26, 1847,  be- 
ing the  son  of  Pleasant  and  Nancy  (Crawford)  Halbert,  both  of  whom  were  born  and  raised 
in  the  above  county.  Our  subject  was  brought  up  on  the  farm,  and  attended  college  at 
Cain  Hill,  Ark.,  for  three  years  under  Prof.  Buchanan.  In  about  1867  he  began  the  study 
of  medicine,  and  in  1872  entered  the  Eclectic  School  of  Medicine  in  Cincinnati,  and  re- 
mained until  1873,  at  which  time  he  returned  to  his  native  county  and  began  the  practice 
of  his  profession.  He  enlisted  in  the  Ninth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Confederate  Cavalry, 
and  before  he  had  reached  his  eighteenth  year  was  commissioned  color-bearer  of  the  same.. 
After  six  years  and  a half  spent  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Lincoln  County,  our  sub- 
ject removed  to  Lebanon,  Wilson  County,  in  order  to  give  his  children  the  benefit  of  the 
excellent  schools,  and  also  to  practice  medicine.  In  September,  1870,  he  was  married  to 
Susan  J.  Beatie,  who  was  born  also  in  Lincoln  County  in  1846.  To  them  have  been  born 
4 wo  children:  Thomas  Edwin,  born  in  July,  1872,  and  Mary' Beatie  (deceased),  born  Sep- 


1096 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


temper,  1876.  Our  subject  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 
Though  practicing  in  a comparatively  new  school  of  medicine  (the  eclectic),  Dr.  Halbert 
has  succeeded  in  building  up  a large  practice,  and  occupies  a prominent  position  in  the 
medical  fraternity  of  Wilson  County.  He  is  a member  of  the  National  Eclectic  Medical 
Association,  and  makes  a practice  of  attending  all  the  meetings  of  the  State  Association. 
He  is  devoted  to  his  profession,  and  is  one  of  the  very  few  physicians  who  practice  for 
love  of  the  profession  as  well  as  for  gain.  Our  subject’s  father  was  one  of  the  wealthiest 
land  and  slave  owners  in  Lincoln  County  before  the  war. 

W.  F.  HAMBLEN,  an  enterprising  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Dis- 
trict, was  born  March  30,  1817,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  eleven 
children  born  to  Joseph  F.  and  Martha  (Hill)  Hamblen.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia 
in  1790  and  was  of  Turkish  extraction.  In  1815  he  immigrated  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn., 
purchased  land  in  the  Second  District  and  engaged  in  farming.  By  energy  and  persever- 
ance he  accumulated  considerable  means  which  enabled  him  to  enjoy  the  comforts  of  life. 
He  died  May,  1861.  The  mother  was  also  a native  of  Virginia,  and  died  in  Wilson  County 
in  June,  1871.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  the  Twenty -fourth  District  of  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  secured  a fair  education  in  the  country  schools.  November  3,  1841,  he  pur- 
chased a farm  of  112  acres  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  and  in  the  same  year  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Sallie  Foster  (Cloide)  Hamblen.  Mr.  Hamblin  has  always  followed 
the  occupation  of  a farmer  and  in  this  he  has  been  quite  successful.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics. 

HON.  JAMES  HAMILTON,  president  of  the  Bank  of  Lebanon,  and  one  of  Wilson 
Counties  prominent  farmers,  was  born  August  14,  1814,  in  Loudoun  County,  Va.,  and  is 
one  of  six  children  born  to  William  and  Margaret  (Hugley)  Hamilton.  The  father  was  of 
Irish  descent,  born  in  Virginia,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  In  1815  he  came  to 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  located  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District.  He  was  quite  success- 
ful as  a farmer,  owning  1,000  acres  at  one  time.  His  death  occurred  in  1840  or  1841.  The 
mother  was  of  English  descent  and  was  also  a native  of  Virginia.  She  died  about  1870  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  and 
later  in  the  Cumberland  University  at  Nashville.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  began 
teaching,  which  he  continued  for  several  years.  May  20,  1841,  he  married  Jane  McFar- 
land, daughter  of  James  and  Dicy  McFarland.  Mrs.  Hamilton  was  born  August,  1824,  in 
Wilson  County.  They  have  five  children:  Nannie,  wife  of  Dr.  W.  G.  Miller;  Emma,  wife 
of  John  L.  Jones;  James  W.,  a farmer;  John  M.,  a druggist,  and  Kobert  Hatton,  a lawyer. 
In  1856  he  bought  1,200  acres  in  the  Third  District,  where  he  now  resides.  In  1881  lie- 
succeeded  Dr.  Owen  as  president  of  the  Second  National  Bank  of  Lebanon,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1884,  when  the  Bank  of  Lebanon  was  organized,  and  he  was  elected  as  its 
president.  About  1881  he  was  elected  president  of  the  Humbold  Carriage  & Wagon  Fac- 
tory. Mr.  Hamilton  has  dealt  largely  in  buying  and  selling  land,  and  at  ohe  time  was 
running  1,800  acres,  and  is  a man  of  marked  business  capacity  and  a successful  financier. 
In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  in  1843  he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  and  in  1847  he 
was  elected  to  the  Senate  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  again  in  1872.  During  the  war  he 
was  appointed  colonel  of  the  State  militia  in  Wilson  County,  and  thus  he  is  known  as 
Col.  Hamilton. 

J.  IV.  HAMILTON,  Jr.,  was  born  August  10,  1853,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is 
the  eldest  son  born  to  Col.  James  and  Jane  (McFarland)  Hamilton.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  the  farm,  and  received  a rudimentary  education  in  the  county  schools.  At  the 
age  of  fifteen  he  entered  the  Central  College  at  Fayette,  Mo.,  which  institution  lie  at- 
tended for  two  and  a half  years,  graduating  from  the  mathematical  department.  After 
leaving  school  he  secured  the  position  of  passenger  conductor  on  the  Nashville  & Chat- 
tanooga Railroad,  his  line  of  travel  being  from  Nashville  to  Lebanon.  This  position  he 
held  for  eight  years.  During  the  time  he  was  on  the  railroad  he  was  in  partnership  with 
J.  R.  Shorter  in  the  livery  and  feed  stable  business  iu  Lebanon  for  a period  of  two  years. 
September  14,  1883,  lie  wedded  Ruth  Lee  Powell,  who  was  born  in  1865,  and  who  is,  the 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1097 


daughter  of  William  and  Sarali  Powell.  To  our  subject  and  wife  was  born  one  child, 
James  W.  In  1884  Mr.  Hamilton  abandoned  the  railroad  business  and  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  owns  780  acres  on  the  Nashville  Pike,  five  miles  west  of 
Lebanon.  The  first  county  court  ever  held  in  the  county  assembled  on  his  farm.  Mr. 
Hamilton  is  a young  man  of  push  and  energy,  which  are  essential  to  success.  He  is  a 
practical  business  man,  and  understands  the  modern  idea  of  cultivating  and  enriching  the 
soil.  He  is  very  conservative  in  regard  to  politics,  voting  for  principle  rather  than  for 
party.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

SAMUEL  HAMILTON,  farmer,  was  born  in  Guilford  County,  N.  C.,  March  7,  1818, 
and  is  the  son  of  George  and  Rebecca  (Greer)  Hamilton.  The  father,  born  in  Guilford 
County,  N.  C.,  in  1795,  was  of  Irish  extraction.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  in 
1819  left  his  native  State  and  immigrated  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  bought 
200  acres  of  land.  His  death  occurred  in  1889.  The  mother  was  born  about  1793  in  North 
Carolina,  and  died  at  the  unusual  age  of  eighty-five.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the 
farm,  and  secured  his  education  in  the  country  schools  held  in  the  old-fashioned  log- 
houses,  with  stick  and  mud  chimney,  greased  paper  for  window  lights,  puncheons  for 
seats,  and  the  wide  fire-place  so  prevalent  in  those  early  days.  October  31.  1844,  he  mar- 
ried Eredonia  Rice,  daughter  of  James  Rice.  She  was  born  about  1825  in  Wilson  County. 
This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  children:  Andrew  J.  and  Rebecca  A.  After  mar- 
riage Mr.  Hamilton  settled  on  180  acres  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District,  which  his  Grand- 
father Hamilton  received  for  services  rendered  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  is  very 
conservative  in  politics,  voting  for  principle  and  not  for  party.  He  was  formerly  a mem- 
ber of  the  old  Whig  party,  casting  his  first  vote  for  W.  H.  Harrison  in  1840. 

HON.  R.  A.  HANCOCK,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  January  17, 
1827,  and  is  one  of  twelve  children  of  Lewis  and  Frances  (Adams)  Hancock,  born  in  Vir- 
ginia in  1788  and  1791,  and  died  in  Tennessee  in  1866  and  1864,  respectively.  The  father 
was  of  English  origin,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  brother,  Richard,  in  1809.  He  was 
married  in  1812.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  a farm  and  acquired 
the  rudimentary  portion  of  his  education  in  the  schools  near  his  home,  and  afterward  at- 
tended the  Liberty  school  in  DeKalb  County,  Tenn.  January  12,  1858,  he  married  Ann  J. 
Sneed,  daughter  of  John  and  Annie  Sneed.  Mrs.  Hancock  was  born  in  Wilson  County, 
January  29,  1835.  She  and  husband  became  the  parents  of  these  children:  Della  (de- 
ceased), Etna  (wife  of  Jacob ‘Young),  Addie  (deceased),  Walter,  Hallie  and  Myrtle.  After 
attaining  his  majority,  Mr.  Hancock  began  farming  for  himself,  but  at  the  end  of  three 
years  went  to  Texas  where  he  remained  six  years.  He  then  returned  and  purchased  500 
acres  of  land  in  Cannon  County,  where  he  remained  until  the  fall  of  1879.  In  1870 
he  purchased  his  present  farm  and  now  owns  250  acres  of  valuable  land,  also  166  acres  of 
fine  land  in  Cannon  County,  including  the  old  home  place  of  his  father.  Mr.  Hancock 
has  held  various  civil  offices,  and  in  1884  was  chosen  to  represent  Wilson  County  in  the 
State  Legislature.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  is  al- 
ways ready  to  assist  laudable  enterprises,  and  has  been  instrumental  in  organizing  and 
starting  a number  of  schools.  He  is  a grandson  of  Benjamin  Hancock,  who  helped  pre- 
pare the  Declaration  of  Independence.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

WESLEY  HANCOCK,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  in  1829  in  Wilson  County, 
and  is  the  son  of  Wesley  and  Polly  (Lee)  Hancock.  The  father  was  born  1787  in  the  State 
of  North  Carolina,  and  in  his  early  life  was  a hatter,  but  in  his  latter  days  engaged  in 
farming.  He  was  married  in  1815,  and  in  1818  emigrated  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn,,  where 
he  died  in  1865.  The  mother  was  born  in  1796  in  North  Carolina,  and  after  the  death  of  her 
husband  made  her  home  with  her  son,  James  H.  She  died  January  13,  1883,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  eighty-six.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native 
county,  and  remained  at  home  until  twenty-one  years  of  age.  June  6,  1856,  he  married 
Margaret  Drake,  daughter  of  James  and  Jane  Drake.  Mrs.  Hancock  was  born  in  1834  in 
Wilson  County,  and  by  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Hancock  became  the  mother  of  three  chil- 
dren: Samuel  L.,  Hettie  L.  and  Kate.  After  marriage  our  subject  bought  244  acres  in  the 


1098 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Twenty-first  District,  four  miles  south  of  Lebanon,  on  the  Murfreesboro  Pike,  where  he 
now  resides.  He  has  added  to  his  land  from  time  to  time,  and  at  the  present  owhs  564 
acres.  Mr.  Hancock  is  highly  esteemed  as  a good  citizen  and  neighbor.  During  the  late 
war  he  was  a Union  man,  but  was  formerly  a member  of  the  old  Whig  party.  His  wife 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

PROF.  J.  B.  HANCOCK,  A.  B.,  A.  M.,  principal  of  Maple  Hill  Seminary,  was  born 
in  July,  1848,  in  Wilson  County  and  is  the  son  of  Martin  and  Martha  (Handcock)  Hancock. 
The  father  was  of  Scotch  lineage  and  was  born  in  1827  in  Wilson  County.  He  was  a farmer 
by  occupation.  His  parents,  our  subject’s  grandfather  and  grandmother,  were  natives 
of  Virginia,  coming  to  Tennessee  as  early  as  1796.  They  remained  in  the  fort  at  Nash- 
ville for  a short  time  and  then  came  to  Wilson  County.  The  grandfather  settled  on  Pilot 
Knob  and  assisted  in  farming  the  first  settlement.  Martin  Hancock  located  in  the  Nine- 
teenth District  and  purchased  300  acres  'of  land.  Here'  he  remained  uniil  his  cai-eer 
ended.  He  died  April  16,  1876.  The  mother  was  of  Scotch  lineage,  a native  of  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  and  her  birth  occurred  in  1832.  Since  her  husband’s  death  she  has  been 
living  with  her  son,  Prof.  J.  B.  Hancock.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  at  home 
and  received  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  county  schools.  At  the  early  age  of 
fourteen  he  assumed  control  of  his  father’s  farm  and  managed  it  successfully  for  some 
time,  and  when  nineteen  years  of  age  he  entered  the  sophomore  Class  of  the  Cumber- 
land University,  graduating  with  honors  June,  1870.  He  then  entered  the  teacher’s  pro- 
fession and  was  elected  president  of  Woodbury  College,  Cannon  County,  where  he  re- 
mained for  two  years.  Subsequently  he  was  president  of  different  colleges  and  at  the 
present  is  president  of  Maple  Hill  Seminary,  of  which  institution  he  is  the  founder  and 
propi'ietor.  It  was  organized  September  1,  1880,  for  the  purpose  of  educating  young  ladies. 
It  is  beautifully  situated  west  of  Lebanon  on  the  Nashville  & Lebanon  Pike.  It  had  a 
gradual  increase  from  its  organization  and  at  the  present  accommodates  118  pupils.  Prof. 
Hancock  owns  268  acres  of  land  and  supplies  his  boarding  school  from  the  products  of 
this  fertile  farm.  He  also  owns  the  old  homestead  of  300  acres.  As  an  educator,  Prof. 
Hancock  ranks  among  the  leaders  of  the  county  and  is  universally  recognized  as  a very 
able  instructor  and  disciplinarian.  In  1870  his  alma  mater  conferred  on  him  the  degree 
of  A.  B.,  and  in  1873  the  degree  of  A.  M. ; October  15,  1874,  he  wedded  Julia  J.  Harris, 
daughter  of  Baker  W.  and  Sarah  Harris.  Mrs.  Hancock  was  born  October  29,  1852,  in 
Wilson  County.  Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  (Knights  Templar) 
and  K.  of  P.,  having  taken  all  the  degrees.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  his  wife  of  the  Christian  Church. 

J.  E.  HANCOCK,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  District  No.  21,  was  born  August  19, 
1852,  where  he  is  now  living.  He  is  the  son  of  William  and  Sophia  (Hines)  Hancock. 
The  father  was  born  June  14,  1818,  in  District  No.  21,  Wilson  County,  and  was  a farmer  by 
occupation.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  occurred  February  10, 1842,  he  was  living- 
in  his  native  county.  In  July,  1845,  he  bought  135  acres  in  the  Twenty-first  District, 
where  he  located  and  remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred  August  18,  1872.  He  was 
quite  successful  as  a farmer,  owning  at  one  time  upward  of  1,000  acres.  The  mother  was 
born  January  17,  1824,  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  and  died  July  30,  1866.  There  were 
seven  children  born  to  this  union,  six  of  whom  are  living.  Our  subject  received  his  edu- 
cation in  the  country  schools,  and  in  addition  he  attended  Woodbury  College  at  Wood- 
bury, Tenn.  October  10,  1877,  he  wedded  Carrie  Alsup,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  bom 
September  17,  1860,  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  A.  H.  Alsup.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hancock 
were  born  two  children:  Homer  and  Howard.  After  marriage  our  subject  remained  on 
the  old  home  place  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a young  man  of  push  and  energy,  and 
owns  590  acres  in  the  Twenty-first  District,  and  he  and  his  wife  own  295  acres  in  the 
Twenty-third  District.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity. His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  HANNAH,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  John  M.  and  Amelia  (Jones)  Hannah,  and 
was  born  October  12,  1828.  The  parents  were  of  Welsh  and  Scotch  descent,  born  in  1802 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1099 


and  1806,  respectively,  in  Tennessee.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died  in  1830.  His 
widow  then  married  Dr.  Hardin  Ragland,  and  died  December  15,  1885.  Our  subject  was 
educated  in  the  Cumberland  University,  and  when  twenty-one  years  old  began  studying 
medicine  under  Dr.  Ragland.  In  1851  he  graduated  from  the  Louisville  (Ky.)  Medical 
College,  and  in  February  of  that  year  wedded  S.  E.  Hankins,  born  in  1835  in  Wilson 
County,  and  daughter  of  Matthew  C.  and  Martha  P.  Hankins.  They  have  one  child  liv- 
ing— John  Matthew.  Dr.  Hannah  was  with  Dr.  Ragland  two  years,  and  then  moved  to 
Cherry  Valley  and  practiced  about  the  same  length  of  time.  In  1860  he  bought  160  acres 
of  land,  and  carried  on  farming  with  his  practice.  In  1885  he  sold  out  and  moved  to 
Lebanon,  and  a year  later  established  a livery  and  feed  stable,  with  Merrit  House  as  part- 
ner, still  continuing  his  practice.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Good  Templars. 

DR.  J.  S.  HARALSON,  farmer,  was  born  August  2,  1832,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn., 
and  is  the  son  of  Jara  and  Margaret  (Hessa)  Haralson  The  father  was  of  English  de- 
scent, born  in  1802  in  Halifax  County,  Va.,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  came  to 
Tennessee,  and  in  1824  was  married.  In  1839  he  bought  500  acres  in  the  Twenty-second 
District,  Wilson  County,  where  he  died  in  1879.  He  was  twice  married,  and  was  the  father 
of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living.  The  mother  was  of  Irish  descent,  born  in  1803 
in  Virginia.  She  died  in  1836.  Our  subject  was  reared  without  a mother’s  love  or  train- 
ing, she  having  died  when  he  was  but  four  years  old.  He  was  educated  in  the  country 
schools  and  in  Booth  Spring  Seminary.  At  the  age  of  twenty-four  he  commenced  the 
study  of  medicine,  which  he  continued  for  three  years.  In  1854  he  entered  the  medical 
department  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  took  a course  of  lectures.  October  18, 
1856,  he  married  Sarah  Sanders,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in  1840,  and  the  daughter  of 
Thomas  Sanders.  'To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haralson  were  born  five  children:  Leonard,  James, 
Samuel,  Chorus  and  Beulah.  In  1857  he  began  practicing,  and  continued  until  the  war,, 
when  he  enlisted  in  the  Second  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  was  in  the  battle  of  Coffeeville, 
Belmont,  and  numerous  skirmishes.  In  February,  1863,  he  was  discharged,  and  returned 
home,  settling  near  the  old  home  place.  After  his  father’s  death  he  moved  to  the  old 
homestead,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Dr.  Haralson  lost  his  wife  in  1872,  and  in  1881  he 
married  M.  F.  Gleaves,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  in  1854,  and  by  this  union  became  the 
father  of  three  children:  Zara,  Mary  and  Etta  G.  The  Doctor  now  owns  394  acres,  and  is 
a Prohibitionist.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Baptist  Church. 

WILLIAM  M.  HARKREADER,  clerk  of  the  Wilson  County  Court,  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 9,  1839,  the  youngest  of  three  children  born  to  John  F.  and  Judith  (Oldham)  Hark- 
reader.  The  father  was  of  German  origin,  born  in  Virginia  in  1805,  and  a wheelwright 
and  farmer  by  occupation.  He  came  to  Robertson  County,  Tenn.,  in  his  youth,  but  after 
residing  some  time  in  Kentucky  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  there  resided  until 
his  death  in  1878.  The  mother  was  born  in  1810,  and  came  from  Virginia  to  Tennessee  in 
her  youth,  and  here  died  in  1878,  only  a few  hours  previous  to  that  of  her  husband. 
William  M.  was  educated  inthe  schools  of  Wilson  County,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of 
hostilities  between  the  North  and  South  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Seventh  Regiment  Ten- 
nessee Infantry,  and  participated  in  many  of  the  bloodiest  engagements  of  the  war.  He 
was  so  severely  wounded  at  the  second  battle  of  Manassas  that  his  left  arm  was  ampu- 
tated. At  the  reorganization  of  the  army  he  was  made  second  lieutenant,  and  rose  to 
the  rank  of  first  lieutenant.  After  receiving  his  wound  he  was  given  post  duty  until  1864, 
when  he  resigned,  but  was  captured  at  Rome,  Ga.,  and  taken  to  Johnson’s  Island,  where 
he  remained  until  the  surrender.  After  his  return  home  he  attended  school  ten  months, 
and  in  1870  was  elected  revenue  collector  of  Wilson  County  for  two  years,  and  in  1873  was 
appointed  to  fill  an  unexpired  term  in  the  same  office  by  the  county  court.  In  1877  he  was 
appointed  deputy  clerk  of  the  county  court,  and  served  until  1880.  Since  1882  he  has  held 
his  present  office,  and  has  given  good  satisfaction.  December  5,  1878,  he  married  Ella  L. 
Coe,  daughter  of  J.  F.  Coe.  Mrs.  Harkreader  was  born  in  1859  in  Lebanon.  They  have 


1100 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


one  child,  Mary  L.  Mr.  Harkreader  is  a Mason,  a member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.,  K.  of  P.  and 
A.  O.  U.  W. 

J.  A.  HAYNES,  proprietor  of  a boot  and  shoe  store  and  manufacturing  establishment 
of  Lebanon,  was  born  March  2,  1825,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  son  of  Anderson  and 
Margaret  (Swift)  Haynes,  born  in  Virginia,  the  father  in  1784.  He  was  a carpenter, 
and  after  his  marriage  came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  died  in  1830.  The 
mother  died  in  1827,  thus  leaving  our  subject  without  a protector.  At  the  age  of  eight 
years  he  was  bound  out  to  John  M.  Wright,  of  whom  he  learned  the  shoe-maker’s  trade, 
continuing  four  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  he  was  bound  out  to  William  Denning, 
of  Nashville,  remaining  with  him  seven  years.  In  1844  he  came  to  Lebanon  and  in  1845 
established  a boot  and  shoe  establishment.  At  the  latter  date  he  married  Elizabeth  Har- 
rington, daughter  of  H.  and  L.  Harrington.  Mrs.  Haynes  died  in  1848,  having  borne  two 
children,  both  of  whom  are  deceased.  September  2,  1849,  Mr.  Haynes  married  Martha 
Smith,  born  in  1831,  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  Smith.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haynes  have 
two  children:  John  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Haynes  is  the  oldest  business  man  of  Lebanon, 
and  his  boot  and  shoe  establishment  is  the  next  oldest  in  the  United  States.  By  his 
straightforward  course  through  life  he  has  deservedly  prospered.  He  is  a Democrat,  and 
cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  James  E.  Polk.  He  is  a Mason  and  a member  of  Lodge 
No.  98,  of  Lebanon,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

LEE  HAYS,  farmer,  was  born  at  Cottage  Home,  Tenn.,  in  September,  1834,  and  is 
one  of  nine  children  born  to  James  T.  and  Marlinda  (Knight)  Hays,  natives  of  North 
Carolina,  born  in  1803  and  1807  and  died  in  1864  and  1875,  respectively.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  Tennessee  in  1825.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  schools  near  his  home,  and 
on  the  24th  of  April,  1861,  wedded  Miss  M.  P.,  daughter  of  James  M.  and  Nancy  Weath- 
erby.  She  was  born  in  Rutherford  County  in  1844,  and  departed  this  life  April  12,  1877. 
To  them  were  born  five  children,  four  of  them  now  living:  Martha  L.,  James  P.,  Hattie 
M.  and  Lockie  D.  In  March,  1880,  he  wedded  F.,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth 
Kiolon.  Mrs.  Hays  was  born  in  1854,  and  has  borne  three  children:  Stokley  B.,  Mary  E. 
and  Fannie.  Our  subject  remained  under  the  paternal  roof  until  he  was  twenty -six  years 
of  age,  but  began  farming  for  himself  some  time  before.  Since  his  marriage  he  has  lived 
on  the  old  homestead  and  now  owns  100  acres  of  valuable  land.  In  1859  he  began  mer- 
chandising at  Cottage  Home,  continuing  until  the  war.  In  1881  he  began  the  business  in 
partnership  with  J.  B.  EJstes,  and  at  the  end  of  one  year  became  sole  proprietor.  Later 
he  disposed  of  his  stock  and  has  since  given  his  attention  to  farming,  and  has  dealt  ex- 
tensively in  mules  and  hogs  for  upward  of  thirty  years.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member 
of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

JAMES  B.  HORN,  farmer  and  an  old  citizen  of  District  No.  3,  was  born  in  1828,  near 
his  present  residence,  and  was  reared  without  a father’s  care  or  training,  his  father  hav- 
ing died  when  our  subject  was  but  six  years  old.  His  education  was  received  in  the  pioneer 
schools  of  his  native  county.  May  4,  1854,  he  married  Margaret  A.  Vaughan,  who  was 
born  November  5,  1833,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  To  this  union  were  born  three  chil- 
dren: Bettie,  Fannie  and  James  A.  Mr.  Horn  is  living  on  the  old  place  and  owns  138 
acres  of  the  old  home  tract,  but  his  son  James  looks  after  the  interest  of  the  tract  in  a 
skillful  and  successful  manner.  Mrs.  Horn  died  September  12,  1861,  and  for  the  past  sev- 
enteen years  Bettie  Horn  has  been  keeping  house  for  her  brother  and  father.  Mr.  Horn 
was  at  one  time  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat.  He  is  the  son  of  Etheldred  P. 
and  Elizabeth  N.  (Baker)  Horn.  The  father  was  born  in  1796,  in  the  State  of  North  Car- 
olina, and  was  a tiller  of  the  soil.  He  came  to  Tennessee  in  the  early  part  of  the  present 
century,  and  bought  640  acres  in  District  No.  3,  five  miles  west  of  Lebanon,  where  he 
settled  and  where  his  career  ended  September  1,  1835,  while  he  was  yet  in  the  prime  of 
life.  The  mother  was  born  about  1792,  in  Baltimore  County,  Md.  After  the  death  of  her 
husband  she  lived  on  the  old  home  place  with  her  son  James,  our  subject,  until  her  death, 
which  occurred  in  1873. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1101 


J.  M.  HORN,  farmer,  was  born  in  1843,  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  son  of  Burrell  and  Abi- 
gail (Traywick)  Horn.  The  father  was  of  English  descent,  and  was  a native  of  Hanson 
County,  N.  C.  He  was  married  in  his  native  county,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  immi- 
grating to  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  about  1837.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1866,  he  was  living  in  Lawrence  County,  Ark.  The  mother  was  of  Welsh  descent,  a native 
of  Hanson  County,  N.  C.,  and  since  her  husband’s  death  has  been  living  inArkansas.  They 
were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  our  subject 
left  home,  and  when  hostilities  broke  out  between  the  North  and  South  he  enlisted  m May, 
1861,  in  Company  B,  Seventh  Tennessee  Regiment  Infantry,  Confederate  States  Army.  He 
took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Cheat  Mountain,  Romney,  Seven  Pines,  Cold  Harbor, 
where  he  was  wounded  in  the  right  arm  and  released  from  active  duty  for  about  two  weeks. 
He  afterward  fought  in  the  battles  of  Cedar  Run,  Second  Manassas,  Harper’s  Perry,  Fred- 
ricltsburg,  Chancellorsville  and  Gettysburg,  where  he  was  captured  and  taken  to  Fort  Dela- 
ware, but  was  kept  a very  short  time.  He  returned  to  Smith  County  after  the  war,  and  in  a 
few  days  came  to  Wilson  County,  and  has  lived  there  ever  since.  In  connection  with  farm- 
ing he  began  the  study  of  law,  and  in  1869  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  from  that  date  to 
the  present  he  has  been  practicing  his  profession.  December  31, 1882,  he  married  Isabell  R. 
Harris,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  December  6,  1860,  and  the  daughter  of  W.  D. 
Harris.  Mr.  Horn  commenced  life  as  a poor  boy,  but  by  perseverance  and  industry  is 
doing  finely.  He  now  owns  1,400  acres,  and  is  an  honest  and  respectable  citizen.  In 
politics  he  is  a Democrat,  casting  his  first  vote  for  Jefferson  Davis.  His  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

J.  W.  HUDDLESTON,  retired  physician  and  surgeon,  of  Lebauon,  was  born  in  Ten- 
nessee in  1834,  son  of  W.  W.  and  Mary  (Tarver)  Huddleston.  The  father  was  born  in 
Buckingham  County,  Va.,  in  1808,  and  was  a farmer  and  merchant  by  occupation.  He 
came  to  Tennessee  in  his  boyhood  and  was  married  in  1827,  dying  in  1855.  The  mother 
was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1812,  and  died  in  1854.  J.  W.  Huddleston  attended  the  acade- 
mies of  his  native  county  and  the  University  of  Nashville  for  nearly  two  years.  At  the 
age  of  twenty  he  began  studying  medicine  under  Dr.  Alsup,  and  the  following  year  en- 
tered the  medical  department  of  the  Nashville  University,  graduating  in  March,  1857,  as 
an  M.  D.  He  practiced  for  some  time  in  Nashville,  afterward  in  Wilson  County;  thence 
to  Marshall  County,  in  1877.  In  1884,  he  finally  located  in  Lebanon,  where  he  purchased 
property  aud  has  since  resided.  He  has  been  a leading  man  in  his  profession,  and  in  1862 
was  surgeon  in  the  Confederate  armies.  In  polities  the  Doctor  is  a Democrat,  but  was  a 
Whig  while  that  party  was  in  existence.  In  February,  1858,  he  was  married  to  Alice  Rob- 
ertson, daughter  of  Dr.  Peyton  and  Ellen  (Davis)  Robertson,  and  granddaughter  of  Gen. 
James  Robertson,  one  of  Tennessee’s  most  noted  pioneers.  He  was  a sturdy,  brave  and 
influential  man,  and  Robertson  County  was  named  in  his  honor.  (See  history  for  further 
facts  concerning  him.)  Mrs.  Huddleston  was  born  in  Nashville,  in  1838,  and  she  and  hus- 
band have  two  children,  Nellie  (wife  of  W.  R.  Chambers)  and  Josie. 

R.  M.  IRELAND,  agent  of  the  Southern  Express  Company  and  freight  agent  of  the 
Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Railroad  at  Lebanon,  was  born  in  Sumner  County, 
Tenn.,  July  28,  1844,  and  is  one  of  twelve  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  Benjamin  W. 
and  Fannie  (Stratton)  Ireland,  who  were  of  Irish  descent,  born  in  North  Carolina  and 
Tennessee  in  1789  and  1817,  respectively.  The  father  was  a teacher  by  profession,  but 
later  in  life  followed  merchandising  and  farming.  He  died  in  1853.  The  mother  was  a 
daughter  of  James  and  Fannie  Stratton  and  after  her  husband’s  death  lived  on  the  old 
home  place  with  her  children  until  1875,  when  she  broke  up  housekeeping  and  afterward 
resided  with  her  children.  She  died  in  Nashville  in  1881.  Our  subject  attended  the  com- 
mon schools  and  one  session  at  Chapel  Hill  Seminary  in  Marshall  County.  In  1871  he 
was  appointed  deputy  sheriff  of  Sumner  County,  and  held  the  office  four  years.  In  1861 
he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Second  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  participated  in  many  of  the 
battles  of  the  war,  serving  until  the  close,  not  being  wounded  or  captured  during  his  serv- 
ice. December  9,  1867,  he  married  Maggie  Scroggin,  who  died  in  January,  1875.  A year 


69 


1102 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


later  he  came  to  Lebanon  and  became  night  watchman  for  the  Lebanon  Depot,  and  eight 
months  later  was  appointed  express  messenger  and  baggage  master  on  the  railroad  be- 
tween Lebanon  and  Nashville,  and  in  1878  was  given  his  present  position.  October  2, 
1878,  he  married  Addie  Kelly,  daughter  of  Hanson  and  Annie  Kelly,  of  New  Orleans. 
Mrs.  Ireland  was  born  October  2,  1857.  They  have  three  children:  Laura,  Hanson  and 
Fannie.  Mr.  Ireland  is  very  popular  as  a railroad  official,  and  in  politics  is  a Democrat. 
He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

THOMAS  JENKINS  is  one  of  ten  children  born  to  Simon  and  Nancy  (Muse)  Jenkins, 
and  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ky.,  September  10,  1822,  and  there  received  his  educa- 
tion. He  made  his  home  with  his  parents  as  long  as  they  lived  and  then  he  and  a brother 
managed  the  homestead  for  several  years.  In  1869  he  came  to  Lebanon  and  in  1871  en- 
gaged in  the  grocery  business,  and  after  continuing  for  seven  years  he  added  hardware  to 
his  stock,  but  sold  out  in  1855.  In  July,  1884,,  he  purchased  a beautiful  home,  consisting 
of  fifty-eight  acres  in  the  suburbs  of  Lebanon.  During  Mr.  Jenkins’  career  as  a merchant 
in  Lebanon  he  carried  a No.  1 stock  and  was  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Lebanon 
for  fifteen  years.  During  his  long  lease  of  life  he  has  proved  himself  to  be  “ an  honest 
man,  the  noblest  work  of  God.”  He  is  liberal  in  all  benevolent  movements,  and  is  an 
earnest  member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a Democrat.  The  father  and  mother  were 
born  in  Virginia  in  1793  and  1800,  and  died  in  1845  and  1847,  respectively.  They  were 
married  in  Virginia  about  1809  and  moved  to  Warren  County,  Ky.,  and  there  purchased 
680  acres  of  land  and  became  a very  successful  farmer.  He  at  one  time  owned  1,826  acres, 
but  gave  liberally  to  his  children. 

•J.  M.  and  J.  L.  JENNINGS  constitute  the  firm  of  Jennings  Bros.,  merchants  of 
Statesville,  Tenn.  They  are  two  of  five  children  of  J.  L.  and  Martha  (Doss)  Jennings,  who 
were  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  DeKalb  County,  Tenn.,  October  20,  1827,  and 
July  7,  1828,  respectively.  They  were  married  in  1830  and  located  near  Statesville, 
where  they  still  reside.  J.  M.  Jennings,  the  older  member  of  the  firm,  was  born  in  Wil 
son  County  September  31,  1836,  and  in  1880  entered  into  partnership  with  his  cousin  A. 
L.  Jennings  in  the  mercantile  business,  continuing  for  about  eighteen  months  when  he 
purchased  his  cousin’s  interest,  and  up  to  1885  carried  on  the  business  by  himself.  At 
that  time  his  brother  J.  L.  became  his  partner.  He  was  married  January  26,  1885,  to 
Miss  Lena,  daughter  of  J.  P.  Hale.  She  was  born  August  17,  1867,  and  has  borne  one 
child — Mamie.  Mr.  Jennings  is  a Democrat,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  J.  L.  Jennings  was  born  December  25,  1858,  and  remained  with  his 
parents  until  he  attained  his  majority.  He  purchased  a farm  near  Statesville,  on  which 
he  lived  several  years,  and  in  1885  became  a partner  with  his  brother  in  the  mercantile 
business.  He  is  also  proprietor  of  a hotel  in  Statesville,  and  controls  a large  share  of  the 
traveling  public.  October  13,  1881,  he  wedded  Miss  S.  A.,  daughter  of  Dr.  T.  H.  Knight. 
He  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  his  brother  are  recognized  as  honest  and  upright  business 
men. 

C.  L.  JOHNS  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  in  1850,  being  one  of  two  sons  of  Charles 
L.  and  Elizabeth  (Davis)  Johns.  The  father  was  a Baptist  minister  of  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee, and  after  his  marriage  also  worked  at  the  printer’s  trade.  At  the  time  of  his 
death,  in  1850,  he  was  a resident  of  Lebanon.  The  mother  was  born  in  1823,  and  since 
her  husband’s  death  has  been  living  with  her  mother  and  son  in  Lebanon.  C.  L.  Johns 
was  educated  in  private  schools  and  in  the  Cumberland  University.  When  quite  young 
he  began  working  in  a brick-yard,  receiving  25  cents  per  day  for  his  services,  and  also 
clerked  in  W.  H.  Brown’s  drygoods  store  in  FrankliD,  Ky.,  and  in  Lebanon  for  several 
years.  In  1871  he  went  to  Nashville,  and  after  clerking  there  two  years  returned  to  Leb- 
anon and  resumed  work  with  Mr.  Brown,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1879,  when  he 
established  a dry  goods  store  of  his  own  in  Lebanon,  which  he  has  conducted  very  suc- 
cessfully to  the  present  time.  February  5,  1879.  he  was  married  to  Kate  Cowen,  who  was. 
born  in  1854,  daughter  of  Dr.  M.  W.  and  Addie  Cowen.  Mrs.  Johns,  died  June  28,  1880, 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1103 


and  since  that  time  Mr.  Johns  has  resided  with  his  mother.  Mr.  Johns  is  a good  business 
man  and  one  of  the  first  merchants  of  Lebanon.  He  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the 
I.  0.  O.  F.  and  K.  of  P.,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

J.  C.  JOHNSON  is  one  of  nine  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  James  and  Cassandy 
Johnson,  natives  of  the  Old  Dominion,  were  born  in  1772  and  1774,  and  died  in  1848  and 
1846,  respectively.  They  were  married  about  1800,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1806,  where 
they  purchased  land  and  followed  the  occupation  of  farming.  Our  subject,  J.  C.  Johnson, 
was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  December  20,  1816.  He  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  his 
education  was  obtained  in  the  district  schools  near  his  home.  December  23,  1841.  he  led 
to  the  hymeneal  altar  Miss  Locky  Craddock,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Nancy  Craddock. 
She  was  born  in  February,  1817,  and  departed  this  life  July  20,  1864.  To  them  were  born 
these  children:  Richard,  Locky  (wife  of  Lewis  Tribble),  Mary  J.  (wife  of  H.  C,  David). 
Emily  (wife  of  T.  K.  David)  and  Dr.  J.  H.,  now  a practicing  physician  of  Nashville- 
After  attaining  his  twenty-first  birthday  our  subject  went  to  West  Tennessee,  where  he 
remained  one  year  and  then  returned  home  and  began  managing  his  father’s  farm.  For 
his  second  wife  he  wedded  Mrs.  Malissa  (Bedel)  Branch,  who  was  born  June  24,  1833.  They 
have  three  children:  Joseph  M.,  Andrew  and  Ida.  Mr.  Johnson  is  a well-to-do  farmer, 
and  has  always  contributed  liberally  to  church  and  school  organizations.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  was  strongly  opposed  to  secession.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Baptist  Church. 

CALVIN  JONES,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Cherry  Valley,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Wil- 
son County,  November  23, 1819,  being  one  of  eight  children  of  William  and  Lucy  (Wamackj 
Jones,  natives  of  Virginia,  born  in  1791  and  1798  respectively.  The  father  came  to  Tennes- 
see when  a boy,  and  was  married  September  25,  1816.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation, 
and  died  December  7,  1848,  and  the  mother  in  1835.  The  subject  of  our  sketeh  was  reared 
on  a farm  and  received  his  education  in  the  schools  near  his  home.  June  18. 1846,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Susanna,  daughter  of  Ethelrid  and  Nancy  Barby.  Mrs.  Jones  was  born 
November  3,  1824,  and  has  borne  her  husband  two  children:  Nancy  A.  (wife  of  George 
Donnel),  and  Mandy  (widow  of  John  M.  Berry).  At  an  early  day  Mr.  Jones  learned  the 
blacksmith’s  trade,  and  after  his  marriage  worked  at  that  business  for  twenty-two  years. 
After  his  father’s  death  he  and  his  brother  Alfred  purchased  about  170  acres  of  the  home 
farm  and  discontinued  smithing.  He  has  devoted  his  time  to  farming,  but  spent  a few 
years  in  operating  a saw-mill.  He  now  owns  211  acres  of  land,  on  which  he  erected 
a fine  dwelling  house.  Mr.  Jones  is  noted  for  his  honesty,  and  is  much  esteemeed  by  a 
large  circle  of  friends  and  relatives. 

J.  H.  KENNEDY  is  one  of  thirteen  children  of  William  B.  and  Drusilla  (Hobson') 
Kennedy,  and  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  June  23,  1816.  The  father  was  born  in 
the  “ Old  Dominion  ” in  1781,  and  went  to  Kentucky  with  his  widowed  mother  when  a 
youth,  and  later  came  to  Tennessee  and  died  in  September,  1840.  The  mother  -was  born 
in  Tennessee  in  1801,  and  died  in  1853.  Our  subject  was  educated  near  home,  and  Febru- 
ary 28,  1839,  married  Lucinda  C.,  daughter  of  James  and  Nancy  Ewing.  Mrs.  Kennedy 
was  born  in  1819,  and  has  borne  five  children:  J.  W.,  N.  D.  (wife  of  Horace  Knight), 
Mary  E.  (wife  of  Daniel  Smith),  J.  T.  and  S.  A.  (Wife  of  C.  P.  Rich).  At  the  age  of  eight- 
een our  subject  began  working  for  Tally  & Bro.,  merchants,  of  Statesville,  and  a year 
later  became  a soldier  in  the  Seminole  war,  and  his  company  acted  as  advance  guard  for 
the  regular  army.  After  again  serving  some  time  as  salesman  he  purchased  200  acres  ef 
land  where  he  now  lives,  and  which  he  has  increased  to  300  acres.  He  suffered  large 
losses  from  the  effects  of  the  civil  war,  but  in  the  main,  fortune  has  dealt  kindly  with  Mm. 
He  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  the  Masonic  fraternity.  His  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Baptist  Church. 

JOHN  D.  KIRKPATRICK,  D.  D.,  professor  of  historic  and  practical  theology  in 
Cumberland  University  and  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Lebanon  Register,  was  born  July 
8,  1836,  son  of  Anderson  and  Eliza  (Moss)  Kirkpatrick,  who  were  the  parents  of  nine 
children.  The  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  lineage,  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1808,  aiarmnz 


1104 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  .stock  raiser  by  occupation.  He  was  married  about  1828,  and  lias  since  resided  on  the 
the  old  homestead,  which  consists  of  several  hundred  acres.  The  mother  was  horn  in 
1814  in  Christian  County,  Ky.,  and  died  in  1875.  Our  subject  received  his  rudimentary 
education  in  the  county  schools,  and  afterward  attended  the  Hartsville  High  School  for 
three  years  and  the  high  school  at  Mount  Juliet  two  years.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he 
entered  Cumberland  University,  remaining  two  years.  In  1857  he  entered  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  of  the  same  institution.  He  began  teaching  in  1854,  and  in  1858  became  a 
minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  being  ordained  in  1860.  In  April,  1861,  lie  enlisted  in 
Maney’s  company,  First  Tennessee  Regiment.  In  1862  he  returned  to  Sumner  County 
and  raised  Companies  C and  D,  and  was  elected  captain  of  Company  C,  Seventh  Tennes- 
see Cavalry.  He  participated  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  of  the  war,  and  rose  to  the 
rank  of  colonel.  He  was  seriously  wounded  at  Cynthiana,  Ky.,  and  was  compelled  to 
give  up  active  duty,  and  was  given  charge  of  the  enrolling  department  at  Richmond,  Ya. 
He  was  also  chaplain  of  his  regiment.  After  his  return  he  resumed  teaching,  and  Novem- 
ber 1,  1866,  he  married  Susan  Kirkpatrick,  who  has  borne  him  four  children:  Curry  B., 
Donnell  B.,  John  D.  and  Harry  B.  In  1865  he  was  given  the  pastorate  of  the  Goodletts- 
ville  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  where  he  remained  four  years,  and  then  took 
charge  of  the  Second  Cumberland  Church  of  Nashville.  In  1875  he  was  called  to  Leba- 
non to  become  the  financial  agent  of  Cumberland  University,  and  at  the  same  time  ac- 
cepted the  chair  of  historic  and  practical  theology,  which  he  has  since  filled  with  credit 
to  himself  and  honor  to  the  institution.  In  1880  he  was  made  managing  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Review.  This  he  disposed  of,  however,  and 
in  1885  took , charge  of  the  Register.  In  December  of  the  same  year  the  building  caught 
fire,  and  was  consumed  with  all  its  contents.  He  immediately  re-established  himself  and  is 
at  present  editing  a newsy  and  valuable  paper.  In  1884  the  degree  of  D.  D.  was  conferred 
upon  him  entirely  unsolicited.  He  is  a man  of  unsullied  reputation,  a gentleman  and  a 
scholar.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  K.  of  II.  and  K.  of  P. 

N.  P.  LANOM,  farmer  and  miller,  of  District  No.  23,  was  born  in  1839,  in  Wilson 
County,  and  is  the  son  of  William  R.  and  Sallie  (Leath)  Lanom.  The  father  was  born 
November  25,  1809,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  Soon 
after  his  marriage  he  moved  to  Bedford  County,  and  in  four  or  five  years  moved  back  to 
Wilson  County,  where  he  bought  upward  of  400  acres  of  land  in  the  Twenty-third  Dis- 
trict. He  died  in  1874.  The  mother  was  horn  July  22,  1811,  and  is  now  living  with  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  W.  N.  Flowers.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Nathan  Lanom,  was  a native 
of  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Wilson  County  previous  to  the  year  1800,  and  was  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  that  county.  Our  subject  was  reared  at  home,  and  remained  with  his 
parents  until  he  was  twenty-five  years  of  age.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted 
in  Company  G,  Seventh  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and 
fought  in  the  battles  of  Seven  Pines,  Richmond  and  Cedar  Run.  In  the  last  named 
battle  he  was  wounded  in  the  thigh,  the  cause  of  which  relieved  him  from  active  duty 
about  four  months,  he  being  in  the  hospital  at  Charlottsville,  Va.  After  recovering  from 
his  wounds  he  received  an  unlimited  furlough  and  returned  home.  In  the  fall  of  1863  he 
enlisted  in  Company  D,  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  remained  out  until  after  the  surrender. 
February  2,  1864,  he  married  Caldonia  Tennessee  Burke,  who  was  born  in  Wilson  County 
December,  1844,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  six  children:  Sallie  A.,  William  J.. 
Lucy  J.,  Laura  L.,  Freddie  and  Nannie  A.  In  1866  Mr.  Lanom  bought  160  acres  in  the 
Twenty-third  District,  where  he  now  lives.  He  has  been  a hard-working  and  industrious 
man,  and  now  owns  600  acres  of  land.  In  1884  he  purchased  a saw-mill,  and  the  follow- 
ing year  added  a grist-mill,  both  of  which  he  runs  in  connection  with  his  farm.  He  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  casting  his  first  vote  for  John  Bell  in  1860.  He  and  wife  are  worthy 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

JOHN  A.  LESTER,  merchant,  miller  and  farmer,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  on  the 
21st  of  April,  1827,  in  Wilson  County,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  D.  and  Malinda  (Jones) 
Lester.  The  father  is  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1800.  He  came  with  his  parents  to 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1105 


Tennessee  when  lie  was  about  nine  years  old  and  located  in  Wilson  County.  He  became 
a wealthy  farmer  and  an  influential  citizen  and  held  several  county  offices.  He  died  in 
1875.  The  mother  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1805,  and  died  in  1874.  Our  subject  was  edu- 
cated in  the  Campbell  Academy  of  Lebanon,  and  in  1855  formed  a partnership  with  his 
father  in  the  grocery  business,  continuing  two  years.  In  1858  he  and  Mr.  S.  A.  Carter  be- 
came partners  in  the  grocery  business,  continuing  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In- 
1868  he  began  milling  and  formed  partnerships  with  the  following  gentlemen  : W.  Hal- 
lum,  William  Carter  and  J.  D.  Lester.  Mr.  Lester  is  the  oldest  and  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful merchants  and  millers  in  the  State.  He  owns  a farm  of  800  acres  and  resides  in  a 
beautiful  and  substantial  dwelling-house.  June  12,  1860,  he  wedded  Martha  (Dillon) 
Williams,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Harriet  (Roane)  Dillon.  The  mother’s  uncle,  Archi- 
bald Roane,  was  the  second  governor  of  Tennessee.  Her  brother,  John  Seldon  Roane, 
was  governor  of  Arkansas,  and  her  brother,  Samuel  C.  Roane,  was  judge  of  the  Supreme 
Bench  of  Arkansas.  Mrs.  Lester  was  born  September  9,  1833,  and  had  two  children  by 
her  former  marriage,  Seldon  R.  and  Dixon  C.  Seldon  is  president  of  the  Second  National 
Bank  of  Lebanon,  and  Dixon  is  the  noted  evangelist  of  Tennessee  and  is  at  present  in 
California.  Mr.  Lester  and  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  J.  LESTER  was  born  in  1825  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  the  eldest  son  of 
Henry  D.  and  Malinda  (Jones)  Lester.  (See  J.  A.  Lester  for  parents’  sketch.)  William  was 
educated  in  the  Campbell  Academy  of  Lebanon,  and  after  residing  with  his  parents  until 
twenty-one  years  old  he  worked  at  the  blacksmith’s  trade  and  the  following  three  years 
tilled  his  father’s  farm.  December  18,  1851,  he  was  married  to  Othelda  Haney,  daughter 
of  Elijah  and  Clarkey  Haney.  Mrs.  Lester  was  born  in  1833  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  and 
bore  her  husband  one  child,  Matilda  E.,  who  wedded  Anderson  Crookshankes  and  died 
in  1885.  Mr.  Lester  purchased  237  acres  of  land  near  Lebanon,  where  he  now  resides. 
His  wife  died  in  1853  and  in  1856  he  took  for  his  second  wife,  Sarah  F.  (Seay)  Belcher, 
daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Seay.  Mrs.  Lester  was  born  in  1835  and  died  in  1S85, 
having  borne  one  child,  Daniel  R.  who  is  a fanner  in  Smith  County.  Mr.  Lester  joined 
Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Murfreesboro,  Wartrace, 
Chickamauga,  Missionary  Ridge,  Marietta,  Ga.,  and  many  minor  engagements.  He 
was  so  severely  wounded  in  the  left  leg  at  the  last  named  engagement  that  amputation  was 
performed  June  22,  1864.  He  kept  a grocery  in  Georgia  for  some  time  but  returned  home 
in  June,  1865.  He  has  been  a prosperous  farmer  of  Wilson  County  for  many  years  and 
previous  to  the  war  speculated  in  mules.  He  is  a Democrat  in  polities,  formerly  a Whig, 
and  belongs  to  the  order  of  Good  Templars  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

J.  R.  LESTER,  M.  D.,  was  born  November  1,  1836,  and  is  one  of  nine  children  of 
Henry  D.  and  Malinda  (Jones)  Lester;  the  family  is  of  English  descent.  Our  subject  re- 
sided with  his  parents  until  he  reached  man’s  estate.  He  received  his  education  in  the 
Cumberland  University,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  began  studying  medicine  and  gradu- 
ated, in  1860,  from  Jefferson  University,  Philadelphia,  Penn.  He  then  returned  to  his 
birth-place,  where  he  has  ever  since  practiced  his  profession.  May  20, 1861,  he  enlisted  in 
' he  Seventh  Tennessee,  Hatton’s  regiment  and  was  appointed  assistant  surgeon.  After  the 
battle  of  Seven  Pines,  Va.,  he  became  commander  of  a company  of  cavalry  in  Col.  Bax- 
ter Smith’s  regiment  and  served  in  this  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  August  16, 
1865,  he  wedded  Miss  Sallie,  daughter  of  William  Williamson,  of  Wilson  County,  and  be- 
came the  father  of  five  children:  Nellie,  Jennie,  Jimmie,  Marie  and  John.  Dr.  Lester  is 
a stanch  Democrat  and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Buchanan.  The  Doctor  and 
his  wife  are  leading  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  one  of 
the  leading  physicians  of  the  county. 

J.  D.  LESTER’S  birth  occurred  near  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  in  1839;  son  oe  Henry  D.  and 
Malinda  (Joues)  Lester.  He  received  his  education  in  Cumberland  University  and  Jeffer- 
son College,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  between  North  and  South  he  enlisted  in 
Company  D,  Seventh  Regiment  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  during  his  service  took  an  active 


1106 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


part  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  and  skirmishes  of  the  war.  He  returned  home  May 
20,  1865.  June  18,  1362,  he  was  married  to  Marcella  Henderson,  daughter  of  William  and 
Mary  Henderson,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  nine  children:  Henry  D.,  Gertrude, 
Robert  E.,  Albert  D.,  Floyd  H.,  Jessie  F.,  Blanche,  Wade  H.  and  Joseph  A.  In  1867  Mr. 
Lester  began  working  in  the  flouring-mill  of  Carter  & Lester,  as  book-keeper,  remaining 
with  them  in  this  capacity  eight  years.  In  1875  Mr.  Lester  purchased  a one-fourth  inter- 
est in  the  mill,  but  in  August,  1877,  sold  his  interest  and  purchased  200  acres  of  land  near 
Lebanon,  which  he  has  since  increased  to  330  acres.  He  uses  modern  methods  of  cul- 
tivating the  soil  and  his  land  yields  him  rich  returns.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat  and 
is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church  and  his  wife  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church- 
N.  LAWRENCE  LINDSLEY,  LL.  D.  (deceased),  one  of  Tennessee’s  most  prom- 
inent and  influential  educators,  was  born  September  11,  1816,  in  Princeton,  N.  J.,  and  is  a 
son  of  Philip  Lindsley,  who  was  also  a leading  educator  of  New  Jersey  and  Tennessee. 
In  1817  he  was  'elected  as  vice-president  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  and  in  1822  was 
acting  president  of  the  same.  The  following  year  he  was  chosen  president  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Tennessee,  but  declined  the  honor.  In  1S24  he  was  again  elected,  and  Janu- 
ary, 12,  1825,  he  assumed  control  and  was  president  of  that  institution  until  1850.  In  May 
of  the  latter  year  he  was  elected  professor  of  ecclesiastical  polity  and  Biblical  archaeo- 
logy in  the  New  Albany  (Ind.)  Theological  Seminary.  In  1853  he  resigned,  and  from  that 
date  until  his  career  ended,  in  1855,  his  time  was  spent  in  study  and  devotion  to  his  friends- 
Lawrence  Lindsley  left  his  native  State  in  1825  and  came  to  Nashville,  Tenn.  with  his 
parents.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  was  nominated  to  a cadetship  at  West  Point,  being  ap- 
pointed by  President  Jackson,  who  wTas  a personal  friend  of  his  father’s,  but  remained  only 
two  years,  owing  to  the  severity  of  the  climate.  He  entered  the  University  of  Nashville, 
graduating  with  honors  in  1836.  In  18-11  he  wedded  Julia  M.,  daughter  of  Moses  B.,  and 
Sarah  (Bedford)  Stephens,  the  father  being  a prominent  educator  of  his  day.  Mrs.  Linds- 
ley was  born  July  30,  1823,  in  the  building  now  known  as  the  Nicholson  House,  in  Nash- 
ville. To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Lindsley  were  born  these  children:  Philip,  a law3rer  of  Dallas, 
Tex.;  Henry  S.  (deceased);  N.  Lawrence  (deceased);  John  B.,  a stock  trader  of  Lebanon; 
Joseph  W.,  afarmerof  Wilson  County,  and  KateS.  (wife  of  Edgar  Waters).  The  ma- 
ternal grandfather  was  a student  in  Princeton  (N.  J.)  College  and  was  a soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  war  from  North  Carolina,  receiving  for  his  bravery  the  " Lawrence  Grant” 
of  2,640  acres  of  land  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.  of  which  our  subject  received  500  acres. 
In  1844  Lawrence  Lindsley  was  elected  professor  of  Latin  and  Greek  in  the  Cumberland 
University,  and  in  1852  established  the  Greenwood  Seminary  for  young  ladies,  which  be- 
came a model  of  its  kind.  The  degree  of  LL.  D.  was  conferred  upon  him  by  the  Cum- 
berland University.  He  died  October,  10.  1868  and  it  may  be  truly  said  of  him  that  he 
was  an  accomplished  and  profound  scholar.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  engaged  on 
the  production  of  a work  called  ‘‘An  Encyclolexicon  of  the  English  Language,”  which 
was  intended  to  be  a complete  dictionary  of  the  English  Language.  He  was  the  soul  of 
honor  and  manliness,  a philanthropist  and  Christian.  At  his  desire  his  wife  became 
principal  of  the  school  he  had  founded,  and  conducted  it  successfully  until  her  death 
July  8,  1883.  She  was  a lady  of  more  than  ordinary  accomplishments  and  energy,  and 
her  object  and  aim  was  to  give  to  young  ladies  a grand  conception  of  real  life,  and  while  her 
death  occurred  in  the  midst  of  a prosperous  work,  her  life  was  such  that  its  good  influences 
have  not  ended,  and  her  name  is  a house  hold  word  in  many  Southern  families. 
Both  husband  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

FRANK  LINDSLEY,  farmer  of  Twenty-First  District,  was  born  in  Davidson  County, 
October  13,  1856,  son  of  Hon.  Adrian  Y.  S.  and  Eliza  (Trimble)  Lindsley.  The  father 
was  born  in  Princeton,  N.  J.,  September,  14, 1814,  and  immigrated  to  Davidson  County  when 
but  a boy,  and  soon  after  entered  the  University  of  Nashville  where  he  graduated  at  the 
very  early  age  of  seventeen.  He  then  commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  which  he  was 
tjuite  successful.  During  the  war  he  was  postmaster  at  Nashville  after  which  he  was  for 
some  time  president  and  secretary  of  the  Mount  Olivet  Cemetery,  and  also  had  an  im- 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1107 


portant  railroad  position.  In  1867  he  represented  Davidson  County  in  the  State  Senate, 
and  was  for  forty-six  years  president  and  secretary  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  Nashville 
University.  In  1884  he  married  Miss  Eliza  Trimble,  by  whom  he  became  the  father  of 
twelve  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living.  His  father,  Philip  Lindsley,  was  president  of 
Princeton  College,  but  resigned  that  position  to  accept  the  presidency  of  the  University  of 
Nashville.  Our  subject  remained  at  home  until  he  was  twenty  four  years  of  age.  receiv- 
ing his  education  at  the  University  of  Nashville,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  when 
but  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  then  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  Nashville  and 
and  Vanderbilt  University,  where  he  remained  two  years.  About  seven  years  subsequent 
to  his  leaving  school  he  was  engaged  in  assisting  his  father  in  his  railroad  business.  In 
1881  he  purchased  530  acres  of  land  in  District  No.  21,  Wilson  County,  a part  of 
a tract  which  was  donated  to  his  great-grandfather,  Nathaniel  Lindsley,  for  services  ren- 
dered during  the  war  of  Independence.  October,  13,  1880,  he  wedded  Lucy  Brutton,  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  by  her  became  the  f ather'of  two  children : Eliza  V.  and  Lucy.  Mr. 
Lindsley  is  one  of  the  most  substantial  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

T.  G.  LOGUE,  deceased,  was  a farmer  and  the  proprietor  of  a tannery,  and  was  one 
of  six  children  born  to  C.  and  M.  (Randels)Logue.  His  birth  occurred  March  11,  1820. 
The  father  was  born  June  29,  1778,  and  was  of  English  descent.  He  was  a tiller  of  the 
soil  and  after  reaching  a good  old  age  died  March,  1863.  The  mother  was  born  in  Rob- 
ertson  County  and  died  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn,  in  1843.  Our  subject  received  a fair 
practical  education  in  the  country  schools  and  for  some  time  carried  on  the  tannery  busi- 
ness for  his  father.  July  11,  1844,  his  marriage  with  Nancy  Bass,  was  solemnized.  To 
this  union  were  born  eleven  children:  Margaret  E.  Mary  E.  James  R.,  Tapley  G.,  Cath- 
arine B.,  Robert  H.,  Tennessee,  Joshua  C.,  Lucy  A.  Martha  and  Franklin  L.  Mr.  Logue 
had  accumulated  considerable  land  and  at  his  death,  which  occurred  July  28,  1882,  was 
the  owner  of  about  1,200  acres.  He  had  an  unsullied  reputation  and  was  much  esteemed 
by  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  a supporter  of  the  principles  of  Democracy,  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  G.  T.  and  belonged  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Logue,  is 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

ANDREW  B.  MARTIN  LL.  D.,  attorney  at  law  and  professor  of  law  iE  Cumberland 
University  was  born  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  in  1836,  son  of  Matthew  and  Matilda  (Crow) 
Martin,  both  born  in  V irginia  and  Ireland,  respectively.  The  father  was  born  about  1800 
and  was  married  about  1822.  He  was  a physician  and  was  educated  at  Clinton  College. 
At  the  time  of  his  death  in  1849  he  was  a resident  of  Paris,  Texas.  The  mother  was  born  in 
1804  and  came  to  the  United  States  withlier  motherinl812.  Soonafterker  husband’s  death 
she  returned  to  Tennessee  with  her  family  of  twelve  children.  She  devoted  her  life  to 
their  welfare  and  died  in  1876.  Our  subject  early  cherished  the  idea  of  becoming  a law- 
yer, but  owing  to  the  untimely  death  of  his  parents  and  other  adverse  circumstances,  he 
was  compelled  to  abandon  the  idea  for  some  time.  At  the  age  of  eleven  years  he  worked 
in  a brick-yard  all  summer  for  $13  and  at  the  age  of  thirteen  he  left  home 
and  began  earning  his  own  living.  In  April,  1852,  he  reached  Lebanon.  Tenn.,  an  entire 
stranger,  without  money  and  eighty- five  miles  from  home.  He  secured  a position  in  the 
drug  store  of  Allison  & Cook  with  whom  he  remained  five  years.  His  leisure  hours  were 
spent  in  study  and  in  1857  he  began  reading  Blackstone.  He  was  aided  by  the  faculty 
■of  Cumberland  University  and  was  made  their  book-keeper  for  his  tuition.  In  1858  he 
graduated  from  the  same  and  immediately  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession 
and  was  regarded  as  a successful,  earnest  advocate  and  safe  counselor.  He  formed  a 
partnership  with  W.  H.  Williamson,  but  at  the  breaking  out  of  war  he  enlisted  in  Company 
H,  Seventh  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry  and  fought  in  many  bloody  battles.  He 
served  as  third  lieutenant  of  his  company  for  some  time  and  was  then  made  adjutant-gen- 
eral upon  the  staffs  of  Gen.  G.  G.Dribrell  and  Gen.  Wheeler.  He  served  about  four  years  and 
returned  home  May  20,1865.  He  immediately  resumed  his  practice  and  May  6,  1868,  wed- 
ded Alice  Ready,  daughter  of  Hon.  Charles  Ready,  of  Murfreesboro.  She  was  born  in  1842 
and  has  borne  her  husband  five  children:  Mary,  Martha,  Andrew,  Helen  and  Bennett. 


1108 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


In  1876  he  was  elected  professor  of  law  in  his  old  alma  ma.ter  and  has  since  held  the  posi- 
tion. In  1871-72  he  was  a member  of  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature,  being 
chairman  of  the  Judiciary  Committee.  In  1880  he  was  elector  of  the  State  at  large  in  the 
election  of  Hancock  and  English  and  canvassed  the  State  in  their  behalf.  He  has  been 
special  judge  of  the  circuit  and  chancery  courts  numerous  times  and  is  in  every  sense 
of  the  word  a self-made  man, and  from  his  childhood  has  displayed  qualities  of  head  and 
heart  which  have  enabled  him  to  surmount  obstacles  which  would  have  discouraged  many 
men. 

J.  B.  MARTIN  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  George  W.  and  Judith  (Bradley)  Martin. 
The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1796  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents  when  but 
two  years  of  age.  In  1820  he  married  and  located  on  a farm  in  Wilson  County,  where  he 
lived  until  his  death.  The  mother  was  born  March  8,  1803.  Our  subject  was  born  August 
23,  1823,  and  educated  in  the  district  schools  and  remained  at  home  looking  after  the  in- 
terests of  his  father's  farm  until  October  31,  1850,  when  he  married  Lucinda  R.,  daughter 
of  J.  and1  Mary  Holmes.  She  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  in  1833,  and  died 
June  19,  1879,  leaving  two  daughters:  Mary  (wife  of  A.  B.  McKnight),  and  Annie  (wife  of 
R.  G.  Byrn).  November  6,  1884,  Mr.  Martin  married  Mrs.  Thompson  of  the  Fifteenth 
District,  born  in  Wilson  County,  in  November,  1836.  Since  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Martin 
has  resided  on  the  home  place,  where  he  owns  169  acres  of  land.  He  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 

W.  D.  MARTIN,  one  of  the  old  citizens  and  farmers  of  the  Twenty-first  District,  was 
born  September  28,  1826,  in  Wilson  County.  He  is  the  son  of  Lindsey  C.  and  Nancy 
)Stacy)  Martin.  The  father  was  born  about  1794,  in  Virginia,  and  was  a farmer  by  occu- 
pation; he  moved  to  the  Twenty-second  District  near  Gladesville,  where  he  settled  and 
remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  December,  1884.  He  was  ninety  years  of  age. 
The  mother  was  born  August,  1791,  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Wilson  County  when 
quite  young.  They  crossed  the  mountains  by  team.  She  died  in  1877  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-six.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  county  schools  and  October 
2,  1851,  he  wedded  Mary  J.  Shannon,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  April,  1836,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Mary  Shannon.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  two  children : Mary  D. , 
wife  of  Dr.  Finis  Shannon,  Jr.,  and  James  L.,  who  married  Fanny  Steed,  to  this  last  union 
were  born  four  children:  John  A.,  Elsie  M.,  Marcus  W.  and  Mary  O.  After  marriage  our 
subject  bought  150  acres  in  the  Twenty-third  District,  where  he  lived  sixteen  years.  He 
then  sold  out  and  bought  273  acres  in  the  Twenty-first  District,  where  he  has  since  re- 
sided. He  is  one  of  Wilson  County’s  old  citizens  and  is  highly  spoken  of  as  an  honest 
citizen  and  good  neighbor.  In  politics  he  has  been  a life-long  Democrat,  and  he  and  wife 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  In  1876  he  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Twenty-first 
District,  which  office  he  held  in  an  able  manner  for  six  years. 

HON.  R.  P.  McCLAIN,  attorney  at  law,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  John  A.  and 
Minerva  (Ross)  McClain,  and  one  of  their  ten  children.  He  was  born  February,  1838,  in 
Wilson  County,  and  received  his  rudimentary  education  in  the  academies  of  his  native 
county,  and  afterward  entered  the  Cumberland  University  as  a junior  at  the  age  of  twenty, 
graduating  in  June,  1860.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Seventh  Regiment  Tennes- 
see Infantry,  and  in  1862  was  given  a position  in  the  quartermaster’s  department.  In  1862 
he  was  made  paymaster  in  A.  P.  Hill’s  division,  and  held  the  position  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  From  1866  to  1867  he  studied  law  in  Cumberland  University,  graduating  at  the 
latter  date.  February  26  of  the  same  year  he  married  Hettie  McKenzie,  daughter  of 
Alexander  McKenzie.  Mrs.  McClain  was  born  in  Illinois  in  1842,  and  is  the  mother  of 
four  children:  Jennie,  Minnie,  Alexander  and  Hettie.  Mr.  McClain  first  practiced  his 
profession  with  A.  Vick  as  partner,  continuing  until  1870,  when  he  was  appointed  deputy 
clerk  of  the  county  court,  succeeding  his  uncle,  J.  S.  McClain,  who  had  been  clerk  for 
forty  years  in  succession.  He  held  the  position,  by  re-election,  for  eight  years.  In  1875 
he  was  elected  to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature,  and  from  1876  to  1883  was 
clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court  of  Wilson  County.  Since  then  he  has  practiced 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1109 


law.  In  1875  lie  ancl  his  brother,  J.  T.,  became  proprietors  of  a drygoods  store,  and  since 
1884  the  firm  has  been  known  as  McClain  Bros.  & Co.  They  keep  a general  line  of  goods- 
and  occupy  eight  rooms  100  feet  long.  Mr.  McClain  has  been  a leading  man  of  Lebanon 
for  the  past  twenty  years,  and  is  a shrewd  business  manager  and  successful  financier.  The 
father,  John  McClain,  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent  and  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1807.  He 
was  a farmer  and  the  possessor  of  400  acres  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1867.  The  mother 
was  of  Scotch  descent,  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1809. 

JOHN  B.  McCLAIN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  April  26,  1842,  and 
is  the  son  of  Anson  and  Minerva  (Rocks)  McClain.  Our  subject  received  his  education  at 
Silver  Spring  High  School,  of  Wilson  County,  and  made  his  home  with  his  parents  until 
hostilities  broke  out  between  the  North  and  South,  when  he  became  one  of  the  boys  in 
gray.  He  enlisted  May,  1861,  in  Company  B,  Forty-fifth  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Infantry. 
He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh  and  numerous  other  engagements.  The  last 
two  years  of  the  war  he  was  in  the  quartermaster  department,  being  stationed  most  of 
the  time  at  Petersburg.  He  returned  home  iu  the  spring  of  1865  after  an  absence  of 
nearly  four  years.  August  9,  1877,  he  married  Sue  Brent,  daughter  of  Joe  and  Amanda 
Brent.  Mrs.  McClain  was  born  August  23,  1849,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  by  her 
union  with  Mr.  McClain  became  the  mother  of  two  children:  Anson  Brent  and  Lollie 
Bell.  After  marriage  Mr.  McClain  remained  on  the  old  home  place  and  cared  for  and 
looked  after  the  interest  of  his  father  and  mother.  In  1881  he  bought  125  acres  in  the 
Third  District,  six  miles  west  of  Lebanon,  where  he  settled  and  has  since  resided.  Mr. 
McClain  bears  the  reputation  of  being  an  industrious  and  conscientious  citizen.  He  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

ROBINSON  McMILLAN,  attorney  at  law,  is  a son  of  Frank  P.  and  Jane  F.  (Robin- 
son) McMillan,  and  was  born  March  25,  1857.  The  parents  were  both  native  Tennessee, 
ans,  the  father  having  been  born  in  1829,  and  the  mother  in  1832.  Of  their  seven  children 
but  three  are  living:  Robinson,  Edward  E.  and  Frank  P.,  Jr.  Frank  P.  McMillan  was  a 
farmer  in  Giles  County  before  the  war.  Having  lost  all  his  property  he  moved  to  Ruther- 
ford County  in  1870  to  begin  life  anew.  It  was  then  that  he  took  Robinson  from  school, 
and  put  him  in  the  cotton  field,  where  he  worked  with  the  negroes  till  his  twenty-first 
year.  At  this  age  young  Robinson  was  a pretty  fair  scholar,  notwithstanding  his  lack  of 
opportunities.  He  had  improved  every  spare  moment  by  studying  standard  works  of 
various  kinds,  especially  works  of  mathematics,  history  and  poetry.  On  obtaining  his 
majority  he  came  to  Wilson  County  to  try  his  luck  at  pedagogy.  After  teaching  a school 
in  the  Seventeenth  District  he  went  to  the  Twenty-fifth,  to  Hamilton  Academy,  where  he 
began  with  sixteen  pupils.  At  the  end  of  four  years  he  ended  his  school  at  that  point 
with  115  pupils  present.  He  afterward  taught  at  Gladeville  with  similar  success.  His- 
precarious  state  of  health  continually  interfering  with  his  duties  as  a teacher,  he  entered 
Cumberland  University  to  study  law.  In  1885  he  graduated  with  honor,  representing  the 
entire  senior  class  by  their  unanimous  choice.  In  the  year  1885  he  was  elected  superin- 
intendent  of  public  schools  for  the  county  of  Wilson.  As  county  superintendent  he  has 
exerted  himself  to  disentangle  the  county  finances,  to  raise  the  standard  among  teachers, 
and  to  rouse  the  people  on  the  subject  of  education.  At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1886  he 
associated  himself  with  Rufus  P.  McClain,  of  the  Lebanon  bar,  with  whom  he  has  since 
been  practicing  his  profession.  In  April,  1883,  he  was  married  to  Josephine  Hewgley, 
daughter  of  C.  W.  Hewgley,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  Mrs.  McMillan  was  born  January  13, 
1861.  They  have  one  son — Murray.  Mr.  McMillan  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  a liberal 
Methodist  in  religion.  He  is  a Good  Templar,  a Pythian  knight  and  a Free  Mason. 

MRS.  E.  C.  McMURRY  was  born  December  25,  1809,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  and 
is  a daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (McCorclej  Anderson,  born  in  North  Carolina  and 
Kentucky,  in  1779  and  1791,  and  died  in  1852  and  1870,  respectively.  They  were  married 
in  1809.  He  was  quite  successful  as  a farmer,  owning  upward  of  400  acres  of  land.  The 
mother  came  to  Tennessee  with  her  maternal  grandparents,  and  resided  in  a fort  a number 
of  years  to  protect  themselves  against  the  Indians.  After  her  husband’s  death  she  lived 


1110 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  E.  C.  McMurry.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  female  depart- 
ment of  a college  at  Gallatin,  and  December  27,  1838,  was  married  to  Rev.  John  M.  Mc- 
Murry, son  of  David  and  Anna  McMurry.  Rev.  McMurry  was  born  in  Wilson  County  in 
1804,  and  attended  school  in  Gallatin.  He  entered  the  ministry  in  1833,  being  a circuit 
rider  for  a short  time,  and  then  was  given  local  wor|.  In  1847  he  became  agent  of  the 
endowment  fund  for  the  Cumberland  University,  serving  eight  years.  During  that  time 
he  was  very  successful,  raising  about  $60,000.  In  1856  he  became  pastor  of  the  church  at 
McMinnville,  Tenn.,  remaining  seventeen  years,  with  the  exception  of  a few  years  during 
the  war.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  gave  up  ministerial  work  in  1869,  and  retired  to  his  farm, 
where  he  died  in  April,  1875.  He  was  very  public  spirited,  and  was  a man  of  talent  and 
influence  in  the  county.  His  wife  and  daughter  reside  in  Lebanon,  both  being  earnest 
workers  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAMES  NELSON  is  a native  of  Fayette  County,  Ky.,  and  is  a son  of  James  and 
Theodica  (Bush)  Nelson,  born  in,  Virginia  and  Kentucky  in  1799  and  1803,  and  died  in 
1864  and  1834,  respectively.  The  father  was  a teacher  in  early  life,  and  at  a later  period 
became  a tiller  of  the  soil,  and  owned  425  acres  of  land.  He  became  the  father  of  twelve 
children,  nine  of  whom  are  living.  Our  subject  was  born  in  1828,  and  received  his  rudi- 
mentary education  in  his  native  county,  and  later  attended  Bacon  College,  Harrodsburg, 
Kv.,  for  two  years.  In  September,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Eighth  Kentucky 
Cavalry,  Gen.  Morgan’s  command,  and  was  with  him  on  his  raid  through  Kentucky,  In- 
diana and  Ohio.  He  was  captured  at  Buffington,  Ohio,  and  sent  to  Chicago,  where  he  was 
retained  until  spring.  He  returned  home  in  March,  1865.  Before  the  war  (1859)  he  pur- 
chased 117  acres  of  land  in  Wilson  County,  on  wdiich  he  located  and  where  he  has  since 
lived.  He  is  a man  of  good  business  capacity,  and  is  at  the  present  time  the  possessor  of 
470  acres  of  fertile  and  well  cultivated  land.  He  has  been  a life-long  Democrat  in  poli- 
tics, and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  F.  Pierce  in  1852.  In  1876  he  was  elected  mag- 
istrate of  his  district,  and  has  held  the  office  to  the  present  time,  to  the  satisfaction  of  all 
concerned. 

JOHN  D.  OWEN,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  John  Owen  and  Mary  A.  (Goodwin)  and  was 
born  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  June  21,  1825.  The  father  was  of  Welsh  descent,  and  his 
ancestors  first  located  in  Maryland  and  Virginia.  He  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1787, 
and  was  a physician  and  surgeon  by  profession.  He  married  and  came  to  Tennessee  in 
1812,  locating  in  Smith  County,  where  he  practiced  medicine.  He  and  his  wife  organ- 
ized and  established  the  first  Sabbath-school  ever  taught  in  Smith  County.  He  died  Sep- 
tember 5, 1826.  He  was  a stockholder  and  president  of  a branch  of  the  old  Bank  of  Ten- 
nessee at  Carthage,  and  was  a member  of  the  town  board  for  several  years.  The  mother 
was  born  in  1787  in  North  Carolina.  She  was  a devout  church-member,  and  a life  mem- 
ber of  the  American  Bible  Society.  She  died  at.  our  subject’s  home,  in  Lebanon,  January 
2,  1879.  John  D.  was  educated  in  the  Cumberland  University,  of  Lebanon,  and  the  Nash- 
ville University.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  the  direc- 
tion of  his  brother,  Dr.  B.  R.  Owen,  and  in  the  fall  of  1846  went  to  Philadelphia,  Penn., 
and  entered  the  same  institution  from  which  his  father  graduated.  He  graduate’d  in 
1848.  He  has  always  practiced  in  Smith  County,  and  has  met  with  well-deserved  suc- 
cess. In  1853  he  moved  to  Lebanon,  and  November  1,  of  the  same  year,  married  Fannie 
Jamison,  daughter  of  J.  and  A.  (Porter)  Jamison.  Mrs.  Owen  was  born  April  9,  1835. 
Dr.  Owen  and  another  gentleman  established  a drug  store  in  Lebanon,  but  was  soon  com- 
pelled to  abandon  the  business  owing  to  ill  health.  In  1870  he  was  the  prime  mover  and 
stock-holder  of  the  Bank  of  Wilson  County,  and  was  made  its  president,  continuing-such 
after  it  became  the  Second  National  Bank.  He  resigned  in  1882,  and  has  since  lived  a 
retired  life.  He  has  in  his  possession  a copy  of  the  old  stamp  paper  which  was  issued  by 
the  British  Government  in  1765,  compelling  the  colonies  to  use  stamped  paper,  it  being 
the  only  original  copy  on  record;  its  value  is  5 shillings.  The  Doctor  is  an  enterprising 
man  of  Lebanon.  His  wife  died  January  6,  1886.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  as  were  all  the  Owen  family  of  his  branch. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1111 


J.  HARRISON  OZMENT,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  September  11,  1853,  in 
Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  three  children  born  to  John  C.  and  Amanda  (Wright) 
Ozment.  The  father  was  born  October  5,  1833,  in  Wilson  County,  and  is  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation. He  is  the  owner  of  about  100  acres  of  land,  and  is  now  living  in  the  Twenty- 
fifth  District.  The  mother  was  born  March  4,  1834,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Hollis  and 
Elizabeth  Wright.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Wilson  County,  and  received  a practical 
education  in  the  country  schools.  In  1877  he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  December 
20, 1876,  Emma  A.  Clemmons  became  his  wife.  She  is  the  daughter  of  William  L.  and  Eliz- 
abeth (Carver)  Clemmons,  and  was  born  March  12,  1857.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ozment  are  the 
parents  of  three  children:  Clara,  Lenna  and  Horace.  Mr.  Ozment  has  a fine  farm  of  200 
acres  in  the  Twenty-fifth  District,  and  is  a gentleman  in  every  respect.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics,  and  a consistent  member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Ozment  is 
a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JOHN  PALMER,  one  of  the  old  settlers  of  Wilson  County.  Tenn.,  was  born  in  that. 
State  April  13,  1804,  and  is  the  eldest  of  thirteen  children  born  to  William  and  Sarah 
(Rankins)  Palmer.  The  father  was  of  English  extraction,  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1777, 
and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  in  1804.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage  he  was  living  in  Sum- 
ner County,  Tenn.,  and  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer  during  his  entire  life.  He 
died  in  Wilson  County  in  1858.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1782,  and 
died  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1859.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  passed  his  early  life  in 
assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  securing  an  education.  In  1826  he  was  married  to  Mary 
Reese,  daughter  of  Thomas  B.  and  Margaret  Reese.  Mrs.  Palmer  was  born  in  Wilson 
County  in  1803,  and  by  her  union  with  Mr.  Palmer  became  the  mother  of  five  children: 
Margaret  A.  (wife  of  H.  W.  Robb),  Louisa  (wife  of  J.  S.  Chambers),  Richard  H.,  Henry 
Clay  and  Ella.  In  1828  he  bought  154  acres  of  land  in  Wilson  County,  where  he  com- 
menced the  occupation  of  farming,  and  is  at  present  the  owner  of  1.600  acres  of  land,  the 
principal  part  being  in  Wilson  County.  Mr.  Palmer  is  one  of  Wilson  County’s  oldest  cit- 
izens. By  his  energy,  industry  and  close  application  to  business  he  has  accumulated 
gradually  from  year  to  year  and  at  present  is  one  of  the  wealthiest  farmers  in  the  county. 
He  is  always  obliging  and  kind  to  the  poor,  and  is  highly  esteemed  as  an  honest  and  use- 
ful citizen.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

THOMAS  A.  PARTLOW,  chairman  of  the  Wilson  County  Court,  was  born  Septem- 
ber 5,  1825.  He  received  his  education  in  the  Gladesville  school,  and  remained  with  his 
parents  until  twenty-two  years  old.  May  19,  1847,  he  wedded  Margaret  Williamson,  a 
native  of  Wilson  County,  born  in  August,  1825,  and  the  daughter  of  Thomas  Williamson. 
To  our  subject  and  wife  was  born  one  child,  Cloe.  After  marriage  Mr.  Partlow  located 
near  the  old  home  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  January  20, 1859,  his  wife  died,  and 
in  1863  our  subject  married  May  Ann  Robins,  who  lived  only  eighteen  months  after  mar- 
riage. In  September,  1866,  our  subject  was  again  married  to  Martha  E.  Wray,  a native 
of  Wilson  County,  born  April  2,  1836,  and  the  daughter  of  William  Wray.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Partlow  were  born  four  children:  William  A..  James  R.,  Natlie  M.  and  Haywood R. 
In  1865  Mr.  Partlow  moved  to  the  Twenty-second  District,  and  previous  to  this,  in  1840, 
he  had  learned  the  tanner  and  currier’s  trade,  which  he  carried  on  for  some  years.  In 
1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  State  guards.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of 
Lexington,  Oak  Hill  and  Springfield.  In  1865  he  came  home,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same 
year  enlisted  again,  and  was  with  Gen.  Morgan  until  he  made  his  famous  raid  through 
Kentucky,  Indiana  and  Ohio,  after  which  he  returned  home.  Our  subject  is  the  son  of 
Thomas  and  Cloe  (Hooker)  Partlow.  The  father  was  of  French  descent,  born  in  1796  in 
South  Carolina,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  owning  at  one  time  513  acres.  He  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  fought  in  the  battle  of  “The  Horse  Shoe  Bend.”  The 
mother  was  of  German  descent,  born  in  1797  in  North  Carolina,  and  died  in  November, 
1876.  Mr.  Partlow  has  always  taken  a very  active  part  in  public  education.  He  is  a 
Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

THOMAS  PHILLIPS,  a farmer  of  the  Eighteenth  District  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn., 


1112 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


was  one  of  nine  children  and  born  June  10, 1826.  He  was  educated  in  the  district  schools 
and  reared  on  a farm.  November  15,  1848,  he  wedded  Miss  Henrietta  Henderson,  daughter 
of  Preston  and  Dorothea  (Teague)  Henderson.  Mrs.  Phillips  was  born  January  11,  1832, 
and  became  the  mother  of  the  following  children  : H.  A.,  William  P.,  David  B.,  Bettie 
(wife  of  John  Bass),  Mary  D.  (wife  of  Samuel  Ashworth),  Sally  E.  (wife  of  Andrew 
Short),  Laura  J.,  Minnie,  T.  W.,  John  M.  (deceased),  Ada,  Mattie  and  Eugene.  Mr. 
Phillips  resided  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age.  He  then  pur- 
chased 105  acres  of  land  which  he  has  since  increased  to  165  acres,  and  also  owns  112 
acres  of  land  in  the  Seventeenth  District.  He  served  as  constable  two  years,  and  six  years 
as  magistrate.  He  is  conservative  in  politics  and  was  strongly  opposed  to  secession.  He 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  His  parents  were  David  and  Mary  (Waters) 
Phillips,  who  were  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1794  and  1802,  and  died  in  1846  and  1873. 
respectively.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812. 

HARDIN  PHILLIPS,  merchant,  of  Cherry  Valley,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  Wilson  County 
May  11,  1848,  one  of  nine  children  of  Josiah  and  Malinda  (Bass)  Phillips.  The  father 
was  of  English  descent,  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1800  and  followed  farming  through  life. 
His  death  occurred  in  Wilson  County  November  15,  1868.  The  mother . was  born  about 
1818  and  died  December  23,  1882.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and 
October  15,  1868,  he  married  Miss  Lizzie  Pendleton,  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Nancy  (Moore)- 
Pendleton.  Mrs.  Phillips  was  born  April  22,  1851,  and  to  her  and  her  husband  were  born 
three  children,  two  now  living  : Josiah,  Hattie  and  Bessie  (deceased.)  At  the  age  of 
eighteen  Hardin  began  working  for  himself,  and  in  1869  was  elected  constable,  an  office 
which  he  held  for  six  successive  years,  and  then  became  associated  with  Henderson  & Co.> 
merchants,  of  Cherry  Valley,  continuing  until  1877,  when  he  and  Dr.  Grantstaff  became 
partners,  but  in  about  one  year  their  building  and  goods  was  consumed  by  fire.  A short 
time  after  Mr.  Phillips  began  business,  for  himself  and  has  met  with  flattering  success. 
He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

HON.  S.  S.  PRESTON,  an  old  citizen  and  farmer  of  the  Twentieth  District,  was- 
born  November  22,  1827,  in  Bedford  County,  Va.,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Martha 
(Early)  Preston.  The  father  was  born  about  1793,  in  Bedford  County,  Va.,  and  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage  he  was  living  in  the  Old  Dominion, 
but  in  1835  he  immigrated  to  Wilson  Countv,  Tenn.,  where  he  died  in  1853.  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  the  father  of  ten  children,  six  of  whom  are  living. 
The  mother  was  born  in  1799.  in  Bedford  County,  Va.,  and  died  in  1850  in  Wilson  County. 
Our  subject  was  educated  in  his  native  county  and  in  Wilson  County.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-one  he  left  home  and  went  to  Huntsville,  Ala.,  and  hired  as  a clerk  in  a dry  goods 
store,  where  he  remained  for  nearly  three  years.  January  12,  1853,  he  married  Ann  M. 
Keyes,  a native  of  Alabama,  born  June,  1835,  and  the  daughter  of  James  H.  Keyes,  of 
Mississippi.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  seven  children:  James  H.,  John  F., 
Laura  (wife  of  William  T.  Watson,  of  Texas),  S.  S.,  Jr.,  Ella,  Alice  and  Mattie.  During 
the  late  war  our  subject  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was 
made  captain  of  his  company.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  but  soon 
after,  on  account  of  ill  health,  was  discharged  and  returned  home.  Mr.  Preston  owns  260 
acres,  and  is  one  of  Wilson  County’s  much  respected  citizens.  January,  1872,  he  was 
elected  as  chairman  of  the  county  court,  and  in  November  of  the  same  year  he  was  elected 
to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature.  In  October,  1882,  he  was  again  elected  chair- 
man of  the  county  court,  which  position  he  held  for  three  successive  years.  During  the 
years  1884—85  he  was  a resident  of  Lebanon,  where  he  lived  for  the  purpose  of  educating 
his  children. 

G.  A.  PURSLEY  is  a sou  of  William  B.  and  Sophia  (Rutherford)  Pursley,  and  was 
born  September  13,  1837,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.  The  father  was  of  Irish  descent,  aud 
was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1802,  and  was  a tanner  and  currier  by  trade,  but  later  devoted 
his  time  to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  came  to  Wilson  County  in  1839,  where  he  became 
quite  a prosperous  farmer,  owning  500  acres  of  land  at  one  time.  He  died  May  16,  1880. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1113 


He  was  twice  married,  his  first  wife  being  Harriet  Johnston.  The  mother  was  of  Scotcli- 
Irish  descent,  born  in  1814  and  died  in  1885.  Our  subject  came  to  Wilson  County  when 
only  two  years  old.  He  attended  Irving  College  in  Warren? County,  and  the  Cumberland 
University  in  Lebanon.  September  22,  1857,  he  married  Ann  Vance,  daughter  of  Ed  R. 
and  Mary  Vance.  Mrs.  Pursley  was  born  November  11,  1840,  and  became  the  mother  of 
seven  children:  Hattie  (wife  of  J.  R.  Gollithan),  Minnie  (wife  of  J.  M.  Hannah),  Lizzie 
A.,  Alice  M.,  Brice  B.,  Edwin  V.  and  Philip  H.  Mr.  Pursley  was  first  the  owner  of  sixty 
acres  of  land,  but  by  industry  and  economy  is  now  the  possessor  of  305  acres.  He  has 
been  a life-long  Democrat,  and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas. 
September  10,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fourth  Regiment  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
after  the  reorganization  of  the  army  was  appointed  second  lieutenant  of  his  company,  but 
returned  home  in  the  summer  of  1862,  owing  to  ill  health.  He  was  arrested  and  kept  a 
prisoner  at  Murfreesboro  for  about  three  months.  He  belongs  to  the  Good  Templars,  and 
he  and  wife  are  church  members. 

JAMES  H.  RAGLAND,  resident  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  born  in  1845,  and  is  a son  of 
Dr.  Hardin  and  Amelia  A.  (Jones)  Ragland.  Hardin  Ragland  was  born  in  Tennessee  in 
1812,  son  of  Pettis  Ragland,  of  Virginia.  Hardin  was  educated  in  Campbell  Academy 
and  received  his  medical  education  in  the  University  of  Lexington,  Ky.  After  his  mar- 
riage he  located  in  Cherry  Valley,  where  he  continued  to  practice  until  1878,  when  he 
gave  up  active  work  and  came  to  Lebanon.  He  had  a thorough  knowledge  of  his  pro- 
fession and  for  many  years  was  the  leading  physician  in  his  section  of  the  country,  and 
was  a much  respected  citizen.  He  died  February  6,  1882.  The  mother  was  of  Scotch  de- 
scent, born  in  Wilson  County  in  1806.  She  died  December  13,  1885.  They  were  the 
parents  of  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  living:  Mrs.  Hattie  Page  and  our  subject,  who 
was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  county  and  White  Springs,  Davidson  County.  When 
sixteen  years  of  age  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Fourth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Bentonville,  Knoxville,  Perryville,  and  numerous  lesser  engage- 
ments. After  the  surrender  of  Richmond  he  returned  home,  and  August  10.  1870,  he 
married  Agues  A.  Clark,  daughter  of  L.  J.  Clark.  Mrs.  Ragland  was  born  in  1852,  and 
is  the  mother  of  two  children:  Hardin  and  Clark.  Soon  after  returning  from  the  war  he, 
his  father  and  W.  S.  Phillips  kept  a general  merchandise  store  at  Cherry  Valley  for 
three  years.  He  then  sold  goods  at  Tucker’s  Cross  Roads  for  two  years,  and  about  1879 
he  and  W.  G.  Page  established  a family  grocery  and  hardware  store  in  Lebanon.  Our 
subject  has  since  sold  his  interest  to  P.  Y.  Hill,  and  has  been  speculating  in  notes  and 
securities.  He  is  a Democrat.  His  wife  died  in  1878  and  his  sister  has  since  been  keep- 
ing house  for  him. 

JOHN  H.  RAMSAY,  farmer,  was  born  in  1828  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a 
son  of  William  and  Diana  (Austin)  Ramsay.  The  father  was  a native  of  the  State  of 
Virginia,  and  in  early  life  worked  at  the  hatter’s  trade.  In  late  years  he  followed  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  having  purchased  upward  of  100  acres  in  Sumner  County,  where  he 
lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1850.  The  mother  was  born  in  Sumner  County 
about,  1816.  After  the  death  of  her  husband  she  lived  on  the  old  place  for  some  time,  but 
at  present  she  is  living  with  her  daughter,  Polly  Hobson,  who  is  a resident  of  the  Fifth 
District.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  county  schools,  and  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  left  the  parental  roof  and  served  as  an  apprentice  to  a house  carpenter,  working  thus 
for  two  and  a half  years;  after  which  he  worked  on  his  own  responsibility.  In  1853  he 
bought  188  acres  in  the  Third  District  of  Wilson  County,  where  he  located  and  where  he 
has  since  resided.  The  same  year  Lucinda  Tarver  became  his  wife,  but  died  the  following 
year.  In  1855  he  married  Roxana  Tompkins,  who  died  February  5,  1880,  and  in  October, 
1881,  he  married  Mary  C.  Ramsay,  a native  of  Indiana,  born  January  2,  1858,  and  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Rebecca  Isom.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ramsay  were  born  two  children: 
William  H.  and  Ella  Myrtle.  Mrs.  Ramsay  has  one  child,  John  I.,  by  her  first  husband. 
Mr.  Ramsay  has  been  a hard  working  and  an  industrious  man.  By  his  energy  and  good 
management  he  now  owns  336  acres  of  good  land.  During  the  late  war  he  was  agent, 


1114 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


assisting  the  Commissary  Department  in  supplying  food  and  clothing  to  the  boys  in  gray. 
In  politics  he  advocates  the  principles  of  Democracy.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic- 
fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  ate  worthy  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

J.  M.  RICE,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  September  19,  1859,  in  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  eight  children,  born  to  J.  H.  and  T.  A.  (Welsh) 
Rice.  The  father  was  born  June,  1837,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  a merchant, 
which  occupation  he  followed  for  twenty-five  years.  About  this  time  he  felt  a strong  de- 
sire to  preach  the  gospel,  which  inclination  he  followed.  At  the  same  time  he  carried  on 
the  merchandising  business.  The  mother  was  born  in  April,  1838,  in  Wilson  County, Tenn., 
and  is  the  daughter  of  Mitchell  Welsh.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Rutherford  County, 
and  received  a good  practical  education  in  the  country  schools.  February  9,  1882,  he  led 
to  the  altar  Jeffella  Brett,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  May  16,  1862,  and  the  daughter 
of  Alexander  Brett.  Our  subject  and  wife’s  married  life  was  happily  blessed  by  the  birth 
of  one  child,  Clide  Alexander.  Mr.  Rice  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,  and  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  Mrs.  Rice  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

G.  L.  ROBINSON,  M.  D.,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  October  s,  1821,  in  Smith 
County,  one  of  eight  children  of  Stephen  and  Mary  (Lancaster)  Robinson,, who  were  of 
English  origin.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1778,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupa- 
tion. He  came  to  Tennessee  in  his  youth  and  his  parents  were  among  the  very  first  set- 
tlers of  Middle  Tennessee.  He  died  in  January,  1846.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  was  twice  married,  being  the  father  of  nine  children.  The  mother  was  born 
June  6,  1798,  in  Tennessee,  and  died  the  same  year  as  her  husband.  Our  subject’s  early 
education  was  acquired  in  the  common  schools,  and  served  in  the  Mexican  war  in  Joseph 
E.  Thomas’  Tennessee  Cavalry,  serving  twelve  months.  After  his  return  he  began  study- 
ing under  Dr.  G.  M.  Alsop,  of  Statesville,  and  in  1848  entered  the  medical  department  of  the 
Louisville  (Ky.)  University  and  graduated  as  an  M.  D.  in  1850.  He  practiced  his  pro- 
fession in  Statesville,  Alexandria,  and  in  1854  came  to  Lebanon.wherehehas  since  resided. 
September  7,  1851,  he  married  Emily  D.  Anderson,  daughter  of  Frank  Anderson;  she  died 
June  7,  1875,  leaving  one  child,  Churchwell,  who  died  in  1877.  In  1878  the  Doctor  married 
Valeria  Huddleston,  daughter  of  Winston  and  Mary  B.  Huddleston.  She  was  born  Jan- 
uary 21,  1839,  and  she  and  the  Doctor  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

HON.  R.  C.  SANDERS,  clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court  of  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  was  born  July  23,  1826,  in  Sumner  County,  and  is  one  of  three  children  of  James 
and  Letitia  (Carey)  Sanders.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1779,  and  in 
youth  came  with  his  parents  to  Sumner,  Tenn.  .where  he  followed  the  occupation  of  farming. 
He  was  married  to  Letitia  Carey  in  1825,  and  died  in  1861.  He  was  twice  married  and 
was  the  father  of  ten  children.  The  mother  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1800, 
and  died  April  16,  1871,  Our  subject  graduated  from  Enon  College  and  for  one  session 
was  a student  in  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon.  In  1847 
he  began  teaching  school  and  continued  that  and  farming  until  1849,  when  he  became 
principal  of  the  Smithfield  (Tenn.)  High  School,  continuing  until  1853.  December  23  of 
that  year  he  wedded  Rhoda  A.  Reeves,  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  Reeves.  Mrs.  San- 
ders was  born  February  17,  1836,  in  Smith  County,  Tenn.,  and  became  the  mother  of  the 
following  children;  Nora,  John  C.  and  Nat.  In  1854  Mr.  Sanders  was  chosen  superinten- 
dent of  tbe  high  school  at  Carthage,  Tenn.,  and  in  1857  was  elected  to  represent  Smith 
County  in  the  State  Legislature.  After  his  return  to  Carthage  upon  the  adjournment  of 
the  Legislature,  he  again  began  the  study  of  law,  and  in  1859  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and 
practiced  his  profession  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  June,  1861,  he  enlisted  in 
Company  F,  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  immediately  appointed 
its  adjutant  and  served  until  the  re-organization  of  the  army  at  Corinth,  when  he  was 
elected  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  same  regiment.  He  had  command  of  the  regiment  for 
several  months,  the  colonel,  S.  S.  Stanton,  being  absent.  He  and  Col.  Stanton,  owing  to 
trouble  with  the  brigadier-general  in  command,  resigned,  and  returned  to  Middle  Tennes- 
see and  raised  another  regiment  (infantry),  the  Eighty-fourth  Tennessee;  this  was  consoli- 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1115 


dated  with  the  Twenty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry.  Col.  Sanders  was  appointed  quarter- 
master and  acted  as  such  until  the  close  of  the  war,  receiving  his  parole  at  Washington,  Ga., 
June  9, 1865.  Col.  Sanders,  although  quartermaster,  went  into  the  ranks  as  a private,  and 
took  part  in  the  capture  of  Dalton,  Ga.,  in  the  battle  of  Spring  Hill  and  Franklin,  and  in 
the  engagements  around  Nashville.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  resumed  the  practice  of 
law  and  formed  a partnership  with  Judge  Cantrell,  of  Lebanon,  with  whom  he  remained 
eight  years.  In  1874  Col.  Sanders  moved  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  but  after  a two-years  resi- 
dence, returned  to  Tennessee  and  resided  one  year  in  Gallatin  and  then  came  to  Lebanon. 
He  and  his  son,  John  C.,  are  partners  in  the  practice  of  law,  the  latter  being  a graduate 
of  the  law  department  of  the  University  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  of  the  same  department 
of  the  Cumberland  University  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.  In  1881  Col.  Sanders  represented  Wil- 
son County  in  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature.  He  was  made  chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Claims  and  in  1883  was  appointed  to  his  present  position.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  he  and  his  son  constitute  one  of  the  leading  law  firms  of 
the  county. 

ERVIN  Iv.  SHANNON  is  a farmer  of  the  Nineteenth  District,  of  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  son  of  J.  H.  and  Isabella  (Braden)  Shannon.  He  was  born  March  22,  1841,  in 
the  county  where  he  now  resides.  His  father  was  of  Irish  descent  and  was  born  Decem- 
ber 19,  1803.  When  he  was  about  twenty-five  years  of  age  he  came  to  Tennessee.  His 
parents  died  when  he  was  quite  young  and  he  was  reared  by  a man  by  the  name  of  Sha- 
ker, with  whom  he  learned  the  tanner’s  trade,  and  followed  this  occupation  in  Tennessee 
for  about  ten  years.  He  then  moved  to  a farm  belonging  to  his  wife..  He  was  married 
about  1834,  and  became  the  father  of  seven  children,  five  now  living.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  late  war  and  his  death  occurred  in  June,  1870.  His  widow  died  in  1876.  Our  sub- 
ject resided  with  his  parents  until  their  respective  deaths.  He  received  his  education,  in 
the  district  schools  of  the  neighborhood,  and  in  1862,  in  company  with  his  brother,  as- 
sumed control  of  the  tanning  business,  continuing  about  eight  years.  Since  that  time 
our  subject  has  been  engaged  in  farming,  and  owns  the  old  homestead.  He  enlisted  in 
the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee,  Company  C,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh  and  Perryville, 
Ky.,  and  was  wounded  in  the  latter  engagement  and  returned  home.  In  politics  he  is  a 
Democrat,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

AUEX  SHANNON,  proprietor  of  a grocery  and  hardware  store  in  Lebanon,  Tenn., 
is  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  in  1844,  and  is  one  of  five  children  of  J.  H.  and  Isa- 
bella (Braden)  Shannon.  Alex  Shannon  was  reared  on  his  father’s  180-acre  farm.  He 
was  educated  in  the  country  schools,  and  December  22,  1870,  was  married  to  Maggie  Hol- 
loway, daughter  of  Richard  and  Eunice  (Shannon)  Holloway.  She  was  born  in  1847  and 
is  the  mother  of  two  living  children;  James  R.  and  Nebar.  In  1872  Mr.  Shannon  bought 
146  acres  of  land  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  1882,  when  he  sold  out  and  re- 
moved to  Lebanon  and  clerked  in  the  hardware  store  of  McClain  Bros,  for  two  years. 
Since  November,  1885,  he  has  been  connected  with  J.  K.  Buchanan  in  the  grocery  and 
hardware  business,  and  is  doing  well.  Mr.  Shannon  is  conservative  in  politics,  and  he 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.- 

FINIS  E.  SHANNON,  Sr.,  one  of  the  oldest  citizens  of  District  No.  22,  and  a 
prominent  farmer,  was  born  November  20,  1814,  in  Wilson  County.  He  is  the  youngest 
child  of  Henry  and  Jane  (Hayes)  Shannon.  The  father  was  of  Irish  descent,  born  Janu- 
ary 10, 1766,  in  Virginia  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  About  1795  he  came  to  David- 
son County  but  afterward  removed  to  Wilson  County  where  he  died  September  25,  1844. 
The  mother  was  born  March  22,  1772, in  Virginia,  and  died  December  10,  1832,  in  Wilson 
County.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  received  his  education  mostly  outside  of  the  school- 
room. July  31, 1838, he  married  Nancy  Hearn,  daughter  of  Milbry  Hearn.  Mrs.  Shannon  was 
born  February  6, 1818,  in  Wilson  County  and  by  her  marriage  became  the  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren: Norman  P.,  who  is  afarmer,  and  MaryC.,wife  of  James  Doughty.  After  our  subject’s 
marriage  he  located  on  the  old  home  place.  In  1856  his  wife  died,  and  in  the  following  year  he 
married  Rosanna  A.  Hunt,  a native  of  Rutherford^County,  born  in  1826,  and  the  daughter  of 


1116 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Samuel  Hunt.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shannon  were  born  three  children:  Finis  E.,  Texannah 
and  Frusey.  In  1861  he  sold  the  old  home  place  and  bought  land  in  District  No.  22,  where 
he  is  now  living.  He  lost  his  second  wife  in  1862,  and  in  1867  he  married  E.  J.  O’Neal; 
she  lived  hut  a short  time  after  marriage  and  December,  1868.  he  married  Elizabeth  J.  Eth- 
erley,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  in  1829.  Mr.  Shannon  is  one  of  Wilson  County’s 
old  citizens  and  has  been  quite  successful,  owning  at  the  present  time  500  acres  of  land. 
He  has  been  a life-long  Democrat  casting  his  first  vote  for  Martin  Van  Buren.  He  has 
also  been  an  active  business  man,  is  obliging  and  courteous  and  is  a good  neighbor. 

REV.  S.  G.  SHEPARD,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  in  1830  in  Wilson  County  ; 
son  of  John  and  Frances  G.  (Graves)  Shepard.  The  father  was  of  Scotch  descent,  and 
was  born  about  1785  in  Prince  Edward  County,  Va.  He  was  a teacher  by  profession,  and 
in  connection  with  this  did  farming.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  occurred  in 
1807,  he  was  living  in  Wilson  County.  He  was  not  permitted  to  live  the  time  allotted  to 
man.  but  was  cut  down  in  the  prime  of  life.  He  died  in  1835  with  the  cholera.  The  mother 
was  of  French  origin,  and  was  born  in  Virginia  about  1800;  she  died  in  1860.  There  were 
eight  children  born  to  them,  four  of  whom  are  living.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Samuel 
Shepard,  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  .present  at  the  surrender  of 
Cornwallis,  at  York  town.  About  1800  he  immigrated  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he 
settled  and  lived  to  an  advanced  age.  He  cast  his  first  vote  for  George  Washington,  and 
his  last  for  Henry  Clay.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  county  schools,  and  at 
the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Seventh  Tennessee  Infantry, 
Confederate  States  Army,  and  was  made  captain  of  his  company.  After  the  death  of  Gen. 
Hatton,  May  31,  1862,  our  subject  was  appointed  lieutenant-colonel  of  his  regiment.  He 
led  his  men  in  twenty  battles,  the  leading  ones  being  Seven  Pines,  seven  days  around 
Richmond,  second  Manassas,  Sharpsburg,  etc.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home, 
and  August  3,  1865,  married  Mattie  Major,  a native  of  Wilson  County;  born  in  1845,  and 
the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Fanny  (Chambers)  Major.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were 
bom  four  children:  Samuel  G.,  Alice,  John  and  Agnes.  After  marriage  our  subject  began 
farming,  and  now  owns  300  acres,  and  is  a well-to-do  farmer.  He  is  a Democrat  in  poli- 
tics and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  In  1870  he  was  elected  as  one  of  two  rep- 
resentatives from  Wilson  County  to  assist  in  revising  the  constitution  of  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee. In  1872  he  was  elected  as  member  to  the  State  Legislature,  and  in  the  same  year 
he  was  ordained  as  a Missionary  Baptist  minister.  His  ministerial  duties  have  been  prin- 
cipally confined  to  Wilson  and  Rutherford  Counties.  At  present  he  has  charge  of  four 
churches,  three  in  Rutherford  and  one  in  Cannon  County  at  Woodbury. 

J.  R.  SHORTER,  proprietor  of  a livery  and  feed  stable,  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born 
in  Wilson  County  in  1845,  and  is  a son  of  James  and  Martha  P.  (Wyoone)  Shorter,  who 
were  of  Irish  descent,  born  in  Tennessee  in  1815  and  1819,  respectively.  They  were  mar- 
ried about  1836,  and  tilled  a farm  of  200  acres  until  1858,  when  they  purchased  a 150-acre 
farm.  Here  the  father  died  in  1860,  and  the  mother  in  August,  1884.  Our  subject  only 
attended  school  about  three  months  during  his  life.  September  19,  1867,  he  lead  to  Hy- 
men’s altar  Easter  C.  Graves,  daughter  of  Lorenzo  J.  and  Mary  Graves.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Shorter  have  three  children:  Lorenzo  J.,  Susie  and  Robert.  In  1869  Mr.  Shorter  came  to 
Lebanon  and  established  a retail  liquor  store,  but  in  1871  bought  a family  grocery  store, 
continuing  three  years.  He  then  farmed  three  years,  and  in  1877  returned  to  Lebanon, 
and  with  W.  G.  Swindell  began  keeping  a livery  and  feed  stable.  A year  later  Samuel 
Golliday  purchased  Mr.  Swindell’s  interest,  and  he  in  turn  was  bought  out  by  J.  W.  Ham- 
ilton. Since  1883  Mr.  Shorter  has  carried  on  the  business  alone.  He  keeps  ten  horses, 
nine  single  and  six  double  vehicles,  and  runs  a buss  to  each  train,  and  has  met  with  mer- 
ited success.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  and  K.  of  P.,  and  he  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Baptist  Church. 

W.  H.  SMITH,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  May  29,  1834,  and  is  one 
of  fifteen  children  born  to  James  and  Martha  (Johnson)  Smith.  The  father  was  a native 
of  Virginia,  born  in  1796.  He  followed  agricultural  pursuits  during  his  lifetime.  He  died 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1117 


in  Wilson  County  in  1874.  The  mother  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1800,  and  died  in  Wilson 
County  in  1853.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  educated  in  the 
schools  of  the  county.  In  1858  he  wedded  Lucjr  J.  Johnson,  daughter  of  Berry  and 
Miranda  Johnson.  Mrs.  Smith  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1836,  and  by  her 
union  with  Mr.  Smith  became  the  mother  of  seven  children:  Martha  J.,  James  B.,  Miranda 

E. ,  William  H.,  Eddie  W.,  Emma  and  Bubie.  In  1862  our  subject  bought  141  acres  of 
land,  and  began  tilling  the  soil;  he  added  to  his  farm  quite  often,  and  is  at  present  the 
owner  of  240  acres  of  good  land.  In  1881  Mrs.  Smith  died,  and  in  1883  he  married  Mary 

F.  Williams,  daughter  of  Elijah  and  Polly  Williams.  Mrs.  Smith  was  born  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  in  1849,  and  by  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Smith  she  became  the  mother  of 
two  children:  Winfield  and  Lelia.  In  politics  Mr.  Smith  is  a Democrat. 

J.  E.  STRATTOM,  drygoods  merchant  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born  February  27, 
1842,  son  of  Thomas  J.  and  Caroline  M.  (Golladay)  Stratton.  J.  E.  Stratton  was  reared 
at  home  and  was  educated  in  the  Cumberland  University.  In  May,  1861,  he  enlisted  in 
Company  D,  Seventh  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry  Volunteers,  and  participated  in  all 
the  battles  of  the  Virginia  campaign  in  1861-62.  He  was  severely  wounded  at  the  battle 
of  Seven  Pines.  He  was  cared  for  in  the  house  of  the  Misses  Forbes,  sisters  of  Col. 
Fbi'bes,  of  Clarksville,  Tenn.  He  resided  for  some  time  with  his  uncle,  in  Granada, 
Miss.  In  1862,  while  in  Kentucky,  he  was  arrested  by  Federal  Hoops,  but  after  taking 
the  oath  of  allegiance  was  released  and  remained  in  Kentucky  until  the  fall  of  Richmond. 
March  24,  1864,  he  married  Mary  Grimes,  who  was  born  in  1842,  in  Kentucky,  daughter  of 
James  and  Fannie  Grimes.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stratton  were  born  these  children:  James 

G. ,  Thomas  E.  G.  and  Caroline  May.  In  1866  Mr.  Stratton  returned  to  Lebanon,  where 
he  was  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  with  his  father  and  brothers.  He 
soon  after  went  to  Todd  County,  Ky.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  same  business  three  years 
and  farmed  six  years.  Frprn  1873  to  1876  he  was  a druggist  in  Allensville,  and  at  the  lat- 
ter date  went  to  Nashville  and  established  a merchant  and  tailor’s  establishment.  In  the 
fall  of  1879  he  returned  to  Lebanon,  clerking  until  1881,  when  he  engaged  in  the  dry 
goods  business  in  the  same  room  as  that  occupied  by  his  father  in  1865-66.  In  1881  the 
building  burned,  and  a year  later  he  erected  his  present  tine  building.  He  is  one  of  Leb- 
anon’s first  merchants  and  citizens  and  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.,  and  he  and  family 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

S.  G.  STRATTON.  The  Bank  of  Lebanon.  Tenn.,  was  organized  in  August,  1884, 
with  a capital  stock  of  $25,000,  James  Hamilton,  president,  and  Thomas  J.  Stratton  as 
cashier.  In  January,  1885,  Mr.  Stratton  died,  and  S.  G.  Stratton,  our  subject,  was  chosen 
as  his  successor.  He  was  born  January  30,  1844,  in  Lebanon,  and  is  one  of  five  children 
■of  Thomas  J.  and  Caroline  M.  -(Golladay)  Stratton.  The  father  was  born  August  5,  1818, 
in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  a resident  of  Lebanon  at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  in 
May,  1838.  He  established  a general  merchandise  store  in  Lebanon,  but  a few  years  later 
began  dealing  in  dry  goods  only.  He  was  engaged  in  the  Florida  war.  His  partners  at 
different  periods  were  Benjamin  Ireland,  Maj.  Andrew  Allison  and  lastly,  before  the  war, 
Samuel  Golladay.  Mr.  Stratton  was  a leading  business  man  of  Lebanon  and  an  influen- 
tial citizen.  In  1870  he  was  elected  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Wilson  County,  and  he  contin- 
ued its  cashier  after  it  became  the  Second  National  Bank,  continuing  as  such  until  August, 
1884,  when  he  was  chosen  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Lebanon,  continuing  until  his  death,  in 
January,  1885.  He  was  twice  married  and  became  the  father  of  six  children,  his  second 
wife  being  Fannie  (Watkins)  Helm.  Our  subject’s  mother  died  August  15,  1865.  S.  G. 
Stratton  was  educated  in  the  Cumberland  University.  During  the  war  he  first  attached 
himself  to  the  Thirty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  under  Col.  Looney,  of  Memphis,  and 
afterward  enlisted  in  Capt.  J.  W.  Britton’s  company,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was 
in  the  service  until  the  fall  of  1864.  November  9,  1865,  he  married  Alice  Fisher,  who  was 
born  October  10,  1844,  who  bore  him  two  children:  Houston  F.  and  Franceway  C.  Mr. 
Stratton  was  first  after  the  war  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  with  his  father,  and 
afterward  with  R.  Green.  In  1872  he  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  circuit  court,  to  fill  an 


70 


1118 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


unexpired  term,  and  was  twice  afterward  elected  and  held  the  office  until  1882.  In  1881 
he  became  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business,  in  the  firm  of  J.  E.  Stratton  & Co.,  and  at 
present  is  one  of  the  firm  of  J.  T.  Odum  & Co.  October  22,  1877,  Mrs.  Stratton  died,  and 
December  1,  1881,  he  married  Leila  M.  Owen,  born  in  1861,  in  Talbot  County,  Ga.,  daugh- 
ter of  Sidney  Owen.  By  this  marriage  he  has  one  daughter,  Mildred  Owen,  born  Febru- 
ary 2,  1883.  Our  subject  succeeded  his  father  as  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Lebanon.  In 
1873  he  was  elected  mayor  of  Lebanon,  having  served  several  years,  before  and  after,  in 
the  city  council.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  Lebanon  Lodge,  No.  98,  and 
has  filled,  among  other  offices,  that  of  Worshipful  Master,  Most  Excellent  High  Priest  of 
the  Chapter,  Eminent  Commander  of  the  Commandery,  and  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H. 
and  K.  of  P.  He  and  wife  belong  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

L.  D.  STROUD  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  Oct.  7,  1842,  is  one  of  eight  chil- 
dren of  O.  B.  and  Lucie  (Lester)  Stroud  who  were  born  in  Halifax  County,  Va.,  and  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  May  2,  1803  and  June  29,  1824,  and  died  April  14,  1863,  and  March  11,  1875, 
respectively.  They  were  married  November  11, 1841.  The  mother  was  a daughter  of  Joshua 
Lester,  founder  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Smithfork,  Tenn.,  and  its  pastor  for  thirty-seven 
years.  Our  subject  received  his  education  at  what  was  known  as  the  “Three  Forks  Insti- 
tute” and  afterward'attended  the  Mount  Vernon  Institute.  When  sixteen  he  entered  the 
teachers’  profession  continuing  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  when  he  enlisted  in  Hol- 
ton's Seventh  Tennessee  Infantry  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Seven  Pines  and  Cedar 
Run;  was  wounded  in  the  arm  at  the  former  battle  and  yet  carries  the  ball  in  his  shoulder. 
He  was  severely  wounded  at  the  latter  battle  and  has  never  entirely  recovered  from  its 
effects.  After  his  return  home  he  resumed  teaching  and  paid  off  a debt  of  $300  which 
his  father  had  contracted  for  his  schooling.  In  1877  he  accepted  the  presidency  of  the 
Woodbury  College  for  a period  of  two  years,  but  ill  health  obliged  him  to  abandon  the  pro- 
fession entirely.  March  13,  1865,  he  wedded  Leathy  A.,  daughter  of  John  and  Anna 
Sneed,  born  December  22,  1841,  and  has  borne  six  children:  Cornelia  (Mrs.  A.  G.  Penuel), 
Minnie  (Mrs  R.’B.  Penuel),  Angie,  Nettie,  Bernice  and  Garland.  In  February,  1884, 
Mr.  Stroud  took  a trip  to  Mexico  for  a business  house  at  Nashville,  and  while  there  ac- 
quired a thorough  knowledge  of  the  Spanish  language.  Mr.  Stroud  is  the  owner  of  259 
acres  of  fine  land  and  his  home  is  pleasantly  and  picturesquely  situated.  He  is  a Demo- 
crat in  his  political’views  and  took  an  active  part  in  State  politics  in  1879.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  his  wife  belongs  to  the  Baptist  Church. 

A.  SULLIVAN,  an  enterprising  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  the  Twenty-fourth  District, 
was  born  March  22,  1815,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren born  to  A.  and  S.  Sullivan.  The  father  was  born  in  Guilford  County,  N.  C.,  and  was 
a farmer  by  occupation.  He  married  in  his  native  State  and  immigrated  to  Wilson  County 
and  settled  in  the  Twenty -fourth  District,  where  he  purchased  141  acres  of  land.  He  died 
in  March,  1835.  The  mother  was  born  in  Guilford  County,  N.  C.,  in  1775,  and  came  to  this 
county  with  her  husband,  where  she  remained  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1855.  Our 
subject  was  reared  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  like  the  average  country  boy,  received 
his  education  in  the  common  schools.  June  16,  1839,  he  wedded  Clerky  Patterson,  daugh- 
ter of  Elijah  Patterson.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  three  sons,  only  one  of  whom  is 
living.  One  son  was  killed  at  Richmond  and  another  at  Corinth,  Miss.  Mr.  Sullivan  is 
the  owner  of  300  acres  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  and  by  his  affable  and  courteous  man- 
ner has  made  many  friends.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

B.  J.  TARVER,  attorney  at  law  of  Lebanon,  was  born  in  Warren  County,  N.  C.,  and 
is  one  of  two  sons  of  Silas  and  Nancy  (Harris)  Tarver.  The  father  was  a Welshman  by 
descent,  and  was  born  in  1794  or  1795  in  North  Carolina.  He  was  a farmer,  and  came  to 
Tennessee  in  1808  with  his  father,  Benjamin  Tarver,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  county. 
After  his  marriage,  in  1823,  Silas  located  on  a farm  where  Tucker’s  Gap  is  now  situated, 
and  there  remained  until  his  career  ended  in  1862.  The  mother  was  of  English  birth, 
born  in  North  Carolina,  and  died  in  1845.  Our  subject  secured  an  academical  education, 
and  afterward  entered  the  law  department  of  Cumberland  University,  graduating  in  1851. 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1119 


He  has  since  practiced  his  profession,  and  lias  met  with  marked  success.  He  commenced 
at  the  bottom  round  of  the  ladder,  but  by  perseverance  and  knowledge  of  his  profession 
he  has  steadily  climbed  upward  in  his  profession  until  he  ranks  among  the  first  of  the 
Wilson  County  bar.  In  1878  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  chancery  court  of  Tennessee, 
and  held  the  office  for  one  year.  In  1875  he  wedded  Susan  White,  who  was  born  in  1829, 
and  a daughter  of  James  D.  White.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tarver  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South. 

J.  B.  TARVER,  farmer  and  resident  of  Tucker’s  Gap,  was  born  June  14,  1835,  in  the 
house  where  he  is  now  residing.  He  is  the  youngest  son  of  a family  of  seven  children, 
only  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  our  subject,  and  Judge  B.  J.  Tarver,  of  Lebanon. 
Silas  and  Haney  (Harris)  Tarver  were  their  father  and  mother.  Our  subject  received  his 
education  in  the,  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon  in  the  literary  department.  Feb- 
ruary 23,  1856,  he  married  Lucy  Hobson,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Lucy  (Tarver)  Hobson. 
Mrs.  Tarver  was  born  Augusts,  1837,  in  Wilson  County,  and  by  her  union  with  Mr.  Tarver 
she  became  the  mother  of  six  children:  Mattie  E.,  A.  Benjamin,  John  E.,  Walter  A., 
Nannie  and  George.  In  1853  our  subject  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cumberland 
University,  attending  two  sessions.  In  1856  he  went  to  Arkadelphia,  Ark.,  and  com- 
menced his  law  practice,  which  he  continued  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In 
February,  1862,  he  returned  to  his  birth-place,  where  he  has  since  lived  engaged  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  Mr.  Tarver  now  owns  440  acres,  and  is  an  honest,  enterprising  and 
successful  farmer.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  but  was  at  one  time  a Whig.  He  is  a 
Good  Templar,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

WILLIAM  B.  TATUM,  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  of  the  Twenty-second  Dis- 
trict, was  born  in  1821,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  son  of  Ira  and  Martha  (Ed- 
dins)  Tatum.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina  and  a teacher  by  profession  in 
his  younger  days,  and  later  in  life  he  followed  farming.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  died  in  1825.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  about  1800,  and  died 
about  1872.  Our  subject  at  the  age  of  seventeen  commenced  working  at  the  tanner’s 
trade,  which  he  continued  for  four  years.  At  the  age  of  twenty- one  he  went  to  Macon, 
Tenn.,  and  bought  130  acres  and  commenced  farming  on  his  own  responsibility.  In  three 
years  he  returned  to  Wilson  County,  and  in  March,  1846,  he  wedded  Sarah  A.  Goldston, 
a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  In  1823,  and  a daughter  of  Eli  and  Elizabeth  Goldston. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tatum  were  born  eight  children:  Martha  E.,  A.  Frank,  Mary  E.,  Will- 
iam A.,  Emily  A.,  Thomas  E.,  Edward  L.  and  Ira  J.  About  1851  our  subject  bought  111 
acres  in  the  Twenty-second  District,  where  he  located  and  is  now  living.  In  connection 
with  farming  he  carried  on  the  tannery  business  for  a period  of  twenty- five  years.  Mr. 
Tatum  started  in  life  as  a poor  boy,  but  by  energy,  economy  and  good  management  he 
now  owns  440  acres.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

JAMES  H.  TAYLOR,  one  of  the  old  settlers  of  Wilson  County,  was  born  in  Tennes- 
see, August  24,  1807,  and  is  one  of  ten  children  born  to  Perrygan  and  Sarah  (Wilson) 
Taylor.  The  father  was  of  English  descent,  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1761,  and  came 
to  Sumner  County  about  1800.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
marriage  was  living  in  North  Carolina.  He  died  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1826.  The 
mother  was  of  Irish  descent,  and  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1764.  She  died  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  in  1822.  At  the  age  of  twenty  our  subject  jleft  home;  he  had  received 
a fair  education  at  the  county  schools,  and  in  1827  Martha  Hunter  became  his  wife.  She 
was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1810,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Selina 
Hunter.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  seven  children:  Caroline,  Evaline,  Lasho- 
phine,  Leona  (wife  of  R.  C.  Morris),  Isaac,  John  and  William.  In  1832  Mr.  Taylor 
bought  150  acres  of  land,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  has  added  to  his  land  from 
time  to  time,  and  now  owns  262  acres,  upon  which  he  is  at  present  living.  In  politics  he 
is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  consistent  members  of  the  Cumberland  Church. 


1120 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


COL.  R.  E.  THOMPSON,  a citizen  of  Wilson  County.  Tenn.,  descended  from  the 
old  Thompson,  Cockrell.  McNairy  and  Robertson  families  of  Tennessee.  Gen.  James 
Robertson  and  John  Cockrell  were  the  first  white  men  that  ever  stood  on  Capitol  Hill. 
Col.  Thompson  was  born  at  Cockrell’s  Springs,  near  Nashville,  in  1822.  He  was  partly 
educated  in  Nashville,  and  in  1840  came  to  Lebanon  and  finished  his  education  at  Cum- 
berland University.  He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Tolliver,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Col.  Zach 
Tolliver,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  by  whom  he  has  six  living  children — two  sons  and  four 
daughters— all  of  whom  are  doing  remarkably  well.  His  youngest  son,  Lillord,  is  attor- 
ney-general of  the  Seventh  Judicial  Circuit.  Col.  Thompson  is  a lawyer  and  farmer,  and 
is  noted  as  a criminal  lawyer,  and  defends  nearly  all  the  criminals  in  his  section  of  the 
county,  but  refuses  to  prosecute,  never  having  prosecuted  a man,  although  offered  large 
fees  to  do  so.  In  politics  he  is  a low-tax  Democrat,  and  is  opposed  to  taxing  the  people  to 
pay  the  railroad  debt.  He  has  been  seven  or  eight  times  elected  to  the  State  Legislature, 
three  or  four  times  to  each  branch,  and  took  a very  active  part  in  common  school  education 
and  in  the  cause  of  temperance.  He  is  not  a very  zealous  advocate  of  the  four-mile  law, 
and  offered  a bill,  and  got  it  passed,  excluding  intoxicating  liquors  from  every  place  in  the 
State,  excepting  Nashville,  Knoxville  and  Memphis,  but  the  supreme  court  decided  it 
was  unconstitutional.  He  is  a bold  and  fearless  advocate  of  the  rights  of  the  masses  of 
the  people,  and  zealous  of  encroachments  upon  their  rights  by  the  monied  corporations, 
consequently  is  often  before  the  people,  securing  large  majorities  over  very  popular  men. 
He  still  practices  his  profession,  in  which,  together  with  other  resources,  yield  him  a 
competency  in  his  old  age.  He  is  a Missionary  Baptist  in  faith. 

WILLIAM  T.  THOMPSON,  an  enterprising  farmer,  was  born  August  13, 1840,  in  Wil- 
son County,  and  is  the  son  of  George  and  Martha  (Baird)  Thompson.  The  father  was  of 
Irish  descent,  born  October  17,  1822,  in  Wilson  County,  and  is  a farmer  by  occupation. 
His  father,  Moses  Thompson,  was  born  in  1782,  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  came 
to  Wilson  County  at  a very  early  date.  He  died  in  1842.  George  Thompson  lived  in  his 
native  county  at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  occurred  November  11,  1845.  He  set- 
tled in  the  Nineteenth  District,  where  he  has  since  resided,  moving  only  once  since  that 
time.  He  has  lived  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  since  1851,  and  has  been  quite  suc- 
cessful as  a tiller  of  the  soil,  owning  at  the  present  time  upward  of  550  acres.  The  mother 
was  born  July  4,  1826,  in  Wilson  County,  and  died  July  12,  1878.  Our  subject  is  one  of 
eight  children  who  are  living.  He  received  his  education  in  the  country  schools  and 
February  6,  1868,  wedded  Fanny  Martin,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  March  19. 
1849.  and  the  daughter  of  John  Martin.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  four  children, 
three  of  whom  are  living:  Emma,  John  B.  and  Fannie  E.  In  1869  he  bought  forty-five 
acres  in  the  Twenty-first  District,  where  he  resided  until  1877,  when  he  bought  200  acres 
where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Thompson  lost  his  wife  August  5,  1876,  and  September  12  of 
the  following  year  he  married  Lucy  Logue,  a native  of  Wilson  County,  born  December  20, 
1852.  To  this  union  were  born  four  children:  Samuel,  Mattie,  Nanuie  and  Spurgen.  Mr 
Thompson  is  an  enterprising  business  man,  and  now  owns  382  acres.  His  wife  has  120 
acres  in  Davidson  County.  In  politics  our  subject  is- very  conservative,  voting  for  princi- 
ple dnd  not  for  party.  In  connection  with  farming  he  has  speculated  in  timber;  has  been 
employed  several  years  by  the  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  to  furnish  poles  to 
them.  He  has  also  furnished  Nashville  with  many  telegraph  poles. 

ED.  L.  VANCE.  Jr.,  junior  member  of  the  livery  and  feed  stable  of  Johnson  & 
Vance,  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  Edward  R.  and  Drucilla  (Hearn)  Vance,  and 
was  born  in  Wilson  County  November  28,  1859.  The  father  is  of  Irish  extraction,  born 
in  1817,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  a farmer  by  occupation.  In  1837  he  came  to 
Wilson  County,  where  he  purchased  300  acres  of  land,  and  was  married  in  1839.  He  has 
been  twice  married  and  is  the  father  of  fifteen  children.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the 
schools  near  his  home  and  in  the  Big  Spring  Seminary.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  he 
left  home  and  leased  396  acres  of  land,  which  he  farmed  two  years,  and  the  following- 
three  years  worked  on  a tract  of  400  acres  of  land  in  Davidson  County.  In  1884  he  and 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1121 


his  brother,  Joseph  T.j  purchased  the  livery  and  feed  stable  of  Orgain  & Ragland,  in 
Lebanon,  but  at  the  end  of  six  months  M.  House  became  one  of  the  proprietors.  In 
October,  1885,  Mr.  W.  A.  Johnson  bought  Mr.  M.  House’s  interest,  and  since  then  the 
firm  has  been  Johnson  & Vance.  They  keep  about  fifteen  horses  and  twelve  single  and 
eight  double  vehicles,  and  are  doing  a good  business. 

B.  J.  VANHOOK,  superintendent  of  county  poor  of  Wilson  County,  was  born  in  1849 
in  Wilson  County, Tenn.  He  is  the  son  of  Joel  N.  and  Mary  T.  (Hickman)  Yanhook.  The 
father  was  of  German  lineage,  born  in  1822,  on  the  line  between  North  Carolina  and  Vir- 
ginia, and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  mother,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  occurred  in  1841,  was  living  in  Wilson  County.  He  bought 
land  in  Barton’s  Creek,  in  the  Twenty-first  District,  where  he  lived  for  forty  years.  In 
1885  he  moved  to  the  Twenty-second  District,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  the  father  of 
six  children,  all  of  whom  are  living.  The  mother  was  born  about  1824,  in  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  is  also  living.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  county  schools.  De- 
cember 31,  1869,  he  wedded  Virginia  Ligon,  a native  of  WilsoD  County,  born  March  31, 
1850,  and  the  daughter  of  Richard  L.  and  Roseline  Ligon.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs*  Aranhook 
were  born  six  children:  Riley  C.,  Orrie,  Bettie  V.,  Carrie,  Huston  and  Howard.  Our 
subject  settled  on  Barton  Creek,  and  in  1877  he  was  elected  to  the  position  he  now  occu- 
pies. The  county  farm  contains  220  acres- and  is  located  five  miles  west  of  Lebanon.  The 
average  number  of  poor,  is  about  thirty,  and  they  are  properly  fed,  clothed  and  cared  for  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vanhook.  In  politics  Mr.Vanhook  is  a Democrat.  In  1882  he  was  nominated 
and  elected  as  magistrate  of  District  Ho.  22,  and  is  at  present  holding  the  office.  In  the 
same  year  he  bought  130  acres  in  the  Twenty-second  District.  Mrs.  Vanhook  is  a worthy 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

W.  C.  WALKER,  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  January  8,  1838.  and 
is  the  son  of  Janies  D.  and  Celia  L.  (Hamilton)  Walker.  The  father  was  born  in  North 
Carolina  in  1777,  and  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage 
he  was  living  in  Wilson  County,  where  he  died  May  29,  1849.  The  mother  was  born  in 
Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1795,  and  died  in  Wilson  County  January  18,  1884.  Our  sub- 
ject was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county.  In 

1820  he  was  married  to  Katie,  daughter  of  James  and  Eliza . Mrs.  Walker  was 

born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1844,  and  the  fruits  of  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Walker  are 
an  interesting  family  of  eight  children:  Edwin  L.,  Munroe  V.,  Cornelia  L.,  Edna  E.,  Lil- 
lia,  Addie,  William  C.  and  Washington  B.  H.  Mr.  Walker  is  the  present  owner  of  315 
acres  of  good  land  in  the  Fourth  District,  where  he  is  now  living.  He  is  a successful  farm- 
er and  has  the  respect  of  all  who  know  him.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

W.  H.  WALLACE,  a dealer  in  lumber,  was  born  April  6,  1852,  in  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.,  and  is  a son  of  J.  F.  and  Catherine  Wallace.  The  father  was  born  in  1836.  ii 
Sumner  County,  and  in  1849  he  moved  to  Wilson  County  and  settled  in  the  Second  District. 
He  followed  agricultural  pursuits,  and  in  1SS3  moved  to  Davidson  County.  The  mother 
was  born  in  1834,  Wilson  County,  and  lived  there  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1867. 
Our  subject  received  a fair  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen 
began  working  for  himself.  September  22,  1870,  he  married  Martha  J.  Gibson,  a native 
of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  September,  1852,  and  the  daughter  of  Thomas  W.  Gibson. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wallace  were  born  six  children:  James  W.,  Lillie,  Lizzie,  Daisie,  Harvey 
W.  and  Alvin.  Mr.  Wallace,  by  his  industry  and  energy,  has  accumulated  a considerable 
amount  of  this  world’s  goods  and  is  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 

J.  S.  WAMACK  is  a native  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  October  14,  1818.  and  is 
one  of  five  children  of  Richard  and  Agnes  (Smith)  Wamack.  The  father  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia about- 1790,  and  came  to  Tennessee,  when  about  twelve  years  of  age.  He  was  a 
farmer,  and  married  when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  and  about  thirty  years  afterward, 
his  wife  died,  and  he  then  married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Pucket)  Bailey.  J.  S.  Wamack  was 
-educated  in  the  district  schools,  and  August  8,  1839,  he  married  Miss  Dorcas  Hall,  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  Hall.  She  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  in  1821.  and  died  August  24,  1857, 


1122 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


leaving  five  children:  John  K.,  a theological  student  at  Louisville,  Ky. ; America  (wife  of 
H.  C.  Patton),  Josephine  (wife  of  Eli  Vauglit),  James  R.  and  A.  P.  Mr.  Waruack  began 
doing  business  for  himself  after  attaining  his  majority,  and  became  the  possessor  of  100 
acres  of  land  near  Cherry  Valley,  which  he  has  increased  to  325  acres  of  valuable  farming- 
land.  In  November,  1857,  Mr.  Wamack  wedded  Mrs.  E.  E.  (Thomas)  Boyle,  but  about  a 
year  after  her  marriage,  she  died,  leaving  one  child — E.  E.  (wife  of  James  M.  Berry). 
April  13,  1859,  Mr.  Wamack  lead  to  Hymen’s  altar,  Mary  (Anderson)  Vick;  she  was  born 
in  Wilson  County  October  11,  1832,  and  bore  her  husband  four  children:  California, 
Jourdan  (deceased),  Agnes  (wife  of  S.  Henderson),  aud  an  infant  (deceased).  Our  subject 
and  family  reside  on  a farm  of  100  acres  near  Cherry  Valley,  andin  connection  with  farm- 
ing, has  kept  a nursery  for  about  ten  years. . He  has_been  quite  an  extensive  traveler,  and 
has  always  contributed  liberally  to  all  public  and  private  enterprises.  He  is  a Democrat 
and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Harrison.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 

J.  M.  WATKINS,  proprietor  of  the  Watkins  Hotel,  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  was  born 
April  3,  1841,  and  is  one  of  eight  children  of  Moses  and  Jane  (Scoby)  Watkins.  The  father 
was  born  in  1812  in  Virginia,  and  was  a farmer  through  life.  He  came  to  Tennessee  with 
his  parents  when  about  six  years  of  age,  and  resided  on  different  farms  up  to  1876,  when 
he  moved  to  Lebanon,  where  he  died  in  the  fall  of  1884.  The  mother  was  born  in  Smith 
County,  Tenn.,  and  since  the  death  of  her  husband  has  lived  with  her  daughter  Mary  (Mrs. 
D.  W.  King).  Our  subject  attended  the  schools  of  his  native  county,  and  in  1862  enlisted 
in  Company  B,  Forty-fourth  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  took  an  active  part  in 
the  battle  of  Shiloh.  He  returned  home  in  1864,  and  after  farming  two  years  became 
clerk  in  the  Sweeney  House,  in  Nashville.  December  22,  1868,  he  married  Dora  Cart- 
wright, daughter  of  Wilson  T.  and  Elizabeth  Cartwright.  Mrs.  Watkins  was  born  in  1852 
in  Nashville.  She  and  her  husband  have  three  children:  Archie  Wilson,  Emma  Bell  (de- 
ceased) and  Lena  May.  In  1877  Mr.  Watkins  came  to  Lebanon,  and  he  and  W.  M.  Organ 
purchased  a livery  and  feed  stable,  which  they  managed  for  eighteen  months,  and  for  the 
following  year  Mr.  Watkins  conducted  the  business  on  his  own  responsibility.  In  1879  he 
and  Mr.  D.  C.  Williams  became  partners,  continuing  one  year.  In  1881-82  Mr.  Watkins 
kept  a grocery  and  restaurant,  and  in  1883  established  himself  in  the  hotel  business,  and  is 
an  obliging  and  courteous  landlord.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

DR.  R.  L.  C.  WHITE,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Lebanon  Herald,  was  born  June 
11,  1844,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the  only  living  child  of  Capt.  John  W.  and  Sally 
C.  (Cannon)  White,  who  were  of  English  descent,  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee 
in  1804  and  1807,  respectively.  The  father  died  in  1871.  He  was  a merchant  in  early  life, 
but  later  became  engaged  also  in  manufacturing  interests.  He  came  to  Tennessee  in  1821, 
and  in  1831  became  a resident  of  Lebanon,  and  was  always  an  active  worker  for  the  old 
Whig  party.  He  was  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  a number  of  years,  and  was  married  in  1841. 
The  mother  resides  with  our  subject,  who  was  educated  in  the  Cumberland  University,  of 
Lebanon.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  participated 
in  the  battles  of  Perryville,  Chickamauga,  Murfreesboro,  Atlanta,  and  numerous  minor 
engagements.  He  remained  in  the  field  until  the  surrender  of  Johnston’s  army,  when  he 
returned  home  and  entered  upon  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  Nashville  Medical  College, 
remaining  one  year.  In  1867  he  attended  the  Jefferson  Medical  College,  at  Philadelphia, 
and  graduated  in  1868.  In  1869  he  purchased  a one-lialf  interest  in  the  Lebanon  Herald, 
and  since  1871  has  been  sole  proprietor  and  editor.  Previous  to  1872  the  Doctor  practiced 
his  profession,  but  since  that  time  has  given  his  time  and  attention  to  his  paper,  which  is 
very  newsy  aud  instructive,  and  is  quoted  throughout  the  State  as  one  of  the  leading  jour- 
nals. The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  (Lebanon  Lodge,  No.  98,  F.  & 
A.  M.),  of  Baldwin  Commandery,  No.  7,  Knights  Templar;  Magnolia  Lodge,  No.  30,  I.  0. 
O.  F.;  Lotus  Lodge,  No.  20,  K.  of  P.;  Lee  Lodge,  No.  22,  K.  of  H.  In  1878  he  was  elected 
Grand  Chancellor  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  of  K.  of  P.,  and  held  the  position  nearly  two 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1128 


years.  In  1883  he  was  elected  Grand  Keeper  of  Records  and  Seal  of  the  State  of  Tennessee 
of  the  same  order,  and  now  holds  the  position.  Since  1880  he  has  been  one  of  the  two 
Supreme  Representatives  of  Tennessee  of  the  Supreme  Lodge  of  the  World,  K.  of  P.  He 
has  also  been  Grand  Treasurer  of  K.  of  H.  of  Tennessee  since  1880.  Until  1882  the  Doctor 
was  a Democrat,  but  at  that  time,  owing  to  a controversy  on  the  State  debt,  the  party  was 
split,  the  Dr.  taking  sides  with  that  faction  which  favored  the  payment  of  the  debt.  He 
was  secretary  of  the  State  Executive  Committee  of  the  State  credit  wing  of  the  Democratic 
party  during  that  canvass.  His  faction  was  disastrously  defeated,  and  since  that  time  he 
has  affilliated  with  no  party.  Since  1882  he  has  been  magistrate,  and  has  held  the  position 
of  notary  public,  and  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Bank  of  Lebanon.  May  23.  1869,  Dr. 
White  married  Ella  M.  Wade,  daughter  of  M.  B.  and  Elizabeth  Wade,  of  Rutherford 
County.  She  was  born  in  1851,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  children:  Ethel,  Opal,  Coral, 
Mabel  and  Kenneth. 

J.  H.  WILLIAMS  is  a native  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  born  March  6,  1841,  son  of  J. 
H.  and  Margaret  (Coson)  Williams,  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1794  and  1802,  respectively. 
The  father  came  to  Tennessee  when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  and  was  married  some 
three  years  later.  He  soon  purchased  a small  tract  of  land,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
had  acquired  2,000  acres  of  valuable  land.  He  died  April  13,  1862.  The  mother  yet 
resides  in  the  old  home  place.  Our  subject  was  educated  at  Cold  Spring  Academy,  and 
June  10,  1862,  was  married  to  Miss  S.  C.  Owen,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Robertson) 
Owen.  Mrs.  Williams  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  June  29,  1844,  and  has  borne 
her  husband  nine  children:  Bettie,  R.  B.,  Mahala  C.,  Mattie  M.,  William  H.,  J.  II. , Mar- 
garet I.,  Alex  and  Earnest.  In  1862  Mr.  Williams  purchased  200  acres  of  his  father’s 
estate,  and  is  very  comfortably  situated.  After  the  war  he  met  with  some  financial  em- 
barrassments, but  by  his  industry  and  business  ability  has  overcome  these  difficulties.  In 
1882  he  was  elected  magistrate,  and  still  holds  the  office.  He  is  a Democrat  and  belongs 
to  the  Masons  and  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  In  1861 
he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Fort 
Donelson  (where  he  was  wounded  and  disabled  for  six  months)  and  Chickamauga.  He 
was  in  cavalry  service,  and  was  engaged  in  numerous  cavalry  fights.  He  returned  home 
in  May,  1865. 

W.  W.  WILSON  is  one  of  the  firm  of  Wilson  & Waters,  proprietors  of  a dry  goods 
house  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  was  born  October  9,  1858,  in  Mississippi,  and  is  the  son  of 
Eaton  G.  and  Margaret  L.  (Roberts)  Wilson.  The  father  was  born  in  Alabama  and  was  a 
farmer.  His  death  occurred  in  1884.  The  mother  was  born  about  1832  in  Alabama,  and 
is  now  residing  with  her  son,  W.  W.,  in  Lebanon.  The  latter  was  educated  in  Selma, 
Ala.,  but  his  school  days  were  previous  to  his  fifteenth  year.  He  then  began  the  battle  of 
life  for  himself,  and  came  to  Lebanon  and  began  clerking  in  the  dry  goods  store  of  Price 
<&  Paty.  About  a year  later  he  hired  out  to  J.  T.  McClain  & Co.,  with  whom  he  remained 
seven  years.  During  these  years  he  was  improving  his  education  by  study  during  his 
leisure  moments,  and  is  now  a well  educated  man.  In  1881  he  owned  a one-half  interest 
in  a jewelry  store,  his  partner  being  B.  J.  Dillard,  and  for  about  a year  owned  a one-half 
interest  in  a livery  and  feed  stable,  the  firm  being  styled  Murphy  & Wilson.  In  January, 
1882,  Mr.  Wilson  and  Edgar  Waters  formed  a partnership  in  the  dry  goods  business,  and 
have  continued  successfully  in  the  same  up  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Wilson  is  a good  busi- 
ness man  and  a skilled  financier,  and  bears  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  finest  sales- 
men in  the  city. 

R.  Q.  WORD,  a trader  and  farmer,  was  born  in  Wilson  County  June  6,  1840,  and  is 
one  of  seven  children  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Quarles)  Word.  The  father  was  of  Irish 
extraction,  and  was  born  in  Virginia  about  1798.  He  is  a farmer,  and  came  to  Tennessee 
when  but  six  years  of  age.  He  was  married  three  times,  and  is  now  living  in  the  Fifth 
District.  The  mother  was  of  Irish  extraction  also,  and  was  born  in  1798  and  died  in  1870. 
Our  subject  was  reared  at  home,  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  of  the  Seventh  Tennessee  In- 


1124 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


fantry,  Confederate  States  Army,  and  was  captured  at  the  second  battle  of  Manassas.  He 
remained  a prisoner  about  thirty  days,  when  he  was  returned  to  the  Confederate  States 
Army  authorities.  He  was  in  all  the  principal  battles,  and  at  one  time  was  the  only  man 
in  his  company  (officer  or' private)  able  to  report  for  duty.  After  the  war  he  was  engaged 
for  some  time  with  the  Louisville  Oil  Company,  for  which  he  traveled.  February  21,  1867, 
he  wedded  Pemelia  Freeman,  a native  of  Tennessee,  who  died  March  13,  1871.  To  this 
union  were  born  two  children,  Charles  and  Elizabeth.  He  contracted  a second  marriage 
May  31,  1872,  with  Rachel  Patton,  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  the  daughter  of  James  H. 
and  Sallie  Patton.  In  1871  Mr.  Word  went  to  Lawson,  Ray  Co.,  Mo.,  and  at  different 
times  was  in  a grocery,  furniture  and  hardware  store.  In  1873  he  returned  to  Tennessee 
and  became  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Silver  Springs  Mills.  This  occupied  his  attention 
for  five  years,  since  which  time  he  has  followed  trading  in  live-stock.  He  has  lately 
become  a candidate  for  county  trustee,  subject  to  the  county  election  August  5,  1886.  He 
holds  to  the  true  principles  of  Democracy,  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  No.  98, 
and  of  the  Royal  Arch  lodge  and  the  K.  of  P.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  South,  and  his  wife  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

GEORGE  W.  WRIGHT,  an  enterprising  farmer  and  merchant,  was  born  November 
21,  1838,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  eleven  children  born  to  Lewis 
and  Tempie  (Eddings)  Wright.  The  father  was  born  in  1794  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  and 
when  only  fifteen  years  of  age  immigrated  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  located  in  the 
Twenty -fifth  District.  He  was  married  in  the  year  1820,  and  by  industry  and  perseverance 
soon  purchased  about  220  acres.  Death  called  him  away  March  10,  1872.  The  mother 
was  born  in  1800  in  Wilson  County.  Our  subject  received  a practical  education  in  the 
county  schools,  and  June  18,  1862,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lucy  (Guill)  Wright.  She 
was  born  September  26,  1843,  and  is  the  daughter  of  James  Guill.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wright  were  born  two  children:  Monroe  A.  and  Tempie  E.  Mrs.  Wright’s  death  occurred 
January  28,  1868.  June  20,  1869,  Mr.  Wright  married  Mary  Robison,  daughter  of  John 
Drennan.  She  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  and  by  her  union  with  Mr.  Wright  became 
the  mother  of  five  children:  John,  Lee,  Cora,  Lena  and  Annie.  Mr.  Wright  is  a good 
man,  and  one  of  the  most  energetic  farmers  of  the  Twenty-fourth  District. 

J.  K.  WRIGHT,  an  enterprising  merchant  and  farmer  of  the  Fourth  District,  was 
born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  October  24,  1847,  and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  Will- 
iam and  Margaret  J.  Wright.  The  father  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1814, 
and  followed  the  occupation  of  a merchant  and  farmer,  and  at  one  time  was  owner  and 
proprietor  of  the  first  woolen  factory  that  was  operated  in  the  State  of  Tennessee.  He 
was  married  in  his  native  county,  and  died  there  in  1870.  The  mother  was  born  in  Mont- 
gomery County,  Tenn.,  in  1819,  and  died  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  in  1859.  Our  subject 
passed  his  youthful  days  at  home,  and  when  twenty  years  of  age  received  the  rudiments 
of  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county,  and  subsequently  attended  Boyd’s  Commer- 
cial College  at  Louisville,  Ky.  In  1869  he  was  married  to  Eliza  G.,  daughter  Of  Dr.  Henry 
B.  and  Susan  Vaughn.  Mrs.  Wright  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1850,  and  by 
her  union  with  Mr.  Wright  became  the  mother  of  five  children:  Maggie  S.,  Alice  B., 
James  K.,  William  H.  and  Graham  C.  In  1873  he  bought  eighty:five  acres  of  land  in 
Williamson  County,  where  he  commenced  farming  on  his  own  responsibility,  and  at  the 
present  owns  145  acres  of  land,  all  lying  in  the  Fourth  District,  where  he  still  continues 
to  farm.  In  1867  Mr.  Wright  opened  a grocery  and  dry  goods  store  in  La  Guardo,  and 
followed  this  business  until  1873,  when  he  sold  out  his  store  and  continued  farming  until 
1880,  when  he  purchased  his  present  store.  He  is  postmaster  at  La  Guardo,  a Democrat 
and  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

ROBERT  YOUNG  (deceased),  a successful  farmer,  was  boro  May  7,  1822,  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  and  was  one  of  twelve  children  born  to  James  and  Nancy  (Branch)  Young. 
The  father  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1797,  and  is  of  Irish  descent.  He  was 
a farmer  by  occupation,  and  lived  to  a good  old  age,  his  death  occurring  June  7,  1881. 
The  mother  was  born  in  the  year  1800  in  Wilson  County,  and  died  April  17,  1875.  Our 


WILSON  COUNTY. 


1125 


subject  was  educated  in  bis  native  county,  and  December  1,  1842,  was  married  to  Nancy 
Neal,  and  by  ber  became  tbe  father  of  eight  children:  James  W.,  Mary  E.  (wife  of  George- 
Sullivan),  George,  Pallas,  David,  Nannie  (wife  of  T.  Hamilton),  William  F.  and  Effie  L. 
In  the  year  1866  he  moved  and  settled  in  the  Twenty-fourth  District,  where  he  purchased 
325  acres  of  land,  and  carried  on  farming  and  stock  raising  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
June  22,  1885.  He  was  a good  man,  and  had  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 
He  was  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  held  to  the  principles  of  Democracy,  and. 
was  a worthy  member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Young  survives  her  hus- 
band, and  manages  the  farm  in  a skillful  manner.  She  is  a consistent  Christian  and  a 
member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

G.  D.  YOUNG,  a farmer  of  the  Fifteenth  District  of  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  was  born 
October  23,  1823,  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  D.  and  Margaret  (Stewart)  Young,  who  were  born 
in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  in  1785  and  1796,  and  died  in  Tennessee  in  1873  and  1875, 
respectively.  They  were  married  in  1812.  G.  D.  Young,  our  subject,  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  his  native  county.  January  8,  1846,  he  married  Miss  Miranda, 
daughter  of  Andrew  and  Ritter  (Kelly)  Thompson,  by  whom  he  had  six  children:  A.  R., 
wife  of  J.  D.  Pemberton;  Joseph  D.,  A.  T.,  Margaret  E.,  J.  M.  and  William  B.  After 
attaining  his  majority  Mr.  Young  began  farming  on  his  own  responsibility.  After  his 
marriage  he  purchased  135  acres  of  land  which  he  has  since  increased  to  185  acres.  Mr- 
Young  has  been  quite  successful  as  a farmer  and  business  man,  and  in  addition  td  his 
farming  has  given  some  attention  to  the  shoe-maker’s  trade  and  stone-masonry.  He  was  a 
Whig  as  long  as  that  party  existed,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  He  belongs  to  the  I.  0.  O.  F. 
and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

JOSEPH  YQUNG  was  born  near  Big  Springs,  Wilson  Co,.  Tenn.,  August  1,  1S26, 
son  of  D.  and  Sarah  Young,  who  were  of  Irish  descent,  and  born  in  Tennessee  and  Vir- 
ginia, respectively.  The  father  was  born  in  1804,  and  resided  in  Wilson  County  until  his 
death  in  1874.  He  was  married  about  1825.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  district 
schools,  and  December  20,  1849,  was  married  to  Nancy  Marks,  who  was  born  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  March  3,  1827,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  Marks.  She  died  April  19, 
1858,  having  borne  three  children,  one — Laura — is  now  living.  November  23,  1860,  he 
wedded  Emily  Sneed,  born  December  30,  1839,  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Elizabeth  Sneed. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young  were  born  these  children:  Sarah  E.,  Mary,  James,  William,  H., 
Holly  and  Joseph.  Soon  after  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Young  purchased  a grist-mill  and 
has  carried  on  that  and  farming  to  the  present  time.  He  owns  about  200  acres  of  land. 
He  was  involved  to  the  extent  of  $3,600  during  the  war,  but  by  indomitable  and  persever- 
ing will  has  overcome  these  difficulties,  and  has  since  purchased  and  paid  for  120  acres  of 
excellent  land.  He  is  a Democrat  politically  and  has  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace 
a number  of  years-.  He  and  Mrs.  Young  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

J.  W.  YOUNG,  a farmer,  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Nancy  (Neal)  Young,  and  grandson 
of  James  Young,  who  were  of  Irish  descent.  Robert  Young  was  born  in  1822,  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  and  followed  the  occupation  of  farming,  owning  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
in  1885,  325  acres  of  land.  The  mother  was  born  in  1S24,  and  is  yet  residing  on  the  old 
home  place.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living: 
Mary,  George,  Palace,  David,  Foster,  Nannie,  Effie  and  J.  W.,  our  subject,  who  was  born 
in  Wilson  County,  in  1842,  was  reared  at  home  and  educated  in  his  native  county.  At  the 
breaking  out  of  hostilities  between  the  North  and  the  South  in  1861,  he  enlisted  m Com- 
pany C,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles  and  skir- 
mishes of  the  war.  At  the  battle  of  Stone  Mountain  he  was'shot  in  the  left  hand  and  was 
released  from  duty  sixty  days.  He  served  until  the  fall  of  Richmond,  and  then  returned 
home  after  an  absence  of  nearly  four  years.  October  22,  1868,  he  married  Mary  L.  Luck, 
born  in  1846,  and  daughter  of  W.  W.  and  Fannie  Luck.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young  have  four 
children:  Robert,  Elbert  W.,  James  and  Omar  A.  From  1866  to  1880  our  subject  resided 
with  his  grandfather,  James  Young.  He  now  has  a good  farm  and  a comfortable  home. 
He  is  a Democrat  and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Horace  Greeley.  He  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 


1126 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


JOHN  W.  ADAMS  is  a son  of  Archibald  Adams,  who  was  born  September  30,  1811, 
in  Tennessee.  He  was  married  to  Jane  Ramsey,  who  was  born  July  21,  1810,  and  our  sub- 
ject, John  W.,  was  born  to  their  union  December  26,  1836.  The  father  died  in  1850  and 
the  mother  in  1854.  Our  subject  was  their  second  child,  and  assisted  in  tilling  his  father’s 
farm  until  twenty-one  years  of  age.  For  two  years  he  followed  photography  in  Tennessee 
and  Arkansas,  and  then  joined  the)  Confederate  Army,  Company  H,  Seventeenth  Tennes- 
see Infantry.  He  was  wounded  at  Murfreesboro,  and  was  disabled  from  work  two  months, 
and  was  wounded  in  the  foot  at  Petersburg,  Va.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned 
home  and  was  engaged  by  R.  L.  Adams,  of  Lewisburg,  Marshall  County,  as  assistant 
county  court  clerk,  and  continued  about  two  years.  He  then  (in  1868),  engaged  in  farming, 
in  which  he  has  been  fairly  prosperous.  He  was  elected  magistrate  in 'April,  1884,  to  fill 
an  unexpired  term.  December  10,  1866,  Mary  H.  Glenn,  of  Marshall  County,  became  his 
wife.  She  is  a daughter  of  Hugh  K.  and  Lucretia  E.  Glenn,  and  has  borne  her  husband 
three  children,  all  of  who  are  dead.  Mr.  Adams  is  a worthy  citizen  of  the  county  and  is  a 
Democrat,  and  taught  school  in  1865-66. 

J.  C.  AKIN,  proprietor  of  the  Evans  Hotel,  was  born  July  2, 1827,  in  Granville  County, 
N.  C.  His  father,  Thomas  Akin,  moved  with  his  family  from  North  Carolina  to  Maury 
County,  Tenn.,  about  1830,  and  lived  there  till  his  death.  He  was  a farmer  and  raised  a 
large  family.  The  genial  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm.  He  came  to  Shel- 
byville  in  1854,  married  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade  for  a short  time.  He  then 
farmed  till  1857,  having  bought  a farm  near  Shelby ville.  He  then  removed  to  McMinville, 
Warren  Co.,  Tenn.,  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  there  a short  time,  and  then  at 
farming  till  the  war,  in  the  meantime  having  bought  two  farms  and  stocked  them. 
During  the  war  he  was  in  the  drug  business  till  early  in  1865.  He  then  went  to  Maury 
County  and  raised  a crop  of  cotton;  thence  he  returned  to  McMinnville,  and  remained  till 
1873,  when  he  again  moved  to  Shelbyville,  and  for  six  years  ran  the  Barksdale  House. 
Since  then  he  has  been  running  the  Evans  Hotel,  the  only  first-class  hotel  in  the  city.  He 
also  runs  a fruit  evaporator  in  Shelbyville.  He  was  married,  September  18,  1854,  to  Mrs. 
America  Lane,  the  widow  of  Robert  Lane,  of  Marshall  County.  Her  father  was  Isaac 
Holman,  who  was  once  a member  of  the  Legislature.  Mr.  Akin  and  wife  have  been 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  for  many  years,  and  are  among  the  leading 
members  of  the  church  at  Shelbyville.  Mr.  Akin  has  been  chairman  and  treasurer  of 
the  executive  board  of  the  Duck  River  Baptist  Association  for  many  years,  and  at  one 
time  was  president  of  the  Baptist  Sunday-school  Association,  and  of  the  Bedford  County 
Sunday-school  Association.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  Politically  he  was  for- 
merly an  old-line  Whig,  but  is  now  a conservative  Democrat.  He  is  justly  regarded  as  an 
enterprising  and  influential  citizen  of  the  county,  who  has  always  taken  special  and  active 
interest  in  all  charitable,  religious  and  moral  enterprises.  The  wife  was  the  mother  of 
four  children  by  her  former  marriage,  two  of  whom  are  now  living. 

D.  M.  ALFORD,  publisher  of  the  Bedford  County  Times,  was  born  November  30, 
1861,  and  is  the  son  of  A.  J.  and  Margaret  (Russell)  Alford,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of 
Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  though  now  living  in  Shelbyville,  Tenn.  Our  subject  is  a prac- 
tical printer,  and  as  such  has  filled  responsible  positions  on  the  Fayetteville  Express,  Shel- 
byville Gazette,  Chattanooga  Times  and  Murfreesboro  News.  In  February,  1886,  he  en- 
gaged with  William  Russell  in  the  publication  of  the  Bedford  County  of  Times,  which 
rpaper  he  is  publisher,  and  has  succeeded  in  building  up  a good  newspaper. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1127 


JOHN  H.  ALLEN,  superintendent  of  public  instruction  of  Bedford  County,  was 
born  November  19,  1848,  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Ray)  Allen.  The  parents  were 
born  in  1824  and  1827,  respectively.  The  ancestors  of  our  subject  emigrated  from  Smith 
County,  Tenn.,  to  Illinois,  and  after  remaining  there  some  time  moved  to  Bedford 
County,  where  our  subject  was  born.  William  Allen  was  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  the 
father  of  five  children — four  of  whom  were  reared  to  maturity.  These  are  Isaac  S.,  Sarah, 
James  E.  and  John  H.  The  father  was  a pious  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  a respected  citizen  of  the  county  in  which  he  lived.  His  death,  which 
occurred  in  1874,  was  universally  regretted  by  all  who  knew  him.  Since  the  death  of  her 
husband  Mrs.  Allen  has  been  living  with  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  She  is  also  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  subject,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  left  the 
farm  and,  having  had  the  advantage  of  a good  English  education,  chose  school-teaching 
as  his  profession.  He  has  given  the  best  of  satisfaction  where  he  has  taught,  and  is 
considered  quite  a success  as  an  educator.  In  1885  he  was  elected  superintendent  of  public 
schools  of  Bedford  County,  and  by  his  energy  and  untiring  zeal  has  done  much  to  further 
the  advancement  of  the  schools  of  the  county.  November  10, 18S1,  he  married  Miss  Susan 
E.  Hobbs,  and  two  children  have  blessed  this  union:  Lora  Y.  and  Ewitt  P.  Mr.  Allen  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  of  which  he  has  been  a steward  for 
eight  or  ten  years. 

A.  E.  ATKINSON  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  January  23,  1817.  His 
father,  John  Atkinson,  was  born  in  Virginia  about  1774,  and  first  married  a Miss  Dunn, 
who  bore  him  seven  children.  His  second  wife  was  Nancy  McClaren,  and  our  subject  is 
the  fourth  of  their  eight  children.  John  Atkinson  came  to  Tennessee  about  1800,  and  was 
one  of  the  first  pioneers  of  the  country,  and  was  elected  magistrate  soon  after  his  arrival. 
There  being  no  other  magistrate  in  the  county,  he  was  obliged  to  swear  himself  into  office, 
and  held  the  position  until  his  death  in  1829,  with  the  exception  of  one  year,  when  he  was 
a member  of  the  State  Legislature.  He  also  served  as  chairman  of  the  county  court  sev- 
eral terms.  Our  subject  has  been  a school-teacher  for  thirty-five  or  thirty-six  years, 
teaching  twelve  months  in  the  year  a portion  of  the  time.  He  also  farmed,  and  June  5, 
1838,  he  wedded  Elizabeth  C.  Stem,  and  the  following  children  are  the  result  of  their 
union:  F.  M.,  Mary  A.  (Mrs.  A.  S.  Turrentine),  Christina  C.  (Mrs.  W.  H.  Clark),  W.  E. 
and  J.  R.  Mrs.  Atkinson  died  November  2,  1867,  a worthy  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Atkinson  married  his  second  'wife,  Jane  Edwards,  April  6,  1870. 
Mr.  Atkinson  has  a fair  education,  which  he  has  obtained  mainly  through  his  own  exer- 
tions. Up  to  the  date  of  the  late  war  he  was  an  old-line  Whig.  Since  that  time  he  has 
been  a Democrat. 

JOHN  A.  BARRETT,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  July  11,  1843,  son  of  Leroy 
W.  and  Lucy  B.  (Knight)  Barrett.  The  father  was  born  in  Bedford  County  March  29, 
1818,  and  has  been  a merchant  and  farmer  all  his  life.  March  11,  1841,  he  was  united  in 
marriage,  and  is  the  father  of  three  children,  all  dead  with  the  exception  of  our  subject. 
The  mother  was  born  March  20,  1824,  and  had  been  a worthy'  member  of  the  Christian 
Church  for  a period  of  thirty  years.  She  died  March  22,  1875.  The  father,  Leroy  W. 
Barrett,  is  living  at  the  present  time  in  Rome,  Ga.,  and  after  the  death  of  his  first  wife 
married  Mrs.  Mary  Dolby,  a native  of  Wheeling,  Va.  He  is  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness. Our  subject  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  was  given  a fair  education  in  the  town  of 
Shelbyville,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  in  the  Forty-first 
Tennessee,  Infantry,  Regiment.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Vicksburg,  Port  Hudson,  Ray- 
mond, Jackson,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain,  Missionary  Ridge,  and  numerous 
other  important  battles.  After  the  war  he  came  back  to  this  county,  and  February  21, 
1865,  was  married  to  Miss  Jane  B.  Holt,  of  this  county.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth 
of  three  children:  James  L.,  Eugene  A.  and  Charlie.  Mr.  Barrett  has  been  quite  suc- 
cessful in  business,  and  owns  650  acres  of  fine  land.  He  is  considered  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  of  the  county. 

A.  P.  (DOCK)  BAXTER,  a native  of  Tennessee,  was  born  September  1,  1844,  son  of 


1128 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


James  M.  and  Sarali  R.  (Grant)  Baxter,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  Our  subject’s  mater- 
nal grandfather  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  for  services  rendered  received  a pen- 
sion for  a number  of  years  prior  to  his  death.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  on 
the  farm  until  he  was  twenty-one,  and  received  a limited  education  on  account  of  the  late 
civil  war,  yhich  broke  into  his  schooling.  He  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  in  which 
he  has  been  moderately  successful,  the  principal  part  of  his  life.  August  26,  1866,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Lucinda  C.  Stephenson,  of  this  county,  and  to  this  union  were  born 
four  children:  William  G.,  Effie,  Mollie  and  Joseph  C.  He  and  family  are  leading  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 

WALTER  S.  BEARDEN,  a prominent  attorney  of  Shelby ville,  was  born  in  Lincoln 
County,  Tenn.,  January  10,  1843,  being  one  of  two  children  (twins)  born  to  the  marriage- 
of  Dr.  B.  F.  Bearden  and  Susan  M.  Blake.  The  father  was  a native  of  South  Carolina, 
but  lived  and  died  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.  He  was  a man  of  great  learning  and  breadth, 
and  was  eminent  in  the  profession  of  medicine.  He  died  in  1870  and  five  years  afterward 
the  mother  died.  He  received  a good  early  education  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  began  teach- 
ing as  an  assistant  in  an  academy.  He  entered  the  Emory  and  Henry  College  of  Virginia 
and  was  in  that  school  when  the  war  broke  out.  He  then  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Forty- 
first.  Tennessee  as  second  lieutenant,  and  remained  in  the  service  throughout  the  war.  He 
was  elected  second  lieutenant  of  the  company  upon  its  second  organization,  and  com- 
manded the  company  the  last  year  of  the  war.  Fie  received  three  wounds,  one  of  which 
was  serious.  Returning  from  the  service  he  began  the  study  of  law,  and  in  1866  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Shelbyville,  where  he  has  made  himself  a leading  member 
of  the  bar.  He  has  never  aspired  to  political  honor  till  this  year  (1886),  when  he  was  an- 
nounced as  candidate  for  chancellor  of  his  district.  He  was  married,  February  17,  1874, 
to  Maggie  C.  Whiteside,  daughter  of  Col.  T.  C.  Whiteside.  He  has  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren by  this  marriage.  Politically,  he  was  reared  a Whig,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  Him- 
self and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a Knight  Templar  Mason 
and  at  one  time  was  the  youngest  High  Priest  in  Royal  Arch  Masonry  of  the  State.  As  a 
citizen  he  is  well  known  and  highly  respected. 

ROBERT  B.  BIGHAM,  farmer  and  trader,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 
July  4,  1828,  son  of  Elihu  FI.  and  Mary  (Lisenby)  Bigham,  and  of  Irish  descent.  The 
father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1799,  and  his  mother  in  Anson 
County,  N.  C.,  in  1805.  They  were  married  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  about  1823, 
and  became  the  parents  of  five  children,  of  whom  our  subject  is  the  third.  The  Bigham 
family  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Tennessee,  having  come  to  the  State  when  the 
father  of  our  subject  was  a small  boy  and  settled  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  Elihu  II. 
Bigham  died  on  the  old  homestead  in  1873,  and  the  mother,  who  is  eighty-one  years  old, 
is  still  living  and  enjoying  good  health  and  an  unusual  amount  of  activity  for  a person  of' 
her  age.  Our  subject  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools  and  remained  with 
his  parents  until  he  reached  his  majority.  Since  then  he  has  followed  the  business  of 
farming.  During  the  civil  war  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  and  was  assigned  a 
position  in  the  commissary  department  under  Maj.-Gen.  James  F.  Cummings,  where  he 
served  throughout  the  war.  Our  subject  has  been  married  twice,  the  first  time,  January 
21,  1851,  to  Miss  Mary  J.  Hoover,  who  was  born  October  6,  1833,  and  who  is  the  daughter 
of  William  Hoover.  To  this  union  were  born  five  children:  William  L.,  Granville  H. 
Samuel  B.,  Robert  L.  and  Sallie  A.  Mr.  Bigham  was  married  the  last  time,  February  15, 
1883,  to  Miss  Sue  F.  Burks,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  born  April  13,  1853.  To  this  un- 
ion was  born  one  son,  Roy  B.  Mr.  Bigham  is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and  he  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject,  Samuel  Bigham, 
was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  participated  in  the  battle  of  Camden,  under 
command  of  Gen.  Gates,  where  the  American  forces  were  totally  defeated.  There  is  a 
$2  bill  of  the  old  Continental  issue  still  in  possession  of  the  family  and  in  a good  state  of 
preservation,  which  he  received  from  the  government  in  payment  for  services  in  that  war. 

WILLIAM  BLACKBURN,  a well-to-do  citizen  of  this  county,  was  born  in  Tennes- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1129 


see  May  30,.  1831.  His  parents,  Robert  and  Lucy  (Ferguson)  Blackburn,  were  born  in 
the  Old  Dominion  February  5,  1796,  and  June  25,  1799,  and  died  December  28,  1874.  and 
September  6,  1865,  respectively.  They  were  married  in  1818,  and  to  their  union  were 
born  five  daughters  and  two  sons.  Three  of  the  children  are  yet  living.  Our  subject  has 
spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  on  a farm  and  has  followed  farming  from  early  boyhood. 
In  1859  his  marriage  to  Mary  M.  Sutton  was  celebrated.  She  was  born  in  Tennessee  De- 
cember 1,  1S40,  and  is  the  daughter  of  John  and  Jane  (Marr)  Sutton.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Black- 
burn have  four  children  born  to  their  union,  as  follows:  Lucy  J.,  born  March  4,  1860;  Eliz- 
abeth, bom  December  20,  1861;  John,  born  June  13,  1864,  died  May  5,  1883;  and  Martha, 
born  November  28,  1866.-  Our  subject’s  farm  consists  of  270  acres  of  good  land.  He  deals 
quite  extensively  in  tobacco,  and  although  he  began  life  a poor  boy,  he  has  accumulated 
considerable  property.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church  for  twenty  years 
and  his  wife  for  over  thirty  jrears.  In  politics  Mr.  Blackburn  is  neutral. 

JOHN  N.  BLACKWELL  is  a son  of  James  Blackwell,  and  both  are  native  Tennes- 
seeans. The  former  was  born  October  5,  1'828.  The  mother’s  maiden  name  was  Delilia 
Darnall;  she  was-a  native  of  Illinois.  John  N.  has  farmed  for  himself  since  attaining  his 
twenty-first,  year.  He  is  a self-made  man,  and  has  accumulated  a comfortable  competen- 
cy by  his  unaided  efforts.  In  1S53  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha  Wood,  a na- 
tive of  Bedford  County,  and  daughter  of  W.  M.  and  E.  Wood.  This  union  resulted  in 
eleven  children.  ..The  following  are  those  who  are  living:  William  N.,  John  A.,  Thomas 
J.,  Samantha  A.  (Mrs.  C.  A.  Shaw),  Samuel  J.  and  Charley  D.  Mr.  Blackwell  is  an  honest 
and  respected  citizen.  He  has  never  been  before  a court  of  justice  or  was  in  a law-suit  in 
his  life.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war,  enlisting  in  Company  G,  Thirty-second  Regi- 
ment Tennessee  Infantry,  in  1862.  He  was  captured  at  Tullahoma  in  1864  and  took  the 
oath  of  allegiance  and  gave  bond  for  his  appearance.  He  is,  politically,  a Democrat. 

BENJAMIN  W.  BLANTON,  a leading  merchant  of  Wartrace,  was  born  November 
22,  1835,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  He  is  the  fifth  of  ten  children  born  to  Benjamin 
and  Martha  (Farmer)  Blanton,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  and  both 
of  English  descent.  In  1818  the  father  of  our  subject  immigrated  to  Rutherford  Country. 
Tenn.,  and  partly  on  his  farm  was  fought  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro.  During  the  battle 
his  dwelling-house  and  other  buildings  were  used  as  a hospital  for  the  Federal  Army,  and 
the  farm  was  completely  devastated.  In  1865  he  sold  this  farm  and  moved  to  Unionville. 
Bedford  County,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1885.  The  mother  of 
our  subject  died  in  1869.  Our  subject  was  educated  at  Asbury  Academy,  near  Murfrees- 
boro, and  at  the  high  school  in  the  latter  place.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until 
reaching  his  majority,  and  then  followed  railroad  bridge  building  until  1873,  when  he 
went  into  the  mercantile  business  at  Wartrace,  where  he  still  remains.  He  carries  a large 
stock  of  goods  and  does  a very  successful  business.  In  1871  he  married  Miss  F.  E.  Bray, 
of 'Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  three  children:  Lula,  Annie 
and  Robert  Lee.  Mr.  Blanton  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows’  fraternities, 
and,  with  the  exception  of  three  years  prior  to  the  present  year,  he  held  the  office  of 
mayor  of  Wartrace  ever  since  1873.  He  is  now  president  of  the  Wartrace  Male  and  Fe- 
male Institute,  also  of  the  Wartrace  Hollywood  Cemetery,  and  a member  of  the  board  of 
education,  of  Wartrace.  He  is  secretary  of  the  Democratic  Executive  Committee,  of 
Bedford  County,  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

EUGENE  BLAKEMORE,  the  genial  postmaster  of  Shelb3wille,  was  born  July  28, 
1852,- at  Lewisburg,  Tenn.,  being  a son  of  George  F.  Blakemore,  a native  of  Lincoln 
County,  Tenn.  The  father  read  medicine  in  his  native  county,  and  commenced  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  at  Flat  Creek,  Bedford  County.  He  afterward  practiced  in  Skelbv 
ville  for  a time,  and  then  removed  to  Lewisburg.  He  then  again  returned  to  Shelby ville, 
where  he  died  in  1874.  The  mother  of  Eugene  was  Cassie  E.  Winston,  a native  of  Mar- 
shall County.  The  father  was  married  three  times;  his  last  wife  is  now  living  in  Tulla- 
homa, Tenn.  Eugene  was  reared  in  Shelb3wille,  and  had  the  advantages  of  the  schools 
here.  He  married  at  the  age  of  twenty,  and  engaged  in  farming  near  Shelbyville  for  four 


1130 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


I 

jrnars.  He  then  removed  to  Shelby ville,  and  for  two  years  ran  a dray  line;  he  then 
farmed  another  year,  and  then  bought  and  ran  a grist-mill  at  Shelbyville  for  six  months. 
After  this  he  engaged  in  the  livery  and  mule-trading  business  for  three  years,  doing  the 
leading  livery  business  of  the  place.  He  sold  out  that  business  in  1884,  and  has  since 
been  farming  and  trading.  He  was  appointed  postmaster  March  29,  1886,  and  has  filled 
the  office  with  efficiency.  He  was  married,  in  1872,  to  Miss  Ludie  P.  Newton,  a daughter 
of  James  S.  Newton,  deceased,  a farmer  of  this  county.  Two  children  have  been  born  to 
this  union,  viz.:  Frank  N.  and  Eugene  W.  Mr.  Blakemore  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  one  of  the  en- 
terprising and  respected  citizens  of  the  county. 

COL.  GEORGE  W.  BOUNDS  was  born  in  Scott  County,  Va.,  September  25,  1818. 
His  parents  and  grandparents  were  natives  of  the  same  State,  and  his  maternal  grand- 
father was  a Revolutionary  soldier.  Our  subject  learned  the  saddler’s  trade,  serving  an 
apprenticeship  from  thirteen  to  twenty  years  of  age.  He  then  worked  at  his  trade  in 
Estillville  a short  time,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  order  to  vote  for  Gen.  Harrison,  as  the 
right  of  suffrage  was  extended  only  to  those  who  were  householders  or  freeholders  in 
their  native  State.  He  worked  at  his  trade  about  six  years,  and  then  joined  Col.  Has- 
kell’s regiment,  and  served  in  the  Mexican  war  as  orderly  sergeant  and  then  as  second  lieu- 
tenant, participating  in  many  of  its  bloodiest  battles.  He  was  mustered  out  of  service, 
but  at  the  call  for  more  troops  he  again  joined,  and  was  elected  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
Fifth  Tennessee  Regiment,  which  was  independent,  George  B.  McClellan  being  colonel. 
During  a short  time  while  the  latter  was  sick  our  subject  acted  as  colonel  in  his  place.  He 
was  discharged  at  Memphis  in  July,  1848.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war  he  was 
not  in  sympathy  with  the  Southern  cause,  and,  although  he  was  forced  to  join  a company 
of  militia,  he  was  honorably  discharged  at  the  reorganization  of  the  army.  He  then  held 
aloof  from  the  army  as  far  as  it  was  in  his  power  to  do,  it  being  wholly  against  his  will  or 
desire  to  take  up  arms  against  the  Government.  Since  the  war  he  has  voted  the  Repub- 
lican ticket  exclusively.  He  was  married,  November  18,  1853,  to  Mary  A.  Pope.  Their 
union  has  resulted  in  six  children:  James  C.,  born  September  23,  1854,  and  died  March 
23,  1876;  Bettie,  born  April.  30,  1856,  wife  of  Thomas  Joyce;  John,  born  November  14, 
1857;  Fannie,  born  June  21,  1859;  Ann,  born  July  3,  1860,  and  died  April  23,  1878,  and 
June,  born  July  6,  1863,  and  died  July  13,  1863.  Our  subject  has  been  a successful  man 
throughout  life,  and  was  considered  a brave  and  faithful  officer  and  soldier  in  the  Mexican 
war.  He  is  a substantial  citizen  of  Bedford  County  and  a man  of  influence. 

F.  M.  BOWLING,  son  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Bowling,  was  born  eight  miles  east  of 
Murfreesboro,  Rutherford  Co.,  Tenn.,  September  23,  1847.  He  resided  with  his  parents 
near  Bradyville,  in  the  same  county,  till  ten  years  old,  then  removed  with  them  near 
Murfreesboro,  where  they  are  (1886)  living.  The  first  twenty  years  of  our  subject’s  life 
were  spent  upon  the  farm,  devoting  his  leisure  time  to  study,  and  caring  for  his  disabled 
father  and  four  brothers  and  one  sister.  In  January,  1868,  he  entered  Union  University 
at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  remained  there  until  June  12,  1873,  receiving  the  degree  of 
A.  M.  Previous  to  this  he  had  chosen  teaching  as  his  profession,  and  in  August,  1873,  he 
took  charge  of  a large  school  at  Leeville,  Tenn.,  and  after  successfully  conducting  it  to 
its  close  he  accepted  a position  with  Prof.  J.  E.  Nowlin  in  the  Masonic  Institute,  Harts- 
ville,  Tenn.,  and  afterward  became  a partner  with  him  in  the  school.  While  in  this 
school,  August  26,  1874,  he  wedded  Miss  Susan  E.  Sanders,  daughter  of  Jesse  B.  and 
Mary  A.  Sanders,  whoresided  near  Murfreesboro.  To  them  were  born  three  children:  Her- 
bert Manly,  born  July  9,  1875;  Edna  Frank,  born  June  29,  1877,  and  Mary  Myrtle,  born 
May  23, 1882.  Mr.  Bowling  and  Prof.  Nowlin  dissolved  partnership  by  mutual  consent,  and 
in  January,  1876,  he  took  charge  of  Unionville  High  School,  where  he  is  now  (1886)  liv- 
ing. He  has  been  principal  of  the  school  ever  since,  with  the  exception  of  the  spring 
term  of  1881,  when  he  was  associated  with  Prof.  B.  F.  Hooker,  as  joint-principal  of  Milan 
College,  Milan,  Tenn.  He  has  devoted  himself  earnestly  and  faithfully  to  the  cause  of 
education,  and  has  taken  part  in  many  educational  enterprises  in  the  hope  of  elevating 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1181 


Ms  chosen  profession,  and  has  been  called  upon  to  fill  prominent  positions  in  different  ed- 
ucational institutions  in  the  county.  He  follows  no  text-book  in  particular,  bu't'selects 
the  best  methods  from  different  books.  He  joined  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  in  the- 
fall  of  1865,  and  takes  a deep  interest  in  Sunday-school  work,  and  is  now  superintendent 
of  the  Unionville  Sunday-school,  which  has  an  average  attendance  of  ninety-five.  He  is 
also  a strong  supporter  of  temperance. 

JOHN  A.  BRAMBLETT  was  born  August  13,  1813,  in  Georgia.  His  father,  John 
Bramblett,  was  a native  of  South  Carolina,  and  of  Irish  descent.  He  immigrated  to 
Georgia  when  young,  and  there  married  Miss  Jennie  Couch,  a native  of  Georgia.  To  this 
union  were  born  twelve  children,  our  subject  being  the  ninth.  About  1832  John  Bramblett 
moved  from  Georgia  to  this  State,  locating  in  this  county,  near  Wartrace.  He  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation,  and  died  in  1861.  The  mother  died  in  the  same  year.  Our  subject 
was  educated  in  the  country  schools  of  Bedford  County,  and  on  reaching  his  majority 
was  married  to  Miss  L.  C.  Culley,  a native  of  this  county.  To  them  were  born  these 
children:  William  E.  (deceased),  Mary  J.,  Elizabeth  F.,  James  M.,  Newton  A.,  George 
D.  (deceased),  Ada  B.  (deceased),  Walter  T.  and  Idella.  Mr.  Bramblett  is  a farmer  by 
occupation,  and  has  255  acres  in  District  No.  2.  In  1863  he  was  conscripted  by  the  Con- 
federate Government  and  held  as  a soldier  six  months  against  his  will.  He  then  left  them 
and  returned  home  inside  the  Federal  lines.  He  was  a strong  Union  man  during  the  war, 
and  fully  believed  and  still  believes  that  the  best  friends  of  the  South  were  those  who  ad- 
hered to  the  union  of  the  States.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church. 

- JAMES  P.  BROWN  is  one  of  the  family  of  children  who  were  born  to  the  marriage 
of  William  Brown  and  Jane  G.  Goodrum.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in 
1803,  and  about  1824  came  to  Shelbyville  where  he  lived  and  died.  He  was  a trader  in 
live-stock,  lands,  etc.,  and  became  a well-to-do  and  prominent  citizen  of  the  county.  He 
died  in  1880.  The  mother  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1809,  and  died  in  1882.  The- 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  July  30,  1838,  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  educated  in 
Shelbyville,  and  remained  with  his  parents  until  the  war.  He  then  enlisted  in  Company 
B,  Forty-first  Tennessee,  and  was  in  the  service  throughout  the  war.  Returning  from  the 
war  he  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  farming,  in  Which  he  continued  very  successfully  till 
1875.  From  1868  to  1871  he  lived  in  Texas,  returning  from  there  to  Bedford  County.  In 
1874  he  went  to  Columbus,  Miss.,  and  engaged  there  in  the  brick-making  and  contracting 
business,  and  he  yet  continues  that  business  here.  In  October,  1885,  he  opened  his  cloth- 
ing trade,  and  carries  a stock  of  about  $8,000.  He  was  married,  in  1881,  to  Miss  Kate 
Goodrum,  a native  of  Forsyth,  Ga.  Two  children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  viz. : 
Paul  M.  and  Annie  L.  Mr.  Brown  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Politically  he  is  a firm  Democrat. 
He  has  never  aspired  to  office,  but  is  a worthy  and  respected  citizen  of  the  county. 

MRS.  MARY  A.  (CLARY)  BROWN  was  born  September  14,  1816,  in  North  Caro- 
lina, daughter  of  William  and  Nancy  (Wright)  Clary,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina. 
Our  subject  is  the  elder  of  two  children  born  to  her  parents.  May  23,  1834,  she  married' 
J.  R.  Brown,  a native  of  East  Tennessee,  born  May  jlO,  1811.  He  was  a tailor  by  trade, 
and  worked  at  this  profession  about  twelve  years.  He  was  married  in  Madison  County, 
Ala.,  and  while  in  that  State  was  engaged  in  these  different  occupations:  tailoring,  mer- 
chandising and  farming.  In  1850  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee,  and  engaged  in  the  mer- 
chandise business  at  Unionville,  and  continued  there  several  years.  He  then  engaged  in 
the  saw-mill  business,  but  at  the  same  time  continuing  his  farming  interests,  and  was  en- 
gaged in  the  latter  business  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  January  22,  1875.  He 
was  an  exemplary  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  To  our  subject  and  hus- 
band were  born  thirteen  children,  seven  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are  Nancy  J., 
William  C.,  Lucinda  C.,  James  P.,  Thomas  D.  and  Joseph  E.  Our  subject  is  a woman  of 
considerable  influence  in  this  section.  Her  son,  Thomas  D.,  is  living  with  her,  superin- 
tending the  farm.  He  is  a local  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


1132 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


JAMES  B.  BROWN  is  a son  of  Henry  Brown,  a native  of  Wake  County,  N.  C.  The 
father  received  a limited  education,  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1833,  locating  in  Bedford 
County  where  he  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  1830  to  Miss  Sarah  K.  Alston, 
whose  ancestors  were  from  North  Carolina.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  were  horn  the  fol- 
lowing family  of  children:  Aley  A.,  Comer  N.,  S.  L.,  L.  S.,  J.  J.,  A.  S.,  J.  B.,  Lucy  F.  and 
G.  A.  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Brown  died  at  his  residence  near  Shelbyville  in 
1875.  He  was  a member  of  the  order  of  Sons  of  Temperance,  and  he  and  his  wife,  who 
died  in  1873,  were,  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  James  B.,  our  subject, 
was  born  May  1,  1848,  and  spent  his,  boyhood  days  on  a farm.  He  entered  the  United 
States  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  when  but  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  remained 
there  about  one  year.  He  finished  his  education  at  the  Union  University  at  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  after  which  he  served  an  apprenticeship  at  photography,  and  followed  that  oc- 
cupation three  years.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  farming  and  horticulture,  and  his 
farm  is  known  as  the  ‘'Home  Nursery  Farm.”  He  was  married  December  15,  1875,  to 
Sarah  J.  Hix,  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Emily  IJix,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  five  chil- 
dren: Cora  E.,  Abbie  P.,  Maud  M.,  Alice  E.  and  Lula  S.,  who  is  deceased.  Mr.  Brown  is 
a member  of  the  Masonic  and  K.  of  ’H.  fraternities,  and  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

T.  G.  BUCHANAN,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Buchanan  & Woods,  was  born 
March  25,  1852,  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.  His  father  was  T.  W.  Buchanan,  who  moved 
to  this  county  before  the  war  and  to  Shelbyville  about  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  an 
extensive  merchant  of  Shelbyville.  In  1878  he  was  joined  by  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
and  the  firm  was  then  known  as  T.  W.  Buchanan  & Son.  He  died  November  4,  1884, 
leaving  a family  of  five  children  and  their  mother,  Sarah  (Davis)  Buchanan.  T.  W.  Bu- 
chanan was  a very  prominent  citizen  of  this  county.  He  was  a.  director  of  the  National 
Bank,  a director  of  the  Sylvan  Mills,  and  was  prominently  connected  with  the  school  in- 
terests of  Bedford  County.  He  was  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  a liberal  supporter  of  all  charitable  and  benign  institutions.  The  immediate  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  received  a good  early  education.  He  clerked  in 
his  father’s  store  five  years  previous  to  entering  the  firm  (1878).  Since  then  he  has  been 
very  successfully  engaged  in  merchandising.  The  firm  now  do  a yearly  business  of  about 
$50,000  and  carry  about  $25,000  stock  of  dry  goods,  clothing,  hats,  caps,  boots  and  shoes, 
gents  furnishing,  goods,  etc.  Mr.  Buchanan  is  a director  in  the  Sylvan  Mills,  and  owns 
about  1,000  acres  of  land.  He  married,  in  1878,  C.  S.  White,  born  in  this  county.  She  is  a 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Buchanan  is  an  enterprising  and  influential  busi- 
ness man  of  Shelbyville.  J.  A.  Woods,  junior  member  and  buyer  in  the  firm  of  Buchan- 
an & Woods,  was  born  November  8,  1861,  near  Wartrace,  Bedford  County,  being  a son  of 
George  B.  Woods,  who  was  a merchant  of  Shelbyville.  The  father  was  born  in  Coffee 
County,  and  in  his  childhood  moved  to  Bedford  County,  near  Wartrace,  where  he  lived 
till  1863  when  he  came  to  Shelbyville.  He  was  president  of  the  Bedford  County  Temper- 
ance Association;  he  was  also  identified  with  the  school  interests  of  the  county.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Margaret  Clark,  who  became  the  mother  of  three  children,  J.  A.  being  the  eldest. 
The  father  died  August  12,  1880,  and  the  mother  is  now  living.  J.  A.  was  reared  in 
Shelbyville,  and  clerked  in  his  father’s  store.  After  his  father’s  death  he  engaged  with 
T.  W.  Buchanan  & Son  as  salesman  and  buyer,  continuing  in  that  capacity  till  Jan- 
uary 1,  1884,  when  he  entered  the  firm  of  Buchanan  & Woods.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  and  of  the  Royal  Arcanum.  He  is  a member  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and 
takes  an  active  interest  in  Sunday-school  work;  he  is  now  assistant  superintendent  of 
the  Presbyterian  Sunday-school  here. 

JOHN  S.  BUTLER,  clerk  and  master  of  the  chancery  court  of  Bedford  County,  was 
born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  March  13,  1832,  being  one  of  nine  children  raised  by 
William  S.  and  Nancy  E.  (Campbell)  Butler.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina 
and  came  to  Shelbyville  in  1816,  and  till  1830  pursued  the  carpenter’s  trade.  In  1819  he 
removed  to  Rutherford  County,  where  he  married  the  mother,  and  followed  farming  after 
1830.  He  died  in  1873;  the  mother  is  still  living.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  engaged  at 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1133 


the  age  of  eighteen  on  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad,  occupying  various  posi- 
tions, among  which  were,  conductor,  telegraph  operator,  ticket  and  express  agent,  re- 
maining in  that  employ  for  eleven  ynars.  He  enlisted  in  Haney’s  First  Tennessee  Regi- 
ment, Confederate  States  Army,  and  was  captain  on  the  first  and  second  organization  of 
Company  F.  He  was  appointed  military  superintendent  of  telegraph  lines  in  1863,  of 
Bragg’s  division,  and  served  in  that  capacity  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  war.  Af- 
ter the  war  he  lived  one  year  in  Nashville  as  agent  of  the  Nashville  & Northwestern  Rail- 
road. In  1866  he  came  to  Shelbyville  and  engaged  at  farming  and  saw-milling  and  still 
continues  farming.  He  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Twenty-first  District  about  1876, 
and  September  5,  1883,  was  appointed  to  his  present  office.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat. 
In  1866  he  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Sims,  a native  of  this  county.  Four  children  have 
been  born  to  this  union,  viz.:  Nancy  J.,  Laura,  Mary  and  John  S. 

CHARLES  L.  CANNON  was  born  February  14,  1813.  in  Shelbyville,  Bedford  Co., 
Tenn.,  and  is  now  the  oldest  living  person  born  in  that  town.  His  father,  Clement  Can- 
non, was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century.  He  was 
of  English  descent  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  with  his  parents,  locating  in  Williamson 
County,  where  he  was  reared  and  became  a surveyor  of  lands.  He  afterward  purchased 
a large  tract  of  land  in  Bedford  County,  and  in  1806  he  donated  100  acres  of  this  to  the 
■county  where  Shelbyville  now  stands  for  a county  seat.  He  married  Miss  Susan  Lock,  a 
native  of  Virginia  and  a resident  of  Rutherford  County.  To  this  union  were  born  six 
children.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812  and  died  January  19,  1860.  Our 
subject  was  educated  at  Shelbyville  and  upon  reaching  his  majority  began  the  business 
■of  farming,  which  he  has  always  followed.  December,  1842,  Miss  Mary  A.  Hooser,  a na- 
tive of  this  county  and  a daughter  of  William  and  Rebecca  (Coots)  Hooser,  became  his 
wife.  To  this  union  the  following  children  were  born:  Susan  R.  (deceased),  Maria  L. 
■(deceased),  William  H.,  Thomas  C.  (deceased),  Lettie  C.  (now  Mrs.  Phillip  Wilhoite), 
John  H.  (deceased),  Mary  R.  (now  Mrs.  William  H.  Tilferd),  Charles  L.  (deceased), 
Macon  B.  and  Charles  B.  Our  subject  owns  a farm  of  550  acres  about  five  miles  east 
■of  Shelbyville,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  he  and  family 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Cannon  is  a nephew  of  Gov. 
•Cannon  and  also  a nephew  of  Gen.  Robert  Cannon. 

JOHN  T.  CANNON,  the  genial  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Bedford  County,  is  a 
grandson  of  Clement  Cannon,  Sr.,  one  of  five  brothers,  who  came  from  North  Carolina  to 
Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  the  first  decade  of  this  century.  Clement  Cannon,  Sr.,  had 
five  sons,  the  father  of  our  subject.  Henry  Cannon,  being  one  of  them.  Henry  Cannon 
was  born  in  1812.  He  lived  in  this  county  till  1852,  when  he  moved  to  Shelby  County, 
Tenn.,  where  he  died  in  1873,  having  been  a farmer  all  his  life.  Of  those  five  brothers, 
who  came  to  Williamson  County,  four  soon  afterward  came  to  Bedford  County.  Their 
father’s  name  was  Minos  Cannon  and  their  mother  was  a Thompson,  of  Scotch-Irish  de- 
scent. The  mother  of  John  T.  was  Sallie  C.  M.  Tillman,  a descendant  of  the  Martin 
family,  so  numerously  represented  in  the  county,  and  a descendant  of  the  Clay  family  of 
Kentucky.  She  died  when  John  T.  was  but  two  weeks  old,  and  he  was  then  reared  with 
Col.  Lewis  Tillman  and  other  relatives.  At  fourteen  he  began  his  own  support  and  at- 
tended school  on  money  earned  by  himself.  He  clerked  in  a store  three  years  and  then 
taught  school  about  four  years,  having  married  at  twenty-two.  He  then  settled  down  to 
farming.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Twenty-third  Tennessee,  as  first  lieutenant, 
and  served  eighteen  months.  He  has  been  farming  very  successfully  since  the  war,  and 
now,  owns  nearly  400  acres  of  good  land.  He  was  elected  to  his  office  in  1878  and  has  effi- 
ciently served  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  constituents.  His  birth  was  December  7,  1835. 
He  was  married  in  1857  to  Narcissa  Sutton,  a native  of  Bedford  County.  Mr.  Cannon 
has  a family  of  four  children,  viz.:  Sallie  C.  M.  (the  wife  of  C.  J.  Moody),  Walter  S., 
Lizzie  H.  and  Narcissa  W.  All  the  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  He  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason.  His  ancestors  were  old-line  Whigs  and  he  is 
■a  Democrat. 


71 


1134 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ALEXANDER  CORTNER  is  a native  Tennesseean,  born  December  20,  1827,  and  of 
Swedish  lineage.  He  has  always  resided  on  a farm  and  by  his  energy  has  accumulated  145 
acres  of  land  on  which  is  erected  a neat  residence,  and  also  has  two  other  tracts  of  landr 
containing  seventy-five  acres.  November  16,  1852,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  E. 
Landers,  who  was  born  December  22,  1836,  daughter  of  Robert  and  Susan  (Carter)  Lan- 
ders. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cartner  were  born  the  following  children:  Susan  M.,  born  March 
23,  1854,  and  died  April  4,  1878;  Henry,  born  November  15,  1855,  and  died  August  21.  1857; 
George  R.,  born  March  23,  1858;  Letitia  C.,  born  January  24,  1860;  Alexander  F.,  born 
June  3,  1863;  William  L.,  born  March  11,  1866;  Victor  H.,  born  October  27,  1867;  Roy  E., 
born  October  21,  1871;  Albert  E.,  born  July  1,  1876,  and  Sarah  E.,  born  March  24,  1879, 
and  died  July  13,  1879.  Mrs.  Corjtner  died  May  11,  1879.  In  1862  Mr.  Cortner  enlisted  iD 
the  Confederate  service  under  Gen.  Forrest’s  escort  and  was  in  many  hotly  contested  bat- 
tles. He  is  a Democrat,  and  his  parents,  George  and  Delilah  (Troxler)  Cortner,  were  born 
in  North  Carolina  November  15.  1801,  and  October  6,  1807,  respectively.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  1823  and  became  the  parents  of  four  sons  and  seven  daughters.  The  father  died 
October  7.  1884,  and  the  mother  in  1871. 

JOSEPH  H.  CATES,  son  of  John  S.  and  Elizabeth  (Himes)  Cates,  was  born  March 
22,  1837.  His  father  was  born  in  1808,  near  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  and  was  given  a limited 
education  in  the  country  schools.  He  chose  farming  for  his  occupation.  He  was  also  a 
stone-mason  and  worked  at  this  trade  for  a number  of  years  in  Bedford'County.  He  was 
the  father  of  eleven  children,  viz.:  Mary  A.,  John  R.,  Martha  J.,  Daniel  E.,  Joseph  H., 
James  P.,  Giles  P.,  Phenettie  F.,  Sadie  R.,  Jestinie  E.  and  Caldonia  C.  James  and  Giles 
P.  are  dead.  The  father,  John  S.  Cates,  died  June  1,  1880.  He  was  a consistent  member 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  was  highly  respected  by  the  community,  be- 
ing a man  of  high  integrity.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  was  educated  in 
the  country  schools  and  is  a farmer  and  stone-mason.  In  1879  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Levina  Oakley,  and  two  children  blessed  the  union:  John  S.  and  Wiliam  P.,  both  living. 
Mr.  Cates  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  The  family 
are  well  respected  in  the  county. 

JOHN  CATNER  is  a native  Tennesseean,  born  in  1805,  son  of  Lewis  and  Polly  (Smith) 
Catner,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina.  The  father’s  birth  occurred  about  1795.  He 
came  to  Tennessee  in  1813  and  located  in  Bedford  County,  where  he  lived  until  his  death.) 
Our  subject  was  his  second  child  and  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  until  twenty-two 
years  of  age.  He  then  worked  as  a farm  laborer  seven  years  and  then  purchased  a small 
tract  of  land  to  ydiich  he  has  since  added  until  he  nows  owns  about  1,200  acres,  which  he 
has  secured  by  his  own  exertions.  He  is  worth  about  $75,000,  and  was  married,  in  1839, 
to  Polly  Ray,  who  bore  him  one  child,  Martha  (wife  of  Samuel  Wood),  and  died  at  her 
birth.  In  1861  Mr.  Catner  married  Mrs.  Margaret  (Smith)  Hall.  He  is  a man  of  limited 
education,  but  is  abounding  in  common  sense  and  wholesome  doctrines.  In  politics  he  is 
a member  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  is  a strictly  honest  and  upright  man. 

PETER  CATNER,  born  in  1819,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  was  reared  on  a farm, 
and  assisted  his  father  until  he  was  about  twenty-four  years  of  age.  He,  at  that  time,  be- 
gan relying  on  his  own  resources  for  a livelihood,  and  has  prospered  beyond  his  expecta- 
tions. Through  his  own  energy  and  economy  he  is  at  present  worth  about  $6,000.  He 
has  been  twice  married — the  first  time  to  Sarah  Ray  in  1848.  She  died  in  1850,  leaving 
one  child — Mary  C.,  wife  of  Frank  Johnsou.  In  1854  Mr.  Catner  wedded  Susanna  Helton, 
who  has  borne  him  nine  children,  three  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are  John.  Will 
iam,  Hannah  M.,  Lewis,  James  and  Thomas.  Mr.  Catner  is  one  of  the  honest  and  worthy 
citizens  of  the  county.  His  early  advantages  were  very  limited,  but  he  is  a strong  advo- 
cate of  the  promotion  of  education.  He  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and  his  wife 
to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat. 

J.  W.  CLARY,  M.  D.,  is  a North  Carolinian  by  birth,  born  July  28,  1821.  His  occupa- 
tions while  in  that  State  were  school  teaching, deputy  county  sheriff, deputy  county  clerk  and 
hotel-keeping.  In  1848  he  became  a disciple  of  iEsculapius,  studying  under  Dr.  Scroggs. 


BEDFOKD  COUNTY. 


1135 


In  the  spring  of  1849  he  entered  the  Medicar'College,  of  Castleton,  Yt.,  from  which  insti- 
tution he  was  graduated  as  an  M.  D.  the  same  year.  In  the  spring  of  1850  he  immigrated 
to  Tennessee,  and  located  at  Unionville,  where  he  successfully  practiced  his  profession 
until  1870,  and  then  took  up  the  mill  and  merchandise  business.  The  Doctor  was  married 
December  15,  1852,  to  Ann  McCord,  who  died  May  21,  1859,  leaving  two  children:  Allan 
and  Thomas.  Dr.  Clary  took  for  his  second  wife  Mattie  Ogilvie,  and  their  union  has  re- 
sulted in  these  children:  James  D.,  Charley  B.,  George,  Emma  and  Irvin.  Dr.  Clary  is  a 
Democrat.  His  parents,  Benjamin  and  Alla  D.  (Barnard)  Clary,  were  born  in  1778  and 
1802,  and  died  in  1860  and  1884  respectively. 

J.  C.  CLAXTON’S  birth  occurred  April  12,  1830,  in  Tennessee.  He  is  a son  of  James 
and  Temperance  (Ratler)  Claxton,  born  in  1802  and  1812,  and  died  about  1866  and  1877, 
respectively.  Our  subject  was  the  sixth  of  thirteen  children.  He  assisted  his  father  until 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  up  to  the  present  time  has  followed  farming.  Annie  E. 
Jones,  who  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  September  16,  1836,  became  his  wife 
August  16,  1854.  Their  union  has  resulted  in  the  birth  of  nine  children:  Temperance  Ma- 
hala,  Amanda  Tennessee,  Philander  Priestl.y,  Elizabeth  Allen  (who  died  in  1863),  James 
Jonas,  Minerva  Jane,  Melvina  Jones,  Ophelia  Adaline  and  Alice  Casander.  Mr.  Claxton 
is  an  enterprising  farmer,  and  a man  who  wields  much  influence  in  the  community  in 
which  he  resides.  Although  his  early  education  was  somewhat  limited,  he  has  always 
taken  considerable  interest  in  the  education  of  the  rising  generation.  He  has  given  all 
his  children  liberal  educations,  and  his  eldest  son  is  completing  his  education  in  Europe — 
Leipzig  College,  Germany.  Mr.  Claxton  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  up  to  the  date  of 
the  late  war  was  an  old-line  Whig. 

THOMAS  S.  CLEVELAND  was  born  April  25,  1840,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.  His 
father,  Jeremiah  Cleveland,  was  a native  of  Greenville,  S.  C.,  born  March,  1806,  and  of 
English  and  German  descent.  About  1833  he  immigrated  to  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and 
located  on  the  farm  where  our  subject  is  now  living.  He  married  Miss  Sallie  E.  Stone,  a 
native  of  Maury  County,  born  about  1815,  and  of  English  descent.  To  this  union  were 
born  six  children.  Jeremiah  Cleveland  was  a merchant  before  his  coming  to  this  State, 
and  a farmer  afterward.  He  owned  about  1,500  acres  of  land  on  Duck  River,  in  this 
county,  besides  a large  tract  of  3,000  acres  on  the  Mississippi  River.  He  had  about  $50,000 
of  stock  in  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad,  and  was  one  of  the  first  board  of  direct- 
ors to  locate  the  road.  He  died  in  1878.  The  mother  of  our  subject  died  in  1840. 
Thomas  S.  Cleveland  was  educated  at  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  and  lived 
with  his  father  until  May,  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Seventeenth  Tennessee 
Infantry,  and  was  elected  as  third  lieutenant  of  his  company,  and  as  such  served  twelve 
months.  He  then  joined  the  artillery  of  Gen.  John  H.  Morgan’s  command,  and  was  capt- 
ured in  Ohio  in  July,  1863,  and  retained  until  1865.  He  then  returned  to  Wartrace,  Bed- 
ford County,  where  he  has  ever  since  remained  engaged  in  farming.  In  1867  he  married 
Miss  Annie  E.  Wright,  a native  of  Floyd  County,  Ga.,  and  a daughter  of  Moses  R. 
Wright,  and  a niece  of  Judge  Wright,  who  was  a member  of  the  United  States  Congress. 
To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  five  children:  Sallie  S.,  Lizzie  H.,  Hattie  D.,  Annie 
L.  and  Carrie  C.  Mr.  Cleveland  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  also  of  the  R.  A. 
He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  live  on  the  old  homestead,  consist- 
ing of  600  acres  of  land.  Mr.  Cleveland  is  a grandson  of  Capt.  Robert  Cleveland,  and  a 
grandnephew  of  Col.  Benjamin  Cleveland,  both  of  whom  served  with  distinction  in  the 
Revolutionary  war. 

B.  F.  CLEVELAND  was  born  August  11,  1848,  in  Georgia.  His  father,  Robert  M. 
Cleveland,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  married  Miss  Fannie  L.  Wight,  a native 
of  Rhode  Island.  To  this  union  were  born  the  following  children:  William  C.,  Jeremiah, 
Vannoy,  Caroline,  Harriet  D.,  B.  F.  (our  subject),  Georgia  A.  and  Robert  M.,  Jr.  The 
father  of  these  children  was  a manufacturer  and  capitalist,  and  moved  to  this  State  in 
1866,  locating  at  Wartrace,  where  he  died  in  1876.  The  mother  is  now  in  Marietta,  Ga. 
Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  high  school  of  Greenville,  S.  C.  In  1864  he  enlisted  in 


1136 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


the  Second  South  Carolina  Cavalry,  and  served  with  the  command  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  He  then  returned  home  to  this  county  and  engaged  in  the  business  of  farming, 
which  he  followed  until  1882.  He  then  opened  a private  bank  in  Wartrace,  which  he  still 
continues  to  manage  in  a very  successful  way.  In  1872  lie  married  Miss  Lizzie  Pepper,  a 
native  of  this  county.  The  result  of  this  union  is  a family  of  four  children:  Mattie  W., 
William  P..  Jesse  F.  and  Eliza  P.  Mr.  Cleveland  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  a Demo- 
crat in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

THOMAS  H.  COLD  WELL  was  born  in  Shelbyviile  August  29,  1822.  His  father, 
John  Campbell  Coldwell,  was  born  January  8,  1791.  in  Hawkins  County,  Tenn.,  and  re- 
moved with  his  father,  Ballard  Coldwell,  and  family  to  Bedford  County,  January  1,  1807. 
John  Campbell  Coldwell  served  two  campaigns  under  Gen.  Jackson,  one  against  the  Creek 
Indians,  in  which  he  participated  in  the  battle  at  Horse  Shoe,  and  the  other  against  the 
British,  in  which  he  was  a participant  at  New  Orleans,  January  8,  1815.  After  this  cam- 
paign he  settled  at  Shelbyviile,  and  was  a merchant  from  1818  to  1843,  at  which  time  he 
retired  to  his  farm,  where  he  died  July  17,  1867.  Thomas  H.  Coldwell’s  mother  was  Jane 
Northcott,  born  in  Fleming  County,  Ky.,  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Benjamin  Northcott. 
Thomas  was  the  eldest  of  two  boys  and  two  girls  in  this  family.  He  was  educated  at 
Dixon  Academy,  Shelbyviile,  and  studied  law  with  Irwin  J.  Frierson,  Esq.  He  was  li 
censed  to  practice  in  January,  1844,  and  has  ever  since  been  in  his  profession  at  Shelby  - 
ville,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  members  of  that  bar.  He  first  married  Mary  J.  Hodge,  at 
Murfreesboro,  November  24,  1844.  After  her  death  he  married  Sarah  E.  Goling,  in  Cin- 
cinnati, May  6,  1851.  After  her  death  he  married  Mrs.  Mary  H.  Bosworth,  in  Shelbyviile. 
September  20,  1854,  and  after  her  death  he  married  Carrie  Hopkins,  in  Cincinnati,  No- 
vember 11,  1875.  The  last  wife  died  December  4,  1884.  For  many  years  Judge  Coldwell 
was  an  active  worker  in  the  Sons  of  Temperance,  and  was  elected  Grand  Worthy  Patri- 
arch for  the  State  of  Tennessee  in  1851.  He  was  an  unflinching  Union  man  through- 
out the  war.  In  1864  he  was  commissioned  by  Gov.  Andrew  Johnson  chancellor  of  the 
Fourth  Chancery  Division  of  Tennessee,  but  resigned  in  a short  time.  In  October,  1865, 
he  was  commissioned  attorney-general  of  the  State  and  reporter  of  the  supreme  court, 
and  in  May,  1867,  was  elected  by  the  people  to  that  office  without  opposition.  While 
serving  in  this  capacity  he  reported  seven  volumes,  of  the  decisions  Of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Tennessee,  and  considers  this  the  most  pleasant  part  of  his  professional  career.  While 
attorney-general  he  entered  a nolle  prosequi  in  all  cases  that  came  to  the  supreme  court, 
when  persons  were  indicted  for  treason  against  the  State — a class  of  indictments  which 
grew  out  of  the  late  civil  war,  the  disposal  of  which  in  this  manner  won  for  him  the  earn- 
est gratitude  of  his  fellow-citizens.  In  1868  he  was  the  Grant  and  Colfax  elector  for  the 
Fifth  Congressional  District  of  Tennessee.  From  1865  to  1871  he  served  as  one  of  the  di- 
rectors of  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad.  He  was  a lay  member  of  the  Genera1 
Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  its  session,  held  at  Brooklyn,  in  1872, 
and  while  there  was  the  author  of  the  resolution  sending  fraternal  delegates  from  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  has  always 
been  a zealous  worker  in  the  church,  giving  most  liberally  to  all  of  its  enterprises,  and  has 
always  been  an  active  Sunday-school  worker.  During  1871-72  he  was  president  of  the 
Bedford  County  Agricultural  Society.  He  was  instrumental,  in  1869,  in  securing  the 
building  of  the  Bedford  County  Court  House,  and  was  chairman  of  the  building  commit 
tee.  He  has  been  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Shelbyviile  Savings  Bank  ever  since  its  or 
ganization,  and  was  president  of  that  bank  three  years.  He  has  been  a member  of  the 
board  of  directors  of  the  Central  Tennessee  College,  in  Nashville,  ever  since  its  organiza- 
tion, and  for  thirteen  years  has  been  president  of  the  board.  He  is  a fearless  advocate  of 
the  education  and  Christianizing  of  the  negro.  For  fifteen  years  he  has  been  president  of 
the  board  of  school  directors  of  the  Seventh  District,  and  at  his  last  election  he  re 
ceived  every  vote  cast.  In  1871  he  was  appointed  by  President  Grant,  at  the  recommen- 
dation of  Gov.  DeWitt  C.  Senter,  as  commissioner  for  the  State  of  Tennessee  to  the  Cen- 
tennial Exposition,  at  Philadelphia,  in  1871.  He  served  till  1877.  He  was  on  many  of 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1137 


the  important  committees  and  was  elected  first  vice-president  of  the  commission,  being 
one  of  the  most  active  participants  in  those  measures  that  made  the  exhibition  so  great  a 
success.  Judge  Coldwell  has  two  children:  Gen.  Ernest  Coldwell,  the  child  of  the  third 
wife,  who  is  his  partner  in  law,  and  Carrie  (“Sunshine”)  Coldwell,  the  child  of  his  last 
wife.  Judge  Coldwell  is  an  outspoken  Republican.  He  is  a friend  to  the  poor  and  op- 
pressed, a liberal  supporter  and  patron  of  education  and  religion,  and  a leading  and  en- 
thusiastic member  of  his  party. 

GEN.  ERNEST  COLDWELL  was  born  at  Shelby ville,  November  12,  1858.  He  was 
educated  at  Shelbyville  and  at  Carbondale,  111.  After  reading  law  two  years  in  his  father’s 
office  he  was  licensed,  by  Judges  Robert  Cantrell  and  Peter  Turney,  to  practice.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1882,  he  was  appointed  special  revenue  collector,  under  A.  M.  Hughes,  Jr.  While 
a law  student  he  was  secretary  of  the  Middle  Tennessee  and  Bedford  County  Sunday- 
school  Associations.  He  is  a director  in  the  Bedford  County  Agricultural  Society,  a di- 
rector and  secretary  of  the  Bedford  County  Stock  Breeders’  Society  and  Register  and  a 
director  and  secretary  of  the  Eakin  Library  Society.  He  was  appointed.  May  21,  1881,  on 
Gov.  Alvin  Hawkins’  staff,  with  the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  In  1884  he  was  elected 
Representative  from  Bedford  County  to  the  Forty -fourth  General  Assembly  of  Tennessee, 
overcoming  a Democratic  majority  of  600  by  226  majority,  he  being  a firm  and  outspoken 
Republican.  His  mother,  nee  Mary  Hend'erson,  was  a lady  of  versatile  accomplishments 
and  of  marked  firmness  of  character.  She  was  born  in  New  York,  was  raised  in  Ohio 
and  died  in  Tennessee  in  1874,  fifty-three  years  of  age. 

WILLIAM  COLLIER  is  a son  of  Lockey  Collier,  who  was  born  in  Virginia  about 
1770  and  died  about  1840.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  about  1789.  Our  subject  was 
his  only  child  and  resided  with  his  father  until  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  afterward 
followed  the  occupation  of  farming.  He  is  a self-made  man  and  is  worth  between  $8,000 
and  $10,000,  which  he  has  made  by  his  own  exertions.  He  was  married,  in  1820,  to  Mary 
B.  Garrett,  who  bore  him  twelve  children,  six  of  whom  are  dead.  Those  living  are 
Martha  (Mrs.  W.  W.  Pennington),  Nancy  J.  (Mrs.  L.  Madison),  Don,  Eliza  F.,  Mary  A. 
(widow  of  Morgan  Drydaw)  and  Richard  R.  Our  subject’s  son,  Don,  was  born  August 
21,  1832,  and  was  married  March  28,  1854,  to  Martha  Billington,  who  bore  him  one  child 
that  died  in  infancy.  In  1854  he  moved  to  Arkansas,  where  he  lived  until  1881,  when  he 
returned  to  the  old  homestead  to  provide  for  his  father  until  his  death.  Both  father  and 
son  are  influential  citizens  and  Republicans.  Don  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South. 

MRS.  IDA  J.  COLLINS  was  born  October  6,  1837,  daughter  of  David  and  Sarah 
(Harris)  Williams,  who  were  born  in  Tennessee  in  1814  and  1818.  respectively.  Mrs 
Collins’  paternal  ancestry  were  originally  from  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  her  mother’s 
people  were  North  Carolinians.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage.  April  29,  1858,  to 
W.  J.  Collins,  who  was  born  October  25,  1835.  He  was  a merchant  at  Unionville  up  to 
the  date  of  the  late  war.  He  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  July  21,  1866.  His  union  with  our  subject  resulted  in 
the  birth  of  six  children:  Spencer  D.,  born  March  19,  1859;  Edward  E.  and  John  B.  were 
twins,  born  October  25,  1860;  Lycurgus  F.,  born  January  11,  1863;  Emmet  C.,  born  De- 
cember 15,  1864;  Ellen  J.,  born  December  29,  1866.  Mrs.  Collins  is  an  earnest  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  a woman  -who  has  won  the  respect  and  esteem  of 
all.  She  has  managed  her  farm  successfully  and  is  a credit  to  the  county  in  which  she 
lives. 

JOHN  JACKSON  COMER.  Samuel  Comer  was  a native  of  England  and  came  to 
the  United  States  with  his  wife  (formerly  a Miss  Randolph),  a short  time  before  the 
Revolutionary  war  and  settled  in  Virginia.  He  served  in  the  war  against  the  mother 
country,  and  was  subsequently  killed  by  the  Tories.  Reuben  D.  Comer,  son  of  Samuel 
Comer,  was  raised  by  a man  named  Abner  Lea,  of  Johnson  County,  N.  C.  He  married  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Wright,  who  came  from  England  to  South  Carolina.  Her  parents 
died  when  she  was  an  infant,  and  she  was  raised  by  Col.  Elliott  Lee.  After  her  marriage 


1138 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


with  Mr.  Comer  they  came  to  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  and  became  the  parents  of  five  sons 
and  two  daughters.  John  Jackson  Comer,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the  fourth  of 
their  children  and  was  reared  on  a farm  and  had  charge  of  his  father’s  mill  and  cotton- 
gin.  His  early  education  was  limited,  never  having  attended  school  after  attaining  his  fif- 
teenth year.  About  this  time  he  professed  religion.  A short  time  after  he  began  learning 
the  blacksmith  business  of  the  Rev.  D.  B.  Moore,  with  whom  he  lived  three  years.  His 
father  at  this  time  moved  to  Warren  County,  Tenn..  and  there  our  subject  worked  at  his 
trade.  He  was  happily  married  to  Miss  Martha  F.  Parker.  In  1845  he  was  licensed  to 
preach,  and  in  1853  was  received  into  the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference,  and  he  has  fol- 
lowed his  calling  in  Hickory  Creek,  Bedford,  Smith  Fork,  Mill  Creek,  Harpeth,  Wesley 
and  Carthage.  He  was  appointed  presiding  elder  of  the  following  districts:  Carthage, 
McMinnville,  Savannah  and  Centerville.  At  the  last  conference  he  was  appointed  to  the 
Unionville  Circuit.  In  1880  Mrs.  Comer  died,  and  after  living  a lonely  life  two  years, 
Rev.  Comer  married  Miss  Ella  Lacre.  His  first  marriage  resulted  in  four  children: 
Sophronia  A.  (Mrs.  J.  P.  Walton),  Nannie  J.  (Mrs.  Prof.  S.  Y.  Wall),  John  B.,  Moltie  P. 
(died  in  1880,  wife  of  J.  S.  Keton).  Rev.  Comer  is  now  past  sixty  years  of  age,  but  hopes 
to  continue  his  good  work  many  years.  He'  is  much  loved  and  respected  by  all  who 
know  him  and  is  an  influential  man  where  he  resides. 

J.  B.  COOPER,  Esq.,  was  born  January  25,  ’1831,  in  Bedford  County,  son  of  George 
and  Sallie  (Rutlege)  Cooper.  The  father  was  born  about  1798,  and  the  mother  about  1798. 
They  both  died  when  our  subject  was  an  infant  and  he  was  reared  by  his  aunt,  Matilda 
Rutlege,  whom  he  assisted  on  the  farm  until  her  death,  which  occurred  about  1871.  He 
has  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  ever  since.  In  1870  he  was  elected  to  the  office 
of  magistrate  and  filled  that  position  in  an  able  and  efficient  manner.  He  then  began  the 
study  of  law,  and  about  1876  the  county  court  granted  him  license  to  practice  law  before 
the  county  court  and  before  magistrate  courts.  He  has  been  quite  successful  and  has 
made  quite  a reputation  as  a lawyer.  May  15,  1856,  he  wedded  Rebecca  F.  Landers,  of 
this  county,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  thirteen  children:  Cicero  W.,  Alice  A. 
(deceased),  Lula  S.,  Ella  L.,  Callie  T.  (deceased),  Maggie  M.,  Eddie  A.  (deceased),  Rebecca 
J.,  Algie  B.,  America  L.,  Johnnie  E.,  Lattie  B.  and  William  E.  Mr.  Cooper  received  a 
common  district  school  education  in  his  early  days,  but  having  cultivated  a taste  for  good 
reading  while  young,  he  acquired  the  major  part  of  his  education  from  the  perusal  of 
good  books  after  having  grown  to  maturity.  In  politics  Mr.  Cooper  is  a Democrat. 

ALEXANDER  A.  COOPER  was  born  January  12, 1832,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn., 
son  of  Micajah  T.  and  Sarah  (Vincent)  Cooper.  The  father  was  a native  of  Rowan  County, 
N.  C.,  born  December  28,  1806.  When  nine  years  of  age,  he  moved  with  his  par- 
ents to  Cannon  County,  this  State,  and  in  1829  he  was  married.  To  this  union  were 
born  twelve  children,  our  subject  being  the  second.  The  father  of  our  subject  died  Feb- 
ruary 16,  1874,  and  the  mother  in  May,  1864.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  country 
schools  and  at  Union  University  at  Murfreesboro.  After  reaching  his  majority  he  followed 
various  occupations,  such  as  teacher,  merchant  and  trader  up  to  the  late  war,  when  he 
was  appointed  by  the  commissary-general  and  permanently  detailed  by  the  Secretary  of 
War  as  general  purchasing  agent  of  the  commissary  department  for  the  Confederate  Army, 
which  position  he  held  during  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  resumed  merchan- 
dising at  Wartrace,  which  he  continued  for  two  years.  He  then  located  on  the  farm  where 
he  now  lives.  He  also  served  as  deputy  clerk  of  the  county  court  of  this  county  for  ten 
years.  He  has  held  several  minor  offices  and  has  been  magistrate  of  his  civil  district  six 
years.  October,  1862,  he  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Singleton,  daughter  of  Dr.  Robert  L. 
Singleton,  of  Fairfield,  now  deceased.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  the  following 
children:  Robert  S.,  Henry  V.,  Constance,  Alexander  A.  and  Sarah  A.,  all  living.  Mr. 
Cooper  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows’  orders,  and  owns  a farm  of  100  acres 
near  Fairfield  on  the  Wartrace  & Beech  Grove  Turnpike.  He  is  a member  of  the  board, 
of  trustees  of  the  Duck  River  Academy,  and  takes  an-  active  part  in  educational  matters. 

REV.  G.  W.  COOK  was  born  near  Shelby ville,  Tenn.,  November  14,  1833,  son  of 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1189 


■William  and  Nancy  (Lentz)  Cook,  who  were  born  in  1802  and  1810,  in  North  Carolina 
and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father  died  of  cholera  in  June,  1854.  Our  subject  is 
the  third  of  eight  children.  At  the  age  of  twenty  years  he  became  overseer  for  Thomas 
Skearren  and  then  began  farming  for  himself.  He  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
when  a boy,  and  when  about  twenty-six  years  old  was  licensed  to  preach.  In  1870  he  was 
ordained  deacon  at  Pulaski,  Tenn.,  and  in  1874  he  was  ordained  elder.  He  has  had  regu- 
lar work  since  1870,  and  has  conscientiously  fulfilled  the  duties  of  his  calling.  He  was 
married  December  20,  1855  to  Mary  E.  Pickle,  daughter  of  Major  and  Catharine  Pickle. 
Rev.  and  Mrs.  Cook  became  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  four  of  whom  are  dead: 
William  T.  S.,  a minister  of  the  gospel;  Mary  E.  (Mrs.  C.  M.  Spruce),  Emily  M.  (Mrs. 
William  Darnell),  Rosanna  (Mrs.  E.  Stalling),  Henry  C.,  Eliza  and  Nora  A.  Our  subject 
acquired  the  most  of  his  education  by  dint  of  hard  study  after  acquiring  his  growth.  He 
is  a Democrat,  but  up  to  the  date  of  the  late  wqr  was  an  old-line  Whig. 

J.  P.  COTHRAN,  a successful  farmer,  was  born  in  Person  County,  N.  C.,  July  8, 1828, 
•son  of  Samuel  and  Polly  (Burton)  Cothran,  who  immigrated  to  Tennessee  in  1844,  and 
settled  in  Williamson  County.  Our  subject  was  the  fourth  child  born  to  his  parents.  His 
educational  advantages  were  limited,  but  notwithstanding  this  fact  he  has  always  mani- 
fested a willingness  and  a desire  to  aid  in  any  enterprise  pertaining  to  the  advancement  of 
education.  December  18,  1851,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  R.  Cothran,  of  Will- 
iamson County.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  still 
living.  Mr.  Cothran  is  a self-made  man,  having  accumulated  his  property  by  his  own 
exertions.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  but  up  to  the  late  war  was  a Democrat. 

DR.  ROBERT  W.  COUCH  was  born  March  13,  1834,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is 
the  son  of  Joseph  and  Catharine  Patton  Couch.  (For  further  particulars  of  parents  see 
sketch  of  R.  C.  Couch.)  Our  subject  received  a practical  education  in  the  Duck  River 
Academy  at  Fairfield,  in  this  county,  and  his  medical  education  at  the  University  of  Nash- 
ville, from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1855.  He  then  began  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession, and  was  surgeon  of  the  Tennessee  Iron  Works  in  Wayne  County  until  the  begin- 
ning of  the  late  war.  He  then  joined  the  Ninth  Tennessee  Confederate  Cavalry  as  a lieu- 
tenant, and  was  afterward  appointed  surgeon  of  the  regiment.  He  was  captured  at  Fort 
Donelson  and  held  as  a prisoner  until  May,  1862,  when  he  made  his  escape  f.iom  Mound 
City,  111.,  and  walked  to  Corinth,  Miss.,  and  from  there  to  his  relatives  in  the  county. 
Since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  May,  1860,  he  married 
Miss  Lucy  Tucker,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  and  daughter  of  Maj.  Lewis  and  Har- 
riet Tucker.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  the  following  children:  Robert,  John  R., 
Kittie,  William,  Lizzie  and  Mary,  all  living  but  John  R.  Mr.  Couch  owns  a farm  of  315 
acres  in  District  No.  2,  all  well  cultivated  and  in  a flourishing  condition.  He  is  an  Inde- 
pendent Democrat  in  politics,  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

HON.  REUBEN  C.  COUCH,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  January 
13,  1830,  son  of  Joseph  and  Catherine  (Patton)  Couch,  and  of  Scotch  Irish  descent.  The 
father  was  born  in  South  Carolina  October  9,  1787,  and  the  mother  in  Buncomb  County, 
N.  C.,  July  10,  1796.  They  were  married  in  1813,  and  to  them  were  born  twelve  children. 
The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812  under  Gen.  Jackson.  He  was  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation, and  died  March  19,  1861.  The  mother  followed  March  10,  1886.  Our  subject’s 
maternal  grandmother  was  a daughter  of  Rhoda  Cunningham,  who  came  from  Ireland. 
She  is  living  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  in  her  ninety-third  year.  She  has  at  this 
time  306  living  descendants,  children,  grandchildren  and  great-grandchildren,  even  to  the 
fourth  generation.  What  is  most  consoling  to  the  declining  years  of  this  most  venerable 
matron,  is  that  out  of  this  long  line  of  descendants  none  have  yet  done  aught  to  detract 
from  the  character  of  an  honest  family.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the  common 
schools,  and  followed  farming  up  to  the  time  of  the  war.  He  enlisted  with  the  boys  in 
blue  in  the  Fifth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  was  commissioned  as  lieutenant,  and  afterward 
promoted  to  captain,  in  which  capacity  he  served  through  the  war.  He  participated  in 


1140 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


the  battle  of  Stone  River,'  and  various  skirmishes.  After  the  war  he  was  elected' 
clerk  of  the  county  court,  and  served  several  years  in  the  revenue  department.  He 
was  a member  of  the  lower  house  of  the  Thirty-eighth  General  Assembly.  November 
23,  1865,  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  J.  Dyer,  daughter  of  William  H.  Dyer,  and  to  them 
were  born  three  children:  Ruben  0.,  Lester  and  Emily  G.  James  Patton,  our  subject’s, 
maternal  grandfather,  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Tennessee.  He  reared  a family  of 
twelve  children — eleven  daughters  and  one  son.  All  lived  to  be  married.  Among  the 
daughters  there  were  seven  living  at  one  time,  all  widows,  and  the  youngest  over  seventy 
years  of  age.  The  mother  of  our  subject,  just  before  her  death,  had  descendants  to  the 
number  of  266,  children,  grandchildren,  great-grandchildren  and  great-great-grandchil- 
dren. Mr.  Couch  is  a Republican,  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  and  daughters  are  members 
of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  has  a fine  farm  of  275  acres  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation. 

OLIVER  COWAN  & CO.,  dealers  in  hardware  and  farming  implements,  is  com- 
posed of  Oliver  and  Robert  Cowan,  brothers.  Oliver  Cowan  was  born  February  13,  1831, 
in  Londonderry,  Ireland.  The  father,  Alexander  Cowan,  died  in  Ireland,  having  been  a 
farmer.  The  mother  and  six  children  came  to  Shelbyville  in  1851,  and  -the  mother  died  in 
1868.  There  are  five  of  the  lamily  now  living,  Oliver  being  the  youngest.  He  was 
reared  on  a farm,  and  received  his  education  in  an  agricultural  college  in  Ireland.  Upon 
coming  to  Shelbyville  he  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  dry  goods  trade  for  three  years.  He 
then  entered  a dry  goods  business  with  a brother,  and  continued  successfully  till  1874, 
when  he  sold  out  that  business  and  entered  the  hardware  business  with  his  brother,  Rob- 
ert. The  firm  carries  about  a $10,000  stock,  and  transacts  about  a $20,000  business  annu- 
ally. Mr.  Cowan  was  married,  in  1869,  to  Miss  Sarah  Bryson,  of  Lincoln  County,  daugh- 
ter of  the  Rev.  Henry  Bryson.  He  has  a family  of  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  viz. : 
Henry  B.,  William  G.,  Jennie  and  Olive.  Himself,  his  wife  and  two  sons  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a Knight  Templar  Mason.  Politically  he  adheres  to  no 
party  rigidly,  but  supports  the  man  who  he  thinks  is  best  qualified  to  fill  public  office. 
Robert  Cowan  was  born  September  24,  1813,  in  Londonderry,  Ireland.  He  came  from  his 
native  land  to  this  county  in  1851.  He  clerked  in  a store  till  1874,  at  which  time  he  en- 
tered the  firm  of  Oliver  Cowan  & Co.  In  Ireland  he  followed  farming.  He  was  married, 
in  1836,  to  Miss  Esther  Buchanan,  who  bore  him  two  sons,  viz. : Alexander,  who  was 
killed  in  the  Confederate  Army  in  1863,  and  William  B.,  who  is  now  a farmer  of  this 
county.  Mr.  Cowan  has  for  many  years  lived  a widower,  his  wife  having  died  in  Ireland 
in  1841.  He  is  a devout  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  one  of  Shelbyville’s, 
oldest  and  most  highly  respected  citizens. 

DR.  THOMAS  CHAPMAN  McCRORY,  an  eminent  physician,  was  born  in  Bedford 
County,  November  13,  1834,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Annie  (Wilson)  McCrory.  He  is 
of  Scotch-Irish  extraction.  The  father  was  bom  in  Mechlenburg  County,  N.  C.,  February 
5,  1788,  and  the  mother  in  Georgia,  October  11,  1791.  They  were  married  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.,  and  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children.  The  father  died  October  15, 
1374,  and  the  mother  January  22,  1864.  Our  subject  had  the  advantage  of  a good  common 
school  education,  and  afterward  read  medicine  with  Dr.  Smith  Bowlin.  He  then  attended 
the  Ohio  Medical  College  at  Cincinnati  and  completed  his  studies,  receiving  his  diploma 
from  the  Medical  University  at  Nashville,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1867.  He 
enlisted  in  Company  D,  Second  Tennessee  Regiment,  Confederate  States  Army,  and 
served  as  lieutenant  of  the  regiment  under  Col.  (dow  Gov.)  Bate.  Dr.  McCrory  was  made 
assistant  surgeon,  but  preferred  a more  active  part  and  took  his  place  in  the  regiment. 
He  participated  in  the  battle  of  the1  first  Manassas,  Murfreesboro,  Shiloh,  Chickamauga 
and  the  various  battles  between  Chattanooga  and  Atlanta.  He  was  captured  during 
Hood's  advance  in  Tennessee,  and  taken  a prisoner  to  Fort  Delaware,  where  he  remained  unlil 
Lee’s  surrender.  Since  the  war  he  has  followed  his  chosen  profession,  and  has  at  this 
time  a very  large  and  lucrative  practice.  February  28,  1860,  he  wedded  Miss  Sallie  J. 
Knott,  daughter  of  Iverson  Knott.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  eight  children, 
only  three  of  whom  are  living:  Thomas  F.,  Eugene  and  Alva.  The  Doctor  is  a Democrat 
and  a Mason.  Mrs.  McCrory  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1141 


J.  M.  CROWEL  was  born  November  5,  1847,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the- 
son  of  Benjamin  and  Margaret  (Anderson)  Crowel.  The  father  was  born  in  the  year  1815, 
in  Bedford  County,  and  diedgin  the  year  1865.  The  mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
about  1817,  and  died  September,  1885.  Our  subject  was  the  youngest  child  and  only  som 
of  his  parents.  He  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm,  and  after  reaching  the  years  of 
manhood  began  farming  for  himself.  November  16,  1873,  he  wedded  Susan  A.  Molder,  of 
this  county,  who  was  born  in  1857.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  three  children:  Thomas 
L.,  Jennie  L.,  and  Edwin  Harper.  Mr.  Crowel  is  a self-made  man,  and  is  now  worth 
about  $5,000,  which  he  has  made  in  the  last  twelve  years.  He  was  never  sued  or  had  a 
lawsuit  in  his  life.  He  is  upright,  honest  and  law  abiding.  His  educational  advan- 
tages were  rather  limited,  but  sufficient  for  all  practical  purposes.  In  politics  he  is  a Dem- 
ocrat. 

CYRUS  W.  CUNNINGHAM,  dealer  in  books,  stationery,  wall  paper,  jewelry,  etc., 
was  bom  in  Bedford  County,  January  28,  1850,  being  one  of  five  children  of  Joseph  A. 
and  Elizabeth  W.  (Williams)  Cunningham.  The  father  was  a native  of  Bedford  County, 
his  father  having  come  here  from  North  Carolina  in  the  very  early  settlement  of  the  coun- 
ty. The  father  was  a farmer;  his  death  occurred  in  1880.  The  mother  is  a descendant  of 
Virginia  parentage,  is  a native  of  this  county,  and  is  now  living.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  reared  on  a farm  to  the  age  of  twenty-three,  receiving  a common  school  edu- 
cation. He  taught  school  and  clerked  in  a store  for  two  years  before  leaving  home.  He 
then  came  to  Shelbyville,  and  purchased  a one-third  interest  in  a book  store,  and  in  1875- 
became  sole  proprietor.  In  1876  he  failed,  but  has  paid  out  fully,  and  now  does  a thriving 
business,  and  owns  a desirable  and  beautiful  home  in  Shelbyville.  He  now  holds  the 
appointment  of  deputy  internal  revenue  collector  of  the  Fifth  Revenue  District  of  Tennes- 
see. He  was  married,  March  9, 1875,  to  Miss  Susan  A.  Cannon,  grandniece  of  Gov.  Newton 
Cannon.  This  union  has  been  blessed  in  the  birth  of  four  children,  viz:  Kate  T.,  Eliza- 
beth, Jennie  C.  and  Mary  J.  Mr.  Cunningham  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.  and  R.  A.,  being  a member  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  K.  of  H.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  an  enterprising  citizen  of  the  county. 

J.  M.  CUNNINGHAM,  M.  D..  is  a native  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  born  June  17, 
1849,  and  is  the  second  of  six  children  of  S.  D.  and  Elizabeth  (Armstrong)  Cunning- 
ham, who  are  now  living  in  Marshall  County.  Our  subject  spent  his  early  days  in  tilling 
his  father’s  farm,  remaining  until  eighteen  years  old,  at  which  time  he  entered  the  high 
school  at  Lewisburg,  then  under  the  supervision  of  Calvin  Dornal,  and  paid  his  own  way 
for  about  three  years,  his  father  refusing  to  pay  his  tuition.  He  entered  the  Medical  Col- 
lege of  Nashville  in  1871,  and  during  the  vacation  in  the  summer  of  1872  he  taught  school 
to  enable  him  to  take  the  course  of  lectures  in  the  fall,  which  he  did,  and  graduated  in  the- 
spring  of  1873.  He  began  practicing  his  profession  in  April  of  that  year  at  Bedford  postoffice, 
seven  miles  west  of  Shelbyville,  where  he  has  successfully  continued  up  to  the  present  date. 
June  14,  1876,  he  married  Lizzie  T.  Lock,  daughter  of  James  Lock.  This  union  has  re- 
sulted in  six  children:  Vera  C.,  Clare  G.  (deceased),  Ewing  B.,  Hattie  S.,  Lillie  R,  (de- 
ceased) and  Horace  L.  Dr.  Cunningham  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

B.  M.  CURTISS  is  a native  of  Bedford  County,  born  July  7,  1859.  His  father,  J.  H. 
Curtiss,  was  born  November  12,  1803,  in  Connecticut,  and  died  in  August,  1866.  The 
mother  was  Teressa  (Moseley)  Curtiss,  who  was  bom  November  22,  1824,  in  Georgia.  She 
is  yet  living.  Our  subject  aided  his  mother  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  and 
since  that  time  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  for' himself,  and  is  a prosperous  farmer. 
In  connection  with  his  farming  he  carried  on  merchandising  about  three  years.  November 
17,  1872,  he  wedded  Sallie  E.  Dysart,  who  was  born  July  6,  1859,  and  is  the  mother  of 
seven  children:  Alex,  Nola  T.,  R.  Dennie,  James  R.,  Fannie,  Polk  and  Tint.  Mrs.  Curtiss- 
died  June  3,  1886,  an  earnest  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our  subject  was  elected 
magistrate  of  his  district  in  August,  1882,  and  has  served  as  such  up  to  the  present  date. 
He  is  a well  educated  man,  and  one  who  supports  all  enterprises  for  the  public  welfare. 
He  is  a Democrat  politically. 


1142 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


I.  S.  DAVIDSON,  M.  D.,  was  born  near  Fairfield,  Bedford  Co.,  Tenn.,  April  25, 1816, 
son  of  Andrew  D.  and  Sarah  (Muse)  Davidson,  who  were  natives  of  Wales,  England.  The 
paternal  grandparents  of  our  subject  were  born  in  the  “ Emerald  Isle.”  Andrew  D.  and 
his  first  wife  came  to  America  at  an  early  day.  During  his  absence  from  home  at  one 
time  the  Indians,  which  were  very  numerous  at  that  time,  seized  his  wife  and  two  chil- 
dren, and  a young  man  and  woman  living  with  them,  and  made  their  escape  to  tlreir 
camp.  After  a long  and  seemingly  fruitless  search  he  found  his  wife,  but  his  children 
were  both  dead,  and  his  wife  shortly  afterward  died  from  fright  and  exposure.  Our  sub- 
ject assisted  his  father  in  clearing  their  farm,  and  labored  under  many  disadvantages. 
His  education  was  limited,  owing  to  poor  school  facilities,  at  that  time,  but  after  he  began 
earning  his  own  living  he  attended  school  several  sessions,  and  in  this  manner  acquired  a 
very  good  education.  For  over  two  years  he  was  a medical  student  of  Dr.  Barkesdal,  of 
Shelby ville,  and  attended  lectures  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  1841-42.  March  27, 1843,  he  located 
at  Richmond,  Tenn.,  where  he  successfully  practiced  his  profession  up  to  the  present  time. 
May  16,  1844.  he  wedded  Martha  R.  Smith,  daughter  of  Reason  and  Sarah  Smith.  To 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Davidson  were  born  eight  children,  two  dying  in  infancy  and  one  (Barkes- 
dal) was  killed  in  the  late  war.  Those  living  are  John  R.,  George  H.,  Sarah  A.,  Alice, 
Mary  A.  and  Maud.  Dr.  Davidson  has  accumulated  all  his  property  since  he  began  his 
practice,  and  deserves  much  credit  for  the  same,  as  he  started  in  life  for  himself  with  noth- 
ing. The  family  are  church  members.  The  Doctor  is  a Democrat,  and  previous  to  the 
war  was  an  old-line  Whig. 

ELNATPIAN  G.  DAVIS,  farmer  and  trader  in  live-stock,  was  born  in  Bedford  Coun- 
ty, Tenn.,  on  the  farm  where  he  is  now  living,  December  29,  1825.  His  father,  Elnathan 
Davis,  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1795,  and  in  1817  was  married  to  Rebecca  (Sivley) 
Davis,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1797.  Of  this  union  there  were  eight  children  reared 
to  maturity.  The  father  died  August  12,  1856,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  the  mother 
November  6,  1885.  Our  subject  received  a practical  education  in  the  common  schools,  and 
has  followed  farming  as  his  chief  occupation.  He  has  been  married  twice,  the  first  time 
February  20,  1851,  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Wilson,  of  Marshall  County, 'Tenn.  The  fruits  of  this 
union  were  two  children:  John  W.  and  Cleopatra.  January  13,  1870,  he  took  for  his 
second  wife  Miss  Jeffie  E.  Norton,  daughter  of  H.  W.  Norton.  To  this  union  was  born 
one  child,  Eugene  G.  Our  subject,  from  physical  disability,  was  exempt  from  the  army, 
but  the  Davis  family  was  represented  by  other  members.  Mr.  Davis  is  an  old-line  Dem- 
ocrat, and  a member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  He  has  300  acres  of  as  fine  land  as  the  country 
affords,  all  well  cultivated,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

WILLIAM  G.  DAVIS,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  November  12, 
1837,  son  of  Elnathan  and  Rebecca  (Sivley)  Davis,  and  of  Irish-German  descent.  (For 
further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  Elnathan  G.  Davis.)  Our  subject  was  reared 
on  the  farm  and  received  a rudimentary  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  subse- 
quently attended  Fairfield  College,  at  Fairfield,  Tenn.,  and  October  28,  1858,  he  wedded 
Miss  Mollie  J.  Norvell,  daughter  of  Dr.  A.  S.  Norvell,  of  Coffee  County,  Tenn.  The 
fruits  of  this  union  were  five  children:  Charles  E.,  born  October  1,  1861;  Willie  J.,  born 
February  13,  1864;  Frank  P.,  born  July  8,  1867;  Emma  Smith,  born  November  18, 
1869,  and  Lena  Bell,  born  October  28,  1871.  Mrs.  Davis  was  born  in  Shelbyville,  Bedford 
Co.,  Tenn.,  March  22,  1842.  Her  father,  Dr.  A.  S.  Norvell,  was  born  June  8,  1813,  and 
her  mother  was  born  July  13,  1819.  The  former  died  in  Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  February 
2 -J,  1876,  and  the  latter  died  in  the  same  county  April  28,  1886.  They  were  married  in  the 
year  1839.  Mr.  Davis  has  a farm  of  140  acres  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation.  He  is  a Dem- 
ocrat in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South. 

J.  B.  DICKENS  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Matilda  (Putnam)  Dickens,  who  were  born  in 
1814.  The  father  died  October  13,  1874.  The  mother  was  drowned  June  20,  1870,  while 
crossing  Duck  River  in  a canoe.  Our  subject  was  the  youngest  of  their  eight  children. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1143 


He  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  October  13,  1852.  The  names  of  the  children  are 
Jasper  1ST..  Andrew  J.,  Nellie  F.,  William  C.,  Nancy  J.,  Elizabeth  C.,  Newton  and  our 
subject,  who  was  married  December  12,  1872,  to  Jennie  Foster,  who  was  born  November 
21,  1852.  To  them  were  born  a family  of  four  children:  Malcolm  A.,  born  in  1873;  Clara 
A.,  born  in  1876;  Matilda  F.,  born  in  1880,  and  Sarah  G.,  born  in  1884.  The  mother  was 
the  youngest  of  seven  children,  their  names  being  Eliza  J.,  Almira  M.,  Malcolm  A.,  Sarah 
G.,  Caldonia  T.,  Mary  A.  and  Jennie.  Our  subject  has  been  a fairly  successful  financier, 
and  is  one  of  the  few  men  who  have  made  their  property  through  their  own  exertions.  He 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  he  is  a Republican. 

HENRY  C.  DICKERSON  was  born  June  13,  1854,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.  His 
father,  Capt.  James  W.  Dickerson,  a native  also  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  October  15, 
1815.  He  married  Miss  Nancy  Young,  a native  also  of  Bedford  County,  born  in  1822. 
To  this  union  were  born  nine  children,  of  whom  our  subject  is  the  sixth.  Capt.  James  W. 
Dickerson,  our  subject’s  father,  held  several  county  offices,  and  since  the  war  has  followed 
agricultural  pursuits,  and  now  lives  near  Wartrace.  The  mother  died  October  12,  1871. 
Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools,  and  lived  with  and  assisted  his  parents 
on  the  farm  until  he  reached  his  majority,  when  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  constable 
of  his  civil  district,  and  served  four  years.  In  1884  he  was  the  Democratic  nominee  for 
sheriff  of  his  county,  but  was  defeated  by  a very  few  votes.  July  11,  1885,  he  was  ap- 
pointed deputy  internal  revenue  collector  by  Col.  John  T.  Hillsman  for  the  Fifth  Collec- 
tion District  of  Tennessee,  which  office  he  now  holds.  On  December  30,  1885,  he  married 
Miss  Mary  E.  Shofner,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  and  a daughter  of  P.  W.  and  Nancy 
Shofner,  born  January  1,  1860.  He  is  a member  of  Shelbyville  Lodge  of  F.  & A.  M. 
His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Our  subject  has  two 
brothers,  William  J.,  a prominent  business  man  of  Union  City,  Obion  Co.,  Tenn.,  and 
John  W.  Dickerson,  a prominent  farmer  of  this  county.  This  is  one  of  the  prominent 
families  of  Bedford  County. 

REY.  A.  G.  DINWIDDIE,  D.D.,  was  born  July  12,  1840,  in  Montgomery  County, 
Tenn.  His  father,  William  Dinwiddie,  was  born  October  15,  1810,  in  Kentucky.  He  was 
by  profession  a local  minister  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  was  also  a 
farmer.  He  died  April  4,  1872.  The  mother,  nee  Mary  Cole  Alexander,  was  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, June  15,  1814,  and  is  yet  living  in  Montgomery  County,  Tenn.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  fair  early  educational  advantages.  He  was 
principally  educated  under  Prof.  L.  E.  Duke,  of  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C.,  then  conducting  an 
academy  at  Asbury,  Montgomery  Co.,  Tenn.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  engaged  in 
the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  has  since  been  so  engaged. 
He  joined  the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference  in  October,  1859,  and  was  appointed  junior 
preacher  to  the  Wesley  Circuit,  where  he  remained  one  year.  Thence  in  1860  he  was  ap- 
pointed junior  preacher  to  the  Dover  Circuit,  and  at  the  close  of  that  year  he  was  ordained 
deacon  by  Bishop  Early.  His  third  year’s  work  was  on  the  Bellefonte  Circuit  in  north- 
ern Alabama  and  on  November  19,  1861,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Rachael  Odil,  of  Colum- 
bia, Tenn.  In  1862  he  was  appointed  to  the  Trinity  Station,  Alabama.  After  the  war, 
in  1865,  he  was  appointed  to  the  Santa  Fe  Circuit,  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.  Thence,  in 
1866,  he  was  appointed  to  the  Duck  River  Circuit,  which  pastorate  he  held  two  years. 
In  1868  he  organized  the  Culleoka  Institute  and  was  appointed  principal  of  the  same,  also 
retaining  the  appointment  of  junior  preacher  on  the  Duck  River  Circuit.  In  1869  he  was 
relieved  of  the  pastoral  charge  and  appointed  to  the  full  prlncipalship  of  the  Culleoka  In- 
stitute which  he  held  until  May,  1870.  In  October  following  he  was  appointed  to  the 
Savannah  District  and  remained  there  four  consecutive  years.  He  then  took  pastoral 
charge  of  Pulaski  Station  for  four  years.  Thence  he  was  appointed  to  Cedar  Hill,  Rob- 
ertson Co.,  Tenn.,  for  one  year.  In  1879  he  was  appointed  to  the  Lebanon  Station,  which 
he  held  until  1882,  when  he  was  appointed  to  the  Murfreesboro  Station,  and  June  7,  1885, 
received  the  honorary  degree  of  D.  D.,  from  the  Soule  College  of  Murfreesboro.  In  Octo 
her,  1885,  he  was  appointed  to  the  Shelbyville  Station,  where,  as  elsewhere,  he  has  enjoyed 


1144 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


great  success  in  his  work.  He  has  a family  of  five  children:  Emma,  Willie  H.,  Mary  B. 
Maggie  L.  and  Frank  G. 

JAMES  N.  DRYDEN,  a native  of  Tennessee,  was  born  January  6,  1835,  son  of  David 
and  Malinda  (Guest)  Dryden,  natives,  respectively,  of  Tennessee  and  Georgia.  The 
father  was  born  in  1800  and  was  by  occupation  a farmer.  The  mother  was  born  August 
27,  1806,  and  is  still  living  with  our  subject  at  the  extreme  old  age  of  eighty.  Our  subject 
like  the  average  country  boy,  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  district 
school.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began  farming  for  himself  on  the  farm  where  he  is- 
now  living.  September  27,  1855,  he  married  Nancy  C.  Stephenson,  of  this  county,  and 
this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  four  children:  William  J.,  Martha  M.  B.,  Lucinda E. 
M.  and  David  0.  Mr.  Dryden  is  a very  influential  man  in  this  section  of  the  country. 
He  is  also  a man  of  strong  religious  sentiments  although  he  is  not  a member  of  any  church. 
Mrs.  Dryden  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Dryden  i& 
a Republican. 

NATHANIEL  L.  DRYDEN  was  born  January  22,  1839,  and  is  one  of  three  children 
born  to  the  union  of  Thomas  and  Mary  H.  (Dickson)  Dryden.  The  father  was  born  in 
Virginia  in  1796,  and  when  a youth  he,  with  his  father,  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  set- 
tled in  Bedford  County.  He  was  married  in  1824  and  became  the  father  of  eleven  chil- 
dren. The  father  and  mother  of  our  subject  were  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church.  The  former  died  in  1863  and  the  latter  in  1876.  Our  subject  was  born  in 
Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  given  an  education  in  the  country  schools  of  the  day. 
In  1867  he  wedded  Miss  Sarah  J.  Llewellyn,  a native  of  Indiana.  To  this  union  were 
born  eight  children:  Hubert  E.,  John  W.,  Mary  L.,  Annie,  Maggie  H.,  Daniel  D.,  Thomas 
F.  and  Nathaniel  L.,  Jr.  Daniel  D.  died  March  31,  1884.  Mr.  Dryden  owns  375  acres  of 
land  in  the  Twentieth  District,  and  deals  in  cattle,  sheep,  etc.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a leading  man  in  the  county.  The  family  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent. 

BENJAMIN  F.  DUGGAN,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  A.  (Burroughs)  Dug- 
gan, and  is  of  Scotch  English  descent.  The  father  died  a few  weeks  before  our  subject 
was  born.  Benjamin  F.  was  born  January  22,  1820,  in  Martin  County,  N.  C.,  and  was 
apprenticed  to  learn  the  tailor’s  trade  at  the  age  of  ten  years.  Six  years  later  he  began 
business  as  a journeyman,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  be- 
gan working  at  his  trade  at  Beech  Grove,  and  while  here  was  ordained  as  itinerant  min- 
ister of  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church.  In  1883  he  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  from 
the  college  located  at  Westminster,  Md.,  and  was  one  of  the  commissioners  that  formed 
the  basis  of  union  of  the  Methodist  and  Methodist  Protestant  Church  in  1875-77  at  Balti- 
more, Md.,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  general  conferences  of  his  church  at  Balti- 
more in  1850;  Lynchburg,  Va.,  in  1858,  and  Montgomery,  Ala.,  in  1867.  About  1850  he 
began  the  study  of  medicine,  and  entered  the  Nashville  University  in  the  fall  of  1853  and' 
graduated  in  1877,  and  located  in  Unionville.  He  was  married,  October  23,  1838,  to  Nan- 
cy A.  Elliott,  who  has  borne  him  five  children:  Benjamin  F.,  Solon  S.,  Algie  A.,  Sarah 
A.  and  Salome  J.  Our  subject  has  been  successful  in  life,  but  has  also  met  with  many 
adversities.  In  December,  1861,  he  became  commander  of  Company  A,  Fifty-fifth  Ten- 
nessee Infantry,  and  was  acting  colonel  from  February  until  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson. 
When  the  regiment  was  organized  our  subject  was  made  surgeon,  and  continued  in  this 
capacity  until  the  battle  of  Shiloh. 

H.  C.  DWIGGINS  was  born  October  8,  1844,  in  Alabama.  His  father,  R.  S.  Dwig- 
gins  was  born  in  this  State  about  1820  and  died  about  1880.  The  mother  was  Ann  (Wad- 
kins)  Dwiggins.  Our  subject  was  the  eldest  of  two  children  born  to  their  union.  When 
about  fifteen  years  old  he  began  milling  for  his  father  at  Shelbyville.  His  father  built 
the  first  three  steam-mills  ever  erected  in  Tennessee.  In  the  fall  of  1862  he  enlisted  in 
Company  D,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was- 
in  several  noted  battles,  but  was  not  wounded  or  captured  during  service.  After  his  re- 
turn he  followed  the  milling  business  for  his  father  until  1871,  when  he  erected  a mill  at 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1145 


Branchville,  which  he  has  conducted  in  connection  with  merchandising  ever  since.  He 
was  the  founder  of  the  village  of  Branchville,  and  succeeded  in  getting  a postoffice  in 
1876.  lie  has  done  much  to  assist  in  the  prosperity  of  the  county,  and  is  a man  of  influ- 
ence and  a highly  honorable  gentleman.  October  8,  1873,  he  wedded  Mary  Curtiss,  of 
Richmond,  Tenn.  She  is  a daughter  of  James  H.  and  Teresa  Curtiss,  and  was  born  in 
1854.  They  have  six  children:  Cassie  C.,  Ethel  E.,  Robbie  E.,  Mamie  L.,  Harry  C.  and 
one  unnamed.  Mr.  Dwiggins  is  a Mason,  an  Odd  Fellow  and  a Democrat.  He  has  been 
school  director  for  twelve  years,  and  is  still  holding  the  same  office. 

JAMES  H.  DYER,  son  of  William  and  Harriet  (Brown)  Dyer,  was  born  April  8,  1841, 
in  Bedford  County.  He  received  a good,  practical  education  in  the  schools  of  the  county, 
and  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1872  he  was  married  to  Miss  Belle  Arnold,  who 
bore  him  seven  children:  Annie  H.,  James  H.,  Thomas,  Roy,  Grace  B.,  Harry  and  Ernest 
G.  Harry  died  April  26,  1873,  and  Ernest  G.  died  June  4,  1880.  Mrs.  Dyer  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Nancy  A.  Arnold.  Mr.  Dyer  owns  600  acres  of  fine  land  in  the  Twen- 
tieth District  of  Bedford  County.  He  is  respected  as  a man  of  sound  judgment  and  good 
sense.  He  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  farm- 
ers and  stock  raisers  of  the  county.  His  farm  is  well  adapted  to  the  raising  of  corn, 
wheat,  hay  and  clover. 

HENRY  C.  DYER  was  born  October  25,  1844,  and  is  the  son  of  William  H.  and  Har- 
riet (Brown)  Dyer.  The  father  was  born  in  Bedford  County  in  1817.  He  was  a farmer 
and  stock  raiser  and  a successful  man  in  business.  He  was  the  father  of  seven  children, 
four  of  which  are  living:  James  H.,  Mary  J.,  Henry  C.  and  Emily.  Mrs.  Harriet  Dyer 
died  in  1856,  and  in  1874  Mr.  Dyer  was  married  the  second  time.  Mr.  Dyer  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  died  October  1,  1880.  Our  subject  was  born 
in  Bedford  County,  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  His  first  employment  was 
farming,  and  this,  in  connection  with  stock  raising,  he  has  always  followed.  In  1871  he 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eliza  Evans,  daughter  of  Nathan  Evans,  of  this  county, 
and  one  child  has  blessed  their  union,  Mary  B.  Mr.  Dyer  owns  705  acres  of  good  land, 
and  is  a leading  farmer  of  the  county.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Mission- 
ary Baptist  Church. 

J.  F.  ELLIOTT,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  April  24,  1824,  son 
of  B.  and  R.  (Freeman)  Elliott.  The  father  was  born  about  1784,  in  Virginia,  and  immi- 
grated to  Tennessee  in  about  1804.  His  death  occurred  in  1869.  The  mother  was  also  a 
native  of  Virginia,  and  lived  to  be  very  old.  Our  subject  worked  for  his  father  on  the 
farm  till  he  was  twenty  years  of  age.  He  soon  went  to  West  Tennessee  and  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits.  He  remained  there  about  ten  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Middle 
Tennessee  and  engaged  in  the  same  business.  In  1861  he  entered  the  Confederate  Army, 
Forty-fifth  Tennessee  Infantry,  under  Capt..  Lytle,  and  was  discharged  at  Shiloh  on  ac- 
count of  bad  health.  After  returning  home  he  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  again.  In 
1867  or  1868  he  moved  to  Kentucky  and  remained  there  but  one  year,  after  which  he 
moved  back  to  Tennessee  and  has  lived  there  ever  since.  In  1846  he  wedded  Harriet  C. 
Daniel,  of  Rutherford  County.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  seven  children:  Ten- 
nessee, Rebecca  C.,  James  M.,  Sarah  K.,  JOsie,  Albert  J.  and  Harriet  L.  Our  subject  is  a 
good,  substantial  citizen  and  is  so  considered  by  his  neighbors.  He  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Elliott  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

• REV.  ASA  W.  ELKINS  was  born  July  10,  1821,  son  of  Eli  and  Nancy  (Riggins) 
Elkins.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  when  a young  man  immigrated  to 
Tennessee  and  settled  in  Bedford  County  in  about  1816.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation 
and  in  early  life  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Riggins,  a native  of  North  Carolina.  The 
fruits  of  this  union  were  ten  children:  Deletha,  William  S.,  Mary,  Asa  W.,  James,  Sarah, 
Nancy  K.,  Evaline,  Eli  and  Richard,  who  died  during  the  late  war.  Eli  Elkins  immi- 
grated to  Alabama  in  1833  and  settled  in  Jackson  County,  where  he  died  in  1835.  After 
his  death  Mrs.  Elkins  married  Lewis  Page,  and  to  them  were  born  one  child,  Nancy  AY., 
who  died  during  the  war.  Mrs.  Page  died  about  1876.  The  Elkins  family  is  of  English 


1146 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


descent.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject  was  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  was 
a gallant  soldier.  Our  subject  was  born  in  the  present  limits  of  Coffee  County.  The  edu- 
cational advantages  at  that  early  day  were  not  what  they  are  now,  consequently  the  edu- 
cation that  he  acquired  at  school  was  rather  limited.  By  his  own  efforts  he  has  gained 
considerable  information,  and  is  considered  a man  of  sound  judgment  and  good  sense. 
In  1846  he  married  Miss  Lucinda  Stafford,  a native  of  this  State,  and  one  child  blessed  the 
union,  Mary  A.  Mrs.  Lucinda  Elkins  died  in  1848,  and  in  1849  Mr.  Elkins  married  Miss 
Angeline  Hufman.  The  results  of  this  union  were  eight  children:  Sarah  J.,  Raney  V., 
John  W.,  Martha  E.,  Margaret  A.,  Lafayette,  Robert  E.  and  George  T.  Sarah  J.  died  July 
26,  1850;  Nancy  V.  died  June  12,  1875:  Lafayette  died  March  19,  1885,  and  one  died  in 
infancy  without  being  named.  Mr.  Elkins  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  in  1868  and 
has  since  been  a local  preacher.  He  was  ordained  deacon  by  the  annual  conference.  He 
and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

MARTIN  EULES,  a worthy  citizen  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  Adam  and 
Dorothea  (Shofner)  Eules,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1775  and  1778,  respect- 
ively. They  were  married  about  1808  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  in  1810.  To  them 
were  born  eleven  children,  four  of  whom  are  living.  The  father  died  in  1843,  and  the 
mother  in  1872.  On  the  8th  of  November,  1843,  our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Casander  Bobo,  who  was  born  December  10,  1825,  and  a daughter  of  Elisha  and  Lucy 
(Dean)  Bobo,  natives  of  South  Carolina,  and  who  died  in  1860  and  1830,  respectively.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eules  were  born  eleven  children:  Eli  S.,  born  in  1845  (deceased);  Mary 
E born  in  1846  (deceased);  Elisha  A.,  born  in  1848;  Allen  F.,  born  in  1850;  John  M.,  born 
in  1852  (deceased);  Harriet  E.,  born  in  1855;  Ella  J.,  born  in  1857  (deceased);  Minnie  A., 
born  in  1860;  Lula  B.,  born  in  1862;  Della  C.,  born  in  1865,  and  Lucy  T.,  born  in  1867. 
Martin  Eules  started  in  life  for  himself  almost  penniless,  but  by  energy  and  perseverence 
has  accumulated  considerable  property.  His  farm,  consisting  of  500  acres,  is  about  eight 
miles  from  Shelbyville,  besides  this  he  owns  seventy  acres  in  Coffee  County  and  forty 
acres  in  this  county.  He  and  wife  are  members  of,  the  Lutheran  Church  and  their  chil- 
dren belong  to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Eules  is  neutral. 

DR.  ROBERT  F.  EVANS,  a prominent  and  leading  physician  of  Shelbyville,  was 
born  August  24,  1821,  in  Caroline  County,  Va.,  being  the  only  son  of  a family  of  eight 
children  born  to  the  marriage  of  David  SI  Evans  and  Judith  Bowl  ware,  both  natives  of 
Virginia,  of  Welsh  and  English  descent,  respectively.  The  father  came  with  his  family 
to  Bedford  County  in  1832;  and  followed  farming  until  1840,  when  he  bought  the  Evans 
House  and  began  the  hotel  business,  which  he  continued  till  the  war.  He  died  in  1869, 
the  mother  surviving  him  one  year.  Dr.  Evans  was  eleven  years  old  when  coming  to  this 
county  and  was  reared  on  a farm.  He  assisted  his  father  in  the  hotel  business  a short 
time  and  then  studied  medicine  for  several  years.  He  graduated  in  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  in  1847,  and  then  returned  to  Shelbyville,  where  he  has  been  successfully 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  ever  since,  except  in  1850-51,  when  he  was  on  a 
western  tour.  He  was  married,  December  24,  1867,  to  Mrs.  Mary  C.  Fite,  who  was  the 
mother  of  two  children  by  her  former  marriage,  viz. : Dr.  C.  C.  Fite,  assistant  physician 
at  the  East  Tennessee  Insane  Asylum,  Knoxville,  Tenn.;  and  Jennie  M.  Fite,  now  the 
wife  of  Suro-.  A.  M.  Moore,  of  the  United  States  Naval  Service,  Washington,  D.  C.  The 
marriage  ofDr.  Evans  has  been  blessed  in  the  birth  of  two  children,  Stella  and  Mary  F. 
He  liis  wife  and  youngest  daughter  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  his  eldest 
dan  "'liter  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  has  been  senior  warden  of  the  church  ever  since 
its  organization.  He  is  a Knight  Templar  Mason.  He  is  a member  of  the  Tennessee 
Medical  Society,  and  was  elected  president  of  that  body  in  1878.  Politically  he  was  reared 
a Whig,  but  is  now  a conservative  Democrat. 

W&  L FARIS,  a native  of  Franklin  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  June  17,  1864,  son  of  G. 
W and  Eliza  (Tucker)  Faris.  The  father  was  also  a native  of  Franklin  County,  and  died 
June  5 1882.  The  mother  was  born  about  1838  in  Bedford  County.  Our  subject  assisted 
his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  about  twenty-two  years  of  age,  after  which  he 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1147 


worked  for  himself  at  farming.  At  the  end  of  three  years  he  began  the  mechanics  trade- 
in  connection  with  farming  and  still  follows  that  business  up  to  the  present  date.  De- 
cember 21,  1875,  he  wedded  Amanda  R.  Kirk,  of  this  county,  who  was  born  August  8, 
1856.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Edwin  Kirk,  who  was  born  in  1809,  and  died  November 
22,  1883.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  live  children:  E.  E.,  Julian  L.,  Lee  G.,  S.  I. 
and  Cassie  B.  Mr.  Faris  is  a self-made  man,  having  made  his  property  by  his  own 
unaided  efforts,  and  is  consequently  a good  substantial  citizen.  He  and  wife  are  worthy 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

J.  C.  FISHER’S  ancestors  were  from  North  Carolina.  His  father,  George  W.  Fisher, 
was  born  in  August,  1812,  and  was  brought  to  Tennessee  by  his  parents  when  only  four  years 
old.  George  W.  Fisher  married  Elizabeth  Helm  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in 
1814,  and  died  in  Tennesse  in  1846.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  Janu- 
ary 16, 1838,  and  is  the  third  of  seven  children  and  of  Irish  descent.  At  the  age  of  twenty 
years  he  began  clerking  for  W.  S.  Hurst,  at  Hurst’s  Cross  Roads,  Murray  County,  continu- 
ing two  years.  When  the  war  broke  opt  he  joined  the  Confederate  Army,  Company  D, 
Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  but  after  serving  faithfully  for  some  time  was  compelled  to 
abandon  the  service  to  some  extent.  For  about  two  years  after  the  war  he  farmed  and 
stock-traded  and  then  engaged  in  the  merchandise  business  in  Verona  and  followed  that 
business  four  years  with  good  results,  the  style  of  the  firm  being  Fisher  & Robinson. 
In  1871  he  sold  his  interest  and  moved  to  Fayetteville  where  he  was  a partner  of  W.  S. 
Hurst  in  the  merchandise  business  two  years.  The  firm  then  divided  their  stock,  and  for 
three  years  longer  Mr.  Fisher  followed  that  occupation  in  that  place  and  in  1877  moved  to 
Shelbyville.  Since  1885  he  has  been  exclusively  engaged  in  farming.  May  1,  1872,  he 
wedded  Mattie  Bell  (daughter  of  G.  W.  and  E.  Bell),  who  has  borne  him  six  children: 
Oscar  B.,  Stella  (deceased),  Elbert  H.,  James  D.,  Hugh  C.  and  George  B.  Mr.  Fisher 
has  accumulated  his  property  by  his  own  exertions  and  is  perhaps  the  most  thoroughly 
self-made  man  in  this  section  of  the  county.  The  greater  part  of  his  education  has  been 
acquired  through  self-exertion.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,  and  his  wife  of  the  Christian  Church,  politically  he  is  a Democrat. 

B.  F.  FOSTER,  Esq.,  was  born  Janurary  10,  1829,  in  Rutherford  County,  and  was  the 
son  of  James  and  Celia  (Gentry)  Foster.  The  father  was  born  April  22.  1800,  and  was  a 
very  successful  farmer  for  his  day.  The  mother  was  born  in  1803,  in  Georgia.  Our  sub- 
ject received  a practical  education  in  the  district  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  en- 
gaged in  the  saw-mill  business.  This  he  continued  for  about  two  years  and  then  began 
teaching  school.  At  the  end  of  fifteen  months  he  gave  this  up  and  engaged  in  farming. 
In  1870  he,  was  elected  magistrate,  and  served  in  this  capacity  for  twelve  years.  January, 
1877,  he  was  elected  chairman  of  the  county  court  and  held  this  position  for  about  six 
years.  Prior  to  this,  in  1851,  he  wedded  Nancy  A.  McBride,  of  this  county,  and  the  fruits 
of  this  union  were  three  children : James  J.,  Charles  R.  and  theeldest,  Harriet  M.,  whodied 
in  infancy.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  June  11,  1862.  Mr.  Foster  was  married  to 
Frances  Hoover,  nee  Rankin,  August  27,  1871.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  one 
child,  Lela  G.  Mrs.  Foster  was  the  mother  of  two  children  by  her  former  husband;  they 
were  named  Thomas  R.  and  H.  C Hoover.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Foster  are  members  in  good 
standing  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  he  is  also  a member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  and  also  a Chapter  member  of  the  same.  He  represented  his  lodge  in  the 
Grand  Lodge  in  Nashville  five  years  in  succession.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

H.  R.  FREEMAN  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  December  25,  1835.  From 
twenty-one  years  of  age  until  1861  he  farmed  for  himself,  and  at  the  latter  date  enlisted 
in  Company  F,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  fought  in  many  of  the  most  noted 
battles.  He  was  commissary  sergeant  during  the  latter  part  of  the  war.  After  his  return 
he  farmed  until  1874,  and  then  began  merchandising  in  Unionville.  He  has  been  very 
successful.  October  13,  1867,  he  wedded  Salome  Duggan,  who  died  November  28,  1878. 
March  9,  1882,  he  married  Emma  Barker.  They  have  one  child,  Enid  Freeman.  Mr. 
Freeman  is  a Democrat  and  Prohibitionist.  His  parents,  Hartwell  and  Nancy  (Harris) 


1148 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Freeman,  were  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1797  and  1801,  respectively.  The  father  was  a 
well-to-do  farmer,  and  died  in  1871.  The  mother  is  yet  living,  and  is  eighty-five  years  of 
age. 

.JOHN  G.  FROST  is  a son  of  John  E.  Frost,  a minister  of  the  Primitive  Baptist 
Church,  who  was  born  April  7,  1825,  in  Alabama.  His  mother  was  Alsie  D.  Hicks,  daugh- 
ter of  D.  D.  and  Malinda  Hicks.  John  G.  Frost  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  October  13, 
1859,  and  was  the  eighth  of  nine  children.  He  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  until 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  then  began  tilling  the  soil  on  his  own  responsibility.  In 
1882  he  went  to  Missouri,  where  he  farmed  one  year,  but  the  same  year  traveled  over  the 
State  of  Kansas  and  the  Indian  Territory.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  the 
fanning  interests  in  Tennessee.  November  30,  1882,  he  was  married  to  Mattie  J.  Cole- 
man, daughter  of  N.  A.  Coleman.  She  was  born  January  12,  1861.  They  became  the 
parents  of  three  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Joshua  Wright  is  the  child  liv- 
ing. Mr.  Frost  has  been  a church  member  since  the  fall  of  1878.  He  belongs  to  the  Dem- 
ocratic party,  and  is  worth  about  $2,500. 

WILLIAM  D.  FROST,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Madison  County,  Ala.,  August  12,  1830, 
and  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  Ebenezer  and  Nancy  (Wright)  Frost.  The  father  was 
born  in  North  Carolina,  and  in  1827  immigrated  to  Alabama  where  he  remained  until 
1835,  and  then  removed  to  Bedford  County,  Tenn.  He  was  one  of  the  successful  farmers, 
of  the  county.  In  1837  he  was  employed  by  the  Government  to  aid  in  removing  the  In- 
dians to  the  territory  to  which  they  were  assigned,  and  during  one  of  these  trips  he  died. 
He  reared  a family  of  which  the  county  is  proud.  All  of  them  are  prominent  citizens  of 
the  county.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  passed  his  boyhood  on  the  farm,  and  received  a 
fair  education  in  the  county  schools.  In  1850  he  began  the  study  of  medicine,  and  in  the 
same  year  entered  the  Ohio  Medical  School  of  Cincinnati,  where  he  remained  one  term,-. 
He  then  went  to  Obion  County,  Tenn.,  and  began  the  practice  of  his  profession,  remain- 
ing there  eight  years,  after  which  he  went  to  Mississippi,  where  he  remained  nine  years. 
He  then  came  back  to  Tennessee,  and  has  since  that  time  been  a*  faithful  practitioner  of 
Bedford  County.  In  1854  he  wedded  Miss  Martha  L.  Brown,  of  Obion  County,  Tenn.,  a 
member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  who  died  in  1874.  Mr.  Frost  was  a soldier  in 
the  late  war;  was  in  the  Thirtieth  Mississippi  Regiment,  and  was  severely  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  which  rendered  him  unfit  for  general  service.  After  this  he 
acted  as  assistant  surgeon  of  the  regiment  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Frost  has  a 
family  of  four  children:  William  A.,  who  is  editor  of  the  Shelbyville  Gazette,  Walter  C. 
who  is  editing  a paper  at  Murfreesboro,  Clarinda  E.  and  John  W. 

WILLIAM  A.  FROST,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Shelbyville  Gazette,  was  born 
September  30,  1855,  in  Troy,  Obion  Co.,  Tenn.,  being  the  eldest  of  five  children  of  Will- 
iam D.  and  Martha  L.  (Brown)  Frost.  The  father  is  a physician  and  resides  at  Flat 
Creek  in  this  county.  The  mother  died  September  24,  1874.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  reared  on  a farm  in  Moore  County,  Tenn.,  and  in  Mississippi.  He  remained  with  his 
parents  to  the  age  of  nineteen,  when  he  entered  Mulberry  Institute,  Lincoln  County, 
Tenn.,  in  which  he  took  a two  years’  course.  He  then  was  appointed  deputy  clerk  of 
the  Circuit  Court  of  Moore  County.  After  one  year  as  deputy  he  was  appointed  clerk  of 
the  same  court  and  held  the  office  three  years.  In  December,  1878,  he  bought  the  Lynch- 
burg Sentinel,  and  published  that  paper  till  December  4,  1884,  at  which  time  he  was 
burned  out.  In  1880,  June  30,  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court 
of  Moore  County,  and  served  four  years.  January  1,  1884,  he  took  charge  of  his  present 
enterprise.  He  has  refitted  the  office  with  an  entirely  new  outfit  and  made  his  the  lead- 
ing paper  of  the  country,  and  he  is  regarded  as  the  most  successful  county  newspaper 
man  in  the  State.  He  was  elected  alderman  of  the  Second  Ward  of  Shelbyville  in 
October,  1885,  and  is  chairman  of  the  finance  committee.  He  is  justly  regarded  as  a 
prominent  and  enterprising  citizen.  He  was  married,  May,  4,  1880,  to  Miss  Katie 
Whitaker,  of  Lincoln  County.  This  union  has  been  blessed  in  the  birth  of  one  son,  Will- 
iam W.  Politically  Mr.  Frost  is  a firm  Democrat. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1149 


ALFRED  D.  FUGITT,  farmer,  was  born  in  Rntlierford  County,  Tenn.,  November 
8,  1813,  son  of  Townsend  and  Jane  (Campbell)  Fugitt,  and  of  Irish- French  descent.  The 
father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1780,  and  the  mother  was  born  about 
1784.  They  were  married  in  North  Carolina  about  1799,  and  to  them  were  born  eight 
children.  The  father  emigrated  from  North  Carolina  to  Kentucky  in  1804,  and  owned 
the  land  where  Danville,  Ky.,  now  stands,  but  concluding  the  land  was  too  poor  for  suc- 
cessful farming,  moved  to  Tennessee  in  1806.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
died  November,  1878,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-eight,  the  mother  died  in  1837.  Our 
subject  received  a fair  education  and  followed  farming  and  merchandising  ever  since.  He 
was  married,  January  10,  1837,  to  Miss  Jane  M.  Norvell;  of  this  alliance  there  were  born 
ten  children — three  sons:  Glodolphus  C.,  John  N.  and  Alfrfed  T..  and  seven  daughters: 
SallieE.,  Mattie  J.,  Maggie  N.,  Cassie  M.,  Mollie  B.,  Ada  J.  and  Annie  N.  Mr.  Fugitt 
was  formerly  an  old-line  Whig,  and  while  he  entertains  no  particular  love  for  the  name 
of  Democracy  he  votes  that  ticket.  He  has  600  acres  of  good  land,  which  he  devotes 
almost  exclusively  to  stock  raising.  Mrs.  Fugitt,  wife  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Bed- 
ford County,  Tenn.,  September  5,  1814.  Her  father,  John  Norvell,  emigrated  from 
North  Carolina  about  1806,  and  was  among  the  pioneers  of  the  State.  Our  subject  had 
two  sons  in  the  late  war,  Glodolphus  C.,  who  was  a captain  in  the  Second  Tennessee 
Regiment  under  Col.  Bate,  was  killed  at  Shiloh.  The  second  ‘son  was  a member  of  the 
same  regiment  and  was  killed  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  in  1863.  While  our  subject  was 
too  old  to  partake  of  active  service  in  the  army,  he  displayed  his  liberality  and  State  pride 
in  contributing  the  amount  of  $1,000  a month  to  Capt.  Fugitt’s  company.  The  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  Benjamin  Fugitt,  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  served 
seven  years. 

JOHN  A.  GANNAWAY  was  born  in  Tennessee  May  17,  1824,  son  of  John  and  Mary 
W.  (Robertson)  Gannaway,  of  Virginia.  The  father  was  born  in  1788,  married  in  1811  and 
came  to  Tennessee  in  1814.  He  was  a farmer  and  mechanic,  and  died  July  12,  1851.  Our 
subject’s  ancestors  on  both  sides  were  from  England.  He  was  the  fifth  of  eleven  children 
and  resided  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  twenty  years  of  age.  He  then  became  over- 
seer of  a cotton  factory  at  Murfreesboro,  and  worked  the  first  year  for  $50,  the  second  for 
$100,  the  third  for  $200.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  started  to  school,  attending  about 
five  months.  He  clerked  for  a short  time  in  Murfreesboro,  and  then  sold  goods  for  A.  J. 
Wood.  He  then  began  traveling  for  a saddle  and  dry  goods  firm,  continuing  five  years, 
and  then  began  the  mercantile  business  at  W artrace.Tenn.,  with  a very  small  capital.  At  the 
end  of  eight  years  he  had  accumulated  considerable  money  and  in  the  fall  of  1858  sold  out 
and  purchased  a farm  near  Bellbuckle,  which  he  managed  about  seven  years.  Since  the 
war  he  has  been  postmaster  of  Unionville,  and  was  a merchant  of  that  place  for  some 
time.  In  1877  he  retired  from  active  business  life.  September  14,  1853,  he  married  M.  R. 
Tarpley,  of  Bedford  County,  and  daughter  of  Edward  Tarpley;  she  was  born  October  25, 
1832,  and  has  borne  her  husband  twelve  children:  Emma  D.,  Maggie  E.,  John  E.,  James 
W..  Josephus,  Nannie  R.,  Mary  C.,  Elijah  T.,  Cora  L.,  Clarence  E.,  Horace  B.  C.  and 
Cornelius  V.  Mr.  Gannaway  was  elected  magistrate  of  his  district  November  8,  1870,  and 
held  the  office  about  six  years.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

BRADLEY  GAMBILL  was  born  April  17,  1820,  in  Tennessee,  son  of  Aaron  and  Eliza- 
beth (Cannady)  Gambill,  natives  of  Tennessee  and  Maryland,  respectively.  Our  subject 
was  the  youngest  of  twelve  children  born  to  his  parents,  all  dead  but  three.  The  father 
was  a farmer  and  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  received  land  warrants  for  serv- 
ices rendered  during  that  war.  Our  subject  worked  on  the  same  farm  with  his  brother 
till  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age.  He  is  a successful  farmer  and  has  followed  that 
occupation  the  principal  part  of  his  life.  December  24,  1840,  he  wedded  Sarah  C.  Ander- 
son, of  Tennessee,  and  this  union  has  been  happily  blessed  by  the  birth  of  a large  family 
of  children.  In  1848  our  subject  was  elected  to  the  office  of  constable  and  served  the  peo- 
ple in  that  capacity  for  six  years.  In  1854  he  moved  to  Mississippi  and  engaged  in  the 


72 


1150 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


cotton  business,  but  the  late  Rebellion  swept  the  greater  part  of  his  property  away.  He 
moved  back  to  Tennessee  during  the  war  and  was  elected  to  the  office  of  magistrate  in 
1866,  and  was  elected  the  two  following  terms,  making  a total  of  sixteen  years  in  all  that 
he  served  the  people  in  that  capacity.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  he  is  also  a member  of  the  Masonic  order.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 
He  was  a major  in  the  militia  before  the  war. 

THOMAS  J.  GAMBILL,  an  excellent  farmer  and  the  son  of  Bradley  and  Sarah  C. 
(Anderson)  Gambill,  whose  sketch  appears  above  in  this  volume,  was  born  December 
14,  1852.  He  assisted  his  parents  on  the  farm  and  secured  a fair  practical  education  in  the 
district  schools.  In  1874  he  began  to  fight  life’s  battles  for  himself  as  a farmer.  In  1877 
he  led  to  the  altar  Lucy  Templeton,  daughter  of  Newton  Templeton,  and  the  fruit  of  this 
union  was  an  interesting  family  of  four  children:  Minnie  E.,  Marvin  E.,  Joshua  Cleveland 
and  Newton  E.  Mr.  Gambill  is  one  of  the  enterprising  and  successful  citizens  of  the 
Twenty-third  District.  He  has  a farm  well  watered  and  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation  in 
Coffee  County,  and  an  interest  in  a tract  in  this  county.  He  and  wife  are  exemplary 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

N.  C.  GAMBILL,  Jr.,  was  born  May  28,  1846,  in  Tennessee,  son  of  N.  C.  and  Miner- 
va (Phillips)  Gambill,  both  natives  of  this  State.  The  father  was  born  in  1812  and  was 
a tiller  of  the  soil;  his  death  occurred  in  1861.  The  mother  was  born  in  1815,  and  died  in 
1866  or  1867.  Our  subject  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  parents  until  their  death.  He 
then  began  farming  for  himself  in  1867,  and  has  successfully  continued  that  occupation 
up  to  the  present  date.  November  29,  1866,  he  wedded  Nancy  L.  Ladd,  of  Williamson 
County.  The  result  of  this  union  was  five  children:  Sallie  J.,  Jesse  C.,  James  B.,  Nannie 
E.,  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gambill  are  leading  members  in  the  Chris- 
tian Church,  and  Mr.  Gambill  is  a Master  Mason.  His  education  was  rather  limited,  but 
he  has  always  manifested  a willingness  to  aid  in  any  or  all  enterprises  pertaining  to  the 
advancement  of  education.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a strong  temperance  man 
and  an  advocate  of  Christianity  in  all  its  phases,  sects  and  denominations. 

R.  C.  GARRETT  was  born  February  11,  1844,  in  Bedford  County,  and  is  the  son  of 
Darington  and  Nancy  (Gentry)  Garrett,  both  natives  of  Tennessee,  and  both  died  when 
our  subject  was  quite  small.  R.  C.  Garrett,  our  subject,  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army 
in  the  fall  of  1862.  He  entered  as  Gen.  Forrest’s  escort,  and  sustained  this  relation  to  the 
army  throughout  the  entire  war.  He  was  wounded  in  the  right  arm  just  above  the  elbow 
during  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  which  disabled  him  from  active  duty  for  about  six 
months.  He  was  again  wounded  at  Plantersville,  Ala.,  was  hit  by  a spent  ball  on  the 
left  jaw,  but  this  disabled  him  for  only  a short  time.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  came 
home  and  began  tilling  the  soil  on  the  farm  where  he  is  now  living.  November  30,  1865, 
he  led  to  the  altar  Martha  L.  Jackson,  of  this  county.  She  was  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Rebecca  (Lytle)  Jackson,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  and  of 
Irish  and  English  lineage.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garrett  were  born  ten  children:  Ella  N., 
William  T.,  John  J.,  Robert  C.,  Robecca  G.,  Lizzie  L.,  Fannie  C.,  Darlington  J.,  Fane  S. 
and  the  tenth,  a daughter,  died  unnamed.  Mr.  Garrett  received  rather  a limited  educa- 
tion, but  enough  for  all  practical  purposes.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  Mrs.  Gar- 
rett is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

L.  T.  GAUNT  was  born  March  15,  1852,  in  this  State,  son  of  Lewis  and  Mary  S. 
(Shearen)  Gaunt,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  December  28,  1803, 
and  died  February  20,  1860.  The  mother  was  born  May  2,  1816,  and  died  in  1873.  Our 
subject  assisted  his  mother  on  the  farm  and  received  a rather  limited  education  in  the 
common  schools.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  began  farming  on  his  own  responsibility 
and  continued  this  occupation  until  the  fall  of  1884.  September  29,  1869,  he  wedded  Mar- 
garet M.  E.  Stallings,  of  this  county,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  six  children:  Mol- 
lie  E.,  Mattie  E.,  James  L.,  John  T.,  Joe  U.  and  Dan  S.  In  1882  Mr.  Gaunt  was  elected 
constable  in  the  Eighteenth  District,  and  served  two  years.  In  1884  he  was  appointed 
deputy  sheriff  under  the  present  sheriff,  which  position  he  now  holds.  In  1885  he  en- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1151 


gaged  in  the  merchandise  business  at  this  place,  and  is  at  present  engaged  in  that  occupa- 
tion. In  the  fall  of  1885  he  was  appointed  United  States  deputy  marshal  which  office  he 
now  holds.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JOHN  J.  GILL,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  May  26,  1841,  and  is  one  of  five 
children  born  to  the  union  of  Winston  W.  and  Sarah  A.  (Whitaker)  Gill.  The  father  was 
born  in  Kentucky  March  10,  1809.  In  1831  or  1832  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  set- 
tled in  Lincoln  County.  He  was  for  the  greater  part  of  his  life  a merchant,  and  sold 
goods  at  Gill’s  Store.  In  1840  he  was  married,  and  became  the  father  of  these  children: 
John  J.,  Mary  R.,  Martha  C.,  Sallie  J.  and  Winston  W.  Martha  Gill  died  in  1851;  Sallie 
J.,  in  1860,  and  Winston  W.,  in  1878.  In  1846  our  subject’s  father  moved  to  this  county  and 
bought  a tract  of  land  in  the  Twenty-second  District.  Mrs.  Gill  died  in  1855,  and  Mr.  Gill 
married  a Miss  Moore,  and  after  her  death  he'married  a Miss  Wiley,  of  Alabama.  The 
Gill  family  were  originally  from  Maryland,  and  are  of  English  descent.  Our  subject  was 
born  in  Lincoln  County,  and  was  given  an  education  in  the  county  schools.  In  1870  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Susan  S.  Riggs,  a native  of  Maury  County  and  a daughter  of  Adam 
S.  Riggs.  To  this  union  were  born  two  children:  Sallie  R.  and  Winston  W.  Sallie  R. 
died  in  1874,  and  Winston  W.  February  11,  1879.  Mr.  Gill  owns  one  of  the  finest  farms 
of  Bedford  County.  It  contains  650  acres  lying  five  miles  south  of  Shelbyville.  He  is 
president  of  the  agricultural  society  of  Bedford  County. 

J.  S.  GILLIS,  a leading  merchant  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Shelbyville,  was  born 
April  12,  1840,  in  New  York  State.  He  was  the  younger  of  two  children  born  to  the 
marriage  of  James  Gillis  and  Isabella  Stalker,  natives  of  Scotland.  His  parents  removed 
to  Canada  from  New  York,  and  he  was  reared  there,  receiving  a common  school  education. 
In  1859  he  went  to  Trenton,  Ky.,  and  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  farming  till  1871.  He  then 
removed  to  Shelbyville  and  opened  his  merchandising  establishment,  which  he  has  continued 
very  successfully.  He  now  carries  a stock  of  about  $20,000  and  does  an  annual  business 
of  about  $35,000  to  $40,000.  He  was  married  September  25,  1864,  to  Eliza  Bradley,  the  re- 
sult of  this  union  is  one  son — George  D.  Mr.  Gillis  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Church,  and  has  been  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-schools  for  about  twelve  years.  His 
wife  is  also  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Gillis  is  of  old-line  Whig- 
ancestry,  but  he  is  now  a Democrat.  He  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Shelbyville,  and 
bears  the  highest  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens. 

JAMES  B.  GREEN,  of  the  firm  of  Green  & McGill,  dealers  in  groceries  and  provisions, 
was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  January  20,  1856,  being  a son  of  Blount  G.  and  Salina 
F.  (Stewart)  Green.  Blount  G.  Green  was  born  October  14,  1815.  His  father,  William 
Green,  came  to  Bedford  County  in  1808  with  his  parents.  William  Green  was  mar- 
ried in  1811  to  Miss  Sarah  Phillips.  Blount  G.  has  always  been  a farmer  and  has 
been  very  successful,  now  owning  1,121  acres  of  land  in  Bedford  County.  He  was 
married,  in  1841,  to  Miss  Salina  F.  Stewart,  the  result  of  this  union  being  eleven  chil- 
dren, viz.:  Canzada  P.,  Mary  E.,  Nancy  C.,  Susan  C.  E.,  Emily  J.,  Lewis  D.,  Samuel 
E.,  James  B.,  Harriet  F.,  Tennessee  A.  and  Thomas  B.  Three  of  the  family  have  died, 
viz.:  Canzada  P.,  Thomas  B.  and  Emily  J.  Mr.  Blount  Green  is  one  of  the  prominent 
farmers  of  the  county,  and  has  been  identified  with  the  public  offices  of  the  county, 
James  B.  was  reared  on  a farm  and  secured  a common  school  education.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-one  he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  continued  till  1881,  when  he  engaged  at 
clerking  in  a grocery  store  for  a short  time.  He  then  went  back  to  farming.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1885,  he  began  his  present  occupation,  andhas  since  done  a good  business  in  the  grocery 
line.  He  was  married,  May  10,  1883,  to  Mrs.  Tennie  (McGill)  Gallaher,  daughter  of  W.  M. 
McGill,  Esq.,  of  this  county.  The  wife  is  the  mother  of  one  child,  iflary  Gallagher,  by  her 
former  marriage,  and  has  borne  two  children  to  her  union  with  Mr.  Green,  viz. : Jessie 
B.  and  James  F.  Mr.  Green  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  takes 
no  very  active  interest  in  political  affairs,  but  is  an  energetic  and  respected  business  man. 

B.  T.  GREGORY,  the  photographer  of  Shelbyville,  was  born  August  17,  1847,  in 
Shelbyville,  being  one  of  a family  born  to  the  union  of  Joseph  P.  Gregory  and  Elivira 


1152 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Jones,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Alabama.  Joseph  P.  was  brought  to  Bed- 
ford County  when  young  by  his  father,  Thomas  Gregory.  He  was  a dentist  by  profes- 
sion. He  practiced  his  profession  in  Shelbyville,  and  thence  removed  to  Stevenson,  Ala., 
which  place  he  named  in  honor  of  V.  K.  Stevenson,  a prominent  railroad  man.  He  (the 
father)  returned  to  Shelbyville,  where  he  died  in  1881.  The  mother  died  at  Stevenson, 
Ala.,  when  our  subject  was  young.  B.  T.  received  a common  school  education.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-two  he  started  out  in  life  for  himself,  having  learned  and  practiced  dentistry 
prior  to  this  time.  He  then  learned  the  photographer’s  art,  and  has  ever  since  been 
engaged  in  that  art.  He  permanently  located  in  Shelbyville  in  1876,  since  which  time  he 
has  done  a good  business  in  Ins  line.  He  was  married,  December  26,  1881,  to  Miss  Annie 
Calhoun,  daughter  of  N.  J.  and  Elizabeth  Calhoun.  Her  father  was  a stone-cutter  and 
marble  dealer.  One  son  has  been  born  to  this  marriage — Benjamin  T.  Mr.  Gregory  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JOHN  H.  GRIDER  was  born  December  27,  1844,  in  Jackson  County,  Ala.  His 
father,  Ananias  A.  Grider,  was  born  in  Putnam  County,  Tenn.,  in  1812.  He  married  Miss 
G.  Bullington,  a native  of  the  same  county.  To  this  union  seven  children  were  born,  our 
subject  being  the  fifth.  Ananias  A.  Grider  died  August,  1856,  and  his  wife  died  in  the 
same  month.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  of  his  native  county.  In 
May,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  with 
this  command  up  to  and  including  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  During  this  time  he 
never  was  absent  from  his  command  a single  day.  The  principal  battles  were  Wild  Cat 
Mountain,  Fishing  Creek,  Perryville,  Stone  River  and  Chickamauga.  At  the  latter  place 
he  was  captured  and  taken  to  Camp  Douglas,  at  Chicago,  111.,  where  he  remained  until 
March  23,  1865.  He  was  then  taken  to  Point  Lookout,  Md.,  where  he  took  the  oath  of 
allegiance,  was  released  and  returned  home.  He  then  worked  two  years  on  the  Nashville 
& Chattanooga  Railroad,  and  ever  since  then  has  followed  farming  in  Bedford  County, 
where  he  now  resides.  On  July  1,  1866,  he  married  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Mooney,  and  to  this 
union  were  born  five  children.  Mr.  Grider  owns  a farm  of  135  acres  in  District  No.  3, 
and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

SAMUEL  B.  GORDON,  one  of  Bedford  County’s  old  and  respected  citizens,  was  born 
February  14,  1813,  in  Bedford  County.  He  is  one  of  seven  children,  the  fruits  of  the  mar- 
riage of  David  Gordon  and  Mary  Reynolds,  natives  of  South  Carolina.  The  parents  came 
to  this  county  about  1809  and  the  father  followed  farming  all  his  life.  He  died  when 
Samuel  B.  was  quitesmall.  The  mother  died  in  1836;  she  was  a member  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church.  Mr.  Gordon,  our  subject,  was  reared  on  a farm  and  secured  a common 
school  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three  he  married  and  settled  to  farming  four 
miles  east  of  Shelbyville.  He  afterward  moved  to  Flat  Creek,  in  this  county,  and  lived 
there  eighteen  years;  thence  he  moved  to  where  he  now  lives.  He  owns  about  190  acres 
of  fine  land,  having  been  successful  as  a lifetime  farmer.  He  was  married,  October  20, 
1835,  to  Amelia  Eules,  a native  of  this  county,  born  in  1817.  Twelve  children  have  been 
born  to  this  union,  all  of  whom  have  lived  to  be  grown,  but  four  of  whom  have  since  died, 
viz.-  Mary  C.  (wife  of  Thomas  Hutton,  a farmer  of  Marshall  County);  George  W.  (de- 
ceased); Harriet  E.  (wife  of  J.  R.  Burrow,  a farmer  of  this  county);  Adam  E.  (deceased); 
Amzi  C.  (deceased);  William  J.,  a labor  superintendent  in  Alabama;  Mitchell  S.,  a merchant 
in  Texas;  Martin  L.  (deceased);  John  A.,  a States  district  attorney  in  Texas;  Samuel  B., 
Jr. ; Margaret  E.  and  Amelia  E.  (wife  of  G.  S.  Sanders).  Mr.  Gordon,  his  wife  and  sev- 
eral of  the  family  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  is  a Master  Mason  in  Blue 
Lodge  Masonry,  and  a Republican  in  politics.  He  was  trustee  of  Bedford  County  for 
about  three  terms  about  the  close  of  the  war. 

RICHARD  D.  GORDON  was  born  February  8,  1834,  and  is  the  son  of  Dr.  William  J. 
and  Louisa  B.  (Hix)  Gordon.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
February  16,  1813,  and  when  a young  man  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Bed- 
ford County.  He  received  his  medical  education  at  the  medical  school  of  Gainesville, 
Ala.,  and  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  very  success- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1153 


ful  as  a physician,  and  won  distinction  in  the  county  where  he  resided.  In  1846  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Louisa  B.  Hix,  and  to  this  union  were  horn  four  children : Dosia,  Richard 
D.,  and  two  who  died  in  infancy  that.were  not  named.  Dr.  Gordon  died  at  his  home  in 
Bedford  County  August  20,  1875,  beloved  by  all.  Our  subject  had  the  advantage  of  a good 
practical  education  in  his  native  county.  In  1875  he  was  married  to  Miss  Callie  Burrow, 
and  five  children  blessed  this  union:  Euphus  A.,  William  F.,  Clawson  R.,  Albert  P.  and 
Anna  B.,  all  living.  Mr.  Gordon  has  made  farming  a success.  He  owns  160  acres  of  land 
in  the  Twenty-third  District,  and  is  esteemed  by  all  his  acquaintances. 

N.  W.  HALEY  is  a son  of  E.  T.  and  Susanna  (Pratt)  Haley,  natives  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  was  born  in  1779,  and  received  a fair  education. 
When  about  seventeen  years  of  age  he  went  to  North  Carolina  and  engaged  in  farming, 
and  was  there  married  in  1804,  and  became  the  father  of  these  nine  children:  Anderson, 
James,  Mary  B.,  Nancy,  Martha,  William  S.,  George,  E.  T.  (Jr.),  and  N.  W.  Mr.  Haley 
came  to  Tennessee  in  1806,  and  located  in  Rutherford  County,  but  in  1829  came  to  Bedford 
County,  and  in  1841  moved  to  the  farm  known  as  “Oak  Grove,”  where  he  died  March  23, 
1858.  He  was  an  1812  soldier.  Mrs.  Haley  died  March  26, 1844.  Our  subject  was  born  in 
Bedford  County  February  1, 1824,  and  his  early  days  were  passed  in  laboring  on  his  father’s 
farm.  His  educational  opportunities  were  limited,  owing  to  his  services  being  required 
at  home,  but  by  contact  with  business  life  he  has  gained  a fair  business  education.  He  is 
a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  a Democrat  in  his  political  views.  He  belongs  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  V.  HALL  was  born  March  31.  1841,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenu.,  and  is  the  el- 
der of  two  children  born  to  Joshua  and  Margaret  (Swift)  Hall,  both  natives  of  Bedford 
County.  The  father  was  born  about  1804,  and  died  in  1854.  The  mother  was  born  Sep- 
tember 14,  1815,  and  is  still  living.  Flower  Swift,  our  subject’s  maternal  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  June  3,  1787,  and  died  in  January,  1851.  His  wife, 
Catherine  Swift,  was  also  born  in  North  Carolina,  October  16,  1791,  and  died  in  1861.  The 
paternal  grandparents  of  our  subject  were  born  about  1775  or  1776,  in  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  at  a very  early  date.  Our  subject  was  reared  on 
the  farm,  and  remained  on  the  same  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  then  entered 
the  Confederate  service  in  Company  F,  Forty-first  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  captured 
together  with  the  entire  regiment  at  Fort  Donelson.  He  was  taken  first  to  Lafayette, 
and  after  remaining  there  about  three  weeks  was  taken  to  Camp  Morton,  Indianapolis, 
Ind.,  where  they  remained  about  seven  months.  They  were  then  exchanged  at  Vicks- 
burg, Miss.  Mr.  Hall  was  in  but  two  battles  in  Tennessee:  Chickamauga  and  Missionary 
Ridge.  After  these  battles  his  regiment  was  ordered  to  Georgia  and  Mississippi.  He  was 
discharged  at  Dalton,  Ga.,  in  1864,  on  account  of  his  health.  He  then  came  home  and 
bought  a half  interest  iu  the  mill  property  that  he  now  owns,  known  as  “Hall’s  Mills.” 
In  1874  he  bought  the  entire  interest  of  the  mill,  and  since  that  time  he  has  operated  the 
mill  on  his  own  responsibility.  April  6,  1871,  he  wedded  Ella  F.  Turrentine,  of  this 
county.  She  was  horn  November  24,  1854.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  five  chil- 
dren: William  J.,  Emmett  E.,  John  T.,  Joseph  E.  and  Sammy  B.  Mr.  Hall  was  elected  to 
the  office  of  magistrate  in  the  year  1871,  and  has  served  in  that  capacity  for  the  last  fif- 
teen years.  He  is  magistrate  at  the  present  time,  and  fills  the  office  in  an  able  manner, 
lie  received  a comparatively  good  education,  and  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

HIRAM  HARRIS,  Esq.,  was  born  September  17,  1814,  in  Roane  County,  N.  C.,  and 
is  the  son  of  John  Harris,  a native  of  Harrisburg,  Penn.,  born  about  1775.  That  city  de- 
rived its  name  from  our  subject’s  great-great-grandfather,  John  Harris,  who  donated  the 
property  where  Harrisburg  now  stands  to  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  for  the  purpose  of 
building  that  city.  Our  subject  passed  his  early  days  on  the  farm,  and  after  reaching 
years  of  discretion  began  farming  for  himself.  He  also  partially  educated  himself,  and 
chose  school-teaching  as  his  profession.  May  5,  1842,  he  wedded  Lucy  A.  Tillford,  of  this 
county.  In  1850  he  taught  ten  months  in  Texas,  and  in  1862  taught  five  months  in  the 
State  of  Mississippi.  Since  then  he  has  been  teaching  exclusively  in  this  State.  In  1844 


1154 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  magistrate  in  the  Sixth  District,  hut  resigned  the  office  at 
the  end  of  two  years,  and  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Eighteenth  District  in  1873  and 
re-elected  the  following  term.  In  1880  Mr.  Harris  was  one  of  the  delegates  to  the  conven- 
tion in  Nashville,  to  nominate  a candidate  for  governor.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics, 
and  he  and  wife  are  members  in  good  standing  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  HART  is  a son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Fossett)  Hart,  who  were  born  in  North 
Carolina,  and  became  the  parents  of  nine  children:  Stephen,  Thomas,  Susan,  Rachel, 
John,  Lucretia,  Nathaniel  B.,  Mary  A.  and  William  G.  Mr.  Hart  came  to  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  in  1816,  and  in  1827  moved  to  Bedford  County,  where  .he  died  December 
10,  1S56.  Mrs.  Hart  died  August  30,  1860.  She  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church.  Our  subject  was  born  April  29,  1819,  in  Rutherford  County,  and  the  major 
part  of  his  life  has  been  spent  on  a farm.  He  began  doing  for  himself  as  a merchant,  and 
clerked  in  the  store  of  William  G.  Cowan,  of  Shelbyville.  He  was  married  in  December, 
1842,  to  Virginia  Holder,  daughter  of  John  W.  Holder,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  four 
children:  James  H.,  Catherine  E.,  John  W.  and  Carrie  B.,  all  of  whom  are  dead  save,  one. 
For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Hart  took  Narcissa  (Phillips)  Jennings,  daughter  of  Garrett 
Phillips.  They  have  one  child,  Lillian  C.  In  1847  he  removed  to  his  present  place  of 
abode,  on  the  Murfreesboro  Pike,  five  miles  from  Shelbyville.  Mr.  Hart  served  in  the 
United  States  Army  for  about  one  year  in  the  late  war.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics, 
and  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Both  he  and  Mrs.  Hart  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

W.  R.  HAYNES,  furniture  dealer  and  undertaker,  was  born  Juno  29,  1844,  in  Will- 
iamson County,  Tenn.,  being  a son  of  R.  R.  and  Sarah  A.  (Merritt)  Haynes.  The  father 
was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  about  1808,  was  a cabinet-maker  by  trade  and  died 
in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1867.  The  mother  was  born  about  1810  and  is  yet  living, 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  at  Triune,  Williamson  County,  and  learned  his 
father’s  trade.  He  served  throughout  the  war  in  Company  F,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
and  received  a wound  at  Wartrace  in  a skirmish.  He  was  in  all  the  important  battles  of 
the  southwest  with  Forrest’s  brigade.  For  a time  he  then  earned  his  living  at  manual 
employment  and  then  for  two  years  he  conducted  a furniture  and  undertaking  business  at 
Triune.  In  October,  1872,  he  came  to  Shelbyville  and  opened  up  his  business  and  has 
been  very  successful  ever  since.  He  was  married  May  31,  1876,  to  Mollie/E.  Summers, 
the  result  of  this  union  being  four  children:  Mary  B.,  Kate  S.,  Sadie  and  William  R.,  Jr. 
All  the  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  Mr.  Haynes  being 
a steward  in  the  church.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat,  and  he  is  an  enterprising  citizen  of 
this  county. 

W.  G.  EIGHT,  proprietor  of  the  National  Livery  Stable,  was  born  March  27,  1846,  in 
Bedford  County,  being  a son  of  W.  G.  and  Naomi  (Patterson)  Hight,  both  natives  of 
Bedford  County.  The  father  was  a farmer;  he  was  born  in  1818.  He  was  a successful 
farmer  and  trader,  and  was  prominently  connected  with  public  affairs  of  the  county.  He 
died  in  1881  in  Arkansas,  where  he  had  moved  in  1867.  The  mother  died  about  1875;  now 
but  two  of  the  family  are  living  in  the  county.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm;  at  the 
age  of  twenty  he  married  and  began  farming,  and  continued  to  farm  till  1871.  He  then 
engaged  in  merchandising  at  Rover,  Bedford  Co.,  Tenn.,  till  1878,  and  also  owned  an  inter- 
est in  a mercantile  trade  at  Wartrace  from  1876  till  1878.  He  then  ran  a mill  and  stock 
business  at  Rover  till  1884,  when  he  went  to  Bellbuckle,  and  for  a.  short  time  sold  goods 
there.  He  then  engaged  in  the  livery  business  in  Shelbyville,  now  doing  an  extensive 
trade.  He  also  owns  a farm  of  140  acres  and  a saw-mill.  He  was  married  in  1865  to  Miss 
Lucy  J.  Taylor,  the  result  of  this  union  being  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living 
viz.:  Eula  R.,  Naomi  E.,  Mary  N.,  William  E.  J.,  Alice  (the  one  who  died)  and  NolaP. 
Mr.  Hight  and  family  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a member  of 
the  F.  & A.  M.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat.  He  is  one  of  the  enterprising  citizens  of 
Shelbyville,  and  takes  special  interest  in  securing  to  his  children  good  educational  advan- 
tages. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1155 


WILLIAM  S.  HIX,  farmer,  was  born  May  14,  1825,  and  is  tbe  son  of  Demarcus  D. 
and  Malinda  (Stewart)  Hix.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Halifax  County,  Va., 
in  1801,  and  when  only  five  years  of  age  he,  with  his  father,  immigrated  to  Tennessee 
and  settled  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  was  married 
wheD  quite  young.  He  was  the  father  of  twelve  children,  all  of  whom  were  reared  to 
maturity.  He  died  September  19,  1872,  a pious  member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist 
Church.  His  wife  followed  him  April  30,  1874,  and  was  a member  of  the  same  church. 
Our  subject  has  always  been  a farmer,  and  in  1847  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  A.  Word, 
a native  of  Bedford  County.  The  result  of  this  union  was  twelve  children,  viz.:  John  A. 
(deceased),  James  H.  (deceased),  Benjamin  F.,  Asenith  M.  (deceased),  Demarcus  D.,  Will- 
iam W.,  Martha  W.  J.  (deceased),  Ailsey  C.,  Louisa  F.  (deceased),  Mary  E.,  Joseph  J.  and 
Lillie  A.  Mr.  Hix  owns  474  acres  of  land  in  the  Twenty-third  District  of  Bedford 
County,  is  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church  and  a leading  citizen. 

J.  H.  HIX  was  born  August  15,  1855,  in  Bedford  County,  being  a son  of  J.  L.  Hix,  a 
retired  farmer,  living  in  Shelbyville.  The  father  was  born  and  raised  in  Bedford  County, 
as  was  the  mother,  nee  Hulda  Holt,  also.  She  died  in  1888.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  reared  on  a farm  to  the  age  of  fifteen,  when  he  began  clerking  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness. In  1880  he  opened  up  the  bar  and  confectionery  business,  which  he  has  ever  since 
very  successfully  continued.  He  was  married,  January  27,  1881,  to  Miss  Ada  Harmon,  a 
native  of  Warren  County,  Tenn.,  then  living  in  Nashville.  One  son,  John,  has  been  born 
to  this  union.  Mr.  Hix  is  a member  of  the  Republican  party.  He  has  never  aspired  to 
any  public  office,  but  he  does  a thriving  business  in  his  line. 

BERRY  D.  HOLT  was  born  March!,  1824,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  on  a farm  ad- 
joining the  one  where  he  now  resides.  His  father,  Henry  Holt,  was  a native  of  Orange 
County,  N.  C.,  and  immigrated  with  his  parents  to  Tennessee  when  a small  boy.  He  was 
born  in  1792,  and  married  Miss  Elizabeth  McGuire,  a native  of  Kentucky,  who  came  to 
this  State  when  a child,  and  who  was  of  Irish  descent.  Henry  Holt  was  of  German  de- 
scent, and  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  in  1864.  The  mother  still  survives.  Our 
subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  of  his  native  county,  and  lived  with  his  par- 
ents until  reaching  his  majority.  For  a number  of  years  after  this  he  followed  farming 
and  trading  in  stock.  About  1860  he  began  railroading  as  a train  conductor  on  the  Nash- 
ville & Chattanooga  Railroad,  and  on  the  accommodation  train  between  Nashville  and 
Wartrace  for  about  fifteen  years.  After  that,  and  up  to  the  year  1885,  he  ran  a through 
train  between  Hickman  and  Chattanooga,  and  superintended  his  farm.  In  1885  he  quit 
railroading  on  account  of  failing  health,  and  now  devotes  his  attention  principally  to 
farming.  In  1848  he  married  Miss  Lucretia  Hart,  a native  of  this  county,  and  to  them 
were  born  five  children:  Bettie,  William  T.,  John  W.,  Mattie  and  James  B.  The  mother 
of  these  children  died  May,  1863,  and  in  1869  their  father  married  Mrs.  Mary  Roundtree, 
formerly  Mary  Kubley,  a native  of  Switzerland.  She  is  the  mother  of  one  child — Maggie 
— by  her  first  husband,  Maj.  William  Roundtree.  Our  subject  was  a colonel  of  the  militia 
during  the  fifties,  and  during  the  late  war,  while  acting  as  railroad  conductor,  h,is  railroad 
was  held  by  the  Federal  Army.  He  is  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Wartrace  Male  and  Fe- 
male Institute,  and  owns  a fine  farm  of  290  acres.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JOHN  W.  HOLT  was  born  February  22,  1855,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.;  son  of  B. 
D.  and  Lucretia  (Hart)  Holt,  natives  also  of  this  county.  The  father  is  one  of  the  promi- 
nent farmers  of  the  county.  The  mother  died  in  1863.  Our  subject  was  educated  at  the 
Wartrace  High  School,  and  lived  with  and  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  until  he  was 
about  seventeen  years  of  age.  He  then  took  a course  in  the  telegraphing  department  of 
the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  In  1875  he  took  charge  of  the  telegraph 
office  at  McEwen,  Tenn.,  and  remained  there  seven  months.  He  was  then  assigned  the 
office  at  Johnsonville,  which  he  declined,  and  in  1877  took  charge  of  the  office  at  Chris- 
tiana and  remained  there  three  years.  He  then  took  charge  of  the  agency  of  the  railroad 
and  telegraph  office  at  McMinnville,  where  he  remained  but  a short  time.  He  then  went 


1156 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


to  Nashville  and  entered  the  general  book-keeping  office,  where  he  remained  eight  months. 
He  then  took  charge  of  the  Western  Union  telegraph  office  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky. ; in  five 
months  lie  left,  and  in  1880  took  charge  of  the  ticket,  telegraph  and  Southern  Express 
office  at  Wartrace,  where  he  now  resides.  In  1882  he  married  Miss  Blanch  Halbach,  a 
native  of  Virginia,  and  this  union  was  blessed  by  two  children:  Cecil  R.  and  Herbert  F. 
Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

JAMES  HOOVER  was  born  July  29,  1814,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  son  of 
Christopher  and  Elizabeth  (Lotspeech)  Hoover.  The  father  was  born  about  1776,  in  Ger- 
many, as  also  was  the  mother  of  our  subject.  James  Hoover  was  the  eleventh  of  thirteen 
children  horn  to  his  parents.  He  worked  on- the  farm  until  he  was  twenty- three  years  of 
age  after  which  he  engaged  in  farming  for  himself.  He  has  lived  in  this  and  the  two  ad- 
joining counties  (Rutherford  and  Coffee)  all  his  life.  December  26, 1837,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Susan  Moore,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  about  1820.  This  union  resulted  in 
the  birth  of  nine  children:  Robert  W.,  Clementine  F.,  Calladona  J.,  Martha  A.,  Mary  E., 
Elizabeth  E.,  Susan  O.,  Charles  M.  and  Hugh  L.  The  mother  died  about  1859  in  the  full 
fruition  of  the  Christian’s  hope.  In  February,  1862,  Mr.  Hoover  was  married  to  M.  J.  Winn, 
of  this  county.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  eleven  children:  Alice  D.,  Effie  M., 
George  C.,  Edward  0.,  Harvey  F.,  Cleopatra,  James  F.,  Benjamin,  Nancy  E.,  Albert  A. 
and  Anna  M.  Mr.  Hoover  was  elected  to  the  office  of  magistrate  several  years  ago,  but 
only  served  a short  time.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  is 
politically  a Democrat. 

SYD  HOUSTON,  mayor  of  Wartrace,  was  born  January  18,  1850,  in  Bedford  County, 
Tenn.  His  father,  C.  P.  Houston,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  1809,  and  im- 
migrated to  this  State  when  about  twenty  years  of  age.  Here  he  married  Miss  Jane 
Worke,  who  was  also  a native  of  North  Carolina.  Tojthis  union  nine  children  were  born, 
of  whom  our  subject  is  the  sixth.  The  parents  of  our  subject  are  still  living,  and  his 
father  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  county.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  parents 
until  he  was  sixteen  years  old,  and  then  went  to  Shelbyville  and  clerked  in  the  store  of 
his  brother,  C.  P.  Houston,  Jr.  He  attended  school  at  this  place  for  three  years,  and  then 
taught  school  for  twenty  months.  He  then  read  medicine  and  took  a full  course  of  lect- 
ures in  Louisville,  Ky.  In  April,  1878,  he  opened  a drug  store  in  Wartrace,  where  he  still 
continues  the  business,  and  has  a large  and  successful  trade.  In  1881  he  married  Miss 
Lilian  Shealey,  a native  of  Georgia.  Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  H.,  and  is  serv- 
ing his  first  term  as  mayor  of  Wartrace.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican. 

JAMES  B.  HUNTER,  farmer  and  teacher,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  E. 
W.  Hunter,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father  when 
a mere  lad.  He  was  married  in  1830  to  Susanna  Wilson,  and  by  her  is  the  father  of  six 
children:  Sarah  M.,  Robert  P.,  Emily,  Margaret  M.,  Thomas  H.  M.  and  J.  B.  Mrs.  Hun- 
ter’s death  occurred  in  1848,  and  in  1849  Mr.  Hunter  wedded  Margaret  B.  Jones,  and  to 
them  were  born  three  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  living.  Mr.  Hunter  died  in  1876  at 
his  residence  in  Marshall  County.  James  B.  Hunter  was  born  April  27,  1838,  and  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  He  began  teaching  when  quite 
young,  and  then  clerked  in  a dry  goods  store  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion, 
when  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  lieutenant  of 
his  company  and  acted  about  half  the  time  as  adjutant  of  the  regiment.  In  1862,  when 
the  army  was  reorganized;  he  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-second  Tennessee  Cavalry  and 
was  captured  near  Montgomery,  Ala.  He  was  a participant  in  the  battles  of  Murfrees- 
boro, Chickamauga,  Chattanooga,  Knoxville,  Franklin  and  numerous  lesser  engagements. 
At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  in  1867  was  married  to  Mary  C.  Cooper, 
who  bore  him  the  following  family  of  children:  Ida  L.,  Sarah  E.,  Frank  W.  and  Charles 
P.  Mr.  Hunter  resides  near  Bellbuckle,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  members  cf  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church  South. 

GEORGE  C.  HUFFMAN,  farmer,  born  April  13, 1830,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.;  son 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1157 


of  John  and  Mary  (Cortner)  Huffman,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  born  in 
1800  and  moved  to  Tennessee  in  1819.  He  was  of  German  descent  and  one  of  the  best 
farmers  of  the  county.  He  died  in  1877,  and  his  wife  preceded  him  in  1875.  Our  sub- 
ject received  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  county  schools,  and  subsequently  at 
Fairfield.  He  began  teaching  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  and  taught  two  sessions.  He  then 
bought  a farm  near  where  he  is  at  present  living.  In  1858  he  married  Miss  Eliza  Phillips, 
a native  of  Bedford  County,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  Mary  A.,  Mattie  J.,  Sallie 
A.,  Thomas  L.  and  Alice,  all  living.  The  eldest,  Mary  A.,  is  now  Mrs.  William  Bennett, 
and  they  reside  in  California.  He  owns  a large  farm  of  480  acres  of  as  good  land  as  lies 
in  the  county.  It  is  in  a most  excellent  state  of  cultivation  and  is  known  as  Adams’  Bot- 
tom. He  has  most  excellent  buildings,  well  located,  and  his  house,  lawn  and  premises 
are  kept  in  a neat  and  tasteful  manner.  He  is  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  faith  and 
his  wife  is  a member  of  that  church.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

A.  J.  JARRELL,  one  of  Shelbyville’s  best  business  men,  was  born  March  15,  1845, 
in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  being  a son  of  Wesley  and  Martha  (Lovell)  Jarrell.  The 
father  was  a native  of  Kentucky.  He  died  about  1854.  The  mother  was  born  in  1812, 
and  is  now  living.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm.  In  1860  he  came 
with  his  mother  to  Shelbyville,  and  farmed  a short  time,  and  then  worked  about  in  differ- 
ent vocations  till  1866.  He  then  learned  the  tinner’s  trade,  and  in  1868  opened  up  his 
business,  dealing. in  stoves  and  tinware.  He  has  been  quite  successful,  and  carries  on 
farming  also,  now  owning  a fine  farm  adjoining  Shelbyville.  He  carries  about  $5,000 
stock,  and  does  the  leading  business  of  the  kind  in  the  county.  In  1867  he  married  Miss 
Helen  Givens,  who  bore  him  six  children.  This  wife  died  in  1881,  and  in  1882  he  married 
Miss  Lina  Givens,  a sister  of  the  former  wife.  One  child  has  been  born  to  this  union. 
Mr.  Jarrell,  his  wife  and  eldest  daughter  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 
Mr.  Jarrell  is  a Blue  Lodge  Mason  and  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Politically  he  is  a 
Republican.  He  served  one  year  in  Company  A,  Fourth  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry, 
United  States  Army.  He  is  thoroughly  a self-made  man,  and  one  of  the  very  prominent 
citizens  of  the  county. 

JAMES  D.  JEFFRESS  was  born  August  18,  1841,  in  Bedford  County.  His  father, 
Thomas  B.  Jeffress,  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1803  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  about  1836. 
While  in  Virginia  he  wedded  Pollie  H.  Carter,  who  was  born  about  1805.  They  died  in 
1876  and  1856,  respectively.  James  was  the  fifth  of  their  seven  children.  He  entered  the- 
Confederate  Army  in  1861,  in  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was 
through  the  entire  war,  but  was  not  wounded.  He  was  in  many  of  the  principal  battles, 
Shiloh,  Perryville,  Murfreesboro  and  Knoxville  being  examples.  Since  the  war  he  has 
farmed,  and  since  1878  has  tilled  the  old  homestead,  which  he  purchased.  March  7,  1867, 
he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Frances  A.  Clay,  born  in  Bedford  County,  February  16, 
1846.  Threg  children  were  born  to  this  union:  Annie  Lee,  Sallie  H.  and  Thomas  Ewing. 
Mr.  Jeffress  has  a comfortable  competency  and  is  a man  of  intelligence  and  education. 
He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat 
politically. 

L.  E.  -TONES  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  and  was  born  in  the  year  1816.  His  parents 
were  North  Carolinians  by  birth,  and  his  maternal  grandfather  served  his  country  faith- 
fully in  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm  by  one 
of  his  uncles,  Isaiah  Hammond,  and  lived  with  him  until  after  attaining  his  twenty -first 
birthday,  and  then  began  the  battle  of  life  for  himself,  and  has  been  a tiller  of  the  soil  up 
to  the  present  time.  In  January,  1840,  he  united  his  fortunes  with  Miss  Nancy  Bryant, 
of  Bedford  County,  and  their  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  twelve  children,  seven  of 
whom  are  now  living,  Our  subject  has  been  quite  prosperous  in  his  farming  enterprises, 
and  is  now  living  in  sight  of  the  first  house  that,  was  ever  built  in  Bedford  County.  He 
received  limited  educational  advantages,  but  has  always  manifested  a willing  ness  to  aid  in 
any  and  all  enterprises  pertaining  to  the  advancement  of  educational  interests.  His 
political  views  are  Democratic,  and  he  gives  his  support  to  that  party.  He  has  always 


1158 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


been  scrupulously  lionest  in  all  his  business  transactions,  and  is  considered  one  of  Bedford 
County’s  most  substantial  citizens. 

THOMAS  J.  JONES  was  born  November  2,  1842,  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  near 
Petersburg,  being  one  of  the  family  of  children  born  to  the  union  of  Minos  C.  Jones  and 
Fannie  Melson.  The  father  was  born  and  raised  in  Bedford  County.  At  the  age  of 
eighteen  he  went  to  Lincoln  County,  where  he  married,  lived  and  died,  being  a farmer  by 
occupation.  Thomas  J.  was  reared  on  a farm  with  his  parents  to  the  age  of  twenty-one, 
when  he  married  and  moved  ,to  Bedford  County  and  farmed  a short  time.  In  February, 
1867,  he  came  to  Shelbyville  and  opened  a bar  and  confectionery  business.  He  removed 
to  Richmond,  Bedford  County,  in  a short  time,  and  in  1870  he  returned  to  Shelbyville, 
where  he  has  remained  ever  since  in  the  bar  and  confectionery  business.  He  was  married 
April  14,  1864,  to  Mary  E.  Harrison,  a native  of  this  county,  who  has  borne  to  him  eight 
children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  William  H.,  Fannie  E.,  Katie  E.,  Samuel  R. 
and  Albert  B.  Politically  Mr.  Jones  has  always  been  a Democrat.  His  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  his  eldest  daughter  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  He  has  been  very  successful  in  his  business,  and  is  a substantial 
business  man  of  Shelbyville. 

THOMAS  J.  JOYCE  was  born  August  20,  1847,  in  Bedford  County,  and  was  the  eld- 
est of  twelve  children  born  to  Anderson  and  Elizabeth  Joyce.  The  father  was  born 
December  24,  1820,  and  died  November  17,  1881.  He  was  a successful  farmer  and  at  the 
time  of  his  death  was  worth  about  $8,400  that  he  had  accumulated  by  his  own  unaided 
efforts.  The  mother  was  born  about  1830  and  is  still  living.  Our  subject  grew  to  man- 
hood on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  Company 
A,  Col.  Hill’s  cavalry  regiment.  He  was  in  but  one  battle  before  the  surrender — the  bat- 
tle of  Franklin.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  and  his  eldest  brother  engaged  in  the  stock 
business,  buying  and  selling  horses  and  cattle,  and  this  they  continued  very  successfully 
up  to  1882.  September  24,  1874,  he  wedded  Bettie  Bounds,  of  this  county.  The  results  of 
this  union  were  two  children:  C.  A.,  born  February  7,  1876,  and  L.  P.,  born  December 
12,  1879.  Mr.  Joyce  is  a good  citizen  and  is  scrupulously  honest  in  every  particular.  He 
is  a law-abiding  man;  never  was  sued  or  had  a lawsuit  in  his  life.  He  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  politically  a Democrat  and  a mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  lodge,  which  body  he  joined  about  1870. 

SAMUEL  F.  KNOTT,  a genial  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Shelbyville,  is  a son  of 
Anderson  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Tune)  Knott.  The  father  is  now  residing  in  Chattanooga, 
where  he  follows  the  carpenter’s  trade.  He  came  to  Shelbyville  in  his  childhood  and  re- 
mained here  till  about  1876,  when  he  removed  to  Chattanooga.  The  mother  died  in  1871. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  September  3,  1848,  in  this  county.  He  secured  only 
a common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  clerking  in  a drug  store  and 
continued  in  that  vocation  for  fourteen  years.  He  then  went  to  Nashville  and  traveled 
for  William  Litterer  & Co.,  wholesale  druggists,  for  nearly  five  years.  He  then  returned  to 
Shelbyville,  and  established  the  drug  trade,  in  which  he  has  met  with  well  deserved  suc- 
cess. He  carries  a stock  of  about  $7,000  and  does  a large  business.  He  was  married  in 
1870  to  Julia  B.  Steele,  a native  of  this  county.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  this 
union,  two  of  whom  are  living,  viz. : Willie  and  Annie.  He  is  an  elder  in  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church,  and  his  wife  and  daughter  are  also  members  of  that  church.  For  four  years 
he  has  been  an  elder  of  the  church,  and  was  a deacon  for  ten  years  previous.  Politically 
he  is  a Republican.  He  is  one  of  the  highly  respected,  energetic  business  men  of  the 
county. 

C.  M.  KINCAID  was  born  December  24,  1830,  in  Anderson  County  Tenn.  His  fa- 
ther, Clingan  Kincaid,  was  also  a native  of  that  county.  His  paternal  grandparents  were 
both  natives  of  Ireland  and  his  maternal  grandparents  were  natives  of  England,  the 
grandfather  serving  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  when  peace  was  declared  took  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  United  States.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  worked  on 
the  same  till  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  after  which  lie  began  working  for  himself  at  the 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1159 


same  business  until  the  beginning  of  the  late  war.  He  entered  the  Confederate  Army  in 
1863,  enlisting  in  Company  B,  Fifth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  re- 
turned home  without  a wound  or  without  ever  having  been  captured  during  the  time  he 
was  in  service.  Up  to  the  time  of  the  war  he  had  been  quite  prosperous  but  that  fearful 
catastrophe  swept  away  nearly  all  his  property.  Since  that  time  he  has  met  with  many 
reverses  but  the  scale  of  fortune  finally  turned  in  his  favor,  and  he  is  now  in  compara- 
tively good  circumstances.  Previous  to  the  war,  iu  1850,  he  wedded  Elizabeth  Barnard, of 
Tennessee.  Her  father  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Barnardsville,  the  town  deriving  its 
name  from  him.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  eight  children:  Louisa,  Syrene, 
Sarah  G.,  Clingan,  Alta,  Erie,  Cilena  and  Albert  J.  Mr.  Kincaid  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

WILLIAM  L.  KIMBRO,  a merchant  of  Singleton.  Tenn.,  was  born  February  8,  1856. 
and  is  one  of  three  children  born  to  Riley  J.  and  Martha  A.  (Span)  Kimbro.  The  father 
was  born  and  reared  in  this  State,  and  was  by  occupation  a farmer  and  mechanic.  He 
was  married  twice,  our  subject’s  mother  being  his  first  wife.  She  was  the  mother  of 
these  children:  William  L.,  James  and  Frederick  D.,and  died  in  1861.  Mr.  Kimbro  took  for 
his  second  wife  Mrs.  Margaret  Raney  ( nee  Robertson),  and  six  children  blessed  this  union: 
Charles  H.,  Henry,  Minnie,  Walter,  Ira  and  Zannie.  Riley  Kimbro  was  a member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  and  died  October  4,  1885.  Our  subject  had  the  advantage  of  a good 
practical  education,  and  in  1879  was  joined  in  the  holy  bonds  of  'matrimony  to  Miss  Ten- 
nie  J.  Coleman.  The  result  of  this  union  was  four  children:  Marvin  L.,  Roy  E.,  Argie 
L.  and  Hoyt.  Roy  E.  died  in  1883.  In  1882  Mr.  Kimbro  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness at  Singleton.  Tenn.,  and  has  since  that  time  continued  the  business  at  that  place. 
He  carries  a stock  of  $1,500,  and  is  doing  a business  of  $3,500,  and  also  runs  a black- 
smith shop  in  the  same  town.  He  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  is  a leading 
and  highly  respected  citizen. 

JACKSON  G.  KIMERY,  a prominent  farmer  of  the  Twenty-third  District  of  Bedford 
County,  was  born  January  30,  1854,  son  of  Edwin  and  Caroline  (Greer)  Kimery.  The 
father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  in  1828  he,  in  company  with  his  father,  immi- 
grated to  Tennessee,  settling  on  the  place  where  they  now  reside.  Edwin  Kimery  was  the 
father  of  nine  children,  having  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Bettie  Kiser, 
and  there  were  four  children  born  to  this  union.  After  her  death,  which  occurred  some 
time  in  1840,  Mr.  Kimery  married  Miss  Caroline  Greer,  our  subject’s  mother,  and  five 
children  were  born  to  them.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-two  he  was  married  to  Miss  Harriet  Parks,  daughter  of  Dr.  Parks,  and  five  chil- 
dren blessed  their  union:  Edward  L.,  Alice,  Joseph  W.,  Leona  and  Frederick.  Leona  and 
Alice  died  in  1880  and  1884,  respectively.  Mr.  Kimery  has  always  been  a farmer,  and  has 
been  quite  successful  in  this  occupation.  He  owns  100  acres  of  good  land  in  a fine  state 
of  cultivation. 

HENRY  H.  LANDESS  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  July  22,  1818.  He  resided 
in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  until  1851,  when  he  moved  to  Bedford  County.  He  traveled 
considerably  in  Missouri  and  Arkansas  in  early  life,  being  absent  about  six  years.  Shortly 
after  moving  to  Bedford  County  he  located  on  his  present  farm,  consisting  of  212  acres  of 
fertile  land,  furnished  with  a neat  cottage.  December  3,  1850,  he  was  married  to  Lucinda 
S.  Hix,  who  was  born  October  6,  1832,  and  died  July  8,  1852,  leaving  one  child — Henry  D., 
born  in  1851  and  died  July  16,  1852.  May  24,  1853,  Mr.  Landess  wedded  Susan  C.  Camp- 
bell, daughter  of  Alfred  and  Sallie  (Reeves)  Campbell.  Mrs.  Landess  was  born  May  10, 
1835,  and  has  borne  her  husband  the  following  children:  Sarah  M.,  born  in  1854;  Alfred 
G.,  born  in  1856;  George  W.,  born  in  1860;  Mary  F.,  born  in  1862;  Grace  C..  born  in  1865; 
William  G.,  born  in  1867;  Mittie  M.,  born  in  1872,  and  Henry  H.  born  in  1875.  Mr.  Lan- 
dess is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he , and  wife  are  church  members.  His  parents,  Henry 
and  Grace  (Thompson)  Landess,  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Kentucky  in  1777  and 
1778,  respectively.  The  father  moved  to  Kentucky  in  1789,  and  there  married  our  subject’s 
mother  in  1798,  and  became  the  father  of  thirteen  children.  They  came  to  Tennessee  at 
an  early  period,  and  died  in  Lincoln  County  in  1863  and  1801,  respectively. 


1160 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


GEORGE  L.  LANDIS,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Bedford  County  March,  31,  1847,  son  of' 
Bryant  and  Margaret  (Ogilvie)  Landis.  His  early  days  were  spent  in  laboring  on  his  fa- 
ther’s farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools.  October  5,  1865,  he  began  the  study 
of  medicine  with  his  brother,  Dr.  -J.  A.  Landis'  of  Kentucky,  and  in  September,  1869,  he 
entered  the  Medical  University  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  He  practiced  a short  time  and  con- 
tinued to  read  under  Dr.  W.  F.  Clary,  and  in  the  fall  of  1870  again  entered  the  University" 
of  Nashville,  and  graduated  in  March  of  the  following  year.  Since  that  time  he  has  prac- 
ticed in  Marshall  and  Bedford  Counties,  and  since  May  7,  1883,  has  been  a resident  of  Un- 
ionville,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  the  place.  He  attended  the  New  York 
Polyclinic  of  Medicine  and  Surgery  in  the  fall  of  1885.  He  was  married,  November  4, 
1875,  to  Mrs.  Carrie  Locke,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  five  children,  two  of  whom 
are  dead.  Those  living  are  Alice,  Florence  and  Robbie.  Since  eleven  years  of  age  the 
Doctor  has  been  a church  member,  and  is  now  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

CHARLES  W.  LEFTWICH,  although  not  long  a resident  of  Bedford  County,  is  one 
of  the  enterprising  dry  goods  merchants  of  Shelbyville.  He  was  born  in  Moore  County, 
Tenn.,  April  16,  1850.  His  father,  Littleberry  Leftwich,  was  born  in  this  State.  He  has 
been  a farmer  and  merchant  most  of  his  lifetime,  and  is  now  conducting  a mercantile 
trade  for  Charles  W.  at  Tal'ey,  Marshall  Co.,  Tenn.  The  mother  died  in  1854.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm.  He  received  his  education  mainly  in  Mulberry" 
Academy  of  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.  He  then  taught  school  about  four  years.  In  1879  he 
engaged  in  merchandising  in  Moore  County,  Tenn.,  and  continued  successfully  until  the 
spring  of  1885,  when  he  established  his  business  at  Talley,  which  is  now  conducted  by  his 
father.  In  December,  1885,  he  began  his  business  here  and  has  continued  successfully 
ever  since,  with. a stock  of  $10,000  or  $12,000  of  dry  goods  and  notions,  boot  and  shoes, 
hats  and  caps,  clothing,  etc.  He  was  married,  in  1875,  to  Miss  Maggie  Morring,  of  Ala- 
bama. This  union  has  been  blessed  in  the  birth  of  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
living,  viz.:  Clayton  W.,  Thomas  E.  Nina  P.  and  Littleberry.  Mr.  Leftwich  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Politically  he  has  always  been  a Democrat. 

JAMES  M.  LENTZ  was  born  in  Bedford  County  February  15,  1828.  His  father, 
Benjamin  Lentz,  was  born  in  1800  in  North  Carolina,  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  in 
1818,  settling  five  and  a half  miles  southwest  of  Shelbyville,  and  lived  there  to  the  date  of 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  1878.  Our  subject’s  mother,  Penelope  (Bussy)  Lentz,  was 
born  about  1808,  and  is  still  living.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  and  re- 
ceived his  education  in  the  common  district  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty- one  he  went  to 
New  Orleans,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  remaining  there  about  six  or  seven 
years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  carpenter’s  trade,  and  continued  this  business  about  six  or 
seven  years,  after  which  he  began  farming,  and  has  successfully  continued  this  occupation 
up  to  the  present  time.  He  was  married,  February  14,  1861,  to  Elizabeth  Lawell,  a na- 
tive of  Tennessee,  born  April  15,  1837,  and  to  them  were  born  nine  children:  John  H., 
Samuel  J.,  Robert  M.,  Ethan  A.,  Babe,  Mary  L.  A.,-Necy,  Eddie  E.,  and  one  died  un- 
named. Mr.  Lentz  is  politically  a Democrat.  He  is  a self-made  man,  having  accumu- 
lated his  wealth  by  his  own  unaided  efforts. 

DR.  THOMAS  LIPSCOMB,  one  of  Bedford  County’s  oldest  and  best  citizens,  was 
born  in  Louisa  County,  Va.,  July  22,  1808,  to  the  marriage  of  William  Lipscomb  and  Ann 
Day  Cook,  natives  of  Spottsylvania  and  Louisa  Counties,  Va.,  respectively.  The  father 
was  killed  by  a falling  tree  in  January,  1829,  having  been  a farmer.  The  mother  attained 
the  ripe  age  of  ninety  years,  and  her  old  age  was  marked  with  great  vitality.  With  her 
own  hands  she  knit  over  100  pairs  of  socks  for  the  Confederate  soldiers  after  she  had 
passed  eighty  years  of  age.  She  lived  nearly  forty  years  a widow.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  reared  with  his  parents  on  a farm,  and  received  a common  school  education. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  went  to  Winchester,  Tenn.,  and  began  the  study  of  medicine. 
Thence  he  attended  the  Medical  University  of  Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia,  whither  he 
proceeded  and  returned  the  most  of  the  way  on  horseback.  After  one  course  of  lectures. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1161 


Re  returned  to  Franklin  County,  Tenn.,  where  his  parents  had  moved  in  1826.  In  1831 
he  came  to  Shelbyville,  where  he  has  spent  a lifetime  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  sur- 
gery and  obstetrics,  and  has  attained  eminence  in  his  profession.  He  has  been  president 
of  the  Medical  Society  of  Tennessee,  of  the  Bedford  County  Medical  Society  and  of  the 
Female  Institute  at  Shelbyville.  Since  entering  into  the  practice  of  his  profession  the 
honorary  title  of  M.  D.  has  been  conferred  upon  him  by  the  University  of  Louisville  and 
by  the  University  of  Tennessee.  He  has  been  successful  financially.  Since  1855  he  has 
carried  on  farming.  He  is  the  president  and  largest  stockholder  of  the  Victor  Mills,  of 
Shelbyville,  and  was  the  president  of  the  Branch  Bank  of  Tennessee  at  Shelbyville  at  the 
opening  of  the  war.  The  advancement  of  the  schools  and  churches  is  due  greatly  to  him. 
For  two  years  he  held  the  Shelbyville  postoffice,  the  emoluments  of  which  he  allowed  to 
the  widow  of  a former  postmaster.  He  is  not  now  actively  engaged  in  the  practice,  but 
at  the  age  of  seventy -three  he  successfully  performed  the  difficult  ovariotomy  operation 
for  the  first  time  in  his  life.  He  was  married,  May  22,  1832,  to  Rebecca  Stevenson,  who 
bore  him  ten  children,  all  of  whom  were  raised.  This  wife  died  December  6,  1880,  and 
he  then  wedded,  October  26,  1882,  Miss  Mary  A.  Cowan.  Dr.  Lipscomb  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as  was  his  first  wife.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat, 
and  wields  large  influence  as  a worthy  eitizen  of  the  county. 

JACOB  LYNN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Tenn.,  December  23,  1827,  son 
-of  Andrew  J.  and  Isabella  (Hawes)  Lynn,  and  of  English  extraction.  The  father  of  our 
subject  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Tenn.,  in  1805,  and  the  mother  in  Virginia  about 
1808.  They  were  married  about  the  year  1826,  and  reared  a family  of  seven  children. 
The  father  died  in  Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  February  13,  1850,  and  the  mother  died  in 
Arkansas  in  1865.  Jacob  Lynn,  Sr.,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  and  Benjamin  Stin- 
nett, the  grandfather  of  the  last  Mrs.  Lynn,  the  wife  of  our  subject,  were  both  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  Our  subject  received  a practical 
education  in  the  common  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  twent3r-one  he  began  business  for  him- 
self. During  the  civil  war  he  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Regiment  Infant^, 
and  served  eighteen  months,  participating  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  and  was  discharged  at 
Tupelo,  Miss.,  on  account  of  his  age.  He  has  been  married  four  times.  The  first  mar- 
riage occurred  in  1847  to  Miss  Sarah  Stroud,  of  Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  and  resulted  in  the 
birth  of  one  son,  John  A.,  who  was  h soldier  in  the  late  war.  Our  subject  was  married 
the  second  time,  October  13,  1859,  to  Mrs.  Mary  E.  L.  Giles,  daughter  of  Noble  L. 
Majors.  Of  this  alliance  there  were  two  children,  one  son  and  one  daughter,  named, 
respectively,  Joseph  T.  and  Louise  Jane.  Mrs.  Lynn  was  born  July  4,  1820,  and  died  in 
the  same  county  October  15,  1876.  Mr.  Lynn  was  married  -the  third  time,  September  14, 
1877,  to  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Moses,  a native  of  Tennessee,  born  March  2, 1832,  and  died  January 
26,  1884.  His  last  marriage  occurred  April  23,  1885,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  to  Miss 
Rebecca  Hill,  daughter  of  Jacob  Hill.  This  lady  was  born  November  24,  1841.  Mr. 
Lynn  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 

LEVI  MADISON’S  birth  occurred  July  1,  1822,  in  the  State  of  Kentucky.  His  par- 
ents James  and  Minnie  (Loyd)  Madison,  were  also  born  in  Kentucky,  and  died  when  our 
subject  was  quite  young.  He  made  his  home  with  Samuel  Thompson  until  he  was  four- 
teen years  old  and  in  1839  went  to  Texas,  where  he  lived  one  year  and  then  returned.  He 
worked  at  the  blacksmith’s  trade  in  Shelbyville  four  years  and  then  farmed  one  year,  and 
then  continued  his  trade  seven  years.  In  1852,  he  purchased  the  Ransom  Stephens  farm, 
where  he  lived  up  to  1883.  He  then  moved  to  his  present  place  of  residence.  Will- 
iam D.  W.  is  a son  born  to  his  union  with  Nancy  J.  Collier,  which  took  place  March  22, 
1849.  She  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  and  is  a daughter  of  William  and  Polly  Collier. 
Our  subject  has  accumulated  a comfortable  competency  by  his  own  unaided  efforts,  and 
he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  a Republican, 
and  up  to  the  date  of  the  late  war  was  an  old-line  Whig. 

GABRIEL  MAUPIN  is  a native  Virginian,  born  September  7,  1810,  and  son  of  Blan 
and  Sallie  (Brown)  Maupin,  who  were  born  in  the  “Old  Dominion”  in  1770  and  1772, 


1162 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


respectively.  They  were  married  about  1790.  and  became  the  parents  of  five  sons  and 
five  daughters,  our  subject  being  the  only  one  living.  The  family  came  to  Tennessee 
about  1811,  and  here  the  father  died  in  1829  and  the  mother  in  1852.  Our  subject  has  fol- 
lowed farming  from  boyhood,  and  in  early  life  was  engaged  in  stock  trading.  He  owns  a 
farm  of  500  acres  on  Duck  River,  also  some  valuable  property  near  Shelbyville.  His  bus- 
iness career  has  made  him  well  known  throughout  the  county,  and  he  is  considered  one  of 
its  worthy  citizens.  He  was  married,  September  1,  1844,  to  Miss  Sallie  Hickerson,  who 
was  born  January  2,  1820,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  (Russeau)  Hickerson.  Mrs. 
Maupin  died  July  27,  1884,  having  borne  these  children:  Nancy  R.,  born  September  5, 
1846;  Blan,  born  November  22,  1847,  and  died  September  7,  1884;  Sarah  Ann,  born  March 
10,  1849;  Joseph  H.,  born  August  21,  1851;  Gabriel,  born  September  12,  1853,  and  died 
April  15,  1879;  Thomas  H.,  born  December  18,  1855;  Marietta,  born  Dcember  23, 1858,  and 
Thornton  P.,  born  December  23, 1861.  Mr.  Maupin  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  is  a life-long  Democrat. 

T.  S.  MAYES.  James  Mayes  was  born  about  1788  in  Georgia,  and  came  to  Tennes- 
see in  1816.  He  married  Polly  Sparks,  who  was  a native  of  Georgia,  and  our  subject  was 
born  to  them  December  16,  1814.  He  resided  on  his  parents'  farm  until  twenty-one  years 
of  age  and  then  began  farming  on  his  own  responsibility,  and  has  continued  very  suc- 
cessfully up  to  the  present  date.  He  served  the  people  of  his  district  in  the  capacity  of 
constable  for  six  years,  being  first  elected  in  1840,  and  in  1852  was  elected  to  the  same 
office  for  two  years.  Since  that  time  he  has  farmed  exclusively  and  has  accumulated  a 
good  property  through  his  own  exertions.  Anna  Catner  became  his  wife,  January  4,  1848, 
and  this  union  has  resulted  in  ten  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living:  Mary  E.  (Mrs.  J.  D. 
Blackwell),  Eliza  J.  (Mrs.  W.  R.  Woodard),  William  W.,  John  A.,  Martha  A.  (Mrs.  J.  A. 
Woodard),  James  L.  and  Harriett  F.  Mr.  Mayes  is  a man  of  great  decision  of  character 
and  is  strictly  honest  and  exact  in  his  business  transactions.  He  and  Mrs.  Mayes  are 
members  of  the  Christian  Church  and  he  supports  the  Democratic  party. 

WILLIAM  McGILL,  a prominent  farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Bedford  County,  was 
born  May  14,  1820.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Sallie  (Parker)  McGill.  The  father  of 
our  subject  was  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland,  in  1787,  and  at  an  early  day  immigrated  with  his 
father  to  the  United  States  and  settled  in  Virginia,  where  he  remained  several  years.  He 
then  moved  to  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was 
in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  He  was  married  in  1816,  and  was  the  father  of  seven  chil- 
dren: Nancy,  William,  Lucy,  Elizabeth,  Sallie,  Priscilla  and  James.  The  father  died  in 
1860  and  the  mother  in  1884.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm,  educated  in  the  coun- 
try schools,  and  in  1840  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Gardner.  Eight  children  were  the  re- 
sult of  this  union:  John  A.,  Sarah  J.,  Robert  P.,  Thomas  B.,  Franklin,  Lewis  Cass  (who 
died  September  28, 1874),  Bedford  and  Tennessee.  In  1874  Mr.  McGill  was  elected  trustee 
of  Bedford  County,  which  office  he  held  for  two  terms  in  a very  able  manner.  He  is  mem- 
ber of  the  Christian  Church,  owns  a fine  tract  of  land  in  the  Twenty-third  District,  and  is 
one  of  the  representative  men  of  the  county. 

JOHN  A.  McGILL  is  the  oldest  child  born  to  William  and  Mary  (Gardner)  McGill- 
(For  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  William  McGill).  Our  subject  was  born  Novem- 
ber 1, 1841,  and  had  the  advantage  of  a practical  education  in  the  common  schools.  When 
the  war  broke  out  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate,  Army  in  the  Seventeenth  Tennessee 
Regiment  under  Col.  Newman,  and  participated  in  most  of  the  battles  of  the  war.  Dur- 
ing the  battle  at  Drury’s  Bluff  he  was  wounded,  and  this  disabled  him  for  service.  He 
was  given  a furlough  and  went  to  Alabama,  where  he  remained  one  year.  He  then  came 
back  to  Tennessee,  and  in  1867  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Terry.  To  this  union  one 
child  was  born,  viz.:  Ida  I.,  born  January  23,  1870.  Mr.  McGill  and  family  are  consist- 
ent members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  are  one  of  the  leading  families  of  the  county. 

THOMAS  B.  McGILL,  son  of  W.  McGill,  whose  sketch  appears  in  this  work,  was 
born  December  15,  1848,  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  reared  on  a farm  and  remained  with 
his  parents  to  the  age  of  eighteen.  He  then  engaged  as  a clerk  in  a dry  goods  store  in 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1163 


Shelbyville  till  1875.  He  then  went  to  Nashville  and  clerked  in  a wholesale  dry  goods  store 
for  about,  a year.  He  then  traveled  in  Kentucky  for  the  Nashville  Nursery  one  year.  He 
then  returned  to  Shelbyville  and  dealt  in  live-stock,  etc.,  till  1881,  when  he  established 
a mercantile  trade  in  the  Twenty-third  District  and  secured  the  establishment  of  the  post- 
office  at  Singleton,  and  held  the  office  in  connection  with  his  store  three  years.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1883,  he  sold  out  and  farmed  for  one  year.  In  December,  1885,  in  connection 
with  James  B.  Green,  he  opened  the  grocery  and  provision  trade  in  Shelbyville,  and  the 
firm  does  a thriving  business.  He  was  married,  June  4,  1884,  to  Miss  Kittie  Elliott,  the 
result  of  this  union  being  one  son,  Robert  S.  Mr.  McGill  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Politically  he 
is  a Democrat.  He  is  one  of  the  enterprising  and  respected  citizens  of  Shelbyville. 

E.  H.  McGOWAN  was  born  and  reared  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  His  birth  oc- 
curred September  26,  1842.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  entered  the  Confederate  service, 
enlisting  in  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  served  out  his  term  of 
enlistment  (twelve  months).  From  that  time  up  to  1869  he  farmed,  and  then  engaged  in 
the  merchandise  business  at  Poplins’  Cross  Roads,  where  he  has  done  well,  from  a financial 
standpoint.  November  8,  1863,  Nancy  A.  Crowell  became  his  wife  and  the  mother  of  nine 
children:  Robert  F.,  Henry  C.,  William  C.,  Margaret  J.,  Nancy  F.,  Rebecca  W.,  Flor- 
ence, Isabella  and  Eddie.  Mrs.  McGowan  was  born  in  1844  and  died  August  30,  1885. 
Mr.  McGowan  is  a Democrat  and  is  a son  of  Samuel  G.  McGowan,  who  was  born  in  Ten- 
nessee, and  who  married  Rebecca  Balts.  They  died,  respectively,  in  1853  and  1852. 

DR.  JOSEPH  H.  McGREW  was  born  February  13,  1826,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn., 
being  the  youngest  of  eleven  children  of  William  McGrew.  The  father  was  a native  of 
Kentucky,  and  when  young  went  to  South  Carolina,  where  he  married  Nancy  Goodwin. 
In  1811  they  came  to  Bedford  County,  where  they  lived  and  died,  the  father  being  a 
farmer.  The  father’s  death  occurred  in  1852,  and  the  mother’s  in  1860.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  a farm.  When  seventeen  years  of  age  he  came  to  Shelbyville,  and  began  the 
study  of  medicine  in  1844.  He  attended  lectures  in  Louisville  in  1845-46,  and  in  Phila- 
delphia in  1846-47,  graduating  in  March,  1847.  He  then  returned  to  Shelbyville,  and  has 
since  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  successfully.  He  was  married,  in  1851,  to 
Letitia  Cannon,  who  bore  him  two  children:  James  H.  and  Samuel  J.  The  wife  died  in 
1857,  and  January  31,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Mary  B.  Evans.  Himself  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a member  of  the  F.  & A.  M.  and  I.  O. 
0.  F.  fraternities.  Politically  he  is  a firm  Republican.  Dr.  McGrew  is  examining  surgeon 
in  the  pension  service,  and  ranks  among  the  able  practitioners  of  the  county.  He  is  now 
practicing  with  his  younger  son,  Samuel  J.,  who  was  born  December  11,  1854.  He  (S.  J.) 
studied  medicine  with  his  father.  He  attended  lectures  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
graduating  in  1881,  and  has  proven  himself  well-informed  in  his  profession.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Politically  he  is  a Republican. 

JAMES  W.  C.  MITCHELL,  a merchant  of  the  Twenty-fourth  District  of  this  county, 
was  born  January  29,  1842,  son  of  T.  F.  and  Margaret  (Binkley)  Mitchell.  The  father  was  a 
native  of  North  Carolina,  and  in  early  life  immigrated  to  Alabama  and  settled  in  Hunts- 
ville, where  he  was  married.  He  was  the  father  of  eleven  children:  Sarah  A.  (deceased), 
John  (deceased),  Mary,  Martha,  James  W.  C.,  Joseph  (deceased),  Robert  II.,  Bates,  Nancy, 
Logan  and  Elizabeth.  Joseph  Mitchell  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Franklin  and  was  buried 
at  Columbia.  Our  subject’s  father  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six.  James 
W.  C.  Mitchell  was  reared  on  the  farm,  given  an  education  in  the  country  schools  and 
when  in  his  eighteenth  year  entered  the  Confederate  Army  in  the  Thirty-seventh  Ten- 
nessee Infantry ; was  in  the  battles  of  Perryville,  Chickamauga,  Atlanta,  Murfreesboro, 
Franklin  and  others,  and  was  wounded  twice.  After  the  war  he  came  back  to  this  county 
and  has  since  that  time  resided  here.  In  1873  Miss  Catharine  Bomar  became  his  wife. 
The  results  of  this  union  were  four  children:  Oscar  L.,  James  W.,  Bibbie  B.  and  one  not 
named.  In  1875  Mr.  Mitchell  went  into  the  mercantile  business  in  the  Twenty-fourth 
District,  and  in  1881  went  into  the  distillery  business  at  the  same  place,  making  about 
sixty-five  gallons  of  whisky  per  day,  and  is  doing  a $3,000  business. 


1164 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ROBERT  S.  MONTGOMERY  was  born  November  30, 1829,  in  South  Carolina,  and  is 
a son  of  Thomas  Montgomery,  who  was  born  in  1808  and  is  of  Irish  parentage.  He  came 
to  Tennessee  in  1844,  locating  near  Palmetto  and  in  1854  erected  a dwelling-house,  in 
which  our  subject  now  lives.  Robert  S.  began  to  reside  permanently  in  the  State  in  1855, 
and  the  same  year  engaged  in  merchandise  business  with  Samuel  Carpenter,  continuing- 
up  to  the  date  of  the  late  war.  After  its  close  they  again  resumed  business  and,  in  1874, 
T.  S.  Montgomery  purchased  Mr.  Carpenter’s  interest,  the  style  of  the  firm  being  then 
changed  to  Montgomery  Bros.  In  1885  they  sold  out  to  J.  0.  Montgomery,  a cousin. 
March  13,  1855,  he  married  Miss  Susan  Dysart,  daughter  of  James  P.  and  Leah  Dysart. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Montgomery  were  born  eight  children:  Alice  E.  (Mrs.  J.  F.  Tillman), 
Mary  (deceased),  Jimmie  (deceased),  Thomas  A.,  Lillie  (wife  of  Dr.  W.  C.  Ransom), 
Denny,  Gertrude  Inez  and  Robert  H.  Mrs.  Montgomery  died  April  19,  1881.  He  is  a 
Republican  and  a strict  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

T.  S.  MONTGOMERY  was  born  March  30,  1843,  iu  the  “Palmetto  State.”  At  the 
age  of  fifteen  he  left  home  and  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business,  clerking  for  his  brother 
Robert  S.  at  Palmetto.  He  entered  Union  Academy  at  the  end  of  eighteen  months,  where 
he  remained  about  ten  months.  He  then  returned  and  remained  with  his  brother  until 
the  war.  At  its  close  he  again  resumed  his  clerkship  and  at  the  end  of  two  years  com- 
menced farming.  From  1868  to  1874  he  was  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Farmington, 
but  then  returned  to  Palmetto,  and  in  1885  he  and  his  brother  sold  out  to  their  cousin. 
Since  1882  he  has  served  as  magistrate  of  his  district.  September  27,  1866,  he  wedded 
Magie  L.  Hagle,  daughter  of  Peter  and  Esther  Hagle.  They  have  five  children : Flora 
Esther,  T.  Clarence,  Ethel,  Susie  and  Hoyle.  Mr.  Montgomery  is  a Republican  and  a 
member  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

DR.  GEORGE  W.  MOODY,  a leading  physician  of  Shelbyville,  was  born  November 
5,  1848,  being  a son  of  Samuel  S.  Moody  (see  sketch  of  C.  J.  Moody).  He  was  reared 
with  his  parents  to  the  age  of  twenty-one,  and  had  begun  the  study  of  medicine.  In 
1869  he  graduated  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  at  Philadelphia,  He  then  located 
in  Shelbyyille,  where  he  has  met  with  justly-deserved  success  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. He  was  married,  March  16,  1861,  to  Miss  Georgie  Strong,  a native  of  this 
county.  Her  parents  were  from  northern  Alabama,  and  her  mother  is  the  daughter  of 
Gen.  Moore,  of  Tullahoma,  Tenn.  Dr.  Moody’s  married  life  has  been  blessed  in  the  birth 
of  two  children,  viz. : Winston  G.  and  Samuel  S.  Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  EpiscojDal  Church  South,  and  he  is  steward  and  trustee  of  the  same.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Medical  Society  of  Tennessee,  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  a worthy  and 
highly  respected  citizen  of  the  county. 

CLEMENT  J.  MOODY,  one  of  Bedford  County’s  prominent  attorneys  is  a son  of 
Samuel  S.  and  Letitia  (Cannon)  Moody.  The  father  was  born  in  Henry  County,  Tenn. 
He  was  a minister  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  was  a member  of  the  general 
conference  of  1844,  when  the  churches  divided  and  he  adhered  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  He  was  one  of  the  most  eminent  ministers  of  the  church  and  for  many 
years  was  presiding  elder  of  this  district  conference.  He  held  very  prominent  positions 
in  various  places.  His  death  occurred  May  7,  1863.  The  mother  was  a niece  of  Gov. 
Newton  Cannon,  and  her  father  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  pioneers  of  this  county, 
and  gave  the  land  whereon  the  town  of  Shelbyville  was  built.  She  died  July  24,  1880. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a good  early  education,  graduating  at  the  Centre  Col- 
lege, Kentucky,  in  1865.  He  then  read  law  in  Shelbyville  and  in  1867  graduated  in  the 
law  department  of  the  Cumberland  University  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.  He  was  then  admitted 
to  the  Bedford  County  bar  and  has  been  justly  successful  in  the  profession,  ranking  among 
the  leading  criminal  lawyers  of  the  State.  He  was  married  January  18,  1881,  to  Miss 
Sally  C.  M.  Cannon,  daughter  of  John  T.  Cannon,  whose  sketch  appears  in  this  work. 
Mr.  Moody  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Moody 
is  a Royal  Arch  Mason  and  Past  Grand  Master  of  the  Shelbyville  Lodge.  Politically  he  is 
a firm  Democrat,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  spirits  in  his  party. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1165 


JOHN  R.  MOON,  M.  D.,  is  the  eldest  of  seven  children  horn  to  the  union  of  Pleasant 
B..  and  Mary  Ann  Moon.  His  birth  occurred  November  12,  1853.  He  received  good  edu- 
cational advantages,  and  attended  the  Unionville  Academy.  He  began  studying  medicine 
when  quite  young,  and  in  October,  1876,  entered  a medical  college,  from  which  he  gradu- 
ated in  March,  1878.  He  practiced  his  chosen  profession  about  three  years  with 
average  success,  and  in  May,  1882,  he  located  in  Poplin’s  Cross  Roads,  where  he  has  since 
lived  and  established  a good  practice.  William  U.,  born  November  26,  1877 ; Bertha  Erie, 
born  January  6,  1880;  James  P.,  born  November  1,  1881;  John  R.,  born  September  1,  1883, 
and  Mary  Myrtle,  born  May  29,  1885,  are  the  children  born  to  his  union  with  Mattie  M. 
Dryden,  which  took  place  May  7,  1876.  Dr.  Moon  and  wife  are  members  in  good  standing 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  in  his  political  views  he  is  a Republican. 

Q.  E.  MORTON  was  born  September  25,  1835,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  the 
son  of  Jacob  and  Annie  (Fisher)  Morton.  The  father  was  born  February  17,  1787,  in 
North  Carolina,  immigrated  to  Tennessee  about  1814,  and  engaged  in  the  blacksmith 
trade.  He  was  the  first  alderman  of  Shelby ville.  The  mother  was  also  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  and  her  marriage  to  Jacob  Morton,  September  12,  1815,  resulted  in  the  birth  of 
fourteen  children.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty 
began  farming  for  himself,  and  this  he  continued  very  successfully  up  to  the  time  of  the 
late  war.  In  the  spring  of  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  in  the  Twenty-third 
Tennessee  Infantry,  remaining  but  thirteen  months  in  the  regular  service,  when  he  was 
appointed  sutler  of  his  regiment.  He  was  soon  captured,  and  upon  being  released  re- 
turned home  and  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits,  which  he  has  continued  up  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  Previous  to  the  war,  in  1855,  he  wedded  Nancy  M.  Jackson,  of- this  county. 
To  them  were  born  seven  children:  John  J.;  Martha  E.,  wife  of  E.  C.  Barnes;  Mark  J., 
a practicing  physician  of  Center  Grove,  who  was  born  September  8,  1864,  and  graduated 
from  the  medical  department  of  the  State  University,  of  Nashville.  Prior  to  entering  the 
university  he  had  studied  medicine  for  three  years.  He  has  at  present  quite  a good  prac- 
tice, which  is  constantly  increasing.  The  fourth  child  of  our  subject  is  Q.  Emmet;  sixth, 
Rufus  H.,  seventh  Nannie  R.  and  eighth  James  L.  Mr.  Morton  is  a Republican,  and  he 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  He  was  elected  magistrate  in 
1882,  and  this  office  he  filled  in  a highly  satisfactory  manner. 

EDWARD  -A.  MOSELEY,  Jr.,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Thomas  G.  and  Mary  T.  (Sikes) 
Moseley,  and  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  February  17,  1850,  of  English  and 
Welsh  descent.  The  father  was  born  in  Limestone  County,  Ala.,  December  13,  1824,  and 
was  married  December  16,  1846.  To  them  were  born  nine  children.  Thomas  G.  Moseley 
served  in  the  commissary  department  of  the  Confederate  Army  under  Maj.  James  F.  Cum- 
mings. He  served  one  term  in  the  Confederate  Legislature  of  Tennessee  as  a member  of 
the  House  of  Representatives.  He  was  a member  of  the  Senate  in  the  Thirty -ninth  Gen- 
eral Assembly  representing  Bedford  and  Rutherford  Counties.  He  was  a Henry  Clay 
Whig  prior  to  the  war  but  has  been  fully  identified  with  the  Democratic  party  since  that 
time.  Our  subject’s  early  days  were  spent  on  afarm  andin  attending  thecommon  schools, 
after  which  he  took  a business  and  commercial  course  in  Bryant  & Stratton’s  Commercial 
College  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  June  30,  1869,  he  wedded  MissMattie  Thomas,  born  August 
12,  1852,  daughter  of  William  Thomas,  born  in  1807  and  died  in  1861,  and  Jane  (McCrary) 
Thomas,  born  in  1816  and  died  in  1882.  To  them  were  born  the  following  interesting 
family:  Jesse  T.  L.  P.,  Mary  S.,  Maggie  E.,  Janie  T.,  Carrie  Drue,  Mattie  Louise  and  Bes- 
sie. Mr.  Moseley  is  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  and  wife 
and  three  eldest  daughters  belong  to  the  Missionary  'Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Moseley  is  the 
owner  of  200  acres  of  land,  and  the  most  of  his  attention  is  given  to  raising  Norman  and 
Clydesdale  horses,  of  which  he  has  many  fine  specimens. 

GEORGE  P.  MUSE,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  January  29,  1844, 
and  is  the  son  of  Orville  and  Malinda  M.  (Ross)  Muse.  His  father  was  born  in  Virginia 
November  13,  1806,  and  his  mother  was  born  in  South  Carolina  April  26,  1809.  The  Muse 
family  are  among  the  early  settlers  of  the  State,  coming  here  when  Tennessee  was  but  a 


73 


1166 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


wilderness.  Our  subject  lives  on  a farm  adjoining  the  one  his  grandfather  settled  on  af- 
ter immigrating  to  this  State.  Our  subject  is  the  sixth  in  a family  of  ten  children  born  to 
his  parents.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a fair  practical  education.  He  en- 
listed in  the  Second  Regiment  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate  States  Army,  under  Col. 
(now  Gov.)  Bate,  at  the  youthful  age  of  sixteen,  and  served  throughout  the  entire  war. 
He  participated  in  the  battles  of  first  Manassas,  Shiloh  and  Richmond,  Ky.  He  was  se- 
verely wounded  in  the  latter  engagement,  captured  and  paroled  within  the  Federal  lines. 
After  recovering  sufficiently  he  was  taken  to  Camp  Douglas,  where  he  was  held  three 
months  and  then  exchanged.  He  then  joined  his  regiment  in  Tennessee.  After  this  he 
was  clerk  in  Cleburne’s  commissary  department,  and  was  again  captured  while  retreating 
from  Dalton.  He  was  held  in  Rock  Island,  111.,  until  near  the  close  of  the  war.  Since 
the  war  our  subject  has  served  the  public  fourteen  years;  six  years  in  the  capacity  of  con- 
stable, four  years  as  sheriff  and  four  years  as  deputy-sheriff.  November  8,  1866,  he  wed- 
ded Miss  Mary  J.  Wright,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  the  daughter  of  Whitfield 
Wright.  Their  children  are  seven  in  number — four  sons  and  three  daughters.  Mr.  Muse 
has  a fine  farm  of  110  acres,  and  he  is  a Democrat,  an  Odd  Fellow,  a Knight  of  Honor 
and  a Royal  Arcanum.  Mrs.  Muse  and  one  son  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South. 

WILL  J.  MUSE,  clerk  of  the  County  Court  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  December 
5,  1844,  near  Shelbyville.  The  Muse  family  originated  in  the  United  States  from  two 
brothers,  James  and  George  Muse,  who  came  from  England  to  North  Carolina.  George 
went  to  Virginia  and  James  remained  in  North  Carolina.  Our  subject  is  a descendant 
of  the  latter.  The  father  of  Will  J.  was  Jo  C.  Muse,  and  the  mother  was  Mary  A.  Muse, 
the  parents  being  cousins.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  mechanic,  and  was  identified 
with  the  public  interests  of  this  county.  The  maternal  grandfather,  John  T.  Muse,  was,, 
when  quite  young,  bmong  the  first  settlers  of  this  State.  He  was  an  able  minister  of  the 
Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  founded  the  first  church  of  that  denomination  in  this 
county.  He  died  suddenly  while  in  the  preparation  of  a sermon,  having  eloquently 
preached  away  a lifetime.  Will  J.  was-  reared  on  a farm  and  had  limited  educational 
advantages.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  entered  Company  B,  of  Turney’s  First  Tennes- 
see and  served  throughout  the  war.  He  was  promoted  from  a private  to  the  captaincy  of 
his  company.  He  received  eleven  wounds,  three  of  which  were  very  serious.  Returning 
from  the  army  he  attended  school  three  years  and  taught  one  year.  For  three  years  he 
then  clerked  in  a store.  Subsequently  he  and  a brother  engaged  in  merchandising  till 
1882.  He  was  elected  to  his  office  in  August,  1882,  and  has  filled  it  with  general  satisfac- 
tion to  his  constituents.  He  was  married  in  1872  to  Nannie  Russell,  the  results  of  this 
union  being  two  children:  Henry  Kirk  White  and  Georgie  Avva.  Both  Mr.  Muse  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  0. 
O.  F.  In  politics  he  is  a firm  Democrat. 

THOMAS  NANCE  is  a son  of  Clements  Nance,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  who 
was  born  in  1810  and  spent  his  boyhood  on  a farm.  He  received  a practical  education, 
and  wedded  Mary  Tune,  daughter  of  William  Tune,  of  Virginia,  and  to  them  were  boru 
William  T.,  Thomas,  Mary,  Reuben  and  Clement.  Three  of  the  children  are  now  living. 
In  1826  Mr.  Nance  immigrated  to  Tennessee,  locating  near  Shelbyville,  where  he  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1833  Mr.  Nance  went  to  Missouri  and  died  in  Ray  County  in 
1841.  Thomas  Nance,  our  subject,  was  born  October  17,  1837,  in  Missouri.  He  came  to 
Tennessee  when  he  was  but  seven  years  of  age,  and  his  early  days  were  spent  in  laboring 
on  a farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools  of  his  neighborhood.  He  began  black- 
smithing  and  followed  that  occupation  for  about  twenty  years.  In  1872  he  moved  to 
where  he  now  resides.  December  14,  1859,  he  wedded  Miss  Sarah  B.  Coates,  daughter 
of  P.  H.  Coates,  and  six  children  have  been  born  to  their  union:  Thomas  H.,  James 
E.,  Julia  E.,  Carrie  E.,  William  G.  and  Martha  E.,  all  of  whom  are  living.  In  1883'Mr. 
Nance  was  elected  magistrate  of  his  district  and  is  filling  the  duties  of  that  office  at  the 
present  time.  Mr.  Nance  is  a Mason,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Nance  are  members  of  the  Mission- 
ary Baptist  Church. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1167 


P.  W.  NORMAN  was  born  June  20,  1818,  and  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  a farm,  re- 
ceiving a common  school  education.  He  began  life  as  a farmer,  and  was  married  in  1840 
to  Miss  T.  E.  Webb,  daughter  of  Isaac  Webb,  of  Rutherford  County,  and  six  children 
have  blessed  their  union:  Elizabeth  A.,  Catharine  J.,  Sarah  G.,  Amanda  R.  and  James 
L.,  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Norman  died  in  1874,  and  Mr.  Norman  took  for 
his  second  wife  Mrs.  Fannie  E.  (Smith)  Webb.  Her  father,  Morgan  Smith,  died  at  his 
home  near  Shelbyville,  October  4,  1875.  He  was  a Democrat.  Mr.  Norman’s  last  mar- 
riage occurred  November  2,  1884.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  His  father,  Henry  Norman,  was 
born  in  the  ‘ Palmetto  State,”  and  came  to  Tennessee  with  his  father  when  he  was  but 
nine  years  of  age.  He  was  married  when  quite  young  to  Elizabeth  Aubery,  and  by  her 
became  the  father  of  seven  children,  only  two  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mrs.  Norman 
died  in  1850,  and  her  husband  took  for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Sallie  White,  in  1851.  She 
died  in  1854,  and  he  then  married,  in  1857,  Mrs.  Becky  Caldwell.  Mr.  Norman  died  in  1867. 

W.  C.  ORR  and  family  reside  in  the  Eighth  Civil  District  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn., 
six  miles  north  of  Shelbyville,  their  home  being  located  on  the  Middletown  road.  The 
family  consists  of  the  father,  above  named,  born  February  14,  1829,  and  four  children : 
William  M.,  born  November  6,  1854;  David  F.,  born  June  6,  1859;  Mary  A.,  born  March 
18,  1862,  and  Minnie  J.,  born  August  3,  1866.  There  are  two  vacancies  in  the  family, 
caused  by  the  death  of  the  mother.  Temperance  Orr  ( nee  Miller),  born  in  August,  1830, 
and  died  May  14,  1876,  and  John  Fain,  the  eldest  child,  who  died  in  infancy.  W.  C.  Orr 
is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Penelope  (Morgan)  Orr,  who  were 
early  settlers  of  Bedford  County,  being  emigrants  from  the  Carolinas.  Mr.  Orr  is  a 
farmer,  and  served  as  magistrate  of  his  district  from  1870  to  1876.  His  wife  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Nathaniel  Miller,  of  Rutherford  County,  and  married  our  subject  in  1854.  She  was 
a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Orr  obtained  a fair  education  in  the 
common  branches,  and  became  an  adept  in  penmanship,  which  he  taught  a few  years. 
In  1878  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Drs.  Evans  & Fite,  of  Shelbyville,  and  the 
same  year  attended  lectures  in  the  medical  department  of  the  Vanderbilt  University,  of 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  read  and  practiced  at  home  until  the  fall  of  1881,  when  he  attended 
his  second  course  in  the  same  institution  and  took  his  degree  at  the  close  of  the  spring 
term  of  1882.  Returning  home  he  located  with  his  father,  where  he  has  since  practiced 
his  chosen  profession.  D.  F.  Orr,  son  of  W.  C.  Orr,  received  a common  school  educa- 
tion, and  attended  the  Shelbyville  Normal  and  High  School  for  three  years,  and  graduated 
in  1879.  He  afterward  taught  in  the  various  public  schools  of  Bedford  and  Rutherford  Coun- 
ties, and  in  the  fall  of  1884  attended  his  first  course  of  lectures  in  the  Vanderbilt  Univer- 
sity. He  returned  home  and  taught  school  eight  months,  and  then  returned  to  college  and 
graduated  at  the  close  of  the  session  in  1886.  Mary  A.  Orr  also  received  a good  education, 
having  attended  the  Shelbyville  Normal  and  High  School,  the  Soule  Female  College  at 
Murfreesboro  and  the  Winchester  Normal  College.  For  several  years  she  has  been  teach 
ing  in  Bedford  and  Rutherford  Counties.  Minnie  J.  Orr  attended  school  two  years  at  the 
Winchester  Normal,  and  is  now  teaching  her  first  school. 

ISAIAH  PARKER,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  June  5,  1830.  He  is  the  son  of 
Joseph  and  Fana  (Howard)  Parker.  The  father  was  a native  of  South  Carolina,  born  in 
1805.  In  1819  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Lincoln  County,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1828.  From  there  he  went  to  Bedford  County  and  bought  land  in  the 
Twenty-second  District.  He  was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  at  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1885,  he  was  worth  a large  amount  of  property,  owning  a large  number  of 
slaves  before  the  war.  He  was  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  The  mother 
was  born  in  Virginia  August  12, 1812,  and  died  August  12,  1859.  The  family  is  of  Euglish- 
Irish  descent.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  received  a limited  education,  and 
was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Razier,  a native  of  this  county.  To  them  were  born  eight 
children:  Charles  G.,  B.,  A.  F.,  Edward,  Joseph,  Lizzie,  Dora  and  Willie.  Mr.  Parker  is 
one  of  the  substantial  farmers  of  the  county,  owning  about  1,200  acres  of  fine  land.  He 


1168 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


is  a firm  Democrat  and  a leading  citizen.  From  1854  to  1859  he  was  postmaster  in  Lin- 
coln County.  He  was  also  colonel  of  the  militia  in  1858,  and  was  justice  of  the  peace 
about  the  same  time. 

GEORGE  W.  PARSONS  was  born  in  1821  in  the  State  of  Tennessee.  His  father,  G. 
W.  Parsons,  was  born  in  Virgipia  in  1788  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1807,  and  here  mar- 
ried our  subject’s  mother,  Margaret  Fisher,  in  1809.  They  became  the  parents  of  thirteen 
children— four  daughters  and  nine  sons.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  millwright  by 
trade,  and  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  died  in  1842  and  the  mother  in  1854.  Our  sub- 
ject began  farming  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty  years,  and  in  1843  purchased  part  of 
his  present  farm,  which  he  has  increased  to  247  acres.  In  1857  he  was  elected  justice  of 
the  peace  of  his  district  and  held  the  office  until  1870.  In  1882  he  was  again  elected,  and 
has  held  the  office  up  to  the  present  time.  He  has  been  a director  of  the  Shelbyville  & 
Unionville  Pike  for  the  past  twelve  years,  and  is  a stockholder  in  the  same.  He  is  well 
known  throughout  the  county  and  has  been  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  since  1849. 
He  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  IJTo.  315,  and  in  politics  is  an  old  Whig-Democrat.  He 
was  married  in  1843  to  Elizabeth  Allison,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1825  and  is  the 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  (White)  Allison.  To  them  were  born  these  children: 
Mary  F.,  born  in  1844;  Anna  L.,  born  in  1846;  Michael  F.,  born  in  1850;  William  J.,  born 
in  1848  and  died  in  1866;  Yolney  S.,  born  in  1852;  Sarah  E.,  born  in  1854;  Cynthia  J., 
born  in  1856,;  John  C.,  born  in  1860;  Safrone  A.,  born  in  1862;  George  N.,  born  in  1865, 
and  Bunie  C.,  born  in  1868. 

JOHN  W.  PARSONS  is  a son  of  George  W.  and  Margaret  (Fisher)  Parsons  (see  G. 
W.  Parsons  for  father’s  sketch),  and  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  January  3, 
1824,  and  has  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  on  a farm.  At  the  age  of  twenty- two  he 
left  home  and  began  the  battle  of  life  for  himself,  and  by  his  energy  and  perseverance 
accumulated  considerable  property.  In  1846  he  located  on  his  present  farm  of  343  acres, 
and  erected  a neat  residence.  He  lost  considerable  property  in  the  late  war,  but  did  not 
participate  in  that  struggle.  October  6,  1846,  he  married  Ruth  C.  Allison,  daughter  of 
Robert  and  Elizabeth  (White)  Allison.  She  was  born  August  12,  1818,  and  bore  her 
husband  the  following  children:  George  A.,  born  in  1848;  Robert,  born  in  1850;  William 

C.,  born  in  1853;  Sarah  J.,  born  in  1854;  Mary  E.,  born  in  1856  and  died  in  1873;  Newton 
H.,  born  in  1858.  June  20,  1881,  Mrs.  Parsons  died,  and  Mr.  Parsons  then  led  to  Hymen’s 
altar  Catharine  Sanders,  daughter  of  Alexander  and  Jane  (Robinson)  Sanders,  who  were 
born  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  Mrs.  Parsons  was  born  August  10,  1838, 
and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  Parsons  is  a stanch  sup- 
porter of  Democracy. 

GRANVILLE  C.  PEARSON,  farmer,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  July 
20,  1831,  son  of  Hiram  and  Matilda  B.  (Wilson)  Pearson,  and  of  English  descent.  The 
father  was  born  in  Pittsylvania  County,  Va.,  April  9,  1797,  and  in  the  year  1819  he 
wedded  Matilda  Wilson,  who  was  born  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn,,  May  12,  1802.  The 
father  died  November  29,  1876,  and  the  mother  February  14,  1877.  To  this  worthy  cou- 
ple were  born  ten  children,  our  subject  being  the  sixth.  The  Pearson  family  was  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Tennessee,  the  father  of  our  subjcet  having  settled  in  Rutherford 
County  in  1818.  Our  subject  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  late  war  he  enlisted  in  the~Confederate  Army,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry, under  Col.  Starnes.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Knox- 
ville, Resaca  and  other  actions.  He  was  with  Gen.  Forrest  when  he  captured  the  large 
Federal  forces  under  command  of  Gen.  Straight,  and  was  a member  of  Jefferson  Davis’ 
escort  from  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  to  Washington,  Ga.  He  has  now  in  his  possession  eighteen 
Mexican  silver  dollars  of  the  coinage  of  1861,  which  were  paid  to  him  by  the  order  of 
President  Davis  for  services  in  the  army.  These  he  prizes  very  highly  as  relics  of  that 
memorable  struggle.  Our  subject  has  a fine  farm  of  110  acres,  on  which  he  lives,  sur- 
rounded with  the  general  comforts  of  life.  He  devotes  the  principal  part  of  his  time  and 
attention  to  raising  fine  stock — horses,  cattle  and  mules.  The  father  of  our  subject  was 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1169 


among  the  most  enterprising  stock  raisers  of  his  locality,  owning  at  one  time  500  acres  of 
land,  hut  lost  heavily  in  the  war. 

THOMAS  B.  PHILPOTT,  son  of  Charles  T.  and  Rebecca  (Hix)  Philpott,  was  born  in 
Bedford  County,  December  7,  1847.  His  father  was  a native  of  Virginia,  immigrating  to 
this  State  with  his  father  when  quite  young,  and  settled  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  a 
saddler  by  occupation,  and  worked  at  his  trade  forty-five  years  in  this  county.  He  is  now 
living  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-four  years,  and  is  the  father  of  ten  children:  William, 
John  H.,  Sarah  (deceased)  Joshua  A.  (deceased),  Demarcus  (deceased),  Elisha  C. 
(deceased),  Nancy  A.,  Charles  N.  (deceased),  James  and  Thomas  B.  Our  subject  grew  to 
manhood  on  the  farm,  and  was  educated  in  the  common  schools.  In  1864  he  was  married 
to  Miss  McFarland,  and  nine  children  blessed  this  union:  Rebecca  E.,  Charles  N.,  Edward 
L.,  Nancy  A.  James,  Jacob,  Ernest,  Minnie  and  William,  all  living.  Our  subject  has  all 
his  life  followed  agricultural  pursuits  and  has  been  quite  successful.  He  now  owns  360 
acres  of  finely  improved  land  in  the  Twenty- third  District,  and  is  a leading  man  of  the 
county. 

M.  P.  PICKLE  was  born  August  24,  1838,  in  Farmington,  Marshall  Co.,  Tenn.  His 
father,  Maj.  Pickle,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  in  1813,  and  was  a successful 
farmer.  He  died  in  March,  1862,  in  this  county.  Our  subject’s  mother,  Catherine  Pickle, 
was  born  in  Williamson  County  in  1813,  and  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy- 
three.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  twenty  years  of 
age.  He  then  engaged  in  farming  for  himself.  In  1869  he  engaged  in  the  merchandise 
business  in  this  county,  which  he  continued  for  about  six  years.  He  then  moved  his  busi- 
ness to  Rich  Creek,  Marshall  County,  where  he  sold  goods  for  about  two  years,  after 
which  he  sold  his  interest  and  again  returned  to  agricultural  pursuits,  together  with  stock 
raising.  Since  1884  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  shipping  cedar  lumber 
exclusively.  July  29,  1859,  he  was  married  to  Mary  Ann  Frances  Atkisson,  of  this  county, 
who  was  born  April  23,  1837.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  nine  children,  two  of 
whom,  Andrew  and  Murry  F.,  are  dead.  The  names  of  the  seven  living  are,  respectively, 
Major  A.,  James  M.,  George  W.,  Sarah  E.,  Henry  J.,  Annie  C.  and  Minerva  P.  Our 
subject’s  educational  advantages  were  not  of  the  best,  consequently  he  received  but  a 
district  school  education.  Owing  to  this  he  has  always  felt  a deep  interest  in  all  enter- 
prises pertaining  to  the  education  of  the  rising  generation.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  was  ordained  deacon  about  1868.  He  has  al- 
ways been  a peaceful,  quiet  man,  and  has  never  been  summoned  before  the  court  for  any 
misdemeanor  whatever.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 

M.  A.  PICKLE,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  April  11,  1859,  son  of 
P.  Murry  and  Mary  Ann  Frances  (Atkisson)  Pickle.  (For  further  particulars  of  parents 
see  sketch  of  M.  P.  Pickle.)  Our  subject  worked  on  the  farm  with  his  father  and  received 
a rather  limited  education.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  entered  the  high  school  at  Pal- 
metto, Tenn.,  and  continued  there  two  years.  He  then  engaged  in  farming  in  connection 
with  school-teaching,  working  on  the  farm  in  the  spring  and  teaching  in  the  fall.  This 
he  continued  for  about  four  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in*the  merchandise  business  at 
Bedford  with  very  flattering  prospects.  January  5,  1881,  he  wedded  Ella  Dry  den,  of  this 
county,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child — William  Franklin.  Our  subject  is  a good 
citizen  and  an  honorable  man.  He  is  a member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  Mrs. 
Pickle  a member  ef  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  North.  In  politics  he  is  a Repub- 
lican, but  strictly  speaking  he  is  not  a party  man. 

C.  B.  RANEY,  farmer,  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  June  18,  1838,  son  of  John  W. 
and  Catharine  (Rolinson)  Raney.  The  father  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1806,  and 
immigrated  to  this  county  at  an  early  day,  settling  in  Bedford  County.  He  was  the  father 
of  a family  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  John  W.  Raney  was  a 
farmer,  and  was  accidentally  killed  in  1841.  He  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Free-Will 
Baptist  Church.  The  mother  is  still  living.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm, 
and  in  1865  began  working  for  himself.  Previous  to  this  he  had  enlisted  in  the  Confederate 


1170 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Army,  in  the  Forty-first  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  in  1861  was  elected  lieutenant  in  the 
company,  but  gave  up  his  position  to  make  harmony  in  the  ranks,  and  acted  as  orderly 
sergeant.  He  was  again  elected  lieutenant,  and  was  soon  made  second  lieutenant  of  the 
company.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson  and  carried  to  Camp  Morton,  where  he  re- 
mained eight  months.  He  was  then  exchanged,  and  went  back  into  service,  and  was  in 
the  battles  of  Vicksburg,  Jackson,  Raymond,  Port  Hudson,  Corinth,  Chickamauga  and 
numerous  other  important  battles,  as  his  regiment  was  never  in  any  important  engagement 
without  him.  In  1878  he  was  married  to  Miss  Victoria  Campbell,  and  to  this  union  two 
children  were  born:  Eunice  and  William.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Democrat. 

GEORGE  W.  READ  was  born  in  Dyer  County,  Tenn.,  November  29,  1824,  and  is  a 
son  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  (Gentry)  Read.  The  father  was  born  October  28,  1796,  in 
Virginia,  and  immigrated  to  Tennessee  about  1802.  He  remained  in  this  State  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  which, occurred  in  December.  1883.  The  mother  was  born  in  1802  and 
died  about  1841.  Our  subject’s  educational  advantages  were  rather  limited,  but,  notwith- 
standing, he  is  considered  a man  of  sound  judgment  and  good  sense.  September  30,  1846, 
he  wedded  Ann  E.  Brooks,  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  the  result  of  this  union  was 
the  birth  of  eleven  children:  Sarah  E.,  Robert  C.,  Mary  J.,  Martha  W.,  Ann  E.,  James  C., 
John  B.,  William  L.,  Lou  H.,  Aldora  and  George  S.  The  five  eldest  died  within  ten  days 
of  each  other,  of  scarlet  fever.  The  tenth  died  in  early  childhood.  Mr.  Read  has  been 
very  successful  in  his  businesss  transactions.  He  is  scrupulously  honest  and  honorable  in 
every  particular.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Democrat 
iu  politics.  , 

■J.  C.  READ  was  born  February  3,  1859,  in  this  State.  He  is  the  son  of  G.  W.,  and 
Ann  Eliza  (Brooks)  Read.  (For  further  particulars  of  parents-  see  sketch  of  G.  W. 
Read.)  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  assisted  his  father  until  he  was  twenty- 
two  years  of  age.  In  1882  and  1883  he  was  sight  seeing,  traveling  over  Texas,  Arkansas, 
Missouri,  Mississippi,  Alabama  and  Kentucky.  Upon  returning  home  he  engaged  in  ag- 
ricultural pursuits  and  this  he  continued  until  1885  at  which  time  he  engaged  in  the  mer- 
chandising business  at  Center  Grove,  in  partnership  with  his  brother,  W.  L.  Read. 
December  18,  1881,  our  subject  wedded  Callie  J.  Bullock,  of  this  county,  and  to  them 
were  born  three  children:  Richard  L.,  Robert  A.  and  George  W.  Mr.  Read  is  an  energetic 
and  active  young  business  man,  and  has  the  power  and  determination  to  make  his  mark 
in  the  world.  Politically  he  is  a DemociAtt. 

ROBERT  REAVES,  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  of  the  Twenty-third  District  of  Bed- 
ford County,  was  born  November  14,  1833,  and  is  the  son  of  Isom  and  Rachel  (Morgan) 
Reaves.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina  and  when  a young  man  immigrated 
to  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  settled  in  the  Twenty-third  District.  He  was  a farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  and  was  successful  in  all  his  undertakings.  He  was  worth  considerable  prop- 
erty at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  January  1,  187!.  He  was  the  father  of  five 
children:  Benjamin,  John,  Robert,  Frances  M.  and  Jane.  Isom  Reaves  was  twice  mar- 
ried, bis  first  wife  being  a Miss  Chaney  Coggens;  three  children  were  born  to  them,  all 
dead  but  one,  named  William.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a limited 
education  in  the  common  schools.  In  1855  Miss  Martha  Morgan  became  his  wife,  and 
this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  five  children:  Bettie  F.,  Mary  J.,  Robert  A.,  Dulcenia 
and  Emmet.  Mary  J.  died  in  1869  and  Robert  A.  died  the  same  year.  When  the  war 
broke  out  our  subject  acted  as  escort  to  Gen.  Forrest.  He  was  under  Capt.  Little  and  par- 
ticipated in  all  the  battles  in  which  his  command  was  engaged.  Pie  owns  a fine  tract  of 
land  and  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the  county. 

WILLIAM  RUSSELL,  editor  of  the  Bedford  County  Times,  was  born  April  27,  1852, 
being  the  son  of  B.  L.  and  Ermine  (Clark)  Russell,  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  is  a 
retired  citizen  of  Shelby ville,  Tenn.,  and  during  active  life  was  a merchant  tailor  by  avo- 
cation. Mr.  Russell  is  a practical  printer,  and  has  held  positions  on  the  following  papers: 
The  American  Union,  American  Reserve,  Commercial,  Gazette,  of  Shelbyville,  and  on  the 
Rural  Sun,  of  Nashville,  the  Clarksville  Tobacco  Leaf,  Pulaski  Citizen,  Favettville  Ex- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1171 


press  and  Chatanooga  Times.  The  Bedford  Times  was  established  in  February,  1886,  and 
is  in  a flourishing  condition. 

ROBERT  COLUMBUS  RUSS,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Shelbyville  (Tenn.)  Com- 
mercial, was  born  in  Fayetteville,  N.  C.,  September  5, 1824,  being  one  of  twelve  children — 
six  boys  and  six  girls — born  to  James  and  Eunice  (Steeley)  Russ,  both  natives  of  North 
Carolina;  the  former  being  born  June  29,  1790,  and  the  latter  October  17,  1791,  and  both  of 
whom  died  in  Shelbyville.  Tenn.  Our  subject’s  paternal  grandparents  were  William  and 
Hannah  Russ,  the  former  being  a native  of  Russia,  and  the  latter  of  Scotland;  and  his  ma- 
ternal grandparents  were  William  and  Lexy  Steeley.  Only  three  of  the  twelve  children 
born  to  our  subject’s  parents  are  living,  viz.;  Our  subject,  his  brother,  A.  J.  Russ,  and  his 
sister,  Mary  Jane  Fausett.  Our  subject  set  in  to  learn  the  “art  preservative”  in  1840 
with  his  brother  James  and  William  L.  Berry,  in  Fayetteville,  and  began  editing  and  pub- 
lishing a paper  in  Shelbyville  in  18—,  and  has  continued  in  that  capacity  to  the  present, 
having  published  eight  papers  altogether.  Our  subject  was  married  to  Euphamie  M., 
daughter  of  John  Crawford,  at  Cedar  Springs,  Marshall  Co.,  Tenn.,  December  14,  1848, 
and  to  them  have  been  born  twelve  children — six  boys  and  six  girls — all  of  whom  have  died 
except  four  boys  and  one  girl.  The  Commercial  is  the  oldest  newspaper  in  Shelbyville, 
is  Democratic,  and  wields  considerable  influence  as  a local  and  party  paper. 

L.  H.  RUSS  was  born  in  Lewisburg,  Tenn,,  March  3,  1843.  His  father,  James  Russ, 
was  a printer  and  publisher.  He  came  to  Bedford  County  in  1847  and  established  a 
newspaper  and  continued  to  publish  papers  until  his  death  in  1869.  The  mother  was 
Margaret  E.  Laird.  She  died  in  1857.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Shelbyville  and  learned 
the  printer’s  trade.  In  1869  he,  with  a brother,  established  the  Shelbyville  Commercial  and 
published  that  paper  one  year.  He  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  a short  time. 
From  1870  to  1873,  he  was  not  settled  in  any  regular  business.  In  1873  he  established  the 
wagon  and  buggy  manufactory  which  he  yet  runs.  He  manf  actures  the  New  South  wagons, 
buggies,  carriages,  etc.  He  has  a stock  of  about  $6,000,  and  does  about  $12,000  annual  bus- 
iness. He  was  married  in  October,  1869,  to  Theodosia  H.  Hobbs,  daughter  of  George  W. 
and  ,Sarah  Hobbs,  residents  of  this  county.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  this  union, 
three  of  whom  are  now  living:  George  H.,  James  L.  and  Lucy  E.  Those  who  died  were 
Harry  L.  and  Thomas  B.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russ  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South,  and  Mr.  Russ  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason  and  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He 
was  one  of  the  “boys  in  gray,”  serving  in  Forrest’s  escort  from  1863  till  December,  1864, 
when  he  was  captured  and  held  a prisoner  till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  fourth  corpo- 
ral of  the  escort. 

JOHN  W.  RUTH,  the  clever  and  enterprising  jeweler  of  Shelbyville,  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 27,  1839,  in  Shelbyville,  being  a son  of  George  W.  Ruth.  The  father  was  born  in 
Granville  County,  N.  C.,  in  1799.  A short  time  before  George  Washington  died,  when  on 
his  last  Southern  tour,  he  passed  by  the  house  where  George  W.  Ruth  was  born  only  a 
short  time  before.  He  stopped  and  lifted  the  infant  in  his  arms,  and  then  and  there  it 
was  named  George  Washington  Ruth  in  remembrance  of  the  incident  and  of  the  great 
man.  The  father  came  to  this  county  in  1822.  He  married,  lived  and  died  here,  being  a 
jeweler  by  occupation.  He  was  a very  prominent  citizen  of  the  county,  and  for  many 
years  was  a magistrate.  He  was  mayor  of  Shelbyville  two  terms,  and  was  identified  with 
the  public  interests  all  his  life.  He  was  a leading  member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  and  for  many  years  was  a steward.  Politically  he  was  a Democrat. 
His  death  occurred  in  August,  1858.  His  father  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolution- 
ary war.  The  mother  of  John  W.  was  born  in  Baltimore  County,  Md.,  and  came  to 
Shelbyville  when  quite  young.  She  was  born  in  1804  and  died  in  1863.  The 
ancestry  of  John  W.  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  predominating  in  Scotch  blood. 
The  immediate  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  in  Shelbyville  and  learned  his 
father’s  trade,  which  has  been  his  life  time  business.  He  is  also  joined  by  his  son  in  the 
business  now,  the  name  of  the  firm  being  John  W.  Ruth  & Son.  He  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  mayor  of  Shelbyville  in  1873,  and  served  till  1875.  In  1885  he  was  re-elected  to 


1172 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


the  same  office,  and  is  now  the  incumbent.  He  was  married,  in  1865,  to  Miss  Fannie  E. 
Newton,  who  bore  him  three  children,  viz.:  Albert  H.,  Anne  C.  and  Weakley  D.  Mr. 
Ruth  and  his  two  oldest  children  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 
He  is  a Knight  Templar  Mason  and  a Knight  of  Honor.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat, 
but  conservative  in  his  views.  He  is  a popular,  genial  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Shelby- 
ville. 

JOHN  W.  RUTLEDGE,  Sr.,  one  of  Bedford  County’s  farmers,  was  born  January 
12, 1823,  in  Bedford  County,  being  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  Davenport  Rutledge,  natives  of 
South  Carolina.  The  parents  were  married  in  their  native  State  and  came  to  Bedford 
County  in  the  very  early  settlement  of  the  county.  John  W.  was  reared  on  a farm  and 
secured  but  a common  school  education,  the  schools  then  being  in  an  undeveloped  condi- 
tion. He  began  farming  for  himself  when  grown,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven  mar- 
ried. He  continued  to  farm  and  deal  in  live-stock  extensively.  He  now  owns  108  acres  of 
land,  with  seventy-five  acres  under  cultivation.  He  was  married  November  22,  1849,  to 
Eunice  M.  Warner,  daughter  of  John  and  Eunice  (Dixon)  Warner,  natives  of  North  Car- 
olina. They  came  to  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  when  small,  and  thence  to  Bedford  County, 
where  they  lived  and  died.  The  father  was  born  in  1783,  and  the  mother  in  1792;  they  were 
married  November  11,  1810.  The  father  was  a sheriff  of  Bedford  County  for  many  years; 
he  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  May  17,  1834,  and  the  mother  died  October  2, 
1852.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rutledge  are  parents  of  four  children,  viz. : John  G.,  who  died  young; 
Warner  G. ; Eunice  M.,  the  wife  of  Thomas  L.  Thompson,  and  John  W.  All  the  family 
are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  all  are  Democrats  in  politics.  War- 
ner G.  Rutledge  was  married  December  4,  1874,  to  Miss  Julia  L.  Phillips,  who  died  Janu- 
ary 16,  1876,  after  becoming  the  mother  of  a child,  Julia  L.,  who  also  died  July  16,  1876. 
He  is  store-keeper  and  gauger  in  the  revenue  service  in  the  Middle  and  West  Divisions  of 
Tennessee. 

RUTLEDGE  & THOMPSON,  dealers  in  a general  line  of  groceries  and  provisions 
in  Shelby ville,  do  a leading  business  in  the  town.  The  firm  is  composed  of  John  W. 
Rutledge,  Jr.,  and  Thomas  L.  Thompson.  John  W.  Rutledge,  Jr.,  was  born  July  20, 
I860,  being  a son  of  John  W.  Rutledge,  Sr.  He  was  married,  December  26,  1884,  to  Katie 
Nease,  the  result  of  this  union  being'  one  son,  John  H.  Mr.  Rutledge  is  captain  of  the 
Shelbyville  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  and  an  enterprising  young  business  man.  Thomas 
L.  Thompson  was  born  August  4,  1850,  to  the  marriage  of  Thomas  Thompson  and 
Tranquilla  Stephens.  Both  parents  were  natives  of  Bedford  County,  the  mother  being  of 
North  Carolina  ancestry.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  Thomas  L.  was  reared  on  a 
farm.  He  was  married,  February  25,  1875,  to  Miss  Eunice  M.  Rutledge,  daughter  of 
John  W.  Rutledge,  Sr.  Four  children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  viz.:  Thomas  L., 
Mary  A.,  John  W.  and  Hiram  S.  The  firm  of  Rutledge  & Thompson  was  established 
October  24,  1878.  They  were  burned  out  October  22,  1885,  and  are  now  preparing  to 
build  a commodious  brick  building.  They  also  deal  in  mules  and  fine  horses. 

ALBERT  P.  RYALL,  M.  D.,  son  of  Thomas  C.  and  Elizabeth  (Scudder)  Ryall,  was 
born  March  30,  1840.  His  father  was  a native  of  New  Jersey,  born  in  April,  1809.  Eight 
children  were  born  to  him,  viz.:  Johnston  S.,  Albert  P.,  Walter  S.,  Thomas,  Henry  C., 
Elizabeth  R.  (deceased),  Juliet  S.  and  William  (deceased).  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ryall  died  in 
August,  1856.  She  was  a worthy  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Thomas  C.  Ryall, 
our  subject’s  father,  had  the  advantage  of  a good  education,  and  in  early  life  began  the 
study  of  law.  He  entered  the  law  school  at  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and  graduated  from  that  in- 
stitution. He  then  began  the  practice  of  law  at  Freeholm,  N.  J.,  but  remained  there  but 
a short  time,  as  his  health  was  failing.  He  then  traveled  extensively  in  South  America, 
and  is  now  living  in  Bedford  County,  and  is  one  of  its  most  highly  respected  citizens. 
Our  subject  had  the  advantage  of  a good  education  in  Shelbyville,  and  in  1860  began  the 
study  of  medicine.  The  war  coming  on  broke  into  his  studies,  as  he  enlisted  in  the  Con- 
federate Army  in  the  Twenty-sixth  Tennessee  Regiment,  and  was  assistant  surgeon  of 
that  regiment,  which  position  he  held  thirteen  months.  He  was  then  assigned  surgeon  in 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1173 


the  hospital  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  where  he  remained  ten  months.  From  there  he  went  to 
Columbus,  Ga.,  in  the  same  capacity.  After  the  war  he  returned  to  his  county,  and  in 
1865  entered  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia,  graduating  with  honors 
from  that  institution  in  1867.  He  then  went  to  Augustine,  Fla.,  and  began  the  practice 
of  medicine.  At  the  end  of  two  years  he  came  to  Bedford  County,  and  has  been  prac- 
ticing his  profession  here  ever  since.  He  has  an  extensive  practice,  and  is  one  of  the 
progressive  and  leading  men  of  the  county.  He  now  owns  a finely  improved  farm  of  400 
acres,  and  is  quite  successful  in  a financial  sense. 

THOMAS  C.  RYALL,  Sr.,  a prominent  retired  citizen  of  Bedford  County,  whs  born 
April  19,  1809,  in  Trenton  1ST.  J.,  his  parents  being  natives  of  New  Jersey,  and  of  English 
descent.  He  read  law  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  began  the  practice  of  that  profession, 
which  he  continued  in  New  Jersey  for  five  or  six  years.  He  then,  on  account  of  his. 
health,  accepted  an  offer  from  Post  Capt.  David  Deacon,  United  States  Navy,  who  was 
ordered  to  command  of  the  United  States  Frigate  “Brandywine,”  to  accompany  him  on  a 
cruise  three  jrnars  to  the  Pacific  Coast.  In  this  expedition  he  served  as  captain’s  clerk, 
judge  advocate  on  court  martial  and  officated  pro  tempore  as  secretary  to  Com.  Wads- 
worth, the  commander  of  the  squadron.  On  his  return,  in  reward  for  his  services, 
he  was  presented  with  a written  request  signed  by  all  the  officers  of  the  squadron  to 
the  proper  authorities,  to  procure  a pursership  in  the  naval  service,  but  in  New  Jersey 
he  met  Miss  Elizabeth  Scudder,  of  Nashville,  and  granddaughter  of  Dr.  John  Scudder,  the 
famous  East  Indian  missionary.  He  soon  came  to  Nashville  and  married  her.  He  has 
ever  since  lived  in  Tennessee  and  followed  farming  until  about  1880,  when,  on  account  of 
his  age,  he  retired  from  active  business  life.  He  owns  about  800  acres  of  land  and  a very 
fine  fruit  orchard.  Mr.  Ry all’s  married  life  was  blessed  in  the  births  of  nine  children;  six 
of  Whom  are  living,  viz.:  JohnstonS.,  a farmer  and  merchant  in  Alabama;  Dr.  A.  P. 
Ryall,  a physician,  of  this  county;  Walter,  growing  oranges  in  Florida;  Thomas  C.,  mer- 
chandise broker,  of  Shelbyville;  Henry  C.,  lumberman,  of  Shelbyville;  and  Juliet,  wife  of 
Brom  R.  Whitthorne,  cashier  of  the  National  Bank  of  Shelbyville.  Mrs.  Ryall  departed 
this  life  August  13, 1857.  Politically,  Mr.  Rydall  was  a Whig,  but  is  now  a Democrat. 
He  is  now  one  of  the  prominent  and  highly  respected  citizens  of  the  county. 

THOMAS  C.  RYALL,  Jb,.,  son  of  Thomas  C.  Ryall,  Sr.,  was  born  October  5,  1843,  in 
Bedford  County.  He  was  reared  on  a farm.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  enlisted  in  the 
Forty-first  Tennessee  Regiment  in  the  late  war.  He  was  in  the  service  about  three  years, 
making  his  escape  from  Camp  Morton  prison,  Indianapolis,  Ind.  He  then  returned  home 
and  remained  for  three  or  four  years.  He  then  lived  in  Alabama  for  about  three  years,, 
engaged  in  farming  and  merchandising.  He  then  returned  to  Shelbyville,  where  he  has 
been  engaged  in  merchandising  and  the  brokerage  business.  His  main  line  of  brokerage 
is>  in  tobacco.  He  was  married,  January  11,  1881,  to  Miss  Mattie  Baldwin,  of  Canton, 
Miss.,  the  fruit  of  this  union  being  one  daughter — Ellie.  Politically  he  is  a Democrat, 
and,  as  are  the  other  members  of  the  family,  he  is  highly  respected  for  his  enterprise. 

REV.  G.  C.  SANDUSKY  was  born  January  25,  1834,  in  Wayne  County,  Ky.,  being 
one  of  a family  of  ten  children  born  to  the  union  of  Jacob  Sandusky  and  Elizabeth  Bur- 
nett, natives  of  Kentucky,  where  they  now  live.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-four  he  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  followed  farming  till  the  war. 
He  then  raised  Company  H of  the  Third  Tennessee  Confederate  Cavalry,  and  was  in  the 
service  nearly  throughout  the  war.  After  the  battle  of  Stone  River  he  was  promoted  to 
lieutenant-colonel  of  his  regiment.  Upon  returning  from  the  war  he  had  lost  his  property 
and  his  health.  He  then  began  the  study  of  dentistry,  and  has  practiced  that  profession 
ever  since.  In  1870  he  located  at  Shelbyville,  and  has  lived  here  ever  since,  and  does  a 
thriving  business  in  his  profession.  He  was  married,  September  7,  1856,  to  Miss  Ellen  T. 
Rogers,  a native  of  Meigs  County,  Tenn.  Eight  children  have  blessed  this  union,  all  of 
whom  are  living:  John  A.,  a dentist  in  Southern,  France;  Mary  E.,  wife  of  W.  S.  Tipton, 
editor  of  the  Cleveland  Herald,  Cleveland,  Tenn.;  Annie,  wife  of  Walter  Craigmiles,  a 
hardware  merchant  of  Chattanooga;  Dick,  a clothing  merchant  of  Shelbyville;  Frederick 


1174 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


R.,  clerk  iti  a dry  goods  store;  Fannie,  Cecil  and  Nellie.  Dr.  Sandusky  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  and  he  has  pastoral  charge  of  a congregation 
near  Shelbyville.  He  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason.  He  is  a member  of  the  Democratic  party, 
having  been  a Whig  before  the  war.  As  a citizen  he  is  enterprising,  and  commands  the 
respect  of  his  fellow  citizens. 

REV.  WILLIAM  M.  SHAW,  one  of  Bedford  County’s- old  and  prominent  citizens, 
was  born  July  5,  1806,  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  and  immigrated  to  Bedford  County' 
Tenn.,  in  the  year  1816.  He  was  the  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Scott)  Shaw,  natives, 
respectively,  of  South  Carolina  and  Maryland.  The  father  was  born  November  8,  1771, 
and  died  November  4, 1845.  The  mother  was  born  in  the  year  1778  and  died  February  26, 
1842.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  engaged  in  the  farming  interest  till  the  year 
1853,  at  which  time  he  joined  the  Methodist  Conference  South,  but  was  licensed  to 
preach  as  a local  preacher  previous  to  this  in  the  year  1845.  In  1827  he  wedded  Mahala 
Wilson,  of  this  county.  She  was  born  January  9,  1809.  This  marriage  resulted  in  the 
birth  of  nine  children  only  six  of  whom  are  living:  John  W.,  William  S.,  Alexander  M., 
Ambrose  D.,  Ann  E.  and  Mary  L.  In  1849  Rev.  Shaw  was  ordained  deacon  at  Shelby- 
ville by  Bishop  Capers  and  retained  this  position  until  October,  1853,  at  which  time  he 
was  ordained  elder  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  b}r  the  same  bishop.  October,  1854,  he  joined  the 
conference  and  has  been  a traveling  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  up 
to  the  present  date.  Mrs.  Shaw  died  July  31,  1885;  she  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Up  to  the  time  of  the  late  war  Rev.  Shaw  was  an 
-old-line  Whig,  but  since  that  time  he  has  been  a Democrat. 

WILLIAM  S.  SHAW  is  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  a son  of  William  M. 
and  Mahala  (Wilson)  Shaw,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  Our  subject  was  born  May  26, 
1834,  and  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  received  limited  educational  advantages.  At  the  age 
of  twenty- two  he  began  farming  for  himself,  continuing  until  1862,  when  he  entered  the 
Confederate  Army,  Company  G,  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  Infantry,  but  served  only  a short 
time.  He  resumed  farming,  and  December  16,  1858,  was  married  to  Nancy  Clark,  who 
was  born  September  1,  1839,  and  who  died  March  27,  1864,  leaving  one  child — Martha  H. 
September  12,  1867,  our  subject  took  for  his  second  wife  Julia  Haskins.  Mrs.  Shaw  died 
October  7,  1871,  and  for  his  third  wife  Mr.  Shaw  took  Susan  0.  Steen,  December  1,  1872. 
She  was  born  March  26,  1852,  and  became  the  mother  of  three  children:  John  Rufus, 
William  Marvin  and  Edward  Driskill.  Mr.  Shaw  is  a Democrat,  and  prides  himself  on 
never  having  been  sued  or  in  a lawsuit. 

WILLIAM  J.  SHOFNER  was  born  in  Lincoln  County, Tenn.,  May  3,  1819,  and  is  a son 
of  Christopher  and  Elizabeth  (Jenning)  Shofner,  who  died  in  1826  and  in  1845,  respectively. 
To  them  were  born  four  daughters  and  four  sons,  three  of  whom  are  yet  living.  Our  sub- 
ject resided  with  his  widowed  mother  on  a farm  until  her  death,  and  about  four  years 
later  located  on  his  farm  of  480  acres.  He  has  been  very  successful  in  his  business  vent- 
ures, and  has  given  his  five  married  sons  a good  farm  each.  In  1846  he  married  Rhoda 
Boone,  who  was  born  May  19,  1828.  She  and  husband  became  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing family.:  Jeptha  B.,  born  in  1847;  James  B.,  born  in  1849;  Christopher  H.,  born  in  1851: 
George  F.,  born  in  1854;  William  H.,  born  in  1856;  Albert,  born  in  1859,  and  died  in  1861 ; 
Elizabeth  M.,  born  in  1861;  Daniel  W.,  born  in  1864,  and  Newton  M..  born  in  1868,  and 
died  in  1871.  Mrs.  Shofner's  parents  were  William  and  Sallie  (Howard)  Boone.  The  father 
was  born  in  Kentucky,  and  is  a distant  relative  of  Daniel  Boone.  Her  mother  was 
born  m 1803  and  died  in  1843.  Her  father  then  married  Margaret  Moore.  He  died  in  1854 
and  the  stepmother  in  1873. 

MONROE  SHOFNER  was  born  in  Tennessee  September  16,  1833,  son  of  Austin  and 
Rebecca  (Cook)  Shofner,  natives  of  North  Carolina,  born  August  16,  1801,  and  April  21, 
1798,  respectively.  The  father  was  brought  to  Tennessee  in  1807,  and  in  1818  married  our 
subject’ smother  and  became  the  father  of  eight  children:  Plummer  W.,  Mitchell  D.  (killed 
in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga),  Henderson,  Catherine  (deceased),  John  (deceased),  Martin 
(deceased),  Monroe,  Purline  and  Isom  (deceased).  Our  subject’s  father  was  reared  on  a farm 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1175 


and  followed  farming  and  stock  trading,  accumulating  considerable  wealth.  He  operated 
a distillery  for  about  six  years,  and  was  well  known  throughout  the  county  as  a dealer  in 
fine  horses.  He  died  October  18, 1852,  and  his  wife  October  10,  1875.  Monroe  spent  the 
life  of  a farmer's  boy  and  is  now  residing  on  the  farm  settled  by  his  grandfather,  Martin 
Shofner,  which  consists  of  200  acres.  In  1863  he  entered  the  Confederate  service,  and  re- 
mained one  year.  He  followed  pedagoging  sixteen  years,  but  discontinued  that  in  1878. 
Mr.  Shofner  takes  much  interest  in  laudable  public  enterprises,  and  gives  them  his  sup- 
port and  patronage.  He  believes  in  Republican  principles  and  he  is  a devout  supporter  of 
temperance,  and  has  on  divers  occasions  delivered  temperance  lectures. 

BENJAMIN  FORSYTH  SMALLING  was  born  in  what  was  Bedford  County  but 
now  is  part  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  November  24,  1825.  He  is  the  son  of  Samuel  and 
Elizabeth  (Bostic)  Smalling,  and  is  of  German  lineage.  His  father  was  born  in  Sullivan 
County,  Tenn.,  about  1800,  and  his  mother  was  born  in  Wilkes  County,  N.  C.  about  the 
same  year.  They  were  married  in  early  life  and  from  this  union  were  bora  three  chil- 
dren. Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a practical  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  Farming  has  been  his  chief  occupation,  although  he  has  spent  some  time 
in  trading,  saw-milling,  etc.  During  the  civil  war  he  was  commissioned  enrolling  officer 
of  his  district  and  afterward  as  an  officer  of  the  commissary  department  in  the  Confed- 
erate Army,  where  he  remained  during  the  war.  While  he  participated  in  no  battles  he  was 
often  exposed  to  the  dangers  incident  to  war.  October  5, 1847,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Ann  F.  Morton,  who  was  born  in  Hardeman  County,  Tenn.,  January  13,  1830.  To  this 
union  were  born  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  living;  these  are  Forsyth,  James  M., 
Constantine  W.,  Benjamin,  Mary  C.  and  Elizabeth  B.  Mr.  Smalling  has  a farm  of  100 
acres  of  fine  land  which  he  manages  in  a profitable  way.  He  is  a Democrat  and  he  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Our  subject’s  grandfa- 
ther, Col.  Benjamin  Forsyth,  was  a commanding  officer  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  killed 
in  a skirmish  near  Lake  Champlain.  He  wore  a sword  at  the  time  of  his  death  which  he 
had  captured  from  a British  officer.  He  made  the  remark  when  putting  the  sword  on 
that  he  would  “ fight  them  with  their  own  weapons.”  He  was  killed  soon  after  this  oc- 
curence. The  sword  was  labeled  wjth  its  full  history  by  Gen.  Scott  and  sent  to  the  widow 
of  Col.  Forsyth  and  may  be  seen  at  this  time  at  the  home  of  James  M.  Smalling,  four 
miles  east  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  the  Lebanon  Pike. 

GEORGE  SMITH  was  born  December  12,  1831,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  son  of  John 
E.  and  Nancy  (Mayfield)  Smith,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively. 
The, father  was  born  in  1801  or  1802  and  died  about  1840.  He  was  a successful  farmer. 
The  mother  was  born  about  1806.  Our  subject  was  the  second  of  five  children  born  to  his 
parents.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  remained  there  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of 
age.  He  then  attended  school  at  Chapel  Hill,  Tenn.,  and  continued  there  about  fifteen 
months,  after  which  he  returned  home  and  engaged  in  farming  as  well  as  in  stock  and 
negro  trading  up  to  the  time  of  the  late  war.  He  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  in  1861 
in  Col.  Starnes  Cavalry  Company  B,  He  remained  with  this  company  about  two  years 
and  was  then  transferred  to  the  Forty-fourth  Tennessee  Infantry,  Company  G.  He  was 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  which  disabled  him  from  active  service  about  fif- 
teen months.  He  again  returned  to  service  and  remained  throughout  the  entire  war. 
Previous  to  the  war,  in  1852,  he  was  married  to  Martha  Rainey,  a native  of  this  county, 
born  August  29,  1832.  This  union  has  resulted  in  the  birth  of  eight  children:  Nancy 
A..  Emmet,  Andrew  J.,  John  M.,  Sallie  C.,  Mattie  G.,  Robert  E.  and  Emma.  Our  subject 
has  been  quite  successful  and  has  accumulated  the  greater  part  of  his  property  since  the 
late  war.  He  and  wife  are  members  in  good  standing  in  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

JOHN  A.  SMITH,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  October  27,  1855, 
son  of  Jasper  N.  and  Sarah  E.  (Carrothers)  Smith,  and  of  English  extraction.  The  father 
was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  November  7,  1828,  and  the  mother  was  born  in  the 
same  county  December,  1839.  Our  subject  is  first  of  eleven  children  born  to  this  worthy 
couple.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools. 


1176 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


October  4,  1882,  Miss  Mattie  Chambers,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenm,  became  Iris  wife.  She 
was  born  December  25,  1863,  and  by  this  union  with  Mr.  Smith  became  the  mother  of  two 
children:  Jasper  E.  and  Anna  M.  The  Smith  family  originally  came  from  North  Caro- 
lina, and  were  among  the  very  earliest  settlers  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  Our  subject  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Smith  is  a member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

W.  B.  SNELL  was  born  February  2,  1850,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.  He  is  a son  of 
J.  C.  Snell , who  was  born  in  1817,  and  is  a native  of  the  county.  The  mother's  name  was 
Sarah  H.  Snell.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  worked  on  the  same  with  his 
father  until  he  was  twenty-five  years  of  age,  at  which  time  he  began  farming  for  himself, 
and  has  continued  successfully  up  to  the  present  date.  He  was-married,  October  29,  1874, 
to  Virginia  C.  Carlyle,  of  Bedford  County,  and  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  Carlyle. 
They  have  two  children:  Jasper  B.  and  Thomas  Kelly.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Snell 
favors  the  Democratic  party  and  gives  it  his  support  on  all  occasions.  He  takes  an  active 
interest  in  all  enterprises  pertaining  to  the  public  good,  and  is  a man  who  commands  the 
respect  of  all. 

W.  T.  SOLOMON  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  May  18,  1855.  His  father,  W. 
C.  Solomon,  was  born  in  1818,  in  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Tennessee  when  quite 
small.  About  1853  he  wedded  Sallie  C.  Tarver,  born  in  Columbus,  Ga.,  in  1824.,  The 
father  died  in  1880.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  our  subject  became  a clerk  in  the  merchandise 
business  for  J.  C.  Fisher,  of  Fayetteville.  Two  years  later  he  engaged  in  the  grain  and 
produce  business  at  the  same  place,  the  style  of  the  firm  being  Bryson  & Solomon.  Two 
years  later  Mr.  Solomon  began  work  for  Anderson,  Green  & Co.,  of  Nashville,  as  travel- 
ing salesmen,  and  has  successfully  continued  up  to  the  present  date.  Sue  B.  Thompson 
became  his  wife  October  23,  1879.  She  is  a daughter  of  Newcomb  Thompson,  and  the 
mother  of  two  children:  Alice  Cary  and  William  Tarver.  Our  subject  is  a man  of  influ- 
ence in  the  community  in  which  he  resides,  and  received  a good  education  in  his  boyhood 
days.  He  and  wife  are  church  members,  and  he  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  the  Dem- 
ocratic party. 

RICHARD  HENRY  STEM,  Esq.,  was  born  Feburary,  11,  1822  in  North  Carolina, 
Granville  County.  He  immigrated  to  the  State  of  Missouri  in  the  fall  of  1843,  where  he 
remained  about  fifteen  months.  He  then  came  to  Tennessee,  and  settled  a mile  and  a 
half  east  of  Unionville.  He  was  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  (Primrose)  Stem.  The  fa- 
ther was  born  about  1763  and  died  about  1828.  He  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
moved  to  North  Carolina  in  his  juvenile  days,  where  he  lived  until  the  time  of  his  death. 
The  mother  was  born  about  1788  and  died  about  1865;  she  was  a native  of  North  Carolina. 
In  July,  1839,  our  subject  wedded  Sallie  Garrett,  of  North  Carolina,  who  was  born  Febru- 
ary, 1822.  On  his  anival  in  Tennessee  Mr.  Stem  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  and 
about  ten  years  later  engaged  in  the  cattle  trading  business  in  connection  with  farming. 
Lie  was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Tenth  District  in  this  county  a number  of  years  ago, 
and  has  served  every  term  since.  He  was  elected  as  chairman  of  the  county  court  in 
1874  and  served  in  that  capacity  four  years,  and  was  also  associate  justice  two  years  prior 
to  this  election.  He  is  now  officiating  justice  of  peace.  He  is  amember  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  professing  faith  about  1856.  Mrs.  Stem  is  also  a member  of  the 
same  church.  Our  subject  is  a Master  Mason  and  is  also  a Chapter  member.  He  is  a 
Democrat  in  politics  and  since  his  childhood  days  has  traveled  over  these  different  States: 
Tennessee,  Mississippi,  Alabama,  Georgia,  South  Carolina,  North  Carolina,  Virginia,  Ken- 
tucky, Illinois  and  Missouri. 

FELIX  TLTRRENTINE  is  a Tennesseean,  born  May  12,  1811,  son  of  James  Turreutine, 
who  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1773.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  in  1807.  His  wife,  Eleanor 
Neily,  was  born  in  North  Carolina.  Our  subject  has  always  been  a farmer.  May  12,  1842, 
he  married  Martha  Ann  Orr,  who  was  born  January  26,  1822.  To  them  were  born  seven 
children,  all  of  whom  are  dead  except  David  A.  and  Eleanor  F.  Mrs.  Turrentine  died 
February  1,  1882.  Mr.  Turrentine  was  an  old-line  Whig,  but  since  the  war  has  been  a 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1177 


Democrat.  His  son,  David  A.  Turrentine,  was  born  February  14,  1847-  Up  to  June,  1880, 
be  was  a farmer.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  merchandise  business  at 
Hall’s  Mills.  February  24,  1875,  he  married  Mollie  F.  Shearin,  who  was  bora  October  21, 
1851.  To  them  were  born  four  children:  Alice  R.,  Sallie  A.,  Lucy  J.  and  Felix.  Mr. 
Turrentine  has  been  prosperous  in  his  business  enterprises.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  was 
elected  to  the  office  of  constable  in  1878,  and  served  about  ten  months.  He  has  also  been 
a delegate  to  the  Democratic  Convention  from  his  State  several  times.  William  H. 
Stephens,  partner  in  the  merchandise  business  with  David  A.  Turrentine,  was  born  in 
Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  February  24,  1840.  He  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  when  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  entered  the  Confederate  Army,  enlisting  in  Company  G,  Forty-fourth 
Tennessee  Infantry,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Murfreesboro,  Cliickamauga, 
and  others.  He  served  throughout  the  war  and  was  not  wounded.  After  his  return  he 
engaged  in  farming  and  has  followed  that  occupation  to  the  present  time.  In  connection 
with  this  he  has  been  in  the  merchandise  business  since  1880.  In  February,  1886,  he  was 
married  to  Martha  Ray,  born  February  8,  1838.  They  are  the  parents  of  Robert  H.,  Etta, 
Thomas  and  Pearlie  Lee.  Mr.  Stephens  and  Mr.  Turrentine  are  doing  a good  business  in 
the  mercantile  line.  Mr.  Stephens  is  a very  firm  Democrat  in  politics. 

HENRY  H.  STEPHENS  was  born  in  the  year  1818,  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina 
and  in  1836  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  this  county  on  the  farm  where  he  is 
now  living.  He  was  the  youngest  of  nine  children  born  to  the  union  of  Hardie  and  Mary 
Stephens.  He  is  a mechanic  by  trade  and  built  the  bridge  on  the  Chattanooga  Railroad 
when  the  road  was  first  laid  off.  After  this  he  followed  the  business  of  a millwright  for 
about  five  years.  He  has  also  carried  on  farming  in  connection  with  his  other  occupa- 
tions. May  27,  1839,  he  was  married  to  Nancy  Mullens,  of  this  county,  who  was  born 
September  21,  1818.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  ten  children,  two  of  whom  are 
dead.  The  eight  remaining  are  living  in  this  county.  Our  subject  has  been  quite  success 
ful  and  has  accumulated  considerable  means.  In  politics  Mr.  Stephens  is  a Democrat  and 
he  and  wife  are  leading  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  His  health 
has  been  quite  poor  for  a number  of  years,  and  he  has  not  been  able  to  see  to  any  out-door 
business  for  about  six  years. 

J.  M.  L.  STEPHENS  is  a son  of  John  and  Martha  A.  (Gulley)  Stephens,  who  were  born 
in  North  Carolina  in  1776  and  1796,  and  died  in  1831  and  1879,  respectively.  The  father 
was  an  early  pioneer  farmer  of  Tennessee,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  re- 
ceived land  grants  for  his  services.  Our  subjeet  was  born  February  28,  1831,  in  Bedford 
County,  and  worked  on  a farm  to  support  his  mother  until  he  attained  his  majority,  when 
he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  in  the  winter  season  taught  school  for  several  years. 
He  entered  the  Confederate  service  in  1862,  in  Company  F,  Forty-first  Tennessee  Infan- 
try,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Raymond,  Jackson  and  others,  but  was  not 
wounded  or  captured  during  service.  After  his  return  home  he  resumed  farming,  and  in 
1866  was  elected  constable  and  served  two  years.  November  22,  1858,  he  wedded  Marga- 
ret F.  Robinson,  of  Bedford  County,  and  their  union  has  resulted  in  the  birth  of  six  chil- 
dren: Ransom,  Kate,  Joseph,  John,  Lizzie  and  Hiram.  Mr.  Stephens  is  a man  well  versed 
in  the  affairs  of  the  times,  and  he  and  family  are  church  members.  His  eldest  son  is  pre 
paring  for  the  ministry.  Mr.  Stephens  is  a Mason,  and  a Democrat  in  his  political  views. 

WALTER  W.  SUMMERS  was  born  January  5,  1819,  in  Fleming  County,  Ky.  His 
father,  Lewis  Summers,  was  a native  of  Culpepper  County,  Va. ; about  1796,  he  immigrated 
to  Kentucky,  where  he  married  Miss  Mary  Armstrong,  a native  also  of  Virginia.  He  was 
of  English  descent,  and  she  of  Scotch-Irish.  To  this  union  were  born  fourteen  children, 
our  subject  being  the  eleventh.  The  mother  died  in  1859,  and  the  father  died  in  1865.  Our 
subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  county,  and  remained  with  his 
parents  on  the  farm  until  he  reached  his  majority.  He  then  followed  merchandising  for 
about  a year  and  a half,  and  then  devoted  his  attention  to  trading  in  stock,  which  he  fol- 
lowed about  thirty  years.  In  1847  he  married  Miss  Mar}r  Gore,  a native  of  Nelson  County, 
Ky.,  and  to  this  union  three  children — Lewis  (deceased),  Henry  and  Thomas — were  born. 


1178 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


The  mother  of  these  children  died  in  1858,  and  in  1861  our  subject  married  Miss  Hettie 
Armstrong,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  and  to  this  union  two  children  have  been 
born,  both  of  whom  are  dead.  In  1877  our  subject  took  for  his  third  wife  Miss  Kincan- 
non,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  to  them  were  born  two  children:  Otie  P. 
R.  and  Wattie  R.  M.,  both  living.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war,  Mr.  Summers  left 
Louisville  and  ran  a large  distillery  at  Chattanooga  until  it  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Federal  authorities.  After  the  war  he  returned  to  Louisville,  and  in  1867  purchased  and 
moved  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  which  consists  of  320  acres.  In  1876,  Centen- 
nial year,  he  exhibited  the  largest  steer  and  largest  mule  perhaps  ever  reared,  and  a three- 
legged  cow.  Mr.  Summers  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows  orders,  and  is 
independent  in  politics. 

WALTER  FINLEY  SUTTON,  a resident  of  the  Fourth  District,  Bedford  Co.,  Tenn.,' 
born  in  the  district  in  which  he  now  resides,  November  25,  1840,  son  of  John  and  Eliza- 
beth A.  (Harris)  Sutton,  and  is  of  Euglish-Scotch  descent.  His  father  was  born  in  Prince 
William  County,  Va.,  March  5,  1775,  and  died  August  5,  1855.  His  mother  was  born  in 
Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  in  1813,  and  died  in  the  same  county  in  1879.  His  father  was  mar- 
ried twice,  the  second  time  to  the  mother  of  our  subject,  Miss  Elizabeth  Harris,  a relative 
of  Gov.  Harris,  of  Tennessee.  Our  subject  received  a common  school  education,  and  has 
followed  farming  as  his  chief  occupation.  He  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  service  in  the 
Twenty-third  Tennessee  Infantry  and  was  afterward  transferred  to  the  Fourth  Tennes- 
see Cavalry,  where  he  served  three  years.  He  was  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  Chicka- 
mauga,  besides  various  cavalry  skirmishes  during  the  Georgia  campaign,  and  was  Anally 
discharged  at.  Atlanta  just  prior  to  the  general  surrender.  In  the  fall  of  1865  Mr.  Sutton 
was  elected  magistrate  of  his  district,  which  position  he  has  held  ever  since.  December 
27,  1858,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bettie  Hicks,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  born  March  13, 
1842,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child,  William,  whose  birth  occurred  October  8, 
1868. 

WILLIAM  B.  SUTTON,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  July  12,  1834, 
Son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Harris)  Sutton,  and  of  English-Scotch  descent.  (For  further 
particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  Walter  Finley  Sutton.)  Our  subject  received  his 
preparatory  education  at  Triune,  Williamson  Co.,  Tenn.,  under  Prof.  E.  B.  Crocker,  and 
completed  at  the  Union  University,  Murfreesboro,  Teun.  For  several  years  prior  to  the 
war  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  as  salesman.  When  the  war  broke  out  he 
enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army  and  was  assigned  duty  under  Maj.  James  F.  Cummings, 
commissary  for  the  Confederate  Army,  with  headquarters  at  Atlanta,  Ga.  Here  he  re- 
mained until  the  close  of  the  war.  Our  subject  has  been  married  twice;  the  Arst  marriage 
occurred  July  10,  1860,  to  Miss  Kate  Suttle,  daughter  of  Richard  Suttle.  To  this  union 
were  born  two  sons:  John  L.,  born  August  1,  1865,  and  Ernest,  born  January  29,  1875. 
The  second  marriage  occurred  November  17,  1885,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Alexander.  Mr.  Sut- 
ton is  a thorough  Democrat,  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  South.  He  has  665  acres  of  land,  400  of  which  are  in  a Ane  state 
of  cultivation.  He  gives  considerable  attention  to  the  raising  of  live-stock. 

C.  N.  TAYLOR,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  December  1,  1850,  and  is  the 
son  of  James  P.  and  Margaret  A.  (Ransom)  Taylor.  The  father  was  born  about  October, 
1820,  and  died  January  9,  1880.  The  mother  was  born  in  1826.  Our  subject’s  educational 
advantages  were  comparatively  good,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing on  his  own  responsibility.  December  19,  1877  he  wedded  Mary  O.  Wood,  of  this 
county.  She  was  born  April  18,  1860,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Johnson  W.  and  Louisa 
F.  (Jordon)  Wood;  the  former  born  in  1836  and  the  latter  in  1829,  and  died  in  1884,  To 
our  subject  and  wife  were  born  two  children;  their  names  are,  respectively,  Annie  R.,  born 
December  18,  1879,  and  John  W.,  born  October  8,  1882.  Mr.  Taylor  is  a man  of  good 
standing  in  his  community,  always  willing  to  aid  in  any  enterprise  pertaining  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  educational  or  moral  interests.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JOHN  W.  THOMPSON,  chairman  of  the  county  court  of  Bedford  County,  is  a son 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1179 


of  Newconi  and  Amy  (Fisher)  Thompson,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The  parents  moved 
to  this  county  in  about  1809.  The  father  was  a carpenter  and  he  built  the  first  houses  of 
Shelbyville.  He  afterward  engaged  in  farming  two  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Shelby- 
ville  and  there  raised  his  family  and  became  wealthy,  but  the  war  involved  him.  He  died 
in  1879  at  the  age  of  seventy-five.  The  mother  died  at  eighty-one,  in  1886.  Our  subject 
was  born  January  8,  1831,  and  was  reared  on  a farm.  He  remained  with  his  parents  till 
April,  1846,  when  he  engaged  at  clerking  in  a store.  After  several  years  he  opened  a 
family  grocery  trade  which  he  continued  until  the  war.  During  the  war  he  was  engaged 
in  the  Adams  Express  office  at  Nashville.  In  1857  he  was  elected  recorder  of  Shelbyville 
and  held  the  office  till  1866.  In  that  year  he  was  elected  register  of  Bedford  County.  In 
1868  he  was  appointed  deputy  circuit  court  clerk,  which  office  he  held  till  1882.  He  was 
elected  magistrate  in  1870,  and  in  1882  was  elected  chairman  of  the  court.  He  was  mayor 
of  Shelbyville  from  1872  to  1877,  having  been  an  alderman  for  five  years  previous.  He 
was  elected  recorder  of  Shelbyville,  in  1885,  without  his  knowledge  or  consent,  and  now 
holds  that  office.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  in  December,  1849,  to  Miss  M.  J.  Pannell,  a 
native  of  this  county.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  four  of  whom  are 
now  living.  For  thirty  years  Mr.  Thompson  was  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  now 
a member  of  the  K.  of  H..and  A.  O.  U.  W.  fraternities. 

GEORGE  W.  THOMPSON,  one  of  the  old  and  highly  respected  citizens  of  Bedford 
County,  was  the  oldest  son  and  second  child  of  Newcom  and  Amy  (Fisher)  Thompson. 
He  was  born  February  1,  1823,  near  Shelbyville,  and  was  reared  on  a farm,  his  father  be- 
ing a wealthy  farmer  and  manufacturer.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  engaged  in  the  tan- 
ner’s trade,  and  continued  till  he  was  married,  when  he  moved  to  Shelbyville  and  served 
as  constable,  then  a lucrative  office,  for  two  years.  He  then  ran  a saw-mill  for  four  years 
and  also  bought  a large  tract  of  timber  land.  He  then  returned  to  Shelbyville  .and 
served  as  constable  or  collecting  officer  again  for  four  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  family 
grocery  business  till-1861.  During  the  war  he  was  a Union  man  and  was  not  engaged  in  any 
special  avenue  of  business.  In  1866  he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  and  attended  the 
regular  and  call  sessions  of  1866  and  of  1868.  During  this  time,  and  ever  since,  he  has 
been  a farmer.  He  was  married,  May  18,  1843,  to  Martha  M.  Cannon,  who  bore  him  five 
children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Amy  F.,  the  widow  of  C.  A.  Warren,  Sr.; 
Letitia,  the  wife  of  C.  A.  Warren,  Jr.,  and  Mollie  G.  Mrs.  Thompson  departed  this  life 
July  14,  1874.  Mr.  Thompson  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  I.  0.  O.  F. 
Politically  he  is  a firm  Republican,  and  he  is  and  always  has  been  an  enterprising  and  en- 
ergetic citizen  of  Bedford  County. 

W.  THOMPSON,  one  of  the  numerous  members  of  the  Thompson  family  of  Bedford 
County,  is  a farmer  living  about  four  miles  west  of  Shelbyville.  He  was  born  August  20, 
1842,  in  Bedford  County.  His  father,  John  F.  Thompson,  was  born  in  Bedford  County, 
being  a son  of  one  of  those  Thompsons  who  came  to  Bedford  County  from  North  Caro- 
lina in  the  very  early  settlement  of  this  part  of  the  State.  He  was  a farmer  all  his  life, 
his  death  occurring  August  23,  1883.  The  mother  is  now  living  five  miles  northwest  of 
Shelbyville.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  on  a farm.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two 
he  married  and  continued  farming,  which  he  has  successfully  followed  ever  since,  now 
owning  300  acres  of  good  land  well  improved.  He  was  one  of  the  boys  in  gray,  serving 
from  July,  1861,  till  June,  1862,  in  Blanton’s  company  of  the  Twenty-third  Tennessee. 
At  the  battle  of  Shiloh  he  lost  a leg  and  in  June,  1862,  returned  home.  He  was  married 
in  1864,  to  Hulda  B.  Wilhoite,  the  results  of  this  union  being  ten  children,  seven  of  whom 
are  now  living,  viz. : Eunice,  Richard,  Lydia,  Warner,  Charles,  Purdey  and  an  infant. 
Mr.  Thompson  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He,  his  wife  and  eldest  daughter  are  members 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

THOMAS  C.  THOMPSON  was  born  February  8,  1843,  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  son 
of  W.  F.  and  Harriet  P.  (Hall)  Thompson.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  born 
September  9,  1816,  and  of  English  descent.  The  mother  was  of  Irish  descent,  and  by  her 
union  with  W.  F.  Thompson  she  became  the  mother  of  four  children.  She  died  in  1850, 


1180 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  in  1857  the  father  married  Mrs.  Mary  Muse,  a native  of  this  county.  To  this  union 
were  bdrn  four  children.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil.  He  died  in  1865  and  his 
widow  is  still  living.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  country  schools,  and  assisted  his 
father  on  his  farm  until  December,  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-third  Regiment, 
Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry,  and  served  with  that  command  nineteen  months.  The 
principal  battles  in  which  he  was  engaged  were  Shiloh,  Perryville  and  Murfreesboro.  In 
1866  he  married  Miss  Achsah  King,  a native  of  this  county,  and  a daughter  of  C.  B.  and 
Mary  C.  King.  To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  the  following  children:  Mary  B.,  Hattie 
V.,  Charles  F.,  James  B.,  Sarah  E.,  Robert  E.,  Thomas  E.  and  George  E.,  all  now  living 
with  the  exception  of  Sarah  E.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  May  9,  1882,  and  in  1885 
Mr.  Thompson  married  Miss  Maggie  A.  Rankin,  a native  of  Ohio,  and  a daughter  of  Rev. 
Alexander  F.  and  Mary  Rankin.  Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and 
at  present  is  a magistrate  of  his  civil  district.  He  owns  a farm  of  over  200  acres,  all 
under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  Himself,  wife  and  four  eldest  children  are  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

ZACII  THOMPSON  was  born  July  7,  1844,  at  Lebanon,  Wilson  Co.,  Tenn.  His 
father,  Col.  Robert  E.  Thompson,  is  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  born  in  1822  and 
of  Irish  descent.  He  moved  to  Williamson  County  with  his  parents  when  a small  boy  and 
subsequently  was  educated  at  Lebanon,  Wilson  County,  and  began  the  practice  of  law  at 
that  place.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Legislature  several  times  and  is  a prominent 
lawyer  of  Lebanon.  He  married  Miss  Mary  Tolliver,  a native  of  Lebanon,  and  to  this 
union  nine  children  were  born,  of  whom  the  subject  is  the  eldest.  Zach  Thompson  was 
educated  at  Cumberland  University,  Lebanon,  and  upon  passing  sixteen  years  of  age 
he  enlisted  in  >the  Seventh  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry.  He  served  in  that  regiment 
about  eighteen  months  and  was  then  transferred  to  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry  and 
with  that  command  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  retui-ned  home  and  read 
law  and  practiced  at  Lebanon  until  1873.  November  21,  1872,  Miss  Lettie  Cannon,  a 
native  of  Bedford  County,  became  his  wife.  To  this  Union  were  born  two  children: 
Robert  E,  and  Mary  L.,  both  living.  In  1873  they  moved  upon  the  place  where  they  now 
reside,  which  is, about  six:  miles  northeast  of  Shelby ville.  The  farm  consists  of  320  acres, 
all  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  In  connection  with  farming  Mr.  Thompson  has 
run  a distillery  for  the  last  three  years.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Democrat. 

W.  E.  A.  THOMPSON,  A.  B.,  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  Nov.  28, 
1848.  His  father  was  a licensed  preacher  in  the  Methodist  Church,  but  having  an  affection 
of  the  throat  was  obliged  to  give  up  his  ministerial  duties  and  engage  in  farming.  His 
mother  was  Ellen  C.  (Williams)  Thompson.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  parents  on  the 
farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  attending  school  when  he  could  be  conven- 
iently spared  from  the  farm.  In  the  fall  of  1869  he  taught  school  at  Mount  Zion,  Bedford 
County,  and  in  1870  clerked  in  a dry  goods  house  at  Unionville.  The  spring  of  1871  he 
spent  in  school  at  Chapel  Hill  and  spent  the  fall  at  Unionville  in  the  same  manner.  Early 
in  1872  he  entered  the  Tennessee  University,  where  he  graduated  in  1874  with  the  degree 
of  A.  B.  He  chose  teaching  as  his  profession  and  began  work  at  Unionville,  his  native 
village.  In  the  summer  of  1875  he  left  Unionville  and  taught  five  months  at  Middleton, 
Rutherford  County.  In  the  spring  of  1876  he  accepted  the  principalship  of  the  Center 
Grove  High  School,  where  he  is  engaged  at  the  present  writing.  December  26,  1876,  he 
wedded  Nannie  Floyd,  of  this  county,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  four  children:  Ben- 
jamin H.,  Mary  G.,  Annie  E.  and  Ellen  F.  Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  is  a man  of  good  social  standing  and  influence  in  this 
section. 

COL.  LEWIS  TILLMAN,  (deceased)  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  August  18,  1816, 
being  a son  of  John  and  Rachel  P.  (Martin)  Tillman,  natives  of  South  Carolina.  Both 
parents  immigrated  to  this  county  when  young.  The  father  was  born  February  5,  1786, 
and  came  to  Bedford  County  about  1810.  He  was  a farmer,  and  was  one  of  the  prominent 
early  citizens  of  Bedford  County.  He  was  a member  of  the  State  Legislature  of  Tennes- 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1181 


see  in  1820,  but  would  never  accept  further  political  honor.  His  death  occurred  October 
3,  1854.  The  mother  was  born  May  16,  1789,  and  attained  the  age  of  ninety-two,  dying 
in  1881.  Both  the  grandsires  of  our  subject  were  soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  war. 
Col.  Lewis  Tillman  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  secured  but  a limited  early  education  be- 
cause of  the  rude  accommodations  of  the  schools  in  his  boyhood.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
five  he  married,  and  settled  where  he  pursued  farming  till  his  death.  In  1836  he  served  in 
the  Florida  war  in  the  campaign  against  the  Creek  and  Seminole  Indians.  He  has  held 
the  commission  of  major,  lieutenant-colonel  and  colonel  in  the  Sixty-first  regiment  of 
State  Militia  of  Tennessee.  From  1852  to  1866  he  was  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Bed- 
ford County,  and  for  a few  years  immediately  following  the  war  he  was  clerk  and  master 
of  the  Chancery  Court  of  Bedford  County.  Throughout  the  war  he  was  a firm  Union 
man.  In  1868  he  was  elected  to  represent  the  Fifth  Congressional  District  of  Tennessee 
in  the  Forty-first  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  without  any  solicitation  on 
his  part.  Since  then  he  never  would  accept  any  public  office.  He  was  married,  in  1840, 
to  Mary  Catharine  Davidson,  daughter  of  James  Davidson,  one  of  the  early  citizens  of 
the  county.  Mrs.  Tillman’s  mother  is  still  living,  aged  eighty-two  years.  Mrs.  Tillman 
was  born  March  1,  1823.  Col.  Tillman’s  married  life  was  blessed  in  the  birth  of  eleven 
children,, seven  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  James  D.,  a prominent  attorney  at  Fayette- 
ville; Lewis,  a prominent  attorney  of  Knoxville;  Samuel  E.,  professor  of  chemistry,  min- 
eralogy and  geology  in  the  West  Point  Academy,  of  New  York;  George  N.,  United 
States  marshal  of  the  Middle  District  of  Tennessee;  Hattie  A.,  residing  with  her  mother; 
Edwin  H.,  in  the  United  States  Naval  service  on  the  coast  of  Japan,  and  AUram  M.,  a law 
student  and  clerk  in  the  Internal  Revenue  Department  at  Washington,  D.  C.  Col.  Lewis 
Tillman’s  private  and  public  career  was  one  of  unimpeached  integrity,  undismayed  en- 
ergy and  unsurpassed  hospitality.  The  poor,  especially,  received  bountifully  from  his 
hand,  and  no  charitable  institution  went  unaided  by  him. 

MICAGER  TROXLER  is  a native  Tennesseean,  born  January  25, 1839,  and  is  residing 
in  the  home  of  his  birth,  where  he  owns  110  acres  of  good  land.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in 
the  Confederate  Army  under  Bushrod  Johnson  and  served  until  December,  1863,  when  he 
was  taken  sick  and  captured.  He  was  paroled  and  sent  home  but  never  returned  to 
service.  November  20,  1860,  he  married  Mary  A.  Shofner,  who  was  born  December  3, 
1842.  She  was  a daughter  of  Frederick  and  Mary  (McKaig)  Shofner,  and  died  April  11, 
1864.  Mr.  Troxler  then  wedded,  in  1865,  his  second  wife,  Mary  A.  Dean,  a daughter  of 
John  and  Sarah  (Shofner)  Troxler,  who  were  born  in  1791  and  1796  and  died  in  1871  and 
1869,  respectively.  Mrs.  Troxler  was  born  October  20,  1838.  Our  subject  is  a member  of 
the  K.  of  H.,  and  is  also  a member  of  Freemason  lodge  No.  308.  He  and  Mrs. 
Troxler  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  he  is  a stanch  sup- 
porter of  Democratic  principles.  His  parents,  Isaac  and  Elizabeth  (Payne)  Troxler, 
were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively,  in  1803.  The  father  was 
brought  to  Tennessee  by  his  parents  in  1810,  and  November  2,  1825,  he  wedded  our  sub- 
ject’s mother  and  became  the  father  of  ten  children.  His  death  occurred  March  15,  1866, 
and  the  mother’s  June  20,  1848. 

JOHN  C.  TROXLER  was  born  January  5,  1840,  in  Tennessee.  His  parents,  Anthony 
and  Sarah  (Cortner)  Troxler,  were  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1802  and  1810,  respectively. 
The  father  came  to  Tennessee  about  1817,  and  died  in  1843.  The  mother’s  death  occurred 
in  1886.  Our  subject  has  followed  farming  from  early  boyhood.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in 
the  Confederate  service  and  remained  until  1863,  when  he  was  captured  while  making. a 
visit  home,  was  paroled,  and  never  returned  to.  the  service.  He  was  constable  of  his  dis- 
trict two  years,  and  served  as  deputy  sheriff  one  year.  In  1866  Mr.  Troxler  was  married 
to  Mrs.  Margaret  A.,  widow  of  Gilbreth  Chambers.  She  was  born  in  Tennessee  in 
1848.  Nine  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Troxler,  named  George  R.,  born  in  1867; 
"William  T.,  born  in  1870;  Nancy  D.,  born  iu  1872;  Sarah,  born  in  1874;  John  A.,  born  in 
1876;  Daniel  M.,  born  in  1878;  Edward,  born  in  1880;  Polly,  born  in  1882,  and  Ambrose, 
born  in  1884.  In  March,  1876,  Mr.  Troxler  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  his  district, 


74 


1182 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  has  held  the  office  up  to  the  present  time  He  owns  126  acres  of  land,  and  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  K.  of  H.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  he  is  a Democrat  politically. 

WILLIAM  T.  TUNE  (deceased)  was  a son  of  John  Tune,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
Bedford  County,  Tenn.  He  was  born  in  1818,  in  Smith  County,  and  was  reared  on  a farm. 
He  was  married,  in  1844,  to  Miss  C.  E.  Morton,  and  thirteen  children  were  born  to  them: 
Mary  A.,  James  C.,  Mattie  J.,  Eliza  F.,  Sallie.,  Charles  W.,  Emma  S.,  John  M.,  Will  R., 
Thomas  C.,  Louis  T.,  Horace  G.,  and  Bettie  E.  Mr.  Tune  was  a farmer  of  Bedford  County 
for  many  years.  He  died  March  5,  1871.  Mrs.  Tune  is  still  living  at  her  residence, 
“Cottage  Home,”  and  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  William 
R.  Tune,  fourth  son  of  William  T.  Tune,  was  born  October  12,  1860,  and  spent  his  boy- 
hood days  on  a farm.  He  finished  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Shelbyville,  and  then 
took  a traveling  tour  over  the  greater  part  of  the  United  States.  At  present  he  is  living 
with  his  mother,  and  he  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

KESTER  L.  TUNE,  farmer,  of  Bedford  Countv,  Tenn.,  was  born  in  this  State  De- 
cember 6,  1829.  His  parents,  John  and  Mary  (Cooper)  Tune,  were  born  in  Virginia  and 
Tennessee  in  1791  and  1797,  respectively.  They  were  married  September  12,  1816,  and 
fifteen  children  were  born  to  their  union.  The  mother  died  in  August,  1858,  and  the  la- 
ther in  1881.  After  attaining  his  majority  our  subject  began  the  battle  of  life  on  his  own 
responsibility,  and  by  industry  and  economy  became  the  possessor  of  465  acres  of  well 
cultivated  and  fertile  land.  He  gives  considerable  attention  to  stock  trading  also.  Sep- 
tember 1,  1858,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  M.  C.  Wells,  born  May  8,  1838,  and  died 
January  13,  1862,  having  borne  two  children:  Joseph  E.,  born  April  27,  1860,  and  died 
November  1,  1861,  and  Susan  E.,  born  October  13,  1861.  For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Tune 
married  Eliza  J.  Landers,  born  October  19,  1835.  They  have  three  children:  Thomas  0., 
born  December  29,  1865;  John  C.,  born  November  14,  1868;  and  William  S.,  born  March 
28,  1872.  Mrs.  Tune’s  parents  were  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Thomas  ) Landers,  who  were 
born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  in  1812  and  1814,  respectively.  They  were  mar- 
ried December  20,  1834,  and  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children — eight  daughters  and 
four  sons.  The  father  died  May  5,  1879.  Mr.  Tune’s  first  wife  was  a member  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  His  present  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Pro- 
testant Church.  Mr.  Tune  was  a Whig  until  the  death  of  that  party;  and  since  that  time 
has  been  identified  with  the  Republican  party. 

JAMES  L.  TURNER  was  born  July  8,  1823,  in  Sussex  County,  Va.,  son  of  Little- 
bury  and  Mary  (Winn)  Turner.  The  father  was  born  April  28,  1788,  and  died  June  18, 
1869.  The  mother  was  born  September  28,  1787,  and  died  February  25,  1879.  Our  sub- 
ject’s educational  advantages  were  not  of  the  best,  but,  notwithstanding,  he  is  considered' 
a fine  mathematician,  and  has  acquired  the  major  part  of  his  education  without  a teacher. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  engaged  in  the  farming  interest  with  his  father,  and  so  con- 
tinued until  about  1851.  Previous  to  this,  in  1848,  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  consta- 
ble, which  position  he  held  for  about  eleven  years.  In  1§50  he  wedded  Margaret  N.  Mur- 
phy, who  was  born  August  12,  1830,  and  to  them  were  born  nine  children:  Sarah  J.,  James 
W.,  William  F.,  Margaret  F.,  Elizabeth  A.,  Nancy  F. , Tennessee  M.  (deceased),  Joseph 
H.  and  Lavinia.  Mr.  Turner  was  elected  to  the  office  of  deputy  sheriff  in  1858,  and  held 
that  office  one  term,  and  again  in  1868  he  was  deputized  to  fill  the  same  office.  In  1876  he 
was  elected  magistrate  of  the  Eleventh  District,  and  has  held  that  office  up  to  the  present 
time.  He  has  also  carried  on  his  farming  interest,  and  has  been  quite  successful  in  that 
occupation.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 

JAMES  VANNATTA  was  born  February  9,  1811,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  and 
was  reared  and  educated  in  the  country.  January  12,  1831,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Martha  Watson,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  three  children:  Samuel,  Hibernah 
K.  and  John  S. , only  one  of  whom  is  living.  Mrs.  Vannatta  died  in  1839,  and  for  his  sec- 
ond wife  Mr.  Vannatta  took  Mrs.  Jerusha  (Clardy)  Nash,  and  to  them  were  born  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Delphia  A.,  Joseph  R.,  George  W.,  Charity  A.,  Eliza  F.,  Christopher  C. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1183 


and  Nannie  D.  In  1850  Mr.  Vannatta  moved  to  Bedford  County,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming  and  stock  raising.  Both  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  South.  Mr.  Vannatta’s  parents  were  C.  C.  and  Nancy  (Louder)  Vannatta,  born 
in  North  Carolina  and  Kentucky,  respectively.  The  father  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early 
day,  locating  in  Williamson  County, hear  Triune.  To  him  and  wife  were  born  the  follow- 
ing children:  Maria,  James  and  Katie;  only  one,  James,  is  now  living.  The  father  was 
in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  with  Jackson  at  New  Orleans.  He  died  on  his  way  home 
from  that  place.  His’  widow  died  in  1839.  Both  were  earnest  workers  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South. 

WARREN  WAITE,  a prominent  farmer  of  District  No.  2,  was  born  June  9,  1827,  in 
Bedford  County,  near  Wartrace.  His  father,  George  Waite,  was  a native  of  Person 
County,  N.  C.,  born  November  18,  1790,  and  was  of  English  lineage.  Our  subject’s  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  Robert  Waite,  emigrated  from  England  to  North  Carolina  during 
colonial  times,  and  was  a surveyor  of  lands.  George  Waite,  when  a boy,  moved  with  his 
parents  to  Tennessee,  first  to  Williamson  County,  and  subsequently  to  Bedford  County, 
where  his  parents  died.  He  married  Miss  Nancy  B.  Warren,  a native  of  North  Carolina, 
born  November  30,  1796,  and  of  English-Irish  lineage.  To  this  union  six  children  were 
born.  The  mother  died  December  5,  1838,  and  the  father  December  21,  1857.  The  father 
was  a Datural  mechanic  in  wood  and  iron  work,  and  was  also  a farmer.  Our  subject  re- 
ceived a practical  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  remained  with  his  parents  until 
he  reached  his  majority,  when  he  began  merchandising,  which  he  continued  about  twenty 
years;  also  carried  on  farming  at  the  same  time.  In  1853  he  married  Miss  Rutha  S.  Yell, 
a native  of  Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  and  to  this  union  were  born  the  following  children: 
George  E.,  Nancy  A.,  Warren  S.  and  James  W.,  all  living.  Mr.  Waite  owns  a farm  of 
600  acres,  all  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  He  was  formerly  a Whig,  but  is  now  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church. 

PROF.  SIMEON  Y.  WALL  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  August  22,  1844, 
son  of  John  B.  and  Martha  E.  (Wilson)  Wall,  and  o'f  Scotch-Irish  descent.  The  parents 
were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  in  1799  and  1803  and  died  December  31,  1870, 
and  April  15,  1859,  respectively.  They  were  married  in  1819  and  were  the  parents  of  thir- 
teen children.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  Confederate  Army  notwithstanding  the 
fact  that  he  was  over  age.  He  was  an  old-time  Whig,  although  an  intimate  friend  of 
James  K.  Polk.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Indian  war  of  1836.  His  father,  Clement  Wall, 
came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1804.  Our  immediate  subject,  Simeon  Wall,  was  a 
student  in  Harpeth  Academy  before  the  war.  He  enlisted  in  the  Twentieth  Tennessee 
Regiment  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Chickamauga  and  Franklin  and  was 
in  many  of  the  battles  of  the  Georgia  campaign.  Of  his  war  record  the  Review  and  Jour- 
nal of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  said:  “It  is  well  known  that  when  a mere  boy  he  left  this  county 
to  serve  in  the  Southern  Army  and  he  was  recognized  all  over  the  army  as  a brave  and 
gallant  soldier.”  After  the  war,  owing  to  the  financial  embarrassment  of  his  father,  he 
completed  his  education  through  his  own  exertions.  He  has  been  professor  in  academies 
and  colleges  for  nearly  twenty  years  and  is  one  of  the  successful  educators  of  Tennessee. 
He  is  proprietor  of  the  Bedford  Academy  at  Bellbuckle,  Tenn.,  but  is  soon  to  sever  his 
connection  with  this  school  arid  take  charge  of  the  Culleoka  Academy  as  co-principal. 
July  28,  1868,  our  subject  married  Miss  Nannie  J.  Comer,  daughter  of  Rev.  J.  J.  Gomer 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wall  are  the  parents  of  nine 
children — seven  sons  and  two  daughters.  Prof.  Wallis  a Democrat  and  a member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
South. 

CAPT.  JAMES  A.  WARDER,  a leading  member  of  the  Bedford  County  bar.  was 
born  September  24,  1843,  at  May’s. Lick,  Ky.  His  father,  Walter  Warder,  was  a native 
of  Kentucky,  and  was  an  eminent  physician  of  that  State.  He  died  when  James  A.  was 
but'about  thirteen  years  of  age.  The  mother  now  lives  in  her  native  State,  Kentucky 


1184 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


dapt.  Warder  was  reared  near  Maysville,  Ky.,  and  received  liis  education  at  Maysville 
and  at  Centre  College,  Kentucky.  When  eighteen  years  of  age,  in  1861,  he  enlisted  in 
Company  L,  Second  Kentucky  Cavalry,  as  a private.  He  was  subsequently  made  first 
lieutenant  of  the  company  and  afterward  was  made  captain  of  Company  C,  of  the  same 
regiment.  He  held  that  commission  till  the  close  of  the  war,  actively  serving  in  most  all 
the  important  battles  throughout  the  southwest.  Returning  from  the  war  he  read  law, 
and  in  October,  1866,  was  licensed  to  practice,  since  which  time  he  has  been  successfully 
engaged  in  that  profession,  ranking  among  the  ablest  lawyers  of  the  State.  In  1867  he 
was  commissioned  attorney-general  of  a judicial  district,  but  declined  the  nomination. 
He  was  on  the  Hayes  electoral  ticket  in  1876,  and  under  the  administration  of  Hayes  held 
the  office  of  United  States  district  attorney.  He  was  nominated  by  his  party  for  the 
congressional  race  in  1884,  but  the  Democratic  party  being  largely  in  the  majority  he  was 
not  elected,  he  being  a Republican  and  one  of  the  leading  men  in  his  party  in  this  part  of 
the  State.  He  was  married,  January  2,  1865,  to  Laura  D.  Gosling,  a daughter  of  William 
Gosling,  a manufacturer  in  Shelbyville.  Two  children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  one 
of  whom,  Inda  Artus,  is  now  living.  Mrs.  Warder  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 
Capt.  Warder’s  name  has  frequently  been  connected  with  all  the  important  offices  of  the 
State.  A wide-spread  desire  existed  to  nominate  him  for  the  Republican  candidate  for 
governor,  but  owing  to  the  time  neccessarily  required  from  his  profession  to  make  the  race 
against  so  great  a Democratic  majority,  he  discouraged  the  movement.  Just  now  he  is 
being  instructed  for,  by  a number  of  counties,  for  one  of  the  supreme  judges  of  the  State. 

THOMAS  W.  WARNER,  dealer  in  a general  line  of  groceries  and  provisions,  was 
born  October  26,  1838,  in  Shelbyville,  being  a son  of  William  D.  and  Mary  (Swift)  Warner, 
■both  natives  of  Bedford  County.  The  father  was  killed  when  our  subject  was  but  one  year 
old,  and  the  mother  is  still  living,  having  been  married  three  times.  Thomas  W.  was 
raised  by  his  grandmother,  Swift,  on  a farm,  and  secured  but  a common  school  education. 
At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  his  own  support.  He  has  been  engaged  as  a clerk  and 
merchant  for  about  twenty-five  years.  He  also  owns  143  acres  of  fine  land  and  carries  on 
farming,  his  residence  being  one  and  three-quarter  miles  west  of  Shelbyville,  on  the  Pish- 
ing Ford  Pike,  in  an  excellent  location.  He  was  married  May  20,  1866,  to  Emma  R.  Trail, 
a native  of  Franklin,  Ky.  Six  children  have  been  born  to  them,  viz.  : Hugh,  Frazer, 
William  F.,  Thomas  W.,  Henry  W.  and  one  who  died.  Mr.  Warner  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a member  of  the  Democratic  party.  He  has  in 
his  possession  a $1  United  States  coin,  bearing  the  date  of  1798,  which  his  father 
and  grandfather  each  carried.  Mr.  Warner  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  K.  of  H. 

CHARLES  A.  WARREN  (deceased)  was  born  May  21,  1820,  in  Blouut  County,  Tenn., 
His  father,  Thomas  S.  Warren,  was  born  and  partly  raised  in  Virginia.  He  immigrated  ' 
with  his  parents  to  East  Tennessee  when  young.  He  was  married  in  1809.  The  mother, 
Susan  Sevier  Snyder,  was  born  in  Nashville.  When  she  was  quite  young  she  was  taken 
to  Clarksville,  where  her  parents  were  murdered  by  the  Indians  and  she  was  the  only  one 
of  theTamily  who  escaped.  She  was  then  reared  by  her  grandfather,  Valentine  Sevier, 
and  also  lived  a great  part  of  her  time  witli  Gov.  Sevier.  The  parents  of  our  subject 
moved  to  Bedford  County  in  about  1828.  The  father  died  in  1856,  having  been  born  in  1782. 
The  mother  was  born  in  1791,  and  died  in  1863.  There  is  now  but  one  of  the  family  of  ten 
children  raised  by  them  living:  Mrs.  Jennie  Ivie,  the  widow  of  C.  D.  Ivie,  of  Rutherford 
County.  She  was  born  December  27,  1821.  Charles  A.  W arren  was  reared  on  a farm.  He 
served  as  deputy  sheriff -of  Bedford  County  for  many  years  in  his  younger  dajes.  He  car- 
ried on  farming  all  his  life  and  was  one  of  the  most  extensive  business  men  of  the  county. 
He  was  engaged  in  stock  dealing,  merchandising,  etc.  He  was  noted  for  his  public  spirit 
and  public  enterprise  and  charity  to  the  poor.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  was 
married  May  2,  1865,  to  Miss  Amy  Thompson,  daughter  of  G.  W.  Thompson.  Mrs.  War- 
ren died  October  29,  1883,  leaving  a family  of  three  children : George,  Josephine  and  Stan- 
ley S.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  the  union  but  two,  Mattie  Lee  and  William  S., 
have  died. 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1185 


MADISON  H.  WEBB,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  February  5, 1836, 
and  is  the  son  of  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  W.  (Reeves)  Webb.  The  father  was  born  in 
Sevier  County,  Tenn.,  June  16,  1792,  and  died  in  Bedford  County,  June  18,  1884.  The 
mother  was  bom  July  18,  1793,  in  Orange  County,  N.  C.,  and  was  married  to  Benjamin 
Webb  September  16,  1821.  To  this  union  were  born  six  sons,  of  whom  our  subject  is  the 
youngest.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm,  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  assisted  his 
parents  on  the  farm  until  twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  was  a lieutenant  in  the  Confeder- 
ate Army,  enlisting  in  the  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Infantry,  but  was  afterward  transferred 
to  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  under  Col.  Starnes.  He  participated  in  the  battles  of 
Fort  Donelson,  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga,  and  some  actions  in  the  Georgia  campaign. 
He  was  captured  at  Fort'Donelson  and  held  a prisoner  at  Lincoln  Barracks,  Springfield, 
111.,  for  the  space  of  one  month,  when  he  escaped.  December  11,  1867,  he  wedded  Miss 
Elnora  Elam,  daughter  of  James  A.  Elam.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  five  children— 
three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Our  sfibject  has  a fine  farm  of  600  acres.  He  is  a Demo- 
crat; a Mason  (Knight  Templar),  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church. 

JOHN  W.  WELLS  was  born  May  15.  1843,  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.  His  father, 
Thomas  P.  Wells,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  September,  1811.  When  a young  man 
he  moved  to  Williamson  County,  where  he  married  Miss  Susan  Smith,  a native  of  this 
State.  To  this  union  six  children  were  born,  of  whom  our  subject  is  the  fourth.  The 
mother  of  these  children  died  when  our  subject  was  about  nine  years  old,  and  the  father 
afterward  married  Miss  Frances  Tune,  and  by  her  he  became  the  father  of  two  children — 
a son  and  daughter.  Thomas  P.  Wells  moved  to  Illinois  in  1866,  where  he  now  resides; 
he  is  a minister  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  is  also  a farmer.  Mrs.  Fran- 
ces (Tune)  Wells  is  now  dead.  Our  subject  came  to  this  couhty  with  his  parents  when 
but  eight  years  of  age,  and  here  he  was  educated  at  the  Flat  Creek  Academy.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1861,  he  enlisted  in  the  Forty-first  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry  and  served  in  that 
command  about  two  years.  He  was  then  left  at  Jackson,  La.,  on  account  of  illness,  and 
was  there  captured  and  paroled  by  the  Federal  Army.  He  had  been  captured  with  his 
regiment  at  Fort  Donelson  and  held  as  a prisoner  of  war  until  September,  1862,  when  he 
was  exchanged.  In  September,  1866,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  E.  Sholfner,  a native  of  this 
county  and  a daughter  of  Col.  L.  Sholfner.  To  this  union  were  born  two  sons^  Othniel 
D.  and  Willie  S.,  both  living.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  September  4,  1873,  and 
in  1874  their  father  married  Miss  Margaret  C.  Jenkins,  a native  of  this  county  and  a 
daughter  of  Rev.  William  Jenkins.  To  this  union  the  following  children  were  born: 
Susan  M.,  Thomas  E.,  Edgar  J.,  Ethel  and  Herbert,  all  living.  Our  subject  owns  a farm 
of  235  acres  on  Duck  River,  all  rich  bottom  land.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity and  belongs  to  Shelbyville  Benevolent  Lodge,  No.  122,  and  be  takes  an  active  in- 
terest in  educational  matters.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church. 

WILLIAM  D.  WHEELER  is  a son  of  W.  W.  Wheeler,  who  was  born  in  Tennesse  in 
1809,  and  died  in  April,  1855.  His  mother  was  a Mrs.  White;  she  was  born  in  1811  and 
died  November  7, 1857.  William  D.  was  the  eldest  of  their  seven  children.  He  was  born  in 
Rutherford  County  March  12,  1836,  and  assisted  his  father  on  his  farm  until  twenty-one 
years  of  age.  He  followed  farming  up  to  the  date  of  the  late  war.  He  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany G,  Forty  fourth  Tennessee  Infantry  in  1861,  but  owing  to  ill  health  only  remained  in 
the  service  three  months.  After  his  return  home  he  engaged  in  farming,  and  has  been  a 
fairly  prosperous  “tiller  of  the  soil.”  Martha  L.  Maxwell  became  his- wife  January  22, 
1861.  She  was  born  August  21,  1840,  and  is  the  mother  of  the  following  family:  Mary 
Ann,  Etta  Valonie,  Malissa  Alice  and  John  Watson.  Our  subject  received  a common 
school  education  and  is  a supporter  of  Democratic  principles. 

ROBERSON  A.  WHITAKER,  farmer,  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  Novem- 
ber 9,  1859,  son  of  Dr.  Philander  and  Rebecca  M.  (Moseley)  Whitaker,  and  supposed  to  be 
of  English  descent.  The  father  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  October  19,  1826,  and 


1186 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


November  12,  1S30,  he  wedded  Rebecca  Moseley,  who  was  bora  November  12,  1838.  To 
this  union  were  born  six  children — four  sons  and  two  daughters.  The  father  died  July  3, 
I860,  and  the  mother  July  3,  1885.  The  Whitaker  family  were  among  the  early  settlers 
of  the  State.  Our  subject  was  a farmer  hoy,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  at 
the  age  of  seventeen  began  working  for  himself.  February  3, 1880,  Miss  Bettie  S.  Thomas, 
daughter  of  William  Thomas,  became  his  wife,  and  by  her  he  became  the  father  of  two 
children:  William  T.  and  Mattie  M.  Mrs.  Whitaker  was  born  in  the  house  where  she  now 
resides  September  9,  1857.  Her  father,  William  Thomas,  Sr.,  was  born  January  31,  1807, 
and  died  March  29,  1S61.  Her  mother,  Mrs.  Jane  (McCrory)  Thomas,  was  born  in  Bedford 
County,  Tenn.,  May  28,  1816,  and  died  December  1, 1882.  The  ancestors  of  Mrs.  Whitaker 
on  her  mother’s  side  were  formerly  from  Ireland,  and  in  an  ancient  Bible,  whose  leaves 
are  yellow  with  age,  was  found  the  following  statement:  Hugh  McCrory  (the  great-great- 
grandfather of  Mrs.  Whitaker)  was  born  in  May,  1759,  in  the  county  of  Antrim,  Ireland. 
He  sailed  to  America  in  April,  1775.  He  joined  the  regular  army,  and  served  as  colonel 
under  Gen.  Washington,  and  was  killed  at  Alexandria  in  October,  1777.  Our  subject  is  a 
Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 

THOMAS  A.  WHITE,  farmer,  was  horn  May  15,  1819,  and  is  one  of  seven  children 
born  to  the  union  of  Thomas  and  Margaret  (McGarrah)  White.  The  father  was  born  in  Jef- 
ferson County,  Va..  in  1780,  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Maury  County.  He  re- 
mained there  until  1825  when  he  moved  to  Shelbyville  and  followed  the  hatter  trade.  He 
also  kept  hotel  in  Shelbyville  several  years.  In  1801  he  was  married  and  became  the 
father  of  these  children:  James  R.,  Joseph,  Elizabeth,  Nancy,  John,  Susan  and  Thomas  A. 
Thomas  White,  Sr.,  and  wife  were  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South.  The  former  died  in  1846  and  the  latter  in  1850.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  He  received  a limited  educa- 
tion in  the  Bedford  County  Schools,  and  in  1841  was  married  to  Miss  Ary  A.  Williams,  a 
native  of  this  county.  Five  children  blessed  this  union:  Mary,  Robert,  Isaac  H.,  Margaret 
and  Julia.  Three  of  these  have  died:  Robert,  Margaret  and  Julia.  Mrs.  White  died  in 
1853,  and  in  the  same  year  Mr.  White  married  Margaret  Dryden,  of  Bedford  County, 
and  to  this  union  were  born  nine  children:  Ary  (deceased),  Julia,  Lula,  Thomas  C., 
William  D.,  James  L.,  Anna,  Walter  C.  and  Susan.  Mr.  White  was  a tailor  for  twenty 
years  of  his  life  but  in  1853  turned  his  attention  exclusively  to  farming.  He  owns  200 
acres  of  land,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South. 

DR.  WILLIAM  H.  WHITTEMORE,  of  Haley,  was  born  October  6,  1853,  in  David- 
son County,  Tenn.  His  father,  William  B.  Whittemore,  was  a native  of  the  same  county 
and  is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  He  is  a prominent  farmer  of  that  county,  and  married 
Nancy  E.  Hays,  a native  of  Davidson  County  and  daughter  of  John  Hays.  To  this  union 
were  born  ten  children,  our  subject  being  the  eldest.  The  father  and  mother  are  both 
living.  The  Doctor  was  educated  at  Franklin  College,  near  Nashville,  where  he  gradu- 
ated in  1869.  He  received  his  medical  education  in  the  medical  department  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Tennessee,  from  which  institution  lie  graduated  in  1878,  and  then  commenced 
the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Antioch,  Davidson  Co.,  Tenn.  Here  he  remained  two 
years  and  then  moved  to  Nashville,  and  was  elected  as  county  health  officer,  and  held 
this  position  three  years.  He  then  moved  to  Haley,  Bedford  Co.,  Tenn.,  where  he  con- 
tinues the  practice  of  medicine  and  has  already  established  an  extensive  practice.  No 
vember  8,  1882,  he  married  Miss  Georgia  M.  Tohnie,  a native  of  the  city  of  Nashville  and 
daughter  of  Alexander  McD.  Tolrnie,  a prominent  citizen  and  machinist  of  that  city,  who 
ran  the  first  engine  that  was  run  on  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad,  and  was  for  a 
long  time  master  mechanic  of  that  road.  To  Dr.  W.  H.  Whittemore  and  wife  was  born 
one  child,  Maggie  T.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  K.  of  LI.  and  the  Iron  Hall.  He  is 
a Democrat  and  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Whittemore  is  a 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOHN  W.  WIGGINS,  a successful  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  December  26, 
1812,  in  North  Carolina.  He  is  the  son  of  Harrel  and  Sallie  (Royster)  Wiggins.  Tne  father 


BEDFORD  COUNTY. 


1187 


was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1788,  and  when  quite  young  immigrated  to  Indiana,  where 
he  remained  but  a few  months.  He  then  went  to  Kentucky,  and  from  there  to  Coffee 
County,  Tenn.,  where  he  remained  until  1830,  when  he  immigrated  to  Bedford  County, 
and  settled  in  the  Twentieth  District.  He  reared  a family  of  seven  children,  three  of  whom 
are  living  at  the  present  time:  John  W.,  David  and  Harbert.  Harrel  Wiggins  was  a 
member, of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  and  died  in  1851.  Mrs.  Wiggins  died  in  1873. 
Our  subject  was  given  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools.  In  1835  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Mary  Greer,  a native  of  North  Carolina.  To  this  union  seven  children  were  born, 
only  two  of  whom  are  living:  Mary  A.  and  Hundley.  Mrs.  Wiggins  was  1 a consistent 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  died  September  15,  1885.  Mr.  Wig- 
gins has  always  been  a tiller  of  the  soil,  has  been  rather  successful  and  owns  450  acres  of 
good  land. 

J.  GREER  WIGGINS,  a farmer  of  Bedford  County,  was  born  December  29,  1842. 
He  is  the  son  of  Benjamin  E.  and  Jane  H.  (Greer)  Wiggins.  The  father  was  born  in 
North  Carolina,  and  in  the  early  part  of  his  life  immigrated  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in 
Bedford  County.  He  left  and  wbnt  to  Mississippi,  but  in  a short  time  returned  to  Bedford 
County.  He  was  a farmer,  and  reared  a family  of  eight  children:  J.  Greer,  John  S.,  Sarah 
E.,  Mary  J.,  William  J.,  Benjamin  F.,  Thomas  H.  and  Fannie  E.  Sarah  E.  and  Mary  J. 
are  both  dead.  Benjamin  F.  died  in  1883.  Mrs.  Wiggins  died  about  1880.  Our  subject 
was  a country  boy,  and  received  a good  practical  education  in  the  common  schools.  In 
1871  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emily  Y.  Evans,  daughter  of  Hampton  Evans. 
To  this  union  were  born  four  children:  Bessie  F.,  A.  F.,  Edward  H.  and  Hampton  Evans. 
Mr.  Wiggins  has  always  been  a farmer,  and  is  also  a carpenter  by  trade.  He  owns  149 
acres  of  land,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  Twenty-second  District.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

DAVID  WILLIAMS  is  a native  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  born  in  May,  1815.  His 
father,  Joseph  Williams,  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1777,  and  came  to  Tennessee  at 
a very  early  period.  He  was  a farmer,  and  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  participating  in 
the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  In  1813  he  wedded  our  subject’s  mother,  Charity  Turrentine, 
who  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1791.  The  father  died  in  1876,  and  the  mother  two 
years  later.  David  Williams  and  Sarah  T.  Harris  were  united  in  marriage  in  1836.  Mrs. 
Williams  was  born  in  1816,  and  her  parents,  James  Harris  and  Nancy  (Thompson)  Harris, 
were  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  South  Carolina,  respectively.  The  children  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Williams  are  Almeda,  born  in  1837;  Lou,  in  1839;  Elvira,  in  1841;  James  H.,  in 
1845;  Lafayette,  in  1854;  Mollie  J.,  in  1859,  and  Samuel  K.,  in  1861.  Our  subject  was 
reared  on  a farm  and  has  followed  farming  from  early  boyhood.  He  was  postmaster  of 
Hickory  Hill  for  several  years,  before  and  after  the  war,  and  in  1869  located  on  his  present 
farm  of  230  acres.  He  has  a neat  frame  residence,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 

THOMAS  W.  WOOD,  M.  D.,  of  Shelbyville,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  James  and  Eliza 
(Oberall)  Wood,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  The  father  was 
born  February  10,  1798,  and  the  mother  May  13,  1806.  They  were  married  September  17, 
1829.  Ten  children  blessed  their  union:  John  A.,  William  J.,  Melissa  J.,  Thomas  W., 
Sarah  A.,  Llorace  O.,  Nancy  P.,  Martha  IL.,  Eliza  T.  and  James  G.  Mr.  Wood  came  to 
Tennessee  about  1810,  and  located  in  what  is  now  Cannon  County,  where  he  remained 
about  two  years,  and  then  moved  to  near  Woodbury,  where  he  died  November  16,  1865. 
He  had  been  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  for  nearly  forty  years. 
The  mother  died  September  11,  1874.  Thomas  W.  Wood  was  born  in  Cannon  County, 
where  he  received  a good  common  school  education,  and  attended  the  Lawrence  Academy, 
at  Woodbury  Station.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  joined  the  Eighteenth  Tennes- 
see Infantry,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh  and  numerous  skirmishes,  and  was 
selected  as  the  one  to  receive  the  banner  for  his  company,  presented  by  the  young  ladies 
of  Woodbury.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  was  soon  compelled  to  abandon  active  service,  but 
was  given  a position  in  the  commissary  department  and  served  as  commissary  sergeant 


1188 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  paroled  at  Macon,  Ga.,  and  after  his  return  home 
engaged  in  farming  and  school  teaching.  He  began  his  medical  studies  in  1867,  and 
attended  his  first  course  of  lectures  in  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nash- 
ville in  1868,  1869  and  1870,  graduating  the  latter  year.  He  has  since  practiced  in  Bedford 
County,  and  has  built,  up  an  extensive  practice.  Dr.  Wood  was  appointed  by  the  county 
commissioner  as  physician  for  the  poor  asylum,  and  has  held  that  position  ten  years.  He 
was  twice  appointed  deputy  county  clerk  of  Cannon  County,  and  at  one  time  lacked  only 
a few  votes  of  being  the  nominee  of  the  Democratic  party  for  representative  of  Bedford 
County.  He  was  at  one  time  salesman  in  a wholesale  hat  house  in  Philadelphia. 

J.  P.  WOOD.  William  Wood  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1802,  and  was  married 
to  Elena  Meris,  also  of  that  State,  and  our  subject  was  born  to  them  September  20, 1838,  in 
Orange  County,  N.  C.  He  has  always  followed  the  life  of  a farmer,  and  at  the  breaking 
out  of  the  late  war  he  entered  the  Confederate  Army,  in  the  fall  of  1862,  enlisting  in 
Company  G,  Thirty-second  Tennessee  Infantry.  At  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  he  was 
wounded  in  the  left  thigh  and  was  compelled  to  abandon  service.  August  15, 1861,  he  led 
to  Hymen’s  altar  Miss  Martha  C.  Woodward,  who  bore  him  nine  children,  only  five  now 
living:  Mary  L.,  Nora  W.,  William  W.,  Joseph  O.,  Winnie  L.  Mr.  Wood  is  a self-made 
man,  and  has  been  fairly  successful  in  his  business  undertakings.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  his  wife  of  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Wood  is  a 
Democrat. 

MOSES  WOODFIN,  farmer,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  March  7, 1829,  and 
of  English-Irish  lineage.  His  father,  Samuel  Woodfin,  was  born  in  Buncomb  County, 
North  Carolina,  in  1791,  and  about  1815  married  Maria  Barnhill,  a native  of  South  Caro- 
lina, born  December  9,  1798,  and  to  them  were  born  fifteen  children.  The  father  died 
April  29,  1863,  and  the  mother  in  the  same  county  March  8,  1863.  Our  subject  received  a 
good  practical  education  and  has  followed  farming  as  his  chief  occupation.  He  learned 
the  trade  of  wheelwright  which  he  followed  in  a regular  way  for  over  fifteen  years.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  Army,  Forty-fifth  Tennessee 
Infantry,  and  participated  in  the  battles  of  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga  and  Missionary 
Ridge.  At  Chickamauga  he  was  wounded  and  at  Missionary  Ridge  he  was  wounded 
again,  captured,  and  taken  to  Rock  Island,  111.,  where  he  remained  a prisoner  until  the 
end  of  the  war.  September  11,  1856,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Rachel  A.  Clark,  daughter 
of  William  Clark,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  eight  children — three  sons  and  five 
daughters;  the  sons  are  William  J.,  Samuel  N.  and  James  M.  P. ; the  daughters:  Mollie 
E.,  EmmaL.,  Alice,  Ida  and  Maggie  L.  Mr.  Woodfin  is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and  he  and 
wife  and  five  children  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Wood- 
fin, our  subject’s  wife,  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  August  9,  1835.  Her 
father  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1807,  and  her  mother  in  1817.  Her  father  died  Oc- 
tober 20,  1881,  and  was  of  Irish  lineage.  Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Nicholas  Woodfin, 
was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  distinguished  for  his  gallantry  and 
bravery  on  many  occasions.  Our  subject’s  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans. 

JAMES  C.  YELL,  a native  of  Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  December  31,  1842, 
son  of  Francis  M.  and  Judia  (Short)  Yell,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born 
near  Wartrace,  and  is  of  English  extraction.  He  has  been  a merchant,  but  at  present  is 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  on  a farm  of  nearly  200  acres.  During  the  late  war  he 
was  a guide  for  the  Federal  Army  between  Nashville  and  Chattanooga,  from  1862  to  the 
latter  part  of  1863,  and  was  a stanch  Union  man.  The  mother  is  also  living.  Our  sub- 
ject received  a practical  education  in  the  country  schools  and  at  Tullahoma.  In  August, 
1862,  he  enlisted  in  the  Fifth  Tennessee  Federal  Cavalry,  and  served  in  that  command 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  in  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro.  His  regiment  was 
mostly  engaged  in  contending  with  guerrillas  and  Confederate  cavalry.  When  the  war 
closed  he  returned  home  and  sold  goods  at  Normandy  for  about  a year.  He  then  moved 
to  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  and  engaged  in  tillingthe  soil.  He  owns  a farm  adjoin- 


BEDFOED  COUNTY. 


1189 


ing  that  of  his  father,  consisting  of  nearly  200  acres,  and  another  a mile  distant  of  114 
acres.  December,  1879,  he  married  Miss  Ada  Waite,  a native  of  Coffee  County,  and  this 
union  was  blessed  by  these  children:  Gordentia  W.,  Warren  S.  and  Frances  M.,  all  liv- 
ing. Mr.  Yell  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  also- 
K.  of  H.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

BENJAMIN  B.  YELL,  farmer,  was  born  in. Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  July  25,  1829, 
son  of  James  and  Jerusha  (Barton)  Yell,  and  of  English  descent.  The  father  was  born 
in  1791,  and  he  and  his  brother  Archibald  Yell  were  volunteer  soldiers  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  Archibald  Yell  was  at  one  time  governor 
of  the  State  of  Arkansas,  and,  on  a monument,  erected  to  his  memory  at  Fayetteville,  may 
be  seen  the  following:  “Born  in  North  Carolina,  August,  1797;  A volunteer  in  the  battle 
of  New  Orleans;  District  Judge  of  Arkansas  Territory  in  1832;  First  member  of  Congress 
from,  the  State;  Governor,  1840;  Again  elected  to  Congress  in  1844;  Resigned  and  accepted 
a Colonelcy  of  Arkansas  for  the  Mexican  war,  in  1846;  Killed  at  Buena  Yista,  February 
22,  1847;  A gallant,  soldier,  an  upright  Judge,  a fearless  champion  of  popular  rights, 
a sincere  friend,  and  an  honest  man.”  The  father  of  our  subject  died  at  his  residence  in 
Coffee  County,  Tenn.,  November  20,  1839.  The  mother  was  born  in  Georgia,  in  1797,  and 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church  South.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and 
educated  in  common  schools,  January  12,  1848,  to  Miss  Ann  B.  Waite,  and  the  result  of 
this  union  was  four  children:  George  C.,  Abner  W.,  Bettie  A.,  and  Edith  N.  Mr.  Yell 
is  a Democrat,  a Mason,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Separate  Baptist  Church. 
He  has  a farm  of  280  acres  of  fine  land,  which  he  devotes  to  the  cultivation  of  cereals  and 
the  raising  of  stock. 

JOSHUA  YELL  is  a son  of  James  Yell,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  came 
to  Tennessee  with  his  father  when  young,  locating  in  Rutherford  County.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Jerusha  Barton,  daughter  of  William  Barton,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of 
twelve  children,  only  seven  of  whom  lived  to  maturity.  Archibald  Yell,  brother  of  James 
Yell,  was  governor  of  Arkansas  two  terms  previous  to  the  Mexican  war,  and  was  killed  in 
that  war  while  commanding  the  Arkansas  troops.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born 
September  15,  1832,  and  spent  his  boyhood  days  on  a farm  and  in  attending  the  common 
schools.  He  was  married  October  2,  1852,  to  Miss  Rebecca  A.  Waite,  and  ten  children 
were  born  to  them:  Nancy  B.  (deceased),  A.  D.,  James  A.,  Annie,  Benjamin,  G.  E.,  Bettie, 
Joshua,  Adah  and  Charley.  In  1879  Mr.  Yell  removed  to  his  present  farm  of  200  acres. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  he  and  wife  are  church  members. 

PROF.  JOHN  S.  YOES  is  a son  of  Thomas  Yoes,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1819. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  married  Sallie  Perryman,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  about  1825,  and 
by  her  became  the  father  of  fourteen  children.  Our  subject  was  their  sixth  child,  born 
October  9,  1849,  and  began  doing  for  himself  at  the  age  of  twenty.  He  chose  school-teach- 
ing as  his  profession,  and  has  continued  with  good  success  up  to  the  present  time.  Mar- 
garet E.  Hopkins  became  his  wife  March  14,  1871.  She  was  born  May  29,  1847,  and  has 
borne  him  six  children:  Marzie  S.,  William  T.,  Margaret  E.,  Joseph  W.,  Rebecca  A.  and 
JohnS.  Prof.  Yoes'has  been  a teacher  in  Turrentine’s  Academy  since  January,  1886.  His 
early  educational  advantages  were  limited,  but  by  much  desultory  study  and  reading  has 
acquired  an  excellent  education.  He  has  mastered  several  of  the  sciences  without  a tu- 
tor, and  in  every  particular  has  been  the  architect  of  his  own  fortune.  He  belongs  to  the 
Democratic  party. 


1190 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 

ROBERT  L.  ADAMS,  clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court  of  Marshall  County, 
was  born  June  15,  1833,  in  that  part  of  Bedford  County  now  included  in  Marshall  County. 
He  was  reared  on  the  farm  but  on  account  of  physical  disability  did  not  engage  in  hard 
manual  labor.  He  received  a good  practical  education  in  the  country  schools  and  at  the 
age  of  nineteen  commenced  teaching  in  the  schools  of  this  county,  where  he  continued  for 
ten  years.  In  1862  he  was  elected  county  court  clerk  and  held  that  office  for  a period  of  twelve 
years.  In  1876  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  master  of  the  Chancery  Court  and  is  still  holding 
that  position.  When  the  Bank  of  Lewisburg  was  re-established  in  1885, Mr.  Adams  was  elect- 
ed as  its  president, besides  he  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  same  institution.  Previous  to  this, 
in  1860,  he  wedded  Jane  E.  Bell,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  seven  children,  six  of 
whom  are  living.  Politically  Mr.  Adams  is  a firm  supporter  of  Democratic  principles. 
For  fifty  years  he  has  been  a citizen  of  Marshall  County  and  for  twenty-two  years  of  that 
time  he  has  held  positions  of  trust  and  honor.  This  fact  alone  speaks  louder  for  his  ability 
and  popularity  than  mere  words.  His  parents  were  Alexander  D.  and  Elizabeth  (LaRue) 
Adams,  both  natives  of  Virginia  and  both  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The 
father  was  a stanch  Democrat,  although  all  his  brothers  were  Whigs  previous  to  the  war. 
He  died  in  1866,  and  the  mother  passed  away  in  1875. 

T.  RIGGS  ADAMS  is  one  of  ten  children  of  Joseph  and  Eveline  W.  (Garrett)  Ad- 
ams, who  were  born  in  Bedford  and  Lincoln  Counties,  Tenn.,  respectively.  They  were 
married  in  Bedford  County,  and  there  lived  until  1853,  .when  they  came  to  Marshall 
County,  and  there  the  father  followed  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  was  a Whig  in 
former  days,  but  now  supports  the  Democratic  party.  The  mother  died  in  1885,  and  the 
following  year  Mr.  Adams  wedded  Mrs.  Rachel  McLean.  T.  Riggs’  ancestors  on  his 
father's  side  were  Irish,  and  on  his  mother's  German.  He  was  born  in  Bedford  County, 
on  the  11th  of  January,  1840,  and  received  the  rearing  and  education  of  the  average  farm- 
er’s boy.  In  1862  he  volunteered  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  dur- 
ing nearly  three  years’  service  was  never  wounded  and  only  once  taken  prisoner,  and  then 
held  but  a few  days.  He  has  given  his  time  and  attention  to  farming,  and  owns  165 
acres  of  land.  He  is  unmarried,  and  a Democrat  in  politics. 

WILLIAM  V.  ANDREWS,  son  of  Jones  and  Lucy  (Lanier)  Andrews,  who  were  born 
in  Virginia  in  1791  and  1808,  respectively.  They  both  came  to  Tennessee  when  young, 
and  were  married  in  Williamson  Countj'.  To  them  were  born  eleven  children,  only  three 
of  whom  are  living  at  the  present  time.  The  father,  was  an  agriculturist,  and  one  of  the 
most  successful  of  his  day.  He  served  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  a Whig  in  politics;  he 
died  in  1848.  His’  widow  and  children  lived  on  the  old  homestead  until  1861,  when  the 
mother’s  death  ofccurred.  William  V.  was  born  November  1,  1824,  and  spent  his  early 
days  on  a farm.  His  father,  though  wealthy,  believed  in  teaching  children  to  work,  and 
he  was  sent  to  the  field  with  the  servants  and  earned  his  living  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow. 
At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  took  charge  of  the  farm  of  500  acres,  which  he  managed  until 
his  marriage,  in  1849,  to  Tennessee  Tucker.  To  them  were  born  seven  children,  four  of 
whom  are  living.  Mr.  Andrews  was  a Whig  previous  to  the  war,  but  now  votes  the  Dem- 
ocratic ticket.  He  owned  342  acres  of  land,  but  gave  largely  to  his  children.  He  has 
given  his  childreh  good  educational  advantages,  and  contributes  largely  to  the  support  of 
laudable  enterprises. 

CLINTON  A.  ARMSTRONG,  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Smithson  & Armstrong,  is 
a son  of  George  and  Margaret  (Orr)  Armstrong,  natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Ten- 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1191 


nessee.  After  marriage  they  settled  in  that  part  of  this  county,  formerly  included  in  Bed- 
ford County.  Their  family  consisted  of  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living.  The 
father  followed  the  occupation  of  a tiller  of  the  soil  and  was  also  engaged  in  stock  trad- 
ing. He  did  not  aspire  to  public  places,  but  rather  chose  to  perform  the  duties  of  a quiet 
citizen.  The  mother  was  a member  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  seventy-six.  Our  subject  was 
born  in  Marshall  County,  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools. 
He  subsequently  attended  Lewisburg  Academy.  In  18G8  he  commenced  reading  law  with 
Col.  W.  1ST.  Cowden,  and  the  following  year  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  In  1869  he  led  to 
the  altar  Maggie  Kercheval,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  one  of  whom  is  living.  For 
seven  years  he  was  a partner  of  Col.  Cowden,  but  afterward  went  into  partnership 
with  Smithson,  which  continues  to  the  present.  Mrs.  Armstrong  was  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church ; she  died  April  20,  1S86.  Mr.  Armstrong  is  a Democrat,  and  has 
been  practicing  his  profession  for  seventeen  years  in  Lewisburg,  and  has  received  his 
share  of  the  business  of  the  county. 

REV.  P.  L.  ATKISSON  is  a son  of  Pleasant  and  Sophronia  (Holmes)  Atkisson.  The 
father  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  when  young  came  to  Tennessee,  where  he  married,  and 
after  a short  residence  in  Giles  County  moved  to  Alabama,  and  a few  years  later  went  to 
West  Tennessee.  He  was  a shoe-maker  by  trade,  and  also  farmed.  To  him  and  wife  were 
born  two  sons.  In  1835  the  mother  died,  and  later  he  wedded  Emily  Woods,  who  bore 
him  one  son.  He  was  an  1812  soldier  and  a Jacksonian  Democrat.  Our  subject  was  born 
in  Mooresville,  Ala.,  October  7,  1825,  and  was  reared  on  a farm  in  West  Tennessee.  He 
received  an  academic  education,  and  after  studying  medicine  for  some  time  took  a course 
of  lectures  at  Memphis  and  practiced  that  profession  a number  of  years.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-five  he  commenced  his  ministerial  work,  in  which  he  has  been  engaged  ever  since. 
His  marriage  with  Mary  0.  Ellison  was  solemnized  in  1850,  and  to  them  were  born  eight 
children,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  Mrs:  Atkisson  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church,  in  which  her  husband  is  a minister.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  in  addition 
to  his  ministerial  work  runs  a large  farm  of  500  acres. 

ANDREW  J.  BARTLETT.  Cyrus  Bartlett  was  probably  born  in  the  Old  Dominion, 
and  when  a young  man  came  to  Tennessee  and  married  Elizabeth  Bedford,  probably  a 
native  of  the  State,  by  whom  he  had  twelve  children.  He  was  a house  carpenter  by  trade, 
and  many  houses  are  now  standing  which  bear  the  evidence  of  his  skillful  workmanship. 
He  was  a Whig  in  politics,  but  always  cast  his  vote  for  Gen.  Jackson,  because  his  father 
fell  while  serving  under  him,  and  the  General  took  upon  himself  the  education  of  Cyrus. 
In  1876  he  died,  being  nearly  seventy  years  of  age.  The  mother  is  yet  living.  Andrew  J. 
Bartlett,  the  immediate  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  November 
2,  1834,  and  while  young  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools.  Having  learned 
the  carpenter’s  trade,  he  worked  at  it  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he  volun- 
teered in  Company  D,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  for  three  and  a half  years, 
being  sergeant-major  the  greater  part  of  the  time.  In  1865  he  wedded  Martha  E.  Turner, 
by  whom  he  has  had  one  child — Alma.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartlett  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South.  He  Js  a Democrat,  and  since  1869  has  followed  agricultural  pur- 
suits, owning  at  the  present  time  150  acres  of  good  land  in  the  garden  of  Tennessee. 

HARTWELL  G.  BAKER  was  born  September  25, 1804.  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn., 
where  he  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of  twen- 
ty-four he  left  home  and  began  clerking  in  a store,  and  at  the  end  of  five  years  bought 
t out  his  employer’s  stock,  valued  at  $9,000,  on  credit,  and  by  close  attention  to  business 
succeeded  in  paying  his  debt.  He  sold  goods  for  about  twelve  years  and  made  a snug 
little  fortune,  but  the  war  breaking  out  about  this  time,  swept  away  about  $25,000  worth 
of  property.  He  has  redeemed  his  fortunes  somewhat  and  owns  225  acres  of  excellent 
farming  land.  In  1837  he  was  married  to  Narcissa  J.  Haynes,  born  October  9,  1817,  in 
Cornersville,  and  eight  children  have  been  born  to  them,  six  of  whom  are  living.  Mr. 
Baker  was  a Whig,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  About  1845  he  quit  the  mercantile  business 


1192 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  turned  his  attention  to  farming.  He  has  been  a resident  of  the  county  forty-three 
years  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  His  parents.  Humphrey  and  Sallie  (Hyde) 
Baker,  were  born  in  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  moved  to 
Kentucky  when  a boy  and  finally  located  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  was  mar- 
ried. He  was  a blacksmith  by  trade  and  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  became  the  father 
of  ten  children.  The  mother  died  in  1834,  and  the  father  afterward  wedded  Mrs.  Purr, 
by  whom  he  had  two  children.  Shortly  after  their  marriage  they  moved  to  Kentucky, 
where  the  father  died  during  the  war. 

THOMAS  H.  BELL,  farmer,  was  born  February  27,  1820,  in  Wilson  County,  and  had 
a limited  advantage  for  schooling  though  he  has  supplied  the  deficiency  by  private  study, 
At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Martha  A.  O’Neal,  who  was  born 
in  1824.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  six  children.  At  the  end  of  ten  years  the 
mother  died  and  in  1854  our  subject  wedded  Elizabeth  J.  Bruce,  who  was  born  April  27, 
1834.  This  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  twelve  children.  Mr.  Bell  is  a supporter  of 
Democratic  principles,  and  he  and  wife  are  active  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyter- 
ian Church.  He  has  held  the  office  of  constable,  deputy  sheriff  and  magistrate,  respect- 
ively. He  was  a strong  Union  man  and  is  a solid  prohibitionist.  He  has  one  of  the  best 
farms  of  130  acres  in  the  county  though  he  has  devoted  considerable  time  to  house  car- 
pentering, running  engines  and  superintending  mills.  He  is  a son  of  Fielding  and  Eliza- 
beth (Jenkins)  Bell.  The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  and  came  to  Tennessee  in  1802.  The 
mother  was  a native  of  Tennesee  and  was  a daughter  of  Col.  Jenkins  of  Revolutionary 
fame.  After  marriage  they  moved  to  Wilson  and  finally  to  Bedford  County  in  1826  where 
they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  days.  In  1854  the  father  died  and  in  1879  the  mother, 
too,  passed  away. 

DR.  G.  W.  BILLS,  a retired  physician  of  Marshall  County,  was  born  November  24, 
1819,  in  this  county  and  received  a rather  limited  education.  He  is  the  son  of  Daniel  G. 
and  Rachel  (Summers)  Bills,  natives  of  North  Carolina,  where  they  were  married  and 
lived  until  1816  after  which  they  came  to  this  State  and  located  in  what  is  now  Marshall 
County.  The  father  was  a doctor  and  farmer,  and  he  and  wife  were  members  of  the 
Christian  Church.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics  and  his  death  occurred  in  1862.  The 
mother  followed  in  1883  in  her  ninetieth  year.  The  subject’s  ancestors  on  both  sides  were 
of  English-Irish  descent.  After  reaching  manhood  he  taught  school  for  a short  time.  In 
1843  he  wedded  A.  E.  A.  Richardson,  a native  of  Marshall  County,  born  April  10,  1823. 
To  this  union  were  born  five  children.  In  politics  he  is  conservative,  having  voted  the 
national  ticket  but  once  since  the  war.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christain  Church. 
About  1847  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  and  after  practicing  for  nearly  six  years, 
took  a course  of  lectures  at  Macon,  Ga.  He  then  returned  to  this  county  and  practiced 
his  profession  until  1867,  when  he  turned  his  attention  more  exclusively  to  farming.  He 
has  a farm  of  325  acres,  and  for  twenty-two  years  has  practiced  his  profession  in  this 
county.  He  has  lived  to  see  all  his  children,  except  the  youngest,  become  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  marry  companions  who  belong  to  the  same.  His  eldest  daughter, 
Rebecca  C.  (deceased),  was  the  wife  of  Thomas  J.  Allen,  a wide-awake  young  farmer; 
the  second  child  is  C.  T.,  who  married  Elizabeth  Blackwell,  and  is  farming  successfully; 
the  third,  Daniel  W.,  married  Josie  Cowden,  and  is  accounted  a good  farmer;  Mollie  G. 
is  the  wife  J.  T.  Wolland,  who  is  also  a tiller  of  the  soil. 

REUBEN  BILLINGTON,  son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Walker)  Billiugton,  was  born 
March  23,  1823,  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County,  and  while  receiving  a common  school 
education,  worked  on  a farm.  Like  a dutiful  son,  he  remained  on  the  farm  until  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  and  a year  later  began  the  duties  of  a farmer, and  has  followed,  that  call- 
ing up  to  the  present  time.  It  1845  he  married  Matilda  Wallace,  who  was  born  February 
2,  1825,  and  four  children  were  the  result  of  their  union:  Malissa  (wife  of  Charles  Jones), 
William  K.,  Amanda  M.  (wife  of  C.  J.  Farris),  and  Thomas  J.  Mr.  Billington  is  a stanch 
Democrat,  and  after  a year’s  faithful  service  in  the  late  war  in  Col.  Haynes’  company,  he 
was  discharged  on  account  of  failing  health.  He  owns  a farm  of  190  acres,  and  gives  con- 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1193 


siderable  attention  to  breeding  stock.  His  parents  were  born  in  North  Carolina;  the 
father  in  1792  and  the  mother  in  1793.  They  came  to  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  when 
young,  and  after  their  marriage  always  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  Of  their  nine 
children  seven  lived  to  be  grown,  and  five  are  still  living.  James  Billington  served  for 
some  time  in  the  war  of  1812;  was  magistrate  and  a Democrat.  Mrs.  Billington  died  in 
1862,  and  he  two  years  later.  Both  our  subject’s  grandfathers  were  Revolutionary  soldiers. 

THOMAS  C.  BLACK,  a leading  druggist  of  Lewisburg,  and  a native  of  Rutherford 
County,  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  He  is  the  son  of 
Thomas  C.  and  Catherine  W.  (Morton)  Black.  The  parents  were  natives  of  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn. ; the  father  born  in  1808  and  the  mother  1816.  They  were  married  in  their 
native  county  and  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  eleven  of  whom  are  still  living. 
The  father  was  a physician  and  farmer.  He  died  in  1876,  and  the  mother  still  lives  on  the 
old  homestead.  Grandfather  Black,  a Scotch-Irishman,  came  in  an  early  day  from  Scot- 
land and  taught  one  of  the  first  schools  of  Murfreesboro.  Our  subject,  after  reaching 
manhood,  began  the  mercantile  business  as  salesman  for  Miles  & McKinley,  in  Murfrees- 
boro. After  conducting  business  in  that  county  on  his  own  responsibility  for  a short  time 
he  came  to  Marshall  County  in  1875  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  Five  years  later 
he  opened  a drug  store  with  Dr.  S.  D.  Ewing,  in  Lewisburg.  After  dissolving  partner- 
ship Mr.  Black  opened  the  store  where  he  now  does  an  active  business.  For  twelve  months 
he  served  as  a soldier  in  Col.  W.  S.  McLemore’s  company.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat 
and  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOHN  T.  BLAKE,  a leading  merchant  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and  a son  of 
John  W.  and  Mary  A.  (Morgan)  Blake,  was  born  on  the  3d  of  January,  1834,  in  Lincoln 
County, Tenn.,  and  received  the  education  and  rearing  of  the  average  farmer’s  boy.  After 
attaining  man’s  estate  he  attended  and  taught  school  a short  time  and  then  turned  his  at- 
tention to  his  trade  and  farming.  He  had  access  to  the  tools  in  his  father’s  shop,  and  in 
time  became  proficient  as  a worker  in  wood  and  iron.  Five  children  were  the  result  of 
his  marriage,  in  1857,  to  Martha  Phillips.  Their  son,  John  M.,  is  a traveling  salesman  for 
Grayfall  & Co.,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blake  are  members  of  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics  he  votes  the  Democratic  ticket.  Since  1857 
he  has  resided  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  He  has  a general  work-shop  and  as  a 
business  man  has  been  fairly  successful.  His  father  and  mother  were  born  in  North  Car- 
olina and  Virginia,  respectively.  After  marriage  they  settled  in  Lincoln  Countjr,  Tenn., 
where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  days  as  tillers  of  the  soil.  Their  family  consisted 
of  fourteen  children,  only  five  of  whom  are  living.  The  father  was  an  old-line  Whig,  and 
after  a long  and  active  life  died  in  1862.  The  mother,  who  was  a member  of  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  Church,  outlived  him  several  years. 

THOMAS  A.  BOYD,  farmer,  was  born  July  25,  1844,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn. 
He  had  the  advantages  of  a common  school  education,  but  the  war  cut  short  all  thoughts 
of  continuing  his  studies.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee 
Cavalry,  Confederate  Army.  While  scouting  in  East  Tennessee  he  was  captured,  and  af- 
ter a short  imprisonment  at  Camp  Chase  he  was  taken  to  Fort  Delaware,  where  he  re- 
mained until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  went  to  work  on  the 
farm.  In  1866  he  wedded  Mattie  S.  Wilson,  who  was  born  December  2,  1849,  in  Marshall 
County.  This  union  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  liv- 
ing. Mr.  Boyd  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church.  He  has  a good  farm  of  250  acres  furnished  with  good  buildings.  He  is  a 
son  of  Joseph  B.  and  Susan  W.  (Camden)  Boyd.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
in  1810,  and  the  mother  in  Virginia  in  1809.  They  were  married  in  1831  and  soon  after 
settled  in  this  county.  At  the  end  of  six  years  they  moved  to  Williamson  County  and  en- 
gaged in  merchandising.  In  1846  he  quit  the  mercantile  business  to  engage  in  farming. 
Both  parents  were  active  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he 
has  been  an  elder  for  about  forty  years.  In  1885  his  faithful  companion  was  taken  from 
his  side  by  the  hand  of  death.  The  father  is  living  with  his  son  Thomas. 


1194 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


THOMAS  WESLEY  BRENTS.  D.  D.  and  M.  D.  Thomas  Brents,  Sr.,  wras  born  in 
the  “Blue-grass  State,”  and  there  married  Jane  McWhorter.  They  resided  in  the  State 
until  1800,  and  then  came  to  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  their 
lives  in  agricultural  pursuits.  The  father,  although  not  an  educated  man,  was  a man  of 
remarkable  intellectual  powers,  superior  to  many  of  his  associates  in  that  particular.  He 
and  wife. were  not  professed  Christians,  but  they  inclined  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
faith.  He  was  an  old-line  Democrat  and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-two.  The  mother 
lived  to  be  fifty-six  years  old.  Thomas  Wesley,  our  subject,  was  born  in  Marshall  Coun- 
ty, February  10,  1823.  His  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm  and  in  seeking  an  education 
in  the  old  dirt-floor  schoolhouse  of  early  days,  where  the  three  “R’s”  were  supposed  to  be 
sufficient  for  an  education.  Before  attaining  his  twenty-first  birthday  he  had  never  seen 
a grammar,  but  notwithstanding  the  many  disadvantages  under  which  he  labored,  he  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  gaining  a better  education,  and  began  a course  of  private  study,  often 
burning  the  midnight  oil  in  furtherance  of  his  plans.  He  followed  pedagoging  about 
four  years  and  became  a disciple  of  iEsculapius  and  attended  the  Eclectic  Medical  College, 
of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  the  Medical  School  of  Nashville,  and  finally  graduated,  in  1855,  from 
the  Reform  Medical  College  of  Georgia,  and  was  chosen  demonstrator  of  anatomy,  and  later 
became  professor  of  anatomy  and  surgery  and  held  that  position  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  gave  up  his  practice  and  moved  to  the  country  and 
devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  ministry,  having  started  in  that  calling  in  1850.  He 
had  acquired  a thorough  knowledge  of  Latin  and  his  ministerial  labors  called  for  a 
knowledge  of  the  Greek  language,  which  he  immediately  began  mastering.  In  1841  he 
wedded  Angeline  Scott,  who  died  in  1857,  leaving  five  small  children.  Late  in  the  same 
year  he  married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Taylor)  Brown,  who  bore  him  four  children,  two  of 
whom  are  professional  men:  T.  E.,  a physician,  and  John,  a lawyer.  Dr.  Brents  moved 
to  Burritt  in  1874  to  educate  his  children  in  Burritt  College,  where  three  of  them  graduated. 
In  1882  he  organized  the  present  Bank  of  Lewisbui-g  and  acted  a;  cashier  for  three  years. 
In  politics  he  is  conservative,  not  having  voted  since  1856.  For  fifty-five  years  he  lias 
been  a citizen  of  Marshall  County,  and  whether  as  a physician,  a professor  or  a minister  of 
the  gospel  he  has  few  equals  and  fewer  superiors. 

ALEXANDER  BRYANT,  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  John  F.  and  Sarah 
(Amis)  Bryant,  and  was  born  in  Granville  County,  N.  C.,  December  14,  1818.  His  parents 
were  also  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  were  married  in  that  State,  and  became  the  parents 
of  ten  children.  The  father  was  a well-to-do  farmer,' and  lived  in  his  native  State  until 
1837,  and  then  moved  to  Tennessee,  and  located  in  Marshall  County,  and  there  died  in 
1857.  He  was  a Democrat  and  for  several  years  held  the  position  of  magistrate.  The 
mother  died  in  1870.  Alexander’s  early  school  advantages  were  very  limited,  never  having 
attended  school  more  than  twelvemonths.  After  attaining  manhood  he  began  farming 
and  has  followed  that  calling  through  life.  In  1842  he  wedded  Maria  Wilkes,  by  whom 
he  had  eleven  children.  Both  he  and  Mrs.  Wilkes  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Bryant  is  a Democrat  and  as  a farmer  has  met  with  well  de- 
served success.  He  has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County  for  twenty-seven  years,  and 
has  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 

JOHN  A.  BRYANT,  farmer,  is  a son  of  John  F.  and  Sarah  W.  (Amis)  Bryant,  both 
natives  of  North  Carolina;  the  father  born  in  1790  and  the  mother  in  1794.  After  marriage, in 
1837,  they  removed  from  their  native  State  and  came  to  Marshall  County,  where  they  spent 
the  remainder  of  their  days.  This  family  consisted  of  ten  children,  six  of  whom  are  living. 
The  father  was  an  industrious  tiller  of  the  soil,  owning  nearly  800  acres  of  land.  He  was 
a Democrat  and  a man  of  fair  education  and  good  business  qualities.  His  death  occurred 
in  1857.  After  his  death  the  mother  lived  a widow  on  the  old  homestead  until  1870,  when 
she,  too,  was  called  away.  Our  subject  was  born  in  North  Carolina  June  28,  1828,  and  his 
ancestors  on  both  sides  were  of  Irish  extraction.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  owing  to 
the  demand  for  his  services  at  home,  received  a very  limited  education.  He  worked  for 
his  father  till  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  then  began  his  cared-  as  an  independent 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1195 


farmer.  In  1860  lie  wedded  Sallie  C.  Fry,  a native  of  Marshall  County,  born  May  9, 1835, 
and  to  them  were  born  four  children.  In  1862,  Mr.  Bryant  enlisted  in  Company  E, 
Eleventh  Tennessee  Confederate  Cavalry  and  after  twelve  months’  service  was  appointed 
brigade  forage  master,  and  a year  later  held  a position  in  the  ordnance  department. 
During  three  years  of  faithful  service  he  was  never  wounded  nor  taken  prisoner.  After 
peace  had  been  declared  he  returned  to  the  more  peaceful  pursuits  of  farming.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  for  eight  years  held  the  position  of  magistrate 
He  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  owns  over  50Q  acres  of  land,  and  for  forty-nine  years 
has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County. 

JOHN"  R.  BRYANT,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  was  born  February  17,  1849.  in  Mar- 
shall County.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a common  English  education. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  took  charge  of  his  father’s  farm  and  worked  out  the  indebted 
ness  of  the  estate.  In  1870  he  wedded  Ada  S.  Pickens,  a native  of  this  county,  born 
August  7,  1849.  They  are  both  active  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 
In  politics  he  is  a Democrat.  Mr,  Bryant  has  a good  farm  of  173  acres,  nearly  all  of 
which  he  has  made  by  industry  and  close  attention  to  business.  Mr.  Bryant  has  lived  in 
Marshall  County  all  his  life,  and  is  a good  farmer  and  an  honest,  upright  citizen.  He  is 
the  son  of  William  T.  and  Mary  E.  (Hill)  Bryant.  The  father  was  born  about  1822  in 
North  Carolina,  and  about  1837  came  with  his  parents  to  this  county.  The  mother  was 
born  in  Maury  County  in  1824,  where  they  were  married.  They  soon  settled  in  this 
county  and  made  it  their  permanent  home.  They  have  a family  of  four  children — three 
boys  and  one  girl.  Two  of  the  boys  are  farmers  of  the  neighborhood,  and  the  third  is  a 
cotton  trader  in  Texas.  The  father  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  followed  the  calling  of 
a farmer  and  stock  raiser. 

JOHN  A.  BURROW  is  a son  of  John  and  Catherine  (Barron)  Burrow,  born,  re- 
spectively, inMaury  County  and  Giles  County,  in  1810  and  1811,  and  died  in  1882  and  1881. 
They  married  and  located  in  Alabama,  residing  there  until  1S79,  when  they  returned  to 
Tennessee  and  settled  near  the  mother’s  birth-place,  in  Giles  County.  Both  parents  be- 
longed to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  father  was  a Democrat.  John  A. 
was  born  in  Lauderdale  County,  Ala.,  March  5,  1844.  Owing  to  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  his  educational  advantages  were  retarded.  He  volunteered  in  Company  E,  Seventh 
Alabama  Cavalry,  and  served  two  and  a half  years.  He  was  in  about  twenty  battles  but 
did  not  receive  a wound.  After  his  return  from  the  war  he  began  tilling  the  soil  and  in 
1872  he  opened  a store  in  Lawrence  County,  but  at  the  end  of  one  year  was  burned  out, 
and  soon  after  returned  to  the  farm  where  he  owns  641  acres  of  land.  Three  sons  were 
born  to  his  marriage  with  Ann  E.  Allen,  whom  he  married  in  1869.  Mrs.  Burrow  died  in 
1876  and  five  years  later  he  wedded  Nannie  Davis,  who  has  borne  him  two  children.  He 
was  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  building  the  Lynnville  & Cornersville  Turnpike  and  his 
efforts  have  been  appreciated  by  those  who  knowfhe  advantage  it  has  been  to  the  county. 

WILLIAM  G.  CLAYTON  is  a son  of  Stephen  and  Nancy  (Hill)  Clayton,  who  were 
natives  of  Tennessee  and  farmers  by  occupation.  .The  former  died  in  1837  and  the  latter 
in  1826.  William  G.  was  born  in  Lincoln  County,  November  6,  1S17,  and  received  a com- 
mon school  education.  In  1837  he  wedded  Jane  S.  Bachman,  and  to  them  were  born  eight 
children.  William  has  followed  in  his  father’s  footsteps  and  is  a farmer.  He  started  in 
life  with  little  or  no  capital;  but  his  hands  and  feet,  step  by  step,  climbed  the  ladder  of  success 
until  he  became  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  Marshall  County,  and  commands  the  re- 
spect and  esteem  of  all.  His  son,  Dr.  A.  C.  Clayton,  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  Feb- 
ruary 26,  1842,  and  spent  his  juvenile  days  on  his  father’s  farm.  He  attended  the  com- 
mon schools,  and  in  1862  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Fifth  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry. 
He  waawounded  so  severely  at  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro,  that  he 'was  compelled  to  give 
up  all  ideas  of  further  service.  Toward  the  latter  part  of  the  war  he  spent  some  time  in 
Texas,  and  after  his  return  took  a course  of  instruction  in  Richland  Academy ,^and  after- 
ward taught  school  about  seven  terms.  In  1876  he  entered  the  medical  department  of 
Vanderbilt  University,  and  graduated  the  following  year.  He  has  since  practiced  in  Mar- 


1196 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


shall  County,  and  besides  this  has  dealt  in  stock,  lumber,  and  has  been  engaged  in  the 
.milling  business.  He  has  a tan-yard  in  Lawrence  County,  a small  farm  in  this  county  and 
a large  one  in  Gibson  County.  In  1883  he  wedded  Mary  E.  Carter,  who  lived  only  about 
two  years.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  a Dem- 
ocrat. He  has  been  a resident  of  the  county,  about  forty  years,  and  has  the  respect  and 
■esteem  of  all. 

DANIEL  B.  CLAYTON,  farmer,  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  William  G. 
and  Jane  S.  (Bachman)  Clayton,  and  was  born  in  the  county  where  he  now  resides  May 
11,  1855.  After  attending  the  common  schools  he  completed  his  education  at  Lewisburg, 
and  then  began  the  battle  of  life  for  himself.  He  taught  one  term  of  school  and,  in  187-8, 
went  to  Texas  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  After  selling  agricultural  imple- 
ments for  a short  time  he  opened  a grocery  store,  which  he  managed  two  years  with  good 
results.  He  sold  out  and  returned  to  Marshall  County  in  1881,  and  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Cora  McCord,  by  whom  he  has  one  child,  Mary  Lucile.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clay- 
ton are  active  workers  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  They  own  325  acres  of 
land  in  the  most  fertile  portion  of  Marshall  County,  it  being  considered  one  of  the  finest 
stock  farms  in  the  county.  He  takes  great  interest  in  raising  fine  stock,  and  is  a stanch 
Democrat  in  his  political  views. 

WILLIAM  M.  CLARK,  son  of  Thomas  and  Betsey  (Robinson)  Clark,  is  a well-to-do 
farmer  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  born  in  Giles  County  June  22,  1822.  He  was 
allowed  to  follow  his  own  inclination  in  regard  to  schooling,  consequently  his  education 
is  very  limited  indeed.  After  working  one  year  for  wages  he  purchased  seventy-five 
acres  of  land,  largely  on  credit,  and  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  has  increased  his  farm  to 
375  acres.  Two  sons  and  one  daughter  are  the  results  of  his  marriage  with  Mary  Jones, 
which  took  place  in  1849.  After  her  death  he  married  Betsey  White,  and  two  children 
have  blessed  their  union.  Mr.  Clark  and  his  first  wife  were  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South;  his  present  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  In  former  days  our  subject  was  a Whig,  but  is  now  a Democrat.  His  parents 
were  North  Carolinians  by  birth,  and  shortly  after  their  marriage  came  to  Giles  County, 
Tenn.,  and  followed  farming  for  a livelihood.  The  father  was  twice  married,  his  second 
wife  being  Nancy  McCandless.  Nine  children  were  born  to  his  first  union  and  three  to  his 
last.  The  father  was  a Whig  and  died  when  about  forty-five  years  old. 

JOHN  COWDEN,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son 
of  William  and  Rhoda  (Davis)  Cowden,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Ten- 
nessee. The  father  was  born  in  1806  and  the  mother  in  1811.  The  father  was  a black- 
smith and  wagon-maker.  They  were  married  in  1828  and  their  family  consisted  of  six 
children — three  of  whom  died  within  two  weeks  of  scarlet  fever.  Of  the  living,  two  are 
boys  and  one  is  a girl.  One  of  the  boys,  William  N.,  is  a leading  criminal  lawyer  of  Lew- 
isburg and  the  other  appears  at  the  head  of  this  sketch.  Both  parents  were  united  with 
the  Christain  Church  and  have  ever  lived  in  accordance  with  their  profession.  The  father 
during  his  short  life  was  an  industrious,  energetic  worker,  and  was  cut  off  in  the  bloom  of 
manhood  by  the  frosts  of  death.  His  death  occurred  in  1839.  The  mother  was  married 
again  but  after  the  death  of  her  second  husband  has  made  her  home  with  the  Doctor.  Dr. 
John  Cowden  was  born  October  6,  1834,  in  Marshall  County,  and  received  the  rudiments  of 
his  education  in  the  old-time  subscription- schools.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  spent  a year 
at  an  academy  and  then  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  T.  W.  Brents.  After  study- 
ing about  a year  he  took  a course  of  lectures  at  Memphis  and  completed  his  medical  edu- 
cation at  Macon,  Ga.,  graduating  from  that  institution  in  1854.  He  then  began  practicing 
and  in  1856  he  wedded  Mary  H.  Leonard,  a native  of  this  county  born  January  23,  1837. 
To  this  union  were  born  twelve  children,  ten  of  whom  are  living.  The  eldest  son,  Charles 
N.,  is  a graduate  of  Vanderbilt  University  and  is  a practicing  physician.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Cowden  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  has 
the  honor  of  being  president  of  the  Duck  River  Valley  Railroad,  besides  being  a director  of 
the  road  since  its  completion.  He  has  a farm  of  200  acres  and  has  followed  his  profession 
for  thirty-one  years. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1197 


THOMAS  COLLINS,  farmer,  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and  son  of  Willis  and 
Phcebe  (Martin)  Collins,  is  one  of  nine  children  and  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia 
July  27,  1818.  He  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  his  early  education  was  wholly  and  needlessly 
neglected.  He  was  married  at  an  early  age,  being  only  nineteen  when  he  and  Sarah 
Childs  were  united  in  marriage.  Of  the  six  children  born  to  them  only  two  are  living: 
W.  P.  and  Fannie.  Since  his  marriage  he  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits,  and  at  one 
time  was  the  owner  of  nearly  800  acres  of  land,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  has  given  to 
his  children.  In  1884  his  wife  died,  and,  after  living  with  his  children  a year,  he  was 
married  to  Mrs.  Nancy  E.  (Clark)  Judia.  Previous  to  the  war  Mr.  Collins  was  a Whig; 
since  that  time  he  has  not  cast  a party  vote.  He  has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County 
some  thirty  years,  and  has  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him.  Our  sub- 
ject’s father  and  mother  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  respectively,  and  were 
married  in  Georgia,  The  father  was  an  overseer  in  the  latter  State,  and  came  to  Tennes- 
see in  1826,  where  he  became  the  possessor  of  nearly  1,000  acres  of  land.  He  was  a sol- 
dier under  Jackson,  and  in  politics  was  an  old-line  Whig.  He  died  in  1854.  The  mother 
lived  to  be  about  eighty-four  years  of  age. 

WILLIS  P.  COLLINS  is  the  son  of  Thomas  Collins  (above  written)  and  was  raised 
on  a farm  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  was  born  November  11,  1845.  He  received  a 
common  school  education  and  like  his  father  choose  the  free  and  independent  life  of  a farmer. 
In  1866  he  married  Margaret  Smith,  who  died  in  1874,  leaving  four  children.  In  1875  he 
married  Hannah  G.  Beard  and  to  them  were  born  five  children.  Mr.  Collins  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  His  first  wife  belonged  to  the 
Christian  Church.  After  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Collins  resided  on  a farm  given  him  by 
his  father  until  1871  when  he  located  on  the  farm  of  257  acres  where  he  now  resides.  He 
is  considered  one  of  the  skillful  farmers  of  the  county  and  is  a man  who  commands  the 
respect  of  all. 

DAVID  COLLINS  is  a son  of  Jones  Collins,  who  was  born  in  1791  in  North  Carolina. 
The  mother,  Sophia  (Wright)  Collins,  was  born  in  1798,  in  Georgia.  The  father  partici- 
pated in  the  war  of  181*!,  and  in  1832  came  to  Marshall  County,  Tenn.  He  is  a Jacksonian 
Democrat,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war  led  some  fourteen  of  his  children  and 
grandchildren  to  the  front.  He  has  always  followed  farming,  and  at  one  time  was  one  of 
the  most  extensive  land  owners  in  the  county.  In  1875  the  mother  died.  The  father  is  now 
(1886)  ninety-four  years  old  and  enjoys  good  health.  The  Collins  family  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  the  county  and  are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  David  Collins  was  born 
March  16,  1827,  in  Georgia.  He  had  good  educational  advantages  but  did  not  improve 
them,  which  fact  he  has  always  regretted.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  enlisted  to  serve  in 
the  Mexican  war,  and  after  a short  service  had  his  leg  shattered  by  an  ounce  ball  at  Mon- 
terey, disabling  him  for  further  service.  After  he  returned  home  he  clerked,  farmed,  and 
at  the  age  of  twenty-two  began  operating  the  Allen  Leper  Mills.  In  1853  he  wedded 
Margaret  Glenn,  and  to  them  were  born  five  sons.  Mr.  Collins  is  a Democrat  and  the 
owner  of  175  acres  of  land.  His  son,  John  C.  Collins,  was  born  September  15,  1858,  in 
Marshall  County.  His  rudimentary  education  was  obtained  in  the  common  schools, 
and  later  he  finished  his  education  at  Culleoka.  After  his  return  he  kept  several  fine 
horses  for  about  three  years.  In  1883  he  came  to  Gill’s  Chapel  and  opened  a grocery  store 
in  an  old  log  house,  his  capital  being  $300.  By  good  management  he  has  built  a new 
store-room,  a nice  frame  residence  and  has  increased  his  stock  of  goods  many  fold.  He  is 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  is  a Republican  in  politics. 

JAMES  W.  COLLINS  is  of  Irish-Scotch  descent  and  is  a son  of  Elisha  and  Betsey 
(McGregor)  Collins,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  in  1807.  They  came 
to  Tennessee  when  young  and  here  were  married.  Of  their  ten  children  seven  are  living. 
The  father  was  a farmer  and  Democrat  and  died  in  1872.  The  mother  is  yet  living  at  the 
age  of  seventy-nine.  February  15,  1832,  is  the  date  of  our  subject’s  birth  which  occurred 
in  Marshall  County.  Being  the  eldest  son  he  was  obliged  to  assist  his  father  on  the  farm, 
consequently  his  educational  advantages  were  limited.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began 


75 


1198 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


farming  for  himself  and  in  1861  volunteered  in  Company  I,  Second  Mississippi  Infantry. 
He  was  captured  at  Maryville,  Tenn.,  but  succeeded  in  making  his  escape.  After  the  war 
he  resumed  farming  and,  in  1866,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Nancy  McKnight,  daughter  of 
Ezekiel  M.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  have  no  children.  They  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  in  politics  Mr.  Collins  is  a Democrat.  He  owns  a farm  of 
185  acres,  the  fruits  of  his  own  labor. 

HENRY  L.  COLLINS,  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn., 
was  born  September  28,  1845.  His  early  education  was  wholly  neglected,  but  he  has 
overcome  this  deficiency  by  study  during  his  leisure  moments,  and  now  has  a fair  general 
education.  In  1863  he  volunteered  in  Forrest’s  command  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry 
and  after  serving  two  years  and  receiving  a slight  wound  he  returned  home  and  resumed 
farming.  In  1866  he  wedded  Fannie  Collins,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children,  eight  of 
whom  are  living.  He  is  a Democrat  and  owns  a 330-acre  farm,  one  of  the  best  in  the 
county.  He  takes  great  pride  in  raising  fine  Holstien  cattle,  and  some  of  his  animals  are 
the  best  in  the  county.  His  parents,  Henry  and  Nancy  E.  (Cunningham)  Collins,  had 
both  been  married  previous  to  their  union.  The  father  was  married  to  Fannie  Martin,  by 
whom  he  had  nine  children,  and  the  mother’s  first  husband  was  O.  P.  Sheppard,  by  whom 
she  had  one  child.  Our  subject,  Henry  Collins,  is  the  only  child  born  to  their  union.  The 
father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  moved  from  there  to  Georgia,  thence  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1826.  He  was  a Democrat  and  farmer  and  died  in  1861,  followed  by  his  widow 
a year  later. 

SAMUEL  A.  CRUTCHER,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Nancy  L.  (Childress) 
Crutcher,  both  parents  born  and  reared  in  Virginia.  The  father  was  born  in  1788  and  the 
mother  in  1800.  They  were  united  in  marriage  in  1815,  and  lived  in  Virginia  till  1823, 
when  they  came  to  Tennessee  and  settled  in  Williamson  County,  where  they  passed  the 
remainder  of  their  days.  They  reared  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living  at  the 
present  time.  The  mother  died  in  1861  and  the  father  in  1866.  Our  subject  was  born 
October  14,  1818,  in  Amherst  County,  Va.,  and  when  five  years  old  came  with  his  parents 
to  Williamson  County.  He  received  a rather  limited  education,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  began  the  free  life  of  a farmer.  In  1843  he  married  Catherine  P.  Blackwell,  a native  of 
Kentucky,  born  February  22,  1822,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  an  interesting  family 
of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living.  Having  saved  his  earnings  Mr.  Crutcher  bought 
a sixty-acre  tract  of  land,  which  he  afterward  sold,  and  bought  the  farm  of  282  acres  where 
he  now  lives,  going  in  debt  for  nearly  all  of  it.  By  hard  work  and  good  management  he 
paid  for  it  in  three  years.  Mr.  Crutcher  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  church  mem- 
bers, he  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  she  of  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church. 
For  twenty-six  years  he  has  been  a citizen  of  Marshall  County,  and  enjoys  the  confidence 
and  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 

ROBERT  P.  CRUTCHER,  farmer  and  miller  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a sou  of 
Robert  and  Nancy  L.  (Childress)  Crutcher,  and  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn., 
February  3,  1828.  He  made  his  home  with  his  parents  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age, 
and  acquired  a common  school  education,  after  which  he  began  doing  for  himself.  In 
1855  he  married  Mary  E.  Thompson,  who  bore  him  three  children:  Hugh  M.,  Mary  A.  and 
William  B.  (deceased).  Hugh  wedded  Jennie  Wallace,  and  is  a farmer  and  miller;  Mary 
is  the  wife  of  Whit  Rone,  also  a farmer  and  miller.  Mrs.  Crutcher  was  born  September 
8,  1831,  in  Williamson  County,  and  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South.  Soon  after  his  marriage  Mr.  Crutcher  located  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives. 
He  also  worked  at  the  shoe-maker’s  trade,  and  had  a good  custom  until  1859,  when  he 
opened  a tan-yard  where  his  mill  now  stands.  Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  war  he 
erected  a small  grist  and  saw-mill,  which  he  ran  with  a ten-horse  thresher  engine,  but 
soon  tore  this  building  down  and  erected  a fine  mill.  He  owned  a farm  of  400  acres,  part 
of  which  he  has  given  to  his  children,  and  now  owns  about  212  acres.  He  is  a stirring 
business  man,  and  upright  in  all  his  dealings  with  his  fellow-men. 

W.  M.  CRUTCHER,  dentist,  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Nancy  L.  (Childress)  Crutcher 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1199 


(for  further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  Samuel  A.  Crutcher),  and  was  born 
November  16,  1833,  in  Williamson  County.  During  his  youth  he  had  good  advantages  for 
receiving  an  education,  but  did  not  make  the  best  use  of  them,  a fact  he  has  regretted 
all  his  life.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  First  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate 
Army,  and  during  the  four  years  of  service  was  never  taken  prisoner.  At  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga  he  was  struck  by  a minie-ball,  inflicting  an  ugly  flesh  wound.  Having- 
returned  and  farmed  a year  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  profession  of  dentistry.  In 
1866  he  married  May  L.  Hays,  who  was  born  in  Maury  County,  June  9,  1846.  This  union 
was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  nine  children.  Mr.  Crutcher  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife 
and  three  of  the  boys  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Our  subject  has 
now  practiced  his  profession  in  this  country  about  nineteen  years  and  has  received  a 
liberal  patronage  from  the  people. 

WILLIAM  A.  DYSART,  farmer,  was  born  in  Marshall  County  in  1831.  He  was 
reared  on  the  farm,  attended  the  district  school  in  the  winter  seasons  and  received  a good 
practical  education.  January  31,  1860,  he  married  Elizabeth  E.  Bivins,  and  the  union 
was  blessed  by  three  children:  Clarence  M.,  Anna  L.  and  William  E.  Both  parents  are 
consistent  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  November  8,  1862,  Mr.  Dysart  volun- 
teered in  Company  D,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry  and  was  engaged  in  all  the  battles  in 
which  his  company  took  part.  His  regiment  was  detailed  through  North  Carolina  as  a 
body-guard  for  Jefferson  Davis.  Mr.  Dysart  remained  with  his  command  until  it  returned 
to  Chattanooga,  when  his  regiment  was  disbanded  and  he  returned  home.  He  is  a Demo- 
crat and  has  voted  that  ticket  since  the  Rebellion.  He  is  one  of  Marshall  County’s  most 
enterprising  and  energetic  farmers,  has  a fine  tract  of  land  and  his  residence  is  beautifully 
located.  Mrs.  Dysart  is  a very  intelligent  and  accomplished  lady.  Our  subject’s  parents 
were  Andrew  and  Jane  (Ewing)  Dysart.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  about 
1782,  immigrated  With  his  parents  to  Kentucky  when  quite  young;  then  to  Williamson 
County,  and  in  about  1800  came  to  Marshall  County.  Here,  in  about  1815,  he  was  married 
and  became  the  father  of  thirteen  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living.  He  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church.  The  mother  died  in  1867,  and 
the  father  in  1868.  Our  subject’s  ancestors  were  of  Scotch-Irish  lineage.  His  grandfather 
was  one  of  the  brave  men  who  fought  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 

CHARLES  A.  DABNEY  was  born  November  8,  1819,  and  received  a common  English 
education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  began  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world.  In  1865 
the  nuptials  of  his  marriage  with  Miss  Sallie  Cox  were  celebrated.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Robert  Cox,  of  North  Carolina.  In  early  life  Mr.  Dabney  was  a Whig  in  politics,  but  is 
now  a strong  supporter  of  Democratic  principles.  He  is  a wealthy  farmer,  and  owns  741 
acres  of  good  land,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  has  made  by  his  own  industry.  He  has 
been  a resident  of  Marshall  County  for  over  fifty  years,  and  is  one  of  the  thrifty  farmers 
and  honest  citizens  of  the  county.  His  parents,  John  and  Nancy  (Cox)  Dabney,  were 
born,  reared  and  married  in  North  Carolina.  They  came  to  Tennessee  in  1806,  and  located 
in  what  is  now  Marshall  County  when  it  was  almost  an  unbroken  canebrake.  The  father 
served  as  magistrate  a number  of  years,  and  in  politics  was  an  old-line  Whig.  He  died  in 
1857  and  the  mother  in  1831. 

ISAAC  Y.  DARK,  farmer,  was  born  July  14,  1818,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  son  of 
James  and  Martha  (Gates)  Dark,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina.  They  were  married  in 
Wilson  County,  and  afterward  moved  to  this  county,  where  the  mother  died.  The 
father  then  married  Sarah  Fisher,  went  to  Illinois,  but  finally  settled  in  West  Tennessee, 
where  he  died.  He  was  a farmer  and  millwright  by  occupation.  He  was  a soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  Our  subject  grew  to  man- 
hood on  the  farm  and  received  a common  school  education.  In  1839  his  marriage  to 
Lydia  C.  Green  was  solemnized  and  the  results  of  this  union  were  the  birth  of  eight 
children — three  boys  and  five  girls.  Two  of  the  boys,  James  and  Harris,  were  soldiers 
in  the  late  war.  At  Chickamauga  the  former  received  a wound  in  the  foot  from  the 
effects  of  which  he  died.  The  second  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1876  our  sub- 


1200 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ject’s  first  wife  died  and  about  five  months  later  he  married  Martha  Steward,  by  whom 
he  had  five  children — three  boys  and  two  girls.  Mr.  Dark  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  For  twelve  years  he  served  as  magistrate,  filling  that  office  in  an 
able  and  satisfactory  manner.  For  about  twenty-six  years  he  worked  at  the  shoe-making 
trade,  being  a first-class  workman.  At  the  present  he  is  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits 
and  has  a good  farm  of  168  acres.  He  has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County  for  sixty- 
one  years  and  is  accounted  a good  farmer  and  an  excellent  citizen.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics. 

GEORGE  W.  DAVIS,  one  of  the  leading  liverymen  of  Lewisburg,  was  born  on  a 
farm  in  Marshall  County,  in  1855,  and  received  a common  school  education.  He  is  a son 
of  Martin  and  Lizzie  (Talley)  Davis.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  a stanch  Democrat. 
He  died  in  1866.  The  mother  was  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  died  while  she 
was  yet  comparatively  young.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  after 
tending  bar  some  time,  opened  a saloon  in  Lewisburg,  in  1877,  and  about  five  years  later 
engaged  in  the  livery  business.  He  has  been  quite  successful  and  is  engaged  in  that  busi- 
ness at  the  present  time.  In  1880  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mollie  E.  Richie,  and  to 
this  union  was  born  one  child,  Mabel  C.  In  1885  our  subject’s  first  stable  was  burned, 
and  the  same  year  he  built  the  large  brick  that  he  now  has.  In  politics  Mr.  Davis  is,  like 
his  father,  an  ardent  Democrat.  For  nine  years  he  has  been  in  business  in  Lewisburg  and 
has  succeeded  well.  He  has  a good  stable  well  stocked. 

WILLIAM  M.  DAVIS  and  WILLIAM  R.  JAMES  are  members  of  the  firm  of  Clay- 
ton, Davis  & Co.,  millers,  of  Cornersville,  Tenn.  The  former  is  a son  of  Nathan  C.  and 
Mary  (Woods)  Davis,  who  were  born  in  the  State  and  became  the  parents  of  seven  chil- 
dren. The  father  was  an  agriculturist  and  a Democrat,  and  died  in  1882.  After  his 
wife’s  death,  in  1860,  he  married  Mrs.  Sallie  Johnson,  by  whom  he  had  five  children. 
William  M.  was  born  August  23,  1851,  and  secured  the  rearing  and  education  of  the  aver- 
age farmer’s  boy.  After  attaining  his  majority  he  began  farming  for  himself,  and  in  1876 
married  Ella  M.  McMahon,  by  whom  he  had  two  children:  Minnie  K.  and  Sallie  J.  In 
1883  Mr.  Davis  engaged  in  his  present  business  of  grist  and  saw-milling,  and  is  now  mak- 
ing preparations  to  put  in  the  patent  rollers.  Mr.  Davis  is  a Democrat,  and  a man  who 
attends  closely  to  business,  consequently  he  has  prospered  in  his  undertakings.  William 
R.  James,  one  of  the  above  named  firm,  is  a son  of  Pleasant  L.  and  Emily  (Freeland) 
James,  who  were  born  and  passed  their  lives  in  Tennessee.  Their  family  consisted  of  four 
children,  our  subject  and  one  other  son  being  the  only  living  members.  The  father  was  a 
Democrat,  and  died  in  1853.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  in  1862.  William  R.  was  born 
in  Giles  County,  October  16,  1845,  and  was  reared  on  a farm  in  Marshall  County.  In  1861 
he  volunteered  in  Company  H,  Third  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  was  one  of  the  defenders  of 
Fort  Donelson.  He  was  captured  and  imprisoned  at  Chicago,  and,  after  being  exchanged 
at  Vicksburg,  returned  to  the  army,  but  was  soon  discharged,  being  too  young  for  the 
service.  He  then  returned  home  and  resumed  farming.  In  1869  he  and  Amanda  K.  Fer- 
guson were  united  in  marriage.  She  died  in  1878,  leaving  four  children.  He  then  wedded 
Jennie  McMahon,  who  died  in  1884,  having  become  the  mother  of  two  children.  The  fol- 
lowing year  Mr.  James  married  Nannie  McMahon,  sister  of  his  second  wife.  In  1884  he 
moved  to  Cornersville  and  in  1886  engaged  in  the  milling  business. 

WILLIAM  M.  DOZIER,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Zachariah  and  Cynthia  A.  (Johnson) 
Dozier,  natives  .respectively,  of  Missouri  and  Tennessee.  The  former  was  born  in  1800  and 
the  latter  in  1809.  The  father  moved,  when  young,  to  Kentucky,  and  finally  to  Rutherford 
County,  where  he  was  married.  He  was  a farmer  and  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist 
Church,  as  was  also  his  wife.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  His  death  occurred  in 
1870.  The  mother  died  in  1885.  William  M.  Dozier  was  born  December  15,  1834,  and, 
like  the  average  country  boy,  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of 
nineteen  he  went  into  the  mercantile  business  as  salesman,  where  he  remained  for  eight 
years.  In  1861  he  enlisted  inCapt.  Webb’s  company  of  Eighteenth  Tennessee  Infantry  as 
second  lieutenant,  and  after  nearly  two  years  of  faithful  service  he  returned  to  his  mer- 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1201 


cantile  business.  In  1868  be  wedded  Calidonia  Talley,  by  whom  be  bas  two  children: 
Ada  M.  and  William  Z.  Mr.  Dozier  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  be  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Christian  Church.  For  ten  years  he  has  successively  and  successfully  held  the 
office  of  constable.  He  has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County  for  over  twenty-one  years, 
and  is  considered  one  of  the  county’s  best  citizens. 

ALLAN  L.  EWING  is  a son  of  Lyle  A.  and  Rebecca  A.  (Leeper)  Ewing,  born,  re- 
spectively, in  Georgia  and  Tennessee,  in  1808.  They  became  the  parents  of  nine  children, 
eight  of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  The  father  began  life  a poor  boy  and  afterward  opened 
a store  in  Farmington  and  became  a wealthy  man.  He  was  magistrate  of  his  district  six- 
teen years  and  was  an  old-line  Whig  in  politics.  He  died  in  1853  and  the  mother  in  1878. 
Our  subject’s  ancestors  on  both  sides  were  Scotch-Irisli.  He  was  born  April  28,  1833,  in 
Marshall  County.  His  early  school  advantages  were  very  good;  besides  this  he  attended 
Lewisburg  Academy,  Maryville  College,  and  completed  his  education  at  Shelbyville  Uni- 
versity. After  teaching  about  four  years  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  and  in  1861 
volunteered  in  Company  H,  Forty -first  Tennessee  Infantry.  In  1863  he  was  captured  at 
Farmington,  Miss.,  and  after  an  imprisonment  of  four  months  at  Alton,  111,  he  was  ex- 
changed at  Vicksburg.  After  returning  to  service  he  was  made  sergeant.  In  1864  he  was 
again  taken  prisoner  and  would  have  been  shot  had  it  not  been  for  a Union  lad  of  seven- 
teen. A drunken  Federal  soldier  had  leveled  his  gun  to  shoot  him  when  the  lad  knocked 
aside  the  gun,  the  ball  barely  missing  Mr.  Ewing.  He  returned  to  farming  after  the  sur- 
render and  in  1868  wedded  Marian  V.  Palmer  They  are  both  church  members,  and  in 
politics  he  is  a conservative  Democrat.  He  owns  353  acres  of  land  besides  a house  and  lot 
and  grist-mill. 

NEWTON  B.  EWING  is  a son  of  James  Ewing,  who  was  born  in  the  “Keystone 
State”  in  1782.  After  residing  in  Georgia  for  some  time  he  came  to  Tennessee,  and,  soon 
after  his  marriage  with  Mary  Neill,  settled  in  Marshall  County,  where  he  reared  a family 
of  eight  children.  He  was  a Whig  and  acted  as  magistrate  for  many  years.  After  the 
mother’s  death,  in  1828,  he  wTedded  Mrs.  Sarah  How,  and  died  in  1860.  Our  subject  was 
born  in  Bedford  County,  Tenn..  November  2,  1826,  and  inherits  Scotch-Irish  blood  from 
his  father.  He  received  the  education  and  rearing  of  the  average  farmer’s  boy,  and  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  began  to  battle  his  own  way  in  the  world  by  farming  and  trading.  He 
owns  223  acres  of  land  and  is  quite  a successful  farmer.  In  1853  he  married  Florella  J. 
Ewing,  who  was  born  May  2,  1835.  They  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
During  the  war  he  served  some  time  in  Company  H,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry, 
although  his  health  was  very  poor.  Previous  to  the  war  he  was  a Whig,  but  is  now  a 
Democrat.  He  has  lived  within  the  limits  of  Marshall  County  all  his  life,  and  he  and  wife 
have  passed  thirty-three  years  of  happy  wedlock,  and  are  surrounded  by  many  warm 
friends  and  relatives. 

DR,  J.C.  C.  EWING,  one  of  the  good  farmers  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  James  V. 
and  Elizabeth  (Ewing)  Ewing.  The  father  was  born  in  Wythe  County,  Va.,  in  1805  and 
was  one  of  the  most  extensive  farmers  in  this  county.  He  was  for  many  years  magistrate, 
and  held  for  several  terms  the  position  of  chairman,  of  the  county  court.  He  died  in  1878. 
The  mother  was  born  near  Athens,  Ga.,  in  1813,  and  since  the  death  of  her  husband  has 
been  living  on  the  old  homestead,  and  is  now  seventy-three  years  of  age.  Our  subject 
was  born  November  12,  1839,  in  Marshall  County,  and  his  ancestors  on  both  sides  were 
df  Scotch-Irish  extraction.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  had  a fair  opportunity  for 
schooling,  completing  his  education  at  Shelbyville.  In  1860  he  began  the  study  of  med- 
icine under  McClure  & Johnson,  of  Lewisburg,  and  the  same  year  took  a course  of  lectures 
at  the  University  of  Nashville.  The  stirring  events  of  the  war  cut  short  his  medical  pur- 
suits. In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Company  H,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry.  During  the 
four  years  of  the  war  he  never  received  a scratch  nor  was  he  ever  taken  prisoner.  After 
returning  home  he  practiced  his  profession  four  years  at  Lewisburg,  and  then  completed 
his  course  at  the  Bellevue  Medical  College,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1870. 
He  then  returned  home  and  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits,  and  has  continued  that  oe- 


V 


1202  BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 

cupation  up  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Ewing  has  a farm  of  500  acres,  and  is  accounted  a 
' good  farmer  and  an  enterprising  citizen.  In  politics  he  is  conservative,  voting  for  the  man 
rather  than  the  party. 

GEORGE  WITHE  EWING  and  WILLIAM  II.  KERCIIEVAL,  editors  and  proprie- 
tors of  Marshall  Gazette,  were  born  and  reared  in  this  county,  and,  while  growing  up, 
received  their  education  in  the  common  schools.  The  former  (Mr.  Ewing)  took  quite  an 
extensive  course  under  William  Stoddert,  D.  I).,  embracing  nearly  the  entire  course  of  the 
University  of  Virginia.  After  completing  his  school  days,  he  taught  mathematics  and 
language  in  Lewisburg  Institute  for  two  terms,  and  the  same  at  Farmington  Academy  and 
some  minor  schools.  Mr:  Kercheval  finished  his  education  at  Fayetteville,  Tenn.  In  1871 
the  Marshall  Gazette  was  established,  and,  two  yearslater,  Mr.  Ewing  and  two  partners  pur- 
chased the  paper  and  office,  and  soon  after  Mr.  Kercheval  joined  him;  thus  Mr.  Ewing  and 
he  became  sole  proprietors,  going  in  debt  for  the  greater  portion  of  it.  Both  were  wholly 
unacquainted  with  the  business,  but  notwithstanding  they  have  made  it  a success  and 
their  crisp,  newsy,  eight-column  paper  has  a circulation  of  about  1,100.  George  Wythe 
Ewing  is  a son  of  James  S.  Ewing,  who  was  bom  July  5,  1824,  in  Maury  County,  and  at 
the  age  of  twenty  began  his  career  as  a farmer,  following  that  occupation  for  a period  of 
fourteen  years.  In  1845  he  wedded  Eliza  J.  Rivens,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  only 
one  of  whom  (our  subject)  is  living.  In  1859  the  father  came  to  Lewisburg  and  engaged 
in  merchandising,  following  that  business  almost  ever  since.  Both  he  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  has  been  an  elder  for  about 
thirty-two  years.  For  some  time  during  the  war  he  served  as  conscript  officer  in  the  Con- 
federacy. He  served  as  trustee  of  this  county,  and  also  as  magistrate.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  the  son  of  William  D.  and  Rebecca  (Ewing)  Ewing,  the  former  born  in 
1786,  and  died  in  1872,  and  the  latter  born  in  1791  and  died  in  1847. 

J.  BRITT  EZELL,  farmer,  was  born  July  14,  1838,  in  Marshall  County,  and  at  the 
age  of  thirteen,  with  the  consent  of  his  parents,  went  to  live  with  J.  Britt  Fulton,  an  uncle, 
who  had  no  children  of  his  own.  While  with  him  he  received  a good  academic  education. 
About  the  same  time  his  uncle  took  a little  girl,  by  the  name  of  Sarah  J.  Reynolds,  to 
raise.  She  and  Britt  grew  up  together,  went  to  school  together,  and  as  time  passed  on 
childish  affection  gave  place  to  the  stronger  affections  of  man  and  womanhood,  and,  in 
1860,  they  were  united  in  matrimony.  To  them  seven  children  were  born,  five  of  whom 
are  living.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  In  1861  Mr.  Ezell  volunteered  in  Company  A,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry, Confederate  Army.  After  about  fifteen  months’  service  as  quartermaster  and  com- 
missary, he  was  transferred  to  the  purchasing  commissary  department,  where  he  continued 
till  the  close  of  the  war.  During  the  whole  time  he  was  in  the  war  he  was  neither  wound- 
ed nor  taken  prisoner.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  extensively  engaged  in  farming  and 
trading.  When  his  uncle  died  he  left  a farm  of  236  acres  to  our  subject  and  wife,  to 
which  has  been  added  sufficient  to  make  it  670  acres.  Our  subject  has  lived  in  this  county 
all  his  life,  and  is  considered  a good  farmer  and  an  enterprising  citizen.  He  is  a son  of 
Joseph  D.  and  Mary  C.  (Fulton)  Ezell,  both  natives  of  Tennessee,  the  father  born  in 
1810  and  the  mother  in  1817.  The  father  was  a farmer,  besides  being  engaged  largely  in 
trading  and  stock  raising.  For  several  years  he  held  the  position  of  magistrate,  but  was 
not  a man  who  aspired  to  places  of  public  trust.  He  died  in  1880,  leaving  his  widow  and 
children  well  provided  for.  Since  his  death  the  mother  has  lived  with  her  children. 

REV.  THOMAS  B.  FISHER  was  born  February  5,  1844,  in  Marshall  County,  and  was 
of  German  descent  from  his  paternal  ancestors  and  Irish  from  his  maternal.  He  was 
reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a common  school  education.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in 
Capt.  Miller’s  Company,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Confederate  Army,  where  he  re- 
mained till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  and  four  brothers  served  in  that  contest;  one  of 
them  received  a wound,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  died  several  years  after  the  war. 
Having  returned  home,  our  subject  attended  school  in  his  own  county  and  took  a course 
at  Union  University,  graduating  from  the  literary  department  in  1869.  He  then  joined 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1203 


tie  Tennessee  Conference,  and  has  been  engaged  in  preaching  the  word  of  God  ever 
since.  In  1872  he  married  Sallie  H.  Roberts,  who  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  August 
31,  1847.  This  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  four  children:  Wilson  P.,  Fannie  B.  (de- 
ceased), John  R.  and  Mary.  Mrs.  Fisher  and  her  son  Wilson  are  also  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  1883  Mr.  Fisher  moved  to  the  farm  and  has  re- 
mained there  ever  since,  but  he  still  carries  on  his  ministerial  work.  For  seventeen 
years  he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  good  cause,  and  his  ability  as  a preacher  is  too 
well  known  to  require  comment.  He  is  a son  of  John  and  Mildred  (Stratton)  Fisher. 
The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1806,  and  was  the  eldest  of  twenty-one  chil- 
dren. The  mother  was  born  in  November,  1810,  in  Maury  County,  and  was  the  second 
wife  of  John  Fisher.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  three  children,  all  boys,  two  of 
whom  are  living.  The  father  was  a blacksmith  and  wagon-maker  by  trade  until  after  he 
had  passed  the  meridian  of  life,  when  he  turned  his  attention  exclusively  to  farming. 
He  died  in  1882  and  his  wife  followed  about  three  months  later. 

JOHN  L.  FITZPATRICK,  a leading  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  was  born  December 
29,  1847,  in  Maury  County.  His  youthful  days  were  passed  on  the  farm  and  in  securing 
an  education  at  the  Mooresville  school.  At  the  age  of  twenty-five  he  left  home  and  went 
to  Texas  on  a grand  buffalo  hunt,  and  for  five  years  was  engaged  in  this  pursuit.  He 
killed  some  3,000  buffalo  and  hundreds  of  deer,  antelope  and  wolves.  Having  returned 
home  he,  in  1880,  married  Rebecca  B.  Grant,  a native  of  West  Virginia,  born  May  9, 1850. 
This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  children:  Samuel  W.  (deceased),  and  John  P.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Fitzpatrick  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  owns  465  acres  of  the  best  land  in  his  district.  He  is  a son  of  Col.  S.  W. 
and  Mary  D.  (Love)  Fitzpatrick.  The  father  was  born  in  1812  in  Giles  County  and  the 
mother  in  1814  in  Maury  County,  where  they  were  married  in  1832.  They  lived  in  this 
county  until  1859  and  then  moved  to  Marshall  County.  In  1873  they  returned  to  Maury 
County  and  there  passed  the  remainder  of  their  days.  The  father,  three  years  previous  to 
his  death,  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  mother  was  a member  of  the 
Primitive  Baptist  Church  from  girlhood.  During  the  days  of  militia  he  held  the  position 
of  colonel.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  owning  some  3,000  acres  of  land  and  150 
negroes,  besides  abundance  of  stock,  but  the  war  swept  away  many  thousands  for  him. 
When  Grandfather  Fitzpatrick  came  to  this  county  he  brought  his  wife  and  household 
goods  on  a pony,  himself  walking,  accompanied  by  six  bear  dogs  and  his  rifle.  At  the  age 
of  thirty-six  he  determined  to  go  to  work,  and  as  a result,  when  he  died  at  seventy-two 
years  of  age  he  was  worth  $325,000.  January,  1880,  the  mother  died,  and  in  December  of 
the  same  year  he  too  passed  away. 

ROBERT  M.  FOLLIS,  a prosperous  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  was  born  in 
Giles  County,  Tenn,  November  18,  1830.  His  early  education  was  almost  wholly  neg- 
lected, and  while  growing  up  he  learned  the  blacksmith’s  trade  with  his  father.  After 
becoming  grown  he  attended  school  until  he  had  learned  the  three  “R’s”  and  then  re- 
sumed working  at  his  trade.  In  1851  he  wedded  Sarah  Compton,  by  whom  he  had  six 
children,  all  sons.  She  died  in  1872,  and  the  following  year  he  married  Mary  Jones.  To 
them  were  born  three  children.  In  1862  he  volunteered  in  Capt.  Gordon’s  company, 
Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  for  nearly  three  years.  He  resumed  his  trade, 
and  in  1882  abandoned  work,  owing  to  his  right  arm  giving  out.  He  has  farmed  since 
that  time,  and  owns  326  acres  of  land,  the  most  of  which  he  has  made  by  hard  work. 
His  parents,  John  and  Elizabeth  (Martin)  Follis,  were  born  iu  North  Carolina  and  Ken- 
tucky, respectively.  The  father  moved  to  Kentucky  when  young,  and  there  married, 
and  soon  removed  to  Giles  County,  where  he  lived  until  his  death.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children,  and  were  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  He  was  an 
old-line  Whig  in  politics,  and  died  in  1845.  After  his  death  the  mother  moved  to  Illi- 
nois, and  there  died  in  1882. 

A.  S.  FOSTER,  farmer,  was  born  May  9,  1816,  iu  Lincoln  County.  While  growing  he 
strongly  desired  an  education,  but  the  opportunities  were  not  afforded.  In  1836  he 


1204 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


wedded  Martha  M.  Cunningham,  and  nine  children  blessed  this  union.  In  1883  his  wife 
died,  and  the  same  year  he  wedded  Fannie  L.  J.  Foster.  Our  subject  is  a Democrat  and 
a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  He  has  been  magistrate  and  deputy  sheriff, 
and  is  an  example  of  what  a young  man  of  industry  and  determination  can  do,  having 
started  to  keeping  house  with  less  than  $100  worth  of  property,  he  arose  by  hard  work 
and  close  attention  to  business  to  one  of  the  heaviest  tax  payers  of  his  community.  For 
about  thirty-two  years  he  has  lived  in  this  county,  and  is  accounted  a good  farmer  and  an 
enterprising  citizen.  He  is  a son  of  Frederick  and  Sallie  (Broadaway)  Foster.  The  father 
was  bom  in  1793  in  Kentucky,  and  the  mother  in  1797  in  North  Carolina.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  1313,  and  located  in  Lincoln  County,  but  soon  moved  to  Illinois,  where  they  re- 
mained seven  years.  They  then  returned  to  Lincoln  County,  where  they  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives  tilling  the  soil.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  Creek  war,  and  a 
Democrat  in  politics.  He  died  in  1838,  and  the  mother  followed  in  1857. 

JAMES  E.  FOWLER  is  a son  of  Alanthas  L.  and  Tennessee  A.  (Fowler)  Fowler. 
The  father  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1822,  and  the  mother  in  Tennessee  in  1831.  Alanthas 

Fowler  came  to  Tennessee  in  1829,  and  married  our  subject’s  mother  in  1848.  To  them 

were  born  four  children,  James  E.  being  the  only  one  living.  The  father  served  in  the 
late  war  in  Capt.  McCure’s  company,  Forty-first  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry,  and  was 
one  of  the  defenders  of  Fort  Donelson.  After  his  capture  and  imprisonment  at  Camp 
Morton,  some  seven  months,  he  was  exchanged  at  Vicksburg,  and  served  no  more,  owing 
to  ill  health.  He  has  lived  the  cpiiet,  independent  life  of  a farmer,  and  casts  his  vote  with 
the  Democratic  party.  The  mother  died  in  1860.  He  is  now  sixty-three  years  old,  and 
has  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him.  James,  his  only  child,  was  born 
August  25,  1851,  iu  Marshall  County.  He  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  received  a common 
school  education.  After  taking  a trip  West  for  his  health,  he  returned  to  the  farm  given 
to  him,  and  in  connection  with  his  father  is  farming  and  raising  stock.  Anna  M.  Willis 
became  his  wife  in  1882,  and  to  them  two  children  were  born.  Both  husband  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  James  is  a Democrat. 

DR.  F.  FERGUSON,  one  of  the  leading  practitioners  of  Marshall  County,  was  born 
February  18,  1848,  in  that  county,  reared  on  the  farm  and  had  all  the  advantages  that  the 
common  schools  of  those  days  afforded.  He  is  a son  of  John  F.  and  Amelia  L.  (Brittain) 
Ferguson.  4 The  father  was  a native  of  South  Carolina  and  the  mother  of  North  Carolina- 
In  early  life  they  both  came  to  what  is  now  Marshall  County,  being  among  the  early  com' 
ers  to  that  part  of  the  State.  For  many  years  the  father  was  a magistrate  but  his  chosen  pro' 
fession  was  that  of  a farmer,  being  one  of  the  most  extensive  in  the  community.  After 
the  death  of  the  mother  the  father  married  Mary  Brittain  whose  maiden  name  was  Will- 
iams. In  1870  the  father  also  passed  away.  In  1869  our  subject  began  the  study  of  med- 
icine under  Dr.  J.  B.  Stephens  of  Nashville  and  late  in  the  same  year  entered  the  medical 
department  of  the  University  of  Nashville  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1871- 
He  then  opened  an  office  in  District  No.  7,  and  has  followed  his  profession  there  ever  since- 
Besides  what  his  practice  brings  him  he  has  a good  farm  of  280  acres.  In  1873  he  wed 
ded  Sallie  J.  Robinson,  who  was  born  in  this  county  August  21,  1855.  To  this  union 
were  born  three  children:  John  T.,  Maggie  R.  and  James  F.  Mr.  Ferguson  is  a Demo- 
crat in  politics  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  The 
patronage  Mr.  Ferguson  has  received  and  the  financial  advancement  he  has  made  render 
comments  on  his  ability  both  as  a farmer  and  a physician  unnecessary. 

GEORGE  W.  GARRETT.  Levi  Garrett,  father  of  George  W.,  was  born  in  the 
“Palmetto  State”  in  1790,  and  when  a small  lad  was  taken  to  Virginia  where  he  lived  to  be 
grown.  He  then  came  to  Tennessee,  having  in  his  possession  at  the  time  of  his  arrival  only 
a horse  and  50  cents.  He  followed  the  occupation  of  farming  and  became  the  owner  of 
1.000  acres  of  land.  He  remained  single  until  nearly  fifty  years  of  age,  and  then  wedded 
Miss  Davis,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1818,  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children.  The 
father  was  an  1812  soldier  and  in  politics  was  an  old-line  Democrat.  He  died  in  1867  and 
the  mother  nine  years  later.  Jesse  J.  Garrett,  son  of  Levi  Garrett,  was  born  in  Marshall 


MAKSHALL  COUNTY. 


1205 


County,  October  1,  1846.  His  school  days  were  limited  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  he  en- 
listed in  Company  E.  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  being  an  escort  of  Gen.  Hood  for  a 
time  and  was  with  Forrest  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  has  been  a farmer  and  owns  240 
acres  of  excellent  land.  In  1868  he  married  Mary  Ferguson,  by  whom  he  has  had  four 
daughters.  She  died  in  1880  and  since  that  time  he  and  his  children  hav.e  kept  house.  Mr. 
Garrett  is  a Democrat.  George  W.  Garrett,  our  immediate  subject  and  son  of  Levi  Gar- 
rett, was  born  October  27,  1852,  in  Marshall  County.  Like  his  brother  he  received  a lim- 
ited education  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  became  an  independent  farmer  on  the  place 
where  he  now  lives.  In  1873  he  wedded  S.  L.  Neren,  daughter  of  Isaiah  and  Amanda 
(Hall)  Neren,  and  to  them  were  born  five  children.  Mr.  Garrett  owns  196  acres  of  fertile 
land  and  is  a stanch  Democrat  in  his  political  views.  He  and  Mrs.  Garrett  are  members 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

THOMAS  E.  GARRETT,  dealer  in  stoves  and  tinware,  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary 
A.  (Morris)  Garrett,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Maryland.  The  father 
died  at  the.  age  of  seventy-seven  and  the  mother  at  the  age  of  sixty-five.  The  father  was 
a farmer,  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
Our  subject  was  born  September  23,  1842,  in  Sumner  County,  Ten  n. ; he  passed  his  early 
days  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  began 
learning  the  tinner’s  trade  with  McClure,  Buck  & Co.,  of  Nashville.  After  learning  this 
trade,  in  1877,  he  opened  a store  of  his  own  in  Lewisburg,  and  has  been  doing  a good  busi- 
ness since.  In  1879  he  wedded  Elizabeth  M.  Brandon,  and  to  this  union  were  born  two 
children.  During  the  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  Fifteenth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and 
served  nearly  two  years.  He  then  returned  home  and  resumed  his  trade.  Mr.  Garrett 
is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Mr. 
Garrett  has  been  a resident  of  Lewisburg  for  nine  years,  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the 
wide-awake  business  men  of  the  town. 

ANDREW  J.  GRIFFIS,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Griffis  & Bro.,  of  Robertson 
Fork,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  T.  M.  and  Nancy  E.  (Carner)  Griffis,  natives  of  Tennessee,  where 
they  grew  to  manhood  and  womanhood  and  were  married.  They  spent  the  greater  part 
of  their  lives  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County,  and  here  raised  their  family  of  ten  children. 
They  were  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics  the  father 
was  a Democrat.  He  served  a short  time  during  the  late  war  and  is  now  a prosperous 
farmer.  The  mother  died  in  1879.  Andrew  is  of  Irish-French  descent  and  was  born  in 
Marshall  County,  July  22,  1847.  He  received  a very  limited  education  in  his  youth,  but 
on  reaching  manhood  he  attended  Cumberland  University  and  afterward  taught  school  a 
short  time.  He  then  began  the  mercantile  business  with  A.  D.  Wallace.  Since  1872  he 
and  his  brother  have  been  in  business  together,  and  in  connection  with  their  store  operate 
a large  farm.  Six  children  were  born  to  his  marriage  with  Bettie  E.  Tucker,  which  oc- 
curred in  1873.  They  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is 
a Democrat  politically. 

SAMUEL  T.  HARDISON,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  leading  practitioners  of  Lewisburg,  was 
born  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  February  13, 1841.  He  was  reared  on  a farm  and  educated 
in  country  schools.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  his 
father  and  in  1860  he  entered  the  Reform  Medical  College,  at  Macon,  Ga.,  where  he  took 
one  course  and  then,  in  1861,  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Twenty-fourth  Tennessee  Infantry, 
Confederate  States  Army.  Early  in  1862  he  was  promoted  to  a position  in  the  medical  de- 
partment of  the  army,  serving  in  all  four  years.  In  1865  Dr.  Hardison  began  the  practice 
of  medicine  at  Lewisburg  and  has  ever  since  continued  in  that  profession,  graduating  in 
1877  from  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville.  He  has  also  been 
interested  in  the  drug  business,  hardware  trade,  house  building,  livery  business,  planing- 
mill,  and  at  present  is  a director  of  the  Bank  of  Lewisburg.  He  has  once  been  president 
of  Marshall  County  Medical  Society,  having  been  a member  of  that  society  since  its 
organization.  He  has  also  filled  the  office  of  vice-president  of  the  Medical  Association  of 
Tennessee.  Dr.  Hardison  was  married  in  1868  to  Georgia  Davidson,  daughter  of  Dr.  I.  S. 


1206 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Davidson,  of  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  the  fruits  of  this  union  being  seven  children.  Both 
he  and  Mrs.  Hardison  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  Our  subject  is  a relative  of 
the  American  Gen.  Howe,  of  Revolutionary  fame.  His  parents,  Dr.  Joel  and  Jane  (Long) 
Hardison,  were  natives  of  North  Carolina;  they  were  married  in  1820,  and  eleven  children, 
four  of  whom  are  living,  blessed  their  union.  The  father  was  a Jacksonian  Democrat; 
be  died  in  1873.  The  mother  died  in  1884. 

HIRAM  HARRIS,  an  old  and  prominent  farmer,  was  born  October  20, 1806,  in  North 
Carolina,  and  is  a' son  of  James  and  Nancy  (Thompson)  Harris,  both  natives  of  North 
Carolina.  They  were  married  in  this  State,  and  in  1808  came  to  Tennessee  and  located  in 
Bedford  County,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  days.  The  father  followed  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  and  during  Indian  troubles  he  was  captain  of  a company  under  Jack- 
son.  In  1863  he  died,  and  about  seven  years  later  his  widow  too  passed  away,  both  liv- 
ing to  a ripe  old  age.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  old-time  schools,  and  at  the  age 
of  twenty-one  bought  a farm  of  his  own  and  began  his  career  as  a free  and  independ- 
ent farmer.  In  1837  he  came  to  Marshall  County,  and  has  made  this  his  home  ever  since. 
In  1828  he  wedded  Jane  P.  Johnson,  who  was  born  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  July  3, 
1807,  and  to  them  were  born  eleven  children.  Mr.  Harris  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church.  He  has  a fine  farm  of  over  200  acres. 
He  has  been  a resident  of  this  county  for  nearly  thirty  years  and  is  a highly  respected 
citizen.  He  and  wife  are  enjoying  good  health  and  fifty-eight  years  of  wedded  life. 

ROBERT  C.  HARRIS,  merchant  at  Silver  Creek,  was  born  September  24,  1856,  iu 
Marshall  County,  reared  on  a farm  and  educated  in  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of 
seventeen  he  began  working  at  the  mechanic’s  trade  and  followed  this  exclusively  for 
five  years.  In  1878  he  opened  a store  of  general  merchandise  at  Silver  Creek,  where  he 
has  been  successfully  engaged  ever  since.  In  1880  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  A. 
Perry,  a native  of  Marshall  County,  born  December  20,  1857.  The  fruits  of  this  union 
were  two  children:  Lula  M.  and  Homer  T.  For  eight  years  Mr.  Harris  has  held  the 
position  of  postmaster  at  Silver  Creek.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  is  the  son  of 
James  G.  and  Susan  I.  (Hill)  Harris.  The  father  was  born  in  Wilson  County  in  1811, 
and  the  mother  in  Maury  County  in  1818.  They  were  married  in  the  latter  county  and 
after  a short  residence  there  moved  to  Marshall  County  to  make  this  their  permanent 
home.  Their  family  consisted  of  seven  children — five  boys  and  two  girls.  Only  the  boys 
are  living.  Two  are  merchants,  one  is  a teacher,  and  two  are  farmers.  The  father  was 
twice  married,  before  he  wedded  Miss  Hill.  He  was  a farmer,  but  worked  at  mercantile 
arts  of  nearly  all  kinds.  He  was  a Democrat  and  for  several  years  was  a member  of  the 
Count}r  Court  of  Maury  County.  In  1882  he  was  called  from  the  toils  of  earth.  Since 
the  death  of  her  husband  the  mother  has  lived  on  the  old  homestead  with  her  son. 

VALENTINE  O.  HAYES,  dry  goods  merchant,  of  Lewisburg,  was  one  of  seven 
children  born  to  Hiram  and  Sallie  (Webb)  Hayes.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  when  young  came  to  this  State,  and  after  marriage  settled  in  this  county.  About 
1856  he  moved  to  Missouri,  where  the  mother  died.  He  was  a blacksmith  and  a wood 
workman  by  trade.  Our  subject  was  born  June  20,  1854,  in  Marshall  County.  After  the 
death  of  his  father,  at  the  age  of  eight,  he  was  bound  out  to  a farmer,  who  gave  him  but 
little  schooling  though  he  furnished  him  abundance  of  work.  On  reaching  manhood  he 
worked  for  wages  on  the  farm  and  spent  the  money  in  schooling  himself.  In  1877,  he 
came  to  Lewisburg  and  entered  the  store  of  Montgomery  Bro.  as  saleman,  At  the  end  of 
four  years  he  opened  a store  of  general  mercandise.  In  1874  he  built  the  commodious 
brick  building  where  he  now  conducts  his  business.  For  a short  time  he  ran  a hardware 
and  a dry  goods  store,  but  having  sold  the  former  he  made  a specialty  of  the  latter.  In 
1881  he  wedded  Zadie  London,  by  whom  he  has  two  children.  Mr.  Hayes  is  a Republican 
in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He 
is  accounted  one  of  Lewisburg’s  most  enterprising  citizens,  and  has  erected  three  of  the 
best  buildings  in  the  town.  His  building,  where  he  is  engaged  in  business,  was  the  first 
business  brick  building  erected  in  Lewisburg. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1207 


E.  P.  C.  HAYWOOD,  M.  D.,  a resident  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  George 
W.  and  Sarah  B.  (Dahney)  Haywood,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  in 
1798  and  1809,  respectively.  The  father  was  a physician  and  a highly  educated  man,  hav- 
ing graduated  from  both  a literary  and  a medical  college.  He  was  a skillful  practitioner 
and  in  politics  was  a Whig.  He  died  when  about  forty-nine  years  of  age.  His  paternal 
ancestors  were  of  English  descent.  The  mother  is  of  Scotch  lineage  and  is  yet  living. 
Our  subject  was  horn  in  Marshall  County  September  5,  1845,  and  was  reared  on  a farm 
and  received  an  academic  education  preparatory  to  entering  college,  hut  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war  changed  his  plans,  and  instead  of  attending  school  he,  in  1864.  enlisted  in  Gor- 
don’s Company,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
returned  home  and  farmed  until  1869,  when  he  began  studying  medicine  under  Dr.  Alfred 
White,  and  in  1870  entered  the  University  of  Nashville  and  graduated  two  years  later.  He 
practiced  four  years  in  Cornersville  and  then  engaged  in  farming.  Six  children  were  born 
to  his  union  with  Isabelle  Marsh,  which  took  place  in  1874.  Both  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  and  in  politics  he  is  a Democrat.  He  owns  a farm  of 
1,000  acres,  and  a one-half  interest  in  a grist  and  flour-mill. 

WILLIAM  L.  HILL,  farmer,  is  a son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Arnold)  Hill,  natives 
of  Virginia.  After  marriage  they  came  to  Tennessee  and  located  in  the  Maury  fraction 
of  Marshall  County,  where  they  lived  about  thirty  years.  They  then  moved  to  West  Ten- 
nessee, where  they  both  died.  The  family  consisted  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  lived 
to  be  grown.  Our  subject  was  born  February  14,  1823,  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm, 
and  received  a very  limited  education  in  the  common  schools  of  those  early  days.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-one  he  began  farming,  and  has  followed  that  occupation  up  to  the  present 
time.  In  1851  he  wedded  Leanna  Manire,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  five  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  are  living:  Amaca  W.,  Lemuel  R.  and  John  R.  The  first  is  married 
to  Catherine  Wilson,  by  whom  he  has  three  children:  Esther  B.,  Eula  R.  and  Maud.  The 
other  sons  are  living  at  home  in  single  blessedness.  Mr.  Hill  is  a Democrat,  and  his  wife, 
is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  has  a fine  farm  of  248  acres,  well 
stocked  and  furnished  wTith  abundance  of  running  water.  In  fact  there  are  few  farms  in 
the  county  superior  to  his.  Mary  A.  R.  Hill,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  John  F.  Hill,  by 
whom  she  had  three  children:  IdaL,,  Rucker  B.  and  Mary  A.  R.,  all  living. 

JOHN  T.  HILL,  farmer,  is  a son  of  John  R.  and  Elizabeth  H.  (Kennedy)  Hill.  The 
father  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1802,  and  when  seventeen  years  old  came  with  his 
parents  to  the  Maury  fraction  of  Marshall  County.  The  mother  was  born  in  Kentucky  in 
1807,  and  when  young  also  came  to  this  county.  They  were  married  in  1829,  and  lived  all 
their  lives  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children.  The 
father  was  a member  of  the  Pleasant  Hill  Missionary  Baptist  Church,  being  named  in 
honor  of  him.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  four  years  was  deputy  sheriff  in  Maury 
County  and  six  years  sheriff  in  Marshall  County,  being  the  first  sheriff  ever  elected  in  that 
county.  He  was  an  energetic,  industrious  farmer,  and  was  worth  some  $200,000  previous 
to  the  war.  In  1878  the  mother  died  and  two  years  later  the  father  passed  away.  Our 
subject’s  ancestors  on  his  father’s  side  were  of  English-French  descent,  and  on  his  mother’s 
of  English.  The  father  was  a second  cousin  of  Gen.  D.  H.  Hill,  of  Virginia,  and  a cousin 
of  Ben  Hill,  of  Georgia.  “Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin”  was  based  on  the  run-away  of  one  of 
our  subject's  great-grandfather’s  (Kennedy)  slaves.  Our  subject  was  born  September  6, 
1846,  in  this  county,  passed  his  early  days  on  the  farm  and  received  a good  English  educa- 
tion. In  1884  he  wedded  Missie  McLean,  a native  of  Rutherford  County,  born  June  3, 
1851.  Mrs.  Hill  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Hill  is  a Democrat 
-and  a thrifty  farmer,  owning  240  acres  of  good  land.  For  forty  years  he  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  Marshall  County,  and  is  considered  one  of  the  county’s  best  citizens. 

PERSIS  D.  HOUSTON,  dentist,  is  a son  of  Benjamin  F.  and  and  Necie  B.  (Usery) 
Houston,  both  natives  of  North  Carolina,  the  father  born  in  1805,  and  the  mother  in  1814. 
They  were  married  in  Marshall  County  in,  1834,  and  to  them  were  born  ten  children,  seven 
of  whom  are  living.  Both  parents  were  active  members  in  the  Christian  Church.  Until 


1208 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


forty-five  years  of  age  he  was  an  infidel,  but  after  his  reformation  he  became  zealous  m 
the  cause  of  Christianity.  He  had  been  a school-teacher  in  his  early  days,  but  of  late  years, 
was  a successful  farmer.  For  many  years  he  filled  the  office  of  magistrate,  and  during- 
his  entire  life  he  was  an  industrious,  energetic  worker.  In  politics  he  was  a Democrat. 
He  died  in  1861,  and  the  mother  in  1878.  The  father  was  a relative  of  Gov.  Samuel 
Houston.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  January  8,  1843,  in  Marshall  County,  was.' 
reared  on  the  farm  and  received  an  academic  education.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he 
began  teaching  in  order  to  raise  sufficient  means  for  taking  a course  in  college.  But  these 
plans  were  frustrated  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Capt. 
R.  C.  Williams’  company,  and  four  years  was  engaged  in  the  war’s  bloody  struggles. 
After  returning  home  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  and  later  farmed  for  five 
years.  Having  studied  and  practiced  the  dental  profession  for  a number  of  years  he 
graduated  from  the  dental  department  of  Tennessee  University  in  1881.  Previous  to  this, 
in  1868,  he  wedded  Medora  A.  Pickens,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children,  five  of  whom  are 
living.  Mr.  Houston  and  wife  are  both  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  has  been 
alderman  of  Lewisburg  for  three  terms.  For  twelve  years  Mr.  Houston  has  successfully 
practiced  his  profession  in  his  town. 

JOHN  W.  HUTTON,  a leading  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  John  and  Su- 
san (Watkins)  Hutton,  natives,  respectively,  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia.  The  father  was  a 
Presbyterian  and  the  mother  a Methodist.  In  the  bloody  strife  with  the  Indians  in  Ken- 
tucky the  father  took  an  active  part.  In  1809  they  came  to  Tennessee  when  the  woods 
were  a mat  of  vines,  and  wild  animals  found  their  homes  in  the  dense  canebrake.  The 
father  died  at  the  age  of  thirty,  and  in  1860  the  mother  followed  him.  Our  subject  was 
born  August  6,  1809,  in  Franklin  County,  Ky.,  and  spent  the  principal  part  of  his  time  on 
the  farm,  and  until  eleven  years  of  age  had  very  good  opportunities  for  schooling.  At  the 
age  of  eighteen  he  began  to  battle  his  own  way  in  the  world.  After  “overseeing”  for 
four  years,  he  purchased  a tract  of  fifty  acres  in  Rutherford  County,  and  by  hard  work 
and  good  management  is  now  one  of  the  heaviest  tax  payers  in  the  county.  In  1883  he 
married  Frances  Moore,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  born  October  13,  1810.  Fifty-* 
three  years  of  happy  wedded  life  and  ten  children  have  blessed  this  worthy  couple.  Six 
of  the  children  are  living;  all  save  one  are  married  gnd  pleasantly  situated  in  life.  Mr. 
Hutton  had  the  honor  of  furnishing  three  brave  boys  for  the  war:  Thomas,  William  and 
Polk.  William  sacrificed  his  life  for  home  and  State.  Mr.  Hutton  is  a stanch  Democrat;, 
and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  For  thirty-six 
years  he  has  held  the  office  of  magistrate.  Mr.  Hutton  has  lived  in  this  county  for  thirt  y 
five  years,  and  has  gained  a reputation  beyond  reproach. 

THOMAS  C.  HUTTON,  a leading  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  and  a son  of  J.  W. 
and  Frances  (Moore)  Hutton  (for  further  particulars  of  parents  see  sketch  of  John  W. 
Hutton),  was  born  in  Rutherford  County  November  19,  1835,  on  the  field  where  the  battle 
of  Murfreesboro  was  fought.  He  received  a good  practical  education,  and  when  only  fif- 
teen years  old  superintended  the  moving  from  Rutherford  County  to  this.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-one  he  began  “overseeing”  for  his  father,  and  this  he  continued  until  the  breaking 
out  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Company  F,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry, 
Confederate  Army,  and  served  for  three  years  in  that  company.  He  then  joined  a com- 
pany of  cavalry,  and  continued  with  this  until  the  close  of  the  war.  During  four  years 
of  faithful  service  he  was  in  eight  hard-fought  battles  and  many  skirmishes.  He  had 
three  horses  shot  from  under  him,  and  was  never  captured  or  wounded.  The  third  day 
after  his  return  home  found  him  at  work  tilling  the  soil.  In  1865  he  wedded  Margaret  E. 
Robinson,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  only  one  of  whom,  Sallie,  is  living.  In  1884 
his  wife  died,  and  the  following  year  he  wedded  Mary.  C.  Crowel,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Gordon.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church. 
Mrs.  Hutton  is  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Hutton  has  a fine,  large 
farm,  well  stocked,  and  he  is  a man  who  takes  an  active  part  in  all  the  enterprises  of  his- 
community. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1209 


WILLIS  M.  HOPWOOD  was  born  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  February  1, 
1813.  His  parents,  Willis  and  Penelope  (Moore)  Hopwood,  were  born  in  the  “Old  Domin- 
ion,” and  in  1810  came  to  Tennessee,  locating  in  Marshall  County.  The  father  was  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  and  was  among  the  first  to  accept  the  new  doctrine  that  the  Bible 
alone  is  the  standard  by  which  to  measure  Christian  character.  His  labors  were  fully  re- 
warded in  this  world  by  seeing  many  souls  converted.  He  died  in  1850,  after  a long  and 
useful  life.  The  mother  died  in  1868.  Willis  M.  inherits  Scotch-Irish  blood  from  his  an- 
cestors. He  received  a good  rudimentary  education,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  began 
earning  his  own  living.  He  clerked  in  a store  for  two  years,  and  for  four  years  followed 
merchandising  in  Lewisburg,  and  has  followed  that  and  farming  off  and  on  ever  since. 
He  has  filled  the  offices  of  constable,  deputy  sheriff  and  sheriff,  serving  in  all  about  six- 
teen years,  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  the  people.  Julia  A.  Bills  became  his  wife  in 
1846.  Hine  children  were  born  to  their  union,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Hopwood 
has  been  a Republican  since  the  war;  previous  to  that  time  he  was  a Whig.  He  is  now 
seventy-three  years  old,  and  has  never  lived  outside  the  county,  nor  more  than  seven 
miles  from  the  place  of  his  birth.  Mrs.  Hopwood  is  a«member  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church. 

JAMES  N.  HUNTER,  a leading  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  Ephraim  and 
Mary  (Elliott)  Hunter.  The  father  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  when  a boy  came 
with  his  parents  to  Tennessee.  About  1808  they  removed  to  this  county,  and  here  Eph- 
raim was  married.  His  family  consisted  of  eleven  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  living. 
The  father  was  a Democrat  and  served  many  years  as  magistrate.  He  followed  farming 
and  merchandising,  besides  running  a carding  machine  and  cotton  spinner.  The  father 
died  in  1857,  and  the  mother  in  1864.  She  was  a member  of  the  Cnmberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  November  15,  1815,  in  Marshall  County  and 
while  growing  up  worked  in  the  factory  and  had  very  poor  opportunities  for  schooling, 
attending  the  old  subscription  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  began  clerking  in 
his  father’s  store,  where  he  remained  for  ten  years.  He  then  engaged  in  farming  and  this 
he  has  continued  to  the  present  time.  In  1848  he  wedded  Cynthia  Hays,  by  whom  he  had 
nine  children.  The  eldest  son,  R.  H.,  is  a rising  young  physician  of  Texas.  In  politics 
Mr.  Hunter  is  a Democrat  and  he  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  In  the  days  of  militia,  he  held  the  position  of  colonel. 

WILLIAM  P.  IRVINE,  grocery  and  grain  dealer,  was  born  August  1,  1845,  in  Elk- 
ton,  Giles  County,  where  he  grew  up  and  received  a common  English  education.  His 
parents  were  Nathaniel  and  Narcissa  (Davis)  Irvine.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Car- 
olina, and  the  mother  in  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.  After  marriage  they  settled  in  Giles 
County,  where  they  remained  until  1852.  They  then  moved  to  Georgia,  where  the  father 
died.  After  his  death  the  mother  returned  to  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  and  married  H.  N. 
Cowden.  They  located  in  this  county,  where  they  have  lived  ever  since.  The  mother  was 
a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  In  1861  our  subject  volunteered  in 
Company  I,  Thirty-second  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  remained  in  that  company  till  1864. 
He  then  joined  Gen.  Forrest’s  command,  and  served  till  the  surrender  at  Gainesville,  Ala., 
a period  of  over  three  and  one-half  years.  He  was  imprisoned  seven  months  at  Camp 
Morton  and  Lafayette,  Ind..  and  was  exchanged  at  Vicksburg.  He  then  returned  and 
engaged  in  farming.  In  1865  he  wedded  Eliza  Garrett,  and  to  them  were  born  two  chil- 
dren; Roy  and  Mamie.  He  is  a stanch  Democrat  in  politics,  and  is  commissioner  of  this 
taxing  district,  and  also  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Bank  of  Lewisburg.  In  1883  Mr.  Irvine 
came  to  Lewisburg  and  opened  the  business  in  which  he  is  now  engaged.  He  is  a good 
business  man  and  has  met  with  good  success. 

WILLOUGHBY  A.  JACKSON,  a leading  business  man  of  Marshall  County,  was 
born  October  7,  1834,  in  Wilson  County,  Tenn.  He  was  a farmer  boy  and  received  a lim- 
ited education,  never  having  attended  school  more  than  nine  months  altogether.  At  the 
age  of  eighteen  he  left  home,  and  after  spending  a year  at  Charleston,  S.  C.,  came  to 
Marshall  County  and  worked  a short  time  in  a livery  stable.  He  then  learned  the  saddler’s 


1210 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


trade  and  bought  out  the  man  for  whom  he  worked,  but  at  last  he  turned  his  attention  to 
farming.  In  1857  he  married  Margaret  Phiper,  by  whom  he  had  nine  children,  five  of 
whom  are  living.  He  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  she  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  In  politics  he  votes  for  the  man  rather  than  the  party,  though  he 
holds  to  Republican  principles.  At  present  he  is  the  owner  of  700  acres  of  land,  three 
stores  and  two  saw-mills,  besides  he  is  engaged  in  stock-trading.  He  is  a resident  of  Mar- 
shall County,  and  is  accounted  one  of  the  most  stirring,  energetic,  successful  business 
men  of  the  county.  He  is  a son  of  James  and  Martha  (Evans)  Jackson,  both  of  whom 
were  reared  and  married  in  North  Carolina.  In  1830  they  came  to  Wilson  County,  and 
after  living  there  fourteen  years  returned  to  North  Carolina.  In  1869  they  returned  to 
Tennessee,  and  after  several  moves  they  went  to  West  Tennessee,  where  they  passed  the 
last  years  of  their  lives.  They  were  both  Baptists.  The  father  served  iD  the  Seminole 
war  and  four  years  in  the  late  war.  In  the  first  he  held  the  position  of  orderly  sergeant 
and  captain,  and  in  the  last  held  the  position  of  captain  and  colonel.  The  mother  died  in 
1871,  and  two  years  later  the  father  followed. 

RICHARD  T.  JOHNSON.  William  Johnson,  father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in 
Maury  County,  Tenn.,  in  1814,  and  was  married  to  Eliza  J.  Mourton,  who  was  born  in 
Bedford  County  in  1819.  They  resided  for  a short  time  in  Lawrence  County,  and  then 
took  up  their  abode  in  Giles  County,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  The 
father  was  an  extensive  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  for  many  years  filled  the  office  of 
magistrate.  He  was  married  twice,  and  died  in  1883.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  in 
1867.  Richard  inherits  English  blood  from  both  parents.  He  was  born  in  Lawrence 
County,  September  20,  1840,  and  his  early  schooling  was  limited  to  a few  terms.  In  1861  he 
enlisted  in  Company  B,  Second  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry.  At  the  battle  of  Perry- 
ville,  Ky.,  he  received  six  wounds  from  one  volley  of  the  enemy,  and  although  seriously 
wounded  escaped  with  his  life.  He  was  in  eighteen  of  the,  bloodiest  battles  of  the  war, 
and  after  serving  two  years  was  promoted  to  second  lieutenant.  In  1865  he  wedded  Laura 
A.  Cochran,  by  whom  he  has  had  six  children.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  are  Methodists,  and 
he,  like  his  father,  is  a stanch  Democrat.  He  owns  a fine  farm  in  Marshall  County,  and 
has  been  a resident  of  the  county  twenty-one  years. 

HON.  A.  JONES,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  Cornersville,  Tenn.,  and 
son  of  John  R.  and  Martha  A.  (Lane)  Jones,  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  May  15,  1839. 
His  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  a farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools;  later  he 
attended  the  school  of  Pascal,  at  Nashville,  and  for  some  time  studied  medicine  under  Dr. 
Thomas  Lipscomb.  He  graduated  from  the  University  of  Tennessee  in  1858,  and  later 
took  a course  of  lectures  at  New  Orleans,  and  another  at  Belleview  Medical  College  at 
New  York.  In  1859  he  opened  an  office  in  Cornersville,  where  he  has  since  resided,  with 
the  exception  of  four  years  during  the  war.  He  served  in  Company  H,  Third  Tennessee 
Infantry,  as  lieutenant,  and  after  a short  service  was  made  surgeon  of  the  Seventeenth 
Regiment.  In  1862  he  wedded  Maxie  Harris,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  three  of 
whom  are  living.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and 
his  wife  is  a Presbyterian.  In  1871  he  represented  Marshall  County  in  the  State  Legisla- 
ture, and  filled  the  position  ably  for  one  term.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  owns  and  operates 
a farm  of  235  acres.  His  parents  were  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  were  married  in  Ten- 
nessee. The  father  was  a physician,  but  not  liking  that  profession  he  took  up  farming, 
and  eventually  became  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  in  the  county.  He  was  a Demo- 
crat, and  died  of  the  cholera  in  1865.  The  mother  died  in  1885.  She  was  of  Welsh  de- 
scent and  the  father  of  English. 

JAMES  F.  KENNEDY,  merchant  of  Cornersville,  whs  born  in  Green  County,  Tenn., 
October  4,  1830,  son  of  Daniel  and  Margaret  (Kennedy)  Kennedy,  who  were  also  born  in 
Green  County.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children  and  were  members  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  The  father  was  a tanner  and  merchant,  and  quite  an  extensive  farmer. 
He  was  magistrate  a number  of  years  and  was  a Whig  in  politics.  He  died  in  1861  and 
the  mother  in  1877.  Our  subject  assisted  his  father  in  the  tan-yard,  store  and  farm,  and 


/ 

MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1211 


at  the  age  of  twenty-one  began  earning  his  own  living.  He  worked  for  about  ten  years 
for  wages,  and  in  1861  opened  a store  in  his  native  county,  but  was  compelled  to  abandon 
it,  owing  to  the  war.  In  1866  he  opened  a store  in  Cornersville,  Marshall  County,  Tenn., 
where  he  has  carried  on  the  business  successfully  ever  since.  His  marriage  with  Hannah 
C.  McGaughey  was  celebrated  in  1852.  They  have  had  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  liv- 
ing. Mr.  Kennedy  owns  a farm  of  200  acres,  and  as  a business  man  has  met  with  good 
success.  He  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

M.  D.  KELLEY,  M.  D.,  is  a son  of  Cary  T.  and  Nancy  (Wilkins)  Kelley,  who  were 
married  in  Giles  County,  and  soon  after  settled  on  a farm,  where  they  spent  the  remain- 
der of  their  lives.  They  were  Methodists  and  the  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812. 
He  became  a very  prosperous  farmer  and  was  one  of  the  first  to  introduce  Berkshire  hogs 
and  Durham  cattle  into  Marshall  County.  He  was  an  old-line  Whig  and  died  in  1854. 
The  mother  lived  until  1885.  M.  D.  Kelley,  our  subject,  was  born  September  6,  1832,  in 
Giles  County.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  entered  the  Cumberland  University  and  gradu- 
ated in  1853.  He  then  took  a course  in  medicine  at  the  University  of  Nashville  and  re- 
ceived the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  1857.  He  spent  some  time  in  the  State  hospital  and  after 
three  years’  practice  at  Spring  place  in  Marshall  County,  came  to  Cornersville  in  1861, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  In  1856  Margaret  J.  Gordon  was  united  to  him  in  marriage. 
To  them  were  born  three  children — two  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  eldest  son  is  a farmer 
and  the  other  is  studying  for  the  ministry,  The  Doctor  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  He  is  conservative  in  politics,  and  is  a successful 
physician  of  the  county.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  K.  of  H.,  K.  of  G.  R., 
and  Good  Templar  fraternities,  and  People’s  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company. 

JOHN  T.  KERCHEVAL,  a leading  groceryman  of  Lewisburg,  was  born  April  24, 
1850,  in  Lewisburg,  where  he  grew  up  and  was  educated.  He  is  the  son  of  Peter  and 
Susan  C.  (Ewing)  Kercheval,  natives  of  Tennessee.  They  were  married  in  this  county 
and  to  them  were  born  nine  children.  The  father  was  a lawyer,  being  one  of  the  ablest 
attorneys  in  his  county.  For  many  years  he  was  clerk  and  master  of  the  chancery  court. 
He  died  in  1867  and  the  mother  in  1883.  The  Kerchevals  are  of  French  descent.  The 
name  was  formerly  Cheval — a French  word,  meaning  horse — and  in  some  unknown  way 
the  Ker  became  prefixed.  Dr.  J.  M.  and  Mayor  Kercheval,  of  Nashville,  are  descendants 
of  that  name.  Having  prepared  himself  for  Yale  College,  our  subject  had  his  plans  frus- 
trated by  the  death  of  his  father.  He  then  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business,  as  a sales- 
man, where  he  remained  for  seven  years.  He  then  opened  a grocery  store  in  1883,  in 
which  he  has  done  a thriving  business  ever  since.  Having  studied  law  under  his  father, 
he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1871  and  practiced  three  years.  He  was  a promising  young 
lawyer  and  had  a good  practice,  but  had  not  learned  the  art  of  economizing,  consequent- 
ly, at  the  end  of  three  years,  he  found  himself  considerably  in  debt.  He  then  began  to  re- 
trieve his  fallen  fortunes  and  concluded  to  try  merchandising.  For  ten  years  he  has  been 
engaged  in  that  business  at  Lewisville,  and  has  been  quite  successful. 

WILLIAM  M.  KILLGORE  is  a son  of  Thomas  Killgore,  who  was  a native  of  Cocke 
County,  Tenn.,  and  there  married  Jane  Cooper,  who  was  born  in  the  same  place,  and 
became  the  mother  of  five  children.  The  father  was  a farmer  until  late  in  life,  and  then 
kept  hotel  for  some  time.  About  1846  the  mother  died,  and  he  afterward  married  Julia 
Smith,  who  bore  him  five  children.  Her  death  occurred  in  1883.  Previous  to  the  war 
Mr.  Killgore  was  a Whig.  He  is  now  a Republican,  and  is  seventy-eight  years  of  age. 
William  M.  Killgore  was  born  in  Cocke  County,  December  19,  1839,  and  was  pursuing  his 
studies  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Company  C,  Thirty- 
first  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  during  four  years  of  service  was  in  many  hard-fought  bat- 
tles, but  received  only  one  slight  wound.  After  the  siege  of  Knoxville  his  regiment  was- 
mounted.  In  1865  he  came  to  Marshall  County,  where  he  has  since  resided  and  farmed. 
Penelope  J.  Blackburn  became  his  wife  in  1867  and  died  in  1874,  leaving  two  sons.  In 
1877  he  married  Woodly  Fain,  and  to  them  were  born  five  children.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Killgore  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 


1212 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


ALFRED  J.  LANE,  farmer,  was  born  February  8,  1848,  on  the  farm  where  he  now 
lives.  While  growing  up  he  received  a fair  practical  education  in  the  common  schools, 
and,  like  a dutiful  son,  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age, 
when  he  went  to  Pulaski  to  clerk  i n a cotton  factory.  Two  years  later  he  returned  to  the 
farm,  and  in  1873  he  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Overton,  a native  of  Texas,  born  February 
19,  1853.  Of  this  marriage  three  children  was  the  result:  JohnF.,  Mary  D.  and  William  J, 
Mr.  Lane  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  wife  and  eldest  child  are  members  of  the  Missionary 
Baptist  Church.  He  has  an  excellent  farm  of  308  acres,  well  stocked.  He  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  this  county  for  twenty-one  years,  and  is  accounted  a good  farmer  and  an  enter- 
prising citizen.  He  is  a son  of  Joel  and  Susan  H.  (Carter)  Lane,  both  natives  of  Tennes- 
see. They  were  married  in  Maury  County,  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  Alfred  now 
lives.  Both  parents  were  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  The  father’s  chief 
occupation  was  farming,  though  he  worked  at  blacksmithing,  shoe-making,  carpentering 
or  whatever  his  inclinations  suggested.  Mechanical  ingenuity  runs  through  the  Lane 
family.  He  died  in  1854.  The  mother  is  still  living,  the  wife  of  M.  E.  C.  Overton,  by 
whom  she  had  ten  children. 

COL.  JAMES  HENRY  LEWIS,  attorney,  of  Lewi.sburg,  was  born  September  17,  1837, 
in  Maury  County,  Tenn.  His  grandfather,  John  C.  Lewis,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and 
moved  from  that  State  to  North  Carolina,  where  he  married  a daughter  of  Nathan  For- 
rest, near  Orange  Court  House,  at  which  place  Fielding  Lewis,  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born.  Subsequently  John  C.  Lewis,  with  his  family,  immigrated  to  Middle 
Tennessee.  Fielding  Lewis  married  Lydia  Preston,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn.  Her  father 
was  a captain  of  Tennessee  Volunteers,  under  Jackson,  at  New  Orleans  in  1815,  and  died 
soon  after  his  return  home  from  this  campaign  of  disease  contracted  in  the  service.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Preston  family  of  Virginia  and  Kentucky.  The  grandmother,  Lewis, 
was  a member  of  the  same  family  of  which  Gen.  N.  B.  Forrest  was  a descendant,  all  at 
one  time  residents  of  Bedford  and  Marshall  Counties.  Lydia  Lewis  died  in  1860,  and 
Fielding  Lewis  in  1876.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  husband  was  a farmer  and  mechanic,  and  was  a relative  of  Gen,  Meriwether 
Lewis,  of  the  “Lewis  and  Clark  Expedition”  fame.  Col.  J.  H.  Lewis  worked  on  a farm 
and  in  the  shop  until  attaining  his  majority.  His  opportunities  at  school  were. limited,  so 
that  his  education  is  almost  entirely  the  result  of  his  own  efforts.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one 
he  began  the  study  of  law,  and  in  October,  1859,  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  In  1861  he  mar- 
ried Victoria  J.  Sims,  who  lost  her  father  in  the  Mexican  war.  Her  grandfather  was 
John  O.  Cook,  of  Maury  County,  of  whose  family  she  was  a member,  being  an  orphan 
girl.  Her  other  grandfather  was  Gen.  Winn,  of  South  Carolina.  The  result  of  this  union 
is  four  children,  three  of  Whom  are  living.  Both  husband  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Politically  he  is  a firm  Democrat.  A short  time  be- 
fore his  marriage  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Second  Battalion  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Volun- 
teers, as  a private,  and  within  a year  was  made  captain  of  the  company.  After  the  con- 
solidation of  the  Second  and  Eleventh  Battalions  the  command  was  known  as  the  First 
Regiment  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  served  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  regiment,  and  com- 
manded the  regiment  for  more  than  a year  of  the  war.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  war  he  com- 
manded a brigade,  including  the  command  at  the  battles  of  Averysboro  and  Bentonville,  N. 
C.  After  four  years’  service  he  returned  home,  located  in  Lewisburg  and  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  law,  and  served  in  the  Legislature  of  the  State — session  1871-72 — as  joint  repre- 
sentative from  Marshall,  Giles  and  Lincoln  Counties.  Col.  Lewis  was  largely  instrumental 
in  building  the  Duck  River  Valley  Rail-road,  and  served  as  president  of  the  company  two 
years  prior  to  its  lease  to  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  & St.  Louis  Railroad,  having  been 
a director  before,  and  has  been  connected  with  the  road  ever  since  its  building.  He  threw 
all  of  his  energy  and  influence  into  the  building  of  the  road,  and  succeeded  wherein  most 
men  would  have  failed.  For  twenty  years  he  hag  practiced  his  profession,  with  ex-Gov. 
John  C.  Brown  as  his  partner  a portion  of  the  time,  and  later  with  his  brother,  and  now 
by  himself.  He  is  now  the  attorney  for  the  Nashville  & Chattanooga  Railroad  in  Maury, 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1213 


Marshall  and  Lincoln  Counties.  His  ability  as  a lawyer  is  too  well  known  to  need  com- 
ment, and  he  is  a public-spirited  citizen  of  the  county,  having  done  much  for  the  schools, 
churches,  and  all  other  benevolent  organizations  of  the  county  and  State.  The  firm  name, 
Lewis  Bros.,  was  dissolved  in  1885,  and  Capt.  Thomas  F.  Lewis,  the  junior  member  of 
the  firm,  is  now  a member  of  the  bar  at  Jackson,  Tenn. 

BENTLEY  A.  LONDON,  a prosperous  young  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a 
son  of  N.  B.  and  Cynthia  A.  (McConnell) 'London,  both  born  in  what  is  now  Marshall 
County  in  1825  and  1832.  Soon  after  marriage  they  began  farming,  in  which  they  were 
very  prosperous.  The  father  was  a stanch  Democrat,  and  died  in  1869.  The  mother  af- 
terward married  P.  Fox  and  is  still  living.  Bentley  A.  inherits  English  blood  from  bis 
father  and  Irish  blood  from  his  mother.  He  was  born  October  4,  1855,  in  Marshall  County. 
His  early  educational  advantages  being  limited,  when  nineteen  years  of  age  he  began  his 
career  as  a farmer,  and  before  reaching  a legal  age  made  several  land  trades.  At  the  age 
of  twenty  he  married  Mattie  A-  Fox,  by  whom  he  has  two  children— Bettie  M.and  Bentley 
D.  Mrs.  London  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  London  is  a stanch  Democrat, 
and  is  the  owner  of  140  acres  of  fertile  land.  In  February,  1886,  he  and  W.  D.  Fox  pur- 
chased N.  S.  Hopwood’s  general  merchandise  store,  and  have  been  doing  a good  business 
ever  since. 

WILLIAM  A.  LONDON,  a leading  livery  man  of  Lewisburg,  Marshall  Co.,  Tenn., 
is  a son  of  Nathan  B.  and  Cynthia  A.  (McConnell)  London,  who  were  born,  reared  and 
married  in  Marshall  County.  The  father  was  a successful  farmer,  and  served  a short  time 
in  the  late  war,  under  Forrest.  He  was  a Democrat,  and  died  in  1869.  His  widow  married 
Pervines  Fox,  Jr.,  by  whom  she  has  two  children.  Our  subject  was  one  of  nine  children, 
and  was  born  November  23,  1857,  in  Marshall  County.  He  was  educated  in  the  common 
schools,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  began  to  do  for  himself.  Since  1878  he  has  been  en- 
gaged in  the  livery  business  in  Lewisburg  in  partnership  with  different  men,  but  since  1885 
he  and  S.  D.  Davis  have  done  business  together,  and  are  securing  comfortable  compe- 
tencies. He  also,  in  Connection  with  McAdams  & Sons,  has  done  an  extensive  business  in 
buying  and  selling  horses  and  mules.  In  1878  he  wedded  Mary  E.  Braly,  by  whom  he  has 
two  daughters.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  London  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  In 
politics  our  subject  is  a Democrat. 

WILSON  G.  LOYD,  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  Alex- 
ander M.  and  Louisa  (Blackwell)  Loyd.  The  father  was  a merchant,  having  sold  goods  in 
Bedford  County  for  some  time.  In  1838  he  removed  to  Texas  for  the  purpose  of  surveying 
public  lands.  He  was  called  from  this  world  of  toil  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-nine.  Our 
subject  was  born  April  26,  1838,  in  Lewisburg,  but,  his  mother  having  died  when  he  was 
but  an  infant,  he  was  left  to  the  care  of  an  aunt  at  Shelbyville  till  nine  years  of  age,  after 
which  he  went  to  live  with  an  uncle  in  Louisiana.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  returned 
to  this  State  and  attended  school  three  years,  completing  his  education  at  Franklin  Col- 
lege in  1859.  He  then  went  back  to  Louisiana  and  engaged  as  salesman  in  Alexandria  till 
1861, when  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Second  Louisiana  Infantry  in  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia.  At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  he  received  a slight  wound,  and  it  was  the  only  one 
he  received  during  the  entire  four  years  he  was  in  service.  . In  1865  he  wedded  Victoria 
C.  Meadows,  and  by  this  union  became  the  father  of  eleven  children,  all  living.  Both 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Loyd  are  earnest  workers  in  the  Christian  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Loyd 
is  a Democrat.  In  1878  he  was  elected  circuit  court  clerk,  and  has  filled  that  position  in 
a satisfactory  manner.  In  1885  he  became  book-keeper  of  the  Bank  of  Lewisburg. 

JOHN  B.  LUNA  is  a son  of  James  G.  and  RhodaC.  (Stevens)  Luna,  native  Tennes- 
seeans. They  were  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  The  father  was  a Demo- 
crat, and  died  in  1846,  at  the  age  of  thirty-nine.  The  mother  lived  until  1880.  John  B.’s 
birth  occurred  in  Marshall  County  August  29,  1844.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  earn- 
ing his  own  living,  receiving  a common  school  education.  For  about  eleven  months  he 
served  in  Company  I,  Eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  then  returned  home  and  resumed 
farming.  In  1864  he  wedded  Mattie  Yowell,  who  died  the  following  year.  In  1870 


76 


1214 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Maggie  Vaughn  became  his  wife  and  seven  children  blessed  their  union.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Luna  are  members  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  and,  like  his  father,  Mr.  Luna  is 
a Democrat.  They  possess  235  acres  of  land,  and  he  is  considered  one  of  the  best  farmers 
of  Marshall  County.  He  gives  much  attention  to  raising  line  stock  and  owns  the  two 
horses,  Tom  Hall  and  Chieftain,  the  latter  of  Black  Satin  stock.  For  forty-two  years  he 
has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County,  and  no  man  has  been  more  intimately  connected 
with  the  progress  of  the  county  than  he. 

SHELBY  B.  MARSH  is  a son  of  Simeon  and  Elizabeth  (Shelby)  Marsh,  who  were 
born  in  North  and  South  Carolina,  respectively.  In  1812  they  came  to  Tennessee  and  lo- 
cated in  Marshall  County,  where  the  father  became  an  extensive  farmer  and  land  specu- 
lator. The  father  was  a Democrat, and  died  when  about  seventy  years  old.  His  ancestors 
were  Revolutionary  soldiers  from  the  “Nutmeg  State.”  The  mother  was  related  to  Shel- 
by, the  second  in  command  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  and  governor  of  Kentucky. 
Shelby  B.  Marsh  was  born  in  North  Carolina.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  clerking  in 
a store,  and  after  following  that  occupation  for  a few  years  he  began  trading  in  negroes, 
making  some  $10,000  thereat.  Seven  children  were  born  to  his  marriage  with  Elizabeth 
Jones,  which  took  place  in  1837.  Two  of  the  children  died  in  infancy  and  Robert  J.  and 
Simeon  were  killed  in  the  late  war.  Mr.  Marsh  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  has  been  re- 
markably successful  in  his  business  career.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Missionary  Bap- 
tist Church. 

WILLIAM  T.  MARSH  is  a son  of  Shelby  and  Elizabeth  J.  (Jones)  Marsh,  and  was 
born  June  24,  1843,  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  reared  by  a father  who,  though  very 
wealthy,  was  a believer  in  honest  toil,  and  taught  his  sons  to  work.  He  acquired  a good 
rudimentary  education,  and  later  attended  Cumberland  University.  He  then  returned 
home,  and  has  followed  the  free  and  independent  life  of  a farmer  up  to  the  present  time. 
He  owns  930  acres  of  very  fertile  land,  and  is  extensively  engaged  in  stock  raising.  In 
1871  Amelia  Jackson  became  his  wife.  She  is  a daughter  of  Thomas  R.  and  Elizabeth 
S.  (Madry)  Jackson,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Missouri,  respectively.  They 
both  came  to  Tennessee  when  young,  and  became  the  parents  of  ten  children.  The 
father  was  a Democrat,  and  died  in  1883.  His  widow  still  lives,  and  has  attained  the  age 
of  seventy- two  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marsh  were  born  three  children — two  sons  and 
one  daughter.  Our  subject  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,  and  he  is  a stanch  Democrat. 

JOHN  L.  MARSHALL,  of  the  firm  of  Cowden  & Marshall,  of  Lewisburg,  is  a son  of 
James  G.  and  Margaret  J.  (Bullock)  Marshall,  both  natives  of  Tennessee.  In  early  life 
the  father  was  a teacher,  but  later  engaged  in  the  occupation  of  a farmer.  Both  parents 
were  church  members,  the  father  being  an  elder  for  many  years  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  the  mother  an  active  member  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  She  died 
in  1863  and  the  father  followed  in  1871.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  Our  subject  was 
born  January  30,  1850,  in  Marshall  County,  and  inherited  Scotch-Irish  blood  from  his 
father  and  English  blood  from  his  mother.  He  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm  and 
received  an  academic  education.  In  1869  he  entered  Cumberland  University,  where  he 
completed  his  education.  Having  taught  two  terms  he  commenced  the  study  of  law  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1875.  He  then  became  a partner  of  P.  C.  Smithson,  and  two 
years  later  dissolved  partnership,  practicing  alone  till  1883.  He  then  became  one  of  the 
firm  to  which  he  now  belongs.  In  1876  he  wedded  Mrs.  M.  L.  (Swanson)  Lyle,  who  died 
in  1881.  Five  years  later  he  married  Martha  Steele.  Mr.  Marshall  is  an  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  his  wife  belongs  to  the  same  church.  He  is  a conservative 
Democrat,  and  is  considered  by  all  as  an  able  and  successful  youDg  lawyer. 

JAMES  M.  MARTIN  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Maria  (Tankersley)  Martin.  Henry 
Martin  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1802,  and  when  young  came  to  Tennessee  and  lo- 
cated in  Bedford  County,  where  he  married  Miss  Tankersley,  born  in  1808.  They  were 
the  parents  of  eighteen  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  The  mother  was  a member 
of  the  Christian  Church,  as  was  also  the  father  until  the  last  few  years  of  his  life,  when  he 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1215 


became  a Universalist.  He  held  the  position  of  Constable  six  years  and  that  of  deputy 
sheriff  two  years.  During  the  late  war  he  supported  the  Confederacy  although  too  old 
to  take  an  active  part.  The  mother  died  in  1842  and  two  years  later  Mr.  Martin  married 
Mrs.  Delilah  Lamb,  by  whom  he  had  six  children.  His  death  occurred  in  1864.  James 
M.  was  born  September  6,  1822,  in  Williamson  County,  and  secured  a practical  education. 
At  the  age  of  twenty  he  began  working  by  the  month  and  in  1845  married  Nancy  McGee, 
who  was  born  February  21,  1826,  in  North  Carolina,  and  died  in  1856,  having  borne  one 
child  who  died.  In  1857  Mr.  Martin  took  for  his  second  wife  Mary  Stanfield,  and 
seven  children  blessed  their  union.  Husband  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  South,  and  he  is  a stanch  Democrat  in  politics  and  for  some  eight  years 
has  held  the  position  of  magistrate  and  has  been  constable  nearly  four  years.  He  owns 
260  acres  of  land  and  is  known  to  be  a thrifty  farmer  and  an  honest  man. 

HARDIN  MAYBERRY  is  a son  of  Gabriel  Mayberry,  who  was  a Virginian  by  birth 
and  married  Rosanna  Hardin,  of  South  Carolina,  by  whom  he  had  four  children.  They 
came  to  Tennessee  when  quite  young  and  when  Nashville  was  a small  collection  of  cabins. 
The  father  was  a Democrat  and  a prosperous  farmer  and  lived  to  be  seventy-five  years  of 
age.  His  widow  outlived  him  but  a few  years.  Grandfather  Mayberry  was  a Revolution- 
ary soldier  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  and  was  intimately  associated  with  Gen.  George  Wash- 
ington. Hardin,  our  subject,  was  born  in  Hickman  County  July  14,  1826,  and  was  reared 
on  a farm,  receiving  a common  school  education.  Since  attaining  his  twenty-first  birth- 
day he  has  farmed,  and  now  owns  a well  stocked  farm  of  1,000  acres.  In  1847  he  married 
Cornelia  E.  Galloway,  who  died  in  1856,  leaving  four  children:  Mary  M.,  Harriet  C.  and 
two  infants,  deceased.  Mr.  Mayberry’s  second  wife  was  Mrs.  A.  P.  Blair,  who  bore  him 
six  children:  Lawreston  II.,  Emma  P.,  Lula  L.,  Harvey,  Cora  and  Gabriella.  Mr.  May- 
berry was  a soldier  in  the  late  war,  serving  in  Company  A,  Forty-eighth  Tennessee  Infantry, 
and  was  one  of  the  defenders  of  Fort  Donelson.  After  a two  months'  imprisonment  at  Camp 
Chase  and  five  months’  imprisonment  at  Johnson’s  Island  he  was  exchanged  at  Vicks- 
burg, and  failing  health  caused  him  to  be  released.  He  served  as  first  lieutenant  about 
one  year. 

JOSEPH  McBRIDE,  clerk  of  the  county  court,  was  born  December  27,  1827,  in  Lin- 
coln (now  Marshall)  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  of  Scotch- Irish  descent.  He  is  a son  of  G.  W. 
and  Mary  H.  (Cook)  McBride,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  occupied  the  office  of  magistrate  the 
greater  part  of  his  life.  He  died  'at  the  age  of  sixty-two  and  the  mother  at  the  age  of  sixty. 
Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  and  received  a practical  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  In  1853  he  wedded  Mary  A.  V.  Palmer,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children, 
seven  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  McBride,  like  his  father  before  him,  is  a stanch  Democrat, 
and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  For  nearly  twelve 
years  he  has  served  as  magistrate,  and  was  also  chairman. of  the  county  court  a term.  In 
1882  he  was  elected  to  the  position  he  is  now  occupying,  and  has  filled  that  office  in  a 
highly  satisfactory  manner. 

COL.  W.  L.  MCCLELLAND  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1815,  and  when  a boy 
came  with  his  parents  to  what  is  now  Marshall  County,  Tenn.  On  reaching  manhood  he 
married  Mary  Chambliss,  by  whom  he  had  three  children.  His  wife  died  in  1854,  and  he 
wedded  Sarah  Chambliss,  a sister  of  his  first  wife,  by  whom  he  had  two  children.  He  and 
both  his  wives  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  In  early  life  he 
was  a merchant,  and  later  he  took  himself  to  farming,  in  which  he  was  more  than  ordina- 
rily successful.  He  twice  represented  his  county  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  was  chosen 
delegate  to  the  Charleston  and  Baltimore  Convention  in  1860.  During  his  life  he  was  one 
of  the  most  enterprising  and  energetic  business  men  in  his  section.  He  died  in  1883,  leav- 
ing a widow  and  five  children  to  mourn  their  loss.  John  R.  is  a lawyer  of  Nashville, 
Fernando,  a farmer  of  Marshall  County;  Mattie,  the  wife  of  Capt.  A.  E.  Read,  of  Louisi- 
ana; Ada  lives  at  home,  and  Zana  is  the  wife  of  W.  W.  Ogilvie,  who  has  an  interest  in  and 
charge  of  the  old  McClelland  homestead.  He  was  born  in  Maury  County  May  15,  1856, 


1216 


BIOGBAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


and  attended  Webb’s  school  at  Culleoka,  and  later  the  Tennessee  University,  completing 
the  freshman  year.  He  first  opened  a hardware  store  in  Lewisburg,  and  in  connection 
handled  grain.  His  marriage  with  Miss  McClelland  was  consummated  in  1881.  Mr. 
Ogilvie  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  in  politics  is  a Democrat. 
In  1885  he  moved  to  the  farm,  and  is  now  extensively  engaged  in  stock  raising. 

FERDINAND  S.  MCCLELLAND  may  be  mentioned  as  one  of  the  prosperous  farm- 
ers of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.  He  is  a son  of  Col.  W.  L.  and  Mary  (Chambliss)  McClel- 
land, and  was  born  February  7,  1841,  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County.  His  educational 
advantages  were  above  the  average,  and  he  had  reached  his  senior  year  in  Cumberland 
University  when  the  war  broke  out  and  he  volunteered  in  Capt.  Walker’s  company,  Third 
Tennessee  Infantry.  He  served  four  years  and  the  last  year  and  a half  was  lieutenant 
in  the  ordnance  department.  In  1806  he  wedded  Mary  Y.  Plattenburg,  a native  of  Ala- 
bama, and  to  them  were  born  seven  children.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  located  in  Ala- 
bama, where  he  was  engaged  in  the  culture  of  cotton  four  years.  In  1870  he  returned  to 
Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  where  he  owns  150  acres  of  fine  and  well  improved  land.  He  is 
a conservative  Democrat  in  politics  and  is  a man  of  recognized  ability.  During  the  agita- 
tion of  the  State  debt  question  he  made  many  public  addresses  in  favor  of  its  payment  in 
full.  For  thirty-seven  years  he  has  been  a resident  of  Marshall  County,  and  by  his  up- 
right conduct  and  geniality  has  won  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all. 

FREDERICK  B.  McCLURE,  farmer  of  Marshall  County  and  son  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Cooper)  McClure.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  and  there  married  Miss  Jame- 
son, who  bore  him  five  children.  They  came  to  Tennessee  about  1811  and  located  in 
Rutherford  County.  His  wife  died  and  he  then  wedded  Mrs.  Cooper.  To  them  were 
born  four  children.  Both  husband  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church.  The  father  was  a tanner  b}r  trade  and  worked  thereat  in  early  life.  Later 
he  betook  himself  to  farming.  The  mother  died  in  1845  and  the  father  in  1848.  Our  sub- 
ject was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  August  15,  1827,  but  attended  school  very  little  in 
boyhood,  owing  to  poor  health.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  began  farming  and  later  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Marshall  County.  In  1862  he  volunteered  to  serve  in  the  commissary 
department,  continuing  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1866,  after  his  return,  he  wedded 
a Miss  McAfee,  daughter  of  Green  and  Elizabeth  (Scales)  McAfee,  and  to  their  union 
were  born  five  children,  three  now  living.  Mr.  McClure  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  is  the 
owner  of  163  acres  of  land  in  the  garden  spot  of  Marshall  County. 

HENRY  G.  McCORD  was  born  August  12,  1847,  in  Williamson  County,  and  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent.  He  received  the  rudiments  of  his  education  in  the  common  schools 
and  subsequently  attended  Cumberland  University,  and  graduated  from  the  literary  de- 
partment in  1873.  He  taught  school  for  about  three  years,  and  then  turned  his  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1877  he  married  Lillie  V.  Ogilvie,  who  was  born  May  13,  1856. 
The  fruits  of  this  union  were  five  children:  Marks  W.,  Harris  O.,  Manella  M.,  Joseph  C. 
and  Chamilla  S.  In  1864  Mr.  McCord  went  out  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cav- 
alry, Confederate  Army,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  has  a good  farm  of 
269  acres,  well  watered  and  furnished  with  good  buildings,  and  is  considered  a first-class 
farmer.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a son  of  Cowden  and  Sallie  A.  (Williams)  McCord.  The 
father  was  born  in  Williamson  County  in  1809,  and  the  mother  was  born  on  the  farm 
where  Henry  now  lives  in  1826.  They  were  married  in  Marshall  County  in  1844,  and  to 
them  were  born  eight  children,  seven  of  whom  lived  to  be  grown,  and  six  are  living  now. 
The  father  was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  for  one  term  served  as  magistrate.  He  was 
also  a farmer  and  an  extensive  one  at  that.  The  mother  died  in  1863,  and  in  1879  the 
father  died  also. 

ROBERT  A.  McCORD,  Jr.,  member  of  the  hardware  firm  of  Woods  & McCord,  was 
born  March  10,  1859,  in  Marshall  County,  son  of  Cowden  and  Sarah  (Williams)  McCord. 
(See  sketch  of  Henry  McCord  for  further  particulars  of  parents.)  Our  subject  was  reared 
on  the  farm,  and  received  a good  common  school  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1217 


lie  began  to  battle  his  own  way  in  life.  In  1882  he  came  to  Lewisburg,  and  in  connection 
with  Coffey  & W oods  engaged  in  the  grain  and  agricultural  business.  In  two  years  he 
transferred  his  line  of  business  to  hardware,  in  which  he  has  succeeded  remarkably  well. 
In  1881  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Bettie  Whittsitt,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth 
of  three  children.  In  politics  Mr.  McCord  is  conservative,  voting  the  Democratic  ticket 
when  good  men  are  presented.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  has,  in  the  short  space  of  four  years,  won  a place  among  the  first  business 
men  of  the  city. 

HON.  DILLISTON  S.  McCULLOUGIl  is  a son  of  Richard  and  Nancy  (Posey)  Mc- 
Cullough, natives  of  Virginia  and  South  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father  was  born  in 
1803  and  the  mother  in  1807.  They  were  married  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  and  were 
the  parents  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the 
soil  and  was  quite  successful  in  that  occupation.  In  politics  he  was,  respectively,  a Whig, 
Know-nothing  and  Democrat.  In  1878  the  mother  died  and  four  years  later  the  father 
died,  too.  Our  subject  was  born  May  11,  1838,  in  Rutherford  County,  and  is  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  He  passed  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm  and  received  his  education  in  the 
district  schools;  later  he  took  an  academic  course  at  Union  Hill,  and  finished  at  Union 
University,  where  he  graduated  in  1860,  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  After  teaching  a term 
he  volunteered,  in  1861,  to  lead  Company  D,  Eighth  Battalion  Tennessee  Cavalry,  which 
afterward  became  Starnes’  regiment.  Having  served  about  twelve  months  he  resigned 
his  commission  and  joined  the  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry.  After  the  war  he  taught 
two  terms,  but  not  liking  the  nomadic  life  of  a teacher,-  he  turned  his  attention  to  agricult- 
ural pursuits,  in  which  he  is  still  engaged.  In  1865  he  married  Martha  J.  Jordon,  and  to 
them  were  born  three  children:  Ruben  J.,  William  R.  and  Dilliston.  Mr.  McCullough  is 
a Democrat  in  politics  and  has  not  escaped  public  notice.  In  1880  he  was  elected  senator 
of  the  Thirteenth  District,  representing  Marshall,  Lincoln,  Moore  and  Franklin  Counties, 
and  in  1883  he  was  elected  to  the  same  position  by  the  Sixteenth  Senatorial  District,  com- 
posed of  Marshall  and  Williamson  Counties.  Mr.  McCullough  has  been  a resident  of 
Marshall  County  for  seventeen  years,  has  a good  farm  of  180  acres,  and  is  one  of  the  coun- 
ty’s best  men. 

COLEMAN  R.  McCULLOUGH,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  and  a 
son  of  Richard  D.  and  Nancy  (Posey)  McCullough,  was  born  February  25,  1842,  in 
Rutherford  County.  He  received  a good  practical  education  in  the  common  schools,  and 
in  1862  volunteered  in  Company  .C,  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry,  Confederate  Army. 
During  nearly  three  years  of  faithful  service  he  was  engaged  in  eight  hard-fought  bat- 
tles, but  was  never  wounded  or  taken  prisoner.  After  the  war  he  engaged  in  farming, 
and  in  1868  was  united  in  marriage  to  Margaret  R.  McLean,  a native  of  Marshall  County, 
born  October  21,  1844.  This  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  six  children — two  boys 
and  four  girls.  Mr.  McCullough  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Mission- 
ary Baptist  Church.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  For 
four  years  our  subject  has  filled  the  position  of  constable  in  a capable  and  satisfactory 
manner.  He  has  a good  farm  of  300  acres,  well  stocked,  and  has  been  a resident  of  the 
county  for  twenty-eight  years. 

COL.  CHRISTOPHER  C.  McKINNEY  was  born  December  10,  1825  in  Lincoln 
County,  Tenn.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  old-time  subscription 
schools.  His  parents  were  James  and  Temperance  (Rowe)  McKinney, natives,  respectively, 
of  Virginia  and  South  Carolina.  When  young  they  came  to  this  State,  the  father  in  1808 
and  the  mother  two  years  later.  After  marriage  they  settled  in  Lincoln  County  where 
they  passed  the  remainder  of  their  days.  The  father  was  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church  and  the  mother  a member  of  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church.  Their  family  con- 
sisted of  seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  living.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  carpenter 
and  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  The  father  died  in  1862  and  the  mother  in  1880.  Our 
subject  after  reaching  twenty-one  years  of  age  began  working  for  himself  at  $5 
per  month.  After  farming  and  milling  for  several  years  he  opened  a grocery  store  in 


1218 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Petersburg  in  1854.  He  then  changed  to  the  dry  goods  business  and  this  he  continued 
till  the  war.  In  1849  he  wedded  Mary  Luna,  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  seven 
children,  six  of  whom  are  living.  In  1861  Mr.  McKinney  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Eighth 
Tennessee  Infantry,  sharpshooters,  as  first  lieutenant  and  from  that  arose  to  lieutenant- 
colonel  of  his  regiment.  At  the  end  of  four  years’  faithful  service  he  returned  and  engaged 
in  merchandising  as  salesman  and  book-keeper  at  Richmond,  Tenn.  In  1884  he  opened  a 
grocery  store  in  this  place  where  he  has  had  a lucrative  practice  ever  since.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
McKinney  are  active  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  has 
been  an  elder  for  twenty-nine  years.  He  is  a Democrat,  a good  business  man  and  a 
highly  respected  citizen. 

G.  A.  McLANE,  one  of  the  firm  of  McLane  & Co.,  proprietors  of  a saw  and  planing- 
mill,  is  a son  of  Jesse  and  Flora  (Patterson)  McLane,  natives,  respectively,  of  North  Car- 
olina and  Virginia.  They  came  to  Tennessee  at  an  early  day,  and  were  married  in  Mar- 
shall County,  and  there  reared  their  family  of  seven  children.  Previous  to  this  union  the 
father  had  been  married  to  Nancy  Paton,  by  whom  he  had  nine  children.  He  was  a 
Whig  in  politics.  His  ancestors  were  of  Irish  descent  and  his  wife  was  of  Scotch  line- 
age. G.  A.  McLane  was  born  August  14,  1836,  in  Marshall  County.  He  only  attended 
school  about  six  months  during  his  life,  and  when  of  age  could  scarcely  write  his  own 
name,  but  by  energy  and  ambition  he  overcame  his  deficiencies,  and  was  a school-teacher 
for  about  three  years,  following  farming  at  the  same  time.  During  the  war  he  followed 
merchandising  with  Alfred  McGahey  at  Shelbyville,  but  about  three  years  later  returned 
to  the  farm.  In  1874  he  engaged  in  his  present  business,  and  in  1885  moved  to  Lewisburg 
and  became  one  of  the  above  named  firm.  Eliza  Whitsett  became  his  wife  in  1870.  To 
them  were  born  five  children,  only  four  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  McLane  was  a strong 
Union  man  during  the  war,  and  was  strongly  opposed  to  slavery.  He  was  one  of  the 
men  in  his  district  to  vote  for  the  Union.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican.  Mr.  Mc- 
Lane has  prospered  in  worldly  goods,  and  owns  a good  farm,  besides  a saw  and  planing- 
mill. 

JOSEPH  A.  McRADY,  a native  of  Maury  County,  was  born  January  18,  1827,  and  is 
a son  of  Ephraim  McRady.  The  father  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1800,  and  as  his  parents 
died  while  he  was  yet  quite  young,  he  was  reared  by  an  uncle.  After  reaching  man’s  es- 
tate he  wedded  Sarah  Wingfield,  a native  of  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  born  in  1806,  and  by 
this  union  became  the  father  of  two  children:  Joseph  A.,  our  subject,  and  Susan.  Both 
parents  were  leading  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  father  was  a house  carpen- 
ter by  trade,  but  spent  the  latter  part  of  his  life  in  farming.  In  politics  he  was  a stanch 
Democrat.  In  1838  the  mother  died,  and  the  father  then  married  Margaret  White,  who  was 
also  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  father  died  in  1871.  Our  subject,  dur- 
ing his  youth,  had  the  best  of  opportunities  for  an  education.  After  finishing  the  com- 
mon school  course  he  entered  Jackson  College,  Maury  County,  and  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  1846.  After  teaching  a year  he  began  to  read  law  under  Judge  Dillahunty, 
and,  in  1849,  opened  an  office  in  partnership  with  Robert  Payne,  at  Lewisburg.  Here  he 
continued  five  years.  In  1852  he  married  Margaret  E.  Ewing,  who  was  born  February  14, 
1833.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  nine  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  The 
second  son,  Flarins  S.,  is  a rising  young  physician  of  Petersburg,  Giles  County.  Our  sub- 
ject and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 
In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Capt.  Holden’s  company  of  the  Fifty-third  Tennessee  Infantry, 
Confederate  Army.  He  was  soon  appointed  to  the  Commissary  department,  and  served 
in  that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson  and  soon 
removed  to  Johnson’s  Island.  Being  sick  when  the  roll  for  exchange  of  prisoners  was 
called,  a bushwhacker  answered  to  Mr.  McRacly’s  name,  and  thus  escaped.  Our  subject 
remained  in  prison  twelve  months.  Since  the  war  he  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits'. 
He  has  a large  farm  of  430  acres,  and  has  had  reasonable  success. 

NEWTON  McQUIDDY,  farmer,  born  September  26,  1819,  in  Woodford  County,  Ky.. 
was  of  Scotch-Ivish  descent  on  his  father’s  side  and  English  on  his  mother’s.  His 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1219 


parents  were  John  and  Achsah  (Dale)  McQuiddy,  both  natives  of  Kentucky.  The,  father 
was  born  in  1790  and  the  mother  in  1793.  They  had  nine  children,  six  of  whom  lived  to 
be  grown;  three  are  living  at  the  present  time.  The  father  was  a farmer,  though  for  sev- 
eral years,  both  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  he  ran  a rope  and  bagging  factory.  He  was 
a Whig,  and  a man  who  made  the  most  of  everything  he  undertook.  At  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1863,  he  had  over  1,500  acres  of  land.  The  mother  died  in  1881. 
Our  subject  grew  up  on  the  farm,  and  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  those  early  days.  At 
the  age  of  twelve  he  went  to  work  in  his  father’s  factory,  where  he  remained  for  about 
twelve  years.  In  1843  he  married  Nancy  A.  Shofner,  a native  of  Lincoln  County,  born 
January  6,  1823.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living. 
Two  of  the  boys,  W.  B.  and  J.  C.,  are  promising  young  ministers  in  the  Christian  Church. 
Mr.  McQuiddy  is  a member  of  that  church,  and  his  wife  a member  of  the  Missionary  Bap- 
tist Church.  Mr.  McQuiddy  was  a strong  Union  man  during  the  war,  and  now  votes  with 
the  Republican  party.  He  has  a farm  of  1,200/acres,  and  is  widely  known  and  highly 
respected. 

ROBERT  MONTGOMERY,  Sr.,  usually  called  “Uncle  Robin,”  a retired  farmer  of 
Marshall  County,  was  born  September  5,  1810,  in  South  Carolina.  He  passed  his  youth- 
ful days  on  the  farm  in  the  summer  months,  and  attended,  the  common  schools  in  the 
winter  season.  He  was  the  son  of  Robert  and  Esther  (Spence)  Montgomery.  The  father 
was  born  in  Ireland  in  1784,  and  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  He  came  to  this  country 
with  his  parents  when  but  a lad  and  settled  in  South  Carolina.  After  reaching  the  years 
of  maturity  he  was  married,  and  was  living  in  South  Carolina  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1825.  In  1830  the  mother  and  her  children  came  to  Tennessee.  Here 
the  mother,  after  living  a long  and  useful  life,  died  in  1859.  Our  subject  was  married, 
June  5,  1855,  to  Margaret  P.  Ormand,  of  Alabama.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  three 
children:  Mary  E.,  now  Mrs.  Mount;  John  O.  and  Jane  S.,  now  Mrs.  Wiggs,  all  living. 
Mr.  Montgomery  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church.  His  son-in-law,  I.  T.  Wiggs,  was  born  October  21,  1846,  in  Mar- 
shall County,  and  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools.  By  his  marriage  to 
Jane  L.  Montgomery  he  became  the  father  of  one  child,  yet  unnamed.  He  is  a carpenter 
by  trade,  but  has  also  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer  to  some  exteht.  Politically  he 
is  rather  conservative,  but  inclines  toward  the  Democratic  party.  He  is  the  son  of  Need- 
ham B.  and  Elizabeth  G.  (Radford)  Wiggs.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in 
1812  and  the  mother  in  Tennessee  in  1815.  The  former  died  in  1876  and  the  latter  in 
1856. 

JAMES  J.  MORGAN’S  birth  occurred  in  Maury  County,  Tenn.,  July  28,  1848,  son  of 
William  B.  and  Martha  L.  (Huggins)  Morgan,  Tennesseeans  by  birth  and  residents  of 
Maury  County,  after  their  marriage.  Their  children  are  James  J.,  Lizzie  C.,  David  E. 
and  Ella  P.  The  father  was  a soldier  in  the  late  war  in  Capt.  Holman’s  company,  Fifty- 
third  Tennesee  Cavalry,  and  served  nearly  two  years.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson 
and  imprisoned  at  Camp  Morton  about  seven  months,  but  lived  only  a few  weeks  after  be- 
ing exchanged.  After  his  death  the  mother  lived  with  her  children  until  1877,  when  she, 
too,  died.  The  father’s  people  were  Scotch-Irish,  the  mother’s  French  Huguenots,  who 
came  to  America  at  an  early  day.  J ames  J.  Morgan’s  early  education  was  limited,  owing 
to  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  resided  with  his  mother  and  cared  for  her  until  her 
death.  In  1879  he  married  Belle  Davis,  who  was  born  in  Marshall  County,  July  29,  1854, 
and  four  children  have  blessed  their  union:  Mary  E.  (deceased),  William  C.,  Scott  D.  (de- 
ceased), and  Alice.  Mr.  Morgan  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  his  wife  to  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a Democrat  and  owns  a one-third  interest  in  a 
well  stocked  farm  of  260  acres. 

ELISHA  G.  MORRIS,  a leading  miller  and  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  and  a son  of 
Allen  and  Margaret  E.  (Sawson)  Morris,  was  born  February  14,  1843,  in  Marshall  County, 
and  is  of  English  descent.  His  parents  were  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  South  Caro- 
lina, respectively.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  in  connection  with  this  ran  a still-house. 


1220 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Later  he  followed  the  trade  of  blacksmithing  and  milling.  He  died  in  1862,  and  in  1886 
the  mother,  too,  passed  away.  Our  subject  received  a good  practical  education  in  the 
common  schools,  and  subsequently  attended  Chapel  Hill  Academy,  but  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war  cut  short  all  his  plans.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  Fifty-fifth  Tennessee  In- 
fantry, Confederate  Army,  and  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh  received  a severe  wound.  At  Peters- 
burg he  was  captured,  and  after  remaining  in  prison  eight  months  was  paroled  and 
entered  the  service  no  more.  In  1867  he  wedded  Chlora  A.  Hopkins,  and  this  union  was 
blessed  by  the  birth  of  ten  children,  seven  now  living.  The  eldest  son,  William  A.,  is  a 
student  at  Goodman’s  Business  College,  the  rest  being  at  home  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mor- 
ris are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and 
has  made  this  county  his  home  all  his  life. 

JAMES  J.  MURRAY,  one  of  the  oldest  attorneys  of  Lewisburg,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of 
Henry  and  Matilda  (Denney)  Murray,  born  in  North  Carolina  and  Ireland,  respectively. 
They  both  came  to  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  when  young,  and  were  there  “married. 
This  family  consisted  of  eight  children.  The  father  was  a farmer  and  Democrat,  and 
died  at  the  age  of  fifty  years.  The  mother  lived  to  the  ripe  old  age  of  ninety-four.  James’ 
ancestors  on  his  father’s  side  were  of  English-Irish  descent,  and  on  his  mother’s  Scotch- 
Irish.  He  was  born  in  Williamson  County  June  20, 1830,  and  received  a common  English 
education.  He  was  salesman  in  the  mercantile  business  several  years,  and  became  a 
student  of  Blackstone  under  R.  K.  Kercheval.  In  1857  he  entered  the  Lebanon  Law 
School  and  the  same  year  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  opened  an  office  in  Lewisburg, 
where  he  has  since  successfully  practiced.  In  1865  he  wedded  Mary  A.  Carothers,  by  whom 
he  has  five  children.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Murray  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  In  1861 
Mr.  Murray  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fifty-third  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  rose  to  the  rank 
of  first  lieutenant.  He  was  slightly  wounded  at  Atlanta  and  severely  at  Franklin.  After 
his  return  he  followed  his  profession  and  farmed  on  a limited  scale.  He  made  a specialty 
of  raising  fine  jacks  and  also  kept  a fine  horse  of  No.  1 pedigree.  Mr.  Murray  is  a talented 
lawyer  and  a Democrat  in  politics. 

S.  J.  MURRELL  is  one  of  the  twelve  children  of  Richard  and  Sarah  (Hale)  Murrell, 
who  were  born  in  Sullivan  and  Washington  Counties  respectively.  After  their  marriage 
they  settled  in  Sullivan  County,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  The 
father  held  the  office  of  magistrate  for  many  years,  and  died  at  the  age  of  forty -five.  The 
mother  lived  to  be  about  fifty-five  years  of  age.  Our  subject  was  born  and  reared  on  a 
farm  in  Sullivan  County.  He  was  born  March  9,  1820,  and  after  attending  the  common 
schools  completed  his  education  in  Holston  College  and  W ashington  college,  Tennessee. 
Caroline  F.  George  became  his  wife  in  1843,  and  to  them  were  born  six  children,  two  of 
whom  are  dead.  In  1862  he  joined  the  Southern  Army,  serving  in  Trivet’s  company,  and 
was  out  twenty-six  months,  twenty-two  months  of  that  time  being  spent  as  a prisoner  at 
Johnson’s  Island.  He  served  as  second  lieutenant.  In  1865  he  came  to  Marshall  County, 
and  is  now  one  of  the  heaviest  tax-payers  of  the  county.  He  is  a Democrat.  Mrs.  Mur- 
rell's death  occurred  in  1879.  She  was  a second  cousin  of  Lewis  Cass,  and  also  of  Caleb 
Cushing.  Since  her  death  Mr.  Murrell  and  his  daughter  Josephine  have  lived  on  the  old 
home  farm. 

LAMBERT  C.  NEIL,  horse  trainer,  of  Marshall  County,  was  born  March  28,  1839,  in 
this  county.  He  was  reared  by  his  grandmother  and  received  a limited  education.  At  the 
age  of  fifteen  he  went  to  Texas  and  engaged  as  an  overseer  of  a cotton  plantation.  In  1859 
he  went  to  California,  and,  after  residing  there  three  years,  returned  with  a single  com- 
panion on  pack-horses.  In  1862  he  went  out  as  an  independent  soldier  in  Capt.  Carter’s 
company,  and  later  acted  under  Forrest.  While  transmitting  an  order  from  one  fort  to 
another  he  was  captured  and  taken  to  Nashville,  then  to  Louisville,  and  while  being  trans- 
ported in  a box  car  to  Camp  Chase,  he  cut  out  two  planks  and  made  his  escape.  In  1867 
he  married  Letitia  Talley,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one  child,  Edgar.  Mr.  Neil  is  a 
Democrat  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  has  a good  farm  of  121 
acres,  and  his  principal  business  since  the  war  has  been  training  horses  for  the  turf.  He 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1221 


owns  some  well  bred  racers  and  trains  for  others  on  a fine  half-mile  track  on  his  farm.  He 
has  trained  of  his  own  a pacing  stallion.  “ Bay  Tom  ” that  makes  his  mile  in  2:23  ; sold 
him  for  $1,500.  Mr.  Neil  has  also  a trotting  gelding  “Blue  Jay  ” that  makes  the  distance 
in  2:29^;  sold  for  $1,450.  “ Sumicks,”  trial  in  2:32,  a bay  gelding,  “ Fred.  Neil”  makes  the 
milein2:29j.  Our  subject  has  also  trained  for  others  a bay  stallion,  “ Nettle  Reyman,”’ 
that  makes  the  mile  in  2:264,  trial  2:21;  sold  for  $1,500.  Mr.  Neil  has  a wide  reputation  as  a 
horse  trainer. 

DAVID  NIS  is  one  of  fourteen  children  born  to  the  marriage  of  Robin  and  Fannie 
(Arnold)  Nix.  The  father  was  born  in  Georgia,  and  was  married  to  Miss  Arnold  in  Mar- 
shall County.  He  was  a Democrat  and  farmer,  and  after  his  wife’s  death  he  married 
Vicey  Cheak.  He  died  in  1880,  lacking  sixteen  days  of  being  one  hundred  years  olcL 
David  inherits  English  blood  from  both  parents.  He  was  bom  in  what  is  now  Marshall 
County,  April  20,  1818.  He  was  allowed  to  have  his  own  way  in  regard  to  attending 
school,  and  not  knowing  the  value  of  an  education  he  preferred  working  in  the  cotton 
fields  to  attending  school,  consequently,  his  education  is  none  of  the  best.  He,  began 
earning  his  own  living  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  and  after  working  as  a farm  laborer  five 
years  he  purchased  100  acres  of  land  largely  on  credit,  which  he  paid  for  and  increased 
to  500  acres.  In  1843  he  wedded  Fannie  Glenn,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Nix  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  in  polities  he  is  a Democrat. 

HON.  J.  L.  ORR  is  the  son  of  John  and  Emily  (Bagley)  Orr,  both  natives  of  Mar- 
shall County  (then  called  Bedford  and  Lincoln  Counties);  the  former  was  born  in  1811 
and  the  latter  in  1813.  They  were  married  in  1830  and  were  the  parents  of  three  children 
— two  girls  and  one  boy.  The  father  followed  the  occupation  of  a farmer  and  served  as 
colonel  in  the  State  militia.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  His  death  occurred  April, 
1849.  The  mother  died  January,  1886.  Our  subject  was  born  November  9,  1836,  in  Mar- 
shall County,  and  passed  his  early  life  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  public 
school.  He  completed  his  education  in  Erskin  College,  graduating  from  that  institution  in 
August,  1860.  January  29,  1874,  he  wedded  Salty  S.  Williams,  and  this  union  resulted  in 
the  birth  of  four  children:  Julia,  Daisy,  Sallie  and  Robert  Williams.  In  1861  Mr.  Orr  en- 
listed in  Company  A,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Col.  Baxter  Smith,  and 
was  all  through  the  war.  He  surrendered  at  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  May  4,  1865,  and  returned 
home.  He  held  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant  and  was  wounded  slightly.  He  was  in  all  the 
principal  engagements  of  the  southwestern  army  (except  Shiloh).  He  served  twTo  terms  in 
the  State  Legislature  and  is  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  is  a self-made  man,  and  at  one 
time  taught  in  the  common  schools  and  worked  for  his  father-in-law  ten  years.  He  is 
now  doing  business  for  himself  as  merchant  and  grain  dealer,  stock  raiser,  grain  farmer, 
and  is  doing  a successful  business. 

THOMAS  A.  ORR,  farmer,  was  born  February  9, 1827,  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.., 
and  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Mary  A.  (Cummins)  Orr,  natives  of  Williamson  County,  Tenn. 
In  1835  they  moved  to  Giles  County  and  five  5rears  later  to  Marshall,  and  here  spent  the 
remainder  of  their  days.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a practical  education  in  the 
common  schools.  Like  a dutiful  son  he  remained  at  home  until  he  was  twenty-two  years 
of  age.  In  1848  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  Minerva  Vincent,  a native  of  Marshall 
County,  born  July  17, 1830.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  twelve  children,  eight  of  whom 
are  living.  The  eldest  son,  Joseph  C.  is  a stock  trader.  The  second,  Robert  A.,  is  a ris- 
ing young  physician  of  Mooresville;  William  R.,  is  a practicing  physician  at  home.  The 
rest  of  the  boys  are  at  home  farming.  Our  subject  has  a fine  farm  of  500  acres  and  has 
been  a resident  of  this  county  for  a period  of  forty-seven  years.  Mr.  Orr  is  a Democrat 
in  politics  and  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 

ROBERT  J.  ORR  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Leah  (Polk)  Orr.  The  father  was  born 
in  Maryland,  May,  1765,  was  married  in  1790  and  immigrated  to  Williamson  County, 
Tenn.,  1800.  In  1808  he  moved  to  Marshall  County,  then  known  as  B ' I ford  County. 
The  mother  was  of  English  descent  and  was  born  in  1768  and  died  in  1830.  The  father 


1222 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


died  January  5,  1855,  and  was  of  Irish  lineage.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born 
February  11,  1813.  at  the  old  homestead.  He  worked  on  the  farm  until  the  death  of  his 
father,  after  which  he  worked  for  himself.  He  received  a father  limited  education  in  the 
district  schools,  and  September  25,  1849,  he  was  married  to  Sarah  E.  Laws.  This  union 
has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  eight  children:  David  L.,  Leah  C.,  John  M.  (deceased), 
Martha  M.,  Catherine  0.,  Alfred  D.,  Nellie  M.  and  Robert  J.  Mr.  Orr  served  as  captain 
and  colonel  in  the  Tennessee  militia  until  the  Rebellion,  but  did  not  take  an  active  part 
in  the  war.  He  held  the  office  of  magistrate  for  eighteen  years  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  the  people.  He  is  a Republican  and  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  is  a 
strong  advocate  of  the  cause  of  temperance.  Mrs.  Orr  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  Her  father  advocated  the  cause  of  the  South,  serving  in  the  State 
Legislature  before  and  after  the  war. 

WILLIAM  H.  OGILVIE.  Richard  Ogilvie,  father  of  William  H.,  was  born  in  North 
Carolina,  and  came  to  Tennessee  about  1796,  locating  in  Williamson  County,  where  he 
farmed  and  eventually  became  the  owner  of  500  acres  of  land.  He  married  Cyn- 
thia M.  Wilson,  a native  of  Georgia,  and  became  the  father  of  seven  children.  William- 
son County  was  almost  an  unbroken  canebrake  at  the  time  of  his  settlement,  so  that  he 
had  great  difficulty  in  clearing  his  farm.  He  died  in  1822  and  the  mother  resided  with  her 
youngest  son  on  the  old  homestead  until  her  death.  William  H.  Ogilvie  was  born  in 
Williamson  County  December  17,  1818,  and  in  his  youth  attended  the  old-time  subscrip- 
tion schools,  his  studies  extending  to  geography  and  grammar.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he 
married  Elizabeth  N.  Demumbrane,  born  in  Williamson  County  December  29,  1820.  To 
them  were  born  eight  children,  only  two  of  whom  are  living.  In  1858  Mrs.  Ogilvie  died, 
and  the  following  year  he -was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  R.  Gentry,  also  a native  of  Will- 
iamson County,  boVn  December  16,  1825.  They  are  the  parents  of  three  daughters.  Mr. 
Ogilvie  was  a Whig  until  the  war.  Since  that  time  has  been  a supporter  of  Democratic 
principles.  He  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason  and  owns  700  acres  of  land. 

MQSES  PARK,  an  early  settler  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  is  a son  of  Moses  and 
Mary  (Wier)  Park,  who  were  born  in  North  Carolina,  the  father  in  1780  and  the  mother 
inl779.  They  came  to  Tennessee  in  1804  and  located  in  Williamson  County  first  and 
Marshall  County  about  1812.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children  and  members  of 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.'  The  father  was  an  old-line  Democrat  and  a hat- 
ter by  trade,  but  the  greater  part  of  his  time  was  spent  in  agricultural  pursuits.  The 
mother  died  in  1859  and  he  in  1864.  Moses,  our  subject,  inherits  Irish  blood  from  his 
mother;  he  was  born  in  the  county  March  16,  1818,  and  his  days  have  been  passed  as  a 
tiller  of  the  soil.  He  attended  the  common  schools,  and  while  in  his  “teens”  learned  the 
cabinet-maker’s  trade.  He  worked  in  Missouri  for  some  time,  and  then  returned  and 
worked  at  his  trade  until  his  shop  was  consumed  by  fire,  and  then  engaged  in  farming. 
Eight  children  were  born  to  his  marriage  with  Mary  A.  Davis,  which  occurred  in  1842. 
His  son,  Jerome,  died  from  exposure  at  Fort  Donelson.  Mr.  Park  is  a Democrat,  and  by 
hard  work  and  good  management  has  become  the  owner  of  800  acres  of  good  farming 
land.  He  has  also  been  quite  extensively  engaged  in  raising  fine  stock. 

GEORGE  M.  PARK  is  one  of  six  children  and  was  born  February  9, 1844,  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.  His  parents,  Hill  and  Nancy  (Hayes)  Park,  were  born  in  Tennessee  and 
after  marriage  settled  on  a farm  in  Marshall  Countjr.  where  they  are  spending  their  de- 
clining years.  Hill  Park  is  a Democrat.  George  M.  was  educated  in  the  common  schools, 
and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  between  the  North  and  South  he  enlisted  with  the 
Southern  cause  in  Company  H,  Forty-first  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  captured  at  the 
fall  of  Fort  Donelson  and  was  imprisoned  at  Camp  Morton,  Ind.,  and  Chicago,  and  was 
exchanged  at  Vicksburg  and  immediately  re-enlisted  in  the  service,  but  was  again  taken 
prisoner,  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  and  held  until  the.  close  of  the  war.  During  his  four  years’ 
service  he  was  only  twice  wounded,  once  at  Chickamauga  and  once  at  Jonesboro.  By  his 
energy  and  good  management  he  has  become  the  owner  of  150  acres  of  land,  where  he 
now  lives.  He  was  married,  in  1867,  to  Mary  J.  Alexander,  by  whom  he  is  the  father  of 
eight  children — six  sons  and  two  daughters. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1228 


DR.  THOMAS  J.  PATTERSON’S  birth  occurred  June  13,  1828,  in  Marshall  County, 
Tenn.,  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  He  followed  the  plow  in  his  youthful  days,, 
and  received  an  academical  education.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  M.  H. 
Scales  after  attaining  his  twenty-first  birthday,  and  after  reading  about  two  years  entered 
the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Louisville,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1851. 
He  entered  upon  his  practice  in  Maury  County,  and  after  two  years  moved  to  Marshall 
County,  where  he  has  since  lived.  In  1856  he  married  Louisa  H.  Hardin,,  born  December 
29,  1832,  in  Maury  County,  and  educated  at  Columbia,  and  eight  children  blessed  their 
union.  He  acted  as  assistant  surgeon  for  about  eighteen  months  during  the  late  war,  and 
since  that  time  has  been  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  is  also  a Mason,  and  the  owner  of 
418  acres  of  land,  well  stocked.  He  devotes  the  most  of  his  time  to  farming,  but  still  prac- 
tices among  his  old  patrons.  His  parents,  John  and  Sarah  (Wilson)  Patterson,  were  born 
in  the  “Palmetto  State.”  The  father  moved  to  Kentucky  when  young,  and  finally  to 
Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  in  1820,  where  he  was  married  about  five  years  later.  The  mother 
died  in  1830,  leaving  two  children,  and  the  father  wedded  Sarah  Lavender,  who  bore  him 
four  children,  two  daughters  living.  The  father  was  an  extensive  farmer  of  his  day,  and 
is  now  in  his  eighty-fourth  year.  Our  subject’s  wife  is  a daughter' of  Pleasant  and  Tabitha 
(Gentry)  Hardin,  born  and  married  in  North  Carolina.  They  moved  to  Maury  County, 
Tenn.  at  an  early  day,  and  became  the  parents  of  six  children,  all  girls.  The  father  died 
while  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  after  his  death  the  mother  and  her  daughters  managed  the 
farm.  She  died  in  1873. 

HON.  JAMES  M.  PATTERSON,  M.  D.,  a leading  physician  of  Marshall  County,  is 
a son  of  James  and  Mary  (Reed)  Patterson,  born  in  South  and  North  Carolina  in  1794  and 
1791,  respectively.  They  were  brought  to  this  State  when  children,  and  after  reaching 
years  of  maturity  were  married  in  1818,  and  became  the  parents  of  nine  children.  They 
resided  in  Maury  County  until  1833,  and  then  came  to  Marshall  County,  where  the  father 
carried  on  farming  and  stock  raising  on  a rather  extensive  plan.  The  father  was  a Whig, 
and  served  as  magistrate  many  years.  He  died  in  1875,  and  his  wife  the  year  previous. 
•James  M.  Patterson  was  born  in  Maury  County,  January  8,  1829,  and  secured  a good  early 
education.  At  the  age  of  twenty-four  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  S.  J. 
Rice,  and  about  two  years  later  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of 
Nashville,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1858,  among  the  first  in  his  class.  He  began  prac- 
ticing in  Maury  County,  and  during  the  war  was  part  of  the  time  engaged  as  physician 
and  surgeon.  In  1860  he  married  Margaret  S.  Hardison,  who  was  born  November  10, 
1836,  and  ten  children  were  born  to  their  union.  Dr.  Patterson  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  and  his  wife  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  was  a 
Whig  previous  to  the  war,  but  has  since  been  a Democrat.  In  1870  he  represented  Bed- 
ford and  Marshall  Counties  in  the  State  Senate,  and  filled  that  position  very  ably.  He 
came  to  Marshall  County  in  1864,  where  he  has  followed  his  profession,  and  also  farmed 
for  twenty-two  years. 

DAVID  B.  PHILLIPS  is  a native  of  Lincoln  County,  Tenn.,  born  February  11,  1842, 
and  after  having  passed  his  youth  on  his  father’s  farm,  obtaining  a common  school  educa- 
tion, he,  in  1861,  enlisted  in  Capt.  Walker’s  company  of  Third  Tennessee  Infantry.  Dur- 
ing four  years’  service  he  was  in  over  fifty  battles  and  skirmishes,  but  was  Dot  wounded 
•during  his  entire  service.  He  was  one  of  the  defenders  of  Fort  Donelson,  and  after  being 
captured  there  was  imprisoned  at  Chicago.  Having  bribed  a guard  with  $5,  he  made  his 
■escape  and  rejoined  his  command  at  Granada,  Miss.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  en- 
gaged in  farming,  and  in  1866  was  united  in  marriage  to  Nancy  V.  Gordon,  by  -whom  he 
had  two  children,  only  Hallie  now  living.  Mr.  Phillips  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics  is  conservative,  although  on  most  occasions  he  sup- 
ports the  Democratic  party.  He  owns  ninety-four  acres  of  land  in  the  most  fertile  por- 
tion of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and  is  considered  one  of  its  prosperous  farmers.  His 
parents,  John  H.  and  Elizabeth  H.  (Parham)  Phillips,  were  born  in  Montgomery  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1804,  and  Virginia  in  1806,  respectively.  They  were  married  in  Lincoln  County 


i 


1224  BIOGEAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 

in  1828,  and  there  resided  until  1852,  when  they  came  to  Marshall  County.  They  became 
the  parents  of  three  children  and  were  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  father  was  a Whig,  but  later  became  a Democrat.  He  followed  blacksmithing  and 
farming  and  continued  the  latter  occupation  until  his  death  in  1876.  The  mother  has  since- 
resided  with  her  children. 

DAVID  B.  PICKENS,  farmer,  is  a son  of  William  H.  and  Hannah  (Moore)  Pickens. 
The  father  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  in  1792,  and  when  young  came  with  his  parents- 
and  settled  on  the  farm  where  David  now  lives.  The  mother  was  a native  of  Kentucky, 
born  in  1795.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he 
was  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  died  in  1872  and  after  his  death  the  mother  lived  on  the 
old  homestead  until  1882,  when  she  too  passed  from  life.  She  had  been  blind  for  nearly 
twenty  years.  Our  subject  was  born  August  9,  1816,  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives;, 
while  growing  up  he  received  a very  limited  education,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-three  he 
began  working  for  himself.  In  1842  he  led  to  the  altar  Mary  A.  Meador,  a native  of 
Williamson  County,  born  August  14,  1824,  and  nine  children  blessed  this  union;  all  with 
'the  exception  of  two  are  married  and  settled  iu  visiting  distance  of  home.  Mrs.  Pickens 
is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Pickens  4s  a Democrat  and 
one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  of  this  county.  For  seventy  years  he  has  been  a re- 
spected and  honored  resident  of  what  is  now,  Marshall  Connty. 

THOMAS  M.  PORTER  is  a farmer  and  native  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  born 
December  8,  1845.  He  attended  school  and  assisted  his  parents  on  the  farm,  and  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  war,  although  only  eighteen  years  of  age,  volunteered  in  Company  A, 
Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  although  in  many  severe  engagements,  was  not  wounded 
or  captured.  Since  the  war  he  has  made  agriculture  his  chief  business  and  is  the  owner 
of  a well  stocked  farm  of  225  acres.  He  is  a son  of  Thomas  N.  and  Mary  F.  (Hardin) 
Porter,  who  were  born  in  Rutherford  and  Williamson  Counties,  Tenn.,  in  1820  and  1827, 
respectively.  They  were  married  in  Maury  County,  but  the  greater  part  of  their  days 
were  spent  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County.  They  became  the  parents  of  two  sons — our 
subject  and  John  N.  The  father  was  a Whig  and  died  in  the  prime  of  life.  His  widow 
returned  to  Maury  County  and  married  E.  H.  McLean,  by  whom  she  had  seven  children- 
After  his  death  she  married  William  Reagen,  who  also  died.  She  is  h member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  and  is  fifty-nine  years  of  age. 

JOHN  N.  PORTER,  the  youngest  son  of  Thomas  N.  and  Mary  F.  (Hardin)  Porter 
was  born  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  September  24,  1847.  While  a youth, 
his  opportunities  for  obtaining  a schooling  were  exceedingly  limited,  owing  to  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  war.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  volunteered  in  Company  C,  Ninth  Battalion 
of  Cavalry,  and  was  perhaps  the  youngest  soldier  that  went  out  from  Maury  County. 
During  eight  months’  service  he  was  neither  wounded  nor  captured.  After  the  war  he 
rented  land  about  four  years  and  then  purchased  a farm  of  his  own,  which  now  consists 
of  454  acres.  Mary  R.  Rucker  became  his  wife  in  1868.  She  was  born  June  13,  1851,  in 
Hickman  County.  Their  children’s  names  are  as  follows:  M.  Frances,  Melville  E.,  James 
R.,  Emma  P.,  Lucy  A.,  Thomas  H.,  John  A.,  Hardin  Q.  and  Tabitha  G.  Both  husband 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics  Mr.  Porter 
is  a Democrat. 

WILLIAM  N.  PYLAND,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Hardin  and  Nancy  (O’Neal)  Pyland. 
The  father  was  born  tn  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  in  1813,  and  the  mother  in  Marshall 
County,  Tenn.,  about  1826.  The  father  was  a blacksmith  by  trade  till  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war,  after  which  he  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Both  are  members  of  the 
Missionary  Baptist  Church  and  both  are  still  living.  Our  subject  was  born  March  15, 
1842,  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  inherited  English  blood  from 
his  father  and  Irish  from  his  mother.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  volunteered  in  Company 
D.  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  remained  in  service  nearly  four  years.  He  returned 
home  and  engaged  in  the  free  and  independent  life  of  a farmer.  In  1867  he  wedded  Eliza- 
beth Bills,  a native  of  Marshall  County,  born  August  29,  1848,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1225 


were  an  interesting  family  of  five  children.  Mr.  Pyland  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  he.and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Pyland  has  been  quite  success- 
ful in  agricultural  pursuits,  owning  at  the  present  time  233  acres  of  good  land.  For  thir- 
ty-four years  he  has  been  a resident  of  this  county  and  enjoys  the  respect  and  esteem  of 
all  who  know  him, 

DR.  THOMAS  E.  REED,  a leading  physician  of  Lewisburg,  is  a son  of  Andrew  J.  and 
Virginia  E.  (Nelson)  Reed,  both  natives  of  Tennessee,  where  they  grew  to  years  of  ma- 
turity and  were  married.  Shortly  after  the  latter  event  they  moved  to  Giles  County. 
The  father  was  a farmer  and  iu  addition  carried  on  merchandising  for  some  time.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  the  mother  a member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  The  mother  died  in  1860  and  afterward  the  father  married  Mary  E. 
Scott,  who  became  the  mother  of  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  living,  Our  subject 
was  born  July  15,  1860,  in  Giles  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  reared  on  a farm.  In  boyhood 
he  attended  the  country  schools  and  afterward  Giles  College  and  Fayetteville  Academy. 
In  1874  he  took  a course  of  lectures  in  the  University  of  Virginia  and  in  the  spring  of 
1876  graduated  from  the  medical  department  of  Vanderbilt  University.  In  the  same  year 
he  commenced  practicing  his  profession  in  Lewisburg.  Dr.  Reed  married  Virginia  J. 
McRady  and  this  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  two  children.  For  ten  years  Dr.  Reed  has 
practiced  his  profession  in  Lewisburg  and  the  extensive  patronage  he  has  received  says 
more  for  his  ability  and  popularity  as  a physician  than  mere  words  can  do.  Dr.  Reed, 
like  his  father,  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Reed  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN  G.  REYNOLDS  was  born  July  21,  1858,  in  Marshall  County,  Tenn.,  and 
received  a good  common  school  education;  son  of  John  G.  and  Victoria  (Liggette)  Rey- 
nolds, both  natives  of  Tennessee,  he  of  Williamson  County  and  she  of  Marshall  County. 
After  marriage  they  settled  in  Williamson  County,  where  the  father  died.  To  them  was 
born  one  child,  our  subject.  The  father  was  a Whig  in  politics,  and  his  chief  business  was 
trading,  being  shrewd  and  successful  at  that.  Besides  he  owned  a good  farm.  In  1858 
the  mother  removed  to  this  county  and  wedded  Capt.  J.  C.  Cundiff,  by  whom  she  had 
seven  children.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  our  subject  began  working  on  a farm  of  his  own. 
In  1880  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Ada  W.  Wilson,  a native  of  Williamson  County,  born 
February  5,  1860.  By  this  marriage  two  children  were  born:  John  T.  and  Clarence  B. 
Mr.  Reynolds  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  Church.  He  has  a good  farm  of  125  acres,  and  as  a farmer  has  met 
with  very  fair  success.  He  is  very  fond  of  bird  hunting,  and  is  a sure  shot. 

JOHN  D.  ROBERTS  (deceased)  was  born  March  27,  1824,  in  North  Carolina,  and  was 
the  son  of  Bright  and  Mary  (Silar)  Roberts.  When  but  an  infant  our  subject  was- 
brought  to  Tennessee  by  his  parents  and  grew  up  on  the  farm.  He  received  his  education 
in  the  common' district  schools,  and,  his  father  dying  when  our  subject  was  but  three  years 
old,  he  was  left  an  orphan  at  thirteen  by  the  death  of  his  mother.  He  then  went  to  learn 
the  tailor’s  trade  of  his  brother-in-law,  William  B.  Holden.  After  working  a short  time 
he  gave  it  up  and  turned  his  attention  to  the  free  and  independent  life  of  a farmer.  In 
1842  he  wedded  Susannah  M.  Wilson,  who  was  born  January  4,  1824,  and  who  is  a daugh- 
ter of  Aaron  J.  and  Hannah  (Martin)  Wilson.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  were  born  eleven 
children,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  The  eldest  son  is  arising  physician  of  Texas.  Dur; 
ing  the  late  war  our  subject  went  out  to  serve  his  country,  but  failing  health  prevented 
his  carrying  a musket.  He  worked  at  his  trade  in  the  hospital  when  able.  In  1860  he 
moved  to  Arkansas,  where.he  owned  nearly  1,000  acres, but  in  1873  returned  to  this  county. 
In  1884,  after  an  active,  useful  life,  he  was  summoned  to  lay  down  his  burden  and  pass  to 
that  realm  where  toil,  sorrow  and  death  are  not  known.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics. 
Mrs.  Roberts  is  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  living  on  her 
large  farm  of  450  acres,  which  is  being  conducted  very  successfully  by  her  son,  Sidney  J., 
who  is  a stirring  young  business  man,  and  promises  to  make  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of 
his  community. 


1226 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


CAPT.  W.  M.  ROBINSON,  farmer,  is  a son  of  James  and  Maria  (Mayfield)  Robin- 
son, who  was  born  in  Williamson  County,  Tenn.,  in  1805,  and  Bedford  County,  Tenn.,  in 
1814,  respectively.  They  were  farmers  and  the  parents  of  four  children.  The  mother 
died  in  1838,  and  the  following  year  the  father  moved  from  Bedford  County  to  Marshall 
County,  and  in  1844  married  Mrs.  Anna  A.  Wilhoite,  whose  maiden  name  was  Warner. 
The  father  was  a man  of  fine  intellect  and  was  a teacher  for  many  years.  He  was  a wide- 
awake and  successful  business  man,  and  died  when  only  forty-one  years  of  age.  Our  sub- 
ject is  of  Irish-English  descent,  and  was  born  August  30,  1831.  After  receiving  an  aca- 
demical education,  he,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  began  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world  by 
merchandising  and  lumbering,  continuing  almost  continuously  until  the  present  time. 
Mary  C.  Orr  became  his  wife  August  26,  1841,  and  eight  children  were  born  to  their  union 
seven  of  whom  are  now  living.  In  the  late  war  he  served  in  Company  D,  Fourth  Tennes- 
see Cavalry,  and  arose  to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant,  and  was  afterward'  commissioned 
captain  of  his  company,  being  on  staff  duty  the  most  of  the  time.  He  owns  a fine  farm  of 
550  acres,  a saw-mill  in  Alabama,  and  an  interest  in  a store  at  Farmington.  He  is  a Dem- 
ocrat and  a man  who  has  made  life  a success  financially. 

C.  J.  SHEFFIELD,  a leading  farmer  of  Marshall  County  and  a son  of  J.  B.  and  Mar- 
tha M.  (Falwell)  Sheffield,  was  born  January  27,  1832,  on  the  farm  where  he  is  now  living. 
He  attended  the  common  schools,  and  afterward  completed  his  education  at  Chapel  Hill. 
At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  began  farming,  but  soon  turned  his  attention  to  school  teaching, 
which  he  followed  for  several  terms.  In  1859  he  began  the  mercantile  business  as  sales- 
man for  King,  Powell  & Co.  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  had  bought  out  Powell,  and 
soon  after  he  and  Col.  T.  C.  H.  Miller  purchased  King’s  interest.  In  1861  he  volunteered 
in  the  Confederate  Army,  in  Col.  Haynes’  company  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  was 
wounded  three  times,  but  never  captured  during  four  years  of  service.  About  eighteen 
months  after  enlisting  he  was  appointed  sergeant,  and  soon  after  arose  to  second  lieutenant, 
holding  that  position  till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  then  returned  home  and  engaged  in 
farming,  which  occupation  he  has  followed  ever  since.  In  1874  he  wedded  Laura  Dobson, 
a native  of  Williamson  County,  born  November  23,  1850.  This  union  resulted  in  the  birth 
of  three  children:  Samuel,  Henry  and  Ephraim.  Mr.  Sheffield  is  a Democrat,  and  he  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He  has  a good  farm  of  430 
acres,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  has  made  by  stock  raising  and  close  attention  to  busi- 
ness. 

NEWTON  J.  SMILEY,  trustee  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  H.  B.  and  Sarah 
(Lowry)  Smiley,  natives  of  Kentucky  and  South  Carolina,  respectively.  The  father’s 
chief  occupation  was  farming,  though  in  early  life  he  worked  at  the  carpenter’s  trade. 
He  was  a soldier  under  Jackson  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  having  lived  to  see  the  return  of 
seventy-five  winters  was  called  from  the  trials  and  tribulations  of  earth.  The  mother  was 
in  her  ninety- third  year  when  she  died.  Our  subject  was  born  August  9,  1833,  in  the  Bed- 
ford fraction  of  Marshall  County,  and  was  of  Irish-Scotch  descent.  He  was  educated  in 
the  country  schools,  and  having  farmed  until  1861,  he  volunteered  in  Company  G,  Thirty- 
second  Tennessee  Infantry  as  a private,  and  was  one  of  the  brave  boys  who  defended 
Fort  Donelson.  After  his  capture  and  imprisonment  at  Indianapqlis,  Ind.,  he  was  ex- 
changed at  Vicksburg  and  re-entering  the  service  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant.  After 
nearly  four  years  of  faithful  service  he  returned  home  and  soon  after  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  in  which  he  was  successful,  though  twice  burned  out.  Previous  to  the 
war,  in  1857,  he  wedded  Catherine  E.  Hall,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children,  all  living. 
Both  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  Like  his  father 
before  him  he  is  a warm  Democrat.  In  1884  he  was  elected  to  the  responsible  position 
that  he  is  now  occupying.  In  connection  with  his  office  he  is  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil. 

THOMAS  M.  SMITH,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Thomas  S.  and  Lucinda  (Blackwell)  Smith, 
natives,  respectively,  of  Virginia  and  Kentucky.  They  were  married  in  Williamson 
County,  Tenn.,  whither  they  immigrated  when  children.  The  father  had  been  married 
previous  to  his  union  with  Miss  Blackwell,  and  by  that  union  had  one  child,  Merritt.  By 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1227 


the  second  marriage  he  became  the  father  of  four  children:  Thomas  M.,  Emetine  F.  (de- 
ceased), Susan  A.  and  Sarah  C.  The  father  was  a tiller  of  the  soil,  and  quite  a successful 
one  at  that.  He  died  in  1843  and  the  mother  followed  in  1880.  Our  subject  was  born  No- 
vember 24,  1835,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  where  his  father  had  moved  for  a few  years, 
to  superintend  a farm.  His  education  was  rather  limited,  but  not  enough  to  prevent  him 
from  having  sufficient  knowledge  for  all  practical  purposes.  He  farmed  for  his  mother 
till  1879,  when  they  bought  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Capt. 
Alexander’s  independent  company,  and  after  a year’s  service  joined  the  Fourth  Tennessee 
Cavalry,  Confederate  Army.  He  served  all  through  the  war  without  receiving  a wound 
or  being  taken  prisoner.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits, 
and  at  the  present  has  a farm  of  235  acres.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and  has  been  a 
resident  of  this  county  for  thirty-two  years,  and  is  considered  an  honest,  upright  citizen. 

A.  LAFAYETTE  SMITH  is  a son  of  George  W.  Smith,  who  was  born  in  1822  in  Mc- 
Nairy  County,  Tenn.,  and  was  married  to  Mrs.  Martha  (Fowler)  Wilson  (widow  of  Mark 
H.  Wilson  and  the  mother  of  five  children).  Mrs.  Smith  was  born  in  1818  and  to  her  union 
with  Mr.  Smith  were  born  five  children.  They  were  members  of  the  Christian  Church 
and  the  father  was  a well-to-do  farmer  and  a Democrat.  They  came  to  Marshall  County 
about  1853.  After  the  mother’s  death  Mr.  Smith  married  Mrs.  McDowery,  to  whom  two 
children  were  born.  The  father  died  in  1884.  Lafayette  Smith  was  born  December  25, 
1846,  and  his  educational  advantages  were  such  as  could  be  obtained  in  the  common 
schools.  He  began  earning  his  own  living  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  and  in  1870  wedded  Sa- 
rah T.  Collins,  and  their  union  was  blessed  with  seven  children.  His  wife  died  in  1885  and 
the  following  year  he  married  Margaret  E.  Goodrum.  Mr.  Smith  is  a Democrat  and  owns 
a fine  tract  of  350  acres  of  land. 

PEYTON  C.  SMITHSON,  one  of  the  prominent  attorneys  of  Lewisburg,  is  a son  of 
John  G.  and  Ann  (Ladd)  Smithson,  both  native^  of  Virginia,  the  former  born  in  1820  and 
the  latter  in  1818.  They  were  married  in  Williamson  County,  this  State,  and  became  the 
parents  of  fifteen  children,  all  of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  Five  of  the  boys  are  lawyers. 
Both  parents  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the  father  being  a local 
minister  there,  though  his  chief  occupation  is  farming.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 
Our  subject  was  born  in  1851,  in  Williamson  County,  and  was  of  English  descent  on  his 
father’s  side  and  Irish  on  his  mother’s.  He  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm,  and  acquired 
sufficient  education  in  the  common  schools  to  enable  him  to  teach.  After  following  this 
occupation  for  some  time  he  entered  Giles  College  and  there  completed  his  education.  In 
1874  he  commenced  reading  law  in  his  brother’s  office,  and  the  following  year  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar.  He  subsequently  opened  an  office  in  Lewisburg,  where  he  has  had 
a good  practice  ever  since.  In  1878  he  wedded  Ellen  McClure,  and  to  this  union  were 
born  four  children.  Mrs.  Smithson  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  For  two  years 
Mr.  Smithson  held  the  office  of  mayor  of  Lewisburg.  He  is  a Republican,  though  con- 
servative in  his  views.  For  eleven  years  he  has  followed  his  profession  in  Lewisburg,  and 
is  one  of  that  city’s  best  attorneys. 

JAMES  C.  SNELL,  farmer,  is  a son  of  John  A.  and  Mahala  (Bills)  Snell,  who  were 
natives  ot  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  born  in  1809  and  his  wife  in  1814.  They 
were  brought  to  Tennessee  when  young,  and  were  married  m Marshall  County.  Of  their 
ten  children  eight  are  living.  They  were  well-to-do  farmers,  and  in  former  days  raised 
cotton  on  the  gronnd  where  the  court  house  of  Lewisburg  stands.  The  father  was  con- 
stable four  years,  and  was  a Democrat  in  politics.  He  died  in  1869,  and  his  widow  has 
since  resided  with  her  children.  James  C.  was  born  July  22,  1833,  in  Marshall  County, 
and  received  such  education  as  could  be  obtained  in  his  day.  He  began  renting  land  at 
the  age  of  twenty-one,  but  at  the  end  of  twelve  years  purchased  137  acres  of  land  where 
he  now  lives.  In  1857  he  married  Fannie  Elliott,  born  in  Marshall  County  in  1832,  and 
died  in  1877.  In  1878  Mr.  Snell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Melissa  Ewing,  who  was  born 
May  6,  1851,  in  Marshall  County.  Our  subject  has  no  children  by  either  marriage. 

JOHN  STAMMER  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Wadley)  Stammer.  The  father 


1228 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


was  born  in  Alabama  in  1805,  and  the  mother  in  Rutherford  County,  Tenn.,  where  they 
were  married  by  Squire  Nash.  Both  parents  were  professors  of  religion.  The  father 
was  a farmer  and  died  in  1837,  leaving  a wife  and  four  small  children.  The  mother  would 
go  to  the  field  with  her  children  to  hoe  corn,  pick  cotton,  or  whatever  else  she  could  do 
toward  making  an  honest  living.  While  she  succeeded  in  that  she  did  vastly  more — she 
sanctified  honest  toil  with  the  sweat  of  a mother’s  brow,  and  taught  her  little  ones  the 
lesson  of  self-reliance.  After  three  years  she  married  J.  R.  Haskins,  and  is  still  living  at 
the  ripe  age  of  seventy-seven.  Our  subject  was  born  January  27,  1827,  in  Rutherford 
County,  Tenn.,  and  had  very  meager  chances  for  schooling.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
wedded  Margaret  A.  Bigger,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children,  only  one  of  whom  is 
living.  Three  years  later  his  wife  died,  and  in  1851  he  was  married  to  Letitia  Bigger,  sis- 
ter of  his  first  wife,  by  whom  she  had  seven  children.  In  1874  his  second  wife  died,  and 
in  the  same  year  he  wedded  Mrs.  Lucinda  Joyce,  widow  of  D.  F.  Joyce,  and  this  union 
resulted  in  the  birth  of  four  children.  Mr.  Stammer  is  a Democrat,  and  in  1862  enlisted 
in  Company  F,  Twenty-third  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate  Army.  He  was  captured 
and  confined  for  nearly  a year,  but  was  at  last  released.  He  acted  for  some  time  as  quar- 
termaster-sergeant. Since  the  war  he  has  farmed,  and  has  265  acres  of  good  land.  He 
Is  a Mason,  and  treasurer  and  superintendent  of  Eagleville  & Chapel  Hill  Turnpike. 

ALBERT  B.  STILLWELL,  proprietor  of  the  “ Stillwell  House,”  of  Lewisburg,  is  a 
son  of  Osburn  B.  and  Deborah  L.  (McCord)  Stillwell,  both  natives  of  this  State,  where 
they  grew  up  and  were  married.  Their  family  consisted  of  three  children,  only  one  of' 
whom,  our  subject,  is  living.  One  child  died  in  infancy,  and  the  other  enlisted  in  the  war 
and  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson.  After  lying  in  prison  but  a few  days  at  Lafayette, 
Ind.,  he  died  from  a relapse  of  the  measels  caused  by  exposure.  The  father  was  a tiller  of 
the  soil,  and  died  while  in  the  full  strength  of  manhood.  The  mother  then  married  John 

J.  Elliott,  by  whom  she  had  three  children.  She  died  in  1883.  Our  subject  was  born  - 
October  31,  1842,  in  Marshall  County.  His  ancestors  on  his  mother’s  side  were  Scotch- 
Irish,  and  on  his  father’s  probably  Irish.  He  passed  his  boyhood  days  in  assisting  on  the 
farm,  and  received  a limited  education,  owing  to  the  financial  circumstances  in  which  the 
family  were  left  at  the  death  of  the  father.  In  1866  our  subject  began  the  mercantile 
business  at  Verona,  and  this  he  continued  until  1878.  Two  years  later  he  was  elected 
trustee,  and  for  four  years  filled  that  office  in  an  able  manner.  In  1868  he  wedded  Mary 

K.  Collins.  Mr.  Stillwell  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  Mrs.  Stillwell  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  In  1882  our  subject  purchased  the  hotel  that  he  is  now  conducting. 

CORNELIUS  T.  SWANSON,  attorney,  was  born  December  8,  1832,  in  Williamson 
County.  His  youthful  days  were  passed  in  assisting  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the 
common  schools.  His  education  was  completed  in  an  academy.  In  1858  he  began  read- 
ing law  with  John  Marshall,  of  Franklin,  and  the  following  year  was  admitted  to  the 
bar.  He  then  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Troy,  Tenn.  In  1861  he  volunteered 
in  Company  H,  Ninth  Tennessee  Infantry,  as  first  lieutenant,  and  served  a short  time  in 
the  war  when  he  was  disabled  by  sickness  for  several  months.  After  the  reorganization 
of  the  army  he  joined  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  and  remained  with  that  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  After  returning  home  he  located  in  Franklin,  and  in  1868  wedded 
Emily  C.  Orr,  and  by  her  became  the  father  of  one  child,  Annie  B.  Two  years  after 
locating  in  Franklin  he  went  to  Mississippi  to  take  charge  of  a cotton  plantation,  where 
he  continued  about  six  years.  Finding  that  this  was  not  a very  lucrative  business  he  re- 
turned to  Tennessee  and  opened  a law  office  in  Lewisburg  in  1877,  where  he  has  received 
his  full  share  of  patronage.  In  1875  Mrs.  Swanson  died.  Mr.  Swanson  is  a Democrat  in 
politics  and  has  practiced  his  profession  for  nine  years  in  Lewisburg.  He  is  one  of  the 
first  attorneys  of  Marshall  County.  He  is  a son  of  James  and  Anne  M.  S.  (Zollicoffer) 
Swanson.  The  mother  is  a sister  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer.  Both  parents  are  natives  of  this 
State.  The  father  was  born  in  1802,  and  the  mother  in  1808.  The  father  was  a farmer 
and  died  in  1869,  the  mother  died  fourteen  years  previous  to  his  death.  The  Swansons 
are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  the  Zollicoffers  of  Swiss. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY. 


1229 


WILLIAM  P.  THOMAS  may  be  mentioned  as  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  Mar. 
shall  County,  Tenn.  His  parents,  T.  W.  and  Lucy  (Pierson)  Thomas,  were  born  in  Virginia, 
and  were  there  married,  and  soon  after  came  to  Tennessee  and  located  in  Rutherford 
County,  where  they  lived  until  the  death  of  the  father,  and  then  the  mother  and  her  five 
children  located  in  Bedford  County,  and  about  1850  came  to  Marshall  County.  The  father 
was  a stock  trader  and  while  on  a tour  in  Alabama  sickened  and  died  William  P.  was 
born  in  Rutherford  County,  September  7,  1832,  and  as  he  was  obliged  to  assist  in  support- 
ing the  family  his  school  days  were  limited.  He  has  acquired  a practical  business  educa- 
tion, however,  and  is  well  to  do  in  worldly  goods,  being  the  owner  of  400  acres  of  land, 
which  he  has  acquired  by  hard  work.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Col.  Haynes’  company  of 
cavalry  and  after  a short  service  was  discharged  on  account  of  rheumatic  trouble.  In 
politics  be  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  is  a Master  Mason  of  Chapel  Hill  Lodge.  He  is  a 
bachelor. 

JOSEPH  PERCIVAL  THOMPSON  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Snell)  Thompson, 
who  were  born  in  North  Carolina.  The  father  came  to  Ten  nessee  with  his  parents  when 
Nashville  was  a mere  village.  He  spent  the  greater  share  of  his  life  in  Bedford  County, 
where  he  farmed  and  practiced  medicine.  He  servec|  as  surveyor  and  magistrate  and 
represented  his  county  one  term  in  the  State  Legislature.  He  was  a Democrat  up  to  1835 
and  then  beeame  a Whig.  He  died  in  1857  and  the  mother  in  1861.  Joseph  P.  was  born 
in  Bedford  County  January  16,  1812.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  began  working  as  sales- 
man, and  in  1833  wedded  Prudence  Allison,  by  whom  he  had  five  children.  She  died  in 
1844  and  the  following  year  he  married  Myra  Wallis.  To  them  were  born  four  children, 
two  of  whom  lived  to  be  grown.  In  1850  his  second  wife  died  and  two  years  later  Marga- 
ret E.  Fowler  became  his  third  wife.  Since  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Thompson  has  farmed. 
He  is  conservative  in  politics.  Robert  C.  Thompson,  his  son,  was  born  to  his  first 
marriage.  He  was  born  June  30,  1836,  in  Bedford  County,  and  there  lived  until  sixteen 
years  of  age  and  then  came  to  Marshall  County.  He  taught  school  for  some  time,  al- 
though farming  ha*  been  his  chief  calling  through  life.  In  1858  he  wedded  Frances  S. 
Wilson,  by  whom  he  had  three  children:  Flora  A.,  Thomas  L.  (who  graduated  with  the 
class  of  1886  from  Vanderbilt  University),  and  Minnie  B.  In  1861  Robert  C.  volunteered 
in  Company  H,  Forty-first  Tennessee  Infantry.  He  was  captured  at  Fort  Donelson  and 
imprisoned  at  Camp  Morton,  but  re-entered  service  after  being  exchanged,  but  was  so  se- 
verely wounded  at  Atlanta  that  he  was  disabled  from  further  service.  He  attained  the 
rank  of  second  lieutenant.  Since  the  war  he  has  farmed.  He  is  a Democrat  in  politics, 
and  is  a man  who  takes  deep  interest  in  enterprises  for  the  public  weal. 

JAMES  A.  WOODS,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Woods  & McCord,  of  Lewisburg, 
is  a son  of  Francis  B.  and  Margaret  S.  (Morrison)  Wo  ods,  both  natives  of  this  State. 
After  marriage  they  settled  in  this  county,  on  the  farm  where  they  are  still  living.  Their 
family  consisted  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  living.  Both  parents  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  For  a number  of  years  the  father  served  as  constable,  though 
he  was  not  an  aspirant  to  places  of  public  trust.  He  is  now  seventy-seven  years  old.  and 
his  wife  is  seventy-five.  They  have  lived  together  fifty-four  years.  Our  subject  was  born 
August  4,  1848,  in  Marshall  County,  and  received  his  education  in  the  country  schools. 
Having  prepared  himself  at  Union  Academy,  of  this  county,  in  1869  he  entered  Ann  Ar- 
bor University  and  graduated  in  the  classical  course  of  the  literary  department  in  1872. 
He  then  taught  school  one  year,  and  began  reading  law  under  Walter  S.  Bearden,  of 
Shelbyville,  but  failing  health  drove  him  from  the  profession  of  law,  and  after  clerking 
for  a short  time  he  engaged  in  business  at  Lewisburg.  In  1880  he  wedded  Nannie  J.  Mc- 
Cord, by  whom  he  has  two  children:  James  W.  and  Bedford  M.  Mr.  Woods  is  a Demo- 
crat, and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Woods  has  been  al- 
derman and  commissioner  of  this  taxing  district  for  six  years,  besides  he  has  been  presi- 
dent of  the  Marshall  County  Temperance  Alliance  since  its  organization.  He  also  holds 
a large  interest  in  the  firm  of  Coffey,  Woods  & Co. 

WILLIAM  H.  WOOD,  undertaker  and  dealer  in  furniture,  is  a son  of  William  and 


1230 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


Amy  (Smith)  Wood.  They  were  married  in  Massachusetts  and  came  to  Maury  County,, 
this  State,  between  1834  and  1840,  to  take  charge  of  aTarge  cotton  factory.  By  trade  the 
father  was  a machinist,  being  a first-class  man  in  the  business.  For  the  last  twenty-five 
years  he  has  operated  a chair  factory.  He  has  been  magistrate  for  fourteen  years,  and 
since  the  war  has  been  a Democrat.  He  is  still  living  at  the  age  of  seventy-two.  His. 
wife  is  sixty-eight.  Our  subject  was  born  September  20,  1841,  in  Maury  County,  was 
reared  in  town,  and  received  a good  prac  jcal  education.  While  growing  up  he  had 
learned  the  cabinet-maker’s  trade  in  his  father’s  shop,  and  after  reaching  'manhood  he 
entered  a book  store  as  salesman,  and  two  years  later,  in  connection  with  R.  D.  Blum, 
opened  a dry  goods  and  clothing  store  in  Columbia.  Having  bought  out  his  partner,  he 
sold  the  whole  stock  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  chairs  with  his  father  and 
brother.  He  then  sold  out  and  worked  in  the  cabinet  shop  of  Lamb  & Boyd,  and  later 
became  superintendent  of  the  water-works  of  Columbia.  In  1866  he  wedded  Mary  L. 
Bynum,  and  to  this  union  were  born  six  children — three  of  whom  are  living.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wood  are  active  members  of  the  Cumberland  Px-esbyterian  Church.  Twice  Mr. 
Wood  has  been  elected  alderman,  and  is  now  president  of  the  corporation.  In  politics  he 
is  conservative,  supporting  the  Democracy.  For  nine  years  he  has  been  in  business  in 
Lewisburg,  and  the  trade  he  has  succeeded  in  getting  speaks  well  for  his  ability  as  a bus- 
iness man. 

JAMES  M.  WELBORN,  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  is  a son  of  Johnson  and  Elatia 
(Knight)  Wellborn.  The  father  was  born  in  Bedford  County  in  1814,  and  the  mother  in 
Rutherford  County  about  1822.  After  marriage  they  settled  in  Henderson  County,  and 
after  a short  residence  came  to  this  county  in  1849.  About  twenty  years  later  he  moved 
to  Texas,  where  they  both  died,  the  father  in  1870  and  the  mother  in  1880.  The  father 
was  a Democrat,  and  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  a 
farmer  and  stock  raiser  and  owned  about  600  acres  of  land.  Our  subject,  James  M. 
Welborn,  was  born  Feburary  12,  1841,  in  Henderson  County,  passed  iiis  youthful  days  in 
aiding  his  father  on  the  farm  and  in  attending  the  common  schools,  where  he  received  a 
good  English  education.  He  was  preparing  for  a course  in  the  higher  schools  when  the  stir- 
ring events  of  the  war  broke  into  his  plans.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  the  Confederate 
Army,  Company  F,  Seventeenth  Tennessee  Infantry,  and  after  eighteen  months’  service 
was  transferred  to  Company  A,  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  He  received  but  one  slight 
wound  and  was  never  captured  during  the  four  years  he  was  in  service.  In  1865  he  mar- 
ried Rosa  L.  Hutton,  who  was  born  August,  31,  1843,  and  five  children  blessed  this  union. 
Mr.  Welborn  is  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  he  and  wife  are  zealous  workers  in  the  Mission- 
ary Baptist  Church.  He  has  a fine  farm  of  100  acres  lying  on  the  pike.  In  the  line  of 
fine  stock,  he  keeps  a fine  horse  of  Traveler  & Brooks  stock,  and  two  first  class  jacks. 

JAMES  W.  WHITMAN,  farmer,  is  a son  of  Rev.  R.  M.  Whitman,  a native  of  Boston, 
Mass.,  born  in  1804.  When  a\mereboyR.  M.  Whitman  went  with  his  parents  to  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  lived  quite  a number  of  years.  They  then  immigrated  to  Bedford  County, 
and  here  he  married  Almedia  Sanders  (the  subject’s  mother),  and  a native  of  Bedford 
County,  born  in  1815.  To  them  were  born  nine  children.  After  her  death  the  father  was 
married  twice;  first  to  Mrs.  Jane  Reed,  who  died  in  1857,  and  then  to  Mrs.  Ann  Edwards, 
who  still  lives.  The  father  died  in  Texas  in  1873.  He  was  an  extensive  farmer  and 
stock  trader,  and  in  early  life  practiced  medicine.  He  was  also  a preacher  of  the  gospel. 
Our  subject  was  boru  November  28,  1838,  in  the  Moore  fraction  of  Lincoln  County.  He 
was  reared  on  the  farm  and  received  a poor  education,  owing  to  the  demand  for  his  labor 
at  home.  In  1861  he  volunteered  in  Company  K,  Eighth  Tennessee  Infantry,  Confederate 
Army,  and  went  through  four  years  of  service  without  being  wounded,  and  was  only  capt- 
ured once,  when  he  succeeded  in  making  his  escape  in  a few  days.  He  served  twelve 
months  as  captain  of  Company  A,  Twenty-eighth  Tennessee  Cavalry.  After  the  war  he 
went  to  Texas  to  engage  in  the  mercantile  business,  where  he  remained  ten  years.  In  1874 
he  returned  to  Tennessee  and  engaged  in  farming.  In  1877  he  married  Ann  E.  Hutton,  a 
native  of  Rutherford  County,  born  August  14,  1841.  In  1882  she  died,  and  the  following 


MABSHALL  COUNTY. 


1231 


year  lie  married  Jennie  P.  Grigsby,  of  Giles  County.  'Phis  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of 
one  child,  Robert  G.  Mr.  Whitman  is  a stanch  Democrat  and  ^member  of  the  Missionary 
Baptist  Church.  His  present  wife  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He 
has  a good  farm  of  497  acres,  and  as  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  has  been  quite  successful. 

JOHN  B.  WILHOITE,  farmer  and  stock  dealer,  is  a son  of  William  and  Anna  A. 
(Warner)  Wilhoite,  natives  of  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  respectively.  The  father 
was  a miller,  running  successfully  an  old-style  mill  during  his  life.  He  was  a Democrat, 
an  attendant  and  his  wife  a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  He  died  at  the 
age  of  thirty.  In  1835  the  mother  came  to  this  county,  and  soon  afterward  married  .James 
Robinson,  father  of  Capt.  Robinson.  Her  second  husband  died  three  years  later.  She 
died  in  1876.  Our  subject  was  born  December  23,  1830,  in  Bedford  County,  and  did  not 
have  the  best  advantages  for  an  education,  but  made  the  most  of  what  he  did  have.  After 
leaving  the  common  schools  he  completed  his  education  in  Chapel  Hill  Academy.  At  the' 
age  of  fifteen  he  took  charge  of  the  home  farm,  and  a year  later  planned  and  superintended 
the  construction  of  the  grist  and  saw-mill  at  Fishing  Ford,  which  he  has  run  ever  since. 
He  is  also  the  constructor  of  the  dam  furnishing  water  to  the  mills.  In  1862  he  volun- 
teered in  the  Confederate  Army  in  Capt.  Miller’s  company  of  Eleventh  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
and  after  three  years  of  faithful  service  returned  home.  In  1869  he  wedded  Lizzie  T. 
Bullock,  of  Williamson  County,  born  in  1846;  the  fruits  of  this  union  were  three  children, 
all  living — Jacob,  Mary  and  Addie.  Mr.  Wilhoite  is  a Democrat,  a Royal  Arch  Mason  and 
a member  of  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Wilhoite  is  a member  of  the  Method- 
ist Church.  Our  subject  has  considerable  of  this  world’s  goods,  and  has  lived  in  Marshall 
County  for  forty-six  years. 

WILLIAM  E.  WILKINSON,  a prosperous  young  farmer  of  Marshall  County,  Tenn., 
is  a son  of  Mack  and  Jane  (Palmer)  Wilkinson.  The  father  was  born  in  Giles  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1816,  and  the  mother  in  Virginia  in  1819.  To  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Wilkinson 
were  born  six  children.  Mack  Wilkinson  was  a soldier  in  the  Seminole  war,  and  for  two 
terms  filled  the  office  of  constable.  He  was  a Democrat,  and  died  in  1881.  The  mother  is 
still  alive  and  is  sixty-seven  years  of  age.  Our  subject  is  of  Scotch-Irish  and  German  de- 
scent, and  was  born  in  what  is  now  Marshall  County  March  14,  1856.  He  was  reared  on  a 
farm,  and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years  began  teaching  in  Arkansas,  but  failing  health 
caused  him  to  return  to  Tennessee.  He  was  elected  and  served  two  terms  as  constable. 
In  1880  he  wedded  Mollie  Cooper,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  all  girls.  Mrs.  Wil- 
kinson belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  Since  1883  Mr.  Wilkinson  has 
resided  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  He  gives  his  support  to  the  Democratic  party, 
and  is  a prosperous  farmer  of  the  county. 

HON.  EWING  A.  WILSON  was  a prominent  citizen  and  native  of  Marshall  County, 
Tenn.  He  was  born  in  1818  and  always  resided  in  the  county,  and  was  prominently  con- 
nected with  its  growth  and  prosperity.  His  early  education  was  somewhat  limited,  but  he 
acquired  a good  education  through  self-application  and  contact  with  business  life. 
He  held  the  positions  of  captain,  major  and  brigadier-general  of  militia,  and  during  the 
late  war  major  of  the  Fourth  Tennessee  Cavalry,  but  failing  health  caused  him  to  give  up 
his  army  career.  He  represented  his  county  three  terms  in  the  lower  house  of  the  State 
Legislature  and  was  senator  two  terms.  He  was  very  public-spirited  and  assisted  in 
every  enterprise  for  the  good  of  the  county.  He  was  president  of  the  Marshall  County 
Fair  Association,  and  in  the  days  of  the  Grange  movement  he  was  on  the  side  of  honest 
toil.  As  a financier  he  has  been  almost  without  a peer,  and  by  good  management  became 
the  owner  of  about  2,000  acres  of  land,  which  he  distributed  liberally  among  his  sisters’ 
children.  For  forty  years  he  was  a member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  He 
died  in  1883,  beloved  and  respected  by  all.  As  a Christian  he  was  faithful,  kind-hearted 
and  true,  wise  as  a legislator,  and  as  a citizen  had  few  equals.  His  parents  were  Aaron 
J.  and  Hannah  (Martin)  Wilson.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  and  when 
young  came  to  Rutherford  County,  wfcere  he  married  and  became  the  father  of  seven 
children.  The  mother  died  in  1827  and  he  in  1831.  They  were  members  of  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  Church. 


1232 


BIOGRAPHICAL  APPENDIX. 


JASPER  A.  YARBROUGH,  register  of  Marshall  County,  is  a son  of  George  and 
Nancy  E.  (Gibbons)  Yarbrough.  The  father  was  born  in  North  Carolina  and  the  mother 
in  Tennessee.  They  were  married  in  Tennessee,  and  their  family  consisted  of  ten  children. 
Jasper’s  maternal  grandparents  had  twenty-six  children  and  his  paternal  had  fourteen. 
Both  our  subject’s  parents  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  father 
was  a well-to-do  farmer  and  had  the  honor  of  furnishing  three  brave  boys  for  the  war, 
one  of  whom  was  killed.  The  father  lived  to  be  about  seventy-six  and  the  mother  about 
seventy-four.  Our  subject,  who  whs  born  November  7,  1889,  in  Marshall  County,  is  a 
man  three  feet  and  nine  and  a half  inches  in  height.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  re- 
ceived a practical  education  in  the  common  schools.  Having  picked  up  the  shoe-maker’s 
trade  he  worked  at  it  for  about  eight  years,  besides  teaching  school.  He  was  always  a very 
handy  workman  and  could  make  a suit  of  clothes,  knit  a pair  of  socks,  or  almost  anything 
he  turned  his  hand  to.  In  1874  he  was  elected  register,  and  has  held  that  position  ever 
since  with  ability  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  people.  In  1881  he  wedded  Lizzie  McKee. 
The  fruits  of  this  union  were  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yar- 
brough are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  He  has  been  a citizen  of  Mar- 
shall County  for  forty-six  years.  In  politics  he  is  a warm  Democrat. 


Date  Due 

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MAR  - 4 *& 

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L.  B.  Cat.  No.  1237 

976.8 


H673 


129986 


* 


